B i o g r a p h y (by Charles Spano)
RJD2's music is a collage of cut-and-paste hip-hop that combines disparate elements to make for soulful, moody portraits of the world. Born in Eugene, OR, on May 27, 1976, he moved to Columbus, OH, a few years later and was raised there. He first busted out onto the hip-hop scene in 1998 — a time when producers were emerging from the shadows to seize the spotlight — as the DJ/producer for the Columbus-based group Megahertz. MHz had two 12" singles released on Bobbito Garcia's Fondle 'Em Records and the group was mentioned in Vibe Magazine's "History of Hip Hop." In 2000, RJD2 produced Copywrite's debut single, "Holier Than Thou," on Rawkus Records. In the spring of 2001, he made his first formal appearance as a solo artist on the Def Jux Presents... compilation, proving he could hold his own alongside such luminaries as Company Flow, El-P, Cannibal Ox, and Aesop Rock. RJD2's debut album, Dead Ringer, followed on Def Jux in 2002. One of the best underground hip-hop releases of the year, it melded dirty samples and a classic approach to song structure for an end result that gave DJ Shadow, DJ Spooky, and Moby a run for their money. Since We Last Spoke followed in 2004.
Dead Ringer - 2002-07-23 - The horror Salud Smoke & Mirrors Good times roll part 2 Final frontier Ghostwriter Cut out to FL. F.H.H. A shot in the dark The chicken-Bone circuit The proxy (Instrumental) 2 more dead Take the picture off Silver fox June Work Hidden Track
The Colossus - 2010-01-19 - Let There Be Horns (Instrumental) Games You Can Win Giant Squid (Instrumental) Salud 2 The Glow A Spaceship For Now (Instrumental) The Shining Path Crumbs Off The Table A Son's Cycle Tin Flower (Instrumental) Small Plans (Instrumental) Gypsy Caravan The Stranger (Instrumental) Walk With Me
More Is Than Isn't - 2013-10-08 - Suite 1 (Instrumental) Temperamental Behold, Numbers! (Instrumental) Her Majesty's Socialist Request (Instrumental) A Lot of Night Ahead Of You (Instrumental) Bathwater Milk Tooth (Instrumental) Suite 2 (Instrumental) Winter Isn't Coming (Instrumental) See You Leave Got There, Sugar? (Instrumental) Love And Go Descended From Myth (Instrumental) Dirty Hands It All Came To Me In a Dream Suite 3 (Instrumental)
Legend & Informations
Notation: (...?) lyrics I can't figure out (???) I am unsure about lyrics on this line {note} notes [ ] denotes either time stretching or scratching of incapsuled words Nearly complete list of samples for Dead Ringer : (rjd2 track, element) - original artist - song (Smoke & mirrors Intro lyrics) - Marion Black - Who knows (chicken-bone circuit, talking) - lovage - tea time with maseo (f.h.h.) - mystic moods orchestra - universal mind (final frontier, strings) - yes - roundabout (final frontier, vocals) - evelyn 'champagne' king - the show is over (find you out, main sample) - tyrone davis - a woman needs to be loved (ghostwriter) - elliot smith - i didn't understand (ghostwriter) - walter carlos - time steps (ghostwriter, horns) - betty wright - secretary (ghostwriter, violin) - william tell - overture (here's what's left) - david matthews - silent running (here's what's left, vocals) - the intruders - memories are here to stay (june & salud, background) - samson and delilah & the boss city people - there's a dj in your town (june, guitar) (let the good time roll) - brian auger - tiger (let the good times roll pt. 2) - brian auger & the trinity ft. jule driscoll - tiger (rain) - cannonball adderley - dat dere (rain, intro) - pink floyd - echoes (rain, piano) - bobby timmons - dat dere (rain, vocals) - astrud gilberto - the gentle rain (shot in the dark, piano) - the incredible hulk - the assassin (silver fox, vocals, music) - quincy jones - behold, the only thing greater than yourself (silver fox, vocals, music) - the manhattans - follow your heart (smoke & mirrors, drums) - steppenwolf - jupiter child (smoke & mirrors, vocals) cris williamson - waterfall (the chicken-bone circuit, drums) - mongo santamaria - cold sweat (the horror) - first moog quartet - hey hey (the horror) - gershon kingsley - hey, hey (the horror, horns) - scooby doo theme (two more dead, horns) - billy eckstine - third child (two more dead, intro) - syl johnson - concrete reservation (work, organ) - grover washington jr. - the black frost (work, vocals) - alvin robinson - something you got
Dead Ringer
*** Huge thanx to Matthew who did and sent me all these lyrics on the forum ***
The Horror [time, time, time, time, time] Time, Time, Time, Time. Time to understand the horror! Time, Time, Time, Time. Time to understand the monster! (monster, monster, monster, monster) [hey, hey, hey, hey, hey] [time, time, time, time, time] Time, Time, Time, Time. Time to understand the horror! Time, Time, Time, Time. Time to understand the horror! [hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey] I will amuse myself with terror (amuse myself with terror) (heh heh) From what graves did I come? For what evil next was I compounded? I have time. all the time I needed to put an end to you. You've come to find me to destroy the monster (monster, monster, monster {only on left channel}) I am real. [No, No, No] No more. No one is safe! [hey, hey, hey, hey, hey] [time, time, time, time, time] Time, Time, Time, Time. Time to understand the horror! Time, Time, Time, Time. Time to understand the horror! Time, Time, Time, Time. Time to understand the horror! Time, Time, Time, Time. Time to understand the horror!
Salud [o,o,o]Okay. This is the first record I've made under my own name. The first one I've made under my own control entirely without anyone else telling me what to do in certain places. Some of the stuff I like very much. Some of the stuff I quite like. and I don't hate any of it, so I've settled for this... music. I can't decide which piece to start with, so I won't start with any of [the piece, i've already started.] I hope you like what you hear [hear,hear,hear,hear,hear...]
Smoke & Mirrors Who knows what tomorrow will bring Maybe sunshine and maybe rain But as for me I'll wait and see Maybe it'll bring my love to me, no Who knows what tomorrow will bring Maybe sunshine and maybe rain But as for me I'll wait and see Maybe it'll bring my love to me, no Sometimes it takes a rainy day Just to let you know Everything's gonna be alright Alright
*** Thanx a lot to Billy for this one ***
Good Times Roll Pt.2 Ladies and gentlemen, you've heard the soul for sound [part one.] Now, part two Are you ready? [yeaaaa {&} noooo] {both at the same time} Do you wanna hear? [yeaaaa {&} noooo] {both at the same time} Part two Are you ready? [yeaaaa {&} noooo] Do you wanna hear? [yeaaaa {&} noooo] Part two Are you ready? [yeaaaa {&} noooo] Do you wanna hear? [yeaaaa {&} noooo] Part two Are you ready? [yeaaaa {&} noooo] Do you wanna hear? [yeaaaa {&} noooo] [noooo,noooo,noooo] {fade out} Drifter went into my mama, Before I was born. "You got a poor child comin', and the world's gonna know." got my black cat (bone). got my mojo too. (tricked all he came in) "I'm gonna mess with you." Drifter went into my mama, Before I was born. "You got a poor child comin', and the world's gonna know." got my black cat (bone). got my mojo too. (tricked all he came in) "I'm gonna mess with you." part two Are you ready? [yeaaaa {&} noooo] Do you wanna hear? [yeaaaa {&} noooo] part two Are you ready? [yeaaaa {&} noooo] Do you wanna hear? [yeaaaa {&} noooo] part two Are you ready? [yeaaaa {&} noooo] Do you wanna hear? [yeaaaa {&} noooo] part two Are you ready? [yeaaaa {&} noooo] Do you wanna hear? [yeaaaa {&} noooo] [noooo,noooo,noooo] {fade out} [i,i,i,i,i] [wah!] [yea, yea, yea] {random scratching} Just won't work (no more). {x5}
Final Frontier ( Featuring Blueprint on vocals ) Yeah, what up [the show is over] Welcome to the final frontier Soul Position RJD2 on the beats plus myself, Blueprint, on the rhymes [the show is over] Live and direct We're here [the show is over] The Final Frontier We're here [the show is over] The Final Frontier We breathe adrenaline, elevate organically Life begins when the record spins and ends When blended into the next with scratches RJ constructs the canvas, I find a color that matches Outline the rhyme and increase the content Blueprint the piece that completes the concepts Sequence the song steps to make it more complex Soul Position in, sole possession of Poll position, hold your breath and listen While I resurrect these twenty-six letters A lesson to beginners that tend to pale in comparisson You're not ill, and if you are [My notepad's full of medicine] Plus my freestyle is [Excedrin] Take two hours and call me back with a new style [And show me you're prepared for the final frontier] We're here [the show is over] The Final Frontier We're here [the show is over] The Final Frontier [We breathe adrenaline,] elevate organically [right] My pen like a turntable arm moves mechanically Even when the groove shifts or skips dramatically I accurately etch out my welded fine fantasy Across a skyline covered with sound I move into position like a cumulus cloud Acid rain slang still a part of my emosis My first demo, known to soak instrumentals With brainstorms, capable to break in the calm Created by strange tongues that praise the norm But while they make a living giving false testimony I often impress the ceremony with an exercise in exorcism First I ride the rhythm, then I spit a venomous Open mic sermon for the trife vermon That had a hard time learnin' How to properly prepare for the final frontier We're here [the show is over] The Final Frontier We're here [the show is over] The Final Frontier We breathe adrenaline, elevate organically Escaping out of milk crates with modern-day tragedies Of lost verse, or crews you coulda looped first But refuse to do the work when the whistle blew So in a world dominated by the digital The metrinome I listen to beats inside of my chest It speeds up with a level of stress It's built to last, but analog at best Ingest another measurement of time served My lifeline swerves kinda like a sine curve Time blurs, during my breakneck ascend To apex and then slows during my lows Tone-deaf soundmen work my shows The ass of my artform's always exposed But I'm inspired by the front rows They're the reason I prepared for the final frontier We're here [the show is over] The Final Frontier We're here [the show is over] The Final Frontier [the show is over] [the show is over] [the show is over]
Ghostwriter --in strum mental-- {words denoted} -Lord I know. -oh yeah. -you.
Cut Out To Fl. Girl : Is there something wrong? Guy : Ahhh.... I was just sorta, you know, thinkin' about tomorrow. Girl : Tomorrow? Guy : The lawyer said I'll probably get off; you know, probation or something like that But he might be saying that afraid i'll jump bail and take off. Girl : What are you gonna do? Guy : I was thinking about cutting out to Florida tonight. [night,night,night,night] Guy : (i said) I'm thinking about getting lost down there. You know, it's real warm down there; [if i moved down there i could get a blanket and sleep] Out on the beaches at night. Girl : Where will i find you? (what if i want you?) Guy : Yeah but hmm... I'm used to being independant I couldn't be put in a cage or anything And besides, you'll never wait. Girl : Yes I will. Guy : You say that now, but you don't really mean that. Girl : I will. i promise i will. [promise i will] {fade out}
F.H.H. ( Featuring Jakki Da Motamouth on Vocals ) {chorus} Keep tryin' to keep it real by keepin' it raw While half of y'all still be keepin' it flaw And all the real heads scream 'Fuck hip hop!' Until this mediocre bullshit stops Drug fiends let me show you the route Who's that motherfucker still keepin the dope in the house? It's Mota mouth. who? it's Mota mouth baby, it's Mota mouth Whenever I write, I put myself out of place from other cats So it don't sound like another brother's rap I smother tracks with raw shit, niggas aren't able to bite What I bring to the table is height Then I easily superceed, niggas need what I got Reason I'm hot, there's no other raw season of pot While most motherfuckers follow the guidelines and hit by 101 Jakki the Mota mouth decides to have fun Not following rules, swallowing crews Son I toss cats off the stage, often I slay their soft raps To all you fake dictionary MCs, get off that Half of y'all don't understand your own rhymes and soft batch They straight at open mics, we put them out on the street Take away their dope beat, let 'em rhyme and they weak And the mic can be a decieving device Muffle your rhymes so they ain't clear and concise Have niggas thinking you nice With battle I'll crack all your gear and all your wack raps You can't be saved by your babbling or your backpack Doing it for the love is great but you fake And putting your shit out is a mistake nobody wants to make {chorus} Keep tryin' to keep it real by keepin' it raw While half of y'all still be keepin' it flaw And all the real heads scream 'Fuck hip hop!' Until this mediocre bullshit stops Drug fiends let me show you the route Who's that motherfucker still keepin the dope in the house? It's Mota mouth. who? it's Mota mouth baby, it's Mota mouth Hate when I go to open mics and I see everybody clapping For some clown they don't understand Yet everybody acting like he dope because they believe he's hip hop Y'all convincing me that most of y'all are brainwashed Dug in old hip-hop history Some cats are crap without their tracks 'cause they weak I wish a nigga would say he listen to me for the beats Some got the nerve to say they dope when they spit When even they family got a tape and they won't open the shit I got a big mouth and I ain't scared to use it One person's key style allows everyone to abuse it So what the fuckk is your definition of underground? Depressing beats and bleak cats who love the sound Well I ain't part of that, I'm tired of rapper's garbage I'm the part of the underground who only feels the raw shit And I can take a nigga out regardless You can bring your hardest artists and I'll make 'em heartless Some say they lyrically this, or lyrically that Throwing lyrical in every rap and they lyrically wack And many cats rhyme over tracks nobody fiends for Don't fuck around with me, if you can only fuck with keyboards Just 'cause lazy niggas use recognisable material Don't mean the dope samples are not original 'Cause a producer with skill can lace tracks Keyboard beats aren't that original, lets face facts That shit was overused in the G-funk era Don't give me that excuse, real MCs want better You rhyme over enough shit, most get away with murder Like kids who think they words rhyme 'cause they the suffix Must bitch niggas be fragile with facts You bragging 'bout who you battled, but who you battled was crap What you angry for, and acting all tense If you innocent be cool, only the guilty's catching offense {chorus} Keep tryin' to keep it real by keepin' it raw While half of y'all still be keepin' it flaw And all the real heads scream 'Fuck hip hop!' Until this mediocre bullshit stops Drug fiends let me show you the route Who's that motherfucker still keepin the dope in the house? It's Mota mouth. who? it's Mota mouth baby, it's Mota mouth
Shot In The Dark [shoot to ki-kill, to-kill] {x4} [shoot to kill] Chief : Let's go. Officer 1 : He's got his hands up, Chief. Take it easy. Chief : Alright you! Man : No need to shoot me officer, I was just-- Chief : Don't you be tellin' me what not to do, man. Just walk foward and keep them hands high. Man : I saw the man... the assalant. Chief : Shut your mouth. Man : But I was just chasing him Chief : I told you shut your mouth! (Phantom) arrest him. Officer 2 : He's clean. Chief : Cuff him. Man : But wait, I'm not the one you're looking for. Chief : Shut your mouth, boy! Man : You're making a mistake officer. The man you want is getting away. He's about 5'7". [5'7"] He weighs--- Chief : Get him in the car! Man : Now look, my name is Benson. I just got here from-- {punch in face} Chief : I asked you to shut your mouth, boy. [mouth boy] You gonna do it? [do it]
Chicken-Bone Circuit {women @ ~1:20} Woman 1 : They really (slaggy)... wasn't just the one. I mean, they were really great. Woman 2 : And the hair attraction Woman 3 : They were little boys and they were cute Woman 4 : But when he first came to town... last night Woman 5 : {laughs} the full clattered jaw... And he's the guy with the hit record. 'Cause there is a definate (...?) breed in the music. Some chicks were really fooled. The Beatles really started with (a lot of people started with) something else. And it's the influx of english roots (...?) Woman 3 : They were little boys and they were cute Woman 5 : The full clattered jaw Woman 2 : And the (hair) attraction Woman 4 : And they played records. Woman 6 : It's better when a group isn't playing Woman 7 : Just went to the music
2 More Dead Two more dead {x5} (I've got you) {x2} Two more dead {x7} (I've got you) [get nice ya'll] {x5} [ya'll,ya'll,ya'll,ya'll] {fade out} Woahh... we're gonna do. is. where we gonna go? Aww yea. oh... aww yea. Ahhh... we're gonna do. is. where we gonna go? Run away. What we gonna do? ohhhh Oh... I'm down on my knees. ahh yea Run away. I ain't hard, lord no. Ohhhh. Two more dead {x5} Oooo {x9} {fade out} Take The Picture Off [brain damage] [oh shit] ([trouble]) Sellin' a lot of records But he'd sell a lot more, man If he'd take his picture off the cover.
Silver Fox ooo ooo ooo {x2} [(she let... she let me go...)] (...?)
June
( Featuring Copywrite on vocals ) RJD2 drop that shit so I can drop my thoughts Driftin' away and depress all within listening range Nah, but for real I got so much shit on my mind From fake motherfuckers to my future I'm trying to get in line And doing Hip Hop in this life and time Ain't all nice and fine At times I feel like my whole life's a rhyme Full of punchlines and jokes Fuck-ups and punch-ins It's like I just can't get shit right The first time or somethin' When no one knows your name And your vinyl's still in stores Once you get a little life Through arguing over who feels it more We got sixteen-year-old net-heads buying garbage Wanting to keep you for their personal private artist We don't do shit for the clubs - It's for us 45's go RJ's archaeologist diggin 'em up And I'm the saint sent {Saint-Saens} To vinyl when it gets set to bash And it's for life until my final mic check is cashed Yo I can't fully become my mother's guiding light Till my dad returns to tell me what the other side is like I keep the things you taught trapped in mind I know you cared even though you weren't here half the time But who am I to blame I'd probably do the same in your shoes I never held that against you Complained or assumed You never went through what I'm living Hell who am I kidding? Depression is practically A part of family tradition So I keep the time we shared close It sucks to lose It also sucks we had to share the month of june I woulda shared eternal time before I left Each month I celebrate my birth I'm reminded of your death
Work Something you got baby, Makes me work all day, Something you got, Keep me bringing you all my things. Something you got baby, Makes me work all day, Something you got, Keep me bringing you all my things. Something you got baby Makes me work all day Something you got Keep me bringing you all my things Something you got baby You oughta know I said, my my Oh oh I love you so. [so, so, so, so, so] {fade out} from B.B. King's Something You Got
Hidden Track You are gone. I'm so all alone. Here's what's left of my happy home. "She'll be back" That's what i said As i stare at the ceiling. 'Cause i need you baby. Oh, how i miss you baby. 'Cause i need you baby. Oh, how i miss you baby. [baby,baby,baby,baby,baby] {fade out} 'Cause i need you baby. Oh, how i miss you baby. 'Cause i need you baby. Oh, how i miss you baby. You are gone. I'm so all alone. Here's what's left of my happy home. "She'll be back" That's what i said As i stare at the ceiling. 'Cause i need you baby. Oh, how i miss you baby. 'Cause i need you baby. Oh, how i miss you baby. [baby,baby,baby,baby,baby] {fade out}
from The Intruders's Memories Are Here To Stay
Since We Last Spoke
Exotic Talk [ooo yea ooh] [ohh lah lah lah] (x3, repeated three time) it's the song this is the time it's the sound (???) (...?)
1976 Istanbul ...denn schön nach... Istanbul ...doch weit und... Ich sah nur Deine braunen... ...denn schön nach... Istanbul ...doch weit und... [2x] Da sah ich Deine braunen Augen Istanbul ...denn schön nach... Istanbul ...doch weit und... Ich sah nur Deine braunen... ...denn schön nach... Istanbul ...doch weit und... Da sah ich Deine braunen Augen Ich sah nur Deine braunen Augen --- Information ---
*** Thanx a lot to Tokamak for this one ***
Ring Finger
( Vocals - Wendy Kaiser )
1, 2... 1 2 3 4 [oooh! ahh!] {during the first 25 seconds it sounds like there's an "uhn" with the snare hit} And now, Don't pull me down on you. I be the woman of a consume. Comes from the saught desires, I can be loved. Follow those pleasures, There she goes. Please lover stay. (eyyy AHHH!) x4 {AHHH! is faded out with the snare hits} {the below onomatopoeia-type samples occur during this next lyrics section, but are very low in volume. Same with below} My love for a woman from (...?). (???) (x2) I be the woman of a consume. (x5) Ahh! Jump up! Ahh! [pu pmuJ] Ahh! Jump up! OHHHH! {only four time} {Verse} My love for a woman from (...?). (???) (x2) I be the woman of a consume.
Making Days Longer ( Vocals - Rjd2 ) It's nice to hear you say "Hello," "How are things with you?" "I love you." But very soon it's time to go. An office job to do, And I'll be writing songs for you. It's nice to hear your voice again. I've waited all day long, Even wrote a song for you. It's strange the way you make me feel, With just a word or two. I'd like to do the same for you. Strange how a phone call can change your day, Take you away. Away from the feeling of being alone, That's the telephone. (verse)
Someone's Second Kiss Alright! [(whistling)] (x2) What may be, We've been here (forever) What may be, ...of this place, yea. (???) After knowing, Which way you going? Out of this place, yea. We've been here so long. [We're goin'] {several times to fade out}
To All of You To all you kind! And to all of you sad! To all of you ladies, And you call yourself playing. Ain't nobody knows the game you wanna play, believe me when I say. Let's keep some good! To all you kind! And to all of you sad! To all of you ladies, And you caught yourself playing. And especially to all of your living! Living! Living! And you call yourselves pimping. To all you kind! And to all of you sad And especially to all of your living! Living! Living! And you call yourselves pimping. [Play that beat.] [Hard day.]
Clean Living Everything you are to me. Makes me think that you could be, The end to all my... Everything you touch turns right. Underneath your very eyes. (???) Everybody's life rolls by, Like a melancholy song. Can you see me differently? I believe that you see Me. Everything you are to me. Makes me think that you could be, The end to all my... Everything you touch turns right. Underneath your very eyes. (???)
Intro Wait a minute! I forgot my introduction! in-in-in tro-duction duc-duc duction Here it is, everyone else... thank you. Thank you very much ladies and gentlemen. Ladies and gentlemen. Thank you very much.... welcome. Is everybody feelin alright? Is everybody feelin alright?! Right on! Say 'Hell yea!' Hell yea... Say 'Hell yea!' Hell yea... I'm alright! Yea! Ladies and gentlemen. Thank you very much. Welcome to the album. As you know I play records in the air, And about two years ago, a record plugger brought me a record and played it for me. And I said, 'you must be out of your mind!' Through the Walls (verse x2) Girl I know you won't come back. I've got to get a hold of this. But if it won't work out, What will I do? If I could have my way you would, Be just a memory to fade, Until that no one here would ever find. Girl I know you won't come back. I've got to get a hold of this. But if it won't work out, What will I do? Could've loved you. What will I do?
One Day I know I said it, Many times before I've always said that some day i'd leave, And never come back no more. Maybe one day, I have the strength to leave. I know you told all your friends. What a fool, he'll always be. But as soon as i try, Something takes a hold of me inside. Yes, it does. Oh baby! Can't let [go] I'm not trying to threaten you baby, That's not something i would do. But maybe the thought of losing me, Should show you i'm your fool. Maybe one day, I have the strength to leave. I know you told all your friends. What a fool, he'll always be. But as soon as i try, Something takes a hold of me inside. Yes, it does. Oh baby! Can't let [go] I've been a [fool]! (x6) {fade out}
De l'alouette
{French traditional lyrics}
On m'envoie-t-à l'arbre, c'est pour y cueillir Au chant de l'alouette On m'envoie-t-à l'arbre, c'est pour y cueillir Je n'ai point cueilli, j'ai cherché des nids Au chant de l'alouette Au chant de l'alouette, je veille et je dors J'écoute l'alouette et puis je m'endors
The Third Hand You Never Had It So Good I wanna give you the full regalia No stone unturned to please this woman So can you keep the buzzing to yourself 'Cause when it starts Mr. Nice Guy's done Now I don't mind your mother's talk Maybe I should I really need your men to stop You never had it so good Now she can get plump off a beer and meatloaf One lost a tooth, but kept a nice grin Bought two pairs of shoes just for one weekend Now I don't mind your mother's talk Maybe I should I really need your men to stop You never had it so good We grew up quick We get drunk quick We got smart shoes quick So lets slow down We can ill afford to live alone We grew up quick We get drunk quick We got smart shoes quick So lets slow down We can ill afford to live alone Now I don't mind your mother's talk Maybe I should I really need your men to stop You never had it so good Have Mercy My goodness I've been waiting for a train all morning Lord Almighty I got a downtown job to get to Oh please Got no car to bring me God damn it Now who's the strike really getting back at Lord have mercy Have mercy have mercy On these poor fools Lord have mercy Have mercy have mercy 'Cause I'm one too Lord have mercy Have mercy have mercy On these poor fools Lord have mercy Have mercy have mercy 'Cause I'm one too My goodness I've been waiting for a cheque all morning Lord Almighty Got healthcare bills to get to Oh please I'm praying you to do But I guess it's getting back at you God damn it Lord have mercy Have mercy have mercy On these poor fools Lord have mercy Have mercy have mercy 'Cause I'm one too Reality Reality (Don't ever change Don't let me change a thing) I keep your letters I save your messages It's a beautiful scene I can find A method to keep time from resuming Reality Don't let me change (One thing) Reality Don't let me change (One thing) I don't take pictures I don't know chivalry I watch you sleep If I can't find A method to just keep time from moving Maybe I can sleep Reality (Don't ever change Don't let me change a thing) Reality (Don't ever change Don't let me change a thing)
Work It Out Take it easy Don't worry 'bout it I got this I got this Let me work it out Let me work it out Take it easy Take it easy Take it easy Don't let me bother you Nope no nope no no Don't let me bother you Nope no nope no no Easy Easy Don't worry 'bout it I got this I got this Let me work it out Let me work it out Take it easy Don't let bother you I got this I got this Let me work it out Let me work it out Take it easy... Laws of the Gods When the caution voice Are just another part of you It's time to put down your TV When the bedsores Don't even bother you Open the shades a peek Whoa, lazy man You broke the laws of the gods Whoa-oh, lazy man You broke the laws of the gods If you lay awake at night And you shit where you sleep Don't get a job, go get a few Don't come home for a week We would see it that Whoa, lazy man You broke the laws of the gods Whoa-oh, lazy man You broke the laws of the gods Whoa, lazy man You broke the laws of the gods Whoa-oh, lazy man You broke the laws of the gods History, science, philosophy These channels all deserve a platinum trophy Or an Emmy Whoa, trust that I love TV too Whoa, trust that I love TV too Someday This is a wonderful time We made for us Let's spend rest of it close You're my ticket to the sun Someday I'm gonna make girl a wife Someday I'm gonna make girl a wife.. Beyond the Beyond This good thing will soon be ending Beyond the beyond, beyond the beyond These cold winds will leave you empty Beyond the beyond, beyond the beyond This good thing will soon be ending Beyond the beyond, beyond the beyond These cold winds will leave you empty Beyond the beyond, beyond the beyond This good thing will soon be ending Beyond the beyond, beyond the beyond These cold winds will leave you empty Beyond the beyond, beyond the beyond This good thing will soon be ending Beyond the beyond, beyond the beyond These cold winds will leave you empty Beyond the beyond, beyond the beyond Sweet Piece It's too easy It's just too easy You made it easy Just too damn easy Just believe it No resistance No longer needed Sorry you missed us Please understand it We just can't have it in the family Sweet piece I knew her cousin She'd been over and over and over and over Sweet piece Who knew she wasn't She'd been over and over and over and over
Little princess with memories gone bad You should ask him about the dates she had Mr. Legend, Dr. Civic, and Mr. Lexus Don't think I'm bothered, what you is gonna be I'm not your father, thank God it's not me So call up Maurice Let 'm know you've got a story to te Sweet piece I knew her cousin She'd been over and over and over and over Sweet piece Who knew she wasn't She'd been over and over and over and over... Rules for Normal Living And don't Ever Be afraid Of a little label And don't Ever Forget To tell your woman she's your favorite Oh, she's your favorite Oh, she's your favorite Oh, she's your favorite Oh, she's your favorite Just When You had such a pleasant evening And I was happy to oblige If we both feel great about things Why's it not the time In my early years I was terrified Now I'm a grown man I see it would be so nice Just when, just when I don't mean to push the issue There's no young'uns without you Just when, just when I need a little one to pass the name on Before I'm dead and gone Now we both like sunsets and scented candles And this'll only hurt a long time from now All the housework I can handle You can just try motherhood out We could be a family Love some family planning Just when, just when I don't mean to push the issue There's no young'uns without you Just when, just when I need a little one to pass the name on Before I'm dead and gone In my early years I was terrified Now I'm a grown man I see it would be so nice Just when, just when I don't mean to push the issue There's no young'uns without you Just when, just when I need a little one to pass the name on Before I'm dead and gone The Evening Gospel The evening gospel for you Thunder and lightning in a big black box Sun's gone down, fantasies in a great cemetary Keeping time, with you in a room with no windows Your eyes like, glitter in the dark
The Colossus
Games You Can Win (Featuring Kenna) You greenhorns might cruise your way From the basement at mom's To a little face time someday With the man and the clowns, but Will it last long Long But will it last long Long Path of ambition's a field of gray But then it won't clear And the decisions that make grown men cry Are waiting right here In the wings to appear Appear In the wings to appear Appear Keep your mouth shut 'til you get 'em in And only play the games you can win Play your hand close Like you had a glass chin Now let's begin Keep your mouth shut 'til you get 'em in And only play the games you can win Play your hand close Like you had a glass chin Now let's begin Nobody gets to know the one right way 'Til they do the wrong ones You can only foresee your own quaint Little fears and problems In the hopes to become Become In the hopes to become Become And with his own handicap at hand He's a reckoning force He'll eat alive all the young he sees Who aspire to be The proud and the sure The sure The proud and the sure The sure Keep your mouth shut 'til you get 'em in And only play the games you can win Play your hand close Like you had a glass chin Now let's begin Keep your mouth shut 'til you get 'em in And only play the games you can win Play your hand close Like you had a glass chin Now let's begin Keep your mouth shut 'til you get 'em in And only play the games you can win Play your hand close Like you had a glass chin Now let's begin Keep your mouth shut 'til you get 'em in Only play the games you can win Let's begin Let's begin Let's begin Let's begin Let's begin Let's begin
The Glow Got the glow! We got the glow! The clothes are neat The women are beautiful Got the glow! We got the glow! The stride is long We got somewhere to go Got the glow! We got the glow! We take weekends Up in the Poconos Got the glow! We got the glow! The pocket's full The wad is set to blow No need to vote Business leans our way No need to drive the block We got valets The work is lucrative It's done with ease No point in wishin' when Weather always clears Got the glow! We got the glow! We don't pay tax We pay to get loopholes Got the glow! We got the glow! Future's good When there's nothin' else left to know Got the glow! We got the glow! Skin is bronzed The wrist is bathed in gold Got the glow! We got the glow! If you serve us The tippin' is mighty low The steak is rare Tablecloths are real Breathe the clean air Accounts are overseas The crowd's all part As we come through The hangers-on All come around to mooch Come around to mooch Our friendships end in a petty clash We make new friends and they won't last Let's celebrate this life of leisure Who really cares if it lasts either Got the glow! We got the glow! The clothes are neat The women are beautiful Got the glow! We got the Glow! The stride is long Cause we got somewhere to go
The Shining Path (Featuring Phonte) If your friends only knew How bad they stare By not being you There would be bloodshed So you keep it to yourself The comfortable life you live Don't make it look easy Hide the means you achieve It's a shining path of light Through your secrets It's a shining path in your mind To run free If you walk among them As a comrade They won't see the albatross That lives in your shadow But maybe your worry Is just a red herring And all this time you're The only one caring
Crumbs Off The Table (Featuring Son Little) Ain't no time for pride these days Put one foot down, then step in place It's a cold world we're livin' in, here Makes you wonder how the hell we got here Ways you knew, to earn your keep Just don't work now -- a change in scene It's all the same, city to city You can't hold out on the [unintelligible] I'll walk it off, if this dream's just a fable But if it ain't You need it done, I do my thing before they would I don't mind, I take the crumbs up off the table If it gets me to the table to eat at all 'Bout to feel some real hard times Might get raw for yours and mine Don't let your spirit get to thinkin' Might find yourself up on the brink, and If you see your folks need you Do whatever you've got to do There's fire and brimstone in these four walls And your diamond will is gonna rub off I'll walk it off If it gets too cold, I'll walk it off It won't take my soul, I'll walk it off However long the road A Son’s Cycle (Featuring NP, Catalyst (Producer) & Illogic) Good morning They say I'm over the hill, but get real Cause I ain't even 24 yet It's a new day, bringing the heat to your doorstep Get your alarm set The way a nigga shine it can burn skin I'm only growing brighter as the world spin Up in the morning while you snoring in bed I'm making moves on the come-up while you yawning instead So late that when it dawned on you I'm a bigger star than you Somehow, I'll still probably be over your head Cause it's my time No, I mean, it's my time And right now can't nothing else eclipse my shine It's too colorful As hard as artists try to recreate what I do Can't duplicate, So I'm sonning you I know you sleeping if you don't feel me Gotta be sleeping if you don't feel me East coast to worldwide All sleeping if they don't feel me I know you sleeping if you don't feel me I was shining, riding high for what it's worth The words in my mouth were like sunlight to warm the earth The world witnessed my rise so it was hard to hide The brilliance that I projected from those piercing eyes The horizon is my stage it's like I'm standing on the ocean Now I'm floating free, my presence alone makes history daily Everyone's a critic but it was easy to see Without a doubt that the worlds revolve around me At my peak, my zenith, every dream I had came true Thus far, I mean, how many people become stars This cycle is changing me I'm no longer the same Just ninety-three million miles ahead of the game You see It was all good just a week ago So I need to know how can one cease to glow I once reached a globe ??? Now they think son weak so they treat me cold Feels like I have no choice So I sink below And fade to black Like peace, I'm ghost I laid my tracks And brought heat to folks But state the facts You see, from the east I rose Then I broke from my leash So this beast could roll My buzz would increase Cause my streak was long But the love I once received Don't seem as strong It's like they had enough of me I can't believe it's gone I couldn't believe it, just like that Everything was gone, it was all over He's gone, he's gone Everything was gone He's gone, he's gone, he's gone Everything was gone He's gone, he's gone Everything was gone He's gone, he's gone, he's gone Everything was gone
Gypsy Caravan Downtown on a thirteen train A free ride hangin' off the frame These people been waiting years and years They been up drinkin' beers and beers I came along for the sights to see They came down for the victory A molotov cocktail ready to jam We came in like a gypsy caravan! Run for the hills hide your gold They got sticks that'll break your bones Tippin' cars like dominoes No stoppin' when they're in the throes Lootin' places in the old city It's like the moment's on lsd God came down to kick the can And all he saw was a gypsy caravan! No regard for tomorrow's comeback Leavin' nothin' in town intact World champs for a long time comin' Too bad somebody's gonna get done in People swear they believe in this place Always threaten to leave but then stay Can't treat it like their own homeland They run through like a gypsy caravan Walk With Me Let's take a little time, we can head up north Walk the tracks again Step aside for the trains, and put some coins down Get to talkin' It's the same old place, the thoughts all change With the scenery We can clear our heads, or converse instead On the times changing Walk with me Walk with me Let's take a little time, we can head out east And drive the little roads Flea market weekend, watchin' people See how the hagglin' goes Might pay a princely sum, if it's alright And it's on my dime Or we can chat away, in the parking lot Either one is fine Walk with me Walk with me Walk with me, and we can speak of things And all those things, that people just don't see Walk with me, and we can see those things That came to pass, were never meant to be Walk with me Walk with me
More is than isn't Temperamental (Featuring Phonte) I made my bed and tried to sleep And still my eyes are opened wide Inside my head can't find my peace And all this hurt I just can't hide Maybe I'm a victim of my own defenses And maybe I don't care about the consequences I'm on fire, baby But so temperamental I burn it all down Burn it all down This violent heart inside of me It twists and turns and takes me low I played my part so silently And now I find I lost control Cause I should've known That telling you the truth would be forbidden And I was a fool to ever think That all would be forgiven And if I could have a better day Well, I'd just inhale, I'm living But oh, no, it's not enough for you So you can run and paint this town With the color of your lies And I'll keep sharpening myself Bleed you slow until you die Oh, why do we lie to ourselves Saying it's all in the name of love When my indifference knows no bounds And I have had enough Maybe I'm a victim of my own defenses And maybe I don't care about the consequences Maybe I'm a victim of my own defenses And maybe I don't care about the consequences I'm on fire, baby But so temperamental I burn it all down I burn it all down I burn it all down, yeah I burn it all down I burn it all down Burn it all down
Bathwater (Featuring P. Blackk) I spill my soul loud
See You Leave (Featuring Khari Mateen & STS) (yeah, alright) You know I hate to see you leave (Hate to see you leave yeah) But I love to watch you go (Love to watch you go yeah baby) You know I hate to see you leave Hate to see you leave Girl I'd love it if you don't Stay with me, yeah.. yeah Ok Break up, break up tempo Someone adjust my levels This don't sound like heaven You must be cool with the devil I got this chick from Vegas, bitch Runnin around with them rebels Swears she really gets me But the proof is in the shovel Shorty's smooth as Ketel One Hard as heavy metal The way she ride my dick You'd think my shit came with some pedals Uh uh She tells me ain't no one better uh STS, she only knows me by them letters uh Thats rock in roll shit I must think I'm Eddie Vedder I know she fuck with other niggers I don't sweat her She said she'd only fuck with me if I would let her I ain't no hater honey go 'head get yo cheddar uh uh That type of shit just get her wetter uh uh She just hope I don't forget her uh uh I told that bitch "bitch, I would never" uh Man I ain't seen that bitch in for forevers uh uh I never thought we'd meet again cuz I'm a cold nigga A couple years later here we sippin cold liquers Surrounded by the chronic smoke a couple gold diggers? We had a show in cali just me and my gold niggas I seen you with your homies Couple other hoes wit cha They dont even look the type that even roll with ya I see you took your weave out Ya got ya soul sista Now the carpet matchs the drapes Shorty, I'm just fuckin with ya Whats up with me and you tonight Oh, is you walkin in and out my life? You know I hate to watch you go But if you do, promise to walk slow She said that we should talk more I think that we should talk less (yes) Tonight we should just make love (You know I hate to see you leave) And tomorrow have goodbye sex (Hate to see you leave) (I hate to see you leave baby, no) *I love to watch you go* See here we go again (I love to watch you go, where you going?) You know out of all the places in the world *you know I hate to see you leave* (I hate to see you leave) Come back, you ending up with me tonight *girl I'd love it if you dont* (You ain't going nowhere) (I know it. HA) I got things to do You got things to do I got places to go You got, you know I just want to take this time out See if we can just get together, you know I dont know whats going to happen tomorrow I dont know whats going to happen in a week All I know is tonight girl It should be you and me It should be you and me X3 (no where, no where) I hate to see you leave* (I hate to see you leave, where you going) But I love to watch you go (I love to watch you go cuz im going to bring you right back to me) I hate to see you leave (I hate to see you leave darling) Girl I'd love it if you don't (Love it if you dont, come back to me baby, yeah, oh)
Love and Go (Featuring Son Little) This one's got amnesia This one's got a broken wheel But you should see it go Don't get close to the sickness I am my own witness You should take your love and go Every other Christmas I am begging your forgiveness Sorry Mama from the bottom of my soul And if I ever reach you I'll be sure to give the credit Where it goes Where it goes Don't worry about my friend He's not so schitzophrenic Seems like he is good to go Don't need to hide my jackals Since you've never read those books, no I'm a yellow fever Something's in the ether Seems you will believe and go Don't say I never said it Right there in the vibrant note, no Every other Christmas I am begging your forgiveness Sorry Mama from the bottom of my soul And if I ever reach you I'll be sure to give the credit Where it goes Where it goes Every other Christmas I am begging your forgiveness Sorry Mama from the bottom of my soul And if I ever reach you I'll be sure to give the credit Where it goes Where it goes
Dirty Hands I don't believe in sin And neither do you (neither do you) I can't begin to see The thin line between what I do and you do Fool once had thought that he Never need you (never need you) Fall in the water But you'll go up faster than we could have ever knew Caught between what I know (what I know) What I still not understand (understand) Little man has got my heart (my heart) In his dirty little hands (little hands) Caught between what I know (what I know) What I still not understand (understand) Little man has got my heart (my heart) In his dirty little hands (little hands) You came like a boat from the sky And entered my heart (and entered my heart) You wiped out the memory Of who I was before you were born Focused on old man stars You didn't know (you didn't know) Cleaned out the cobwebs Turned off the lights and left the place looking whole Caught between what I know (what I know) What I still not understand (understand) Little man has got my heart (my heart) In his dirty little hands (little hands) Caught between what I know (what I know) What I still not understand (understand) Little man has got my heart (my heart) In his dirty little hands (little hands)
It All Came to Me in a Dream (Featuring Blueprint) It all came to me in a dream Pull off the biggest heist that the world's ever seen Put word on the streets and faith in the team That if we execute we can take the whole thing Synchronize our watches to 2014 that's when we fall in for the conquest and cream Confident cause we mapped out the whole thing And even if they find out, they can't do a thing My right hand man from back in the day, is fresh out the can and knows how to crack safes I put him on hold cause this ain't quite the same, but the skill set is similar to people robbing banks Bold enough to take food off somebody's plate, put camera's everywhere that catch every frame So we walk through the door in the middle of the day and gave notice to the gatekeeper standing in our way Way X3 They have fat bank accounts, too much cash to count, at the mercy of our five finger discount But as odd as it sounds we go a different route, cause sticking people up ain't what this is all about There's money, magic, diamonds, and rides, but nothing's worth more than people's hearts and minds It's what we came to take, it's all by design, the fame is temporary but respect is life time
Dame Fortune
The Roaming Hoard One big voice Slowly emerge No escape To the woes I word Peace and calm No more exist For bedlam Has it come to this? Sometimes you need to know its your time to rock Sometimes you need to know its your time to run Sometimes you need to know its your time to rock Sometimes you need to know its your time to run For Bedlam Has it come to this Peace of What (Featuring Jordan Brown) (Peace) You don't want it You can want it, naw (Peace) You don't mean it You can't mean it, naw (Peace) We can't have it (Peace) But the world willed the shots And the tears come like clockwork (Peace) We built a world where the pain And the fears run like water (Peace) Does freedom comfort you at night While you read the news by candlelight Rounds and rounds, will load another In the land of duck and cover, oh Whoa, whoa, whoa... (Peace) We don't believe you Can't believe you, no (Peace) You can't mean that You don't mean that, no (Peace) You can't want that You don't want that And the tears come like clockwork (Peace) And the fears run like water (Peace) The more fortunate are watching on (Peace) While the mourners are marching on (Peace) The sea of graves are monument To full and total armament Ease the fears of your good mother Teach the young to duck and cover Whoa, whoa, whoa... A New Theory A new theory had to be born A new theory Had to be born New, new, new, new, new, new theory A new theory had to be born New had to be born theory New theory Had to be born New, new, theory had to be born Be born New, new theory had to be born We Come Alive (Featuring Son Little) I know your face Know you're always up the road It never comes No-one to hear you anyway You know my face Think i stay up north of here We never need Why would we talk if there's no need Comatose nine to five But then we come alive Split off and catch a ride Three strangers side by side You Just living life There's only rock and roll Besides They'll stoop so low just to get so high Diamonds flashing all in my eyes x2 Faces lit up from this grow? In sync with most of the throne? We never speak of its pain Not for you, me, or anyone We all escape somehow The mundane an' day to day Simple dance- it's on That's just you to give me a moment today Comatose nine to five Just to feel death comin' right From uptown train arrives Three strangers side by side You Just living life There's only rock and roll Besides They'll stoop so low just to get so high Diamonds flashing all in my eyes x2 Finally once the smoke has cleared So blind We'll have to shine a light Heaven 's close to here I can feel it in my bones Been searching for so long To find it right In between my ears You Just living life There's only rock and roll Besides They'll stoop so low just to get so high Diamonds flashing all in my eyes x5 Saboteur (Featuring Phonte) She struck by the fire and there's no retreat Too tangled in your wires, this is my defeat I am waiting for forgiveness for the past A little empathy is that too much to ask For a lifetime I've tried All they said was be your best (be your best) But when their blueprint goes right all they say it's your mess I am waiting for forgiveness for the past A little empathy is that too much to ask I laid across my bed with open eyes And searched to find out why I find the way to the darkness when it seems so bright For a lifetime I've tried all they said was be your best But when their blueprint goes right all they say its your mess (it's your mess) Give it time One day you'll look into my eyes Just when you think that everything is alright I will find a way to break our hearts Break our hearts I will find a way to break our hearts Our hearts Maybe this is just the process love me Guillotine of fire what will it be then Is it now or never Is it too late to see more Up in the Clouds (Featuring Blueprint) Look at you now, in the air, off the ground Don't look down, eyes ahead, up in the clouds Look at you now, in the air, off the ground Don't look down, eyes ahead, up in the clouds Up in the clouds... The bright lights and the sun's glare Feel like he hadn't seen it in a whole year Looked to his right and saw a wheelchair But he had no idea what it was doing there Sluggish and drugged from god knows what With machines and colostomy bags up to his gut Body so stiff he want to stand But he realized that he couldn't feel his legs Looked to his right and saw his mom's there She smiled back, shed a tear Reached out, then held his hand He saw her do it but he couldn't feel a thing Physically numb, but he felt fear Funny how this one time tough guy was now scared The doctor calmly made him aware That he'd been in a coma for a whole year Car accident on New Year's He was designated driver for a few friends Who needed a ride after a few beers But he hadn't had a drink in a few years They was almost home when he got clipped Spun out of control then the car flipped Now all he could do was sob with his mom Said the other kid with him came home fine Been about three years since that event Been picking up the pieces ever since Nobody expects him to walk again Ride a bike, stand, or play ball again But he about to show them what's up Went from a wheelchair to a walker in nine months To a walker to learning how to stand up And today he takes his first steps First steps First steps Look at you now, in the air, off the ground Don't look down, eyes ahead, up in the clouds Look at you now, in the air, off the ground Don't look down, eyes ahead, up in the clouds Up in the clouds... Band of Matron Saints (Featuring Josh Krajcik) Sisters of the son, who want to know the ne'er Bring love to all, who still press on Hold to see, just one more wrong One more time One more time They state their penalties, and hide the awful truth Where they peer and in much to prove To build tributes to a better you Depend on matron saints, and come to here for me With no-oh breeze, to bear more strife Bring in air, two holes maybe He holds his women dear, not your man of stone Purest soul n'sullied names Build the things that we can home
The Fun Ones
Pull Up on Love (Featuring Khari Mateen & STS) Ain't no bitch in my blood I'ma make it do what it does I'ma pull up on love I'ma make it get on up Ain't no bitch in my blood I'ma make it do what it does I'ma pull up on love I'ma make it get on up She's thicker than Snickers, I ain't no candy rapper I'm suited and booted, I'm talkin' Dandy Dapper She a cutie patootie, I don't know what she's after Don't judge a book by its cover, at least try to read the chapter She's got the sweetest laughter I'm caught up in the rapture I'm tryna play it cool, smooth in a Donny Hatha-way The type of woman that you wanna make her day She dutty wine like a bitch is beaujolais She pretty boojie but I like it that way Ay, 'cause I don't want no broke bitch (No way) And shawty, you a dope bitch (Okay) Come correct when you approach, bitch Don't fuck around and fuck it up We hit the club just to fuck it up I fuck around and call it love Don't be scared to fall, shawty, baby knuckle up Ain't no bitch in my blood (Naw) I'ma make it do what it does I'ma pull up on love I'ma make it get on up Ain't no bitch in my blood I'ma make it do what it does I'ma pull up on love I'ma make it get on up We started more parties than Ron Bacardi, right? (Right) She like to get busy, she live a party life (Life) Oh, what, she got body? That new Ferrari type? I'm talkin' curves and the headlights Energy's electric like the boogaloo Don't hit the breaker, we breakin' like Breakin' 1 and 2 You know it's shakin' like bacon, we goin' HAM, ooh We off the Casamigos and the culture, too Walkin' like I talk it Bad bitches only Smooth ones, babyface, I came up on a tenderoni She told her mama 'bout me I let her meet all the homies It's a live broadcast they carried just like the Tonys We bubblin' hot bologna We kissin' like we the only motherfuckers in the club tonight Can't leave you alone, there's some wolves in this bitch Tryna be a player but there's rules to this shit Better check the records, I'm a fool with this shit Ain't no bitch in my blood I'ma make it do what it does I'ma pull up on love I'ma make it get on up Ain't no bitch in my blood I'ma make it do what it does I'ma pull up on love I'ma make it get on up On the good foot (Ain't no bitch in my blood) Amen, like the good book (Ain't no bitch in my blood) On the good foot (Ain't no bitch in my blood) Hallelujah, like the good book, yeah (Ain't no bitch in my blood) Went to the doctor, today (Ain't no bitch in my blood) They did a blood test on me (Ain't no bitch in my blood) You goddamn right So, baby I'm comin' for ya (Ain't no bitch in my blood) Ain't nothin' to be scared Get to it Know what I'm talkin' about? Ain't no bitch in my blood I'ma make it do what it does I'ma pull up on love I'ma make it get on up Ain't no bitch in my blood I'ma make it do what it does I'ma pull up on love I'ma make it get on up Get on up (Ain't no bitch in my blood) (Ain't no bitch in my blood) Ain't no bitch in my blood (Ain't no bitch in my blood) Ain't no bitch in my blood (Ain't no bitch in my blood)
The Freshman Lettered It just came to, you know How am I going to define myself During this time where, you know I'm paying My family's paying, where I'm paying To be at this expensive university And I allowed music to flow through me And then despite what anyone else said I dropped out of college You know, with a one song demo And apparently I did so at the right time You know like, I think to myself sometimes I'm like Man if I dropped this like a day later Or like a month earlier, or whatever And I sent that demo tape to, you know W.E.R.S. You know, at a different time Maybe I'm not here today Maybe I don't have all this These adventures of traveling around the world You know, maybe I don't know you
A Genuine Gentleman (Feat. Aceyalone) It's one for the money and two for the killin' A real MC with no artificial fillin' One of the Inner City Griots is amongst you Raps Sun Tzu, perfect on the one, two Now that I think about it I'm an enigma Signifying on these rappers without a stigma I been the, all seeing eye of the storm The all hearing, ear weird, out of the norm Give the mic back, thank you for keepin' it warm You get it hot I get it deformed, that's how I was born I've been scorned in this game of lames Just because I'm different and never the samе And in fact, it's the impact never thе aim So I shotgun they brains until nothing remains I heard some say, "Yeah, he don't have what it takes." But I'm more than just a warrior who hurdles the breaks Like a mongoose on the loose lookin' for snakes My ego is never suppressed I feel great Pen pushed my life, my life pushed my pen A genuine gentlemen when the mic's plugged in Time bend, the world spin a little bit faster The wind blows past ya The mic master And I rap for somebody to listen it's a lifetime mission Worldwide conditions spent It's worth more than anything I can search for The Earth's core until the inner city turf war Dirt poor, still rise to the occasion And further more I'm a connoisseur of a war blazin' A trend they can never follow Socrates, Plato, Aristotle in a bottle And Apollo and my motto is to keep it on auto-matic They don't want no static, I'm full throttle So fellas in the back let me know where you're at And ladies in the front let me know what you want My name is Aceyalone and I was born to mack Hell yeah I sold CD's right out of the trunk Said fellas in the back let me know where you're at Ladies in the front let me know what you want My name is Aceyalone I was born to mack And hell yeah I sold CD's right out of the trunk See the mind travels distances We're going through a synthesis The body is defenseless the difference is The flesh is weak and the mind's infinite Time's infinite that's why I rhyme infinite Combine sentences I find so interestin' So limitless I should've been a physicist But we all know hip hop is what the business is So I put emphasis on thoughts like a hypnotist I'm no illusionist I'm just a humanist Shine luminous all over the Milky Way Doin' this for all the people that got killed today So throw your hand up if you ever lost a loved one Keep 'em up even if you're thinkin' of one And make some noise for them boys that make 'em rhyme great And ladies rub on your titties for old time sake My mind state can make the average man spine break I signed my fate the day I tried to find breaks When I found 'em I would take 'em home and demonstrate Makin' sure they never tryin' to bogus on the tape L.A. underground, B-Boy colloso With apostles when rappers get hostile Back to die so I promise I will never lose Fair weather blues like a brother out of shoes So fellas in the back let me know where you're at And ladies in the front let me know what you want My name is Aceyalone and I was born to mack Hell yeah I sold CD's right out of the trunk Yeah, said fellas in the back let me know where you're at Ladies in the front let me know what you want My name is Aceyalone I was born to mack And hell yeah I sold CD's right out of the trunk You know, I guess music to me seems to be...
Itch Ditch Mission Every time I turn around I can see your face just a-looking right through me Every time I turn around All the things in the past feel so brand new
My Very Own Burglar Neighbor Well I will say this We're blessed to be, you know, at the age we were at at that time We are the direct descendants I mean it captivated the imagination of the whole world And we helped progress that Like I wouldn't trade those memories for anything A Salute To Blood Bowl Legends You know not too long ago I had an epiphany That Musicians from our era We are like the direct descendants Of the Rakims and Tribe Called Quests De La Soul, Kool G Rap, you know, Gang Starr And, you know There have been times where I have felt like Ok there's a new generation that doesn't even know that music at all You know, in face they're just not really into it And you know the game has changed And there's no value to what I do anymore There have been times where I've thought on that side of the spectrum But then a light bulb went off that's actually like Our generation, we're actually the holders of a boulder man Like, like we I feel like a burning desire to actually keep that torch lit You know of being like, you know Maybe it's not the most commercially viable thing But you know what I possess a skill that only a few do You know what I mean In a certain capacity Based on yes, like there's a lot of cats who can rhyme You know what I mean Just like of course there's a lot of producers out there right That make dope beats But I just feel like There's just something you know Our generation, and then for me in particular that I'm able to manifest A certain lens that I'm looking through That I feel like whether or not it's the most commercially viable thing Could have a positive effect culturally, for the culture of hip-hop Which I still love That it's worth it to me to add on