If the Papes Come
Tribe's Verse: Life's Beats, Struggles, and Papes
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
-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"
-I don't like a cop, I don't sell a rock
-But still the kanga's clock me, after a show
-Standing on the stage and we're pouring with sweat
-To people in the crowd I give what they get
-Papers make paid, babies make laid
-I don't really worry, nor do I fret
-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
-I thought what I think, I rock a bead link
-Legally I'll sip when I turn, twenty-one
-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
-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
-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
-We laugh and giggle some, Phife kiss the honey buns
-Ali Shaheed Muhammad keeps talking that shop
-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
-Not a bourgeoisie, hate the seminar
Rejecting elitism and addressing ignorance.
Ignorant flip, hey, miss, you must jet
-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
-Bush on the tush, you're pulling while I push
-Play me for the punk then puss, feel the pounce
-It's like that y'all (keep on)
Repeating a mantra of persistence and celebration.
Freak, freak y'all (keep on)
-It's like that y'all (keep on)
-Freak, freak y'all (keep on)
-It's like that y'all (keep on)
-Freak, freak y'all (keep on)
-It's like that y'all (keep on)
-Freak, freak y'all (keep on)
-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
-With mines I was born a child of the corn
-Molecules of the land they uplift
-Levels is straight, in fact, they're rectified
Stressing clarity, adrenaline, and group unity.
Adrenaline now is crazy multiplied
-Four and four is eight, the fraction makes the plate
-I make sure the Tribe is in
-With the quickness you bare the witness
Highlighting activity and dismissing opposition.
Flexing and pumping with the fitness
-Moving it, uh, doing it, uh
-Those who oppose must hit the S-list
-Doing it, doing it with the whole frame
Emphasizing substance over superficial success.
Look what's in the mind and not in the brain
-On this you can quote, we on a diffy note
-Quest for the future 'stead of the fame
-One ninety-one brothers grabbing they thingies
Referencing unspecified individuals and musical elements.
Forgot the name, oh, equivalent to Jimmy
-Hiddle-iddle-it, you think I have to quit
-Ali Shaheed Muhammad, with the singy-singy
-Slamming with a slammy you front on the case
Using slang to convey confidence and comradery.
Right or left nut, Ali, plays the ace
-Do what you do, flam for a crew
-Bonita Applebum blows smoke in Sha's face
-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
-Brothers who are snakes, I label them as fakes
-Instincts to travel up the hood path, c'mon
-It's like that y'all (keep on)
Reiterating the theme of persistence and celebration.
Freak ,freak y'all (keep on)
-It's like that y'all (keep on)
-It's like that y'all (keep on)
-It's like that y'all (keep on)
-Freak, freak y'all (keep on)
-It's like that y'all (keep on)
-Freak, freak y'all (keep on)
-Thank you
Acknowledging skepticism and signaling the end of the performance.
As you all know, you just can't believe
-Everything you see and hear, can you?
-Now if you will excuse me
-I must be on my way
Politely excusing oneself from the audience.
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