The definition of hip-hop music
According to Guru (RIP): “Streetwise poetry and turntable wizardry.”- from “Flip the Script,” off of Gang Starr’s Daily Operation, 1992
Rappers can’t sleep, need sleepin’,
B.I.G. keep creepin’,
Bullets heat-seekin’,
Casualties need treatin’,
Dumb rappers need teachin’.
B.I.G. keep creepin’,
Bullets heat-seekin’,
Casualties need treatin’,
Dumb rappers need teachin’.
- Notorious B.I.G., “Unbelievable,” Ready To Die, 1994
What’s the remedy? Suckaz better get their own identity,
And to the enemy, you better roll like there’s ten of me.
And to the enemy, you better roll like there’s ten of me.
- A.G., “Next Level,” from Show and A.G.’s Goodfellas, 1995
Rap is an art, you can’t own no loops.
It’s how you hook ‘em up and the rhyme style, troop.
So don’t even think you could say someone bit
Off your weak beat, come on, you need to quit.
It’s how you hook ‘em up and the rhyme style, troop.
So don’t even think you could say someone bit
Off your weak beat, come on, you need to quit.
- Guru, “Take it Personal,” from Gang Starr’s Daily Operation, 1992
Tell ya mama to stop flirtin’ boy, I’m not a good step-pop.
I interrupt your little session…and wreck shop.
I interrupt your little session…and wreck shop.
- Bumpy Knuckles, “GrEaTnEsS,” from DJ Premier and Bumpy Knuckles’ KoleXXXion, 2012
Lemonade was a popular drink and it still is;
I get more props and stunts than Bruce Willis.
I get more props and stunts than Bruce Willis.
- Guru, “DWYCK,” from Gang Starr featuring Nice & Smooth DWYCK 12”, 1994
Too many MC’s take that word ‘emcee’ lightly;
They can’t Move a Crowd, not even slightly.
They can’t Move a Crowd, not even slightly.
- KRS-One, “MC’s Act Like They Don’t Know,” KRS-One, 1995
“Homicide central, East New York,
Where the manic-depressive psycho murderers stalk”
Where the manic-depressive psycho murderers stalk”
–Jeru the Damaja, “D. Original,” The Sun Rises in the East, 1994
I leave scientists mentally scarred,
Triple Extra Large,
Wild like rock stars who smash guitars…
Triple Extra Large,
Wild like rock stars who smash guitars…
- Inspectah Deck, “Above the Clouds,” from Gang Starr’s Moment of Truth, 1998
They say it’s lonely at the top, in whatever you do,
You always gotta watch motherfuckers around you.
Nobody’s invincible, no plan is foolproof,
We all must meet our Moment of Truth.
You always gotta watch motherfuckers around you.
Nobody’s invincible, no plan is foolproof,
We all must meet our Moment of Truth.
- Guru, “Moment of Truth,” from Gang Starr’s Moment of Truth, 1998
Real, rough and rugged, shine like a gold nugget,
Every time I pick up the microphone, I drug it.
Every time I pick up the microphone, I drug it.
- Jeru the Damaja, “Come Clean,” The Sun Rises in the East, 1994
Rockin’ gay apparel, them jeans will make you sterile,
I’m steady stockin ammo, cocking the double barrel.
I’m steady stockin ammo, cocking the double barrel.
- Apathy, “Stop What Ya Doin,” Honkey Kong, 2011
Yo Premier, why these rappers so soft?
They corny ass raps be makin me doze off.
They corny ass raps be makin me doze off.
- KRS-One, “Criminal Minded ‘08,” Smirnoff Signature Mix Series, 2008
Every little fuck up, they blame it on Barack
Cause he just like Gucci, born in the trap.
Cause he just like Gucci, born in the trap.
- Game, “Born In The Trap,” The R.E.D. Album, 2011
