Blvd
Afu‐Ra Lyrics
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[DJ Premier scratches]
I'm comin' through
It's the voice you can't ignore
It's Afu
[Guru]
Hey yo, this is Gifted Unlimited, peace, Afu
Show these fools how it's supposed to be done, baby
[Afu-Ra]
Uh, I spent time learnin' to kill
That's right, I'm stretching out with my tentacles
When I nourish my skills
The illest with that other shit, Perverted with this
Come and step inside the mother ship
I got the codes and manuals and microchip to flip the script
Parallel to my thoughts, tryin' to get
I keep it hooked up, but not the great white hope
Hey yo, Preemo, should I hit 'em with the rope of dope
Sea shells, sea shells by the sea shore
But now I'm slap, tap and a rap an' attack your jaw
Summertime, ladies at the bus stop
When I roll without the drop, they yellin'
'Shimmy shimmy, Coco Pop'
Ill with the slurs, what?
And I'm thick like yoghurt
Quick to quick to quick to bust a fast word
I know you like what you think what you like
But I stick out on a track and blind your third-eye sight
[Guru]
Why do you think that we should settle for less?
Now take a deep breath
No time to get rest when cats is testin' your vest
Kid you know who we are
Afu to the Gang to the Starr
We got props on every boulevard
[Afu-Ra]
I do it like this and that
Straight knowledge drippin' right out my hat
Like sex and candle wax
As a matter of a fact
I take it back, in the days
If you wack, in fact, you get the bozack
And the chickens, are thinkin' they finger-lickin'
Tryin' to get the party kicking
But really they should be stinking
Crack the asphalt, while doing lyrical somersaults
Slang slay your head, bang a boogie
I got a think-tank, that's lighting up with the blinks
Move and sway but I'm compared to mint
Some cats can't forget the spiritual and mental
Straight up, yo, I slap 'em with a miracle
Expressing everything, including the kitchen sink
Building on topics from aluminium and zinc
So while you fix your kicks, I do triple axels
Get in your bath or round the rink
[Guru]
Why do you think that we should settle for less?
Now take a deep breath
No time to get rest when cats is testin' your vest
Kid you know who we are
Afu to the Gang to the Starr
We got props on every boulevard
Why do you think that we should settle for less?
Now take a deep breath
No time to get rest when cats is testin' your vest
Kid you know who we are
Afu to the Gang to the Starr
We got props on every boulevard
[Afu-Ra]
When I spark it up, and you ingest my skills
I'm hanging down like I'm testicles
Romancing like Cassa', more steps than a dancer
Got a Pop Quiz? Yo, I help you with the answers
I'm Master Marvel, scribble the illest novel
80 more albums, I got more pages than the bible
Never allow my energy through Leviticus
As I rebirth my soul, glowing Genesis
Eyes tearing through the fog
Shout my brothers and sisters
Who studied the Qua'ran
From a path of hip-hop
Shall arm in a synagogue
Dinner china mushroom song
As the night prolongs
That means I'm 'bout to put it on
So abrasive, and persuasive
Thugs pulled out of my set, stop pace makers
Peace: computer-whizzes, graph-writers and breakers
[Guru]
Why do you think that we should settle for less?
Now take a deep breath
No time to get rest when cats is testin' your vest
Kid you know who we are
Afu to the Gang to the Starr
We got props on every boulevard
Why do you think that we should settle for less?
Now take a deep breath
No time to get rest when cats is testin' your vest
Kid you know who we are
Afu to the Gang to the Starr
We got props on every boulevard
[DJ Premier scratches]
I'm comin' through
I'm holding aura, it backs the voice you can't ignore
I'm comin' through
It's Afu, you know who, I'm comin' faster
[DJ Premier]
Yo, check this out
You know it's on the popper when I'm on the scene
That's right, it's me, DJ Premier
Representing Gang Starr and all the affiliations along with it
And right about now, you in tune to Life Force Radio
That's the way it goes down, and that's the way it's gonna be
Word up and we outta here, DJ Premier and I'm out
Peace!
[Digital voice]
You have been listening to Life Force Radio
The song "Blvd" by Afu-Ra, featuring Guru, is a hip-hop track that talks about the importance of staying true to one's craft and not settling for mediocrity. The song begins with DJ Premier's scratches and Afu-Ra's voice introducing himself as an artist who has spent time developing his skills. He refers to himself as the "illest" and talks about being "perverted" with his craft. He relates his mindset and skills to a "mother ship" and emphasizes the importance of staying hooked up to it.
Throughout the song, Afu-Ra takes various opportunities to showcase his lyrical abilities, adding wordplay, and metaphors to his verses. Guru jumps in and reminds listeners that artists must not settle for less and always give their best. He mentions that the two of them, along with Gang Starr, have gained recognition on every boulevard.
Afu-Ra also highlights his versatility as an artist and his ability to tackle different topics. He mentions traditional hip-hop themes like battles, women, and partying but also touches on more complex topics like religion and spirituality. The song ends with DJ Premier reminding listeners that they have been listening to Life Force Radio.
Overall, "Blvd" is a track that is both evocative and explanatory in its lyrical execution. It is almost like a lyrical tutorial on staying true to one's talents and not succumbing to societal pressures.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm comin' through
I'm making my presence known and can't be ignored
It's the voice you can't ignore
My voice and message demands attention and respect
It's Afu
I am Afu-Ra, an artist with a unique sound and style
Uh, I spent time learnin' to kill
I have dedicated my time and energy to perfecting my skills and craft
That's right, I'm stretching out with my tentacles
My skills and abilities extend far beyond what people expect or anticipate
When I nourish my skills
By constantly working and improving, I am able to strengthen and develop my abilities
The illest with that other shit, Perverted with this
I excel in various styles of music, but I have a special affinity for this music and culture
Come and step inside the mother ship
Join me and experience my musical world and perspective
I got the codes and manuals and microchip to flip the script
I have the knowledge and skills to reinvent and revolutionize the music industry
Parallel to my thoughts, tryin' to get
My creativity and vision are constantly expanding and evolving
I keep it hooked up, but not the great white hope
I am successful and connected in the music industry, but not at the expense of my authenticity and integrity
Hey yo, Preemo, should I hit 'em with the rope of dope
Asking DJ Premier for his opinion on how to approach a musical situation
Sea shells, sea shells by the sea shore
Playing with sounds and language in a creative and playful way
But now I'm slap, tap and a rap an' attack your jaw
Switching from a playful tone to a more aggressive and confrontational delivery
Summertime, ladies at the bus stop
Describing a typical scene and setting, possibly in New York City
When I roll without the drop, they yellin'
People respond positively to my music and presence, even when I am not in a fancy car
'Shimmy shimmy, Coco Pop'
Referencing a popular dance and possibly popular culture at the time
Ill with the slurs, what?
Using my skills to create creative rhymes and wordplay
And I'm thick like yoghurt
Referring to myself as strong and powerful, with a heavy presence
Quick to quick to quick to bust a fast word
Able to skillfully rap and flow rapidly
I know you like what you think what you like
I understand my audience and know what they enjoy in my music
But I stick out on a track and blind your third-eye sight
I am able to make people see and experience things in a new way through my music
Why do you think that we should settle for less?
Asking listeners why they would accept or tolerate mediocrity in their music
Now take a deep breath
Encouraging listeners to relax and focus on the music
No time to get rest when cats are testin' your vest
In a competitive industry, one must always be on their toes and prepared for any challenge
Kid you know who we are
Building up a reputation and identity that is recognizable
Afu to the Gang to the Starr
Referencing past and current musical affiliations and collaborations
We got props on every boulevard
Having widespread recognition and respect in the music industry
I do it like this and that
Displaying confidence and proficiency in my music and style
Straight knowledge drippin' right out my hat
Sharing wisdom and insight in my lyrics and performance
Like sex and candle wax
Creating an intimate and sensual atmosphere through my music
As a matter of a fact
In fact, or as a literal matter
I take it back, in the days
Referencing the past or reflecting on past experiences in music and life
If you wack, in fact, you get the bozack
Those who are not talented or worthy will not succeed in this industry
And the chickens are thinkin' they finger-lickin'
Mocking those who are complacent and satisfied with their mediocrity
Tryin' to get the party kicking
Striving to create a lively and enjoyable atmosphere through music
But really they should be stinking
Critiquing those who are not taking responsibility for their lives or talents
Crack the asphalt, while doing lyrical somersaults
My music and performance is powerful enough to change the physical environment
Slang slay your head, bang a boogie
My lyrics and music have the power to influence and control the listener
I got a think-tank, that's lighting up with the blinks
Constantly generating new ideas and inspiration for my music and creative projects
Move and sway but I'm compared to mint
My movement and style is often compared to a refreshing and cool substance like mint
Some cats can't forget the spiritual and mental
Recognizing the importance of the spiritual and mental aspects of music and life
Straight up, yo, I slap 'em with a miracle
My music and performance can have a profound and miraculous effect on the listener
Expressing everything, including the kitchen sink
Exploring a wide range of topics and themes in my music
Building on topics from aluminium and zinc
Using even the most mundane or technical topics as inspiration for my music
So while you fix your kicks, I do triple axels
While others focus on material possessions, I am focused on continual growth and improvement in my music
Get in your bath or round the rink
My music and performance can be enjoyed anywhere, anytime
When I spark it up, and you ingest my skills
When I start performing and sharing my music, it becomes a part of you
I'm hanging down like I'm testicles
My presence and power is undeniable and hangs heavy like testicles
Romancing like Cassa', more steps than a dancer
My music is sensual and romantic, with intricate and skillful delivery
Got a Pop Quiz? Yo, I help you with the answers
I have answers and insight to share with those seeking knowledge and growth
I'm Master Marvel, scribble the illest novel
I am a master of my craft, creating captivating and innovative music
80 more albums, I got more pages than the bible
I have created an impressive body of work with many albums, comparable in length to the bible
Never allow my energy through Leviticus
My energy and power is not restricted or hindered by religious texts or beliefs
As I rebirth my soul, glowing Genesis
I am constantly evolving and growing, like the beginning of creation in Genesis
Eyes tearing through the fog
My vision and perspective is piercing and clear, even in difficult or unclear situations
Shout my brothers and sisters who studied the Qua'ran
Acknowledging and celebrating the diversity and community within the hip-hop culture
From a path of hip-hop shall arm in a synagogue
Hip-hop culture can be a powerful force for unity and change, even within religious institutions
Dinner china mushroom song
Using a surreal and unexpected image to create a unique and memorable lyric
As the night prolongs
My music and performance can continue late into the night, creating a memorable experience for the listener
That means I'm 'bout to put it on
I am about to bring my best and most passionate performance
So abrasive, and persuasive
I am able to hold a strong and confident presence on stage, with the ability to persuade and impact the audience
Thugs pulled out of my set, stop pace makers
My music and performance is so powerful that it can stop even the toughest and most intimidating individuals
Peace: computer-whizzes, graph-writers and breakers
Extending love and respect to all members of the hip-hop culture, including those who may not be musicians or performers
I'm holding aura, it backs the voice you can't ignore
My strong and confident presence is supported by a powerful and captivating aura
It's Afu, you know who, I'm comin' faster
Reasserting my identity and presence, signaling an upcoming powerful performance
You know it's on the popper when I'm on the scene
My presence and performance signal that a lively and enjoyable atmosphere is about to occur
Representing Gang Starr and all the affiliations along with it
Acknowledging and celebrating the musical collaborations and affiliations that have shaped my career
And right about now, you in tune to Life Force Radio
Addressing and connecting with my audience on a personal and intimate level
That's the way it goes down, and that's the way it's gonna be
Asserting my expertise and experience in the music industry
Word up and we outta here, DJ Premier and I'm out
Closing out the performance and leaving a positive and lasting impression on the audience
You have been listening to Life Force Radio
A final statement and reminder of the unique and powerful experience shared between the artist and the audience
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: CHRISTOPHER E MARTIN, AARON OCOSICE PHILLIP
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@adeolaotubaga707
legendary guru.....................
@Kooltonelove
this was the first beat premo used that "bounce" style he used in the 2000s- perfected on "rite where u stand"
@SebastianErestal
"..I'm hanging down like i'm testicles.." best line eva!
@DesertDrifter
Best track off this album
@ezearl
R.I.P. Guru....
@lukaskristensen8055
who is rockin' this tune with me in 2019!!!! "who say that we should settle for less, now take a deep breath"
@mrngadji2955
I'll see you in 2020 bro!
@webbset
hip hop still breaths
@KDShaolinMenace
Underated Gem of afu
@salhimaaouia8550
2021 and still bumping to this !!!