| Disc 1 | ||||||
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| 1. |
| 3:56 | 
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I ain't no joke, I use to let the mic smoke
Now I slam it when I'm done and make sure it's broke When i'm gone no one gets on cuz I won't let Nobody press up and mess up the seen I set I like to stand in a crowd and watch the people wonder damn But think about it then you'll understand I'm just an addict addicted to music Maybe it's a habit, I gotta use it Even if it's jazz or the quiet storm I hook a beat up convert it into hip-hop form Write a rhyme in graffitti in every show you see me in Deep concentration, cuz I'm no comedian Jokers are wild if you wanna be tamed I treat you like a child then you're gonna be named Another enemy, not even a friend of me Cuz you'll get fried in the end when you pretend to be Competin' cuz I just put your mind on pause and I complete when - you compare my rhyme wit yours I wake you up and as I stare in your face you seem stunned Remember me, the one you got your idea from But soon you start to suffer, the tune'll get rougher When you start to stutter that's when you had enuff of Biting, it'll make you choke, you can't provoke You can't cope, you should've broke because I ain't no joke I got a question, as serious as cancer Who can keep the average dancer Hyper as a heart attack nobody smiling Cuz you're expressing the rhyme that I'm styling This is what we all sit down to write You can't make it so you take it home, break it and bite Use pieces and bits of all the hip-hop hits Get the style down pat then it's time to switch Put my tape on pause and add some more to yours Then you fake it you're ready for the neighborhood chores The E-M-C-E-E don't even try to be When you come up to speak, don't even lie to me You like to exaggerate, dream and imaginate Then change the rhyme around, that can aggravate me So when you see me come up, freeze Or you'll be one of those 7 MC's They think that I'm a new jack but only if they knew that They who think wrong are they who can't do that Style that I'm doing, they might ruin Patterns and paragraphs based on you and Your offbeat DJ, if anything he play Sound familiar, I'll wait til E say Play 'em, so I'ma have to diss and bro You could get a smack for this, I ain't no joke I hold the microphone like a grudge B'll hold the record so the needle don't budge I hold a conversation cuz when I invent I nominated my DJ to president When I'm see I'll, keep a freestyle, going steadily So pucker up and whistle my melody But whatever you do, don't miss one They'll be another rough rhyme after this one Before you know it, you're following and fiending Waiting for the punchline to get the meaning Like before the middle of my story I'm telling Nobody beats the R so stop yelling Save it, put it in your pocket for later Cuz I'm moving the crowd and B'll wreck the fader No interruptions til the mic is broke When I'm gone, then you can joke Cuz everything is real on a serious tip Keep playing and I varies quick And take you for a walk through hell Freeze your dome then watch your eyeballs swell Guide you out of triple stage darkness When it get dark again then I'ma spark this Microphone cuz the heat is on, you see smoke then I finish when the beat is gone, I'm no joke |
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| 2. |
| 3:44 | 
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| 3. |
| 6:47 |
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Turn up the bass, check out my melody, hand out a cigar
I'm lettin knowledge be born, and my name's the R A-k-i-m, not like the rest of them, I'm not on a list That's what I'm sayin, I drop science like a scientist My melody's in a code, the very next episode Has the mic often distortin', ready to explode I keep the mic at Fahrenheit, freeze MC's to make 'em colder The listener's system is kickin' like solar As I memorize, advertise, like a poet Keep you goin' when I'm flowin', smooth enough, you know with the rough That's why the moral of my story I tell'll be Nobody beats the R, check out my melody So what, I'm a microphone fiend addicted soon as I seen One of these four MC's so they don't have to scream I couldn't wait to take the mic, flow into it to test it, Let 'My Melody' play, then a record suggest it I'm droppin bombs, but I stay peace and calm Any MC that disagree with me wave your arm And I'll break, when I'm through breakin' I'll leave you broke Drop the mic when I'm finished and watch it smoke So stand back, you wanna rap? All of that can wait I won't push, I won't beat around the bush I wanna break upon those who are not supposed to You might try but you can't get close to Because I'm number one, competition is none I'm measured with the heat that's made by sun 'Cause I'm playin ball or bobbin' in the hall Or just writin my name in graffiti on the wall You shouldn't have told me you said you controlled me So now a contest is what you owe me Pull out your money, pull out your cut Pull up a chair, and I'm a tear shit up My name is Rakim Allah, and R and A stands for Ra Switch it around, it still comes out R So easily will I e-m-c-e-e My repetition of words is check out my melody Some bass and treble is moist, scratch in and cut in a voice And when it's mine that's when the rhyme is always choice I wouldn't a came and said my name and run same weak shit Puttin' blurbs and slurs and words that don't fit In a rhyme, why waste time on the microphone I take this more serious than just a poem Rockin party to party, backyard to yard I tear it up, y'all, and bless the mic for the gods The rhyme is rugged, at the same time sharp I can swing off anything even a string of a harp Just turn it on and start rockin, mine, no introduction 'Til I finish droppin science, no interruption When I approach I exercise like a coach Usin' a melody and add new verse(?) and notes So when the mic and the R-a-k-i-m It's attached, like a match I will strike again Rhymes are poetically kept and alphabetically stepped Put in a order to pursue with the momentum except I say one rhyme out of order, a longer rhyme shorter, A pause, but don't stop the tape recorder I'm not a regular competitor, first rhyme editor Melody arranger, poet, etcetera Extra event, the grand finale-like bonus I am the man they call the microphonist With wisdom, which means wise words bein' spoken Too many at one time watch the mic start smokin' I came to express the rap I manifest Stand in my way and I'll veto on the word's protest MC's that wanna be vissed(?), they're gonna Be dissed if they don't get from in fronta All they can go get is me a glass of Moet A hard time, sip your juice and watch a smooth poet I take 7 MC's put 'em in a line And add 7 more brothas who think they can rhyme Well, it'll take 7 more before I go for mine Now that's 21 MC's ate up at the same time Easy does it, do it easy, that's what I'm doin' No fessin', no messin' around, no chewin' No robbin', no buyin', bitin', why bother This slob'll stop tryin', fightin' to follow My unusual style will confuse you a while And if I was water, I'd flow in the Nile So many rhymes you won't have time to go for yours Just because of applause I have to pause Right after tonight is when I prepare To catch another sucka duck MC out there 'Cause my strategy has to be tragedy, catastrophe And after this you'll call me your majesty My melody Yes, my melody Eric B. Marley Marl synthesized it, I memorize it Eric B. made a cut and advertised it My melody's created for MC's in the place They try to listen cuz I'm dissin them so pick up your face Shook off your neck cuz you try to detect my pace Now you're buggin', almost doggin' off my rhyme-like bass The melody that I'm stylin', smooth as a violin Rough enough to break New York from Long Island My wisdom is swift, no matter if My momentum is slow, MC's still stand stiff I'm genuine like leather - reclined to be clever MC, you'll beat the R, I'll say "Oh never" So Eric B., cut it easily and check out my melody... |
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| 4. |
| 4:47 |
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It's been a long time, I shouldn't have left you
Without a strong rhyme to step to Think of how many weak shows you slept through Time's up, I'm sorry I kept you Thinking of this, you keep repeating you miss The rhymes from the microphone soloist And you sit by the radio, hand on the dial, soon As you hear it, pump up the volume Dance wit the speaker 'till you hear it blow, Then plug in the headphone 'cause here it go It's a 4 letter word when it's heard, it control your body to dance (You got it) soul, Ditects the tempo like a red alert Reaches your reflex, so let it work When this is playing, you can't get stuck wit The steps, so get set and I'm a still come up wit A gift to be swift, follow the leader, the rhyme will go Def wit the record that was mixed a long time ago It can be done but only I can do it For those that can dance and clap your hands to it I start to think and then I sink Into the paper like I was ink When I'm writing, I'm trapped in between the lines, I escape when I finish the rhyme... I got soul You got it (4x) I know you got soul Picture a mic, the stage is empty A beat like this might tempt me To pose, show my rings and my fat gold chain Grab the mic like I'm on Soul Train But I'll wait 'cause I mastered this Let the others go first so the brothers don't miss Eric B. break the sticks (you got it) Rakim will begin when you make the mix I'll experiment like a scientist You wanna rhyme, you gotta sign my list 'Cause I'm a manifest and bless the mic I hold You want it next? then you gotta have soul 'Cause if you ain't got it, I'm a make an encore Take the mic, make the people respond for The R, 'cause that's the way it'll have to be If you wanna get on after me Think about it, wait, erase your rhyme Forget it and don't waste your time 'Cause I'll be in the crowd if you ain't controlling it Drop the mic, you shouldn't be holding it This is how it should be done This style is identical to none Some try to make it sound like this but you're getting me So upset that I'm wet 'cause you're sweating me I drip steam like a microphone fiend Eager to MC is my theme I get hype when I hear a drum roll Rakim is on the mic and you know I got soul You got it (5x) I got soul (you got it) that's why I came To teach those who can't say my name First of all, I'm the soloist, the soul controller Rakim gets stronger as I get older Constant elevation causes expansion I write my rhyme while I cool in my mansion Then put it on tape and in the city I test it Then on the radio the R's requested You listen to it, the concept might break you 'Cause almost anyone can relate to... Whoever's out of hand, I'm give him handles Light 'em up, blow 'em out like candles Or should I just let him melt? Then give him a hand so they can see how it felt I'm not bold just cuz I rock gold Rakim is on the mic and you know I got soul You got it (4x) Now I'm a stop to see what you got Get off the mic before I get too hot I want to see which posse can dance the best It should be easy 'cause the beat is fresh Now if your from Uptown, Brooklyn- bound, The Bronx, Queens, or Long Island Sound, Even other states come right and exact, It ain't where you're from, it's where you're at Since you came here, you have to show and prove And do that dance until it don't move 'Cause all you need is soul self-esteem will release, The rest is up to you, Rakim 'll say peace You got it (10x) |
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| 5. |
| 3:47 |
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Verse one:
Standing by the speaker suddenly I had this Fever was it me or either summer madness 'cause I just can't stand around So I get closer and the closer I get the better it sound My mind starts to activate rhymes collaborate 'cause When i heard the beat I just had to make Something from the top of my head So I fell into the groove of the wax and I said How could I move the crowd First of all, ain't no mistakes allowed Here's the instruction, put it together It simple ain't it but quite clever Some of you been trying to write rhymes for years But weak ideas irritate my ears Is this the best that you can make? 'cause if not and you got more, I'll wait But don't make me wait too long coz I'm a move on The dancefloor when they put something smooth on So turn up the bass, it's better when it's loud 'cause I like to move the crowd Move the crowd... Verse two: Imagine me wit the heat that's made by solar, It gets stronger everytime I hold a Microphone, check the tone to get started The line for the microphone is departed So leave it up to me, my DJ is mixing Everyone is moving or eager to listen Your hands in the air, your mouth, shut! 'cause I'm on the mic and Eric be |
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6. |
| 3:51 |
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Yo Rakim what's up?
Yo I'm doing the knowledge E. I'm trying to get paid in full Well check this out since Nobry Walters is our agency right? True Kara Lewis is our agent Word up Zakia/4th & Broadway is our record company Indeed Okay so who we rollin with? We rollin with Rush Of Rushtown Management. Check this out since we talking over this def beat that I put together, I wanna hear some of them def rhymes, know what I'm sayin? And together, we can get paid in full... Thinkin of a master plan Cuz ain't nuthin but sweat inside my hand So I dig into my pocket, all my money is spent So I dig deeper but still comin up with lint So I start my mission- leave my residence Thinkin how could I get some dead presidents I need money, I used to be a stick-up kid So I think of all the devious things I did I used to roll up, this is a hold up, ain't nuthin funny Stop smiling, be still, don't nuthin move but the money But now I learned to earn cos I'm righteous I feel great! so maybe I might just Search for a 9 to 5, if I strive Then maybe I'll stay alive So I walk up the street whistlin this Feelin out of place cos, man, do I miss A pen and a paper, a stereo, a tape of Me and Eric B, and a nice big plate of Fish, which is my favorite dish But without no money it's still a wish Cos I don't like to dream about gettin paid So I dig into the books of the rhymes that I made To now test to see if I got pull Hit the studio, cos I'm paid in full |
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| 7. |
| 4:00 |
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Knowledge will begin until I finish this song
'Cuz the rhyme gets rougher as the rhyme goes on You sweat as you step about to get hype Or should you just listen to the man on the mic You're physically in this with me but how could you tell If it's meant to be hip hop if you're not mentally as well Ready to absorb the rhyme that I just poured Into the mic and so unite and this won't be so bored If you just keep kickin' listen - to the mix And think you'll sink into the rhyme like quicksand Holds and controls you 'til I leave You fall deeper in the style - it's hard to breathe The only time I stop is when somebody drop and then Bring 'em to the front 'cuz my rhymes' the oxygen Then wave your hands - when you're ready I'll send you Into your favorite dance so let the rhyme continue And so on and I'ma go on simultaneously And even if I stop - the rhyme remains to be Rising to the top - and I came to drop it Catch it and quiz it - is my topic Universual 'cuz I move everybody to come By exercising your mind you'll coincide as one You look around and see how packed the party starts to get I draw a crowd - like an architect The five borroughs react and all the islands attract And every state can't wait - so they attack off a spot on the floor - squeeze in cuz it's packed It'll be more room if MC's play the back I'm the R the A to the K-I-M If I wasn't, then why would I say I am The microphone fiend if I was a fake Whoever said it's just buggin' off the rhymes I make I had you biting your tongue for what I brung and recite Sung it on stage some said it don't sound like The voice on the record - I see what you mean Because the system was wack, so I had to scream So just - give me a mic if it's loud I'll blow it If not - into the crowd I'll throw it Pull out my cordless mic and entertain you well Before I let go I'ma spark your brain cells I took time to write - tonight I will recite So poetically inclined when the mic is held tight Rhymes start flowin' kisses are blowin MC's are knowin' that's why they're goin Home to tell a friend when the party ends "Yo, man you know Rakim? That brother struck again" Cuz mic by mic and stage by stage, Tape by tape and page by page, When the crowd is moving I compete with the mix The rougher the cuts - the rougher the rhyme gets Deeper and Deeper - I hope you understand it I made it up myself and I planned it For other MC's who waste time Writing jokes, riddles, and maybe a rhyme I cross my arms and I was waiting - but I was hating The rappers on the microphone was fronting - just faking They wasn't breakin', which means I was achin' To get up on the microphone and then start takin' Control of the mic - uptight when I grabbed it So hug the speaker- your ear's a magnet Attracted to a freestyle put in effect You listen to my man while you're sippin' Moet So Eric, pick up the needle (yeah) put it in the middle (ahhight) Give me a scratch, turn my Mic up a little, I want you to hear this perfectly clear Catch what I'm sayin'? You get the idea? I hope you knowledge the beginning cuz I'm finished this song The rhyme gets rougher as the rhyme flows on... |
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| 8. |
| 4:09 |
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It's not your situation
I just need contemplation over you Over you I'm not so systematic It's just that I'm an addict for your love yeah I'm not the only one that holds ya I never ever should have told ya You're my only girl (Never should have told you/me) I'm not the only one that holds ya I never ever should have told ya You're my only world Just think how long I've known ya It's wrong for me to own you lock and key Lock and key It's really not confusin' I'm just a young illusion can't you see, yeah, well I'm not the only one that holds ya I never ever should have told ya You're my only girl (Never should have told you/me) I'm not the only one that holds ya I never ever should have told ya You're my only world Georgy Porgy puddin' pie Kissed the girls and made them cry Georgy Porgy puddin' pie Kissed the girls and made them cry Georgy Porgy puddin' pie Kissed the girls and made them cry Georgy Porgy puddin' pie Kissed the girls, yeah Oh, oh, kissed the girls, um hmm Oh, oh, oh It's not your situation I just need contemplation over you Over you I'm not so systematic It's just that I'm an addict for your love, yeah I'm not the only one that holds ya I never ever should have told ya You're my only girl (Never should have told you/me) I'm not the only one that holds ya I never ever should have told ya You're my only world Georgy Porgy puddin' pie Kissed the girls and made them cry Georgy Porgy puddin' pie Kissed the girls and made them cry Georgy Porgy puddin' pie Kissed the girls and made them cry Georgy Porgy puddin' pie Kissed the girls, yeah Oh, oh, kissed the girls, um hmm Why ya wanna make them Oh make them cry (No) Oh, whoa whoa (Why) Kiss the girls Why ya wanna Georgy Porgy puddin' pie Kissed the girls and made them cry Georgy Porgy puddin' pie Kissed the girls and made them cry Georgy Porgy puddin' pie Kissed the girls and made them cry Georgy Porgy puddin' pie Kissed the girls, yeah Oh, oh, kissed the girls, um hmm |
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| 9. |
| 6:19 |
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I came in the door, I said it before
I never let the mic magnetize me no more But it's biting me, fighting me, inviting me to rhyme I can't hold it back, I'm looking for the line, Taking off my coat, clearing my throat The rhyme will be kicking it until I hit my last note My mind remains to find all kinda ideas Self-esteem makes it seem like a thought took years to build But still say a rhyme after the next one Prepared, never scared, I'll just bless one And you know that I'm the soloist So Eric B, make 'em clap to this I don't bug out or chill or be acting ill No tricks in '86, it's time to build Eric B easy on the cut, no mistakes allowed Cuz to me, MC means move the crowd I made it easy to dance to this But can you detect what's coming next from the flex of the wrist Say "Indeed" then I proceed cuz my man made a mix If he bleed he won't need no band-aid to fix his fingertips, so I rhyme until there's no rhymes left I hurry up because the cut will make him bleed to death But he's kicking it cuz it ain't no half steppin' The party is live, the Rak can't be kept inside if he's eruptin' just like a volcano It ain't the everyday style or the same old rhyme Cuz I'm better then the rest of them Eric B is on the cut and my name is Rakim Go get a girl and get soft and warm, Don't get excited, you've been invited to a quiet storm But now it's out of hand cuz you told me you hate me And then you ask what have I done lately First you said all you want is love and affection Let me be your angel and I'll be your protection Take you out, buy you all kinds of things You caught an attitude, you need food to eat up I'm scheming like I'm dreaming on a couch wit my feet up You scream I'm lazy, you must be crazy Thought I was a donut, you tried to glaze me |
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| 10. |
| 3:52 |
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| Disc 2 | ||||||
| 1. |
| 7:12 |
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Yo Rakim what's up?
Yo I'm doing the knowledge E. I'm trying to get paid in full Well check this out since Nobry Walters is our agency right? True Kara Lewis is our agent Word up Zakia/4th & Broadway is our record company Indeed Okay so who we rollin with? We rollin with Rush Of Rushtown Management. Check this out since we talking over this def beat that I put together, I wanna hear some of them def rhymes, know what I'm sayin? And together, we can get paid in full... Thinkin of a master plan Cuz ain't nuthin but sweat inside my hand So I dig into my pocket, all my money is spent So I dig deeper but still comin up with lint So I start my mission- leave my residence Thinkin how could I get some dead presidents I need money, I used to be a stick-up kid So I think of all the devious things I did I used to roll up, this is a hold up, ain't nuthin funny Stop smiling, be still, don't nuthin move but the money But now I learned to earn cos I'm righteous I feel great! so maybe I might just Search for a 9 to 5, if I strive Then maybe I'll stay alive So I walk up the street whistlin this Feelin out of place cos, man, do I miss A pen and a paper, a stereo, a tape of Me and Eric B, and a nice big plate of Fish, which is my favorite dish But without no money it's still a wish Cos I don't like to dream about gettin paid So I dig into the books of the rhymes that I made To now test to see if I got pull Hit the studio, cos I'm paid in full |
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| 2. |
| 4:56 |
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It's been a long time, I shouldn't have left you
Without a strong rhyme to step to Think of how many weak shows you slept through Time's up, I'm sorry I kept you Thinking of this, you keep repeating you miss The rhymes from the microphone soloist And you sit by the radio, hand on the dial, soon As you hear it, pump up the volume Dance wit the speaker 'till you hear it blow, Then plug in the headphone 'cause here it go It's a 4 letter word when it's heard, it control your body to dance (You got it) soul, Ditects the tempo like a red alert Reaches your reflex, so let it work When this is playing, you can't get stuck wit The steps, so get set and I'm a still come up wit A gift to be swift, follow the leader, the rhyme will go Def wit the record that was mixed a long time ago It can be done but only I can do it For those that can dance and clap your hands to it I start to think and then I sink Into the paper like I was ink When I'm writing, I'm trapped in between the lines, I escape when I finish the rhyme... I got soul You got it (4x) I know you got soul Picture a mic, the stage is empty A beat like this might tempt me To pose, show my rings and my fat gold chain Grab the mic like I'm on Soul Train But I'll wait 'cause I mastered this Let the others go first so the brothers don't miss Eric B. break the sticks (you got it) Rakim will begin when you make the mix I'll experiment like a scientist You wanna rhyme, you gotta sign my list 'Cause I'm a manifest and bless the mic I hold You want it next? then you gotta have soul 'Cause if you ain't got it, I'm a make an encore Take the mic, make the people respond for The R, 'cause that's the way it'll have to be If you wanna get on after me Think about it, wait, erase your rhyme Forget it and don't waste your time 'Cause I'll be in the crowd if you ain't controlling it Drop the mic, you shouldn't be holding it This is how it should be done This style is identical to none Some try to make it sound like this but you're getting me So upset that I'm wet 'cause you're sweating me I drip steam like a microphone fiend Eager to MC is my theme I get hype when I hear a drum roll Rakim is on the mic and you know I got soul You got it (5x) I got soul (you got it) that's why I came To teach those who can't say my name First of all, I'm the soloist, the soul controller Rakim gets stronger as I get older Constant elevation causes expansion I write my rhyme while I cool in my mansion Then put it on tape and in the city I test it Then on the radio the R's requested You listen to it, the concept might break you 'Cause almost anyone can relate to... Whoever's out of hand, I'm give him handles Light 'em up, blow 'em out like candles Or should I just let him melt? Then give him a hand so they can see how it felt I'm not bold just cuz I rock gold Rakim is on the mic and you know I got soul You got it (4x) Now I'm a stop to see what you got Get off the mic before I get too hot I want to see which posse can dance the best It should be easy 'cause the beat is fresh Now if your from Uptown, Brooklyn- bound, The Bronx, Queens, or Long Island Sound, Even other states come right and exact, It ain't where you're from, it's where you're at Since you came here, you have to show and prove And do that dance until it don't move 'Cause all you need is soul self-esteem will release, The rest is up to you, Rakim 'll say peace You got it (10x) |
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| 3. |
| 4:25 |
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Verse one:
Standing by the speaker suddenly I had this Fever was it me or either summer madness 'cause I just can't stand around So I get closer and the closer I get the better it sound My mind starts to activate rhymes collaborate 'cause When i heard the beat I just had to make Something from the top of my head So I fell into the groove of the wax and I said How could I move the crowd First of all, ain't no mistakes allowed Here's the instruction, put it together It simple ain't it but quite clever Some of you been trying to write rhymes for years But weak ideas irritate my ears Is this the best that you can make? 'cause if not and you got more, I'll wait But don't make me wait too long coz I'm a move on The dancefloor when they put something smooth on So turn up the bass, it's better when it's loud 'cause I like to move the crowd Move the crowd... Verse two: Imagine me wit the heat that's made by solar, It gets stronger everytime I hold a Microphone, check the tone to get started The line for the microphone is departed So leave it up to me, my DJ is mixing Everyone is moving or eager to listen Your hands in the air, your mouth, shut! 'cause I'm on the mic and Eric be |
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| 4. |
| 5:15 |
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Yo Rakim what's up?
Yo I'm doing the knowledge E. I'm trying to get paid in full Well check this out since Nobry Walters is our agency right? True Kara Lewis is our agent Word up Zakia/4th & Broadway is our record company Indeed Okay so who we rollin with? We rollin with Rush Of Rushtown Management. Check this out since we talking over this def beat that I put together, I wanna hear some of them def rhymes, know what I'm sayin? And together, we can get paid in full... Thinkin of a master plan Cuz ain't nuthin but sweat inside my hand So I dig into my pocket, all my money is spent So I dig deeper but still comin up with lint So I start my mission- leave my residence Thinkin how could I get some dead presidents I need money, I used to be a stick-up kid So I think of all the devious things I did I used to roll up, this is a hold up, ain't nuthin funny Stop smiling, be still, don't nuthin move but the money But now I learned to earn cos I'm righteous I feel great! so maybe I might just Search for a 9 to 5, if I strive Then maybe I'll stay alive So I walk up the street whistlin this Feelin out of place cos, man, do I miss A pen and a paper, a stereo, a tape of Me and Eric B, and a nice big plate of Fish, which is my favorite dish But without no money it's still a wish Cos I don't like to dream about gettin paid So I dig into the books of the rhymes that I made To now test to see if I got pull Hit the studio, cos I'm paid in full |
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| 5. |
| 6:12 |
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Knowledge will begin until I finish this song
'Cuz the rhyme gets rougher as the rhyme goes on You sweat as you step about to get hype Or should you just listen to the man on the mic You're physically in this with me but how could you tell If it's meant to be hip hop if you're not mentally as well Ready to absorb the rhyme that I just poured Into the mic and so unite and this won't be so bored If you just keep kickin' listen - to the mix And think you'll sink into the rhyme like quicksand Holds and controls you 'til I leave You fall deeper in the style - it's hard to breathe The only time I stop is when somebody drop and then Bring 'em to the front 'cuz my rhymes' the oxygen Then wave your hands - when you're ready I'll send you Into your favorite dance so let the rhyme continue And so on and I'ma go on simultaneously And even if I stop - the rhyme remains to be Rising to the top - and I came to drop it Catch it and quiz it - is my topic Universual 'cuz I move everybody to come By exercising your mind you'll coincide as one You look around and see how packed the party starts to get I draw a crowd - like an architect The five borroughs react and all the islands attract And every state can't wait - so they attack off a spot on the floor - squeeze in cuz it's packed It'll be more room if MC's play the back I'm the R the A to the K-I-M If I wasn't, then why would I say I am The microphone fiend if I was a fake Whoever said it's just buggin' off the rhymes I make I had you biting your tongue for what I brung and recite Sung it on stage some said it don't sound like The voice on the record - I see what you mean Because the system was wack, so I had to scream So just - give me a mic if it's loud I'll blow it If not - into the crowd I'll throw it Pull out my cordless mic and entertain you well Before I let go I'ma spark your brain cells I took time to write - tonight I will recite So poetically inclined when the mic is held tight Rhymes start flowin' kisses are blowin MC's are knowin' that's why they're goin Home to tell a friend when the party ends "Yo, man you know Rakim? That brother struck again" Cuz mic by mic and stage by stage, Tape by tape and page by page, When the crowd is moving I compete with the mix The rougher the cuts - the rougher the rhyme gets Deeper and Deeper - I hope you understand it I made it up myself and I planned it For other MC's who waste time Writing jokes, riddles, and maybe a rhyme I cross my arms and I was waiting - but I was hating The rappers on the microphone was fronting - just faking They wasn't breakin', which means I was achin' To get up on the microphone and then start takin' Control of the mic - uptight when I grabbed it So hug the speaker- your ear's a magnet Attracted to a freestyle put in effect You listen to my man while you're sippin' Moet So Eric, pick up the needle (yeah) put it in the middle (ahhight) Give me a scratch, turn my Mic up a little, I want you to hear this perfectly clear Catch what I'm sayin'? You get the idea? I hope you knowledge the beginning cuz I'm finished this song The rhyme gets rougher as the rhyme flows on... |
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| 6. |
| 7:10 |
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Verse one:
Standing by the speaker suddenly I had this Fever was it me or either summer madness 'cause I just can't stand around So I get closer and the closer I get the better it sound My mind starts to activate rhymes collaborate 'cause When i heard the beat I just had to make Something from the top of my head So I fell into the groove of the wax and I said How could I move the crowd First of all, ain't no mistakes allowed Here's the instruction, put it together It simple ain't it but quite clever Some of you been trying to write rhymes for years But weak ideas irritate my ears Is this the best that you can make? 'cause if not and you got more, I'll wait But don't make me wait too long coz I'm a move on The dancefloor when they put something smooth on So turn up the bass, it's better when it's loud 'cause I like to move the crowd Move the crowd... Verse two: Imagine me wit the heat that's made by solar, It gets stronger everytime I hold a Microphone, check the tone to get started The line for the microphone is departed So leave it up to me, my DJ is mixing Everyone is moving or eager to listen Your hands in the air, your mouth, shut! 'cause I'm on the mic and Eric be |
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| 7. |
| 5:58 |
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Turn up the bass, check out my melody, hand out a cigar
I'm lettin knowledge be born, and my name's the R A-k-i-m, not like the rest of them, I'm not on a list That's what I'm sayin, I drop science like a scientist My melody's in a code, the very next episode Has the mic often distortin', ready to explode I keep the mic at Fahrenheit, freeze MC's to make 'em colder The listener's system is kickin' like solar As I memorize, advertise, like a poet Keep you goin' when I'm flowin', smooth enough, you know with the rough That's why the moral of my story I tell'll be Nobody beats the R, check out my melody So what, I'm a microphone fiend addicted soon as I seen One of these four MC's so they don't have to scream I couldn't wait to take the mic, flow into it to test it, Let 'My Melody' play, then a record suggest it I'm droppin bombs, but I stay peace and calm Any MC that disagree with me wave your arm And I'll break, when I'm through breakin' I'll leave you broke Drop the mic when I'm finished and watch it smoke So stand back, you wanna rap? All of that can wait I won't push, I won't beat around the bush I wanna break upon those who are not supposed to You might try but you can't get close to Because I'm number one, competition is none I'm measured with the heat that's made by sun 'Cause I'm playin ball or bobbin' in the hall Or just writin my name in graffiti on the wall You shouldn't have told me you said you controlled me So now a contest is what you owe me Pull out your money, pull out your cut Pull up a chair, and I'm a tear shit up My name is Rakim Allah, and R and A stands for Ra Switch it around, it still comes out R So easily will I e-m-c-e-e My repetition of words is check out my melody Some bass and treble is moist, scratch in and cut in a voice And when it's mine that's when the rhyme is always choice I wouldn't a came and said my name and run same weak shit Puttin' blurbs and slurs and words that don't fit In a rhyme, why waste time on the microphone I take this more serious than just a poem Rockin party to party, backyard to yard I tear it up, y'all, and bless the mic for the gods The rhyme is rugged, at the same time sharp I can swing off anything even a string of a harp Just turn it on and start rockin, mine, no introduction 'Til I finish droppin science, no interruption When I approach I exercise like a coach Usin' a melody and add new verse(?) and notes So when the mic and the R-a-k-i-m It's attached, like a match I will strike again Rhymes are poetically kept and alphabetically stepped Put in a order to pursue with the momentum except I say one rhyme out of order, a longer rhyme shorter, A pause, but don't stop the tape recorder I'm not a regular competitor, first rhyme editor Melody arranger, poet, etcetera Extra event, the grand finale-like bonus I am the man they call the microphonist With wisdom, which means wise words bein' spoken Too many at one time watch the mic start smokin' I came to express the rap I manifest Stand in my way and I'll veto on the word's protest MC's that wanna be vissed(?), they're gonna Be dissed if they don't get from in fronta All they can go get is me a glass of Moet A hard time, sip your juice and watch a smooth poet I take 7 MC's put 'em in a line And add 7 more brothas who think they can rhyme Well, it'll take 7 more before I go for mine Now that's 21 MC's ate up at the same time Easy does it, do it easy, that's what I'm doin' No fessin', no messin' around, no chewin' No robbin', no buyin', bitin', why bother This slob'll stop tryin', fightin' to follow My unusual style will confuse you a while And if I was water, I'd flow in the Nile So many rhymes you won't have time to go for yours Just because of applause I have to pause Right after tonight is when I prepare To catch another sucka duck MC out there 'Cause my strategy has to be tragedy, catastrophe And after this you'll call me your majesty My melody Yes, my melody Eric B. Marley Marl synthesized it, I memorize it Eric B. made a cut and advertised it My melody's created for MC's in the place They try to listen cuz I'm dissin them so pick up your face Shook off your neck cuz you try to detect my pace Now you're buggin', almost doggin' off my rhyme-like bass The melody that I'm stylin', smooth as a violin Rough enough to break New York from Long Island My wisdom is swift, no matter if My momentum is slow, MC's still stand stiff I'm genuine like leather - reclined to be clever MC, you'll beat the R, I'll say "Oh never" So Eric B., cut it easily and check out my melody... |
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| 8. |
| 4:44 |
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It's been a long time, I shouldn't have left you
Without a strong rhyme to step to Think of how many weak shows you slept through Time's up, I'm sorry I kept you Thinking of this, you keep repeating you miss The rhymes from the microphone soloist And you sit by the radio, hand on the dial, soon As you hear it, pump up the volume Dance wit the speaker 'till you hear it blow, Then plug in the headphone 'cause here it go It's a 4 letter word when it's heard, it control your body to dance (You got it) soul, Ditects the tempo like a red alert Reaches your reflex, so let it work When this is playing, you can't get stuck wit The steps, so get set and I'm a still come up wit A gift to be swift, follow the leader, the rhyme will go Def wit the record that was mixed a long time ago It can be done but only I can do it For those that can dance and clap your hands to it I start to think and then I sink Into the paper like I was ink When I'm writing, I'm trapped in between the lines, I escape when I finish the rhyme... I got soul You got it (4x) I know you got soul Picture a mic, the stage is empty A beat like this might tempt me To pose, show my rings and my fat gold chain Grab the mic like I'm on Soul Train But I'll wait 'cause I mastered this Let the others go first so the brothers don't miss Eric B. break the sticks (you got it) Rakim will begin when you make the mix I'll experiment like a scientist You wanna rhyme, you gotta sign my list 'Cause I'm a manifest and bless the mic I hold You want it next? then you gotta have soul 'Cause if you ain't got it, I'm a make an encore Take the mic, make the people respond for The R, 'cause that's the way it'll have to be If you wanna get on after me Think about it, wait, erase your rhyme Forget it and don't waste your time 'Cause I'll be in the crowd if you ain't controlling it Drop the mic, you shouldn't be holding it This is how it should be done This style is identical to none Some try to make it sound like this but you're getting me So upset that I'm wet 'cause you're sweating me I drip steam like a microphone fiend Eager to MC is my theme I get hype when I hear a drum roll Rakim is on the mic and you know I got soul You got it (5x) I got soul (you got it) that's why I came To teach those who can't say my name First of all, I'm the soloist, the soul controller Rakim gets stronger as I get older Constant elevation causes expansion I write my rhyme while I cool in my mansion Then put it on tape and in the city I test it Then on the radio the R's requested You listen to it, the concept might break you 'Cause almost anyone can relate to... Whoever's out of hand, I'm give him handles Light 'em up, blow 'em out like candles Or should I just let him melt? Then give him a hand so they can see how it felt I'm not bold just cuz I rock gold Rakim is on the mic and you know I got soul You got it (4x) Now I'm a stop to see what you got Get off the mic before I get too hot I want to see which posse can dance the best It should be easy 'cause the beat is fresh Now if your from Uptown, Brooklyn- bound, The Bronx, Queens, or Long Island Sound, Even other states come right and exact, It ain't where you're from, it's where you're at Since you came here, you have to show and prove And do that dance until it don't move 'Cause all you need is soul self-esteem will release, The rest is up to you, Rakim 'll say peace You got it (10x) |
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| 9. |
| 4:47 |
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It's been a long time, I shouldn't have left you
Without a strong rhyme to step to Think of how many weak shows you slept through Time's up, I'm sorry I kept you Thinking of this, you keep repeating you miss The rhymes from the microphone soloist And you sit by the radio, hand on the dial, soon As you hear it, pump up the volume Dance wit the speaker 'till you hear it blow, Then plug in the headphone 'cause here it go It's a 4 letter word when it's heard, it control your body to dance (You got it) soul, Ditects the tempo like a red alert Reaches your reflex, so let it work When this is playing, you can't get stuck wit The steps, so get set and I'm a still come up wit A gift to be swift, follow the leader, the rhyme will go Def wit the record that was mixed a long time ago It can be done but only I can do it For those that can dance and clap your hands to it I start to think and then I sink Into the paper like I was ink When I'm writing, I'm trapped in between the lines, I escape when I finish the rhyme... I got soul You got it (4x) I know you got soul Picture a mic, the stage is empty A beat like this might tempt me To pose, show my rings and my fat gold chain Grab the mic like I'm on Soul Train But I'll wait 'cause I mastered this Let the others go first so the brothers don't miss Eric B. break the sticks (you got it) Rakim will begin when you make the mix I'll experiment like a scientist You wanna rhyme, you gotta sign my list 'Cause I'm a manifest and bless the mic I hold You want it next? then you gotta have soul 'Cause if you ain't got it, I'm a make an encore Take the mic, make the people respond for The R, 'cause that's the way it'll have to be If you wanna get on after me Think about it, wait, erase your rhyme Forget it and don't waste your time 'Cause I'll be in the crowd if you ain't controlling it Drop the mic, you shouldn't be holding it This is how it should be done This style is identical to none Some try to make it sound like this but you're getting me So upset that I'm wet 'cause you're sweating me I drip steam like a microphone fiend Eager to MC is my theme I get hype when I hear a drum roll Rakim is on the mic and you know I got soul You got it (5x) I got soul (you got it) that's why I came To teach those who can't say my name First of all, I'm the soloist, the soul controller Rakim gets stronger as I get older Constant elevation causes expansion I write my rhyme while I cool in my mansion Then put it on tape and in the city I test it Then on the radio the R's requested You listen to it, the concept might break you 'Cause almost anyone can relate to... Whoever's out of hand, I'm give him handles Light 'em up, blow 'em out like candles Or should I just let him melt? Then give him a hand so they can see how it felt I'm not bold just cuz I rock gold Rakim is on the mic and you know I got soul You got it (4x) Now I'm a stop to see what you got Get off the mic before I get too hot I want to see which posse can dance the best It should be easy 'cause the beat is fresh Now if your from Uptown, Brooklyn- bound, The Bronx, Queens, or Long Island Sound, Even other states come right and exact, It ain't where you're from, it's where you're at Since you came here, you have to show and prove And do that dance until it don't move 'Cause all you need is soul self-esteem will release, The rest is up to you, Rakim 'll say peace You got it (10x) |
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| 10. |
| 4:06 |
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I came in the door, I said it before
I never let the mic magnetize me no more But it's biting me, fighting me, inviting me to rhyme I can't hold it back, I'm looking for the line, Taking off my coat, clearing my throat The rhyme will be kicking it until I hit my last note My mind remains to find all kinda ideas Self-esteem makes it seem like a thought took years to build But still say a rhyme after the next one Prepared, never scared, I'll just bless one And you know that I'm the soloist So Eric B, make 'em clap to this I don't bug out or chill or be acting ill No tricks in '86, it's time to build Eric B easy on the cut, no mistakes allowed Cuz to me, MC means move the crowd I made it easy to dance to this But can you detect what's coming next from the flex of the wrist Say "Indeed" then I proceed cuz my man made a mix If he bleed he won't need no band-aid to fix his fingertips, so I rhyme until there's no rhymes left I hurry up because the cut will make him bleed to death But he's kicking it cuz it ain't no half steppin' The party is live, the Rak can't be kept inside if he's eruptin' just like a volcano It ain't the everyday style or the same old rhyme Cuz I'm better then the rest of them Eric B is on the cut and my name is Rakim Go get a girl and get soft and warm, Don't get excited, you've been invited to a quiet storm But now it's out of hand cuz you told me you hate me And then you ask what have I done lately First you said all you want is love and affection Let me be your angel and I'll be your protection Take you out, buy you all kinds of things You caught an attitude, you need food to eat up I'm scheming like I'm dreaming on a couch wit my feet up You scream I'm lazy, you must be crazy Thought I was a donut, you tried to glaze me |
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| 11. |
| 6:32 |
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Turn up the bass, check out my melody, hand out a cigar
I'm lettin knowledge be born, and my name's the R A-k-i-m, not like the rest of them, I'm not on a list That's what I'm sayin, I drop science like a scientist My melody's in a code, the very next episode Has the mic often distortin', ready to explode I keep the mic at Fahrenheit, freeze MC's to make 'em colder The listener's system is kickin' like solar As I memorize, advertise, like a poet Keep you goin' when I'm flowin', smooth enough, you know with the rough That's why the moral of my story I tell'll be Nobody beats the R, check out my melody So what, I'm a microphone fiend addicted soon as I seen One of these four MC's so they don't have to scream I couldn't wait to take the mic, flow into it to test it, Let 'My Melody' play, then a record suggest it I'm droppin bombs, but I stay peace and calm Any MC that disagree with me wave your arm And I'll break, when I'm through breakin' I'll leave you broke Drop the mic when I'm finished and watch it smoke So stand back, you wanna rap? All of that can wait I won't push, I won't beat around the bush I wanna break upon those who are not supposed to You might try but you can't get close to Because I'm number one, competition is none I'm measured with the heat that's made by sun 'Cause I'm playin ball or bobbin' in the hall Or just writin my name in graffiti on the wall You shouldn't have told me you said you controlled me So now a contest is what you owe me Pull out your money, pull out your cut Pull up a chair, and I'm a tear shit up My name is Rakim Allah, and R and A stands for Ra Switch it around, it still comes out R So easily will I e-m-c-e-e My repetition of words is check out my melody Some bass and treble is moist, scratch in and cut in a voice And when it's mine that's when the rhyme is always choice I wouldn't a came and said my name and run same weak shit Puttin' blurbs and slurs and words that don't fit In a rhyme, why waste time on the microphone I take this more serious than just a poem Rockin party to party, backyard to yard I tear it up, y'all, and bless the mic for the gods The rhyme is rugged, at the same time sharp I can swing off anything even a string of a harp Just turn it on and start rockin, mine, no introduction 'Til I finish droppin science, no interruption When I approach I exercise like a coach Usin' a melody and add new verse(?) and notes So when the mic and the R-a-k-i-m It's attached, like a match I will strike again Rhymes are poetically kept and alphabetically stepped Put in a order to pursue with the momentum except I say one rhyme out of order, a longer rhyme shorter, A pause, but don't stop the tape recorder I'm not a regular competitor, first rhyme editor Melody arranger, poet, etcetera Extra event, the grand finale-like bonus I am the man they call the microphonist With wisdom, which means wise words bein' spoken Too many at one time watch the mic start smokin' I came to express the rap I manifest Stand in my way and I'll veto on the word's protest MC's that wanna be vissed(?), they're gonna Be dissed if they don't get from in fronta All they can go get is me a glass of Moet A hard time, sip your juice and watch a smooth poet I take 7 MC's put 'em in a line And add 7 more brothas who think they can rhyme Well, it'll take 7 more before I go for mine Now that's 21 MC's ate up at the same time Easy does it, do it easy, that's what I'm doin' No fessin', no messin' around, no chewin' No robbin', no buyin', bitin', why bother This slob'll stop tryin', fightin' to follow My unusual style will confuse you a while And if I was water, I'd flow in the Nile So many rhymes you won't have time to go for yours Just because of applause I have to pause Right after tonight is when I prepare To catch another sucka duck MC out there 'Cause my strategy has to be tragedy, catastrophe And after this you'll call me your majesty My melody Yes, my melody Eric B. Marley Marl synthesized it, I memorize it Eric B. made a cut and advertised it My melody's created for MC's in the place They try to listen cuz I'm dissin them so pick up your face Shook off your neck cuz you try to detect my pace Now you're buggin', almost doggin' off my rhyme-like bass The melody that I'm stylin', smooth as a violin Rough enough to break New York from Long Island My wisdom is swift, no matter if My momentum is slow, MC's still stand stiff I'm genuine like leather - reclined to be clever MC, you'll beat the R, I'll say "Oh never" So Eric B., cut it easily and check out my melody... |
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