It’s a group that thrives on its live shows and makes ample use of its accomplished musicians during each performance, as Ahmad, Tena and Jabu draw much of their energy during shows form the lively playing of the Jones’.
The band disbanded in 2006 due to an inability to financially sustain a touring schedule and possibly enhanced by the divorce of Tena Jones and Ahmad.
Do Re Mi
4th Avenue Jones Lyrics
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In this world that we in / you can lose or you'll win / but it's never a draw / and as quick as you can make it / it's a hater tryna take it/ don't be thinkin' life is easy it's hard / I got some girls that I know / who get with guys for they doe / but they ain't happy what's the use of the wealth? / Turnin' tricks like a Retriever / what's gon' happen when he leave her? / See that's why you gotta do for yourself / This world move so quick I hyperventilate breathin' / runnin' through the city ain't no time for grievin' / so many hate livin' but too scared to die / hip-hop is the way that we cry / ghetto lullabies
Do Re / bangin' hip-hop the whole day / Mi Fa / tryna survive on street blocks / Music helpin' us stay sane so we go / DO RE MI FA SO LA TI DO / Do Re / bangin' hip-hop the whole day / Mi Fa / tryna survive on street blocks / music help us to maintain when we go / DO RE MI FA SO LA TI DO
AHMAD JONES:
Became a sinner right before a winner / when I was born/ on the 12th day of October / in uniform / was a soldier when I came out / walked through the door/ see my whole block banged out / we in a war/ killer street but I'll never let it / take me alive / bought a heat cause I'm gettin' sweated / gotta survive / It ain't cool while my mom pray / for me at home / I be sittin' hittin' bombay / I know it's wrong / Momma tellin' me I need God / and I ain't well / but the homie with the weed got / that clientele / gettin' money so I want mine / I be like dang/ when it's sunny cause it don't shine / on me it rain / I complain cause it ain't fair / like dying over what you can and you can't wear / who cryin' bout us / out of sight so we out of mind / they say a soldier gotta fight so I got a Nine / that's bottom line / ghetto move so quick I hyperventilate breathin' / runnin' through the city ain't no time for grievin' / so many hate livin' but too scared to die / hip-hop is the way that we cry / ghetto lullabies
I ain't dyin' until I share my diary with this globe / a little mad man sippin' on a brew when it's hot / ghetto taught me how to blaze for the days when it's cold and / mama dead broke and had us thinkin' we not / eyes wide shut stealin' with ridiculous speed / I was rippin' off the tag if it was somethin' I need / somethin' I wanted / we was buyin' chronic to blunt it / started servin' it / profit margin moved to the hundreds / had to stop it though cause Phyllis didn't raise no crooks / not to mention focus shifted to the girls with doe / light-skinned to the mocha it'd be on fa sho' / get the 20 dollar Remy pay a dub for Mo' /
The song "Do Re Mi" by 4th Avenue Jones is a hip-hop track that deals with themes of survival and struggle in the face of poverty and crime. The lyrics are split between two verses, one by Tena Jones and the other by Ahmad Jones, each offering reflections on their experiences growing up in the ghetto. Tena's verse highlights the difficult choices people have to make to survive, from women who resort to prostitution to those who become addicted to drugs. She emphasizes the importance of self-reliance and not depending on others for happiness. Ahmad's verse focuses on his personal journey, from being born into a war zone to joining a gang and selling drugs. He acknowledges the harm he has caused but also his desire for a better life and the hope that he can find redemption.
The chorus of the song repeatedly chants the solfège syllables, "Do Re Mi Fa So La Ti Do," creating a musical motif that emphasizes the importance of music and art as a means of coping with the challenges of life. The word "ghetto lullabies" refers to the idea that hip-hop music and other forms of expression created by marginalized people can serve as a source of comfort and catharsis.
Overall, the song is a powerful reflection on the realities of life for people living in poverty and struggling to survive in a world that can be harsh and unforgiving. It paints a complex portrait of the choices and constraints that people face, without glamorizing or romanticizing the lifestyle.
Line by Line Meaning
In this world that we in / you can lose or you'll win / but it's never a draw / and as quick as you can make it / it's a hater tryna take it/ don't be thinkin' life is easy it's hard
Life is full of ups and downs, but it's never fair. Success can come as quickly as it can be taken away, so it's important to have a realistic view of life - it's not easy.
I got some girls that I know / who get with guys for they doe / but they ain't happy what's the use of the wealth? / Turnin' tricks like a Retriever / what's gon' happen when he leave her? / See that's why you gotta do for yourself
Some people are willing to compromise their own happiness for material gain, but it's not worth it. You should take care of yourself and not rely on others for your own success.
This world move so quick I hyperventilate breathin' / runnin' through the city ain't no time for grievin' / so many hate livin' but too scared to die / hip-hop is the way that we cry / ghetto lullabies
Life can be so intense and chaotic that it's hard to keep up. People struggle to find a way to deal with their pain and emotions, and hip-hop is sometimes that outlet - it's like a bittersweet but powerful song of the ghetto.
Became a sinner right before a winner / when I was born/ on the 12th day of October / in uniform / was a soldier when I came out / walked through the door/ see my whole block banged out / we in a war
The artist of the song was born into a difficult environment, where he had to fight to survive. He compares his life to that of a soldier - constantly fighting in a war.
killer street but I'll never let it / take me alive / bought a heat cause I'm gettin' sweated / gotta survive / It ain't cool while my mom pray / for me at home / I be sittin' hittin' bombay / I know it's wrong
The artist refuses to let the dangerous streets he grew up in take him down, and so he carries a weapon for his own safety. Despite this, he knows his mother worries about him and his behavior isn't always ethical.
Momma tellin' me I need God / and I ain't well / but the homie with the weed got / that clientele / gettin' money so I want mine / I be like dang/ when it's sunny cause it don't shine / on me it rain
The singer struggles with his faith and is tempted by the lure of drug dealing for quick cash. He feels like life is difficult and success is elusive, with others always seeming to have more than him.
I ain't dyin' until I share my diary with this globe / a little mad man sippin' on a brew when it's hot / ghetto taught me how to blaze for the days when it's cold and / mama dead broke and had us thinkin' we not
The singer wants to share his life story with others and help them understand the struggles of growing up in the ghetto. He has learned how to find solace and comfort in alcohol and other vices due to difficult upbringing.
eyes wide shut stealin' with ridiculous speed / I was rippin' off the tag if it was somethin' I need / somethin' I wanted / we was buyin' chronic to blunt it / started servin' it / profit margin moved to the hundreds / had to stop it though cause Phyllis didn't raise no crooks / not to mention focus shifted to the girls with doe / light-skinned to the mocha it'd be on fa sho' / get the 20 dollar Remy pay a dub for Mo'
The artist admits to stealing and engaging in drug dealing to make ends meet. He realizes this is not who he wants to be and stops, but finds himself drawn into relationships with women who have money.
I started slippin' up I thank God I'm still alive / cause if it wasn't for Him this'd never hit your soul / and I hope you in control / I know it's hard gotta break free / remember that you can't enjoy ya doe without the RE MI
The artist is grateful to still be alive after making several dangerous choices. He encourages others to take control of their own lives and not get trapped in the same downward spiral he once was. Finally, he reminds everyone to enjoy life and not just chase money - there's more to it than that.
Contributed by Vivian P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.