Dave Parsons, who put out the Young and the Useless’ only known recordings on his Ratcage Records label, fondly remembers the young punks as his favorite New York Hardcore or better said “art-core” band. “They had the potential to be larger than the Beastie Boys. I can recall people calling from California wanting to book the Young and Useless and all of a sudden they didn’t exist anymore. Just look at the cover of their Real Men Don’t Floss EP, they would have been the biggest punk band from New York. They were way ahead of the pack. So young! Everybody wanted to see them. Dave Scilken had great ideas and was such a clever kid. He was way hip and had a different take on everything. Scilken had been hanging with us since the 171A days. He even had a fanzine, but I forget what it was called (Editor's note: it was called Blister). I had never met or saw Adam Horovitz prior to Scilken bringing him into the store. Following the period after which Scilken gave me the Young and the Useless tape, Horovitz began coming into the (Ratcage Records) store and I remember that he would run down to the 2nd Ave Deli to pick up the fries with gravy every morning.” Sadly David Scilken died in 1991. The Beastie Boys 1992 album Check Your Head is dedicated to him.
As for Arthur Africano and Adam Trese, they both went on to work in the entertainment business as well. Arthur Africano has worked as a cameraman on a number of well-known television shows and movies. Not to mention that Arthur helped film both the “Intergalactic” video for the Beasties Boys, as well as the “Buddy” BS2000 music video. His credits include television shows Picket Fences and The Practice. Aside from playing on the Real Men Don't Floss e.p., Adam Trese is best known for his work as an actor. His acting credits include everything from independent films like Laws of Gravity (1992) to the very popular 40 Days and 40 Nights (2002). Former band mate Adam Horovitz may have acted in an episode of The Equalizer, but Trese has him beat hands down with appearances in the television shows such as Murder, She Wrote, Law & Order, New York Undercover, and NYPD Blue.
Anyway
The Young and the Useless Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(20Rocket on this beat so it's gon' knock)
Yeah, uh
Yeah, uh, uh
(COUPE)
I just like that ho, she ride around and suck my dick, uh
I just like that ho, when we get to the house, she let me hit, uh
I get in her mouth and then I hop out, yeah
And I'm in that pussy, crab land
Late-night like I'm Batman
And you know these hoes love me, 'cause I got them stacks, man (got them stacks, man)
And she say I'm robbin' (robbin')
Put me on the lick, man
Other way, phew, phew, anyways
Bad bitches and models
Bad bitches and bottles
Bad bitches and money
Bad bitches turnt (gang)
In my session, we flexin', whole lotta money
Whole lotta diamonds in my necklace (diamonds)
Okay, y'all niggas been broke, I'll take your ho
You ain't talkin' no money (nah), we cannot relate (nuh-uh)
All my gang straight (gang)
Play and we go ape (ape)
Apeshit, you know this shit, we spray that shit, we keep them K's
Kill that shit, anyways, I want your bitch to get a facelift (ooh)
And she suck me up so I won't have to take them, yeah
All these niggas talk that shit, don't make me spray them, yeah
I feel better when I got your bitch, yeah
I just like that ho, she ride around and suck my dick, uh
I just like that ho, when we get to the house, she let me hit, uh
She don't even talk, she just drop down, yeah (drop down, yeah)
I get in her mouth and then I hop out, yeah
And I'm in that pussy, crab land
Late-night like I'm Batman
And you know these hoes love me, 'cause I got them stacks, man (got them stacks, man)
And she say I'm robbin' (robbin')
Put me on the lick, man
Other way, phew, phew
I rob a nigga (rob a nigga), pop a nigga (pop a nigga)
Don't make me stop (don't make me stop)
You be playin', nigga get popped (on God)
Come on my block (boy)
No, I don't spare no pussy, no opp, shit won't stop
How y'all bitch ass niggas call cops?
You know how we rock (you know how we rock)
Anything for the money, my nigga, I gotta go get it
I be chasin' money, bitch nigga, y'all niggas ain't with me (what?)
All these niggas switchin' up (what?), these niggas against me
All these niggas bitchin' up, they get in they feelings (get in they feelings)
Lotta niggas actin' like hoes, they ain't my bros (they ain't my bros)
Lotta niggas actin' like foes, and now they know (but now they know)
Lotta niggas switched on the code, but did I know? (But did I know?)
Lotta niggas went in that room, and then they told (then they told, but it's okay-kay)
It's okay, I keep it cool, ride with the tool
Catch a pussy nigga lackin', boom boom, come out that snooze
Okay, you snooze, you lose, I give you the blues (give you the blues)
Then I fuck your bitch late night, bitch nigga don't have no clue (ain't have no clue)
(Ooh, Slime)
I just like that ho, she ride around and suck my dick, uh
I just like that ho, when we get to the house, she let me hit, uh
She don't even talk, she just drop down, yeah (drop down, yeah)
I get in her mouth and then I hop out, yeah
And I'm in that pussy, crab land
Late-night like I'm Batman
And you know these hoes love me, 'cause I got them stacks, man (got them stacks, man)
And she say I'm robbin' (robbin')
Put me on the lick, man
Other way, phew, phew
I rob a nigga (I rob a nigga), yeah
Anyways, anyways, anyways
Anyways, I'ma do this every day (anyways, anyways)
Anyways, I know that these niggas hatin'
Anyways, I know that these niggas fakin' (yeah)
Anyways, make them fall like dominos (whew)
Anyways, I'ma get it either way
Got to go, they already know my pocket gotta stay swole (swole)
(Oh, whoa, whoa)
The lyrics of The Young and the Useless's "Anyway" are explicit, and the song is centered around sexual encounters with women. The lyrics describe a sexual relationship where the woman is reduced to an object and her consent is not explicitly discussed. The line "she don't even talk, she just drop down" implies that the woman is subservient to the singer's sexual desire and objectifies her. The theme of the song celebrates the rapper's sexual prowess and power over women, often using aggressive language to assert his dominance.
The song also touches on themes of financial success and gang violence, further reinforcing the idea of violent masculinity. The level of hyper-masculinity, coupled with the misogynistic overtones, can be seen as problematic in a broader societal context, as it reinforces harmful stereotypes and can perpetuate a culture of toxic masculinity.
Line by Line Meaning
I just like that ho, she ride around and suck my dick, uh
I enjoy this woman whose sole purpose seems to be to perform oral sex on me while we drive around
I just like that ho, when we get to the house, she let me hit, uh
I enjoy this woman who allows me to have sex with her when we are back at my place
She don't even talk, she just drop down, yeah (drop down, yeah)
This woman is silent and obedient, dropping down to perform oral sex on me when I want
I get in her mouth and then I hop out, yeah
I use this woman for my own sexual pleasure and then leave
And I'm in that pussy, crab land
I am having sex with this woman (whose exact identity or agency doesn't seem to matter to me) while taking on a dominant position
Late-night like I'm Batman
I engage in this sexual behavior and other questionable activities in the dark of night, feeling like a superhero
And you know these hoes love me, 'cause I got them stacks, man (got them stacks, man)
I believe that these women are attracted to me because of the money I have
And she say I'm robbin' (robbin')
This woman implies that my interactions with her are exploitative or predatory
Put me on the lick, man
I want to be involved in robbery or other illegal activities
Other way, phew, phew, anyways
Regardless of any negative feedback I receive, I will continue to pursue my harmful goals
Bad bitches and models
I admire and desire women who are conventionally attractive
Bad bitches and bottles
I enjoy drinking and indulging in pleasure-seeking behaviors with these women
Bad bitches and money
I believe that my financial status is a key factor in attracting these women
Bad bitches turnt (gang)
These women are hyped up and ready to engage in wild behavior with me and my friends
In my session, we flexin', whole lotta money
I and my friends flaunt our wealth and indulge in a lifestyle of excess and indulgence
Whole lotta diamonds in my necklace (diamonds)
My wealth is reflected in the jewelry and other material possessions I have
You ain't talkin' no money (nah), we cannot relate (nuh-uh)
I only associate with people who have similar financial means to me, and disregard those who don't
All my gang straight (gang)
My group of friends are all loyal to me and maintain a similar mindset and lifestyle
Play and we go ape (ape)
We engage in wild, animalistic behavior when we are together
Apeshit, you know this shit, we spray that shit, we keep them K's
We are willing to engage in violent and dangerous behavior with weapons to protect ourselves and our interests
Kill that shit, anyways, I want your bitch to get a facelift (ooh)
I am ready to eliminate those who oppose me, and also express a desire to see someone's girlfriend undergo cosmetic surgery
And she suck me up so I won't have to take them, yeah
I use this woman for sexual pleasure so I don't have to deal with the stresses or negative consequences of my actions
All these niggas talk that shit, don't make me spray them, yeah
I am willing to use violence against anyone who opposes me or insults me
I feel better when I got your bitch, yeah
I take pleasure in having power over and controlling someone else's partner
No, I don't spare no pussy, no opp, shit won't stop
I have no qualms about exploiting or harming women or my enemies, and will continue to do so
How y'all bitch ass niggas call cops?
I mock and belittle those who seek help from the authorities or other sources of support
Anything for the money, my nigga, I gotta go get it
I believe that obtaining more money is the most important thing in my life, and am willing to do anything to get it
I be chasin' money, bitch nigga, y'all niggas ain't with me (what?)
I am driven by the pursuit of wealth, and scorn those who don't share my values or goals
All these niggas switchin' up (what?), these niggas against me
I perceive those who show any resistance or questioning of my behavior to be enemies or traitors
All these niggas bitchin' up, they get in they feelings (get in they feelings)
Those who express concerns or critiques of me are weak or overly emotional
Lotta niggas actin' like hoes, they ain't my bros (they ain't my bros)
I view those who don't support or follow me unconditionally as untrustworthy or disloyal
Lotta niggas actin' like foes, and now they know (but now they know)
I perceive anyone who opposes me or shows any level of resistance to be an enemy, and view them as such
Lotta niggas switched on the code, but did I know? (But did I know?)
I am unable to trust anyone, and see betrayal or treachery everywhere
Lotta niggas went in that room, and then they told (then they told, but it's okay-kay)
I suspect that others have betrayed me or shared information about me, but take comfort in the fact that this is something that I am able to tolerate or dismiss
It's okay, I keep it cool, ride with the tool
I am able to remain calm and collected in the face of any threats or obstacles, and am prepared to use force if necessary
Catch a pussy nigga lackin', boom boom, come out that snooze
I am comfortable with using violence and intimidation to harm those who oppose me or threaten my interests
Okay, you snooze, you lose, I give you the blues (give you the blues)
I believe that those who are unaware or unprepared will suffer or be defeated by me
Then I fuck your bitch late night, bitch nigga don't have no clue (ain't have no clue)
I take pleasure in exploiting and having power over someone else's partner, and see anyone who opposes me or criticizes me as ignorant or foolish
I rob a nigga (I rob a nigga), yeah
I am willing to engage in illegal or unethical behavior to further my own interests or gain leverage over others
Anyways, anyways, anyways
Regardless of the consequences or feedback I receive, I will continue to pursue my own interests and desires
Anyways, I'ma do this every day (anyways, anyways)
My harmful and unethical behavior is not a one-time or occasional thing, but a regular part of my life
Anyways, I know that these niggas hatin'
I believe that anyone who opposes or criticizes me is motivated by jealousy or spite
Anyways, I know that these niggas fakin' (yeah)
I believe that those who act friendly or supportive towards me are being disingenuous or fake
Anyways, make them fall like dominos (whew)
I am confident in my ability to bring others down or make them submit to me
Anyways, I'ma get it either way
I am determined to obtain whatever I want, regardless of the cost or consequences
Got to go, they already know my pocket gotta stay swole (swole)
I am driven by the need to constantly accumulate more wealth, and prioritize this above all else
(Oh, whoa, whoa)
A meaningless and repetitive phrase used for emphasis or style
Lyrics © YOUNG NUDY PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: Quantavious T Thomas, Edward Maclin Cooper III, Delvin Northcut
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind