Put Up or Shut Up
Power Moves and Street Wisdom: Unveiling Gang Starr's Message in 'Put Up or Shut Up'
Lyrics
Stupid, you know it's time to sit and think, before we hit the brink
Reflecting on the need for contemplation before reaching a critical point or situation
Locked room, at a prize fight, before he hit the ring
Comparing a moment of seclusion before a significant event to preparation before a fight
Like when I tell these corporate leeches they can't get a thing
Asserting denial to corporations attempting to exploit
Or when I tell relentless rappers they had better sing
Warning less dedicated rappers to improve their skills
The position that anyone holds could be up to grabs
Suggesting that anyone's status or position can be challenged
I'm waitin' up the ave to see if anyone folds
Waiting to see if someone gives in or surrenders
Since I was twenty-one years old and legal
Referring to being legally responsible and aware since turning 21
I knew the difference between gimmicky gangsters and powerful people
Knowing the difference between superficial gangsters and influential individuals
I'm the reason, why the game is flipped
Claiming responsibility for changing the dynamics of the game
I'm the reason, why your aim is missed
Attributing impact on others' failure to achieve goals
I'm the reason why you're mad I only sprained my wrist
Causing frustration by only sustaining a minor injury
The reason my mind frame is trained in this
Referring to the way of thinking being shaped by experiences
You like gunfire? Better acquire the taste
Advising to become accustomed to violence before engaging
'Cause you walk around with full pounds by them waist
Warning against carrying weapons due to potential consequences
Deface property, they be laced properly
Describing how illegal activities are skillfully executed
Rules are rules, fools are fools, I react logically
Following rules and acting sensibly in response to situations
Ain't no way, so come, make my day
Challenging someone to try and provoke a reaction
Like Tom Hanks I earn long bank and Cast you Away
Using wordplay referencing Tom Hanks' movie to convey distancing oneself from others
"This mic in my hand, I'm rulin'"
Asserting authority over the microphone
"I repeat, this is not a question"
Reiterating the authoritative stance without room for debate
Oh you brag about the keys you flipped and who you done up
Questioning the authenticity of someone boasting about illegal activities
Nigga what up? (Put up or shut up)
Challenging someone to either act or be silent
Poppin' shit about the chicks and the whips you got
Calling out someone's arrogance about possessions and relationships
You think you hot? (Uh-uh, man you put up or shut up)
Asking if the individual thinks highly of themselves
Always talkin' bout your dough and your wealth and fame
Dismissing someone's claims about wealth and success
You's a lame (Get out of here, put up or shut up)
Calling someone out as inadequate or unimpressive
You got hot beats and kids that can spit mad fire?
Questioning someone's claims about musical talent
You's a liar! (That's whack, put up or shut up)
Labeling someone as dishonest and unimpressive
"This mic in my hand, I'm rulin'"
Reasserting dominance over the microphone
"Aiyyo I've seen the toughest of tough guys"
Reflecting on encountering and surpassing tough individuals
Comment