What's the question? Why are you flexin Here's the answer - choice of weapons
[Stikken Moov 1] Yo +The ? Remainz+, kid why you flexin like a bicep Heat on your hip, just to get a rep, it ain't worth it Just because you pack a biscuit, doesn't mean you can't Become another statistic, you figure it Life's a gamble even for vandalz, I handle mine with minds Only unless, my chest is under pressure in a contest The fear of layin in wreck, causes the stress I have to adjust to this mess and pull when it's best
[Guru] Yo little big man, feelin your oats, because you're strapped? Bustin a cap at another kid who's black? It ain't all that when the shots are flyin back You made a choice, and the choice you made was wack Kinda tipsy with the liquid confidence Pullin your pistol when it doesn't make sense To be the bigger man you figure But in the end it don't pay when you're livin by the trigger
[Chorus x2]
[Guru] Yeah it's the master of the who what where and the why But still I got a problem with seein my brothers die I've been around and lived past the average age of us In every obituary, a full page of us The game is money, but what about inner wealth? The mental, the spiritual, and physical health But still everyday the city is a test That's why some people feel a gun is the best
[Stikken Moov 2] No doubt I pack protection, but every altercation Or situation doesn't deserve blastin, I mastered precisions Choice of weapon, should I peel or peel out? My choice of routes may decide my whereabouts
[Chorus x2]
[Stikken Moov 2] I pack no weapons then the seargeant bargin in Ready to bomb a rapper like Saddam, Stikken Moov swarm Ready to bust off, like Ron Jeremy, but I chill G Relax and consider lucky to live to see a quarter past three
[Guru] That's why I, wield the steel, yes my microphone is crazy real I'm not the one sellin out to get the mass appeal But jail cells are filled with my peeps While the rest are gettin killed in these ill ass streets
[Chorus x2]
[Guru] So, pick your weapon, a mic or a gun I make a sucker run when my tongue stuns, check it Leavin the spot, I seen some wild kids One stepped to me asked me to freestyle kid Meanwhile, he flexed a burner on his side I looked him in the eye, smiled, and walked to my ride He was actin kinda hard on the surface I said to myself that it really wasn't worth it
[Stikken Moov 1] Yo you think you're all that, cause you pack heat? Seein your own brother play the concrete, in defeat Tryin to prove yourself, while you put the next man down But what goes around, comes back, black best believe that
[Chorus x2]
You know what I'm sayin? That's all the real heads all over the world That realize, that this music is real That we keep it real like that Peace to all my brothers on the third And all the real brothers in hip-hop It's like a rap's new generation thing baby Peace to Guru It's Panche, the wild comanche, suicide
I haven't seen you in a while, since you sparked the flame We had the joys and pain, the sunshine and rain Now you got your man, I got my staff and we laugh Then I realize.. it was something in the past
Yo you look good, how you been? How's my little man, how's he doing? And umm.. did you get the package that I sent? I hope that he knows that there's someone who loves him But I'm gettin vexed at you and I I can't front baby, yeah you still look fly And as I try, to get my words together There's a lot of nice times that I start to remember The good shit always outweighed the bad I never wanted to make you sad So think of me, as one man Who has crazy respect for you, as a woman Although the plans didn't work out It doesn't mean I won't look out For you and yours, I wish you the best Because it's over I guess
I haven't seen you in a while, since you sparked the flame We had the joys and pain, the sunshine and rain Now you got your man, I got my staff and we laugh Then I realize.. it's something in the past
Now I'm livin the life, of a true mack Devoted to my music, tryin hard not to look back But on occasion I can see your face The memories, they got me driftin a little taste But now you're doin your thing, I'm takin care of mine And so we're movin on, leavin the past behind I guess relationships they ain't for me That's why I had to set you free
I haven't seen you in a while, since you sparked the flame We had the joys and pain, the sunshine and rain Now you got your man, I got my staff and we laugh Then I realize.. it's something in the past
Haven't seen you in a while, since you sparked the flame We had the joys and pain, sunshine and rain Now you got your man, I got my staff and we laugh Then I realize.. it's something in the past
My personality is magnanimous That's why the ladies always cause a fuss It's in the past what we had Aiyyo respect to your moms and peace to your dad I'm glad, that we've been through this Because you know what? I've noticed A lot about myself, see I wanna gain wealth They say, that chasin women is bad for your health
I haven't seen you in a while, since you sparked the flame We have the joys and pain, the sunshine and rain Now you got your man, I got my staff and we laugh Then I realize.. it's something in the past
Haven't seen you in a while, since you sparked the flame We had the joys and pain, the sunshine and rain Now you got your man, I got my staff and we laugh Then I realize.. it's something in the past
Somethin in the past Somethin in the past These moments never last Somethin in the past
Dedicated to all the ex girls You know I'm on with the next girl Peace
Thank you, thank you Yeah, this is Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal And right now I wanna welcome you to Guru's Jazzmatazz: Streetsoul This joint here is one of the hottest blends of hip hop, soul, rnb and jazz ever, defining a whole new style of music I got a family of artists, musicians and producers together And with their talents and gifts laid down some real ace shit I took the rarest ingredients, mixed them and fused them And now I'm giving it to ya all so you can gain from it and use it Had to put my signature on it so you can't confuse it I'm a veteran, I'm never losing So turn on your stereos and enjoy it, baby Guru's Jazzmatazz: Streetsoul
[Guru] Mmm, is this really the end, or is it a new beginning? A new reality..
[Chorus x2: Guru + Baybe]
So many misconceptions (don't be misled) So many evil deceptions (oh I am) I've come to give direction For I, am the lifesaver (the life)
[Guru] Scooby doo wah, scooby doo wee Like a jazz player, I improvise wisely Free with the style, I flow like the Nile But remember, don't mistake the smile Deep rooted is my rhymin Like ancient African griots, precise is my timing But let me get to the essence of what I'm sayin here Too many blood red streets with bodies layin there The systematic fanatics are at it again Tryin to kill me and all of us my friend But don't bend to the mental strain Against all odds, we must strive for essential gains Be true to the life the Lord gave ya And that's a message from the lifesaver The lifesaver..
[Chorus]
[Baybe] Oh I am, the life (I.. am the lifesaver) I am, the life.. yeah
[Guru] It takes a more intelligent man to squash a fight Than to set one off, knowledge I'll let some off Cause nowadays, everybody's a killer And as for me, no other MC is iller But still a thorn scrapes my heart When I see another life that's been torn apart Over nonsense, no law, no order, it's evidence That the money only takes precedence Cause everybody wants power While the innocent are born or die, during every hour I scowl as I look upon evil But I must have the strength, to spark awareness in my people And we will learn to respect our neighbors Another message from the lifesaver The lifesaver..
[Chorus]
[Guru] People talk about the Armaggedeon And nowadays everyone you know is packin lead son Each day's another test Aiyyo I better do my best, cause a lot's ridin on my chest So when I lead you to the water, you best know How to swim across, so you can reach the border It's international, the message and the flavor So here's some more important words from the lifesaver The lifesaver.. (I am the life) The lifesaver..
[Lucien] Garcon fache grandissant dans la violence et la peace, le mot "peace" C'est pour ceux qui perissent Chaque jour aux alentours dans le monde et ses tours En prison, ou retour en arriere dans les fours Et les condes font leurs rondes Les ville grondent La terre chauffe les sommets des montagnes fondent Pendant ca passe black ca casse Telle est mon uniforme dans une guerre en crevasse On me regarde, me met en garde-a-vue Certains cafardent, d'autres bavardent et tuent Dedicaces a ton quartier toute cite oh pas de chance a ceux Qui sont tombes mais pas pour la France Pays trop bidon Vivement Armageddon J'ai raison Prie en Jehovah pour mon pardon Car si un flic me juge je le broie enfoncant mon doigt dans son oeil et le fond de son Cerveau Je gratte [goes off to fade]
[Guru] So many misconceptions So many evil deceptions I've come to give direction For I, am the lifesaver
[Sweet Sable] Living, in this world What's happening? Living, in this world What's happening?
[Guru] What's happening.. check it out It's critical, the situation is pitiful Bear in mind, you gotta find somethin spiritual We never gain, cause we blame it on the system You oughta listen whether Muslim or Christian Or any other type religion or creed Cause what we need is less greed We can't continue to kill ourselves We gotta build and expand our wealth So one more time I'll design a rhyme divine To educate and elevate your mind Nowadays we gotta fight to live Human means we got a right to live Without the homicide, without the genocide Don't tell me let it slide, I'm feelin ghettofied So be a soldier of truth Protect the lives of our youth
[Sweet Sable] Living, in this world What's happening? Living, in this world What's happening?
[Guru] What's happening In the land of the free, home of the brave Too many of us reach such early graves They tell us to behave, but they don't know About the neighborhood drug flow They don't know about the drama or about the guns I ask how many politicians steal our funds And how many officers will turn up corrupt The governments don't care, they pass the buck I'm growin tired of the trickery And the misery, it's makin me kinda sick you see But now I meditate, so I can get it straight My thoughts penetrate, so I control my fate So be advised by the wise and concious one We take the easy way out, too often son We better get some kind of work ethic Realize it and correct it
[Sweet Sable] Living, in this world What's happening? Living, in this world What's happening?
[Guru] What's happening From New York to L.A., dead children lay Victims of an unfair socie-ty But for those who are blessed We must correct this mess, or dissapear into nothingness We're living in the age of doom How many teachers reach all the kids in the classroom? The beast is stalking us, but there's no stopping us As long as we maintain the strength within us Cause we're winners, descendants of the kings They try to hinder us from doin our thing So get the money, but spend it wisely I get ill when the beats hypnotize me Realize that the key Is for each, to master, his own destiny Deal with reality, and keep a tight focus Cause there's a lot we got to cope with
[Sweet Sable] Living, in this world What's happening? Living, in this world What's happening?
Living, in this world What's happening? Living, in this world What's happening?
Living, in this world What's happening? Living, in this world What's happening?
[Guru] You know sometimes I be lookin through the darkness Tryin to find the light Tryin to do what's right, with all my might
[Mica Paris (Guru)] Lookin through the darkness (Yeah I'm lookin, lookin at you) Lookin through the darkness (I see you lookin at me, whatcha wanna wanna do?) Lookin through the darkness (Here we go.. take a walk with me) (Lookin through the darkness.. Check it out.. now now.. now now, now now)
[Guru] Now as I peer through the window of gloom, and everyday living And all the hardships one faces, to make you give in I dig more intensely, finding greater strength A lot of heads is empty, I've got a greater rank Than MC's not aware of situations That'll force one to understand, true stipulations Thou shalt not bite, thou shalt not front Fake it if you want but for the battles I've come, cause I'm
[Mica Paris (Guru)] Lookin through the darkness (Yeah, I'm lookin out.. lookin at you) Lookin through the darkness (Lookin at me, my style is free, do you wanna be?)
[Guru] For me this rap life is real life, I don't have to create Some false image, to make the crowd get hyped Too many children get the wrong message, from clowns that walk around Hopelessly lost, thinkin that they're the boss They're in a daze, while dope MC's don't get the front page Me -- I try to channel my rage As I travel through the city regularly Turning the anger and frustration, straight into energy Yes you will remember me; as the brother who cared To dare to step up, with his soul bared But never fearing cause I've got instructions From Him, to go and fight the corruption so I'm
[Mica Paris (Guru)] Lookin through the darkness (I've got to look through it.. try to try to find the light) Lookin through the darkness (Uhh, maintainin..)
[Guru] My granddaddy always told me, to keep the light shining So as my mic illuminates, you can feel the state that I'm in Thoroughly immersed in a verse, way more than hardcore I endure, cause in myself, I'm secure Delivering syllables and selections with profound perfection Comin back like the resurrection In this session, I'm professin, that those who don't Hear and understand, never loved me, and so I planned To take a stand, as one who is firmly focused Plus I'm mad worthy with words I rock from East New York, all the way to the suburbs The lightkeeper, knowledge seeker I switch the stress that's on my mind Into the voice that rocks your speaker And I get deeper than the ocean when I'm
[Mica Paris (Guru)] Lookin through the darkness (Yeah.. I'm lookin through it) Lookin through the darkness (Ain't nothing to it but to do it.. Gotta freak it, now let me freak it check it out) Lookin through the darkness (All my life) (Lookin through the darkness.. Yeah, ohh yeah)
[Guru] Yo I'm so ill, I go ill, when beats with jazz Fill my need to express myself, like the blues I can't lose Weak MC's, they're seekin refuge From my barrage, there's no rescue Then I look through the madness, finding sanity I'm crazy alert, I never swim in vanity I do this rap stuff every year Aiyyo peace to my fam especially my man Premier as I'm
[Mica Paris (Guru)] Lookin through the darkness (Yeah.. lookin out, to the wilderness) Lookin through the darkness (the jungle, uhh, everybody's got to rumble) Lookin through the darkness (Lookin through the darkness..)
[Mica Paris (Guru)] Lookin through the darkness Lookin through the darkness (Got to find my way, doin my own thing) Lookin through the darkness (Walkin through the darkness) Got to find a way.. Got to get, got to get it on (Can you see the light?) Got to get, got to get, got to get it on (Peace aight?) Lookin through the darkness Lookin through the darkness Got to get, got to get, I've got to get it on Lookin through the darkness Got to get, got to get, I've got to get it on
[Guru] Dedicated to all my peeps, who looked out over the years KnawhatI'msayin? This one's for you
[Chorus: Guru + Me'Shell]
For you, dedicated true I'm doin this one for you For you, dedicated true I'm doin this one for you
[Guru] To my moms and my pops, I'm glad you stayed together I don't know too many people to demonstrate true love better Nowadays kids don't have anyone But you were there and determined, to make me get plenty done Yes to achieve although a lot of times I hurt you But I'm matured now, I'm showin you my true virtue As I deliver to you, an oath of neverending love Admiration and respect, for there is nothing above A mother's strength and a father's concern There was guidance, no matter which way I turned Yo pops if I could be half the man you are I'd be a star Moms thanks for pushin me real far As I proceed through the tundra, and harsh winds I think reviewin what you've instilled within So I'm takin time out to let you know Once a boy now a man thanks for helpin me grow
[Chorus x2]
[Guru] Goin out to my peoples, for all the times we've spent Fifty deep up in the party gettin crazy stupid bent Around the block puffin lye, cruisin in the car Whatever we was doin I won't forget it Baby Pah When I had no dough, you were there You hooked me with some ends, to show me that you cared You stood by me through the ups and downs While the other fakin clowns tried to start hangin around See you were always genuine That's why respect is due, and I got you on my mind A lot of people might not understand the way we click We're rollin thick, hittin harder than a ton of bricks With all the drama and the phony personas I'd rather check my man so we can share some knowledge If the streets were college, some MC's would flunk out Sendin shouts to my peeps, crazy love no doubt
[Chorus]
[Guru] A true friend kid, is mad mad rare Trustin others is a risk, a lot of things ain't fair Cause where I be at, a lot of strange things happen jack You can know a kid for years and still he'll stab you in the back But that's alright cause I'm a good judge of character And me and my family, we maintain the balance to Master the challenges of life Like the chain and the star, we link up to shine mad bright To all my boys way across the country Dealin with the struggle, the good the bad and the ugly Yo under pressure we're the best No matter what the circumstance no matter how much stress Our force has the power, to bring forth change I'd rather see us succeed than feel shame or go insane Dedicated to my fam that supported You shall always, I said always be applauded
Doing it in the house like this Going out to the lost souls Doing this for you and yours Comin' straight to you from the Guru and the crew
[Chorus: Guru]
To the lost souls I hope you find your way someday That's why I sit and I pray For the lost souls I hope you find your way someday That's why I sit and I pray
[Verse 1: Guru]
Sometimes I wonder why Some people can't see what's beyond the naked eye So therefore I must fortify Techniques of communication For beyond what is considered to be Normal conversation So I need some proper 'ticipation Am I giving what you need Yes true indeed As greed grows like weed Many bad seeds start to contaminate the crop I think that needs to stop hops Brothers are slain over respect and clout While thier mothers're trying to figure out What's it all about But when you give up on self that's when you lost Cause you're playing with your life Like it's a coin toss
[Chorus]
[Verse 2: Guru]
No doubt I release a form of speech Relative to urban outreach Transmitted messages to each true listener Rhymes divine but rough Like the skin on blisters Cause the truth hurts Plus I got no time for runnin' around chasin' skirts So see my sound is a corrector A profound lecture Quality texture That's because of what I see Alot of mc's are gassed like hellium Word up g Alot of people in general are straight up no good Makes me wanna shoot 'em Aiyo maybe I should But instead I parlay Maintain self control And say a prayer for the lost souls
[Chorus]
[Verse 3: Guru]
Get up stand up Come on Stand up for your right One two I go to new heights with my insight Whipping my mic tight With the height of a scholar Equipped with the gift to make crazy dollars But that ain't the whole See my heart is in it That's the only way one could even attempt to win it Dj spin it while others critique But the science makes 'em weak Check the words that I speak See it's ridiculous for us Not to discuss The real issues Like all you phonys And why I dis you Dismiss you as a lost soul
[Chorus]
[Outro: Jason Kay of Jamiroquai/Guru]
If you don't watch where you step You can become indirect And you know that you will lose your soul And if you truly want to lose Until there's nothing to choose Then you know that you will lose your soul
To the lost soul I hope you find your way someday So I sit and I pray For the lost soul I hope you find your way someday
Lose it You can lose it You can lose it You can lose your soul
[cut x3: BizMarkie] "So respect the architect" "So respect the architect, as I begin to build"
[Bahamadia] I'm mystical, don't be deceived by the visual Visible preference is pure, patent it back to metaphors Greetin em Illa-del-style wild Analyze my memoirs, runnin on 8/4, poetic, me-ter Soarin way beyond Iambic pentameter, or juvenile flam Unsyncopated soul piercin earlobes and egos My vocals read these thoughts - am I hardcore? To the grain
[Guru] Lame game plain Jane MC's can't approach these I shake chumps like fleas, I hold the keys To drive you, guide you, provide you With the real joints, ahem I clear my throat of phlegm The architect, selecting the blueprints To rid the game of nuisance Sucker reducin with the fusion Rhymes solid like cement in my musical solution Stackin concrete flows, look out below
[cut x2: BizMarkie] "So respect the architect" [cut x3: BizMarkie] "So respect the architect... as I begin to build"
[Guru] Floor to ceiling, constantly building With power to construct, towers of rap CREAM kid, what? Dreamin you're lyrical physical mystical? Your concept's mediocre plus your way too typical withcha Corny delivery and crazy wack voice Mad corny image, that's why I give you jitters It figures, I'd have to dust you off the scene Like a wiseguy, with my New York lean
[Bahamadia] Lines that I supply fortify the nuclei of mindstate From state to state, universal, be the orals that I create Top notch and on lock like Sentry, opponents could never tempt me Samplin my style like an Akai S-950 and still can't get with me While I spread this verbal plague like bubonic Conductin phonics like the Philharmonics I make in measured melody, kids praise me like the crucifix So place Bahamad', amongst your top ten of emcees
[cut x3: BizMarkie] "So respect the architect" "So respect the architect... as I begin to build"
[Guru] Yeah, neverending, knahmsayin? Always buildin My homegirl Bahamadia in the hidouse, yeah yeah And of course, my man the legend Ramsey Lewis So respect the architect, knahmsayin? One love
[Guru] Times like this make me clench my fist Then I'm caught up in the midst of the musical bliss Guru, blow a kiss to the ladies in my corner Caress the mic and kick my game like I wanna What? You never see the brother Guru falter Respect is due, praise me like the altar The crew we're as true as they come son, we come from Ill life experience, and take rap serious Feel the music
[Chorus: Baybe]
We hold the key, to our destiny We can make it everybody Feel the music Just free your mind, sit back relax and unwind To a higher plane we're going Can you feel the music?
Music! [x1]
[Guru] Original baldhead Crooklynite, rudebwoy instructor I came back to lay down law, to the suckers I'll crush ya, if you ain't actin like my brother Make one false move and with the mic, I'll bust ya Just lay back and feel the music
[Chorus]
Music! [x3]
[Guru] When I step into the club, I come to do work No hesitation, because I'm fully alert Like Max Julien, I'm an authentic Mack Many others can't compare, I'll bet on that Dialect and vocal tone, completely exact I react, then I max in this mellow track In fact, I'm knockin MC's out the frame Cause I'm smooth like jazz, Guru is my name Feel the music *echoes*
Music! [x1]
[Chorus 1/2]
[Guru] New reality.. a higher level of conciousness Don't play yourself; get out of line and get stomped with this Negativity is a chronic disease But I'm like the cure, causin infections to freeze I'm not gonna let up, until you get the picture My sound gets around so you know I'm always with ya Feel the music *echoes*
[Patra] Yah this is the real vibes OK? To all the man and the 'oman dem out there This the word The original jazz and the reggae vibe Yah watch this ([Shug] Young ladies, fly ladies, young ladies in the house) Yah this is Patra the Queen of the Dancehall Teamin up with Guru, of course ([Shug] Young ladies, fly ladies, young ladies in the house) Bad bad by law, you know say you're da numba won Trust me.. watch dis!
[Guru] Come on take a ride with the lyrical five foot eight And three-quarter warrior; I saw you pass me in the corridor POW -- the eye to eye contact was all that (AY) I dug your little steelo, fine, you dug mine You want my digits? I'm with it (take it) You could ring me up whenever, whatever's clever (ONE time)
[Big Shug] Stroll your way, you know you want me (BO!) So bring your game over here to the bar You know you wanna sit and hang with the star Maybe get a new house -- and a BRAND, NEW, CAR! (a-hah-HAH) But +The Price Ain't Right+ Cause I ain't your size baby, and I ain't your type
[Kool Keith] Check it Your honey's fly, but she wants me, I'm all that She's perpetratin like she never even heard the record Or saw the video, or heard the loudspeakers You got the TV, your whole family did see me ([Shug] Young ladies, fly ladies, young ladies in the house) Kool Keith in the house with Shug and Guru Primetime jazz and limousines gettin to you ([Shug] Young ladies, fly ladies, young ladies in the house)
[Patra] Okay.. check dis baby.. way up top 'bove
[Guru] Baby you look good in that dress Let's get out of here and take it back to my rest I don't think I'm bein too forward Would I like to break out right now? Yeah I sure would (ah-hah) I dig the way you be lookin at me I dig your confidence, you want me, it's evident (trust me)
[Big Shug] My man told me that you like me You wanna write me, cause you heard I have a wifey But I'm on some mo' straight up stuff I get witchu and probably spend a little while Somewhere in the park after dark Incognito, that's how I flow
[Kool Keith] Well I'm here for you, are you there, where? Takin peeks, and sneakin winks, whatever brotherman thinks You on a mission, for famous people in position Holdin in your love, admirin what I'm doin Gettin through in, time and time She follows us backstage.. yeah..
[Patra] First day, guess what Guru said to me Dark and lovely, how could you be It is right for me Because, whiny whiny, me whiny sexy All de man dem, just-a rush me..
[Guru] Check it out The time is right, you hold me tight (my love) In the twilight, away from the spotlight We can explore mysteries that last all night (trust me) Nobody has to know but us Honey you know I'm the man Baby for you I got big plans (eh eh)
[Big Shug] You say I'm just a lonely man (no more) But tomorrow I'll be your King, the ruffneck swing You know me from my name on the streets You wanna be with me, it's easy to see Since you kissed me on the cheek Now you wanna be my everyday freak (hah hah!)
[Kool Keith] Lookin at me, my man and him, my man and him Champagne pop, don't waste time, you can get with him (MEOW) We got some drinks, you lookin at the fine wine Eye contact is on, all I see is sihlouette Sheer plastic, freaky so fantastic (it's like dat) I wanna touch it, see if it's real True at heart, I wanna see how you really feel Take off your mask and reveal
[Patra] Tell dem come wind Only if you can make her feel fine Y'know.. because.. Eyes are watchin me Every single step I take Eyes are watchin me They are countin my mistake, JUMP Him up and now dey flip the script pon cha chill Steppin to you like medicated thrills Dey can not wait come in from it his eyes ANYthing not lay ya to smile ya analyze, BO! I was born inna ruff neighborhood Steppin up in light, now it feels good No one is gonna stop me, no matta what dem say An' if I'm da rockin, then I must DJ, cause Eyes are watchin me Every single step I take Eyes are watchin me They are countin Guru mista-ake Eyes are watchin me True me nice and me love come wind And me both love mashin Eyes are watchin me They love Queen Patra, cause I earn it an' Guru and all-stars, ya large, inna dance And the stars of reggae music, they LARGE The original niceness And Patra never the one to front, okay? [fades out]
Somethin to motivate to Somethin to motivate you The more travellin I do The more wise I become
I'm the traveler, I go place to place They see my face, then I'm gone I'm the traveler, I go place to place They see my face, then I'm gone
Yes the traveler, always on the move (keep it movin baby) Makin power moves, devourin the grooves Goin, city to city with the illest force (aiyyo) Spannin the glove like Wild World of Sports I go to Japan, with plans to slam (aight) I go to Spain and England, with knowledge to bring them (crazy knowledge) I go to Holland, and then to Germany You better learn to see I'll be here for eternity (a long time) I go to Switzerland and travel to Sweden And give the real heads jewels that they needin (droppin jewels) I go to Italy and also to France With the chance to enhance the dance (c'mon) I tore up mad spots doin shows all over I wreck the stage, with East coast flavor (East coast) But I go out West too, and build with my peoples (true) Some can't conceive how I do what I do
I'm the traveler, I go place to place They see my face, then I'm gone I'm the traveler, I go place to place They see my face, then I'm gone
I'm the traveler, I go place to place They see my face, then I'm gone I'm the traveler, I go place to place They see my face, then I'm gone
Around the world and back yo, the steelo is fat yo (huge) From blocks to continents, with mad impact (SMASH) I got it like that, ringin bells in the street Midwest to Down South, I turn it out, kapeesh? (you understand?) Wherever I go, they give it up (uh-huh) They wanna see me on the stage when I rip it up (rip it up) Uptown, downtown, Crooklyn, Queens, Strong Island Bronx, Shaolin, New Jersey, the brothers know I'm worthy (right) Got to get the dough, got to run the show My mental pops the topics when it's time to flow (word) With expertise, I release more techniques than 1200 Style's more than a 100 (mad styles) yes I run it More game than a little, MC's dribble from the mouth when I hit (uh-huh) The fuse is lit, makin your whole crew split No myth (word), yeah I'm whippin evil everywhere, ratification severely severe (aight) So clearly you hear Original aspects unlimited, significant thoughts That make me different than (different than) Most men who play the edge too close And while they fall, I fill halls coast to coast (everywhere) The dressing rooms I roam in is the scent of blessings (boom) Soon as we rockets to the next spot to wreck em I put the pure in the store, I got the cure (c'mon) Like a doc-tor, switchin from planes, to helicopters MC's with your fake scowls, you smell foul, so I drop ya (you stink) And then I walked away with your propers (allathat) Of course I had stop ya See now you lost your spot ta.. the traveler
Too many times I felt bad (count your blessings) Too many times I couldn't see what really I had (Yo.. just.. count your blessings) Too many times I felt bad (count your blessings) Too many times I couldn't see what really I had (Better count your blessings) Too many times I felt bad (count your blessings) Too many times I couldn't see what really I had (Better count your blessings) Too many times I felt bad (count your blessings) Too many times I couldn't see what really I had (I say to thee well count your blessings)
I remember when I used to get depressed Overwhelmed by the stress Feeling my life was the illest mess Always dwelling on the stuff that wasn't right And staring at the four walls in my room all night Searching for a way to cope The situation shaky like I'm walkin on a tightrope But now I see it's time to get a handle And take control of things So for me, I'ma light a candle And other people got it worse I get a lot of love, so I ought give my thanks first
Too many times I felt bad (count your blessings) Too many times I couldn't see what really I had (Count your blessings) Too many times I felt bad (count your blessings) Too many times I couldn't see what really I had (Better count your blessings) Too many times I felt bad (count your blessings) Too many times I couldn't see what really I had (I said you better count your blessings)
Too many times I asked, "Why me?" And I recall when things weren't goin how they 'sposed to be Yeah I know you dig what I'm relayin And now I find myself devoting more time to praying I ain't saying that I don't do no wrong I'm saying I ain't trying to sing no more sad songs I got mad responsibilities I'm building with my family, my loved ones depend on me I've got no time for envy nor for hate My inner power's too strong To let such evil penetrate The world around is in chaos But I'd rather seek the truth to be found Than to be lost Experience is always the best teacher Look at the signs, feel the vibes, I'm tryin to reach ya I see how much now that one should be grateful for And we must help the others who can't find a open door
Too many times I felt bad (count your blessings) Too many times I couldn't see what really I had (Count your blessings) Too many times I felt bad (count your blessings) Too many times I couldn't see what really I had (Count your blessings) Too many times I felt bad (count your blessings) Too many times I couldn't see what really I had (Better count your blessings) Too many times I felt bad (count your blessings) Too many times I couldn't see what really I had (Better count your blessings)
Now as we head into the year 2000 And more and more people can't even get decent housing Poor education in the schools And poor employment structures, so some choose illegal tools By all means, you know we must survive, but think The energy we give always comes back to us in time We must decide to make the proper choices Or the only thing we'll hear is the cries and the screaming voices
Too many times, too many times Too many times, too many times Too many times, too many times Too many times, too many times
Too many times I felt bad Too many times I couldn't see what I really had Too many times I felt bad (count your blessings) Too many times I couldn't see what really I had (Count your blessings) Too many times I felt bad (count your blessings) Too many times I couldn't see what really I had (Better count your blessings) Too many times I felt bad (count your blessings) Too many times I couldn't see what really I had (Better count your blessings) Too many times I felt bad (count your blessings) Too many times I couldn't see what really I had (Better count your blessings) .. [fades]
재즈 힙합은 1990년대에 접어들면서부터 활성화되었으나 서로 다른 두 장르를 교합하려는 시도는 1980년대에도 발견할 수 있었다. 랩이라는 수단을 동반하지 않았지만 허비 행콕(Herbie Hancock)은 1983년에 발표한 <Future Shock>에서 힙합의 자양분이 되었던 일렉트로 펑크(electro funk), 초기의 턴테이블리즘과 재즈를 버무린 음악을 선보였고 퀸시 존스(Quincy Jones)는 1989년 출시한 <B......
