With that album, he became an official member of the Wu-Tang Killa Beez, and from there on out, he frequently appeared on Wu records. In 1996, he played a large role on Ghostface Killah's Ironman.
During 1997, his Wu affiliation continued, as he rapped on the Clan's second album, Wu-Tang Forever.
Cappadonna's solo debut, The Pillage, finally appeared in March 1998. Like any Wu project, the record featured RZA as the executive producer and cameos from a number of other Wu members, including Method Man, U-God, Ghostface Killah, and Raekwon. As the sixth Wu solo project, the album was an instant success upon its release, debuting at number three on the charts.
A sophomore effort, The Yin and the Yang, followed in early 2001. His third and latest album, The Struggle, was released on Code:Red in 2003.
The MC remained active in the following years releasing mix-CDs, doing tours and joining Ghostface Killah’s Theodore Unit. But his official comeback came at the end of 2007 on the Wu-Tang Clan’s fifth studio album 8 Diagrams. Cappa blessed the opening cut with an extraordinary verse and showed up on two other songs.
Cappadonna inked a deal with new indie label Chambermusik Records/Koch in 2008. Old and new fans have been asking for new Cappadonna ever since and on January 27, 2009, their wait will be over with the release of Slang Prostitution.
Oh-Donna
Cappadonna Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Word, yo, one life to live
It's on your head
Just like my daughters
That's my word!
Polka dot
Connection
Shine just apostle
Yo, my whole body like a spoiler kid, draped in the latest hits
Both hands, two glass cutters, cops'll alter this
Cream of Wheat steez pushed back, we in a spaceship
Like the Jetsons, ashtray slide refreshments
Automatic bubble yo, straight off the Benz
Dac double Daniel unrockable fam milk the same yo
Fuck you, Duel of the Iron, Tony win a Oscar
Legendary rah, wicked Phantom of the Opera
Blow fish the movie's over, die with a slow kiss
Tongue kiss the neck and it's, mucus from a locust
Stand on fly, Mel-a-chi is on standby
The white Puma's go with the X I multiply yo
Word on block is that half the King Killer Beez
Rap's under siege, Guyanese guns
I got European funds, my ice don't melt
Shaolin is felt, mathematics is my rod
And my staff, I pray like this
I break mics in half, shit realism
Fuck Moet and baguettes, that get paid off
Or get laid off, I spray New York
I'm an angel, at war with the rappers
Good black women sleep over at Cappa's
I fall into it, Mr. September
Rock my long FUBU shirt in the winter
I respect my kind, plus pack a nine
Daytime outfit superb outlet
Staten Isle in effect, y'all in the manor
If you can feel Don down it Atlanta
I'm a poet, my work is never done
Law of Park Hill, my mic is stage one
Fifty-five tribes, in Psalms 30
Caution, sometimes my thoughts get dirty
Somethin precise, hold back the pressure
My unit too nice, you only got one life
To live, think twice
(Think twice think twice twice twice twice)
Yo, aiyyo we swingle, make moves, PJ out the window
Flamingo, Santa Domingo, let's Kringle
Bruce Wayne diggin graveyard rocks and swingin
Multimillions, rap pavillion stay G'in
This year, we throw darts in the air
To let y'all know this shit is severe
Ohhhhhhh Donnn-na, Ohhhhhhh Donnn-na
Dove nice Mary Jane bitches Bud Light
Co-production I spoke to Christ, shoes were light
Statueheads all up in my lab like mad
Empty bags are lyin in the yard, welfare
Dead weight yo, cables that clamp around the neck
Sucrets fast Corvettes, tecs on my rest
Sabotage, rap motor large, Mickey caught a charge
Credit card scam, when he couldn't rock the Wu skull
Fuck yeah, televise the shit on Fox
Big Ghost'll grab the jim and un-fasten your box'
You're allergic to the fungus on Earth, Killer Bee
Headquarters is work, Khadafi body in his turf
Yo, shame on, all y'all niggaz on some Baywatch shit
Soundin like me, suckin my dick
Pretty Tone, long live the great Cappadon
Cappadon
As I get it on
I'ma take time to wait for y'all niggaz to stop
It ain't enough room for y'all cats to sound chop
In a class by myself I hold the foundation
Face to face, I make my affiliation
Short and brief, I make out with the loose leaf
In the struggle, ten years after the beef
I choose to come forth then pronounce my sin
If it's not the felonies or the color of my skin
I'ma keep switchin my gear, again and again
From the trainin camp I drive past V.I.N.
It be Wu-Wear for life, my team is top billin
More sacrifices, create better livin
My darts came to save the world like Blue Ribbon
Protect seeds, and protect black women
Raised in the Pillage right now we just driftin
Ferry boat niggaz make a whole lotta difference
Drama, if you slackin up in the business
Godly from the Group Home always got biscuits
Ohhhhhhh, Donnn-na [x4]
"A killer should not be known, he must be discrete - understand?"
The lyrics to Cappadonna's "Oh-Donna" are full of references to his life as a member of the Wu-Tang Clan and his experiences growing up in New York. The song opens with Cappadonna calling out to Mel Shawn and proclaiming that there is only one life to live. He references his daughters, saying that they are on his head and he takes this responsibility seriously. The lines "Polka dot connection, shine just apostle" could be interpreted as a reference to Cappadonna's relationship with the other Wu-Tang Clan members with whom he has a strong connection, and his role as a spiritual leader within the group.
Cappadonna goes on to describe his style, saying that his whole body is "draped in the latest hits" and that he's got glass cutters in both hands, indicating that he's always ready for any situation. He mentions "Shaolin" which is a reference to Staten Island, where he grew up and the Wu-Tang Clan are from. Later in the song, he references his own reputation as a killer bee and the ongoing beef within the rap community. He talks about his "team" of top billin and how they make sacrifices to create better living situations for themselves and their families.
Overall, "Oh-Donna" is a complex and layered song that touches on a range of topics from family to fashion to the rap industry. Cappadonna's lyrics are full of references to his life and experiences, and the song is a great example of his unique style.
Line by Line Meaning
Tell Mel Shawn to come in
Summoning someone named Mel Shawn to join the conversation
Word, yo, one life to live
Acknowledging the preciousness of life
It's on your head
Putting responsibility on the listener
Just like my daughters
Drawing a comparison to emphasize the importance of responsibility
That's my word!
Asserting that what was said is true
Polka dot
Seemingly nonsensical phrase, possibly used for rhythmic purposes
Connection
Possibly referring to a personal or spiritual connection
Shine just apostle
Acknowledging the greatness of a religious figure
Yo, my whole body like a spoiler kid, draped in the latest hits
Feeling fashionable and confident
Both hands, two glass cutters, cops'll alter this
Carrying tools that could potentially be seen as suspicious by law enforcement
Cream of Wheat steez pushed back, we in a spaceship
Possibly referring to a hairstyle and feeling like you're in a different dimension
Like the Jetsons, ashtray slide refreshments
Making a comparison to a futuristic cartoon and enjoying a drink in the present
Automatic bubble yo, straight off the Benz
Possibly referring to a luxurious lifestyle
Dac double Daniel unrockable fam milk the same yo
Unclear, possibly referring to loyalty or brotherhood
Fuck you, Duel of the Iron, Tony win a Oscar
Expressing distaste for a particular movie and frustration with the film industry
Legendary rah, wicked Phantom of the Opera
Referencing classic works of literature and drama
Blow fish the movie's over, die with a slow kiss
Possibly making a reference to a movie and using a metaphor about a kiss of death
Tongue kiss the neck and it's, mucus from a locust
Using grotesque imagery to shock and evoke emotions
Stand on fly, Mel-a-chi is on standby
Using a play on words and possibly a reference to a person
The white Puma's go with the X I multiply yo
Unclear, possibly referring to a particular style of shoes and feeling good about oneself
Word on block is that half the King Killer Beez
Referring to rumors or gossip about a group of people
Rap's under siege, Guyanese guns
Commenting on the state of the rap industry and possibly referencing a particular group or location
I got European funds, my ice don't melt
Boasting about financial success and the quality of one's jewelry
Shaolin is felt, mathematics is my rod
Using a play on words and possibly referencing a particular philosophy or practice
And my staff, I pray like this
Possibly referencing a religious or spiritual practice
I break mics in half, shit realism
Confidently stating one's ability to perform and possibly referencing a particular style of music
Fuck Moet and baguettes, that get paid off
Rejecting materialistic symbols of success
Or get laid off, I spray New York
Asserting dominance and possibly referencing a particular location
I'm an angel, at war with the rappers
Drawing a comparison between oneself and a divine being and framing the music industry as a battleground
Good black women sleep over at Cappa's
Boasting about one's ability to attract romantic partners
I fall into it, Mr. September
Unclear, possibly referencing a person or particular event
Rock my long FUBU shirt in the winter
Wearing a particular brand of clothing and possibly disregarding practicality
I respect my kind, plus pack a nine
Valuing one's own identity and safety
Daytime outfit superb outlet
Possibly referencing having a good fashion sense
Staten Isle in effect, y'all in the manor
Drawing a comparison between one's hometown and the listener's
If you can feel Don down it Atlanta
Asking if the message resonates with people in Atlanta
I'm a poet, my work is never done
Identifying oneself as an artist and acknowledging the ongoing nature of artistic work
Law of Park Hill, my mic is stage one
Referencing a particular location and one's affinity for performing
Fifty-five tribes, in Psalms 30
Referencing a particular passage in the Bible and potentially suggesting a community of people
Caution, sometimes my thoughts get dirty
Warning that one's thoughts or actions may not always be 'clean'
Somethin precise, hold back the pressure
Expressing the importance of being accurate and avoiding mistakes
My unit too nice, you only got one life
Boasting about one's abilities and referencing the preciousness of life
To live, think twice
Encouraging the listener to think carefully before making decisions
Yo, aiyyo we swingle, make moves, PJ out the window
Using slang and possibly referencing an action-packed lifestyle
Flamingo, Santa Domingo, let's Kringle
Using poetic language and referencing exotic locations
Bruce Wayne diggin graveyard rocks and swingin
Referencing a superhero and using playful language
Multimillions, rap pavillion stay G'in
Boasting about financial success and referencing a particular style of music
This year, we throw darts in the air
Expressing excitement for the coming year
To let y'all know this shit is severe
Asserting the gravity of the situation
Ohhhhhhh Donnn-na, Ohhhhhhh Donnn-na
Referencing a person named Donna using a drawn-out and melodic repetition
Dove nice Mary Jane bitches Bud Light
Using slang and possibly referencing certain types of women and alcohol
Co-production I spoke to Christ, shoes were light
Referencing religion and using a play on words with 'light'
Statueheads all up in my lab like mad
Possibly referencing people who do not move and using slang
Empty bags are lyin in the yard, welfare
Referencing poverty and government assistance programs
Dead weight yo, cables that clamp around the neck
Using violent language and imagery
Sucrets fast Corvettes, tecs on my rest
Using slang and possibly referencing fast cars and guns
Sabotage, rap motor large, Mickey caught a charge
Referencing a character named Mickey and the legal consequences of their actions
Credit card scam, when he couldn't rock the Wu skull
Referencing a particular fashion item and illegal activity
Fuck yeah, televise the shit on Fox
Expressing a desire for something to be broadcast on a popular TV channel
Big Ghost'll grab the jim and un-fasten your box'
Unclear, possibly using slang and violent imagery
You're allergic to the fungus on Earth, Killer Bee
Using wordplay and referencing a group named 'Killer Bee'
Headquarters is work, Khadafi body in his turf
Referencing a person named Khadafi and potentially suggesting a threat of violence
Yo, shame on, all y'all niggaz on some Baywatch shit
Using slang and possibly calling out others' behavior
Soundin like me, suckin my dick
Expressing frustration at people imitating or copying oneself
Pretty Tone, long live the great Cappadon
Referencing a person named Pretty Tone and praising oneself
Cappadon
Possibly a reference to oneself
As I get it on
Expressing an intention to start or continue something
I'ma take time to wait for y'all niggaz to stop
Acknowledging the need to wait for others to finish speaking or doing something
It ain't enough room for y'all cats to sound chop
Suggesting that others should not try to compete with oneself
In a class by myself I hold the foundation
Boasting about unique abilities or attributes
Face to face, I make my affiliation
Asserting one's identity or loyalty when confronted
Short and brief, I make out with the loose leaf
Using a play on words and expressing the ability to quickly convey ideas
In the struggle, ten years after the beef
Referencing past conflict and acknowledging the ongoing nature of difficult situations
I choose to come forth then pronounce my sin
Possibly referencing religion and confessing wrongdoing
If it's not the felonies or the color of my skin
Referencing issues of racism and criminal justice
I'ma keep switchin my gear, again and again
Expressing a desire to keep changing and adapting
From the trainin camp I drive past V.I.N.
Referencing a particular location and possibly suggesting a journey
It be Wu-Wear for life, my team is top billin
Praising a particular brand and one's own success
More sacrifices, create better livin
Urging others to make sacrifices for the sake of improving their lives
My darts came to save the world like Blue Ribbon
Using a metaphor to assert one's abilities and importance
Protect seeds, and protect black women
Identifying important groups of people and urging their protection
Raised in the Pillage right now we just driftin
Referencing a particular location and possibly expressing a sense of aimlessness
Ferry boat niggaz make a whole lotta difference
Using slang and potentially highlighting the impact of certain actions or decisions
Drama, if you slackin up in the business
Commenting on the nature of the music industry and warning of the consequences of not working hard
Godly from the Group Home always got biscuits
Referencing a particular place and people and possibly using slang
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@mardoggyo6712
I purchased this album upon release. I was in the 8th grade. Haven’t heard it in 20+ years but always remembered the song Oh Donna (Richie Valens) was my jam.
@dipsetforever4611
Yess spring 1998 grade 8
@8darkknight472
Mad props. Shot outs from Chi Town
@taikax8761
"MATHEMATICS IS MY ROD AND STAFF... I PRAY LIKE THIS I BREAK MICS IN HALF"
@hewhocannotbenamed842
This was in heavy rotation for blunt rides when it came out when I was in high school
@karlosriovista672
U fronting stfu
@markengler5614
Still is just gotta go back road+$!!
@jessicamcdaniel317
Long live the great Cappa don
@waltererikk6080
Jessica McDaniel long live the great
@briang3698
Ghostface had wings on this