The Queens native built his reputation with street-level mixtapes and quickly became one of the city's leading DJs, graced with the latest tracks by the biggest names. Popular New York hip-hop station Hot 97 brought him aboard for a while in the late '90s alongside fellow DJ heavyweight Funkmaster Flex. The air time furthered his reputation, and Jay-Z in turn invited him to join forces with Roc-a-Fella, which released Clue?'s major-label debut, The Professional (1997). The album featured primarily exclusive tracks, each boasting one of New York's top rappers, everyone from Nas and Mobb Deep to DMX and Ja Rule.
A second volume followed in 2000, and in the meantime Clue? toured with Roc-a-Fella in support of Jay-Z's Hard Knock Life album as documented on Backstage (2000). He then parted ways with Roc-a-Fella and embarked on his own path, establishing Desert Storm Records and debuting Fabolous in 2001. Years later, once Jay-Z ascended to the position of president of Def Jam, Clue? recorded The Professional, Pt. 3 (2006).
Keep It Thoro
DJ Clue Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh y'all niggas killer now, oh word?
Catch you comin out your fuckin crib nigga
Yeah, catch a fuckin bullet nigga
[Prodigy]
Ayo, I break bread, ribs, hundred dollar bills
Write a book full of medicine and generate mills
Tour the album, only for more sales
We used to catch those on the block with crills
Now it's paid shows, promoters post up bills
Sign dems only if the math is real
If you can't match numbers then you can't have the Head Nigga In Charge
And shit, live nigga rhymes artist
Pardon, P dub shines regardless
Remorseless, haunt niggas like poltergeists
My advice, 'fore you get like that, is think twice
'fore you move on it, put jewels on it, who want it
Loose niggas make the news when we start formin'
Snatch stripes off a nigga's uniform often
Doin it past yo' delf you way out your jurisdiction
Why niggas bullshit on the grill
I don't fuck around dunny, this move's real
I Keep It Thoro nigga
Yo let me back up for 'em, lemme back up, yo, yo
Why niggas bullshit on the grill
I don't fuck around dunny, this move's real
I gave birth to your whole style and feel
How do it feel, to hold my dick in public
Cock blower, duplicate rap cloner
It's me and you do it live on stage for dolo
I smack niggas like you, smash niggas by the tools
Grab niggas by the throat, show 'n' prove
Rhymes cocky, crazy ill, mad rowdy
Did a buck off of my shit and wrapped your outtie
Tempermental, I snap quick, very touchy
Ayo my attitude is all fucked up and real shitty
I rap like no one out there can fuck wit me
You feel different, niggas see me
I throw a TV at you crazy, bitches say P you crazy
A +Pain in Da Ass+, nah but +Fuck you, Pay me+
I'm no shorty, nigga I stop your glory
I'm a thorough street nigga for real, you just applaud me
Avoid P, man take your baby mom's advice
I'm nothing sweet, ill with the guns, you pay the price
When you see me in the streets soldier, salute me
You just a groupie, oh you gangsta, then shoot me
Who gives a fuck really, I miss my nigga Twin, kill me
So I can join the rest of my falls, up in the heavens
You rap niggas make me laugh, y'all crazy ass
And I don't give a fuck what you sold, that shit is trash
Bang this, 'cause I gurantee that you bought it
Heavy airplay all day wit no chorus
I Keep It Thoro nigga...
The opening sinister laughter warns of the lethal content of the song, as Prodigy proceeds to assert his street credibility in the toughest of terms. He boasts of his financial status, with "hundred dollar bills" as his bread and "Ducatis and other four wheels" as his preferred mode of transport. He then asserts his authority in the music industry, emphasizing that he only signs deals that make financial sense. P dub shines regardless of any obstacles, and he advises any aspiring artists to "think twice" before trying to copy him or move against him. He warns of the consequences of challenging him on the streets, where he is a "thorough street nigga for real." He has lost friends to violence, and he is prepared to join them rather than compromise his values.
The violent imagery in this song captures the harsh realities of street life, with Prodigy emphasizing his toughness as an artist and a man. The profanity and aggression in his lyrics make it clear that he takes no prisoners, and his delivery is consistent with the menacing tone of the song. The use of humor to deride his rivals is another hallmark of his style, as he mocks those who try to emulate his style or claim to be gangsters. This song reflects the raw energy and uncompromising attitude that characterize Prodigy's music, and it remains an enduring classic in the hip hop genre.
Line by Line Meaning
Ayo, I break bread, ribs, hundred dollar bills
I make a lot of money and use it to buy expensive things like motorcycles and cars. I also write a book about medicine to make even more money. I go on tours to sell my album and make even more money.
We used to catch those on the block with crills
We used to sell drugs on the street but now we perform paid shows and the promoters pay us a lot of money.
P dub shines regardless
I, P Dub (Prodigy), always shine and stand out, no matter what.
Snatch stripes off a nigga's uniform often
I often take away the credibility or rank of other people, especially those who aren't skilled like me.
Why niggas bullshit on the grill
Why do people lie and exaggerate about their abilities when they know they can't compete?
I gave birth to your whole style and feel
I am the originator of the style that many people try to copy or imitate in their own music.
You feel different, niggas see me
When people see me in person, they can feel my presence and realize that I am different from other rappers.
Avoid P, man take your baby mom's advice
You should stay away from me if you don't want to get hurt. Your girlfriend or wife would give you the same advice.
I'm nothing sweet, ill with the guns, you pay the price
I'm not a nice guy, and I'm skilled with weapons. If you mess with me, you'll pay a heavy price.
So I can join the rest of my falls, up in the heavens
I want to die so that I can be reunited with my friends who have already passed away and are in heaven.
You rap niggas make me laugh, y'all crazy ass
I find it funny how other rappers try to act tough and crazy when they're really not.
Bang this, 'cause I gurantee that you bought it
You should listen to this song because I'm sure you paid for it and it's worth your time.
Heavy airplay all day wit no chorus
This song gets played on the radio a lot, even though it doesn't have a traditional chorus.
I Keep It Thoro nigga...
I always keep it real and never fake. This is the theme of the song.
Lyrics © THE ROYALTY NETWORK INC., Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network
Written by: ALAN MAMAN, ALBERT JOHNSON, AL JOHNSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@tonytrackstar436
One of the most underrated tracks in rap. Didn’t get nearly as much shine as it should’ve back then. A freakin classic. Nothing like it before or after. RIP P HNIC 4 Real 💯
@sagerdood
Heads know, this shits one of the hardest tracks ever written
@shamirholmes1852
"Heavy airplay all day with no chorus."
@tomgoddy4467
Bro I was in NY when this shit was out..lucky me💯
@tonytrackstar436
@@shamirholmes1852 “sign deals only if the math is real, if you can’t match numbers, then you can’t have the Head Nigga In Charge of shit”
@regardsrespected9138
💯 Percent fucking facts so don't question ❓ anything you heard from from the last few real Rights you heard
@82buffnasty
Alchemists did his thang on this one.
@user-np1st3ed2k
P too
@thetimelesshistoryofhip-ho1013
@@user-np1st3ed2k madlib too
@gamerguy9066
"I break bread, ribs, hundred dollar bills!" So much in just a half a bar. Prodigy was too raw!!!