Practice
DJ Jazzy Jeff Lyrics

We just talkin' about practice...
The song is about the importance of practice in developing a skill.

We sittin' here, I'se supposed to be the franchise player
The singer is frustrated that they are being asked about practice instead of playing the game they are meant to excel in.

And we in here talkin' about practice...
The singer is incredulous that the focus is on practice rather than the game itself.

I mean, listen, we talkin' about practice...
The artist is emphasizing the importance of the topic at hand.

Not a game, not a game, not a game; we talkin' about practice!
The artist is reinforcing that the topic is practice, not the actual game.

Not a game, not a, not, not the game that I go out there and die for...
The singer is passionate about the game itself, which makes the focus on practice seem trivial in comparison.

I heard those who can't, teach, well fuck it
The singer is frustrated with the perceived attitude that those who can't do, teach instead.

I guess class dismissed, I can't teach you shit
The artist is unwilling or unable to help someone who isn't able to truly learn and improve their skills.

I've been doin this for years, man, my rep is legit
The artist has been working on their craft for a long time and has built up a reputation for their skills.

It's like a mic is a cancer-stick, I can't quit
The artist feels a strong attachment to their craft, just like a smoker to cigarettes, and cannot imagine quitting.

But I can kick that measuring stick to
The singer is confident in their abilities and is willing to prove themselves against a standard measuring stick for skill.

Let you know real quick whether you can or can't spit
The artist can tell very quickly whether someone is skilled or not based on their performance.

And from the sound of it, you on a stage
The singer is critiquing someone's performance on stage.

Is like a square in a triangle hole: it don't fit
The singer is saying that the performer is not suited to the stage, and their performance is awkward or uncomfortable.

I mean, the whole way you tryin to hold the mic
The singer is critiquing the performer's technique in holding the microphone.

I ain't tryin to be a smart aleck, but you sound like a dick
The artist doesn't mean to come across as rude, but the performer sounds bad or foolish.

It shouldn't be so phallic, you wanna be hard
The artist is objecting to the performer's use of the microphone as a phallic symbol, and their attempt to come across as tough or intimidating.

But you can't come correct, I would've show you how it's done
The singer is saying that they could have demonstrated how to properly use the microphone.

If you showed some respect, instead what you doin is
The singer feels disrespected or disregarded by the performer.

Showin you're new in this; why you pursuin this
The artist questions why the performer is pursuing a career in music if they are not willing to work hard and improve their skills.

Skill trade and tryin to get paid and laid?
The artist is questioning the performer's motives for pursuing a career in music, suggesting they are only interested in money and sex rather than improving their craft.

Before the groupies and the guap, man, the fact is
The artist is emphasizing that success in music requires hard work and practice before fame and fortune.

It takes practice
The song's message is that practice is necessary to develop a skill, especially in the music industry.

I heard it's better to be lucky than good
The artist is referencing the idea that success can be more influenced by luck than skill.

Well, in my case I guess I'm lucky I'm good
The singer considers themselves to be both lucky and skilled in their craft.

I heard if not for bad luck, J would have no luck at all
The singer is referencing the idea that they have had a lot of bad luck in their life.

To which my reply is, "Fuck all of y'all"
The singer is rejecting the idea that luck determines their success, instead attributing it to their hard work and skill.

I've been passed up, gassed up, bounced around, man
The artist has faced many challenges and obstacles in their career.

Thrown off the glass just to see what sticks
The artist has experimented with different approaches and strategies to see what works.

I have yet to score big like Allen Iverson
The singer has not yet achieved the level of success they aspire to, like Allen Iverson in basketball.

Maybe someday J could endorse a pair of kicks
The singer hopes to one day have a successful endorsement deal, like Iverson with Reebok sneakers.

But for now long as I can afford a pair of kicks
The artist is content with being able to afford nice shoes, and is not defined by their endorsements or financial success.

And a closet to put em in, Ima put em on
The artist plans to wear their nice shoes with pride, even if they don't have a lot of other possessions.

And walk these dogs, get my hustle on
The artist plans to keep working hard and grinding to achieve their goals, like walking their dogs every day.

Break bread for my younguns so they grow up strong
The singer wants to provide for their family and help the next generation succeed.

That's why the flow grow after each and every show
The artist's skills and popularity are growing over time due to hard work and practice.

And year after year bring song after song
The singer is dedicated to creating new music and improving their craft every year.

I heard amateurs keep doin it til they get it right
The singer is referencing the idea that amateurs will keep practicing until they are good enough to succeed.

But pros do it so much, we can't get a bone
The singer is saying that professionals rarely receive positive feedback or recognition for their hard work and dedication.

I heard some old colloquialism
The artist is referencing an old saying or phrase.

Statin that if you love what you do for a livin
The saying suggests that if you love your job or career, it doesn't feel like work.

You never work a day in your life—yeah right
The singer is skeptical of the idea that working in a career you love will never feel like work.

But I know what they mean, some jobs'll trap you like prison
The singer acknowledges that some jobs can be limiting or suffocating, making it hard to find enjoyment in them.

But if you hatin me, cuz all you do is process and foul
The artist is saying that people who don't have a creative job or career may be jealous of musicians who do.

Jealous cuz I get to make beats, spin and freestyle
The artist takes pride in their ability to make music and perform in front of audiences.

As if I haven't had to work in a while
The artist has had to work hard to develop their skills and achieve success, despite what others may think of their career.

Like I ain't sheddin blood, sweat, tears, stomach acid and bile
The singer has put a lot of effort and emotional energy into their career and their music.

Like my workload isn't unbelievable:
The artist's workload is intense and challenging.

CEO, COO, accounts payable
The singer is referencing various roles and responsibilities that come with running a business or career.

And receivable; chief marketeer and manager
The singer has to handle marketing and business management tasks in addition to their creative work.

Sales rep, tour van driver, baggage handler
The singer has to take on various roles and tasks in order to make their music career successful.

Shiiit, like I ain't tryin to outsource and delegate
The artist is trying to find new ways to manage their workload and responsibilities.

How else you think I'll ever upgrade and elevate?
The artist needs to find new ways to improve their skills and career, despite the intense workload.

But at this point in time, I got two options:
The singer is at a crossroads in their career and has to decide how to move forward.

Get it done right myself or get relegated
The singer can either manage their career themselves or risk losing control if they delegate too much responsibility to others.

Back to a spot where I do it for fun
The artist doesn't want to lose the joy and passion they have for music by becoming too wrapped up in business and management responsibilities.

In my spare time—on but wait, I won't have none
The artist doesn't have much free time to begin with, and will have even less if they have to handle all their business responsibilities themselves.

So don't come at me bout that get a real jobby job
The artist is criticizing those who don't consider music a legitimate career, and suggests that they don't understand the hard work and dedication required to succeed in the music industry.

We gonna have a problem, see, this ain't a hobby
The singer is saying that music is not just a hobby for them, but a serious career that requires a lot of hard work and dedication.

This is practice
The song's final line echoes the message that practice is essential for success in any field, especially music.