Soon afterwards, his following three albums, Tears of a Clown (1999), Daiquiri Factory: Cocaine Raps, Vol. 2 and These R the Tales (both 2000) made him more well-known in the West Coast underground rap scene. Mosi Reeves of the San Francisco Bay Guardian noted Nickatina's popularity at a CD release party for another underground Bay Area rapper, Smoov-E; Reeves called Nickatina "a quick-witted rapper who spits as hard as Kurupt does". A combo CD/movie project, Conversation with a Devil, followed in 2003. Charlie Amter, a music critic for SF Weekly, regarded the film as a knockoff of the classic gangster movie Scarface. Nate Denver for the SF Bay Guardian praised the album, though. Another album, The Gift followed in 2005, when the newspaper SF Weekly named Nickatina the "Best Local Hip Hop Legend" of that year. In 2008, he released A Tale of Two Andres with Mac Dre. Although they released only two songs together, they were close friends and the album was a tribute to his memory.
Jungle
Andre Nickatina & Equipto Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Man you didn't know that
Three AM, man, we bumping Bobby Womack
My homie keep all his bullets hollow
That's why I smell like Salvatori Faragomo with the diamond sparrow
A rap cat with the BOSS apparel
I put my rhymes on your block then I run it just like little Darrell
Money and dope, man, don't come for free
I turn around like a tornado
Rock it like a baby cradle
Call me Doctor J if you a baller and it's getting fatal
I make MC's do angel dust
Take 'em to the Bay Bridge, make 'em strip, tell 'em jump
I don't know why I get high
I'm so in love with money I keep spending 'til it runs dry
Hot like a kettle, when the pedal hits the metal
Pinocchio you know son is Jepetio, hello
Deep fried just like Friday fish
A lot a hot sauce, now we got it popping in this bitch
Yeah, in anything I do I put my everything
Always feeling deep inside just like Mary J.
Ha, I'm never panicing, I'm bored stiff as a mannequin
Grew up fast just like Anakin
Baby its gullible, its Alice in Wonderland
All the excuses in the world I can't understand
Cause I'm a man of these times, the man to get high
Blow big, but my gross is family time
Ain't no way to intervene in my industry
Moving quicker then a centipede on enemies
One of a kind, once in a lifetime rhymes is written
It goes on, as long as time commences
[Chorus]
Shit, it's like a jungle sometimes
It makes me wonder how I keep from going under
When they hit me with the thunder and lightning
Its trifling, enlightening, and frightening
Some might think that it's even exciting
I'm like a Harley Davidson motorcycle, born to ride
With the force that the courts call the last Jedi
I'm like a veteran, off Excedrin's
Cause I be getting headaches from these Letterman's
I asked this little freak about my rap style
She said, "It's so damn dope they might take you to trial."
I hit the weed like I'm kamikaze next to the cosmos
Chopping up shit, yeah, with Quipto and Vago
Raps like a Tommy gun, watch how the body run
Raps from the Tommy gun will make anybody run
I'm bout to go in like a movie, but no stunt double so parachute me
But somehow I feel I survived on a fluky
I have to hit the scene, livin' out my dreams
Then I said I was sorry to DJ's and MC's
Complete to everyone who kept their ear to the street
Then my homie came through with the Al Capone Suite
Got twice as deep, don't forget, you know how low they get
Intimidating so I pose a threat
Coming like a slider, right by ya
Known to drop a rhyme in on time, and prescribing accurate alignment
The center of attention, we'll bend a agenda
To enter this rap game the number one contender
The outta sight, and dope lyrical white, and watchin' tricks fightin'
Hyping up the crowd late night, and watching Tennessee Titans
Everybody just loving because we like and
I strike in first class light fast, just like lightning
I force my rhymes in your veins like hot shot of heroin
You'll got cold turkey trying to work me
It's like a pad lock, when you in the headlock
Six in the morning and you didn't here the Feds knock
[Chorus]
It's like a jungle sometimes
It makes me wonder how I keep from going under
When they hit me with the thunder and lightning
Its trifling, enlightening, and frightening
Some might think that it's even exciting
I'm consistent, adding all statistics
Why don't we cover the spread like the bitch never existed
Phonographic rotate the plastic spinning
Living like I'm knowing it's gonna be a drastic ending
Playing classics, meditating these tactics to overcome
The show is done, anticipating to roll a blunt
Baby, getting anxious, hitting and I can't miss the focal point
When locals say, "He ain't shit."
Man it's Equipto, put it all down for my homies
And rolling my weed right next to the police
Nothing but love for all my homeboys hustling drugs
Up in your program fucking it up
I'm in the fast lane, the cash lane, some think it's a bad thing
Hitting 'em off with the see & H pure cane
I get stuck in your membrane
I'm like a pimp at a party when you say look at them rings
I use a Motorola, the mood is baking soda
Whether it's in Denver, man, Houston, man, or North Dakota
With no apology, tech-tech-tech technology
Some brother disin' me, or even thinkin' he
I got the soul and the spirit of the wrath of Kahn
Kick back and write just like the holy Koran
[Chorus:Repeat x2]
It's like a jungle sometimes
It makes me wonder how I keep from going under
When they hit me with the thunder and lightning
Its trifling, enlightening, and frightening
Some might think that it's even exciting
In "Jungle," Andre Nickatina discusses his life as a rapper and the struggles he's encountered in the industry. The song has a somber tone that reflects the difficult journey he's had to take to make a name for himself. He raps about his love for money and the addiction that has caused him to become reckless at times. He also references the dangerous gang culture of his Oakland, California, hometown by mentioning how he makes MCs do angel dust, takes them to the Bay Bridge, and tells them to jump.
Nickatina’s lyrics are filled with jargon and metaphors that touch on many different topics. He highlights his skill and experience throughout the song, comparing himself to a Harley Davidson motorcycle that is built to ride, a Tommy gun that will make anyone run, and a Kung Fu master who overcomes the wrath of Kahn. These comparisons showcase his confidence and the lengths he will go to express himself.
Overall, "Jungle" is a song about survival and the fight to stay above water in a cutthroat industry. Nickatina’s lyrics are complex, but they tell a story of perseverance and determination that can inspire listeners to overcome their own obstacles and challenges.
Line by Line Meaning
Pain from a rap cat
I experience pain from competing with other rappers
Man you didn't know that
You didn't know about the pain I feel
Three AM, man, we bumping Bobby Womack
Late at night, we're listening to Bobby Womack's music
My homie keep all his bullets hollow
My friend uses hollow-point bullets
That's why I smell like Salvatori Faragomo with the diamond sparrow
I wear expensive designer clothes with luxury accessories
A rap cat with the BOSS apparel
I am a rapper who dresses in high-end clothing
I put my rhymes on your block then I run it just like little Darrell
I dominate the rap scene in your neighborhood like a young prodigy
Money and dope, man, don't come for free
You have to work for money and drugs
Man, I don't have no competition, ho, all I got is enemies
I don't have any rivals, only enemies
I turn around like a tornado
I change direction quickly and unexpectedly
Rock it like a baby cradle
I handle things with care and precision
Call me Doctor J if you a baller and it's getting fatal
If you're a basketball player in dangerous situations, call me Doctor J (a reference to Julius Erving, a famous basketball player)
I make MC's do angel dust
I influence other rappers to experiment with drugs
Take 'em to the Bay Bridge, make 'em strip, tell 'em jump
I challenge them to prove themselves by doing something risky
I don't know why I get high
I don't understand why I indulge in drugs
I'm so in love with money I keep spending 'til it runs dry
I have a strong obsession with money and I spend it recklessly
Hot like a kettle, when the pedal hits the metal
I become intense and passionate when I'm in full action
Pinocchio you know son is Jepetio, hello
People know that my words are not always truthful, like Pinocchio
Deep fried just like Friday fish
I am cooked and done, just like fried fish on a Friday
A lot of hot sauce, now we got it popping in this bitch
With intense energy, we are creating a lively atmosphere
Yeah, in anything I do I put my everything
I give my full effort in everything I pursue
Always feeling deep inside just like Mary J.
I have strong emotions within me, similar to Mary J. Blige's music
Ha, I'm never panicking, I'm bored stiff as a mannequin
I'm calm and composed, even in dull or uninteresting situations
Grew up fast just like Anakin
I matured quickly, similar to Anakin Skywalker from Star Wars
Baby its gullible, its Alice in Wonderland
People are easily fooled, like Alice in Wonderland
All the excuses in the world I can't understand
I cannot comprehend all the excuses people make
Cause I'm a man of these times, the man to get high
I represent the current generation, known for indulging in drugs
Blow big, but my gross is family time
I spend a lot of money, but I prioritize spending time with my family
Ain't no way to intervene in my industry
There's no way to interfere with my success in the music industry
Moving quicker than a centipede on enemies
I act swiftly and strategically when dealing with my enemies
One of a kind, once in a lifetime rhymes is written
My unique and exceptional lyrics are created only once in a lifetime
It goes on, as long as time commences
My rap career will continue as long as time exists
I'm like a Harley Davidson motorcycle, born to ride
I am unstoppable and destined to excel, like a Harley Davidson motorcycle
With the force that the courts call the last Jedi
I possess incredible power and influence, like the Jedi in Star Wars
I'm like a veteran, off Excedrin's
I have experience and can handle any challenge, similar to taking Excedrin for headaches
Cause I be getting headaches from these Letterman's
I'm the cause of people's headaches, especially from my competitors
I asked this little freak about my rap style
I inquired a young woman's opinion about my unique style of rapping
She said, 'It's so damn dope they might take you to trial.'
She complimented my rap style and said it's so good that it could cause legal trouble
I hit the weed like I'm kamikaze next to the cosmos
I consume marijuana intensely, taking risks like a kamikaze pilot next to the universe
Chopping up shit, yeah, with Quipto and Vago
I hang out with Quipto and Vago, and we do illegal activities together
Raps like a Tommy gun, watch how the body run
My raps are rapid and fierce, making people move and react
Raps from the Tommy gun will make anybody run
My intense rap skills can intimidate and put fear into anyone
I'm 'bout to go in like a movie, but no stunt double so parachute me
I'm about to go all out in my performance, without any backup or safety measures
But somehow I feel I survived on a fluky
I feel like I have managed to survive through luck or chance
I have to hit the scene, livin' out my dreams
I need to make an impact in the music industry and fulfill my aspirations
Then I said I was sorry to DJ's and MC's
I apologized to DJ's and MC's for any disrespect or harm caused
Complete to everyone who kept their ear to the street
I appreciate and acknowledge everyone who stayed connected to the music scene
Then my homie came through with the Al Capone Suite
My friend arrived with luxury and extravagance, similar to Al Capone's lifestyle
Got twice as deep, don't forget, you know how low they get
I reached a new level of success, but I don't forget the struggles and how people can go to extreme lows
Intimidating so I pose a threat
I intimidate others and make them feel threatened by my presence
Coming like a slider, right by ya
I approach swiftly and skillfully, passing by without hesitation
Known to drop a rhyme in on time, and prescribing accurate alignment
I am known for delivering well-timed rhymes and providing precise and impactful messages
The center of attention, we'll bend a agenda
I attract all the focus and will manipulate situations to suit my objectives
To enter this rap game the number one contender
I strive to become the top competitor in the rap industry
The outta sight, and dope lyrical white, and watchin' tricks fightin'
I'm extraordinary, with powerful and impressive lyrics, and I enjoy watching people argue and fight
Hyping up the crowd late night, and watching Tennessee Titans
I energize and excite the crowd late at night, and I enjoy watching the football team Tennessee Titans
Everybody just loving because we like and
Everyone loves and appreciates us because we are likable
I strike in first class light fast, just like lightning
I attack quickly and decisively, similar to the speed of lightning
I force my rhymes in your veins like hot shot of heroin
I inject my powerful and addictive lyrics into your mind, like a strong dose of heroin
You'll got cold turkey trying to work me
You will experience withdrawal and struggle to cope without my presence
It's like a pad lock, when you in the headlock
Being stuck in a headlock feels similar to being trapped in a padlock
Six in the morning and you didn't hear the Feds knock
Even with the authorities at your door, you were unaware due to the early morning hour
I'm consistent, adding all statistics
I am reliable and constantly improving my achievements
Why don't we cover the spread like the bitch never existed
Let's surpass all expectations, ignoring any obstacles or negative individuals
Phonographic rotate the plastic spinning
The record spins on the phonograph, playing music endlessly
Living like I'm knowing it's gonna be a drastic ending
I live with the awareness that my journey will have a dramatic and unexpected conclusion
Playing classics, meditating these tactics to overcome
I am utilizing timeless strategies to conquer challenges
The show is done, anticipating to roll a blunt
After the performance ends, I look forward to smoking marijuana
Baby, getting anxious, hitting and I can't miss the focal point
I am eager and excited, ensuring I hit the most important target
When locals say, 'He ain't shit.'
Despite negative opinions from locals, I remain confident and successful
Man it's Equipto, put it all down for my homies
I am Equipto, and I dedicate my efforts to my friends
And rolling my weed right next to the police
I smoke marijuana openly, without fear, even near law enforcement
Nothing but love for all my homeboys hustling drugs
I have deep affection and respect for my friends involved in the drug trade
Up in your program fucking it up
I disrupt your established system and cause chaos
I'm in the fast lane, the cash lane, some think it's a bad thing
I am always pursuing wealth and success, which some people view negatively
Hitting 'em off with the see & H pure cane
I provide high-quality, uncut cocaine to my customers
I get stuck in your membrane
My presence and actions stay in your mind and memory
I'm like a pimp at a party when you say look at them rings
I display wealth and power, similar to a pimp showing off expensive jewelry
I use a Motorola, the mood is baking soda
I communicate using a Motorola phone, while the atmosphere is tense and volatile
Whether it's in Denver, man, Houston, man, or North Dakota
My influence and activities span across different locations, including Denver, Houston, and even North Dakota
With no apology, tech-tech-tech technology
Without any regrets, I embrace and utilize advanced technology
Some brother disin' me, or even thinkin' he
Some individuals disrespect or underestimate me
I got the soul and the spirit of the wrath of Kahn
I possess the powerful and vengeful qualities of K'un-Lun from Star Trek
Kick back and write just like the holy Koran
I relax and write profound and sacred lyrics, similar to the Holy Koran
It makes me wonder how I keep from going under
Despite the difficulties and challenges, I am amazed at my ability to stay afloat
When they hit me with the thunder and lightning
When faced with intense criticism and challenges
Its trifling, enlightening, and frightening
It is both trivial, enlightening, and fear-inducing
Some might think that it's even exciting
Some people may believe that it's thrilling or captivating
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave
Written by: SAMUEL BABATUNDE ADEBIYI, CEDRIC JEAN BELISE, KHALID DEHBI, MEHDI FELICITE, SILVERE JOHNSON, FABIEN VINCENT PHILETAS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind