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.
Lemmie Hear Sumthin Else
Canibus Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Aiyyo my wrist stay froze (Lemme hear somethin else)
Aiyyo I fuck mad hoes (Yo lemme hear somethin else)
I'm a big dog with big dough (Won't you say somethin else)
Yo man you fuckin up my flow (You ain't got nothin else)
Man I got somethin else (So lemme hear somethin else)
My chain got bagette diamonds (Won't you do somethin else)
I spit rhymes with perfect timing (You could try somethin else)
[Killer P]
I'm on my way to ASCAP so I can pick up my dough
I ran into a Jacker nigga tryna hit me with flows
He didn't know I had a mind to just bloody his nose
And let the blood pour down on his white clothes
[Pakman]
Chhhh..
Nigga! You don't wanna cipher with me
My name ain't Pakman for nothin, I'm gobblin emcees
Chhhh..
[Killer P]
Damn yo, I wasn't even tryna take it there
Lemme hear somethin in the ear nigga, make it clear
He started goin on about pushin a big Benz
How he stayed jig, and smoked chronic up with his friends
He doin it big and got unlimited ends
I just met the nigga, I seen him walkin up with his mens
Stop frontin shorty, lemme tell you somethin 'bout the game
It's a thin line, from being wack to spittin flames
You gotta represent when you be writin them lines
Don't be a FUCKIN millionaire in every one of ya rhymes
I'ma let you walk in but yo you gotta be quick
I gotta go, and the shit you spittin nigga, better be slick
He started gettin busy, I was noddin my head
Then he fucked it all up and said some shit that I said
Stopped rhymin cuz he knew he shouldn't have said that verse
Lookin stupid as fuck, for that nigga it was the worst
Yo, how you gonna bite and try to be top shelf
Better get ya act together, lemme hear somethin else
[Chorus]
[Canibus]
I give you more grievance than a nigga possessed by demons
Walkin on ceilings, chasin white lot speedin
Like Tony Soprano, takin meetings
With a psychologist about his emotional feelings
and his crime dealings
He even talked about how to make alcohol out of orange peelings
Pink cookies in a plastic bag gettin crushed by a buildin
was cool until Canibus puked it
With ill cannibalistic, animal instincts
Instant lyrical fitness, could you handle the distance?
You don't have enough wisdom
The man who gives quicksand resistance,
sinks the quickest, it's simple physics
I get "Southernplayalistic" and pimp chicks
Put my big dick in they mouth and smear they lipstick
Come here you stank bitch!
Tell ya man if he don't spit a hundred bars
I'ma bust him in his big lips
Spit quick, like 6B tip-tronic stick-shift
Bitch is equipped with a nitrous-oxide flipswitch
If you hate me, why would you recreate me
With those that imitate me and emulate me?
They talk about me so distastefully lately
But that never break me, they underestimate me
Me and the Killer P, and P-A-C get crazy with G-A-T's
I'm a B-E-A-S-T, you don't wanna race me
I do Mach 1 over a A-F-B
No if's, A-N-D's, or B-U-T's
A hundred bars ain't SHIT for a true emcee
SHUT THE FUCK UP! You should be ashamed of yourself
I ain't heard nothin I felt, lemme hear somethin else
[Chorus]
The Canibus song Lemmie Hear Sumthin Else is an assertion of the artist's skills and a challenge to any rapper who dares to step up to him. The chorus features Canibus bragging about his wealth, sexual exploits, and superlative rap skills while demanding that his critics come up with something better to challenge him. The verses feature Killer P and Pakman, recounting confronting Canibus with their own raps and being put in their place by the veteran rapper's prowess. Even Canibus's own verse is a showcase of his formidable talent, with dizzying displays of wordplay and flow.
The song is a powerful statement about the nature of hip-hop as a deeply competitive art form in which rappers are constantly striving to be the best. It is also a celebration of the power of lyricism and the ability of words to move people and assert dominance. The performance of the song is marked by a confrontational energy that mirrors the lyrics, making it clear that this is not just a boastful track, but a genuine challenge to anyone who dares to face Canibus in a rap battle.
Line by Line Meaning
Aiyyo my wrist stay froze (Lemme hear somethin else)
I am wealthy and successful, but please impress me with something else besides material possessions.
Aiyyo I fuck mad hoes (Yo lemme hear somethin else)
I have many sexual partners, but I am looking for something more meaningful or impressive to hear.
I'm a big dog with big dough (Won't you say somethin else)
I have a lot of money and social status, but I want to hear something more interesting or unique.
Yo man you fuckin up my flow (You ain't got nothin else)
You are interrupting my performance and have nothing else to add to the conversation or exchange.
Man I got somethin else (So lemme hear somethin else)
I have more to offer or say, so please share something else interesting in return.
My chain got bagette diamonds (Won't you do somethin else)
My jewelry is impressive, but I want to hear something more substantial or constructive from you.
I spit rhymes with perfect timing (You could try somethin else)
I am skilled at rapping, but I am open to hearing other forms of expression or creativity.
Yeah you can't stop me from shinin (I'll spit it myself)
No one can prevent me from succeeding, so I will continue to showcase my talents on my own.
I'm on my way to ASCAP so I can pick up my dough
I am receiving royalty payments for my music and am on my way to collect my earnings.
He didn't know I had a mind to just bloody his nose
He was unaware that I was prepared to physically harm him if he continued to offend or disrespect me.
My name ain't Pakman for nothin, I'm gobblin emcees
As my name implies, I am a skilled rapper who is capable of dominating other artists in the music industry.
Stop frontin shorty, lemme tell you somethin 'bout the game
Stop pretending or lying, and let me educate you about the music industry and what it takes to succeed.
You gotta represent when you be writin them lines
You have to accurately and authentically portray yourself and your experiences in your music lyrics.
Don't be a FUCKIN millionaire in every one of ya rhymes
Don't exaggerate or fabricate your wealth or success in your music, as it lacks authenticity and credibility.
Then he fucked it all up and said some shit that I said
He ruined his performance by plagiarizing or copying my lyrics or ideas.
Yo, how you gonna bite and try to be top shelf
How can you steal my material and attempt to be successful and respected in the industry?
I give you more grievance than a nigga possessed by demons
I offer more complaints or grievances than someone who is severely troubled or disturbed.
Walkin on ceilings, chasin white lot speedin
I am engaging in risky or extreme behavior and experiences, akin to walking on a ceiling or driving at high speeds.
Like Tony Soprano, takin meetings
Similar to the character Tony Soprano from the TV series, I am taking important meetings or negotiations with others.
Come here you stank bitch!
An insulting or derogatory phrase directed towards a woman who is perceived as unattractive or undesirable in some way.
Spit quick, like 6B tip-tronic stick-shift
I rap quickly and smoothly, like shifting gears on a high-performance sports car.
A hundred bars ain't SHIT for a true emcee
I am capable of rapping for an extended period of time or with a large number of verses, as a sign of my skill and experience as a rapper.
SHUT THE FUCK UP! You should be ashamed of yourself
Stop talking or interrupting me, and feel embarrassed or remorseful for your actions or words.
Contributed by Colin L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Tipton
"With ill cannibalistic, animal instincts
Instant lyrical fitness, could you handle the distance?
You don't have enough wisdom
The man who gives quicksand resistance
Sinks the quickest, it's simple physics"
Bodied
Know is Trite
One of my favorite Canibus verses, EVER!
Uncle Jay
Right when you wanna write down your favorite quote, Canibus spits an even better one.
Kay Rams
Some year ago I underestimated the album now because I am calm I hear it clear.
Know is Trite
One of the sickest Canibus verses ever
Rasxcellent - Ras X TV
one of my fav Bis tracks and albums...teen memoriez.
Micheal Fanatic
We wanna hear new shit ! Thank u canibus
Zofa Lipa
Canibus was born 2 rap
Wave 100
Flawless
wyclef Adamcy
this shit relate to them rappers nowadays than it did back..