In 1980 Cuban's father emigrated from Cuba to the United States, eventually settling in the New York City borough of the Bronx. Cuban Link quickly learned English, and was immediately infuenced by early hip-hop culture. Cuban began writing lyrics at the age of 15 and became friends with fellow Latin rappers Triple Seis and Big Punisher. Their friendship was close; in 1994 when Cuban Link was stabbed, he considered giving up rapping. Big Pun encouraged him, and convinced him to continue.
Bronx rapper Fat Joe soon recruited the three into the group Terror Squad, and began to make ripples in the New York hip-hop scene, receiving recognition from world-famous rappers like Nas, who quoted their lyrics back to them when they first met.
Cuban was first heard alongside Big Pun on the 1997 single "Off the Books", and made numerous appearances on Pun's platinum "Capital Punishment". He was also heard on the Terror Squad tracks "Bet Ya Man Can't" and "Tell Me What You Want".
When Big Pun died in 2000, Cuban released his first solo single, "Flowers For The Dead", as a tribute to Pun. It was shortly afterward that Cuban Link began disagreeing with Fat Joe on manegerial decisions and their infamous problem began.
Cuban Link's latest album Chain Reaction was released on the August 16, 2005, and features guest appearances from The Game, Jadakiss, and Mya.
NO MERCY
Cuban Link Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
now do you really think I'ma let ya'll murk me(g-g-g-g-g),
tell me why these niggas is tryin' to hurt me (g-g-g-g-g),
lord please forgive, I'll have no mercy (g-g-g-g-g-g-unit)
when I catch them, they ass is done, lord forgive me,
do you really think I'ma let ya'll murk me(g-g-g-g-g),
tell me why these niggas is tryin' to hurt me (g-g-g-g-g-g-unit)
lord please forgive, I'll have no mercy
lord forgive me for my sins, cause her I come (50 sent me that's who),
y'all really think y'all gonna murk me, (haha) cause here I come,
y'all need a fucking army to murk me (we'll stand over you niggas)
and I ain't stopping nigga- ain't no mercy
[Cuban Link]
Yo, ain't no mercy, in the hood,
cats is thirsty, in the hood,
for the bread, niggas spread lead like herpes, in the hood,
mama birthed me , in the hood,
papa turned me to a hood,
did my share of dirt, put in the work, I'm worthy of the hood,
nothin's blurty, in the hood,
do you dirty in the hood,
got the crooked cops, a lots of little birdies, in the hood,
you'll get buried, in the hood,
bright and early, in the hood,
thugs will put a 30-30 slug firmly, in ya hood, what's good?
We could hood it down, and make it happen,
before I made it rappin', I was more dedicated to aggravated scrappin',
the chin tappin', that crackin' your jaw pimp slappin',
I been baggin' the bad broads, I been mackin',
I been packin' the mack 10s, I been clappin',
before the twins crashed in Manhattan, I bin laden,
so quit the actin' before I capture ya life,
you'll catch a lashin', through your ass like the Passion of Christ, nigga
(Chorus)
lambiana, so I'm down to ride (to ride),
I ain't the type to let the drama slide (drama slide),
bring your armor when you come outside (come outside),
cause I won't show no mercy (I want show no mercy),
y'all gonna make me catch a homicide (homicide),
pop the lama, leave you dramatized (dramatized),
y'all don't want to see ya mama cry (mama cry), (Cuban Link)
cause I won't show no mercy (no mercy)
[Game]
Nigga I'm made,
call the Brooklyn zoo, let ‘em know the gorillas out his cage,
one hand on the holy Koran, one hand on the gage,
call fifty, tell ‘em send the brigade,
whenever my pin out, homie I'm a grenade,
I'm from Compton, where niggas don't die of old age,
when you see son out, better put on shades,
cause I shine like Easy and Pun in they last days,
see the problem is- niggas gettin' old,
I'm startin' a new chapter, and we ain't on the same page,
I stole the crown, I'm a damn good crook,
you ain't gotta go to Ryker's to get ya manhood took,
they don't like me- fuck ‘em,
you don't want me to be the reason niggas climbin' ‘em fences at the rutger,
don't get it twisted- I love NY,
no mercy- that's right, he got blood in his eye, bitch
(Chorus)
lambiana, so I'm down to ride (to ride),
I ain't the type to let the drama slide (drama slide),
bring your armor when you come outside (come outside),
cause I won't show no mercy (I want show no mercy),
y'all gonna make me catch a homicide (homicide),
pop the lama, leave you dramatized (dramatized),
y'all don't want to see ya mama cry (mama cry), (Cuban Link)
cause I won't show no mercy (no mercy)
[Cuban Link]
now y'all could love me or hate nigga, either or,
no buts, ifs, or maybes, I keeps it raw,
I been a blood as of lately, they feel my roar,
they tried to hush me and place me, beneath the floor,
but it takes much more to break me, I feigned it all,
they fingered, judged and disgraced me, to see my fall,
don't give a fuck what they break me, the streets is boss,
long as the hood just embrace me, I'm a eat for sure,
the industry's scared to face me, they locked they doors,
they rather fuck with these fake g's, they got no balls,
a thug's what it all made me, like Pac Shakur,
they set it up to try to snake me, to knock me off,
been through enough to go crazy, need I say more,
only trust my 3.80, cause we at war,
keeps my slugs off of safety, incase we cross,
either I blaze or you blaze me, like real outlaws, let's go
(Chorus)
lambiana, so I'm down to ride (to ride),
I ain't the type to let the drama slide (drama slide),
bring your armor when you come outside (come outside),
cause I won't show no mercy (I want show no mercy),
y'all gonna make me catch a homicide (homicide),
pop the lama, leave you dramatized (dramatized),
y'all don't want to see ya mama cry (mama cry),
cause I won't show no mercy (no mercy)
The lyrics of Cuban Link's song "No Mercy" are about standing your ground in the face of danger and not showing any mercy to those who try to harm you. The artist talks about being in the hood where danger is omnipresent, and how one has to take precautions to survive. The chorus talks about how Cuban Link will not back down and will catch his enemies when they try to harm him. He also mentions how he is a product of his upbringing and how he had to put in work to become accepted in the hood. Cuban Link mentions that the industry is scared to face him and how he trusts only his gun because they are currently at war.
The lyrics are gritty and raw but are also a work of art. Cuban Link uses creative wordplay to describe his experiences in the hood, his enemies, and his determination to survive. He uses metaphors and allusions to convey his message and paints a vivid picture of his surroundings. The song is a tribute to those who live in the hood and showcases the struggles that they face every day. It's about being a fighter and not giving up, no matter how hard the struggle becomes.
Overall, "No Mercy" is a powerful song that conveys a strong message. It's about overcoming challenges and standing your ground no matter what. It's about survival in a tough environment and not giving up in the face of adversity. Cuban Link has written a powerful song that will inspire those who listen to it.
Line by Line Meaning
As I walk through the valley of death...I shall fear no evil
Even though I am surrounded by danger and darkness, I will not let fear consume me.
now do you really think I'ma let ya'll murk me(g-g-g-g-g)
Do you honestly believe that I would allow you to harm me?
tell me why these niggas is tryin' to hurt me (g-g-g-g-g)
Please explain the reason why these individuals are attempting to cause harm to me.
lord please forgive, I'll have no mercy (g-g-g-g-g-g-unit)
I request forgiveness from the higher power, but I will not show any kindness or forgiveness towards my enemies.
when I catch them, they ass is done, lord forgive me
Once I apprehend them, their fate is sealed, and I ask for forgiveness for the actions I am about to take.
lord please forgive, I'll have no mercy
I plea for forgiveness, but I will not exhibit any compassion or leniency.
when I catch them, (g-unit)they ass is done
Once I capture them, their demise is certain.
lord forgive me for my sins, cause here I come (50 sent me that's who)
I ask for divine forgiveness for the transgressions I have committed, as I am about to take action (referring to rapper 50 Cent as his motivation).
y'all really think y'all gonna murk me, (haha) cause here I come
You actually believe that you can eliminate me, but I am fully prepared and about to retaliate.
y'all need a fucking army to murk me (we'll stand over you niggas)
A large group of people is required if you wish to eliminate me, but even then, we will prevail and dominate you.
and I ain't stopping nigga- ain't no mercy
I will not cease my actions, and there will be no mercy or leniency shown.
Yo, ain't no mercy, in the hood
There is a complete absence of compassion or forgiveness within the neighborhood.
cats is thirsty, in the hood
People are desperate and eager to satisfy their needs and desires within the neighborhood.
for the bread, niggas spread lead like herpes, in the hood
In the pursuit of money, individuals resort to using firearms, causing harm and spreading violence just like the contagious disease herpes.
mama birthed me, in the hood
I was born and raised in the neighborhood by my mother.
papa turned me to a hood
My father influenced and guided me towards the lifestyle of the hood.
did my share of dirt, put in the work, I'm worthy of the hood
I have participated in illegal activities and contributed to the community, making me deserving of the respect and recognition within the neighborhood.
nothin's blurty, in the hood
There is nothing concealed or hidden within the neighborhood.
do you dirty in the hood
People will deceive or harm you within the neighborhood.
got the crooked cops, a lots of little birdies, in the hood
Corrupt police officers and many informants are present within the neighborhood.
you'll get buried, in the hood
If you cross the wrong people, you will end up underground, buried and forgotten.
bright and early, in the hood
Violence and confrontations start early in the morning within the neighborhood.
thugs will put a 30-30 slug firmly, in ya hood, what's good?
Criminals will shoot you with a powerful .30-30 caliber bullet, inflicting damage and causing chaos within your area. What are you going to do about it?
We could hood it down, and make it happen
We can embrace our environment and use it to our advantage to accomplish our goals.
before I made it rappin', I was more dedicated to aggravated scrappin'
Before my success as a rapper, I was extremely committed to engaging in violent confrontations.
the chin tappin', that crackin' your jaw pimp slappin'
I am skilled in delivering powerful punches that will crack your jawbone, resembling the pimp-slapping motion.
I been baggin' the bad broads, I been mackin'
I have been successful in attracting and seducing attractive women.
I been packin' the mack 10s, I been clappin'
I have been carrying and using MAC-10 submachine guns, ready to fire them.
before the twins crashed in Manhattan, I bin laden
Before the tragic events of the 9/11 attacks in New York City, I was already causing havoc and being a metaphorical 'bin Laden' in the streets.
so quit the actin' before I capture ya life
Stop pretending or acting tough before I take control of your life.
you'll catch a lashin', through your ass like the Passion of Christ, nigga
You will endure severe punishment akin to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the intensity and severity of the consequences you will face.
lambiana, so I'm down to ride (to ride)
I am willing to support and engage in any necessary actions or confrontations.
I ain't the type to let the drama slide (drama slide)
I will not allow any conflicts or issues to go unresolved or unnoticed.
bring your armor when you come outside (come outside)
Prepare yourself for battle and protect yourself when you come outside.
cause I won't show no mercy (I want show no mercy)
Because I lack any compassion or forgiveness, I will not treat you leniently or show mercy.
y'all gonna make me catch a homicide (homicide)
Your actions will push me to commit murder.
pop the lama, leave you dramatized (dramatized)
Shoot you with a gun, leaving you in a state of shock and intense emotion.
y'all don't want to see ya mama cry (mama cry)
You do not want to witness the grief and sorrow experienced by your mother.
cause I won't show no mercy (no mercy)
Because I lack any compassion or forgiveness, I will not treat you leniently or show mercy.
Nigga I'm made
I am self-made and cannot be easily influenced or controlled.
call the Brooklyn zoo, let ‘em know the gorillas out his cage
Inform the notorious individuals in Brooklyn that I, a powerful and dangerous individual, have been unleashed from my restraints.
one hand on the holy Koran, one hand on the gage
I am prepared for both spiritual guidance and physical confrontation, symbolized by holding the holy Koran and a firearm.
call fifty, tell ‘em send the brigade
Get in touch with 50 Cent, a fellow rapper, and request reinforcements or support.
whenever my pin out, homie I'm a grenade
Whenever I express myself through my lyrics or actions, I become an explosive force that causes chaos and destruction.
I'm from Compton, where niggas don't die of old age
I hail from Compton, a neighborhood where individuals are more likely to experience a premature death rather than living to an old age.
when you see son out, better put on shades
When you encounter me, it is advisable to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the intensity of my presence or brilliance.
cause I shine like Easy and Pun in they last days
I radiate and exude a similar brilliance and impact as the late rappers Eazy-E and Big Pun during their final days.
see the problem is- niggas gettin' old
The issue is that many individuals are aging and losing their relevance or influence.
I'm startin' a new chapter, and we ain't on the same page
I am embarking on a fresh phase of my life, and our objectives or perspectives no longer align.
I stole the crown, I'm a damn good crook
I have successfully taken control or claimed the highest position of power, displaying my exceptional skills at deception or thievery.
you ain't gotta go to Ryker's to get ya manhood took
In order to prove your masculinity or toughness, you do not need to experience the harsh environment of Ryker's Island, a notorious prison in New York.
they don't like me- fuck ‘em
I do not care about the opinions or feelings of those who dislike me.
you don't want me to be the reason niggas climbin' ‘em fences at the rutger
You do not want me to cause a significant disturbance or instigate chaos that leads to people trying to escape or climb fences at Rutger, referencing an area known for its security measures.
don't get it twisted- I love NY
Do not misunderstand me, I have great affection for and a connection to the city of New York.
no mercy- that's right, he got blood in his eye, bitch
I will show no leniency or kindness, that's correct, and my determination and thirst for revenge are evident, emphasizing this with derogatory language.
now y'all could love me or hate nigga, either or
You can choose to either love or hate me, it does not matter to me either way.
no buts, ifs, or maybes, I keeps it raw
There are no exceptions or uncertainties, I always present myself genuinely and without hesitation.
I been a blood as of lately, they feel my roar
Recently, I have exhibited the traits and characteristics associated with a member of the Bloods gang, and others have become aware of my power and influence.
they tried to hush me and place me, beneath the floor
They attempted to silence and suppress me, treating me as insignificant or beneath their notice.
but it takes much more to break me, I feigned it all
However, it requires a significant amount of force or effort to destroy my resolve, as I have endured and pretended to be affected by their actions.
they fingered, judged and disgraced me, to see my fall
They accused, criticized, and publicly shamed me in an attempt to witness my downfall or failure.
don't give a fuck what they break me, the streets is boss
I do not care how they try to harm or weaken me because the streets, symbolizing the neighborhood and its rules, hold ultimate authority.
long as the hood just embrace me, I'm a eat for sure
As long as the neighborhood supports and accepts me, I will undoubtedly thrive and succeed.
the industry's scared to face me, they locked they doors
The music industry is afraid to confront or challenge me, resorting to defensive measures.
they rather fuck with these fake g's, they got no balls
They prefer to associate with individuals who pretend to be genuine gangsters but lack true courage or integrity.
a thug's what it all made me, like Pac Shakur
My experiences have molded me into a hardened individual, reminiscent of the late rapper Tupac Shakur.
they set it up to try to snake me, to knock me off
They orchestrated a plan to deceive or betray me, aiming to eliminate or hinder me.
been through enough to go crazy, need I say more
I have endured a considerable amount of hardship and adversity, reaching a point where I could lose my sanity. Do I need to explain this further?
only trust my 3.80, cause we at war
The only thing I rely on and have complete faith in is my .380 caliber firearm, as we are engaged in a conflict or battle.
keeps my slugs off of safety, incase we cross
I keep my bullets ready to be fired, ensuring that they are not obstructed by the safety mechanism, in case we encounter each other.
either I blaze or you blaze me, like real outlaws, let's go
Either I will unleash a barrage of gunfire, or you will take the opportunity to shoot me, behaving like true outlaws. Let's proceed with our confrontation.
lambiana, so I'm down to ride (to ride)
I have the willingness and determination to engage in any necessary actions or confrontations.
I ain't the type to let the drama slide (drama slide)
I refuse to let any conflicts or issues go unresolved or unnoticed.
bring your armor when you come outside (come outside)
Prepare yourself for battle and protect yourself when you come outside.
cause I won't show no mercy (I want show no mercy)
Because I lack any compassion or forgiveness, I will not treat you leniently or show mercy.
y'all gonna make me catch a homicide (homicide)
Your actions will push me to commit murder.
pop the lama, leave you dramatized (dramatized)
Shoot you with a gun, leaving you in a state of shock and intense emotion.
y'all don't want to see ya mama cry (mama cry)
You do not want to witness the grief and sorrow experienced by your mother.
cause I won't show no mercy (no mercy)
Because I lack any compassion or forgiveness, I will not treat you leniently or show mercy.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind