브루클린 블랙 스타의 컴백, MOS DEF 언제부턴가 RAWKUS 레이블이나 OK PLAYER는 그 단어 자체가 의미하는 바가 특별해서 그에 소속되었다는 것만으로도 진정한 블랙 뮤지션들로 받아들여질 정도였다. 어떻게 생각하면 마치 '유행'이 아닐까 싶을 정도로 부각되었던 것 같기도 하지만 실제로 RAWKUS에 적을 둔 HI-TEK이나 TALIB KWELI, 그리고 OK PLAYER의 음악적 소울 메이트인 D'ANGELO, ERYKAH BADU 등은 또 그만한 결과물들을 내보였던 게 사실이다. 그리고 바로 그 연장선 상에 MOS DEF가 있다. 브루클린 태생으로 음악보다는 TV 시리즈물을 통해 연기자로서 알려지기 시작했던 그는 1990년대 중반 DE LA SOUL이나 DA BUSH BABEES 등의 뮤지션들의 곡에 피처링하며 음악씬에서 모습을 보이기 시작했다. 자체 제작한 싱글 발매 후 곧 RAWKUS 레이블과 계약을 한 MOS DEF는 TALIB KWELI와 HI-TEK과 함께 본격적인 앨범 작업을 시작했는데 1998년 TALIB KWELI와 함께 발매한 [BLACK STAR]는 그들의 이름을 널리 알린 주인공으로 좋은 평가를 받았고, 이듬해인 1999년, 발매된 MOS DEF의 솔로 앨범 [BLACK ON BOTH SIDES]는 전작보다 더 훌륭한 앨범이라는 찬사를 받았다. 무엇보다 총질이나 마약질을 뻐기는 내용이 아닌 보다 깊은 블랙 소울에 대한 이해가 존재하는 그의 음악과, 또 그만큼 아티스트다운 면모를 보여온 그 자신의 모습은 힙합 팬들에게 큰 임팩트를 줄 만했던 것이다. 하지만, 그는 첫 솔로 앨범을 발매한 뒤 영화 [MONSTER'S BALL]이나 [SHOWTIME] 등과 TV에 출연하며 다시 연기 생활에 더욱 치중하는 듯 보였다. EMMY AWARDS에 노미네이트 될 정도로 그의 연기 생활 역시 꽤나 쓸만했지만 그의 음악을 좋아하는 사람들로서는 새로운 앨범에 대한 기다림으로 지칠만도 했다. 하지만 그 와중에도 MOS DEF는 또 다시 새로운 음악의 안식처를 끊임없이 갈구한 듯 싶은데 BLACK JACK JOHNSON을 그 결과물로 이해하면 될 듯 하다. BLACK JACK JOHNSON은 키보드와 드럼, 기타, 베이스 등 밴드의 형식을 완벽히 갖춘 프로젝트 팀으로 멤버들은 PARLIAMENT나 LIVING COLOUR 등에서 연주한 화려한 경력자들이다. MOS DEF는 이 팀을 통해 최근 젊은이들이 열광하는 랩과 락이 하이브리드 된, 예를 들어 LIMP BIZKIT 스타일의 밴드 음악에 반기를 들고자 했다. 결성 후 수 차례 공연을 한 적은 있다고 하는데, 구체적인 결과물이 나오지 않은 상태인지라 그 결과물을 논할 수는 없지만 바로 그 경향이 MOS DEF의 새 앨범에 영향을 끼칠 거란 예상은 어렵지 않게 할 수 있다. MOS DEF와 계약 상태에 있던 RAWKUS 레이블의 여러 문제로 수 차례 연기된 그의 2집이 과연 팬들의 기대와 기다림에 준하는 내용물을 담고 있을지... 그간 어떻게 변화한 MOS DEF의 사운드가 담겨 있을지... [THE NEW DANGER]는 여러모로 긴장할 만한 앨범이다.
발매와 함께 앨범 차트 5위에 등장한 [THE NEW DANGER] 무려 5년 만에 발매된 MOS DEF의 새 앨범은 한 마디로 '진보적인 사운드'라고 할 수 있다. 이전에도 물론 그의 음악이 당시의 유행과 일치하는 스타일은 아니었지만, 그와는 비교할 수 없는 새로운 사운드를 담고 있는 것이 [THE NEW DANGER]다. 지난 10월 12일 발매되자마자 앨범 차트 5위에 데뷔했는데 첫 주 판매량만도 9만 5천장이라고 하니 정말 놀라운 결과다. [BLACK ON BOTH SIDES]보다도 훨씬 뜨거운 반응인 걸 보면 그간 영상물을 통해 더욱 자주 얼굴을 비쳤던 MOS DEF의 네임 밸류도 대단한 듯싶다. 앨범 수록곡들 중에는 유난히 그의 밴드 BLACK JACK JOHNSON의 영향을 고스란히 반영한 곡들이 눈에 띈다. 그들과 함께 작업한 곡으로 코어 계열 밴드의 그것처럼 매우 헤비한 사운드를 가지고 있는 "FREAKY BLACK GREETINGS"나 더욱 강력한 "ZIMZALLABIM"과 "WAR" 등이 바로 그것인데 아티스틱한 스타일을 가지고 있는 MOS DEF의 거칠고 헤비한 면은 낯설면서도 놀랍다. 아무래도 "FUCK YOU, PAY ME!"를 부르짖는 것은 MOS DEF보다는 그가 그토록 혐오하는 랩메틀 밴드에게 더 어울릴 듯도 하지만 말이다. 이 트랙들 이외에도 앨범에는 밴드의 리얼 연주로 진한 분위기를 풍기는 곡들이 산재해있다. 앨범이 발매되기 전, 믹스 테잎을 통해 선보였던 "SEX, LOVE, MONEY"에는 플룻과 혼 등 다양한 악기가 사용되었는데 그 위에 얹혀진 MOS DEF의 라이밍이나 요즘 최고의 주가를 올리고 있는 스타 프로듀서 KANYE WEST가 프로듀싱한 "SUNSHINE"은 소울풀한 보컬 샘플링 위에 그 특유의 비트와 랩핑이 매력적이다. 일반 힙합 팬들에게 가장 큰 호응을 받을 두 곡으로 생각되는데 "SUNSHINE"은 싱글로서도 좋은 반응을 얻을 만한 곡이다. 레게 느낌이 물씬 나는 "BLUE BLACK JACK"에서의 보컬이나 일렉 기타 리프, 아프리카 토속 느낌의 타악기에 전자음이 더해져 묘한 느낌을 주는 "CLOSE EDGE"에서의 랩핑, 앨범의 여러 부분에 참여한 MINNESOTA가 피처링한 "GROWN MAN BUSINESS", 낮은 읊조림과 다소 높은 톤 등 절제된 비트 대신 다양한 목소리와 휘파람 등으로 시작해 무려 9분여 동안 굴곡있는 진행을 들려주는 "MODERN MARVEL", 돋보이는 베이스 라인과 절규하는 보컬이 가슴을 파고 드는 "THE BEGGER" 등이 앨범의 독특하고 신비한 이미지를 배가시킨다. 또한 그루브함을 잘 살린 "GHETTO ROCK"이나 마지막 부분의 "LIFE IS REAL" 등도 인상에 남는 곡들. MOS DEF의 컴백을 기다렸던 팬들이 전 앨범과 같은 내용물을 기대했다면 다소 의아하고 놀랐을지도 모르겠다. MOS DEF는 이 앨범을 통해 그동안 그 자신의 내적인 부분을 채우고 있던 새롭고 낯선 방식의 사운드를 표현해 내고 있다. THE ROOTS 스타일과는 완전히 다른 블랙 뮤지션의 밴드 음악. 힙합, 락, 소울, 블루스와 레게까지 각 트랙들은 충분히 새롭고 파격적이다. 변화, 그리고 도전과 시도. 다양한 이야기와 비트가 들어찬 앨범인 만큼 다양한 층의 팬들에게 호감을 얻을 수 있길 바란다. 아쉽게도 국내 발매되는 앨범에는 JAY-Z의 "THE TAKEOVER"를 리메이크한 "THE RAPOVER"가 빠져 있긴 하지만 16 트랙에 달하는 MOS DEF의 2004년산 소리들은 꽤나 깊고 진하다.
What it is, what it is, what it is What it is What it is, what it is, what it is What it is See me, want me, give me, trust me Feed me, fuck me, love me, touch me This whole world is cold and ugly What we are is low and lovely I am the most beautiful boogie man The most beautiful boogie man Let me be your favorite nightmare Close your eyes and ill be right there While...Open...All...Over...A-gain See me, touch me, give me, want me Feed me, fuck me, trust me, love me This whole world is cold and ugly What we are is low and lovely I am the most beautiful boogie man The most beautiful boogie man Let me be your favorite nightmare Close your eyes and ill be right there While...Open...All...Over...A-gain...Ag-ain Ag-a-in [Fades Out]
Black Jack Johnson N.Y.C., R-O-C-K-I-N-G Sun and the moon, earths, stars, and planets Before song done y'all goin' all understand it
Like - Hot The haters can't fuck with it Cause they mom and they sister and girl in love with it (and they niggaz) Sound man holla black COME WITH IT Sping the record 'till the record done spinning Up top is you getting up with it? Dirty dirty is you getting cronk with it? Smokey smoke from coast to coast Be carefull our first draw be that overdose Who stay holding it from Brooklyn? YOU KNOW IS MOS! Ha, Jackpot I (Sing yo) got to go for broke Is this the only way the Smith Family now to go Right here to my youngest one is older folks Im'ma put down like a dirty so and so Freak daddy came here to work the mojo - oh Because the - high is high and the low is low And that goes for the sinner man to holy folks Put your shit in the sky like I know you - oh (Brooklyn stand up!) Ha, my ghetto nation get toe to toe Stay rocking steady steady 'cause I told you so And after y'all get it go I let it go some more That Black Jack about something for sure) for sure (SAY WHAT!) For sure for sure (HA!) Let me see you in the world making your shoulder role And if it get good tell your nigga throw your 'bows
Cause we are so ghetto Yes we are rock and roll Yes we are so ghetto Yes we are rock and roll Yes we are so ghetto Yes we are rock and roll Yes we are so ghetto Yes we are - rock and motherfucking roll (WOOOO!)
Ha, I am a fighter and a lover I'm the freaky baby daddy, I'm a bad motherfucker I'm the earth, wind, fire, and the thunder I said I am, go ask my mother You don't believe that shit believe what you want to Alright, OK, So, Shut-up! Speak language come straight from the gutter Observe the terms that we trade with one and other Like - what's good, what's popping, what's cracking What it is, how you living, what's happening Work songs that the slaves sang back then The playground chants, with little girls claping
Black John Johnson N.Y.C., R-O-C-K-I-N-G Son and the moon, earths, stars, and planets Before the song done y'all going all understand it Black John Johnson N.Y.C., R-O-C-K-I-N-G Son and the moon, earths stars and planets Before the song done y'all going all understand it
SPACE! GIMME THE SPACE! BACK UP, GIMME THE SPACE!!! LET A NIGGA ROCK! GIMME THE SPACE! LET A NIGGA ROCK! LET A NIGGA ROCK, HA! This is the sound Ghettos rock This is the sound Ghettos rock This is the sound Ghettos rock This is the sound Ghettos rock This is the sound Ghettos rock This is the sound Ghettos rock and - MOTHERFUCKING ROLLLLLLLLL!
[Intro] Yeah Give it to 'em Yes,yes,yes,yes,aha ah! Ghetto people..this one's for you And you and you and you And you and you in the front Yo! Jack Johnson (aha) live and stompin Undisputed heavy weights champ (aha) of the world
[Verse 1] Yo I'm live with it, low, middle, the high with it And that's how I'ma live and die with it Hold up and down your spine with it Like Zimzallabim, Jack Johnson, yes my dog, right with them! The most special, most ghetto, most method, most valuable Rep my avenue like is the damn state capital Coming shadows to mind, a better mark of rapeness On slaves who high jacked the slave ships The hackers who remapped the matrix And built the road back to basics And getcha all off that strain shit You know this other cats run game with, it's tainted Consider this the moment that changed it: NOW! Jack john's stand strong never bow down Back off or get clapped dog right about POW For east to the west,up north to down south We show you how to REALLY make moshpit bounce Show you how the gritty make the ghetto wild out First letters that I wrote when I sketch the script down I'M LIVE WITH IT Low, middle, the high with it And that's how I'ma live and die with it I shine with it, rhyme with it, reveal and recognise with it The ghetto know what time is it, when I spit it Me 9-semi, an iron lion strike with it See Dr. Know string a knot and make 'em ride with it
And look alive Ghetto rock with me Look alive Ghetto rock with me Aha yeah Throw it up Ghetto rock with me Show it up Ghetto rock with me
[Verse 2] Born to rock, since my pawn shift rise (??) Rock the booze water on any bully on your block My flow tighter than a big titties halter top Doper than a floyd flake that they bought they pops Since I bright a con duke of course I'm not My sharp mind join the dots and blow they plots A lot of cats talk noise a lot, but then the noise is stopped When the heavy sound voice in charge And this is no limp bizkit this is jack's fat cock Loaded up slightly back, ghetto black rock Brooklyn got bomb-rush that you can't stop These the hungry hands that gon snatch your cash box I never gave a second what on "the fuck is with y'all?" 'cause my first thought covered it all YOU WHACK!!! And I don't care what you sound since not mumblin y'all Cause you can't do me nothing at all Which means, you can't shine my shoes watch my drawers Clean my cloth walk my dog moan my loan On other words dude I don't need SHIT from them All I got is hard rhymes and hot spit for them And yeah, I got the country new (raaatttttt) for them See how dark it can get for them? Tell their mommas THAT'S IT for them Get the flowers, they'll sing for them A sad story how it'll end for them That's what you get for not listenin' FIRE!! And a long rest in kumbayah You stand strong you can't move higher You move in "how we all can move higher?" Ready to roll like new tire Well I can show you who the true lion True power move quiet through the understandin of the science
[Outro] We live with it, no middle, the high with it And that's how we gon live and die with it Now ride with it Yeah, ghetto rock with me Ghetto rock with me Ghetto rock with me Ghetto rock!! Ghetto... MOTHERFUCKERS!
Listen All white men is runnin this rap shit Corporate force's runnin this rap shit Setae israli is runnin this rap shit We poke out the asses for a chance to cash in Cocaine, is runnin this rap shit 'Dro, 'yac and E-pills is runnin this rap shit
The rape over, turn your face over nigga No god in disguise it's me, game over Hey lil souljahs you're ready for more? But don't ask what you're fighting for They thought that you sur--vived the gunfight, the drama, the stress You get in the line of fire we get the big ass cheques You gettin your choice to pimp Make your choice and fall in This is austral B I, take that cock in your behind, Beatch Hit the streets and perform for us Hold hard and bring it on to us, fucker I let you sip, comes an army, get a Mercedes And kick back and let you pay me, my Mack is crazy I leave the, knife and fist fight filled with glamour Yeah, take a picture what this platinum-plated the sledgehammer We over-do it add the fire and explosion to it We're so confused with one rap music
Mtv, is runnin this rap shit Viacom is runnin this rap shit AOL and Time Warner runnin this rap shit We poke out the asses for a chance to cash in Cocaine, is runnin this rap shit Hennessey, is runnin this rap shit Quasi-homosexuals is runnin this rap shit
Black Jack Was a fighting man Black Jack Was a mighty man
You stand them up He knock them out
Yeah Yeah Thats the real
You set them up He knock them down
Yeah Yeah Thats the deal
Now sing them high HEY, HEY, HEY, HEY Up in the sky Whoa, Oh, Whoa, Whoo
Break it down low Whoa, Whoa Break it off slow Whoa, Whoa
Then shout it out Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Hey, Hey
Who dat boogie man There dat boogie man Tackidy Tackidy Tap Tap Tap Holdin' bread in hand Go head work that band Go head work it say Talkin' the talk and walkin' the walk Is what daddy do they say Wear those pretty clothes Drive them pretty cars You a super hero You a super star You a super man Go head fly yo cape Blowin' in the wind Let it touch the hand Stand and fight and win Snatch the crown again Wit' yo mighty swing And yo flashy smile Let them see the light You so black and bright You so bright you black Shinin' you cryin' to fight them back
Turn the drums up Turn my vocals, too I hear myself a lil more Yeah More [Repeats] Moto [Repeats] Nice [Repeats] Moto moto still [Repeats] Yeah [Repeats] Nice [Repeats] Good Uh huh You waited up a lil bit for me Yeah [Repeats] Bedstuy Parade and Funeral March For fighters and lovers
How [Repeats]
I can't stand you I just love you I got something to give you but I don't want to The one I wanna be close to but I can't touch you 'cause I can see you But I can't see good 'cause You keep me crying
Brooklyn,. Sex love and money, get up, come Danger!!
You are now rockin with the best Black darts exclusive, fire in the dark Fire in the dark, ghetto let this spark! Huh! Freaky black beauty with the party pal Where you work it out got me fiendin bam! I hit the G ready for the street Heavy, ghetto sweet breezing through the evening bam! I'm on the lounge path for the warm blast Got the john shaft cocked back and loaded bamm! I beat it, word john! Body awesome Is the way that you come that got me goin bam I'm on the back streets rollin I'm playin back all the magic moments, don't front You know I got'cha,know I got'cha You sneaky freaky, but I know about'cha, know about'cha You straight dope, I can't do without'cha, go without'cha Lay back and relax you mind I'm bout to double the doses in half the time Ha! Master physical, master mind You play it quiet but in private that ass is mine, huh! We body rockin the last of time And then we, we body rockin the last of time And then we, body rockin the last of time And then we, her body rockin huh, her body rockin Now shell on 1 deep it ain't nobody steppin Honey shell on 10 deep it ain't nobody steppin Thousand shell or hundred deep, I'm there the body rockin, come on! I wanna show you in my ghetto miss I'm a star I wanna show you luv, I just can't help myself I wanna show you in my ghetto miss I'm a star I wanna show you luv, I just can't help myself Whoooa ... whaaa ohh whaaa! Freaky, freaky, freaky, freaky black Freaky, freaky, freaky, freaky black Freaky freaky black, freaky freaky black Sex love and money, fun Brooklyn, Sex love and money come Fun temperature's risin Freaky black beauty pretty purse and blouse Where you took it out got me leanin'bam! I hit the streets easy in my seat Lighting on my feet breezy like the evening bam! I'm on the lunch pack feel the warm blast Boogie john shaft cocked and loaded bamm! Top and bottom, Body awesome is the way that you come that got me goin bam! I'm on the back roads rollin (rollin) I'm playin back all the magic moments, don't front She know I got'cha,know I got'cha You sneaky freaky, but I know about'cha, know about'cha You goog hurricane, go without'cha, go without'cha Lay back and relax you mind I'm bout to, double the doses in half the time, huh! Master physical, master mind You play it quiet but in private a-ha a-ha!, huh! We body rockin the last of time And then we, we body rockin the last of time And then we, we body rockin the last of time And then we, the body rockin huh, the body rockin huh The body rockin huh, the body rockin huh, the body rockin huh The body rockin says, DON'T STOP THE BODY ROCK! I wanna show you in my ghetto miss I'm a star I wanna show you luv, I just can't help myself I wanna show you in my ghetto miss I'm a star I wanna show you luv, I just can't help myself Whoooa ... whaaa ohh whaaa! Freaky, freaky, freaky, freaky black Freaky, freaky, freaky, freaky black Freaky freaky black, freaky freaky black Sex love and money, fun Brooklyn, sex love and money come Fun temperature's risin DANGER!! Ain't gotta say no more
(Let the sun shine) Yeah yeah its a brand new day y'all (Let the sunshine in) Turn me up in the top a little bit dog Little do you know, y'all gonna hear this one (The suns shinin') Loud and clear, bright and early Listen .. I don't hate players, I don't love the game I'm the shot clock, way above the game To be point blank with you motherfuck the game I got all this work on me, I ain't come for play You can show the little shorties how you pump and fake But dog, Not to def, I'm not impressed I'm not amused, I'm not confused, I'm not to dude I'm grown man business, and I am not in school Put your hand down youngin' this is not for you On my +J.O.+ with beats by Kan-ye yo My name on the marquee, your name off the payroll Style fresh, like I'm still a day old And it's been like that since the day yo On more time than a Roley, or Seiko Step on deck, your neck do what I say so Get up or get out, get down or lay low
(Let the sun shine) Standing in the shadow of a fabulous man Brooklyn nigga I am, Black Dante (Let the sunshine in) That nigga, that dude Black People, Lets Move (The suns shinin') Shout out to my man Talib Kweli, yes We on top-a top-a, shout-a shout-a Check it out ..
Slim nigga that casts a big shadow Cherokee red to shoot the long arrow Got more skill, more aim, and more ammo You can get it all from a big or small barrel Like, hail Mary, full of grace Niggaz come in and shoot up the place And make you pull up your face The deck, I'm a pull out the ace From the jungles of the empire state where it ain't no escape, 247, 718 And thats like every night, every day From the place that I settle and stay To the states, I'm collecting my pay Blast off then I'm back to the K Hold it down so my family straight Represent in a family way Pro ball not for amateur play Been raw since the amateur stage Before the press had the cameras raised
2 - Mos Def + (Sample)
(Let the sun shine) Like a long time man of the way You understanding me straight (Let the sunshine in) Yes, yes, no doubt, excellence Its what it is, what it is And thats what it is, you see? (The suns shinin') Ha, Fire ..
- Mos Def
Cause it is deeper, sweeter, richer, crisper Stronger reception and sharper picture Revolve around God, and involve with niggaz These elements I perform my scripture And make Mos Def a classic modern figure Brooklyn it don't matter if you holler or whisper Your coming through clan, 'cause I'm right here wit'cha Ain't gotta edit the slang, I got it, I'll get ya Yo, brothers and sisters, fathers and mothers The lovers, the leavers, the doubters, believers The stayers, the quitters, the bitches, the niggaz Rebel guerrillas the ghetto civilians Y'all 'gon feel it from the first to the millionth It's extra, ordinary and plain I walk a thousand paces of light ahead of the game By the time you get where I'm standing, I'll be gone Y'all make moves, but y'all just move on (Let the sun shine) I move in, and y'all must move on Cause I move to strong And I know what my feet move for (Let the sunshine in) Made it go without a brand new car Made it fresh without a brand new song And give a fuck about what brand you are (The suns shining') I'm concerned what type of man you are What your principles and standards are You understand me y'all Be good to your family y'all No matter where your families are Cause everybody needs family y'all Raise a hand, you understand me y'all Everybody needs family y'all Be good to your families dog Understand, no matter where your families are Everybody needs family dog Raise a hand, you understand me pa Thats what it is...thats my man Family and my family Pencil Pete My man too, all our loved ones behind the walls All of those who still in the struggle Masada Malia, Son Dial la, Magic Mel (Let the sun shine) Life is real To all the real soldiers, black people (Let the sunshine in) We family y'all (The suns shining') Let it be bright ..
Pull up to ya spot on low Shine brighter than all o' them cats they got on glow Layin the cut like they not gon' know Cuz if I gotta make a move dawg they not gonna know This door marked private this is not fo' sho' It's Mos Def what you call real fo' sho' Is they what you call gangsta, hell no They get a lil' pitch and go snitch to the po' They all talk fast and they all think slow I'm Mos Definite, not think so Flood ya city with the black ink flow And my crew ain't scared to let them things go So, stop with the nonsense, like he conscious I'm just alright dawg, I'm doin' great dawg I don't play games so I don't playa hate y'all Get it straight or get the fuck up out my face dawg I'm like the second plane that made the tower's face off That shit that let you know it's really not a game dawg Your grind and my grindin is same dawg I'm the catalogue, you the same song So cool and ol' school like A4? The one ya lil mami windin' up on ways for The name that real niggaz got they hands raised for Me and Mini got ya block yellow taped off
Don't push me (get off) Cuz I'm close - To the streets, to the beach, the bitches, the niggaz, the women, the children, the workers, the killers, the addicts, the dealers the quiet, the livest, the realest - And that's close
Don't push me, cuz I'm close To the edge, back, middle, and front Strong back shit liftin' it up From the big and the small I'm like J. Brown +Gettin' Involved+
But when I'm lettin' off around don't get in the cross Have ya preacher man speakin' low gettin' his cross Tell 'em wild cowboy not to get off they horse Before they find out the tailon is strictly enforced It's a real bad way to get ya name in the Source Testin' the limits of a dangerous force Ya ended up dumb famous and gone Your people shoutin' out ya name in they song Pourin' liquor on the day you was born Find paint to put ya face on the wall C'mon fall back, there's no need for all that It's all good, we all here, goin' all out (all out) All day, listen when this song say
Don't push me 'cuz I'm close - To the streets, to the beach, the bitches, the niggaz, the women, the children, the workers, the killers, the addicts, the dealers the quiet, the livest, the realest And that's close
Don't push me, cuz I'm close To the edge, back, middle, and front Strong back shit liftin' it up From the big and the small I'm like J. Brown +Gettin' Involved+ Now get yours
Boom diggy bang-di-bang-di, boom bang diggy ed 24x
Baby slow down, just take your time You and me goin' be here for a while Okay Baby don't rush this, take your time You and me goin' be here for a while Okay I got so much that I want to do I just want to be close to you Okay I got so much that I want to do That I can show you better than I can say
I don't wanna be no where but here No where in this atmosphere Stratosphere, ionosphere Ain't no sphere that's bright like here I don't wanna be no where but here No where in this atmosphere I'm good where I am
Baby slow down, take your time You and me goin' be here for a while Okay, hey I got so much that I want to do I can show you better than I can say
Let me show you Let me show you Let me show you Let me show you Let me show you I wanna show you Let me show you Let me show you Let me show you
Oh baby, you make me feel so good Come let me take you by the hand Oh baby, you make me feel so good Let me show you how Let me show you how Let me show you now Let me show it out Let me show you how I wanna show ya how Let me show ya Let me show ya Let me show ya Let me show ya Let me show ya Ohh
Baby slow down just take your time You and me goin' be here for a while Okay, hey I got so much that I want to do That I can show you better than I can say
Enough talk and let's move Come on, come on, come on, come on Come on, come on, come on, come on Come on, come on, come on, come on
Ain't a batch of guns on where, hellfire Spittin', run up everything they hittin' Some do they job to dodge the barrage As sleek projectiles never stay bound Fire bite invades the night with light Loud, fighter planes shout shell rain When they shot to kill cops on the terrain And leave any brain that may remain stained You god damn right this war goin' too far Socialists think they con with the stars Wars found, my find the beauty in the stars I level with death even beneath radar I level with death even beneath radar I level with death and she got pretty eyes Nobody told me death was so damn fine I go to sleep with that girl on my mind Wake up in a sea, I wanna fire in line Grab my heat, then it's get down time One day I'ma make that girl all mine But for now I'm a soldier abidin' my time Writin' my rhyme behind enemy lines Palestine, Kosovo, Cashmere No different than the avenues right here An increase in the murder rate each year Paramilitary unit keep the streets clear Curtains up on the theatre of warfare Dramatic politics nightly preformed here Worldwide from Colombia to Columbine Don holders keep ya dollar signs on the line
"I don't want to rule or conquer anyone I should like to help everyone if possible Jew, gentile, black man, white We all want to help one another Human beings are like that We want to live by each other's happiness Not by each other's misery In this world, there's room for everyone And the good earth is rich And can provide for everyone a way of life"
Fuck that
You know the drill Fix ya face I'ma hustle off the hill Go get my money man Go get my money man
See every hunter need to kill Go get my money man
I'm old school from off the hill Go get my money man
Go get my money man I give a fuck what I do Go get my money man Go get my money man Go get that money man Go get my money man Go get that money man Gimme my money man Gimme my money
Fuck you, pay me Fuck you, pay me Fuck you, pay me Fuck you, pay me Fuck you, pay me Fuck you, pay me Fuck you, pay me Fuck you, pay me Gimme the loot, Gimme the loot, Gimme the loot
Welcome to Soundview Projects Bronx New York, 10473
Intersection action ribs touching New gutter smacks replacing the whole Dutchman Loose mamis fucking, they definite land mines Dudes with no right hustle throwing gang signs Empty in the webbings broke and underpaid Fighting federal cases with legal aids The unlit stage tonight performing lime desires to eat Can get you in a 8 by 5, the corner's younger I smell feel touch and taste they hunger Next in line to rep these street signs to they blunder Under, wiping tears from his eyes facing the felony These niggaz wanna be Pistol Pete -without the penalty His last words, promise me this much in death Don't my boy live to retrace my steps
Minne- stay safe move quiet and get it If you encounter opposition get a inch from they face with It
Later amigo, digest the day to end discreetly Sex money and boss My ties to hear me see me True villain Face covered, driving gloves Commit by my lonely when push comes to shove They say that grown men lay on they prey Took shorts in the street Came back and made up for that with that white sheet Revenge is best served cold Get it the same way you give it This ain't fear I just need to get away with it Son stop over here(?), you looking at me like I'm lame But I'm looking at y'all like y'all call this the drug game Grand child hosing sims Put the heroin in queens Put Pops Freeman on in the early seventies I sat in rooms with money machines Drugs sitting 3 feet off of the floor Cover the smell of the raw Chest moves like bars scale my connects untimely King Henry from 12th street flooded the Bronx in the 90's 03 scene MVP and one Accord Boss makes decision paper wins awards
<i>[Mos Def]</i> See Me, Hear Me
Welcome to Brooklyn, New York City 11206 Roosevelt Projects, wild rose water the plant
Son you know what it is From the moment that you come over the bridge And if you don't ride with me I'm gonna show you some shit Ima show you where my niggaz stay sure on the mix Ima show you where the pain and the poetry is Ghetto young'ns spend a lot of time alone in the crib BET on the screen, walls and posters of BIG Hustlers getting dough sitting low on the 6 Blazing up the ambro glow over they wrist Hop in the game knowing the risk Still down to load up they clip Gamblers with hopes of rolling the trip But when you hear head crack there ain't no rolling again Snatch the dice and everything you want is going it in This how it happens, good people, bad habits, diabetics, crack addicts Asthmatics Searching for the truth leaping through the holy tablet The bible, the Q uran, or the ten crack commandments Speak on it God, What's today's mathematics The five day forecast, the Dow Jones average The price of beer, cigarettes, bread, milk and pampers Life is a test and we all got the answer The streets keep calling its hard not answer And on my government-my attribute-my all So it's only natural I holla black and respond Brooklyn stand up and make 'em all sit down (?) We do not fuck around
That's what it is (All Day) That's what is Niggaz (Official, Official) That's how it is Niggaz BX, BK live all day Get with it Grown Man Business
I come home high, and she start to cry I can't take it A brand new excuse does me no use That won't make it She at home with the kids, this is no way to live What can I say? I know it's surreal, but I'm a hard-headed still Do things my way
And it's so strong, so strong It's like I'm dying Trying to hold on My body says oh-no, oh, out there Flying, the price that I pay for the game that I play Ain't no game at all I'm up in the clouds, and I'm spiraling down Nothing breaks the fall
And it's so strong, so strong It's like I'm dying Try to hold on My body says oh-no, oh, out there Flying Sounds of the sufferers pray
I come home high, and she start to cry I can't take it A brand new excuse does me no use That won't make it She at home with the kids; this is no way to live What can I say? I know it's surreal, but I'm a hard-headed still Black Dante and it's so strong So strong So strong So strong
I'm out there, flying Flying Flying Flying
This game is fantastic, desire
Killers, this life, this life Lovers, this life, this life Hustlers, this life, this life Thieves, this life, this life Gamblers, this life, this life Niggaz, crackers, children, mothers, fathers, lovers, neighbors, hungry Full, the beautiful, the stars, the distance, the close, the stars The heavens, this life The floor, this life, this life The high, this life The beneath, this life, this life All, all, everywhere, everywhere, anywhere, somewhere, home
Come on, this how it goes on Ghetto people in the world today, get up! Ha! Look alive, breathe, woo! Ha! How it goes
Mother, mother Head in her hands Her first born son dead in her hands The whole thing was a setup, a scam They knew it was set up and planned Niggas he worked with wet him and ran, and that's, Brother, brother But, son, I don't see no brother hood All I see is thugger hood Get rich and fuck the hood All they want is some good smoke from the hood Lookin' for the shorty good stroke from the hood That's how they touch the hood But when I touch the hood, I'll make it brighter, black Because I'm brighter, black And I'm so black I'm bright, shine through the blackest night Shine when I'm live, shine via satellite Shout in the hood, 'we get the picture.' 'Cause every time you out in the hood, you got photographers wit' ya What's going on? Ha!
Understand this is real life This how it goes on, this how it goes on It keep going on, this how it goes on Ghetto people, look alive, get free Get involved, remain to breathe Ha! Woo!
If Marvin was alive now, wow What would I say to him? Where could I start? How could I explain to him? I know the minor world would probably look strange to him Would he feel like today had a place for him? Global imprisonment, sickness, indifference When he said, 'Save the babies,' was we listenin'? When he said, 'Mercy, mercy,' did he really know That decades later we'd still be killin' folks? Or did he hope that we would realize That we the first, the son of Earth The moon and stars, the great beyond We black and proud, we brave and strong We raise it up, we quiet storm, forever fresh And keepin' on
Ha! Ghetto people, look alive and free, ya get real This how it goes on, and you say, you say [Repeat: x2] This how it goes on Ghetto people, look alive and free, and breathe! Ha! Hold the beat! Stop the beat! Drop the beat! [Repeat: x3] Hold the beat! Stop the beat! Got the beat!
There ain't nothin' to be afraid of Ghetto people,, look alive and free, ya get real This how it goes on This how it goes on, keep goin' on This how it goes on Now breathe! Marvelous, marvelous, marvelous, Marvin modern marvel
Boogie man, boogie man, boogie man BOOGIE MAN! (Hello children!) My whole life is real My life A-ha, Brooklyn you know My life it's a real thang
Listen My whole life is real, morning news and nights is real What I spit and I write is real, cuz my life is real My own life is ILL!! filled with magic's strife to scale Sun bright, no time to chill, got all type of bills I got seeds I gotta feed with this They be needin shit, I got ex-wife beef and shit That's how deep it get My whole life is real, my whole life is ill A fantastic, a beautiful mess And life nigga in America: the usual stress I do it to the up, low, the east and the west, I Do it to most, I do it to death I do so it good they don't know what to do with theyselves Well do this: MOVE! Back, forward, mo' Life is real, let's move on
My whole life is real, morning news and nights is real What I spit and I write is real, cuz my life is ILL Filled with magic's strife to scale Sun bright, no time to chill Got all type of bills I got seeds I gotta feed with this I got streets I gotta reach with this That's how deep it get
My whole life is ill, my whole life is real Mornings, noon's, nights Birthdays, workdays, holidays, funerals. the usual Life is real! Sunday to Monday, school, your gunplay, politics, bullshit Life is real! Shootings, stabbing, free tray, arrest crush, kill, destroy, cheques Death. rebirth Reach the world but touch the street first Life goin in every direction but rewind Niggaz is waiting for the light to dive down On a park a hustler plays the hide out Somebody's gotta notice it's a matter of time before the world fine out The earth dry out and push the hintin to high ground,life style--Hostile Real, life real real So real, too real, news real--edited The close up block out the rest of it True evident, false measurement Crunk superstar, thug president Tricks allegiance, M-def payment ship Scribe lively, so timely,that is timeless And is lovely, and is ugly, as it must be
My whole life is real, ha-haa! Brooklyn know My life my B.X. know My life my Real niggaz all over the world My life my it's a real thang whoooo!
<i>[Intro]</i> You turn me up a lil'.. I'm gettin a lotta , alotta music Add me more voice here, yeah, yeah Even more, even more, even more A Black Johnson, exclusive Pop up! Pop up, pop up, pop up, pop up, pop up! Aahhh!
<i>[Hook 1]</i> Y-E-A, YEAH! You can get it...and you can get it! Y-E-A, YEAH! You can get it! You can get it!
<i>[Mos Def]</i> They want a nigga that done change their life Fuck 'em,and feed 'em, and buy 'em all the things, he like: shit! You smile bright and ya game is tight You say: Y-E-A, YEAH! You can get it! Bright eyes and the pretty long hair, oh yeah Body all there, oh yeah You wanna reach me call here Y-E-A, YEAH! You can get it Though I believe what I'm sayin, yeah well I believe I can spit it so good that they will And that's real And that's all Y-E-A, YEAH! You can get it!
<i>[Hook 2]</i> Y-E-A, YEAH! You can get it! Raise your hands and we doin now with it Y-E-A, YEAH! You can get it! Put it up if you wanna (be) down with it Y-E-A, YEAH! You can get it! Throw it up if you wanna (be) down with it Y-E-A, YEAH! You can get it! Haaaa.
<i>[Mos Def]</i> They want a nigga that done change in life Fuck 'em, and feed 'em, i'ma buy all the things, he like: You smile bright and ya game is tight Huh! You smile bright and ya game is tight Let me know whatcha doin' tonight Y-E-A, YEAH!
<i>[Mos Def]</i> Huh, they want a nigga that done changed in life Fuck 'em, and feed 'em, i'ma buy all the things, he like Shit! You smile bright and ya game is tight Now baby: Y-E-A, YEAH! You can get it! Bright eyes and the pretty long hair, oh yeah Body all there,yeah oh yeah You wanna reach me call here Y-E-A, YEAH! You can get it!
<i>[Hook 3]</i> Y-E-A, YEAH! You can get it! Raise your hands if you wanna (be) down with it Y-E-A, YEAH! You can get it! Throw ya hands let me know how you feelin
<i>[Mos Def]</i> Belly to belly then up in the dance You got the things that I like to touch Get close cuz I like to touch Uhhhhhhhn, so much! Belly to belly then we up in the club Don't hate baby show some love Let me know what's on your mind Get close let me start to grind Hun, what's on your mind And get close and we start to grind Make me feel so... oohhh!
<i>[Hook 4]</i> Y-E-A, YEAH! You can get it! You can get it Y-E-A, YEAH! You can get it! Is you with it? Y-E-A, YEAH! You can get it! Ghetto rock for all y'all niggaz Y-E-A, YEAH! You can get it!
<i>[Mos Def]</i> Hun! See Huh, they want a nigga that done changed their life Fuck 'em, and feed 'em, i'ma buy all the things, he like Shit! You smile bright and ya game is tight Now baby: Y-E-A, YEAH! You can get it The bright eyes and the long or short hair, oh yeah The body all there, mama oh yeah You wanna reach me call here 7-1-8, Y-E-A, Y-E-AAAAAA-H! Uhhh uhhhh. Uuhh uhhh I like it, I see it, I want it uhh uhh I like it, I see it, u got it uhh uhh, let's do it I like it, you got it,uhh uhh I see it I like it, you got it uhh uhh lets do it I like it, you got it uhh uhh I see it, I like it you got it Y-E-A, YEAH! You can get it! Say Y-E-A, YEAH YEAH Y-E-A, yeah yeah! <i>[repeat]</i>
<i>[Outro]</i> Brooklyn! I say.. oohh ...ahhh Oooh, aahh Belly to belly you and I up in the dance Don't be shy while we raise your hands Belly to belly you and I up in the grind Let me know what's on your mind Gz y-e-a ....(yeah)..Owwwwwwh!!!! Y-E-A...(yeah yeah..) ooh oh ho ohh! Y-E-A... (yeah yeah..) Y-E-A... right away, right away..
Woman you know I love you Woman you know just how I feel You try to tell me that you don't know When I know you know the deal
Woman you know I love you Woman you know I care ... hey You try to say I'm running game You try to say baby you don't play fair Oh darling
If there is any doubt in your mind I want you to be sure ... heeeey If you don't ever see me again I want you to be sure That I love you Oh girl Oh baby I love you Darling I love you ... hey Oh darling I love you ... hey (Turn the lights down low) (Turn the lights down low)
Oh baby You got to understand how I feel You need to understand where I'm coming from Aint no need to be afraid Aint no need to get up and run Oh darling Oh girl you know I love you Oh darling You know I know I love you Oh baby
If you never see me again I need you to be sure From this moment right now Till for ever more Said I love you Love you, love you, love you, love you, love you, love you, love you, love you, love you, love you, love you ... babyyyy
Woman I love you Woman I love you Woman I love you AAAAAAHHHHHH ...
Bismillah ir Rhman ir Raheem Peace, peace whats up y'all this is Mos Def And this is a message to the people If you see or hear goodness from me Then that goodness is from The Creator You should be thankful to The Creator for all of that Cause I'm not the architect of that I'm only the ... the recipient If you see weakness or shortcoming in me It's from my own weakness or shortcoming And I ask The Creator and the people to forgive me for that Thank you Brooklyn, Thank you World Yeah, yeah there it is Turn my voice up in the top a little bit It feel good to be back Whats up ochenta? Yeah, yeah, ha.. It's the Black Dante in your headphones Speakerbox (freaky radio) freaky radio (Everywhere on the dial) tell you a little bit about me For my hometown, break down a little history for you Myrtle and Broadway, Roosvelt projects, Mossie projects Listen ..
I stepped on the field from no league just home team I Jumped out the stands and I snatched the rock With the final seconds +one to land+ on the clock Mos post up to throw up the tie-breakin shot I put it through the net and let the world's jaw drop Then fled the arena before they called cops Tell the players and the coach I wasn't tryin to blow spot But the way they was ballin' made it difficult to watch I was taught when there's somethin' you can change around Keep quiet, you got nothin' to complain about You got work to do, I don't know if that work for you But thats how Mos work it through And my work is personal, I'm a workin person I put in work, I work with purpose I get it there, on the water, air, the surface You feel the impact? Niggaz yeah it's workin Listen God did not make me a fearful person The only fear I have, Is my failure to adhear his path I would love it just to hear this back On the ghetto streets where y'all at On the ave's where the Jeep's go past In the coupes where the seats go back In the parties where it be so packed And the atmosphere be so black And them black things be so phat If I could I would be so glad But if not I won't be so mad I'm still being a man, still feeding my fam' And even if you don't see it my fam I believe that I am, truly gifted, truly blessed I'm yours truly, Brooklyn's own, Mos Def I'm rockin the hard right, ground zero, to far left I'm, well balanced, with immense talents Burn the script, then flip it to keep myself challanged And thats the mark of a true champ-ine Thats whether I'm in or outside the ring No fights, no tilte, no crown or reign Feel my presence even when I'm up out this thing Just trust, thats what I'm about to be But until then settle in and rock with me
Ha, thats what its about to be Ghetto people look alive with me And say, We 'gon, stop by Then we just keep movin on Ghetto people, look alive and Feel free, we just keep movin on For Alliah, Left Eye, Jam Master Jay All the great hero's who have passed away Scott Laraque, Big Pac, Feaky Tai, Big L All the soldiers locked down in the cell Lock up the flesh, but the spirit will prevail To our loved ones, and deceased Dyin in the street, or quiet in their sleep (B.I.G.) Rest in peace, your livin in the mansions of our memory(+Sans Marie+) Rest in peace, your livin in the mansions of our memory And thats real Cause everythin in life 'gon come to an end Because it must, and when it does I hope that y'all remember me With true respect And ghetto love Now raise it up Cause everythin in life 'gon come to an end Because it must, and when it does I hope that y'all remember me Black Dante, from Myrtle and Broadway Yeah, yeah y'all Let me hear it back(echo) Freaky radio (freaky radio) ha .. Freaky radio (freaky radio) everywhere on the dial