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.
You Can't Keep a Good Man Down
Cappadonna Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I been through it all, I step on the ground
Even my best friend turned they back
And my label mate brothers wasn't cutting me no slack
Nobody gave a shit they wasn't even checking for Cap
Taking my kindness for weakness, Peep this the weak shit
Stealing my songs putting em out on the sneak tip
Label could never hold me, The Devil can't slave me
I never really want shit but I'm happy I done shit
I hope to keep my life free from the guns and clips
Plus I'm still tryna get Momma out of the bricks
Come on now, Tell me that you praying for me
You should of known, That Christ was staying with me
Win or lose, Adding on to life be the life I choose
I use to sell crack, Now I'm just dropping the jewels
Why is life gotta be so hard, Why the street try to leave me scarred
Why is everybody looking for God
I had to leave Park Hill, I'm a traveling man
I don't stay in one spot that's why I travel the land
Whether I get a deal or not, I'm a still deal with the block
Ya'll biters try to steal my spot, Duplicate my music
Take my slang, Take cheap shots at me while I'm doing my thang
I'm more close with my seeds, A little older now, I learned to forgive
While ya'll kicking dirt on Don I'm building a bridge
Treading through the waters, ya'll thought I would drown
But you can't keep a good man down
In this song by Cappadonna, he talks about his struggles in the music industry and his personal life, and how he overcame them. He states that he has been through it all and no one can keep him down. He talks about how his friends turned their backs on him and his label mates were not supporting him enough. He also mentions how people were taking advantage of his kindness by stealing his songs and putting them out without his knowledge.
Despite facing all these challenges, Cappadonna remained grateful for everything that God had given him. He reflects on his past life of selling crack and how he has since moved on to something more fulfilling, like dropping jewels of wisdom. He expresses his desire to continue making positive choices and to keep his life free from violence and guns.
Cappadonna also talks about his need to move from Park Hill, where he is from, and become a traveling musician who does not stay in one spot for long. He mentions people who tried to duplicate his music and slang, while others were taking cheap shots at him while he was doing his thing. Finally, he states that he is more focused on his children and is now more forgiving of others, even when they kick dirt on him. He remains strong and determined, and nothing will keep a good man down.
Line by Line Meaning
Yo, You can't keep a good man down
A strong and resilient man can never stay down despite facing hardships and adversity.
I been through it all, I step on the ground
I have faced numerous challenges in life but I always manage to stand back up and face it bravely.
Even my best friend turned they back
Even my closest friend betrayed me and stopped supporting me.
And my label mate brothers wasn't cutting me no slack
My colleagues from the recording label were not showing any leniency or tolerance towards my struggles.
Nobody gave a shit they wasn't even checking for Cap
Nobody cared or paid attention to me when I was at my lowest.
Taking my kindness for weakness, Peep this the weak shit
People were exploiting my generosity and misunderstanding it as my weakness.
Stealing my songs putting em out on the sneak tip
My songs were getting plagiarized and released without my permission or consent.
Label could never hold me, The Devil can't slave me
No tyrannical authority or power, be it a recording label or the devil himself, can control or suppress me.
I'm thankful for everything that God gave me
I am grateful for all the blessings and opportunities that God has bestowed upon me.
I never really want shit but I'm happy I done shit
I do not have materialistic desires but I am happy with the things I have achieved in life.
I hope to keep my life free from the guns and clips
I aim to live a life that is devoid of violent encounters.
Plus I'm still tryna get Momma out of the bricks
I am still trying to uplift my mother's life by helping her move out of the impoverished area.
Come on now, Tell me that you praying for me
I urge you to express your support and pray for my well-being.
You should of known, That Christ was staying with me
You should have realized that Jesus Christ has always been by my side.
Win or lose, Adding on to life be the life I choose
Regardless of the wins or losses I face, I am committed to continue adding meaningful experiences and accomplishments to my life.
I use to sell crack, Now I'm just dropping the jewels
I have come a long way from selling illegal drugs and now I share my insights and wisdom with others.
Why is life gotta be so hard, Why the street try to leave me scarred
I wonder why life has to be full of hardships and why the rough streets leave a lasting impact on me.
Why is everybody looking for God
People are seeking solace and answers by turning to religion and a higher power.
I had to leave Park Hill, I'm a traveling man
I had to leave my hometown of Park Hill and now I lead a nomadic lifestyle.
I don't stay in one spot that's why I travel the land
I do not remain stuck in one place and instead explore and travel to different destinations.
Whether I get a deal or not, I'm a still deal with the block
Regardless of whether I secure a deal or not, I will always be loyal to my hometown and community.
Ya'll biters try to steal my spot, Duplicate my music
People are copying and stealing my music and style to gain popularity and success.
Take my slang, Take cheap shots at me while I'm doing my thang
People are mocking and ridiculing me while I am pursuing my passion and showcasing my unique style.
I'm more close with my seeds, A little older now, I learned to forgive
I have become more attached to my family and children and with age, I have learned the value of forgiveness.
While ya'll kicking dirt on Don I'm building a bridge
While people are trying to pull me down, I am trying to build a stronger foundation for my future.
Treading through the waters, ya'll thought I would drown
Although people assumed I would fail and be overwhelmed, I am confidently moving forward.
But you can't keep a good man down
Despite all the obstacles and troubles, a strong and persistent man can never be defeated completely.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind