This group consisted also of his partner Webb. Following a fallout with his partner, Canibus pursued a solo career and began infiltrating the mix-tape circuit. By 1997, he had approached the brink of the major-label rap game, guesting regularly on high-profile releases: He contributed to "Uni-4-orm," an inclusion on the Rhyme & Reason soundtrack also featuring Heltah Skeltah and Rass Kass; "Love, Peace & Nappiness," an inclusion on the Lost Boyz's Love, Peace & Nappiness also featuring Redman and A+; "Making a Name for Ourselves," an inclusion on Common's One Day It'll All Make Sense; the non-album remix of Wyclef Jean's "Gone Till November."
And most famously, "4, 3, 2, 1," an inclusion on LL Cool J's Phenomenon also featuring Redman, DMX, and Method Man.
Of the several guest appearances, "4, 3, 2, 1" certainly meant the most, as it brought together many of New York's preeminent hardcore rappers and thus ushered Canibus into that same elite class. At the same time, however, Canibus lashed out shortly afterward with the Mike Tyson-featuring "Second Round K.O.," where he rhymed, "So I'ma let the world know the truth, you don't want me to shine/You studied my rhyme, then you laid your vocals after mine."
In fact, the entirety of the song directed barbed rhymes at LL: "You walk around showin' off your body cause it sells/Plus to avoid the fact that you ain't got skills/Mad at me 'cause I kick that sh*t real niggaz feel/While 99 percent of your fans wear high heels," and so on. Shortly thereafter, LL sought his revenge, releasing "The Ripper Strikes Back" on the Survival of the Illest soundtrack (1998) and thus channeling even more attention toward Canibus.
From the track's chorus ("Can-I-bus? Yes you can!") to practically every line of the verses ("You soft as a newborn baby takin' a nap/Make my dick hard with that bitch-ass track/Where you at? smokin' in some one-room flat/Suckin' on Clef's dick hopin' to come back"), LL unleashed a fury of insults and threats. The media, of course, elevated the battle to grand heights, as even MTV gave the story headlines. In the aftermath of 2Pac's and Biggie's deaths, such confrontations fascinated the rap community, and Canibus certainly capitalized on his newfound publicity.
As for his debut full-length, Can-i-bus (1998), though, the response was sobering. Critics expressed little support, and sales quickly dropped as listeners also felt genuinely disappointed. Executive produced by Wyclef, the album suffered on many levels, both production-wise and rhetorically as well (critics targeting Canibus' delivery more than his lyrics or themes). The momentum that "Second Round K.O." had generated simmered almost immediately, and it didn't help that LL's "Ripper Strikes Back" found substantial acceptance at the time as well.
In the two years following the release of Can-i-bus, the rapper maintained an extremely low profile, much in contrast to the regular guest appearances he had made leading up to his debut. As a result, when he finally did return with his follow-up album, 2000 B.C. (2000), few noticed, it came and went generally unheard, and Canibus returned to the underground after parting ways with Universal. He continued to record albums and release them on the independent circuit (including 2002's Mic Club, 2003's Rip the Jacker, and 2005's Mind Control); furthermore, he retained a small base of fans as well, yet his days as the next-big-thing had clearly come and gone, as they similarly had for so many other talented rappers.
A Different Vibe In L.A.
Canibus Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Doop-doop da-da..
It's a whole different vibe when you in L.A.
Doop-doop da-da..
It's a whole different vibe when you in L.A.
Doop-doop da-da..
It's a whole different vibe when you in L.A.
Doop-doop da-da..
[Verse 1]
Yeah, cruisin down Melrose, hella slow in a yellow Marinello
Lookin for who sells shelltoes that I could match with my silk robe
I'm like Hugh Heffner at 26 years old, with clear goals
Yeah I'll take two pair of those
I love the way my toes feel in the cyberfoam soles when I'm doin shows
Who knows, I'm prepared to go to and fro
All I do is tell you dudes where the Western Union dough
You need my social security info?
Here's my tax I.D. number, it's worth ten fold
I remember my first album, it shipped gold
That's a insult, considering I did this one in Kinko's
I'm dying to see what this will sold
Will the critics diss it at all, or will they feed 'Bus to the wolves?
Like I haven't been there before,
But at least I'm on a different vibe now, this year it's on
[Chorus]
[Verse 2]
It's definitely a different vibe west of the Prime Meridian
Producers play with live instruments, rhymes are wittier
But don't sleep 'cause in a heartbeat Cali is shittin ya
Someone'll put a hit on ya, this'll be where they bury ya
I think it's beautiful, I don't want to be scarin ya
The women are prettier and the climate is superior
Got a girl from Syria, smells like strawberries on her period
I'm serious - that's why I moved in with the chick
We on the top of Mount Olympus, sharin our interests
Over a moonlit dinner, burnin some insense
She looks so innocent, next think I know she's pinnin me to the bed
Like a scene outta Basic Instinct
Bought her a pink mink and a double link ring
She didn't know I was a rapper and I did my thing-thing
What a coincidence, she listened to Eminem and Nsync
Shaggy, Nelly, and the St. Lunatic clique, Uh-Ohhhh!
[Chorus]
[Verse 3]
Yeah baby, Canibus in the flesh
Everybody want a dose of me, come here baby stand close to me
Take a photo with me, take this address
If you develop 'em post one to me
If you miss me and you wanna kiss me then blow one to me
I like your incentricities, tailor-fitting jeans
Tennis bracelets from Tiffany's in Venice, Italy
Are you from the Middle East? (Oh)
I plan to travel there after my new release
I got Timbaland doin some beats
Yeah, his cousin goes to school with my niece
By the way I'm sorta starred, what kinda food do you eat?
Yeah sure hop in the car, we'll cruise the streets
Around here I know alotta cool places to eat
You off from what, noon to three, just roll with me
My homie Lou just two-wayed me from Lagoona Beach
You can meet the rest of the crew, a bunch of super freaks
We got to unwind, we 'bout to hit the road in two weeks, c'mon
[Chorus]
Doop-doop da-da.. [repeat to fade]
The lyrics to Canibus's "A Different Vibe in LA" describe the artist's experiences and observations while in Los Angeles. The chorus repeats the phrase "It's a whole different vibe when you in L.A." four times, emphasizing the unique atmosphere that is distinct from other cities. The first verse describes cruising on Melrose and searching for a specific type of shoe, as well as reflecting on the artist's success in the music industry. He notes that he is "on a different vibe now" and is optimistic about the future. The second verse describes the differences in music production and lyricism on the West Coast, but also acknowledges the darker side of the city, warning listeners to not let their guard down. The artist then describes a romantic encounter with a woman from Syria, which ultimately leads to bonding over mutual musical interests. The third verse returns to a more lighthearted tone, with Canibus inviting a fan to join him and his friends in exploring Los Angeles.
Overall, the song serves as a portrayal of a unique and diverse city that Canibus has found himself in. The lyrics showcase a mix of personal experiences, social commentary, and pop culture references.
Line by Line Meaning
Doop-doop da-da..
The repetitive sound represents the different vibe of L.A.
It's a whole different vibe when you in L.A.
Being in L.A. gives a unique and unfamiliar feeling
Yeah, cruisin down Melrose, hella slow in a yellow Marinello
Driving along Melrose Street, leisurely in a yellow Marinello
Lookin for who sells shelltoes that I could match with my silk robe
Searching for a shop that sells sneakers that match his silk robe
I'm like Hugh Heffner at 26 years old, with clear goals
He feels like Hugh Heffner, with defined objectives, at the age of twenty-six
Yeah I'll take two pair of those
He will purchase two pairs of sneakers that he saw earlier
I love the way my toes feel in the cyberfoam soles when I'm doin shows
He loves the way his toes feel in cyberfoam soles while performing on shows
Who knows, I'm prepared to go to and fro
He is ready to go back and forth to do his job
All I do is tell you dudes where the Western Union dough
He informs the people where the money sent via Western Union is
You need my social security info?
He asks if someone requires his social security information
Here's my tax I.D. number, it's worth ten fold
He provides his tax I.D. number, which is valuable
I remember my first album, it shipped gold
He remembers that his first album was sold in large quantities
That's a insult, considering I did this one in Kinko's
It is an offense that people do not love his work now, although he performed it in Kinko's
I'm dying to see what this will sold
He is eager to know the outcome of his new album
Will the critics diss it at all, or will they feed 'Bus to the wolves?
He wonders whether the critics will criticize or elevate his work
Like I haven't been there before,
He has been in that situation before
But at least I'm on a different vibe now, this year it's on
However, he is on a new and exciting vibe this year
It's definitely a different vibe west of the Prime Meridian
Being west of the Prime Meridian gives a whole new feeling
Producers play with live instruments, rhymes are wittier
Producers use live instruments, and the rhymes are more clever
But don't sleep 'cause in a heartbeat Cali is shittin ya
However, people should not take it easy because California can easily deceive anyone
Someone'll put a hit on ya, this'll be where they bury ya
Someone can make an attempt on your life, and this would be the place where they bury you
I think it's beautiful, I don't want to be scarin ya
He feels that the place is great, and he does not want to frighten anyone
The women are prettier and the climate is superior
L.A. ladies are more attractive, and the weather is better
Got a girl from Syria, smells like strawberries on her period
He has a girlfriend from Syria who smells like strawberries during her period
I'm serious - that's why I moved in with the chick
He is serious, and that is the reason he started living with his girlfriend
We on the top of Mount Olympus, sharin our interests
They are on top of Mount Olympus, sharing their hobbies and interests
Over a moonlit dinner, burnin some insense
They are having a romantic, scented candlelit dinner
She looks so innocent, next think I know she's pinnin me to the bed
She looks pure, but quickly became aggressive
Like a scene outta Basic Instinct
It is like a scene from the movie Basic Instinct
Bought her a pink mink and a double link ring
He gave her a pink fur coat and a double linked ring
She didn't know I was a rapper and I did my thing-thing
She did not know he was a rapper, but he still did what he does best
What a coincidence, she listened to Eminem and Nsync
It is a happy coincidence that his girlfriend likes the same music as he does
Shaggy, Nelly, and the St. Lunatic clique, Uh-Ohhhh!
He mentions some famous musicians who have become friends
Yeah baby, Canibus in the flesh
Introducing himself, in person, as Canibus
Everybody want a dose of me, come here baby stand close to me
Everybody wants his attention, and he asks the person to stand close to him
Take a photo with me, take this address
He asks someone to take a picture with him and take his address
If you develop 'em post one to me
He asks someone to send the pictures to him if they develop them
If you miss me and you wanna kiss me then blow one to me
If someone misses and wants to kiss him, he asks to blow a kiss at him
I like your incentricities, tailor-fitting jeans
He likes someone's uniqueness and well-fitting jeans
Tennis bracelets from Tiffany's in Venice, Italy
He mentions bracelets he bought in Venice, Italy from Tiffany's
Are you from the Middle East? (Oh)
He asks if someone is from the Middle East
I plan to travel there after my new release
He plans to travel to the Middle East after launching his new album
I got Timbaland doin some beats
He mentions Timbaland producing some beats
Yeah, his cousin goes to school with my niece
He also mentions that Timbaland's cousin studies with his niece
By the way I'm sorta starred, what kinda food do you eat?
He is somewhat famous and wants to know what type of food people eat
Yeah sure hop in the car, we'll cruise the streets
He invites someone to come along with him in the car and cruise the streets
Around here I know alotta cool places to eat
He knows of many interesting places to eat around this area
You off from what, noon to three, just roll with me
He asks if someone is free between noon to three and invites them to join him
My homie Lou just two-wayed me from Lagoona Beach
His friend Lou sent a message from Lagoona Beach
You can meet the rest of the crew, a bunch of super freaks
He offers to introduce the person to his group of super freaks
We got to unwind, we 'bout to hit the road in two weeks, c'mon
They are about to relax before leaving on the trip in two weeks
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Yachanan
Crazy how underrated he is
brian omalley
He is so underrated and really could murder most of the rappers that are considered the best in today hip hop
Josh Betts
Most?
svckondeezNICO' nuttz
Josh Betts All*
Olgierd OLO
Real talk, madly underrated and underappreciated
RedCrimson102
I guess u bevy seen the disaster battle
Ikenna Konkwo
This is such a cool song. Makes me want to go to Los Angeles. I like the hook a lot.
thisisanewusername
word
Cory Bond
one of the greatest to hold and bless the mic with skills that be untouchable to all these main stream artists true mc's don't need the fame just respect from fellow mc's
Majnik
THAT beat and hook alone give me a whole different vibe...