Pillage
Cappadonna Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

[Featuring Killa Bamz]

[Killa Bamz]
Red dog Ebonese half Gotti and Lebonese
You see me posted lifted like my tape to text
Poverty projects son and I ain't scared to talk
Newport five percent of New York spray darts
Where you walk cocoahead peers throwin' Shaolin spears
Floatin' through the Village trapped in design to shine
Pillage war between the thug and the con
As for the father reborn castle in the mind
Mind blind and captive, warfare be inner-active
Bamz is savage hard to substitute
Smoke the hydro root, in a casual suit
I'm tryin' to walk these dogs but I'ma dog myself
Get my wealth for delf, hard rock crews is so-low
Stagnate, thoughts of payin' dues
Gotta prop the holes in my suit, Bamz foot style
Is Shaolin Isle, spend Valentine in the cooler
Get the CREAM dula, figures and dollars
Stuck I make a thug holla, swarmin' the bees who rock the Walla
Po-Po lookin for collars, peep the whole scene
Make it happen, Shaolin, dart clappin'
Prepare for this war we assassin, but now I'ma chill
For a minute, smoke bones of hydronetic and get pathetic
Sources is similar to full drum when we swarm
Rock my red cape like Spawn
Shaolin breathin' in a hailstorm, teachers of Allah
Know it's best to quote the topics
Shaolin trees from prophets, representin' Shaolin
We gonna die for this, so don't you never fail
Like crews who soul miss, tamper doors open
And your death wish, peepin' analyst
Bamz who got the mad new shit

[Cappadonna]
The pillage, the pillage, the pillage
Oceanwide, Donna on the outside
Cyanide, killa bee hive, homicide
His side is gone, it's on, my uniform is Uno
Acapella was take two, respect due
No commercial I teach though, I reach those
Higher heights, mic to death, words of wisdom
Words of a architect strike, hype is the crowd
Down low is me, Bamz sugar free
Check we radical dub, nightclub punish the club
Attack hate runnin' with love, better grub
Dick 'em down easy, past sound, pass out
Pass it around, grew up in The Tunnel
Tracks against Wu rap debut, top article
Spin it again, sign of the time rhyme
Top of the line, bottom of the Pyramids
Stretched in the alphabet, wet dust Moet, poet threat
Evil cassette wreck shows, rip any set
Direct approach coach a emcee, toast a emcee
Don't provoke me, toast to me W-T-see
Fade is still bushy, spot the best pussy
Keep my gears flashin, ready for the action
Fatal rap attraction, mic that rock the cradle
Razor Sharp label, ferryboat
Park Hill Gallo and the Sable
Martin Luther King Islam Rodney King
Two to four work release time in the bang
Big guns lawyers dirty cops naked in the box
Puerto Ricans, Africans, one Ox
Bowl of rice Trump, poor people
Plus meat that tastes lethal, we all not treated equal
The bible, the thirty-six tribal
Trials and tribulations, survival
Drugs as my retardation, masturbation
False identification, one nation
Blood, mud, water, togetherness
Terrorist, peace to all thug, Hennesey in the jug




Box cutter under the rug, that'll cut your whole mug
You bugged, kid, fuck off

Overall Meaning

The song "Pillage" by Cappadonna featuring Killa Bamz is a complex and layered commentary about life in poverty-stricken areas of New York City, particularly in the projects. Killa Bamz opens up the song by introducing himself as a resilient mixed-race man with a fearlessness to speak his mind, even in the face of danger. He references the historic Five Percent Nation, throwing "Shaolin spears" at his enemies, and describes the "war between the thug and the con." Bamz vows to fight for his oppressed community and declares that he is "tryin' to walk these dogs but I'ma dog myself, get my wealth for delf." The second half of the song is delivered by Cappadonna, who muses about everything from violent crime to social inequality, to the importance of unity and togetherness. He discusses the drug trade, including mentions of cyanide and how meat in impoverished neighborhoods taste lethal. He also references historic figures such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Rodney King, as well as various ethnic groups who struggle to survive in a harsh environment. The song overall conveys the message of the struggle between life and death and painting a picture of the harsh reality of living in poverty while still remaining hopeful for a better future.


Line by Line Meaning

Red dog Ebonese half Gotti and Lebonese
I am a unique individual with mixed heritage, a blend of different cultural influences.


You see me posted lifted like my tape to text
I am confidently displaying my elevated state of mind, just like the way my music uplifts and inspires.


Poverty projects son and I ain't scared to talk
I come from humble beginnings, from the rough neighborhoods, and I speak my truth without fear.


Newport five percent of New York spray darts
I represent the rebellious spirit of New York, delivering my sharp and piercing lyrics like an unstoppable force.


Where you walk cocoahead peers throwin' Shaolin spears
In the streets I walk, fellow warriors from Shaolin (Wu-Tang Clan) stand with me, ready to face any challenges and protect our territory.


Floatin' through the Village trapped in design to shine
As I navigate through life, I am caught in a system designed to hold me back, but I refuse to be suppressed. I strive to shine and overcome these obstacles.


Pillage war between the thug and the con
There is an ongoing struggle and conflict between those who embrace the street life and those who engage in criminal activities.


As for the father reborn castle in the mind
By embracing my role as a father figure, I am empowering myself, fortifying my mental castle to protect and guide those who depend on me.


Mind blind and captive, warfare be inner-active
My mind may be limited and imprisoned, but within this internal battle, I find the strength to fight and overcome any obstacles.


Bamz is savage hard to substitute
Killa Bamz is a unique and irreplaceable individual, known for his fierce and uncompromising nature.


Smoke the hydro root, in a casual suit
I indulge in the healing properties of marijuana, finding relaxation and inspiration even in casual attire.


I'm tryin' to walk these dogs but I'ma dog myself
While I strive to guide and lead others, I recognize that I also have flaws and inner struggles that I must overcome.


Get my wealth for delf, hard rock crews is so-low
I am determined to acquire wealth and success for my own benefit, while criticizing those who claim to be tough but are actually weak.


Stagnate, thoughts of payin' dues
Sometimes I feel stuck, as if I am not progressing or paying my dues in the music industry.


Gotta prop the holes in my suit, Bamz foot style
I need to patch up the flaws in my image, just like Killa Bamz's unique and stylish footwork.


Is Shaolin Isle, spend Valentine in the cooler
My environment is like the legendary Shaolin, and even during festive times like Valentine's Day, I find myself facing troubles and setbacks.


Get the CREAM dula, figures and dollars
I strive to obtain money and success, following the Wu-Tang Clan's mantra of 'Cash Rules Everything Around Me.'


Stuck I make a thug holla, swarmin' the bees who rock the Walla
My music has the power to captivate and impact those who come from the streets, attracting the attention of the hustlers and those who 'rock the Walla' (the microphone).


Po-Po lookin for collars, peep the whole scene
Law enforcement is on the lookout for criminals, so we must remain cautious and aware of our surroundings.


Make it happen, Shaolin, dart clappin'
Let's take action, make things happen, and represent our Shaolin (Wu-Tang Clan) roots, delivering powerful lyrics that resonate with the listeners.


Prepare for this war we assassin, but now I'ma chill
We must always be prepared for the battles of life, but for now, I will temporarily relax and take a break.


For a minute, smoke bones of hydronetic and get pathetic
I will take a short break, smoking marijuana to meditate and reflect, allowing myself to feel vulnerable and emotional.


Sources is similar to full drum when we swarm
Like the powerful beats of a drum, when we come together as a collective, we create a force to be reckoned with.


Rock my red cape like Spawn
I proudly display my distinctive style, just like the iconic fictional character Spawn and his red cape.


Shaolin breathin' in a hailstorm, teachers of Allah
Amidst challenging and tumultuous times, we, the disciples of Shaolin, find strength and guidance in our faith and spirituality.


Know it's best to quote the topics
I understand the importance of addressing important and profound subjects in my music.


Shaolin trees from prophets, representin' Shaolin
The teachings of wise individuals from Shaolin, passed down like trees, are represented and embodied by myself and my fellow Wu-Tang Clan members.


We gonna die for this, so don't you never fail
We are willing to sacrifice everything, even our lives, for our craft and our beliefs, so we must never falter or give up.


Like crews who soul miss, tamper doors open
Unlike other uninspired artists, our music touches souls and opens doors of opportunity and understanding.


And your death wish, peepin' analyst
Be careful what you wish for, as I have a keen eye for observing and analyzing situations and individuals.


Bamz who got the mad new shit
Killa Bamz is the one who possesses the latest and hottest music, always bringing something fresh and innovative to the table.


The pillage, the pillage, the pillage
This song is all about the act of pillaging, symbolizing the struggles and triumphs we face in life and the music industry.


Oceanwide, Donna on the outside
I have a wide influence and impact, likened to an ocean, while I remain separate and unique from the mainstream.


Cyanide, killa bee hive, homicide
My words and presence are as potent as cyanide, representing the Wu-Tang Clan's collective known as the 'killa bee hive,' and our music brings a deadly impact, metaphorically speaking.


His side is gone, it's on, my uniform is Uno
I distance myself from the negative influences, declaring that I am alone and self-sufficient. My unique uniform is my individuality, and I stand as one.


Acapella was take two, respect due
I take pride in my skills as an acapella artist, demanding respect for my talent and dedication to the craft.


No commercial I teach though, I reach those
I refuse to conform to commercial expectations, instead using my music to educate and connect with those who are receptive to my message.


Higher heights, mic to death, words of wisdom
I continuously aim for personal and artistic growth, delivering powerful lyrics that have a lasting impact, filled with profound insights.


Words of a architect strike, hype is the crowd
My meticulously crafted words strike with precision, creating hype and excitement among the audience.


Down low is me, Bamz sugar free
I keep a low profile, humbly staying true to myself, and Killa Bamz remains authentic and genuine as well.


Check we radical dub, nightclub punish the club
Witness the innovative and radical style of our music, punishing traditional nightclub experiences and revolutionizing the music scene.


Attack hate runnin' with love, better grub
In the face of hatred and negativity, we respond with love and positivity, striving for better opportunities and success.


Dick 'em down easy, past sound, pass out
I effortlessly dominate and impress my competitors, leaving them speechless and unconscious from the overwhelming sounds and impact of my music.


Pass it around, grew up in The Tunnel
We share the music and pass it on to others, fostering a sense of community and connection. The Tunnel is a legendary nightclub in New York City, symbolizing our upbringing and roots in the hip-hop scene.


Tracks against Wu rap debut, top article
My tracks are in direct competition with the debut releases of other Wu-Tang Clan members, striving to be recognized as the top article in the rap game.


Spin it again, sign of the time rhyme
Replay my music, as it represents the current era and reflects the spirit of the times.


Top of the line, bottom of the Pyramids
I aim to be at the pinnacle of success and recognition, but I also acknowledge the foundation and legacy laid by those who came before me, the great Pyramids of ancient Egypt symbolizing that legacy.


Stretched in the alphabet, wet dust Moet, poet threat
I masterfully stretch and manipulate the letters of the alphabet in my lyrics, delivering a refined and poetic style that is as intoxicating as a glass of wet dust Moet champagne.


Evil cassette wreck shows, rip any set
My music, like an evil cassette tape, wreaks havoc and dominates live performances, capable of tearing apart any other artist's set.


Direct approach coach a emcee, toast a emcee
I take on the role of a mentor and coach for aspiring emcees, guiding them with a direct and straightforward approach. I also raise my glass to toast and celebrate their successes.


Don't provoke me, toast to me W-T-see
I warn others not to provoke or challenge me, instead requesting their respect and admiration, representing the Wu-Tang Clan with the 'W-T-see' (Wu-Tang symbol).


Fade is still bushy, spot the best pussy
Despite the passage of time, I maintain a strong and full beard, symbolizing my maturity and wisdom. I have an eye for recognizing and attracting the most attractive and desirable women.


Keep my gears flashin, ready for the action
I keep my appearance stylish and attention-grabbing, always prepared and eager for any opportunities that come my way.


Fatal rap attraction, mic that rock the cradle
My rap skills are dangerously captivating and seductive, having the power to influence and shape the next generation of artists.


Razor Sharp label, ferryboat
I am affiliated with the Razor Sharp record label, known for its sharp and cutting-edge music. I navigate through the music industry like a ferryboat, guiding and transporting others to success.


Park Hill Gallo and the Sable
I represent Park Hill, a neighborhood in Staten Island, along with the fierce and rugged spirit of the Gallo and the Sable (two animal species known for their strength and resilience).


Martin Luther King Islam Rodney King
I acknowledge the significant figures who fought for equality and justice, including Martin Luther King Jr., Islam (possibly referring to Malcolm X), and Rodney King.


Two to four work release time in the bang
I reflect on the struggles of those who have been incarcerated, serving shortened sentences and seeking a fresh start after their time behind bars.


Big guns lawyers dirty cops naked in the box
I comment on the presence of powerful guns, corrupt lawyers, and dishonest police officers, emphasizing the injustices and dark aspects of society.


Puerto Ricans, Africans, one Ox
I recognize and celebrate the diversity within our communities, representing Puerto Ricans, Africans, and unifying us all like one strong ox.


Bowl of rice Trump, poor people
I make a statement about the contrast between those in positions of power, represented by Donald Trump, and the struggles of impoverished individuals.


Plus meat that tastes lethal, we all not treated equal
I highlight the inequality and injustices faced by marginalized communities, metaphorically describing their struggle for survival as consuming dangerous meat. We are not all treated fairly and equitably.


The bible, the thirty-six tribal
I reference the religious and spiritual aspect of our culture, mentioning the Bible, and acknowledging the belief in the thirty-six righteous individuals who protect and guide us.


Trials and tribulations, survival
Life is filled with challenges and hardships, but as a community, we constantly strive to survive and overcome these trials and tribulations.


Drugs as my retardation, masturbation
I acknowledge that drugs can hinder my progress and mental development, comparing it with a form of self-indulgence and stagnation, like masturbation.


False identification, one nation
People often wear false identities, pretending to be something they are not, but we must remember that we are all part of one nation, interconnected and sharing a common human experience.


Blood, mud, water, togetherness
Through shared experiences of blood, symbolizing kinship, along with the dirt and struggles of life, and the water that cleanses and connects us, we find unity and togetherness.


Terrorist, peace to all thug, Hennesey in the jug
Despite being labeled as 'terrorists' or threats to society, I extend my wishes for peace to all individuals who have experienced the hardships of street life. We find solace and escape in a bottle of Hennesey.


Box cutter under the rug, that'll cut your whole mug
I hide a box cutter under the rug, representing the potential danger and violence that can arise unexpectedly, capable of severely injuring or 'cutting' someone's face.


You bugged, kid, fuck off
You are behaving in a strange or foolish way, so leave and stop bothering me.




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

STLY PHIL

"Tracks against Wu rap debut, top article
Spin it again, sign of the time rhyme
Top of the line, bottom of the Pyramids
Stretched in the alphabet, wet dust Moet, poet threat
Evil cassette wreck shows, rip any set
Direct approach coach a emcee, toast a emcee
Don't provoke me, toast to me W-T-C"

This the best stretch of WU lyrics I ever heard



All comments from YouTube:

George Mange

This one crazy album hands down 🔥🔥🔥🔥💯💯 classic!!!

Barbosa Dunkin

Most underrated album

jammadamma

most known unknown

Jonathan Kinney

One of the greatest rap albums of all time💯💯💯

B T

Wish it was on spotify

B T

Frank Lopez I don't have a cd player bro

rubski 1978

I still have my original cd from March 1998. In perfect condition 🔥🔥👍👍

I used to listen to the entire album on cd in loop 💿🔄🎧 it's truly a timeless classic

Porqué Fresco

One of the most slept-on albums of the mid to late 90’s!

CruzNY

Shit came out in 98 so late 90's but yes heavily slept on

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