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Mass Appeal
Gang Starr Lyrics


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Money's growin' like grass with the mass appeal
Money's growin' like grass with the mass appeal
Money's growin' like grass with the mass appeal
Money's growin' like grass with the mass appeal

No way, you'll never make it
Come with the weak shit, I'll break it
Step into my zone, mad rhymes will stifle ya
Lines like rifles go blast when I kick some ass
A lot of rappers be like one time wonders
Couldn't say a fly rhyme if there was one right under
Their noses, I hate those motherfuckin' posers
But I'm so real to them it's scary
And with my unique skills, nah, you can't compare me
And no, we don't make wack tracks
And all the suckers get pushed back when I'm kickin' real facts
I represent, set up shit like a tent, boy
You're paranoid 'cause you're a son like Elroy
And you'd be happy as hell to get a record deal
Maybe your soul you'd sell to have mass appeal

Money's growin' like grass with the mass appeal
Money's growin' like grass with the mass appeal
Mass appeal

Oh yes, I'm greater than all MC's
When I breeze, give me room please
I be like fascinatin' when I be updatin'
Cuttin' off wack kids, pullin' their trump cards
I thump hard, and make 'em say that I'm God
Niggas be pretendin' they're hardcore
Never know the meaning of (raw)
But I get props like a slogan
And no man could ever try to diss when I kicks my jam
Lyrically def and connectin', complete mic wreckin'
No double checkin', vocals kill like weapons
But if I have to, I go all out with no mic
Yeah, that's right, 'cause I survived mad fights
And for my peeps I truly care
'Cause without some of them I wouldn't be here
And they all know how I feel
'Cause suckers be like playin' themselves to have mass appeal

Money's growin' like grass with the mass appeal
Money's growin' like grass with the mass appeal
Money's growin' like grass with the mass appeal
Money's growin' like grass with the mass appeal

I know I'm dope, but don't wet that
I've suffered setbacks, but now I'm makin' greenbacks
Just like baggy slacks, I'm crazy hip-hop
Check one two and you don't stop
Your head'll bop when I drop my crop of pure bomb
Just like the seashore, I'm calm
But wild, with my monotone style
Because I don't need gimmicks
Gimme a fly beat and I'm all in it
Word is bond, I go on and on
For you it's tragic, I got magic like wands
So I'ma end this lecture and I bet ya
Those who kick dirt, in due time I'm gonna get ya
'Cause I be kickin' the real
While they be losin' the race tryna chase mass appeal

Money's growin' like grass with the mass appeal
Money's growin' like grass with the mass appeal
Money's growin' like grass with the mass appeal
Money's growin' like grass with the mass appeal
Mass appeal
Mass appeal
Mass appeal
Mass appeal

Overall Meaning

In Gang Starr's "Mass Appeal," Money is compared to grass, growing rapidly with the mass appeal. Immediately, we are hit with a different perspective on money than what is commonly perceived. The song is about the struggle of trying to remain true to oneself in a culture that values mass appeal above all else. Gang Starr's MC Guru brings the hard-hitting lyrics that not only take down posers in the rap game but also highlights the importance of loyalty and staying true to oneself in the music industry. Guru speaks his truth with confidence — he's the real deal, and he won't be swayed by the lure of commercial success.


In the verses, Guru speaks about the struggle of staying true to oneself, with a critical lyric of people willing to sell their soul to obtain the ever elusive mass appeal. He calls out rappers who want to fake it till they make it, telling them to "step into my zone," where they will get stifled with his "mad rhymes." Guru doesn't just preach his beliefs but backs it up with lyrical skill, delivering powerful rhymes laced with intellect and sharp wit.


The chorus features the repeated line "Money's growing like grass with the mass appeal," which illustrates how materialism is taking over our society's priorities. The song urges people to stay genuine and true to one's art form instead of selling your soul to gain mass appeal. "Mass Appeal" is an essential record in Hip-Hop history and remains one of Gang Starr's top charting songs.


Line by Line Meaning

Money's growin' like grass with the mass appeal
The popularity of Gang Starr brings in large amounts of money.


No way, you'll never make it
Gang Starr challenges other rappers to step up their game.


Come with the weak shit, I'll break it
Gang Starr refuses to tolerate mediocre rap and will outperform anyone with inferior rhymes.


Step into my zone, mad rhymes will stifle ya
Gang Starr is supremely confident in their abilities and warns others that they will struggle to keep up in their realm.


Lines like rifles go blast when I kick some ass
Gang Starr's lyrics hit with extreme force, like bullets from a rifle.


A lot of rappers be like one time wonders
Many rappers only produce one hit song and then fade away.


Couldn't say a fly rhyme if there was one right under
These rappers are so untalented that they couldn't even come up with a decent rhyme if it were spelled out for them.


Their noses, I hate those motherfuckin' posers
Gang Starr despises fake artists who aren't true to themselves or their genre.


But I'm so real to them it's scary
Gang Starr's authenticity is intimidating to other rappers who lack that quality.


And with my unique skills, nah, you can't compare me
Gang Starr's talent is irreplaceable and stands out in the world of rap.


And no, we don't make wack tracks
Gang Starr takes pride in producing only quality music.


And all the suckers get pushed back when I'm kickin' real facts
Gang Starr's rap truth is so powerful that lesser rappers are pushed to the side in their presence.


I represent, set up shit like a tent, boy
Gang Starr is a representative, a leader in their field, establishing their presence everywhere they go.


You're paranoid 'cause you're a son like Elroy
The paranoia experienced by some rappers is all in their head and unwarranted.


And you'd be happy as hell to get a record deal
Many rappers strive to achieve the level of success that Gang Starr has reached and would do almost anything to achieve that goal.


Maybe your soul you'd sell to have mass appeal
Some rappers might even go so far as to sacrifice their integrity and true artistic vision to gain popularity and make money.


Oh yes, I'm greater than all MC's
Gang Starr are supremely confident that they are the best in the world of rap.


When I breeze, give me room please
Gang Starr expects everyone to make way for them when they enter a room or perform onstage due to their status and talent.


I be like fascinatin' when I be updatin'
Gang Starr captures people's attention and commands respect when they perform or release new music.


Cuttin' off wack kids, pullin' their trump cards
Gang Starr challenges and defeats other rappers who are lacking in talent, revealing their weaknesses.


I thump hard, and make 'em say that I'm God
Gang Starr causes a big impact with their music and lyrics, making others view them as a god-like figure.


Niggas be pretendin' they're hardcore
Some rappers pretend to be tough and hardcore, but this image is often a facade.


Never know the meaning of (raw)
These rappers don't truly understand what it means to be raw or authentic in their music.


But I get props like a slogan
Gang Starr receives widespread recognition for their talent and skill, like a popular advertising slogan.


And no man could ever try to diss when I kicks my jam
Other rappers know not to pick a fight with Gang Starr when they're performing or releasing new music.


Lyrically def and connectin', complete mic wreckin'
Gang Starr excels at writing lyrics and delivering them flawlessly and powerfully over a microphone.


No double checkin', vocals kill like weapons
Gang Starr raps with confidence and precision, like a weapon that can take down opponents.


But if I have to, I go all out with no mic
Even without a microphone, Gang Starr would still deliver a powerful performance.


Yeah, that's right, 'cause I survived mad fights
Gang Starr has faced many challenges and obstacles but has come out victorious.


And for my peeps I truly care
Gang Starr cares deeply about their friends and supporters.


'Cause without some of them I wouldn't be here
Gang Starr recognizes and appreciates the people who have helped them along the way and made their success possible.


And they all know how I feel
Gang Starr isn't shy about expressing their feelings and appreciation for their loved ones.


'Cause suckers be like playin' themselves to have mass appeal
Lesser rappers resort to selling out and sacrificing their artistic vision in order to achieve mass appeal and popularity.


I know I'm dope, but don't wet that
Gang Starr is aware of their immense talent and skill but doesn't need anyone else to validate it.


I've suffered setbacks, but now I'm makin' greenbacks
Gang Starr has faced hardships in their career but have since bounced back and are now making lots of money.


Just like baggy slacks, I'm crazy hip-hop
Gang Starr embodies the essence of hip-hop culture and fashion trends in the 90s.


Check one two and you don't stop
Gang Starr keeps the beat going and the energy high with their music.


Your head'll bop when I drop my crop of pure bomb
Gang Starr's music is so powerful and exciting that people can't help but move to the rhythm and enjoy it.


Just like the seashore, I'm calm
Despite the intensity of their music and lyrics, Gang Starr retains a sense of coolness and calmness.


But wild, with my monotone style
Gang Starr's style might be monotone or unvaried, but it's still intense and supercharged.


Because I don't need gimmicks
Gang Starr's talent and authenticity are enough, and they don't need to resort to cheap gimmicks to make an impact.


Gimme a fly beat and I'm all in it
Gang Starr gets totally immersed and invested in their music when they're performing or recording to an awesome beat.


Word is bond, I go on and on
Gang Starr can keep on rapping and performing without letting up, no matter what.


For you it's tragic, I got magic like wands
Other rappers might be envious or intimidated by Gang Starr's talent, which seems almost magical or impossible to replicate.


So I'ma end this lecture and I bet ya
Gang Starr is wrapping up their performance or song and challenging others to step up their game.


Those who kick dirt, in due time I'm gonna get ya
Rappers who try to bring Gang Starr down or speak negatively about them will face consequences eventually.


'Cause I be kickin' the real
Gang Starr raps about the truth and their own lived experiences, rather than just putting on an act to appeal to the masses.


While they be losin' the race tryna chase mass appeal
Other rappers who chase after popularity and success are missing the point and losing out on their own authenticity and talent in the process.


Mass appeal
Once again, Gang Starr's massive popularity and widespread appeal is highlighted as a key feature of their success.


Mass appeal
Once again, Gang Starr's massive popularity and widespread appeal is highlighted as a key feature of their success.


Mass appeal
Once again, Gang Starr's massive popularity and widespread appeal is highlighted as a key feature of their success.


Mass appeal
Once again, Gang Starr's massive popularity and widespread appeal is highlighted as a key feature of their success.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Keith Elam, Christopher E Martin

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@stevencoardvenice

@@nickster1059 with my monostone style
..

Like I said, people usually go quiet when this track comes on. That's the only compliment he needs..

"While they be losin the race tryin to chase mass appeal..."

Did u not understand the message of the song? 😉.

Definitely also recommend "Hip Hop Fury" by GZA (1999) for a similar track that makes people quiet. You'll love it! And I've been to Amsterdam. Cool city. Nice people. Very trustworthy. I'm American from Los Angeles. I remember this one cab driver I had in Holland back in 1999 put on Kool Mo Dee in his CD player when he realized I was American.

The way that DJ premiere and RZA take clips of Jazz and turn it into something truly special is amazing



All comments from YouTube:

@goldbullion9274

This is arguably one of the hardest beats in rap history and still gets played till today.

@Capo98y

In my opinion not hardest but nostalgic and deep

@PEDROSILVA-xe1yr

I dont agree, this beat is so chill and smooth and lack of jnstrumental, you can rap under the beat, unlike other other beats where you try to syncronize the rhyme to the beat, here you can freestyle. I guess the technique its to rap under the beat and only upon at the ryhme of the verse. Im no expert, but do love the beat too

@gratismedia6574

Yessir..check out Cre-A-Tine by Cool Breeze from the Dungeon Family..that beat go hard like this

@charlesjonessr3684

@@gratismedia6574 No it doesn't.

@9sssss

Fax

46 More Replies...

@ufa621

If you are under the age of 25 and listening to this, this is what we call real hip hop

@denzellrocha5313

❌🧢!!

@silentrevolver4600

I am 45x and was bumping this on cassette with my Sony Walkman back in 95. Still tho, drop the old fart shit, hip hop is just evolving. Shit was real back then still real now. You just have to dig deep to find it.

@nastyescobar8933

@@iluvvbluu4463 I am 14 too AndNew musuc sucks

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