If the Papes Come

Tribe's Verse: Life's Beats, Struggles, and Papes
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Lyrics

Um, the Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh away

The Lord gives and takes away, but hip-hop is enduring.

But not hip-hop, yo

Emphasizing the lasting nature of hip-hop culture.

And let it be known, that we are on some, um

Setting the tone for a unique and unconventional expression.

Ay-uh-oh, uh-chikka-um

Unconventional vocal sounds, signaling a departure from mainstream pop.

Ay-uh-oh, uh-chikka-um

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And this ain't on the pop tip, yo

Clarifying the non-pop nature of the upcoming content.

Are y'all kids tucked in? (Yeah)

Checking if the audience is ready for the non-mainstream content.

Here we go

Introducing the lyrics with a call to attention.


People in the audience, they cry out, "Ho"

Addressing societal issues, police, and maintaining composure.

People with a gun, yo, they'll cry out "Bo"

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I don't like a cop, I don't sell a rock

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But still the kanga's clock me, after a show

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Standing on the stage and we're pouring with sweat

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To people in the crowd I give what they get

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Papers make paid, babies make laid

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I don't really worry, nor do I fret

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Waiting for the gimme and boy I got some

Referencing success, sweat, and the legal drinking age.

Sweat like a peach and tart like a plum

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I thought what I think, I rock a bead link

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Legally I'll sip when I turn, twenty-one

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A letter to the homeboy that freaked the head dome

Discussing pressure from authorities regarding the content of their music.

The army wants me to drop my microphone

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Gotta be brief, no orders from a chief

Referencing military demands and wordplay with "hot butter on popcorn."

Hot butter on what? Say what? The popcorn

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On the tour bus we hit the truck stop

Describing life on tour, camaraderie, and musical discussions.

A dollar for some chips, a quarter for some pop

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We laugh and giggle some, Phife kiss the honey buns

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Ali Shaheed Muhammad keeps talking that shop

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The brothers cruise on as we Quest for the check

Continuing the journey for success and checking for progress.

Calling up Famous to see if it's there yet

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Not a bourgeoisie, hate the seminar

Rejecting elitism and addressing ignorance.

Ignorant flip, hey, miss, you must jet

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Flex for the funkiest but start to bounce

Expressing confidence and resilience in the face of challenges.

Measure hip-hop for weight, by the ounce

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Bush on the tush, you're pulling while I push

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Play me for the punk then puss, feel the pounce

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It's like that y'all (keep on)

Repeating a mantra of persistence and celebration.

Freak, freak y'all (keep on)

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It's like that y'all (keep on)

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Freak, freak y'all (keep on)

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It's like that y'all (keep on)

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Freak, freak y'all (keep on)

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It's like that y'all (keep on)

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Freak, freak y'all (keep on)

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If the papes come, yo, yo, I won't riff

Responding calmly to potential wealth with a reference to origins.

I just sit down and get me a spliff

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With mines I was born a child of the corn

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Molecules of the land they uplift

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Levels is straight, in fact, they're rectified

Stressing clarity, adrenaline, and group unity.

Adrenaline now is crazy multiplied

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Four and four is eight, the fraction makes the plate

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I make sure the Tribe is in

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With the quickness you bare the witness

Highlighting activity and dismissing opposition.

Flexing and pumping with the fitness

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Moving it, uh, doing it, uh

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Those who oppose must hit the S-list

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Doing it, doing it with the whole frame

Emphasizing substance over superficial success.

Look what's in the mind and not in the brain

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On this you can quote, we on a diffy note

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Quest for the future 'stead of the fame

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One ninety-one brothers grabbing they thingies

Referencing unspecified individuals and musical elements.

Forgot the name, oh, equivalent to Jimmy

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Hiddle-iddle-it, you think I have to quit

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Ali Shaheed Muhammad, with the singy-singy

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Slamming with a slammy you front on the case

Using slang to convey confidence and comradery.

Right or left nut, Ali, plays the ace

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Do what you do, flam for a crew

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Bonita Applebum blows smoke in Sha's face

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Slang for the king, you must, if you have

Emphasizing humor and discernment in social interactions.

Dribble hops out giggle, yo, proper term is laugh

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Brothers who are snakes, I label them as fakes

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Instincts to travel up the hood path, c'mon

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It's like that y'all (keep on)

Reiterating the theme of persistence and celebration.

Freak ,freak y'all (keep on)

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It's like that y'all (keep on)

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It's like that y'all (keep on)

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It's like that y'all (keep on)

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Freak, freak y'all (keep on)

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It's like that y'all (keep on)

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Freak, freak y'all (keep on)

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Thank you

Acknowledging skepticism and signaling the end of the performance.

As you all know, you just can't believe

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Everything you see and hear, can you?

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Now if you will excuse me

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I must be on my way

Politely excusing oneself from the audience.

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