Like That
Black Eyed Peas/Cee-Lo/John Legend/Q-Tip/Talib Kweli Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Wow, we in stereo?
Question for the ages
What's going on with my back pages?
Rappers wanna be down, but listen listen
You got to feel it within your body and your spirit
When you listen to the rhythm (come on)
It's the abstract Will's on the beat
Women all around the globe, the world
You got to follow me
Change your history, categories
Different people in the same territories
Hip-hop in here for my Black Eyed Peas
So watch it watch it be marveled on the speakers please
'Cause they gonna marvel and shake the ground
Break atoms, break a sound
Thunder and bass full pound
Treat all the things profound
If you wanna dude to help you out
Make it cool around your friends without smoking now
Play the song kinda loud, it could help you out
And you could work it out, yeah, you could work it out
It's like that, and a

And we got it like that (like that)
You know we got it like that (like that)
Y'all we got it like that (like that)
It's like that like that (like that)
Y'all we got it like that (like that)
You know we got it like that (like that)
Yeah, we got it like that (like that)

It's like that 'Cause I got it like that
And I got it like that also
Got a style that's way out like Bosto
You know I'm a crook a nigga like Chocko
Steady jumpin' around like it's heavy cargo
(Can I kick it?) yup, really far though
From El Segundo to Toronto
I once hit a girl up in Chicago
But I'd never say who unless my name was Tanto
Yup, you know how the date rape go
'Cause we show the classic example
Now they know the Peas collect the dough
So they knocking on our door like we was Fargo
Yup, they see me in a Will.I.Am suit
But I wasn't that cute when I didn't have the loot
And I don't smoke birds but I'm still real nice with the birds
So fuck (hey!) what you heard
'Cause we got it like that

And we got it like that (like that)
You know we got it like that (like that)
Y'all we got it like that (like that)
It's like that, like that (like that)
Y'all we got it like that (like that)
You know we got it like that (like that)
Yeah, we got it like that (like that)

Talib, just hit 'em like that
I'm from the jungle, brother, and I got it like that
Yo, my life got me running through a maze like a white rat
I need a shot at ramming like my rap
It's like the yak is the fights that got me spillin' on the right track
And I like this Will so I might get ill
On the mics somebody might get killed
So many damn rappers there's a stifle in heaven
My tongue is a weapon and plus when I bust all this stuff with Legend
When this Brooklyn MC come after you
You be running like I herd a carrel at Murdell Avenue
There we yattin' that ain't pretty that's the attitude
To be at Fight Club, even Brad had to crack a tooth
Stare into the sun, they try to copy
Let your eyes get used to the light because you gotta watch me
Sneak up on you like sake
My lyrics get out a split atom like Hiroshima and Nagasaki

It's the Apl.De.Ap in the lab with the rap
Demonstrate how we act, we attack any track
It's the Black Eyed Peas and we back with the facts
Start with the fat skills that rose in the past
We got it like how you know how to beast rocks
Entertain you, see you soon at the next spot
The crew got you bouncing and dropping your eye
Making you
Tss tsss tsss, I'm a roll with the hot
I'm a flow from the soul when you can't hold me back
Ke-ke-keep on keep on rolling the track
I'm a simply simply always attach
Jeepney Music by Apl.De.Ap
From L.A to Philippines we bridging the gap
We got it like that you know we got it like that
Like we got it like that y'all

And we got it like that (like that)
You know we got it like that (like that)
Y'all we got it like that (like that)
It's like that, like that (like that)
Y'all we got it like that (like that)
You know we got it like that (like that)
Yeah we got it like that (like that)

It's like that and a
It's like that and a
My man Q-Tip in the house
Cee-lo you know he's in the house
My man John Legend's in the house
Talib Kwali will work it out
My man Apl.De is in the house
Will.I.Am is definitely in the house
Fergie Ferg is in the house
Whadup to De La, shout 'em out
Drew hip-hop music now
Positive vibes, no doubt
My man Ali Muhammed's in the house
My man Shahid's in the house
You know I'm in the house
Black Eyed Peas represent sellin' out
Black Eyed Peas represent sellin' out
Black Eyed Peas represent sellin' out

It's like that and a, it's like that and a, it's like that or th-that
It's like that and a, it's like that and a, it's like that or th-that
It's like that and a, it's like that and a, it's like that or th-that
It's like that and a, it's like that and a, it's like that or th-that




It's like that and a
Because I got it like that

Overall Meaning

In "Like That," the Black Eyed Peas and guest rappers Q-Tip, Talib Kweli, and Cee-Lo celebrate the power and energy of hip hop music. They assert that hip hop is a global phenomenon with a unifying force and that to truly engage with it, you have to feel it in your body and spirit. The Peas imply that they have success and wealth now, but they came from humble beginnings and did not always have financial stability. Despite being labeled as a sell-out by some, they still hold true to their roots and aim to spread the positive vibes of hip hop music. The artists take turns boasting their skills and showcasing the different styles of hip hop, from Apl.de.Ap's Filipino Jeepney music to Cee-Lo's soulful sound.


The lyrics of "Like That" convey a sense of unity, pride, and celebration of hip hop culture. The song promotes the idea that hip hop is a way of life, a source of power and inspiration that transcends borders and connects people from all walks of life. The artists also touch on the theme of authenticity and staying true to oneself while navigating the music industry. The song is a testament to the power of hip hop as a unifying and empowering force.


Line by Line Meaning

Question for the ages
A thought-provoking inquiry that transcends time


What's going on with my back pages?
What secrets and experiences do my past records hold?


Rappers wanna be down, but listen listen
Aspiring artists desire acceptance and recognition, but they must truly understand and connect with the artform


You got to feel it within your body and your spirit
One must experience a deep emotional and physical connection to truly appreciate and embody the music


When you listen to the rhythm (come on)
Embrace the beat and allow it to move you


It's the abstract Will's on the beat
Will, known for his unique and unconventional style, has produced the music for this track


Women all around the globe, the world
Women from every corner of the world are united by this music


You got to follow me
Join me on this musical journey


Change your history, categories
Challenge the norms and reshape the narratives


Different people in the same territories
Diverse individuals coexisting in shared spaces


Hip-hop in here for my Black Eyed Peas
The Black Eyed Peas are here to represent and celebrate hip-hop


So watch it watch it be marveled on the speakers please
Be captivated and amazed by the music playing through the artists


'Cause they gonna marvel and shake the ground
The impact and influence of this music will astonish and make an impact


Break addles break the sound
Break barriers and create groundbreaking music


Fill the embraceful pound
Evoke a strong and powerful response with the pounding beat


Treat all the things profound
Handle everything with depth and significance


If you wanna dude to help you out
If you need someone to support and assist you


Make it cool around your friends without smoking now
Present yourself as cool and confident without relying on substances


Play the song kinda loud, it could help you out
Crank up the volume and let the music uplift and guide you


And you could work it out, yeah you could work it out
You have the ability to overcome challenges and find solutions


It's like that, and a
That's how it is, and even more


And we got it like that (like that)
We possess that level of greatness


You know we got it like that (like that)
You are aware of our exceptional talent and abilities


Y'all we got it like that (like that)
All of us collectively possess that level of greatness


It's like that, like that (like that)
That's how it is, and it will continue to be


It's like that 'Cause I got it like that
I embody that level of greatness


And I got it like that also
Furthermore, I possess that level of greatness as well


Got a style that's way out like Bosto
I have a unique and unconventional style like the city of Boston


You know I'm a crook a nigga like Chocko
I have the cunning and cleverness of a skilled criminal


Steady jumpin' around like it's heavy cargo
I move energetically and enthusiastically, as if carrying a heavy load


(Can I kick it?) Yup, really far though
Can I express myself freely? Yes, I can and I'll do it remarkably well


From El Segundo to Toronto
From one location to another, I'm making my presence felt


I once hit a girl up in Chicago
I had a romantic encounter with someone in the city of Chicago


But I'd never say who unless my name was Tanto
I won't reveal the identity of the person unless I was obligated to


Yup, you know how the date rape go
You're familiar with the unfortunate reality of sexual assault on a date


'Cause we show the classic example
We represent the typical scenario


Now they know the Peas collect the dough
Everyone now recognizes that the Black Eyed Peas are highly successful and thrive monetarily


So they knocking on our door like we was Fargo
People are seeking us out eagerly, as if we're a valuable treasure


Yup, they see me in a Will.I.Am suit
When they see me dressed sharply in a suit, they recognize my success


But I wasn't that cute when I didn't have the loot
My physical attractiveness wasn't as noticeable before I gained wealth


And I don't smoke birds but I'm still real nice with the birds
I don't engage in smoking marijuana, but I'm still highly skilled and talented


So fuck (hey!) what you heard
Disregard any negative rumors or gossip


'Cause we got it like that
We possess that level of greatness


Talib, just hit 'em like that
Talib, deliver your message and impact them powerfully


I'm from the jungle, brother, and I got it like that
I come from a challenging environment, but I possess that level of greatness


Yo, my life got me running through a maze like a white rat
The complexities of my life have me navigating obstacles like a lab rat in a maze


I need a shot at ramming like my rap
I need a chance to make a strong impact like I do with my music


It's like the yak is the fights that got me spillin' on the right track
The struggles and battles I've faced have guided me towards success


And I like this Will so I might get ill
I appreciate this music produced by Will, and it motivates me to excel


On the mics somebody might get killed
My powerful and captivating performance on the microphone can metaphorically 'kill' my competitors


So many damn rappers there's a stifle in heaven
There are numerous rappers, causing overcrowding even in the realm of the afterlife


My tongue is a weapon and plus when I bust all this stuff with Legend
My lyrical prowess is a formidable weapon, and when I collaborate with John Legend, our combined talent creates something extraordinary


When this Brooklyn MC come after you
When I, representing Brooklyn, confront and challenge you


You be running like I herd a carrel at Murdell Avenue
You'll run away frightened, as if a group of birds suddenly flew towards you on Murdell Avenue


There we yattin' that ain't pretty that's the attitude
We, expressing our creativity and uniqueness, possess an unapologetic and bold attitude


To be at Fight Club, even Brad had to crack a tooth
Even famous individuals like Brad Pitt, to be a part of the intense competition, had to endure physical harm like a cracked tooth


Stare into the sun, they try to copy
We shine so brightly and are so influential that others attempt to imitate us, like staring at the sun


Let your eyes get used to the light because you gotta watch me
Allow yourself to become accustomed to my brilliance and talent, as you need to keep an eye on me


Sneak up on you like sake
I'll surprise and captivate you, much like the potent and unexpected effects of sake


My lyrics get out a split atom like Hiroshima and Nagasaki
My words have a tremendous impact, comparable to the devastating explosions of Hiroshima and Nagasaki


It's the Apl.De.Ap in the lab with the rap
Apl.De.Ap is in the creative zone, crafting the rap


Demonstrate how we act, we attack any track
We reveal our distinctive style, aggressively taking on any musical production


It's the Black Eyed Peas and we back with the facts
The Black Eyed Peas have returned, delivering truth and authenticity


Start with the fat skills that rose in the past
Begin with the impressive abilities that were developed and gained recognition in the past


We got it like how you know how to beast rocks
We possess the level of greatness just like your ability to effortlessly handle rocks


Entertain you, see you soon at the next spot
We will captivate and delight you, and we look forward to meeting you again at our next performance venue


The crew got you bouncing and dropping your eye
Our group has you energetically moving and fully engaged


Making you Tss tsss tsss, I'm a roll with the hot
Generating sounds of excitement and anticipation, I will continue to bring the heat and stay in demand


I'm a flow from the soul when you can't hold me back
My music will overflow effortlessly, unstoppable by any obstacles


Ke-ke-keep on keep on rolling the track
Continue to play and keep the music flowing smoothly


I'm a simply simply always attach
I will always connect and resonate with the audience


Jeepney Music by Apl.De.Ap
This music is created by Apl.De.Ap and embodies the spirit of Jeepney, a Philippine icon


From L.A to Philippines we bridging the gap
Bringing together Los Angeles and the Philippines, we are closing the cultural divide


Talib, just hit 'em like that
Talib, deliver your powerful impact through your music


You know we got it like that (like that)
You are aware of our exceptional talent and abilities


Y'all we got it like that (like that)
All of us collectively possess that level of greatness


Yeah we got it like that (like that)
Yes, we possess that level of greatness


It's like that and a
That's how it is, and even more


My man Q-Tip in the house
Q-Tip is present and participating


Cee-lo you know he's in the house
Cee-lo is definitely here with us


My man John Legend's in the house
John Legend is present and involved


Talib Kwali will work it out
Talib Kwali will resolve any issues and make things right


My man Apl.De is in the house
Apl.De is here, part of the gathering


Will.I.Am is definitely in the house
Will.I.Am is present without a doubt


Fergie Ferg is in the house
Fergie Ferg is here and part of the occasion


Whadup to De La, shout 'em out
Send greetings and acknowledge De La (De La Soul), giving them a shout out


Drew hip-hop music now
Created and brought forth hip-hop music


Positive vibes, no doubt
Emitting and promoting positive energy, without any skepticism


My man Ali Muhammed's in the house
Ali Muhammed is present, among us


My man Shahid's in the house
Shahid is here, accompanying us


You know I'm in the house
It is evident that I am among those present


Black Eyed Peas represent sellin' out
The Black Eyed Peas symbolize immense success and popularity


It's like that da-da
That's how it is, concluding with an emphatic sound




Lyrics © CTM Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Cloud9
Written by: Allan Apll Pineda, Anthony Newley, Jimmy Luis Gomez, Kamaal Ibn John Fareed, Michael Small, Nathaniel Phillip Hall, Talib Kweli Greene

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@IAMZiontheZodiacWolfREAL

To everyone who has returned to this song, welcome back😊❤

@kaywillz7720

I will never stop loving this song.

@Krum-Cola

Sounds so fresh everytime

@cassidyferdinand6435

It's like that man🙂

@godswiph

Imagine if an artist came out today with a whole album of tracks like this. Hip hop doesn’t have to be a war zone with bodies laid out all over the streets, does it? Just thinking out loud.

@KK-gn8nm

I keep thinking the same. Their music from Elephunk and Monkey Business that wasn't in mainstream was totally slept on, but it's soooo good. Today they'd be the coolest, like Anderson .Paak

@sp123

They weren't that type of rap group to talk about violent activity

@ig8083

Agreed. This was a fantastic band.

@bee8589

are yall forgetting how violent rap was between 1990-2010??? it never changed 💀

@silewis9396

​@@bee8589 No more violent than the neighbourhoods

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