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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.
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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
*** Huge thanx to
Matthew who did and sent me
all these lyrics on the forum ***
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
Salud 2
Well, okay, this is my next record
My fourth record really
And who knows, maybe it's my last
Hopefully not, but no way to predict tomorrow
Anyway, I've assembled a healthy bunch of folks who are much more talented than
I am
I got them all playing nice little parts in my rigid idyl machine
As usual, I worked very long and hard on this piece of music
To make it the best thing I could present to you
Some of it I love, some of it I quite love
And some of it just makes me want to bang my head against the wall
This time I really didn't have anyone else telling me what to do
Well, shit, I guess I've gone and done it again
I've already started
So, I hope you like what you hear
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
One Of A Kind
Champion with a chubby who constantly spending other peoples money
Money recently renovated, more hated on than a werewolf or the mummy
I call my peoples cat and beers so let them know, honey
I tap a vein and blood be gushing
Gonna need to pay up all the changes between your sofa cushions
Even get into position for following the leader
A single drop before you know it, just swallowing the leader
I eat bananas with chiquita
Checkered flag in the bag and read the back of that gheeder
When people say that you know who you remind me of
I say no one that I'm a rapper, not a mind reader
Guess I get upset when people get it twisted
And suggest I'm similar to Edward, whoever existed
No disrespect to everyone whoever lived
But none of y'all ain't had no balls for the kid
All the indie rap, none of the crime
It sure does feel good being one of a kind
Come on
All the mountain tops, none of the climb
Sure feels good being one of a kind
Shout out to critics, shout out to mimics
Shout out to gimmicks, shout out to cynics
Shout out to biters, shout out to ghost writers
Can't forget to shout out to genres and categories of originals
Shout whatever
Just being forward. I think being butter is better than being corn
I think feeling better is better than being cured
I think being dead is way better than being bored
Laying in bed is way better than being short
Laying in bed is way better than doing chores
When accidents happen, I happen to be insured
In short, after school the bully ain't show up
First of the lessons I ever got taught
Is a crime ain't a crime if you never get caught
So I'ma get gone
Put on a bow and then get going
Whatever direction the wind blowing
All the indie rap, none of the crime
It sure does feel good being one of a kind
Come on
All the mountain tops, none of the climb
It sure feels good being one of a kind. One of a kind
There's like, there's like
There's, there's like, like, like
There's like, there's like
There's like, there's, there's like
There's like, there's like
No, no, no, no, no
No, no, no, no, no
No better feeling
No better feeling
No, no, no better feeling
It's so hard to describe to somebody who doesn't actually
Search for those surprises while making music
In a studio situation...
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)
All I'm
After
All I'm after is that thing
That'll shake the fear
Right outta you
All I'm after is that thing
That'll shock the pain
Right outta you
All I'm after is that thing
That'll shock the past
Right outta you
All I'm after is that thing
That'll shake the fear
Right outta you
I don't want another feather in my hat
I'm not here to run the clock back
Tomorrow and the next feel so far away
All I need is tomorrow
No more fighting and grinding my own teeth
Walk the path that sets the mind free
Mind moves the body, body checks the mind
And the soul becomes boundless
Only time I'll say
All I'm after is that thing
That'll shake the fear
Right outta you
All I'm after is that thing
That'll shock the pain
Right outta you
All I'm after is that thing
That'll shock the past
Right outta you
All I'm after is that thing
That'll shake the fear
Right outta you
I got the part in an ice cream break
I'm aware of when to give and when to take
Knowing your words are with the messages of sound
Point your feedback to the ground
Some people will spread the highway thin
Tell me your truth, don't pretend
Lost from the bottom, looking at the mount
The time we have is only here and now
'Cause all I'm after is that thing
That'll shake the fear
Right outta you
All I'm after is that thing
That'll shock the past
Right outta you
All I'm after is that thing
That'll shake the fear
Right outta you
All I'm after is that thing
That'll shock the past
Right outta you
"And you know, you, you could see it
Where you're like a fool for some pun
That those fools said that were nonthreatening
But if you stepped to them, like, you got served
Like you, it was deadly
You know what I mean
And that's what we are now, man
We are those guys, guys, guys...
Flocking To
The Nearest Machine
I put the parts of my life
Yeah, it's, it's, it's a interesting thing
I think increasingly so, it's connecting different things
But, um, I mean if, if only like on a basic level, but, you know
Engaged with music and it involves photography and film and
You know, writing and, you know, journalism and all those things
Like, are all coming together, you know, in and around music
Music, music, music...
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
Visions Out Of Limelight
Through it all
Jamie Lidell:
As it, as it, as it
As it all comes crashing back
And I fall into the rapid
Emerging now, shining now
Seemingly undefeatable
Yes, life's pressure
Free from the binds
Forgive me for thinking
You're without vulnerability
I project you into sainthood
But I'm falling with skin
At the edge of fiction
Through it all
Through it all
Keep something inside
Through it all
Through it all
Keep something inside
Hold it close
As the bleakness threatens the landscape
Threatens to burn the rose
And cancel climbs
The calling sings faintly
Swallowed by the traffic
That bird's song and cutting above
All the city noise
All the city noise
Oh, can you hear me
So I can receive
See the mystery of the morning
As the bleakness threatens landscape
Threatens to burn the rose and cancel climbs
The calling sings faintly
The calling sings faintly
Loud enough to wake me up
Through it all
Through it all
Keep something inside
Through it all
Through it all
Keep something inside
Hold it close
As the bleakness threatens the landscape
Threatens to burn the rose and cancel climbs
The calling sings faintly
Swallowed by the traffic
That bird's song and cutting above
All the city noise
All the city noise
Can you hear me, so I can receive
See the mystery of the morning
According to
Back Talk
Now let me talk my sh...
My body is dying flesh
My mind is timeless
My writings and mine are like the Mayan science, I am blessed
Progressing with giant steps
My credit ain't high in debt
Went from poverty to monopoly, property mindsets
Rebelling like INS
Propelling, no buying jets
So sick, we study about biomedical scientists
I digress. You need to rest a minute
This is unprecedented, this left of center, rep a sinner, put a message in it
I go through the stress and see the blessing in it
How you value nothing
You don't think it's worth the price unless you spend it
I come highly recommended, RJ assisted
When the record spinning, they asking, "Are they this gifted?"
'Cause literally you can go from overnight phenomenon to M. Night Shyamalan
You gonna see it happening
Been rapping since the rapper's names had to have an acronym
With DJs and dancers backing them, before the platinum plaques, we skull
snapping
Steezo to the maximum
We rose to the occasion, these bros rhyming after him
No. Boy, I'm the diggy diggy doc before the accident
No one can do it better, y'all trash and pretty packaging. What
Now let me talk my shit
Now let me talk my shit
Now let me talk my shit
Tell me something, you proud of these artists
Are they cowards or martyrs
You got the power to call it, based on what's found in recordings
I used to be unsung son, no doubting evolving
It's like trying to introduce a toddler to algebra problems
Refused to do things to impress smooth brain brothers
Tough like an elephant tusk bringing Wu-Tang ruckus
I'm in Ghostface killa mode, but what I'm pushing ain't no cocaine, pills or
dope
I'm your idol or billy goat
I'm still the same super with the illest quotes
This could be the start of your ending like Frank Lucas chinchilla coat and cap
to match
But I'm no flashy cat. The people glad we back, they sick of average raps about
the cashew stack
but that ain't what we give them
You slaves to the rhythm, fighting for your masters back
They went from inventing new styles to bending the truth
But last vinyl music stuck in a continuous loop
Gotta be careful about the things you give your energy to
'Cause a distraction is just another minute you lose
Boy, these fools love to lie to you
We wanna know where they from
'Cause when we done, we know where to ship the body too
Now let me talk my shit
Now let me talk my shit
Now let me talk my shit
I don't, I don't take, take shit, shit, shit
I don't, I don't take, take shit, shit, shit...
One Last Time
I might not be as young as I used to
Creating music leaves my soul feeling youthful
That's not a minus. I never had to lie about my age
When you timeless, there's really no excuse to
I utilize my voice for something useful, productive
For substance, with purpose, I don't do this for nothing
A similar fate, I drummed up enough courage
Now look at me with RJD2 on percussion
Hey. It's overdue that they notice me
I've been clutch like a Kobe three
Your boy spent a lot of time at the bottom
Used to think I was the problem
But the bench is still better than the nosebleed seats
I might not be top three artists that you hear
But my kids call me Father of the Year
That's a Lex Luther flex. Who the best ain't my fight, though
My life goal is not to go farther than my peers
I just write the lyrics that felt the best
That's how I self-express, record it without any fear
You can't put me in a box this time
If you can make it out your mind, you can make it anywhere, I swear
This feeling makes my life complete
Only thing I'm willing to lose are some nights of sleep
It's all part of the journey. I had to smile and bear it
Treat life like an attorney, it's all trial and error
Since tomorrow ain't promised, we're going to celebrate now
From the night to the morning, we going to do it one last time
Let's do it one last time
I hope this feeling never ends
We never know, this moment might never come again
We gonna do it one last time
Let's do it one last time
Hey
Look, I might not be the most popular pop star
That popped off from his charm and charisma
A gifted writer, undeniable I got bars
But that won't guarantee you'll be a star in this business
Disregarded by the critics, regarded by some artists as their favorite rapper
But it's not enough to get me charted. Boy, don't let me get started
I am not the one that's sugarcoat it
'Cause holding my tongue's no option
I made a vow not to sound holier than thou
Never dumb down the style
Never sung no ballads for a damn Grammy winner
I won't go Sandman Sims to them
I just be untapped talent
Born a nonconformist, no changing him
No Louie, Gucci, or Japanese named denim
The truth of the matter is, men that shop at Target
And men who wear Armani sleep with the same women
Amen to it. But that's a conversation for a different day
I just want to give the dopest DJs some shit to play
I just want to make some songs my people anticipate
Same feeling that I felt when I bought the GZA tape
This is great. This is fire
This is truly amazing
Whoever told you about it, they was doing a favor
You know the deal, we only rock on two occasions, day and night
It's RJ and Supa, baby
Since tomorrow ain't promised, we're gonna celebrate now
From the night to the morning
We gonna do it one last time
Let's do it one last time
I hope this feeling never ends
We never know, this moment might never come again
We gonna do it one last time
Let's do it one last time
Hey
Just you and I for one last time
Just you and I for one last time
Just you and I for one last time
Just you and I for one last time
Machines Like Us
Regardless, what you make nowadays, you still an eight hour slave work your
fingers to the bone without a break
Pay you a couple dollars but rarely would they acknowledge anything other than
your mistakes
Six figures feels like digi-dig and these cubicles ain't beautiful it's never
what it seems
Reality when it comes to a salary they say that's what they give you to forget
about your dreams
Everything cost and given your boss been trippin', he's blowing things out of
proportion when you mess up, mess up
Fresh out of PTO days. Only thing that gets a raise around here's your blood
pressure. Pressure
You deserve better. You deserve to decompress with a beverage or some smoke if
you choose
When Friday is over, you gonna roll up to your favorite spot and party like you
got nothing to lose
This has become your whole life
Machines like us don't sleep
We gon' work you 'til you die
The workload's never complete
This has become your whole life
Machines like us don't sleep
We gon' work you 'til you die
Work, eat, stress, and repeat
And repeat and repeat
Machines like us don't sleep
Don't sleep, don't sleep
This is not a life for the weak
No concern about your work/life balance is the worst type challenge, how it
weighs on your mental health and sanity
Go crazy
Everything's normal until you underperform and then you no longer this one big
family
'Cause you're lazy
The way that things seem to be, you treated like machinery. They greet you,
"Good morning," as they flip the switch
Angel on your shoulder is hoping to keep you focused, but the devil on the right
saying, "Quit this bitch"
Corporate bottom lines, everybody's gotta grind, got a few minutes to eat, then
breaks over
Meals, you gotta sort 'em out. You can't afford a porterhouse, 'cause all they
care about is steak holders
You are not important, it's depressing to accept it, you a measurable metric on
a spreadsheet
Aw man
You could die tomorrow, they gonna sign a couple cards, but your position will
still be posted next week
God damn
This has become your whole life
Machines like us don't sleep
We gon' work you 'til you die
Why
The workload's never complete
This has become your whole life
Machines like us don't sleep
We gon' work you 'til you die
Work, eat, stress, and repeat
And repeat and repeat
Machines like us don't sleep
Don't sleep, don't sleep
This is not a life for the weak
Oh, it's a tearjerker for the worker tears
I will see you tomorrow, same time, same pay, same location
Yeah
Wins and Losses
I ain't gonna take up too much of your time
But I need to rant a little bit
'Cause I done had one hell of a week
Listen
I got everything to gain, I got nothing to lose
I lost count how many nights I was suffering through
Got me tired of taking Ls, what's a brother to do
Just wanna turn these Ws to a W2
Some days I wish I was a kid again
Adulthood really did us in
They told us all we had to be was an accountable, law-abiding, taxpaying citizen
Now look at all this bullshit we in
I mean, my cousin sold drugs, got caught and went to prison
Came home, changed his life, started his own business
Made a positive difference, I'm praying God was just listening
All I asked for was a winning lottery ticket
At least a scratch-off, that's all I ask, dog
There ain't no roads paved in gold, only asphalt
Life comes at you like a Jordan Hicks fast ball
I should go from poor to rich, I should be in Nassau
Blastin' Beanie Man out the windows of a Jaguar
Sim-sima
I can't afford a Beamer's gas cost
When my cup ever runneth over, this the last straw
My pockets ain't gotta be Hova, at least blacked off
Maybe the universe might need to be reminded
That I deserve something for random acts of kindness
Don't mean to sound ungracious
But hey they got me working double-day shifts
I wish this old place would burn down
Where's Mother Nature
You know how many days a brother wasted
Overtime included, 60 hours still don't make shit
I've come to the heartbreaking conclusion I might be in my feelings here
Maybe God don't want me to be a millionaire
Look, I am one of those people, I go back and forth
One day I say, "I don't need to be rich, I just need to be comfortable"
But I've seen the way my kids eat lately
And comfortable is not gonna cut it
I got everything to gain, I got nothing to lose
I lost count how many nights I was suffering through
Got me tired of taking Ls, what's a brother to do
Just wanna turn these Ws to a W2
I got everything to gain, I got nothing to lose
I lost count how many nights I was suffering through
Got me tired of taking Ls, what's a brother to do
Just wanna turn these Ws to a W2
Sorry if it sounds like I'm going through it
I was born to wear a crown, I'm the born loser
I'm more concerned with my afterlife
'Cause I'm watching rappers, black and white, die left and right
You mean like Storm Troopers
That kinda felt forced
No opportunity knocking, it's more like cell doors
Sometimes I feel like Kevin Hart, selling myself short
I know a couple ways to double this bread
But I ain't trying to go to jail for it
Mary Moy's grandson is far too handsome to be a prisoner
These RJ fans come, I wanna turn 'em to listeners
Maybe fly to countries I don't visit much, things are looking up
I hope somebody see the vision, bro
I just wanna live it up, a river front, home with no HOA
Far enough from neighbors, I don't hear 'em blasting 808s
Wanna stay up late, not just weekends, wanna sleep in
Paradise is just a made-up place
'Cause my daily routine's the polar opposite of a true king
Screaming at these goddamn kids to keep their rooms clean
Storming off fuming, having all type of mood swings
Boy, if I gotta tell your ass one more time
Understand, I ain't asking for no perfect life
I'm just praying for a life with no co-workers, right
'Cause they piss me off so much that I soul-search at night
All my life I had to fight
I got everything to gain, I got nothing to lose
I lost count how many nights I was suffering through
Got me tired of taking Ls, what's a brother to do
Just wanna turn these Ws to a W2
I got everything to gain, I got nothing to lose
I lost count how many nights I was suffering through
Got me tired of taking Ls, what's a brother to do
Just wanna turn these Ws to a W2
Expiration Date
We forever dope
Supastition
RJD2
And the one and only, Jay Live
Hey.
Hopefully
Hey
I joked him
RJ, you can cut that part out
Nah, nah. Keep that RJ
It's all good
It took me a minute out here
We forever dope, no expiration date
Age and experience, that's what makes us great
Still rock, rocking on ever since basement tapes
You know, there's no expiration date
We forever dope, no expiration date
Age and experience, that's what makes us great
Still rock, rocking on ever since basement tapes
You know, there's no expiration date
Yo, you know the fine wine analogy, I'm more like Chardonnay
Some careers got cut short like Penny Hardaway
Whoever said my magic is gone, I'm the son of Phoenix
After all the heat that I've shown, I've gone undefeated
That ain't even arguable. I get better with time
I focus on staying dope to stay irrelevant
Remain in my element like elephants
Gerald over acoustic bass, I know Supers plays
Don't choose to chase dollars, too many dues been paid
We got different ideologies and music tastes
I'm used to hate, I let it boost my fuel intake
And no, we won't stop rocking till we viewed as great
Legendary
I'm three times dope, and oh yes, the greatest man alive
Not EST, just the best. Who needs to stand a time
You're hoping that our fans decline
Put us in some invisible box like a pantomime
We won rock, paper, scissors with the hands of time
We age gracefully. Critics treat us like stray cats, that's no place for me
Producers that I knew from way back say I'm a waste of beats
Now I'm making songs with RJ a couple days a week
Oh, what an amazing feat. A step up and upgrade like the live single Jay
released
But y'all fools stayed asleep. Then I guess we grew tired
No, we won't stop rocking
Know our talent won't expire, 'cause
We forever dope, no expiration date
Age and experience, that's what makes us great
Still rock, rocking on ever since basement tapes
You know, there's no expiration date
We forever dope, no expiration date
Age and experience, that's what makes us great
Still rock, rocking on ever since basement tapes
You know, there's no expiration date
Yeah, no beginning, no ending
No doubt and no reason to be pretending
No fear and no dying a bit
The salts you see is from the seas I sailed to be here
No capping, this captain ain't crunch time
Ain't having no mutiny and no treason, I'm strapped in
Rapping in my overgrown prime
My evergreen time keep a reason for every season
To print money like quantitative easing
It's knowledge work, no matter what condition my knees in
MCs get better as old pros by saying shit
We ain't even know years ago
So it goes and so it grows, the rep, the first step
The vertical leap, even the souls to reach it
The boughs to break, the souls to keep
RIP Van Winkle, we're death's cousin, counting sheep
Keep sleeping, I'mma keep ripping stages
Riding tour vans, my wrinkle put a twinkle in your girl's eye
Maybe even a sprinkle between the thighs
Flows old as Maya Angelou's and still I Rise
No blue chews of Viagra
Got 'em blushing and gushing like Niagara
In my advanced age, on the mic and the other way
I'm fucking shit up either way and that's why they say
We forever dope, no expiration date
Age and experience, that's what makes us great
Still rock, rocking on ever since basement tapes
You know, there's no expiration date
We forever dope, no expiration date
Age and experience, that's what makes us great
Still rock, rocking on ever since basement tapes
You know, there's no expiration date
Reset (Better
Friends)
I don't know if it's the age or the mood I'm in
But lately I've been feeling like I need a different group of friends
It's time to break the truth to them
Used to be cut from the same fabric, we were tight-knit
Then I made this commitment called marriage and then my life switched
I'm not up on the latest events, trends, I don't know the dirt
My flashy fashion's when I go to work in this Polo shirt
When I decline a hangout on the weekend, they soul is hurt
My free time comes and goes in spurts
It's not that I don't wanna go, but that invite, I respond with the strongest no
'Cause getting drunk on a Monday feels irresponsible
Hangover's hard to handle
I'm domesticated lion, I'm less of a party animal
My life had to expand and grow with dreams and successes, things like
investments
But BBL models is all they seem to be impressed with
I mean, these queens are blessed but you got three baby mamas already, please
get the message
I think I need better friends, better friends
I think that I matured years beyond 'em 'cause they always got drama
Problems never end, it never ends
At the very least, I wanna live my life in peace
I could use a different set of friends, better friends
I think that I matured years beyond 'em 'cause they always got drama
Problems never end, it never ends, it never ends
I need to reset
I got a homie who's pessimistic, so depressing, he never listens
God bless him, I think it's pointless to even share my wisdom
I speak my piece to him and give him a pound
'Cause every minute he's around, he brings your energy down
Now maybe that's wrong, but some days I don't wanna hear a sad song
Got a friend, he got quick money hustles that never last long
Pyramid schemes, you hearing this thing till the cash gone
Oh, now you need a cash loan
I don't want no parts of it
I got another homie who's a narcissist, starting shit
That's the type of fool you take caution with
Used to be cool to vibe with, now other friends despise him
A high sense of self-importance, boy, he think he's God's gift
No offense, boy, got a conspiracy theorist friend with a hat made of tinfoil
Got another friend who's a picky eater, we can't grab dinner, meet up and enjoy
'Cause he's complaining once again, boy
I think I need better friends, better friends
I think that I matured years beyond 'em 'cause they always got drama
Problems never end, it never ends
At the very least, I wanna live my life in peace
I could use a different set of friends, better friends
I think that I matured years beyond 'em 'cause they always got drama
Problems never end, it never ends, it never ends
I need to reset
Beasts Per Minute
Check it out check it out
There's a beast within me I'm just trying to let it out
Told them once told them twice
I'm the one they'll never doubt but the past carries rights
Can't find a better route on the fourth of four
Call me half human torch half tortured soul
Still a stranger at home but I toured the globe
I don't believe in playing it safe like drivers on Georgia roads
Everybody want the sauce but it just ain't in 'em
I'm a force on 29 mustang and I ain't even got to floss much on you lame niggas
Clubs I perform, y'all tuck chains in em' like D-Bo coming
The red in my eyes make 'em all run and hide like we don't want it
Not me though, there's no equal
I'm no victim of the liquor or the weed smoke
Super came back to uplift the people
You wanna lift because you whip got repo'd
DJ's abroad American this and that, heroine worth every penny that you pay for
your meal
The main attraction I'm pulling in people like you hit the wheels of steel to
Magneto
I go rogue cause the world needs a hero
Now get ready for the break, here we go
But it's all gas and no brakes
Got to make the cash circulate and rotate
Got to get the dough straight
It's all about survival, I might need a mask to cover the whole face
I've had ups and downs but it's so worth it
I might walk around like I'm so perfect
I wrestle with my emotions because life can be heartbreaking as the Goldberg
kick snare
You should be more like Ric Flair
Minus the flashy robes and big hair
I've been working hard diligently feeling like it's killing me
I hope my momma live to see her son get there
Align with the stars again
Undeniably good, no argument
In show biz I should be labeled as a giant
Can I get a sole clap from the audience
Where the fuck do we go after partying
Back to the beats, back to the bars again
Back to the dope shit but it all depends
On where we go from here
Where we go from here
Where we go from here
Now get ready for the break, here we go
The Mourning After
Man, it's been a rough year for me
Last couple years
I've been holding a lot of things inside
I ain't really talk to people, tell people
I guess this is a good place to start
Feel so lost
Hard to find
Inner peace
Peace of mind
Feel so lost
Hard to find
Inner peace
Peace of mind
I've been carrying trauma for too long
Never taught to deal with it, just taught to move on regardless of who's wrong
I simply suppressed it till I wrote a new song
Then magically, poof gone
Because the writing made this cold world seem more lukewarm
And not terribly mislabeled it therapy
I thought it wasn't bad and when depression said goodbye to me
Then I was introduced to this thing called anxiety
Depression truly felt like I had nothing left
Like nothing could get better and my whole world shattered
Anxiety will have me stressing myself to death
Like everybody needs me and everything matters
Lord, I'm trying
If I said I'm getting better, I'd be lying
Every week, every month, somebody I love's dying
Growing numb to it all
What's really the point of trying
Is this really who I am
'Cause I feel so lost
Feel so lost
Hard to find
Inner peace
Peace of mind
Feel so lost
Hard to find
Inner peace
Peace of mind
God, I've been carrying this trauma, this pain, this hurt
This feeling of rejection that rears its ugly head on days when I'm at my worst
Daddy issues say a lot about me
I confided in those who reminded me it was not about me
Cried so many tears I had to question if
God, you forgot about me
You don't know what I've been dealing with inside
The predicaments I really had to survive
My real father never bothered, left his son like I'm worthless
Had to know the resurface two weeks before he died from a massive stroke
The one person it was killing me to meet, I had questions
He had no ability to speak, watching him feeble and weak
He weeped, I felt anger
Staring in the eyes of a stranger
Close to his death, his heart filled with regret
I felt nothing because all I ever knew is what his name was
I was baffled when they asked if I spoke to my sister
My sister
Like, nigga, I ain't even know she existed
And you were telling her all her life that we was keeping in touch
You were lying to these people that much
It must have been the drugs, as a father, it was terrible
My mama raised me
Why spend a dime to bury you
I felt sorry for you, but it's not because I care for you
Or that I need you, fam
I'm just a decent man
I forgive you for your trash ways
I pray that you repented in your last days
Sadly, I thought it was over
I thought I found closure
Now I got to add another chapter to a closed book
Picking up the pieces that you left behind
I'm telling myself I'll just be fine
I feel so lost
Hard to find
Inner peace
Peace of mind
Feel so lost
Hard to find
Inner peace
Peace of mind
Bittersweet
It hurt me deep when I heard some disturbing news today
Shit was cool till somebody mentioned you, and my mood just changed
Now I sit here mad emotional
How could you ever say yes to this man's marriage proposal
Heartbroken, mad at both of you
This was the hardest gut punch of blow
Knowing that we went our separate ways eleven months ago
And you would never marry me
You told me you can't fix a broken man
I needed therapy. How could you embarrass me
I know throughout the years I might have seemed lost
Had to borrow money from you
I was in between jobs
I know sometimes I lie to you
And I didn't have no reliable vehicle
But when I got my shit together, it was gonna be me and you
You couldn't patiently wait for me
That's a huge request
Stick it out, no
You rather pick out your wedding shoes and dress
You don't miss this touch? You don't miss this life
Well, fuck it. Go and be with Mr. Right
I swear to God
I hope the world ends on your wedding day
I pray you never have a chance to jump the broom
I hate to say that you're the one that I let get away
I pray for thunderstorms on your honeymoon
I hope the world ends on your wedding day
I pray you never have a chance to jump the broom
I hate to say that you're the one that I let get away
I pray for thunderstorms on your honeymoon
A bigger person hopes that nothing happens
Those ain't my feelings
When you chilling with some other bastard
Out in public laughing
In private probably taking bubble baths with
On your wedding day, I'm praying that your pastor gets stuck in traffic
I hope your mama and daddy object
I hope Mr. Right runs back to his ex and they have casual sex
Then you find out and get mad from a text, "Here comes the bride"
I pray something tears the back of your dress
I would feel great if your heel breaks, but no physical harm
I'd never wish that I'm just pissed that you gone
It's bittersweet, I ain't jealous, I got options
The girl you hate from working called toxic, last week I saw her shopping
Just between me and you, I think she trying to get it popping
And now that I met her for you something beautiful can blossom
Bitterness through the roof for you and Mr. Right
Your honeymoon's in Santorini
Hope you miss your flight
You missed it, right
I hope the world ends on your wedding day
I pray you never have a chance to jump the broom
I hate to say that you're the one that I let get away
I pray for thunderstorms on your honeymoon
I hope the world ends on your wedding day
I pray you never have a chance to jump the broom
I hate to say that you're the one that I let get away
I pray for thunderstorms on your honeymoon
Listen, I hope you apply for a home loan together and it gets denied by the bank
I hope your in-laws hate your face and give you no respect and thanks
I hope that man admits to living a double life and starts confessing
I hope the DJ plays nothing but boom bap at your reception
Yo, that's super petty, right
Carte Blanche
Brother came up to me and said
He got a problem with something I said
I said to him, "Your problems ain't my problems
I hope you work it out with yourself"
If I'm living rent-free in your head, that's your problem, you gotta own it
The man in the mirror is my only opponent
Won't stop believing in my journey, this is my moment
Can't stop my blessings when I've already reached the torment
Comfortable with who I am and peace with thyself
Say what you will about me, but I doubt if those lies help
Struggle is nothing new to me
My whole community growing up had no food to eat
How foolishly for you to think
That I was devoured by the industry, get your mind right
Record deals sour, never cowered from the limelight
In hindsight, it was best for me to let some people go
Super never quit, I was just using up my PTO
Some of you will probably think this rodeo is my first appearance
You should ask around how I personify perseverance
The older I get, the harder I work
I can't level the playing field with this artificial turf
The Messiah gave me carte blanche, for you it's hard to watch
Y'all stay on demon time, I'll be on God's watch
I'm drawing chalk outlines, y'all playing hopscotch
Same tools, different uses, same rules apply to music
RJ is the guy with the lighter fluid
Super got the magic, they scratch heads like, "How did he do it"
Who never tell you that
To get this fresh style, we went to hell and back
Reptiles telling us to scale it back
They gave us carte blanche, we got free reign
How could these fools ever think that we the same
They gave us carte blanche, we got free reign
We are not alike, you must be insane
They gave us carte blanche, we got free reign
How could these fools ever think that we the same
They gave us carte blanche, we got free rein
We are not alike, you must be insane
There ain't no psych ward long enough to control my life thoughts
All the demons that I had to fight off, it's like war
Pardon the aggression, but the message can be quite coarse
Stars don't inspire me, I seek a different life source
Stardom ain't the goal, this means more to your boy
I'm extra careful not to become who I swore to destroy
I never truly understood how much my presence was felt until I told my favorite
rapper he's a legend
His response made my head spin, "Then, brethren, you a legend yourself-self"
And ever since that moment, I bet on myself
I raise the stakes like Van Helsing
I bring the pain like a Black father's belt swing
Boy, move them hands, this is discipline
Parental guidance needed when listening
And I don't really recommend playing this for your Christian friends
Forever I will win tag, but it's not what we wager
On a musical scale, they say we never C major
They say it's too antiquated and pre-dated
No drug talk, not a single woman degraded
We made it, they just want a low score and degrade it
Pop music sound like it's pushed through the same cheese grater
Boy, you know the vibes, you have over-notified
It's the real super, the rest sit on the throne of lies
Your fabricated past was easily deceived through
You're now rocking to the sounds of RJD2
They gave us carte blanche, we got free reign
How could these fools ever think that we the same
They gave us carte blanche, we got free reign
We are not alike, you must be insane
They gave us carte blanche, we got free reign
How could these fools ever think that we the same
They gave us carte blanche, we got free rein
We are not alike, you must be insane
Rent Money
I know the rent's high
I know the bills due
I know we struggling but Daddy needs new shoes
Money's running low
Stress through the roof
Don't judge me
I just need a way to cope with the pain
I know the rent's high
I know the bills due
I know we struggling but Daddy needs new shoes
Money's running low
Stress through the roof
Don't judge me
I just need a way to cope with the pain
Look, look, look
My first real money made off rap went to the Gucci store
Bought a belt, bag, and hat, two pairs of Gucci Loafes
Still got them kicks to this day along with plenty more
Swear they got to be about 23, 24 years old
I was told quality over quantity
Know it's getting hard to stay fly in this economy
Can't go from sitting first class back to economy
That's like me eating at Mickey D's
I know astronomy but honestly, it's between new shoes and fresh foods
Then I'm incognito up at the drive-throughs
Can't afford whole foods and Gucci horse spit so it's back
Bada-bock-bock, I'm loving it
Bucket shit. It's a disease, I tried to tell them that
I'm clinically diagnosed an onomaniac
And ain't no med gonna save me
The doctor say, "In fact, I'm gonna need retail therapy"
I'm okay with that
I know the rent's high
I know the bills due
I know we struggling but Daddy needs new shoes
Money's running low
Stress through the roof
Don't judge me
I just need a way to cope with the pain
I know the rent's high
I know the bills due
I know we struggling but Daddy needs new shoes
Money's running low
Stress through the roof
Don't judge me
I just need a way to cope with the pain
I know the rent is due
Had good intentions to pay it but that seems minuscule
This stressing pressure somehow gets you in a spending mood
I guess I'm just living proof
My momma like, "You bought another pair of tennis shoes"
Scientific studies show the best known way to cope with an effed-up date is
copping retro J's
We might be broke but we ain't poor, baby that's okay
Need some therapy for your boy today, that's gonna wait
I bought a stack of rare records. I got good and plenty
No Janet Jackson anybody, cost a pretty penny
Don't ask to see them prices
Don't you think for minute that Super he's so righteous
A floor brother navigating through a retail crisis
Where grocery bills double increases sneaker prices
Has anybody checked to see how much a lease on life is
I know we struggling but this bro never listens
Judge me not, my budget's shot
This my coping mechanism
I know the rent's high
I know the bills due
I know we struggling but Daddy needs new shoes
Money's running low
Stress through the roof
Don't judge me
I just need a way to cope with the pain
I know the rent's high
I know the bills due
I know we struggling but Daddy needs new shoes
Money's running low
Stress through the roof
Don't judge me
I just need a way to cope with the pain
Hey, and that right there goes out to all the highly stressed
Yet fantastically dressed party people tuned in right now
That's RJD2 and Supastition with another one, another one, another one...
A Beautiful Ending
There will come a day
When life as we know
It will come to a close
There's nothing we can do about it
The only thing we can ask for
Is a beautiful ending
I pray for a beautiful ending
If today must be my last
Grant me a beautiful ending
Yeah. Lord, it's all I ask
The end seems to be what everyone fears
But when God calls, my job's all done here
I was given life as a humble servant
So never say my death was undeserved
In case of my demise, when this man is gone
Wwipe tears from the eyes, keep my family strong
Let 'em know in this battle, they don't stand alone
We had plans, but God had plans of his own
It was my turn to walk amongst angels
Life's temporary, love is eternal
Fulfill my dreams and my destiny
The beautiful thing, my queen, she was next to me
We loved each other through sickness and health
She even taught me how to love myself
Last words to my children, I love you equally
Unconditionally, even when you don't speak to me
I tried to push you to greatness
As bad as it pains me to say this
Sometimes it didn't work, sometimes you felt hurt
I made my mistakes, especially with my first
I ask for forgiveness and grace
So the day that I'm in a better place
I hope there's no regrets to my family and future descendants
I pray we all have a beautiful ending
I pray for a beautiful ending
If today must be my last
Grant me a beautiful ending
Lord, it's all I ask
Everything's gonna be all right
Bless your soul, God bless your life
This doesn't mean that you lost the fight
Rest in heaven, God bless your life
Everything's gonna be all right
Bless your soul, God bless your life
This doesn't mean that you lost the fight
Rest in heaven,God bless your life
You finally found peace after a tough ride
Today, your aches and pains will subside
No more bad news that the doctor delivered
No medical procedures or hospital visits
'Cause God only knows it was hard dealing with it
But you kept fighting til your heartbeat finished
It was that Tuesday morning when I found out you was gone
I lost one of my best friends, 30 years as a brother and mentor
My life will never be the same henceforth
But your family handled your service and funeral
Your death was hard, but your end, it was beautiful
And I just wanna thank you
I can't name one person that's more qualified to be an angel
Sometimes it takes the passing of a loved one
To put you back on the right path and change you
I pray one day to have the strength you possess
'Cause I've been struggling since your death
And questioning how much time I got left
Somewhere between motivated and depressed
Even penning this song makes it hard
But we all got dates with God pending
So we all gotta live like every day is our last one
'Cause we just want a beautiful ending
I pray for a beautiful ending
If today must be my last
If today must be my last
I still love you
Grant me a beautiful ending
Yeah, Lord, it's all I ask
Everything's gonna be all right
Bless your soul, God bless your life
This doesn't mean that you lost the fight
Rest in heaven. God bless your life
Everything's gonna be all right
Bless your soul. God bless your life
This doesn't mean that you lost the fight
Rest in heaven. God bless your life
Dedicated to my brother, my longtime friend, Eric Hood, AKA Hood Music
Love you, man
God bless your life
To one of my biggest supporters
Good friend, Eric Powell, AKA Big E The Old Head
Man, God bless your life
I've lost so many more people
But in closing
I wish you all a peaceful journey
And a beautiful ending
Rest in heaven
