Strangers
Danger Mouse Lyrics
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Hurtin' and hatin', waitin' for that other shoe to drop
I was relocatin' this whole operation to the top
For you to copy and paste, in case you forgot
I'm super hot and beyond your range
It's kinda strange how the change in climate
Ain't because of climate change
I acquired this affinity for finer things
And dangers when niggas get high, then die fame-less
Slugs spark loud in the chamber and fly aimless
I was too wise to the game to try candy from strangers
And speak anything but my language
Oud from the Indian trees is my fragrance
Food, I consider these thieves that's not gangsters
So many fuck boys actin' like they tough guys
I'ma call your bluff guys, let me see you walk right
Bark, bark, bark
Tough guy, ah?
You can tell me, you can tell me what?
I keep the .45 close, get your lo-fi smoke
Like the Wi-Fi broke, get your wise-guy jokes
Got mob ties, bro, financial status and I'm ho tie
Get your familia smoked on both sides though
Oh my, now reach into your pockets, pay homage
Pay me hunnids, or pay me no mind, bro
And my screen don't work, got an iPhone 4
Like the Wi-Fi broke, it's still a smartphone though
Okay, like qué pasó, maricón cabrón
'Kay tough guy, don't take me for no fungi
See you with my third eye, peepin' just with one eye closed
Um, one time when I was duckin' from the one time
This one time, weapon on my left side, I'm gun shy
Swimmin' in my new Benz, doors open up like two fins
New whips on Dr. Seuss', one fish, two fish, red whip, blue whip
This motherfucker does not give a fuck about you
He is in his mansion, playin' his XBOX (you never listen, you never listen)
And look at you, look at where you are
Yeah, straight out the flames of this city of mine
Since double planes hit the risers, pain on rap been on rise
With cyclops eye strays stay shatterin' lives
Out where the poltergeists of history haunt the alive
Monster of art, don't start
Your little drop, die dark, put you in long-term park
Hardly a mark, play your spiderweb like a harp
Sharp with a bodega cat claw slash at the rat's heart
Relax, let it happen, it's automatic, I'm tapped in
Scrap like I'm facin' a mouth of a starved kraken
Facts, man, I actually made the cash they imagined
The kid who never compromised, out-racked you bastards
Slid into the vacuum they left, stabbin' at random
Abracadabra, got these maggots trackin' the magic
It's vapid how you speak, not deep, you lackin' the fathoms
While tough guys dreamin' of smashin' thots, I smash atoms
Are you serious with this?
Is this, is this, this is what it's come to?
We're gonna have to walk around outside like we're fuckin' gangsters? (Ayy)
I am, and it is (yeah, yeah)
The bar killer, I stole a Demon from Dodge dealer (yeah)
A God body with temperament of a Godzilla (yeah)
And you ain't shit, you fucker, barely a fart, fella (yeah, yeah, yeah)
A dictator with hard heart, I starve niggas (woo)
I'm out with Lenin and writin' in red ink again (ooh)
And I'm on linen with women pleasurin' pink again (ooh)
Edge of destruction, the world seems on the brink again (ooh)
You think you got me? Ayy, papi, you better think again (damn)
I leave you shot in the seat that they sat Lincoln in (damn)
I pop you with the same pistol they popped Regan with (damn)
I'm audacious, so fuck me with on a cash basis (yeah)
I'm outrageous, slap faces to tongue tasters (yeah, yeah)
I rock stages, rappin' raw for all races (yeah)
No patience for racists, send 'em to damn Satan (yeah, yeah)
Cold rages, I stay in God's divine graces (yeah, yeah)
And all my chains on when I rap, bitch, I'm Ghostfacin' (woo)
The lyrics of Danger Mouse and Black Thought's song Strangers talk about their rise to success in the music industry, while simultaneously dissing those who try to copy or imitate their style. The first verse talks about how Danger Mouse relocated his operation to the top while others were still suffering from future shock, a term used to describe the anxiety caused by rapid technological and social changes. Black Thought's verse highlights his knowledge and street smarts, with references to his love for finer things and staying true to his roots.
The second verse starts with a reference to the struggles in their hometown, with Black Thought mentioning the double planes hitting the risers, a reference to the 9/11 attacks. He then talks about how he is a monster in the art of rap, with the ability to destroy his competition easily. The verse also includes references to his wealth and influences, with mentions of a Demon from Dodge dealer and Lenin. The chorus is a mix of sarcasm and frustration, as Black Thought questions why he has to act like a gangster just to be successful in the industry.
Overall, the song is a powerful commentary on the current state of the music industry and the struggles that artists face in trying to maintain their originality and authenticity.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah, while y'all was sufferin' from future shock
While everyone was struggling with adapting to rapid change.
Hurtin' and hatin', waitin' for that other shoe to drop
Feeling anxiety and fear about the unknown future.
I was relocatin' this whole operation to the top
I was moving up to a higher level of success and power.
For you to copy and paste, in case you forgot
I'm sharing my success story for others to learn from and emulate.
I'm super hot and beyond your range
I'm doing amazing and I'm out of reach for most people.
It's kinda strange how the change in climate
It's ironic that the climate is changing due to human behavior.
Ain't because of climate change
It's not due to climate change.
I acquired this affinity for finer things
I developed a taste for luxury items.
Like big folds, Range and Rolls from gold chains
I like big money, fancy cars, and expensive jewelry.
And dangers when niggas get high, then die fame-less
The risk for young people to die from drug use without achieving anything significant.
Slugs spark loud in the chamber and fly aimless
Guns shooting aimlessly and causing harm to innocent people.
I was too wise to the game to try candy from strangers
I was too smart to fall for tricks from people I didn't trust.
And speak anything but my language
I only speak my own language and don't try to conform to other peoples' beliefs.
Oud from the Indian trees is my fragrance
I wear a fragrance made with oud oil from Indian trees.
Food, I consider these thieves that's not gangsters
I view food as a basic necessity and not something to glorify.
So many fuck boys actin' like they tough guys
There are many people trying to act tough and cool when they really aren't.
I'ma call your bluff guys, let me see you walk right
I'll challenge you to prove that you're really as tough as you claim to be.
Bark, bark, bark
You're making a lot of noise but not actually doing anything.
Tough guy, ah?
Are you really a tough guy?
You can tell me, you can tell me what?
What is it that you wanted to tell me?
I keep the .45 close, get your lo-fi smoke
I keep a gun close by in case someone tries to attack me.
Got mob ties, bro, financial status and I'm ho tie
I have connections to the mafia and my financial status is high.
Get your familia smoked on both sides though
I have the power to hurt your family both financially and physically.
Oh my, now reach into your pockets, pay homage
You should show respect to me and give me money.
Pay me hunnids, or pay me no mind, bro
Give me large amounts of money or stop bothering me.
And my screen don't work, got an iPhone 4
My phone is outdated and not updated with the latest technology.
Okay, like qué pasó, maricón cabrón
Just like what's happening, you fool.
'Kay tough guy, don't take me for no fungi
Hey tough guy, don't underestimate me.
See you with my third eye, peepin' just with one eye closed
I can see through your lies and deception even with only one eye open.
Um, one time when I was duckin' from the one time
One time I was hiding from the police.
This one time, weapon on my left side, I'm gun shy
I was armed with a weapon but was still afraid of getting caught.
Swimmin' in my new Benz, doors open up like two fins
I'm driving my new Mercedes-Benz with unique features.
New whips on Dr. Seuss', one fish, two fish, red whip, blue whip
I have new cars modified in a unique way like Dr. Seuss books.
This motherfucker does not give a fuck about you
This person doesn't care about you at all.
He is in his mansion, playin' his XBOX (you never listen, you never listen)
He's relaxing at home and ignoring everything else.
And look at you, look at where you are
Look at your current situation in comparison.
Yeah, straight out the flames of this city of mine
I'm from a city that's notorious for being dangerous.
Since double planes hit the risers, pain on rap been on rise
Since 9/11, the pain in rap music has increased.
With cyclops eye strays stay shatterin' lives
Violent acts continue to harm people regardless of increased security measures.
Out where the poltergeists of history haunt the alive
A reminder that our past actions and events continue to influence us today.
Monster of art, don't start
My art is powerful and should not be underestimated.
Your little drop, die dark, put you in long-term park
Your insignificant contribution will fade into obscurity.
Hardly a mark, play your spiderweb like a harp
Your actions are insignificant and should not be taken seriously.
Sharp with a bodega cat claw slash at the rat's heart
I'm skilled at attacking my enemies in a ruthless manner.
Relax, let it happen, it's automatic, I'm tapped in
Things will happen naturally and easily for me because I'm in the right mindset.
Scrap like I'm facin' a mouth of a starved kraken
I'm prepared to fight like I'm going up against a fierce monster.
Facts, man, I actually made the cash they imagined
I'm successful and rich beyond what people could have imagined for me.
The kid who never compromised, out-racked you bastards
I was able to achieve more success by never compromising my morals, unlike you.
Slid into the vacuum they left, stabbin' at random
I filled the void of power that was left behind, and I'm using it to hurt people randomly.
Abracadabra, got these maggots trackin' the magic
I'm using my skills to trick and deceive people, making them believe in my magic.
It's vapid how you speak, not deep, you lackin' the fathoms
You speak without depth and are not able to fully comprehend the situation.
While tough guys dreamin' of smashin' thots, I smash atoms
While others are just dreaming and fantasizing, I'm actually making a significant impact.
Are you serious with this?
Are you really saying this right now?
Is this, is this, this is what it's come to?
This is the level of discourse we're at now?
We're gonna have to walk around outside like we're fuckin' gangsters? (Ayy)
We'll have to pretend to be dangerous in order to be respected in our environment.
I am, and it is (yeah, yeah)
That's just who I am and that's how it is.
The bar killer, I stole a Demon from Dodge dealer (yeah)
I'm really good and successful, and I even stole a high-end car.
A God body with temperament of a Godzilla (yeah)
I am powerful and confident like a God, and I have a fierce temper like Godzilla.
And you ain't shit, you fucker, barely a fart, fella (yeah, yeah, yeah)
You're nothing and insignificant, barely noticeable.
A dictator with hard heart, I starve niggas (woo)
I have the power to control and oppress others, and I use this power to hurt people.
I'm out with Lenin and writin' in red ink again (ooh)
I'm politically engaged and active, like Lenin.
And I'm on linen with women pleasurin' pink again (ooh)
I'm having sex with women again and enjoying myself.
Edge of destruction, the world seems on the brink again (ooh)
Our world is on the verge of collapse and chaos.
You think you got me? Ayy, papi, you better think again (damn)
Don't be too sure that you can beat me, you better reconsider.
I leave you shot in the seat that they sat Lincoln in (damn)
I'll hurt you in a significant and memorable way.
I pop you with the same pistol they popped Regan with (damn)
I'll hurt you with the same weapon that was used to hurt others.
I'm audacious, so fuck me with on a cash basis (yeah)
I'm bold and confident, and I only care about money.
I'm outrageous, slap faces to tongue tasters (yeah, yeah)
I'm bold and wild, and I don't hesitate to hurt people I don't like.
I rock stages, rappin' raw for all races (yeah)
I perform really well on stage and can appeal to different audiences.
No patience for racists, send 'em to damn Satan (yeah, yeah)
I have no tolerance for racists and wish them to suffer.
Cold rages, I stay in God's divine graces (yeah, yeah)
I'm able to stay calm and controlled despite my rage.
And all my chains on when I rap, bitch, I'm Ghostfacin' (woo)
Even while performing, I'll still wear my jewelry and look cool.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: Brian Burton, Dylan Cartlidge, Jaime Meline, Mark Wirtz, Michael Render, Rakim Mayers, Tarik Trotter
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@mikekohnholdt7670
It is so legendary how black thought drop a real classic verse but still gives everyone room to breath and to shine . Legendary Track already . The production is insane
@legacybuilding360
INSANE
@adrianwilliams2816
Run the jewels flow sounds fat Joe and Xzibit
@OGT4204
@@adrianwilliams2816 you don't have to hold back when you got el-p and killer mike on the track.. killer mike's verse is godlike.
@msjacqueline71
You explained it sooooooo perfffffectlyyyyyyyyyy!
@SeymourKilmore
If Black Thought wanted a longer verse he would have just made a longer song, knowing him lol
@deanthomson2713
This the type of shit that keeps your faith in humanity because you know that hip hop is alive & well. 😁🔥🔥🔥
@RawUndergroundMusic
this flies in the face of everyone that said HipHop is a young persons game. 💪🏽
@keithprice1950
@@RawUndergroundMusic Never heard anyone say that.
@ezlrockwell82
Lotta well informed lifelong hip hop fans have mentioned this fact — the “old guard” get’s devoured by the new hungry young up-and-comers (e.g. KRS ate Melle Mell, LL ate up Kool Moe, Canibus tried LL when he got older, etc.). Testosterone is a helluva drug 🤷♂️