In late 1997, Solesides became Quannum Projects and in 1999 Blackalicious released the A2G EP, which served as a precursor to their debut full length album, Nia, which was released the following year. This was followed by a major label contract with MCA Records and the release of the critically acclaimed album Blazing Arrow in 2002.
In May 2004 Gift of Gab released his first solo album, 4th Dimensional Rocketships Going Up, but he assured fans that Blackalicious was alive and well.
A third full length, entitled The Craft, was released on Epitaph Records imprint ANTI- on September 27, 2005.
Its Going Down
Blackalicious Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Peep back, got you open wide
I'll let you get a taste of me
It's going down in mystery
Sit back, close your eyes
Peep back, got you open wide
I'll let you get a taste of me
It's going down in mystery
Well it's the microphone ripper, party-rockin' gift of gab
I hit the scene, lift you on my beam
And send you through my high plains
Mind-train shiftin' through your migraines
Spit with that I hit with patterns get you twisted sideways
And I'm the head honcho, sport golden tonsils
Inventing new styles all the time like pronto
Four by four, runnin' over suckers like a Bronco
Haters say the lyrics ain't Gonzo but they wrong though
We walking up and locking up the game and sparking up the flame
You're not gone' be the same when our flow reach your brain
It's about to bust
Not your crush, show up at our show in a tacky dress
Sparking us, talking 'bout your prowess but we're not impressed
Checkmate, populous crush, monstrous plush
Rhymes that just thrust onto your buck buck
Just rush
Just rushing like the Nile River, power we deliver
See it's (going down in mystery)
Sit back, close your eyes
Peep back, got you open wide
I'll let you get a taste of me
It's going down in mystery
Sit back, close your eyes
Peep back, got you open wide
I'll let you get a taste of me
It's going down in mystery
Sit back, close your eyes
Peep back, got you open wide
I'll let you get a taste of me
It's going down in mystery
Sit back, close your eyes
Peep back, got you open wide
I'll let you get a taste of me
It's going down in mystery
You know, I know, you know, I know
(It's going down in mystery)
You know, I know, you know, I know
(It's going down in history)
(Gift of Gab won't you learn 'em and assure 'em)
(That the fire that you spit will burn them)
Burning up the track and turning up the action
(Murder one attack him)
Serving what you're rapping
Urban gutter anthems
(Certain of the fact)
Curtains for the wack
Searching for the knack
(You're pervin' off the fatness)
Fury of the rather early mornings after
(Worldly like disasters)
Purely just the baddest, the chief clamp down on 'em
(Like a vice on a melon squeezing tight on your temples)
Feel the bass (as the wind blows)
In your face (and your mental) hear the taste
Instrumentals even break down on you like this
(We surpass your previous standards) drastically
(Mastering bass), setting nights so bright
(Beneath the skylight)
And days (and weeks) and months (go by)
And years (and decades) and we still so fly
(While the others are just fly by night)
And not tight (we keep writing)
Like scribes (but we tight) and so wise (c'mon)
The rhyme historian exploring everything that we got
And even more so we exploring everything that they not
These are the glory days for lyricists, forever we plot
Wait wait wait wait hold on a second bring it back (we plot x 4, c'mon)
The rhyme historian exploring everything that we got
And even more so we exploring everything that they not
These are the glory days of lyricists, forever we plot
(It's going down in mystery)
You know, I know, you know, I know
(It's going down in mystery)
You know, I know, you know, I know
(It's going down in history)
The song "It's Goin' Down" is performed by Blackalicious, Lateef the Truth Speaker, and Talib Kweli. The lyrics are focused on their skills and abilities as rappers, declaring their superiority in the game. The chorus repeats, "Sit back, close your eyes, Peep back, got you open wide, I'll let you get a taste of me, It's going down in mystery". The verse describes the power and confidence of the rappers, who are the "gift of gab," the "microphone ripper," and the "head honcho." They claim to be inventing new styles and running over those who doubt their lyricism.
The verses are filled with metaphors and wordplay, showcasing the lyrical prowess of the rappers. "Spit with that I hit with patterns get you twisted sideways" is an example of Gift of Gab's unique style, which incorporates intricate wordplay and creative rhymes. Talib Kweli's verse presents a message of empowerment for marginalized communities, with lines like "Urban gutter anthems, Curtains for the wack, Searching for the knack."
Overall, the lyrics of "It's Goin' Down" express a sense of self-assurance and confidence, while also showcasing the unique styles of each rapper.
Line by Line Meaning
Sit back, close your eyes
Take a break, relax
Peep back, got you open wide
Pay attention, be fully engaged
I'll let you get a taste of me
Experience and enjoy my style
It's going down in mystery
Something exciting and unknown is happening
Well it's the microphone ripper, party-rockin' gift of gab
I am a talented MC who knows how to entertain
I hit the scene, lift you on my beam
I make an impact and lift up my audience
And send you through my high plains
I take you on a journey through my creative mind
Mind-train shiftin' through your migraines
My lyrics shift and challenge your thinking
Spit with that I hit with patterns get you twisted sideways
My rhymes are intricate and make you think differently
And I'm the head honcho, sport golden tonsils
I am a leader in the game with smooth vocals
Inventing new styles all the time like pronto
I am always creating and pushing boundaries
Four by four, runnin' over suckers like a Bronco
I am a force to be reckoned with and defeat my competition
Haters say the lyrics ain't Gonzo but they wrong though
Critics try to bring me down but they are mistaken
We walking up and locking up the game and sparking up the flame
We are taking over the industry and creating a buzz
You're not gone' be the same when our flow reach your brain
Our music will change the way you think and feel
It's about to bust
Something amazing is about to happen
Not your crush, show up at our show in a tacky dress
Don't come to our show if you are not serious or respectful
Sparking us, talking 'bout your prowess but we're not impressed
Don't try to impress us with your bragging, prove yourself
Checkmate, populous crush, monstrous plush
Our success is unstoppable and impressive
Rhymes that just thrust onto your buck buck
Our lyrics hit hard and get you hyped
Just rushing like the Nile River, power we deliver
We are confident and powerful in our art
See it's (going down in mystery)
Something amazing is happening that we can't fully explain
You know, I know, you know, I know
We are all aware of what's happening
(Gift of Gab won't you learn 'em and assure 'em)
I will teach and encourage others to be great
(That the fire that you spit will burn them)
My lyrics are powerful and impactful
Burning up the track and turning up the action
We are dominating the industry and creating excitement
(Murder one attack him)
Our lyrics are intense and captivating
Serving what you're rapping
We are delivering quality content through our music
Urban gutter anthems
Our music tells the story of hardship and struggle in the city
(Certain of the fact)
We know for sure that our music is top-notch
Curtains for the wack
We are ending the reign of mediocre music
Searching for the knack
We are always striving for excellence
(You're pervin' off the fatness)
You are enjoying and benefiting from our music
Fury of the rather early mornings after
Our music stays with you even after the night ends
(Worldly like disasters)
Our music reflects the problems and struggles of the world
Purely just the baddest, the chief clamp down on 'em
We are the best in the game and we shut down our competition
(Like a vice on a melon squeezing tight on your temples)
Our music is intense and grips your thoughts and emotions
Feel the bass (as the wind blows)
Our music is strong and palpable
In your face (and your mental) hear the taste
Our music impacts your physical and emotional senses
Instrumentals even break down on you like this
Our music is intricate and experimental
(We surpass your previous standards) drastically
We are raising the bar for music across the board
(Mastering bass), setting nights so bright
We have perfected our sound and are creating memorable performances
(Beneath the skylight)
Our music is simply amazing
And days (and weeks) and months (go by)
Our music continues to impress and entertain over time
And years (and decades) and we still so fly
Our music never goes out of style and we remain successful
(While the others are just fly by night)
Our success is long-lasting while others fade away quickly
And not tight (we keep writing)
We keep delivering quality music that keeps our fans satisfied
Like scribes (but we tight) and so wise (c'mon)
We are talented and intelligent and we know it
The rhyme historian exploring everything that we got
We are examining our art and pushing its boundaries
And even more so we exploring everything that they not
We are exploring and experimenting more than our competitors
These are the glory days for lyricists, forever we plot
We are in a great era for music and we will continue to create great work
(It's going down in mystery)
Something amazing is happening that we can't fully explain
(Gift of Gab won't you learn 'em and assure 'em)
I will teach and encourage others to be great
(That the fire that you spit will burn them)
My lyrics are powerful and impactful
You know, I know, you know, I know
We are all aware of what's happening
(It's going down in mystery)
Something amazing is happening that we can't fully explain
You know, I know, you know, I know
We are all aware of what's happening
(It's going down in history)
Our music is historic and will be remembered
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: TONY COTTRELL, LATEEF KENNETH DAUMONT, XAVIER LORENZO MOSLEY, TIM PARKER, SHANNON SHOWES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ethaniel Clyne
Top 5 alternative hip hop album. Almost every song has such a nice vibe with great beats and amazing lyricism
aydon
timeless classic, can never get enough of the ladies voice. brings back memories of driving around with my dad as a kid
aydon
RIP Gift Of Gab.
Scott Goulet
Love this track and this album!
RNS Xavier
This beat is dooope!!
Henry Cooper
haven't heard this song in ages great to hear this song one more time again. I recall this used from the soundtrack to the movie Brown Sugar (my favorite movie from 2002 or 2003)
IceyOne
Damn. RIP Gift of Gab. One of a kind.
IceyOne
Gift of Gab is one of the dopest emcees.
Ho Lee Fuk
this song is so dope
cupphouse
i'll make this one a special demand next time I hop in a club with the chick i love.