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.
Psych Evaluation
Canibus Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Some say the pen overpowers the sword
The video camera is just as powerful when it records
Appallin' footage of cops breakin' the law
Mad at you because of what you saw, now they breakin' ya jaw
I been accused, of bein' internally preoccupied
'Cause the rhymes talk to me, and I talk to the rhymes
Clinically induced impulses reveal what's hidden
Lafayette peg boards be spinnin on turn tables
To determine the motor coordination available
Those able to speak what I spoke, repeat my quotes
My systematic treatment approach, be deep in they throats
I inject the frontal lobe of the brain with a lethal dose
Of unspeakable dope, worse than opium smoke
Well-spoken like Washington Post, or a Fox News Network host
Scale intelligence like Wechsler Adults
Nonnormative data, brain storage matter couldn't capture
A couple years ago they had to put it on Napster
Ressurect Rip the Jacker, rip these rappers
For every second the clock ticks, I'm a attack ya
[HOOK]
The C-A-N dash I dash
B-U-S gets the last laugh, before the critical mass
In half the speed of a bulb flash
Fire engulf that ass, into a mole hill of charcoal ash
Only to be blown away by a cold draft
Wack emcees got no chance, it's so sad
They say to Canibus, "Will you ever run out of things to say?
How much breath can a man breathe in a day?"
Needless to say, I think it's kinda deep in a way
People be like "Bis is too ill, keep him away"
It's a good thing I got patience
I been waitin here longer than Dr. Levinson's time equations
Tryin' to figure out what made men
Was it inflation, or are we just a product of the apes then
[HOOK]
You think because I'm not on a major I can't bus'
And because I come from the ghetto that I can't adjust
Yeah my disposition was rough
But it turned me into a quick learner, all I need now is some luck
I used to be a undisciplined piece of fecal matter
A underdog rapper, but I closed that chapter
I deal wit my adaptive difficulty faster
And question my projected technique as a rapper
I've lost interest in the battle glory and glamor
But I cant control Rip the Jacker, when he gets amped up
It doesn't matter, we all got a dark side
A loud mouth, Mau Mau from the Apartheid
Yo you wanna earn your respect, then come to micclub dot net
And see if you can impress the best
[HOOK]
In Canibus's song "Psych Evaluation," he delves into the power of language and its ability to shape our understanding of the world around us. He starts with the idea that the pen can be just as powerful as the sword and then takes it further to argue that the video camera might be just as powerful when it captures footage of cops breaking the law. However, this can lead to retaliation from those who feel threatened by the exposure, emphasizing the conflict between power and truth.
Canibus then pivots to his own internal struggle, as he's been accused of being too preoccupied with his rhymes. He sees them as a way to access what's hidden inside of him and claims that his clinically induced impulses reveal his true self. He compares his rhyming process to a medical prescription from a qualified clinician, suggesting that his rhymes aren't frivolous but rather a form of necessary therapy. He ends the song by acknowledging his dark side and challenges others to try and impress him on micclub.net.
Overall, "Psych Evaluation" highlights the ways in which language can be used as a tool of empowerment but also as something that can reveal our internal struggles and hidden selves.
Line by Line Meaning
Some say the pen overpowers the sword
Many believe that writing is more influential than violence.
The video camera is just as powerful when it records
In the age of technology, recording devices are equally effective as pens in exposing wrongdoing.
Appallin' footage of cops breakin' the law
Capturing incriminating footage of law enforcement officials violating the law.
Mad at you because of what you saw, now they breakin' ya jaw
Aggressive reactions from those exposed on camera, leading to physical violence towards the filmer.
I been accused, of bein' internally preoccupied
Some criticize me for being too invested in my craft.
'Cause the rhymes talk to me, and I talk to the rhymes
I see my lyrics as more than just words on a page. They hold power and meaning which I engage with.
Clinically induced impulses reveal what's hidden
Medical science can uncover hidden desires or issues that may be present within an individual.
Lafayette peg boards be spinnin on turn tables
Performing motor coordination tests using scientific equipment.
To determine the motor coordination available
Evaluating the level of motor coordination an individual has.
Those able to speak what I spoke, repeat my quotes
Those who can recite my lyrics show that they have been impacted by my work.
My systematic treatment approach, be deep in they throats
My words have a deep and lasting impact on listeners.
I inject the frontal lobe of the brain with a lethal dose
My powerful lyrics penetrate the mind and leave a deep impression.
Of unspeakable dope, worse than opium smoke
My lyrics are potent and addictive, more so than any drug.
Well-spoken like Washington Post, or a Fox News Network host
My words are eloquent and articulate, similar to a skilled journalist on a major news network.
Scale intelligence like Wechsler Adults
Evaluating intelligence using a standardized test known as the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale.
Nonnormative data, brain storage matter couldn't capture
My intelligence goes beyond what standardized tests are able to measure.
A couple years ago they had to put it on Napster
My music was made available on file-sharing site Napster in the past.
Ressurect Rip the Jacker, rip these rappers
My aggressive rap persona, Rip the Jacker, will defeat other rappers.
For every second the clock ticks, I'm a attack ya
My rhymes are constant and unrelenting, attacking opponents at every opportunity.
The C-A-N dash I dash
Referring to the spelling of my stage name, Canibus.
B-U-S gets the last laugh, before the critical mass
My name will be remembered and respected after I am gone.
In half the speed of a bulb flash
This enduring legacy will be created in the blink of an eye.
Fire engulf that ass, into a mole hill of charcoal ash
My fiery rhymes will consume and destroy anyone who stands against me.
Only to be blown away by a cold draft
Despite their confidence, my opponents will crumble under even the slightest adversity.
Wack emcees got no chance, it's so sad
Inadequate rappers have no chance against me.
They say to Canibus, "Will you ever run out of things to say?
Critics doubt my ability to continue creating powerful lyrics.
How much breath can a man breathe in a day?"
This is an impossible question, highlighting the sheer amount of lyrics I am capable of producing.
Needless to say, I think it's kinda deep in a way
This question speaks to the immensity of my talent, which I take seriously and consider deeply.
People be like "Bis is too ill, keep him away"
Some are intimidated by my talent and want to avoid competition.
It's a good thing I got patience
I am able to endure and persevere despite the challenges presented to me.
I been waitin here longer than Dr. Levinson's time equations
My patience and dedication to my craft have been tested for an extended period of time, similar to the lengths of Dr. Levinson's time equations.
Tryin' to figure out what made men
I am grappling with deep and complex questions about the nature of humanity.
Was it inflation, or are we just a product of the apes then
Questioning whether the accomplishments of humanity are due to our own intelligence and creativity, or are simply the result of our primal origins.
You think because I'm not on a major I can't bus'
I am capable of succeeding as an independent artist, without the support of a major record label.
And because I come from the ghetto that I can't adjust
Stereotypes and prejudices are limiting, but I am able to overcome them.
Yeah my disposition was rough
Growing up in a challenging environment has shaped my personality and approach to life.
But it turned me into a quick learner, all I need now is some luck
My difficult upbringing has instilled in me the ability to adapt and learn quickly, but I still need some good fortune to achieve success.
I used to be a undisciplined piece of fecal matter
I have made mistakes in the past, but have grown and improved as an artist and person.
A underdog rapper, but I closed that chapter
I have overcome the odds and emerged victorious as an artist.
I deal wit my adaptive difficulty faster
I am able to overcome challenges and obstacles quickly and efficiently.
And question my projected technique as a rapper
I am constantly evaluating and refining my approach to rapping.
I've lost interest in the battle glory and glamor
I am more interested in creating meaningful and enduring music, rather than winning battles or achieving fleeting fame.
But I cant control Rip the Jacker, when he gets amped up
Even though I am more focused on creating positive music, I am still capable of unleashing my aggressive alter-ego, Rip the Jacker.
It doesn't matter, we all got a dark side
Everyone has flaws and negative aspects to their personality.
A loud mouth, Mau Mau from the Apartheid
Referring to my Rip the Jacker persona and drawing similarities to militant African groups from the era of apartheid in South Africa.
Yo you wanna earn your respect, then come to micclub dot net
To gain my respect as a rapper, one must demonstrate skill and talent on MicClub.net, an online forum for aspiring rappers.
And see if you can impress the best
Demonstrate your talent to the highest caliber of rappers on this forum.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
TréCrown
Psych Evaluation"
Yo
Some say the pen overpowers the sword
The video camera is just as powerful when it records
Appallin' footage of cops breakin' the law
Mad at you because of what you saw, now they breakin' ya jaw
I been accused, of bein' internally preoccupied
'Cause the rhymes talk to me, and I talk to the rhymes
Clinically induced impulses reveal what's hidden
Written prescriptions, given by qualified clinicians
Lafayette peg boards be spinnin on turn tables
To determine the motor coordination available
Those able to speak what I spoke, repeat my quotes
My systematic treatment approach, be deep in they throats
I inject the frontal lobe of the brain with a lethal dose
Of unspeakable dope, worse than opium smoke
Well-spoken like Washington Post, or a Fox News Network host
Scale intelligence like Wechsler Adults
Nonnormative data, brain storage matter couldn't capture
A couple years ago they had to put it on Napster
Ressurect Rip the Jacker, rip these rappers
For every second the clock ticks, I'm a attack ya
[HOOK]
The C-A-N dash I dash
B-U-S gets the last laugh, before the critical mass
In half the speed of a bulb flash
Fire engulf that ass, into a mole hill of charcoal ash
Only to be blown away by a cold draft
Wack emcees got no chance, it's so sad
They say to Canibus, "Will you ever run out of things to say?
How much breath can a man breathe in a day?"
Needless to say, I think it's kinda deep in a way
People be like "Bis is too ill, keep him away"
It's a good thing I got patience
I been waitin here longer than Dr. Levinson's time equations
Tryin' to figure out what made men
Was it inflation, or are we just a product of the apes then
[HOOK]
You think because I'm not on a major I can't bus'
And because I come from the ghetto that I can't adjust
Yeah my disposition was rough
But it turned me into a quick learner, all I need now is some luck
I used to be a undisciplined piece of fecal matter
A underdog rapper, but I closed that chapter
I deal wit my adaptive difficulty faster
And question my projected technique as a rapper
I've lost interest in the battle glory and glamor
But I cant control Rip the Jacker, when he gets amped up
It doesn't matter, we all got a dark side
A loud mouth, Mau Mau from the Apartheid
Yo you wanna earn your respect, then come to micclub dot net
And see if you can impress the best
Daniel H
I memorized the entire lyrics, i can sing the entire song on the spot
Orion Quest
Me too, 90 percent of this album
Trust The Shooters
Sing?
Dewayne Darmanie
💯💯💯💯💯💯💯
Aaron Celathian
I'm not sayin aliens, however...
.
Aliens
Randy Richmond III
✊✊✊✊
Tom Kerr
"those able to speak what i spoke, repeat my quotes, my systematic treatment approach, be deep in they throats, I inject the frontal lobe of the brain with a lethal dose of unspeakable dope, worse than opium smoke" illmatic is a great album, but it gets old to me just like liquid swords etc. For some reason, this album just doesn't get old to me. Love this shit, when I need some mental stimulation I don't turn on Mozart, I turn on Rip the Jacker. Phonically appeasing + (obviously) The incorrect english editor ;)
IceMan 33
How does real hip hop get old to you? No dope albums get old.
Klap215philly
@Infinity Ripper ✌✔💯🥇Stoupe 🐐 Canibus 🐐
Chrissan
For one second I thought the lyrics because it rhymed further with old lol