The duo is made up of brothers Gene "No Malice" Thornton and Terrence "Pusha T" Thornton, who is also currently signed to Kanye West's G.O.O.D Music label. They met Pharrell of the producing duo The Neptunes, in 1993, he formed a working relationship with the duo and helped them secure a contract with Elektra Records. Early mixtape success on Clinton Sparks' Exclusive Audio Footage increased their fan-base, but the group's major debut single flopped. Williams resuscitated their careers by signing them to his Star Trak Label. The Clipse's debut album, Lord Willin', was released in 2002. Label woes delayed the release of their sophomore effort, Hell Hath No Fury, which was released in 2006, to much critical acclaim. During this gap, they released three We Got It For Cheap mixtapes with Ab-Liva and Sandman, the other members of the Re-Up Gang. Their third studio album, Till The Casket Drops, was released in 2009. Their songs have been remixed and mashed up on countless mixtapes, and the unreleased songs they recorded while still on Startrak are out as a mixtape called The Lost Tracks. Pusha-T released his first solo album, Fear of God, in 2011, around the same time that Malice published the book "Wretched, Pitiful, Poor, Blind, & Naked".
Ain't Cha
Clipse Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hmm, you tryna' slang in the rain ain't cha?
Hmm, you tryna' save for the Range ain't cha?
Hmm, you tryna' perfect ya aim ain't cha?
Hmm, you tryna' get a big chain ain't cha?
Hmm, with the medallions and the rings ain't cha?
Hmm, goin' getcha air force plane ain't cha?
Say what? So you can get that hood fame ain't cha?
Rugers spare I drapes, baking pies, baking cake
Hustling them E's and that C's and that H
While you probably talking frantic on the tape
Niggas in the hood ain't tryna' to hear "Man it was a mistake"
To call you a bitch, not a bandit at ya wake
Epitaph reading how much damage you could take
While I'm on the boat with ya bitch, salmon on the plate
I know why you liked her, the head it was great
Loving these bezels sets, change with no space
86 karats, you know how much digging in the planet this could take?
Patent leather Bapes uh, uh! Closet like planet of the Bape!
Monkey see, monkey do, monkeys following in place
Like I'm living in an episode of Planet of the Apes
You're watching the evolution of one of rap's greats
You niggas tryna' take my place? Never happen
Hmm, you tryna' get some good fame ain't cha?
Hmm, you tryna' slang in the rain ain't cha?
Hmm, you tryna' save for the Range ain't cha?
Hmm, you tryna' perfect ya aim ain't cha?
Hmm, you tryna' get a big chain ain't cha?
Hmm, with the medallions and the rings ain't cha?
Hmm, goin' getcha air force plane ain't cha?
Say what? So you can get that hood fame ain't cha?
Dig it, every time I do it, encore
Slide out the Lincoln with the suicide doors
Ma, and I'm blinging like Baby with all that shit on
My block pop 'til all that shit gone
What? You pussies hardly eat
What you spend on a home is a golden piece
On the chest of a biz-oss, it's a must I fliz-oss
My dream team wrestle for cheese like Eric Bischoff
From the kickoff to tip off, I give off rays from the VVs
Ice glazed like lip gloss
Thinking they can see me, I beg to diff-arr
Look up in the skiz-eye, it the big dip-arr
(That's cold!) It's chilly in Philly, it's that real
Nobody know karate, more bodies than Kill Bill
Somebody get beside me, Lord, will his blood spill
Like a waterfall, fuck around make me slaughter y'all
Hmm, you tryna' get some good fame ain't cha?
Hmm, you tryna' slang in the rain ain't cha?
Hmm, you tryna' save for the Range ain't cha?
Hmm, you tryna' perfect ya aim ain't cha?
Hmm, you tryna' get a big chain ain't cha?
Hmm, with the medallions and the rings ain't cha?
Hmm, goin' getcha air force plane ain't cha?
Say what? So you can get that hood fame ain't cha?
Oh you just gon' take without asking ain't cha?
You just grabbing, you ain't earning for shit, that's too old fashion
Look, tulip, I will never tuck a jewel up
Kindergarten did they not tap your knuckle with the ruler?
I'm the era of the juice crew, don't let that dookie noose you
1 and 1 is 2, its just as simple as Blue's Clues
The nine will get most of you, turn yourself around
For he who want to run up and earn himself a crown
Meanwhile study something nigga, this Gucci, Parker
From France where the kids sing Frere Jacques
If not there, I'm somewhere mixing vodkas
In a far off land, where they shake maracas and shit
Keep it moving like in KIs of coke
You the 100th motherfucker and I'm Benicio
Not Tommy Lee, see we never involve the law
If it seems the walls are closing in it's only 'cause they are
Motherfucker
Hmm, you tryna' get some good fame ain't cha?
Hmm, you tryna' slang in the rain ain't cha?
Hmm, you tryna' save for the Range ain't cha?
Hmm, you tryna' perfect ya aim ain't cha?
Hmm, you tryna' get a big chain ain't cha?
Hmm, with the medallions and the rings ain't cha?
Hmm, goin' getcha air force plane ain't cha?
Say what? So you can get that hood fame ain't cha?
I'm a natural born hustler, I the risk taker
I get it cross the border, the Alpha the Omega
My life, I scripted the paper posh like the wrist in the cradle
That hug the diamonds that kiss for you haters
Rimoldi is so gaudy
But its just so picture-perfect as I lean in that six forty-five CI
I'm on them blades likes T.I.
The niggas hate to measure 'cause they knee high
Still slanging that P-I, E what I bring by
Me 50 cal, pretty desert up my sleeve, I
Still hugging that corner so tight it can't breath, I
Never let it go, 'cause a nigga got to eat, I
Came to conquer the game, the flame and the powder
And the pot, stirred it crazy, I'm a lead-a
Still in the game, tipping the scale like Libra
You don't really want that halo over ya Cesar, no!
Hmm, you tryna' get some good fame ain't cha?
Hmm, you tryna' slang in the rain ain't cha?
Hmm, you tryna' save for the Range ain't cha?
Hmm, you tryna' perfect ya aim ain't cha?
Hmm, you tryna' get a big chain ain't cha?
Hmm, with the medallions and the rings ain't cha?
Hmm, goin' getcha air force plane ain't cha?
Say what? So you can get that hood fame ain't cha?
Hmm, you tryna' get some good fame ain't cha?
Hmm, you tryna' slang in the rain ain't cha?
Hmm, you tryna' save for the Range ain't cha?
Hmm, you tryna' perfect ya aim ain't cha?
In Clipse feat. The Re-Up Gang's song Ain't Cha, the lyrics talk about the desire for fame and fortune, referencing material items such as Range Rovers, big chains, medallions, and rings. The first verse suggests that people will do anything to achieve their dreams, even selling drugs in the rain and striving to get a private jet. The second verse takes a more aggressive approach, with the lyrics taunting those who talk about their mistakes and can't handle being called a "bitch" in death. Pusha T delivers the third verse which explains his love for being a natural-born hustler, taking risks, and crossing borders for wealth.
The overarching message of the song seems to be about the sacrifices one may have to make to achieve a certain level of success. The lyrics suggest that this can come with consequences and risk-taking behavior, but also highlight the rewards that can be achieved by those who are willing to take the necessary steps.
Line by Line Meaning
Hmm, you tryna' get some good fame ain't cha?
Are you trying to achieve fame and recognition?
Hmm, you tryna' slang in the rain ain't cha?
Are you trying to sell drugs in difficult times?
Hmm, you tryna' save for the Range ain't cha?
Are you trying to save money for an expensive car?
Hmm, you tryna' perfect ya aim ain't cha?
Are you trying to improve your shooting accuracy?
Hmm, you tryna' get a big chain ain't cha?
Are you trying to get a flashy and expensive necklace?
Hmm, with the medallions and the rings ain't cha?
Are you also trying to get medallions and rings to go with your chain?
Hmm, goin' getcha air force plane ain't cha?
Are you trying to buy an airplane for yourself?
Say what? So you can get that hood fame ain't cha?
Is all of this just to gain recognition and status in your community?
Rugers spare I drapes, baking pies, baking cake
I carry extra guns and engage in drug and weapon manufacturing
Hustling them E's and that C's and that H
I'm making money by selling ecstasy, cocaine, and heroin
While you probably talking frantic on the tape
Others may be making threats and boasting on recordings, but I'm actually putting in work
Niggas in the hood ain't tryna' to hear "Man it was a mistake"
People in our community don't want to hear excuses for people's mistakes or wrongdoings
To call you a bitch, not a bandit at ya wake
People would insult you after death for being weak instead of dangerous
Epitaph reading how much damage you could take
Your tombstone would suggest how much you could endure before death
While I'm on the boat with ya bitch, salmon on the plate
While you are not with your partner, I am enjoying a luxurious life with them.
I know why you liked her, the head it was great
I know why you liked your partner so much, and it wasn't necessarily for their personality
Loving these bezels sets, change with no space
I enjoy my flashy watch bezels that lack any space between them
86 karats, you know how much digging in the planet this could take?
I have an 86 karat diamond and it took a lot of labor to mine such a gem
Patent leather Bapes uh, uh! Closet like planet of the Bape!
I have a collection of patent leather Bape shoes in my excessively large wardrobe
Monkey see, monkey do, monkeys following in place
People often follow trends or copy others without any originality
Like I'm living in an episode of Planet of the Apes
It sometimes seems like I'm surrounded by animalistic, unintelligent people
You're watching the evolution of one of rap's greats
You are witnessing my rise to become one of the greatest rappers ever
You niggas tryna' take my place? Never happen
Others may try to replace me but they will never succeed
Dig it, every time I do it, encore
Every time I perform I get called back for an encore because of how good I am at it
Slide out the Lincoln with the suicide doors
I exit my Lincoln car through its distinctive suicide-style doors
Ma, and I'm blinging like Baby with all that shit on
I'm wearing lots of bling like the rapper Birdman
My block pop 'til all that shit gone
I make money so fast from my illegal activities that it disappears just as quickly
What? You pussies hardly eat
You are not as successful as me because you don't work hard enough
What you spend on a home is a golden piece
The amount you spend on a home is a significant investment
On the chest of a biz-oss, it's a must I fliz-oss
It's necessary to show off and impress others with my wealth and status as a business owner
My dream team wrestle for cheese like Eric Bischoff
The team I work with is as passionate about making money as professional wrestlers can be about their sport
From the kickoff to tip off, I give off rays from the VVs
From the start of my business day until the end, I'm flashing my diamonds all around
Ice glazed like lip gloss
My jewelry is so shiny it looks like my lips are glossed
Thinking they can see me, I beg to diff-arr
Others may think they have what it takes to compete with me, but they're wrong
Look up in the skiz-eye, it the big dip-arr
Look up at the sky and you'll see the Big Dipper constellation
(That's cold!) It's chilly in Philly, it's that real
The climate in Philadelphia is cold and harsh, and so is the reality of life there
Nobody know karate, more bodies than Kill Bill
There are too many violent deaths happening compared to a martial arts film like Kill Bill
Somebody get beside me, Lord, will his blood spill
If someone tries to get too close and threatens me, they will probably end up getting hurt
Like a waterfall, fuck around make me slaughter y'all
I could easily overpower and potentially kill my enemies if they mess with me
Oh you just gon' take without asking ain't cha?
You stole something without permission, didn't you?
You just grabbing, you ain't earning for shit, that's too old fashion
You're trying to get something for nothing, instead of working hard for it like the old-fashioned way
Look, tulip, I will never tuck a jewel up
I will never hide my expensive jewelry out of fear of being robbed
Kindergarten did they not tap your knuckle with the ruler?
Did you not learn the concept of sharing during Kindergarten when they used to update us with a ruler on the knuckles for not following the rules?
I'm the era of the juice crew, don't let that dookie noose you
I'm part of a group of powerful and famous rappers, don't let your own bad decisions hold you back
1 and 1 is 2, its just as simple as Blue's Clues
Adding one and one as is simple as solving a child's puzzle like Blue's Clues
The nine will get most of you, turn yourself around
Most people will be hurt or killed by my gun, so avoid me if you don't want an altercation
For he who want to run up and earn himself a crown
Anyone trying to challenge me will end up seriously regretting it
Meanwhile study something nigga, this Gucci, Parker
Instead of wasting time on foolishness, you should be studying or improving your education
From France where the kids sing Frere Jacques
I have expensive items from France among my collection
If not there, I'm somewhere mixing vodkas
If I'm not enjoying my French products, I'm probably drinking mixed vodka drinks
In a far off land, where they shake maracas and shit
I often travel to exotic locations where people are enjoying festive music and dance
Keep it moving like in KIs of coke
I'm always busy and active like in the production of Kilograms of cocaine
You the 100th motherfucker and I'm Benicio
You're just one of many people trying to compete with me, and I'm still ahead of you, like the actor Benicio Del Toro
Not Tommy Lee, see we never involve the law
I'm not like Tommy Lee, who gets in trouble with the law—instead, I stay away from legal issues
If it seems the walls are closing in it's only 'cause they are
If you feel trapped or helpless, it's probably because you're losing to me or other people who have power
I'm a natural born hustler, I'm the risk taker
I have a natural talent for hustling and am willing to take risks to achieve success
I get it cross the border, the Alpha the Omega
I'm able to transport illegal goods across borders and am the beginning and end of many transactions
My life, I scripted the paper posh like the wrist in the cradle
I've planned out and written down my life's trajectory and success so that it is impressive
That hug the diamonds that kiss for you haters
My diamond-embellished watch band is hugging my wrist, mocking my critics and haters
Rimoldi is so gaudy
My expensive sewing machine, a Rimoldi, is gaudy in appearance
But its just so picture-perfect as I lean in that six forty-five CI
Despite the gaudiness of my sewing machine, my life appears picture-perfect as I lean against my luxurious Lincoln car
I'm on them blades likes T.I.
I like to use roller blades or skates just like rapper T.I.
The niggas hate to measure 'cause they knee high
People may not like being measured or compared to me because they are not on my level
Still slanging that P-I, E what I bring by
I'm still making money selling drugs, specifically ecstasy
Me 50 cal, pretty desert up my sleeve, I
I have a 50 caliber gun hidden up my sleeve, just in case
Still hugging that corner so tight it can't breath, I
I'm still aggressively holding onto valuable land and property, not letting anyone else succeed
Never let it go, 'cause a nigga got to eat, I
I will never let go of my power or success because I need to survive
Came to conquer the game, the flame and the powder
I came to win in the illegal world of drugs, by any means necessary
And the pot, stirred it crazy, I'm a lead-a
I play a prominent role in drug production and distribution, taking risks as a leader
Still in the game, tipping the scale like Libra
I'm still at the top of the illegal drug game and have perfect balance like the zodiac symbol Libra
You don't really want that halo over ya Cesar, no!
You don't want to be associated with death or violence and have a halo above your head
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Rennard East, Charles Patterson, Gene Elliott Jr Thornton, Terrance Thornton, Pharrell L Williams
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind