The group itself originally consisted of two MCs, Ives and Kemo, and O.G. Style as the DJ. Thus the group was often called "Los Tres Delinquentes" (In English: "The Three Delinquents"). In 1996, the group garnered international success with their first single "Tres Delinquentes" selling over one million copies. The success of the song pushed the group's self-titled album to nearly the same figure. Kemo soon left after the completion of their album Freedom Band to pursue a solo career with some substantial success. He was replaced by female vocalist Michelle, who had been previously featured in their songs
Rapper Ives makes one thing clear right from the start: "Delinquent Habits is no Old-School-Band, we are fresh and constantly looking for something new." On their new album "The Common Man" (09.10.2009) Delinquent Habits appear fresh for the first time in ages. The vibrant beats, the hot groove and the catchy lyrics make it clear: Someone knows how to rock the stage.
In the latter half of the 90's, Delinquent Habits along with Cypress Hill made it to the very top of Latin-Hip Hop. Rapper Ives and Kemo as well as DJ O.G Style combined Hip Hop beats with Funk and Miriachi trumpets and rapped in a mixture of Spanish and English called "Spanglish".
In 1996 they achieved a world-wide hit with "Tres Delinquentes". Their debut "Delinquent Habits" sold over 1 million copies and has achieved "hip hop classic" status the success of which is noticeable until this day. Sold-out tours in Europe and in the USA and four album releases, amongst these on their own label "Station 13, are testament to this impressive feat. Delinquent Habits live the crossover and show no reservation. The Matiachi-Rappers shared stages with different acts such as Beck, Korn and The Fugees. Their songs were used in various soundtracks, as well as computer games, not to mention sportswear giant Nike added the DelHab-Song "Return Of The Tres" to its TV advert which was broadcast world-wide.
After Kemo und O.G. Style pulled out, Ives is the last remaining member of the original band and now head and songwriter of Delinquent Habits. But this is no reason for Ives to mope: "Now I am able to have an input in all aspects of our music, beginning with the lyrics to the beats to the point of who I want to work with. This way "The Common Man" emerged, in collaboration with different producers such as Sick Jacken (Psycho Realm), Andre Horstmann (Pet Shop Boys, All Saints) or the Superstar DJs, which injected new life and ideas into the typical Delinquent Habits sound.
Ives finds his inspiration for his lyrics on the streets of his barrio and so on his new album "The Common Man", there is no mistaking - more critical and harsh tones next to the typical party tunes. This is reflected perfectly in the debut track, in which Ives denounces in a wonderful play on words society’s increasing egotism and the thieving mentality of the big bosses: "They livin high on the hog but they really just all swine''.
Nevertheless Delinquent Habits still know that there is also room for the light-hearted side to life, which is best celebrated with hot parties. Affiliated with phat vibes and hot rhythms like on "I Like It", girls dancing on the tables with free flowing tequila: Delinquent Habits are in the house!
Shed A Tear
Delinquent Habits Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I see them punk putos they coolin' by the lockers
Sellin' crystal to their women fine freaks turned flaca
Your lady say she love you but you locked inside
I heard you slipped they caught you rollin' with some dope in your ride
Your lady said she'll wait love don't come cheap
She'd rather see in the pinta than six feet deep
But can't she see that in the pinta you're a soldier
Turn you into somethin' way loco hard
Surviving scraps and jacks earning your stripes on the yard
Every night thinking about the good ol days
Look at the picture of your ruca on the wall and pray say
Por favor perdon a pecado won't you come into and save me why sabes que I'm feelin' hollow
So look into your saviors eyes and see tears
Shed for you loco and all these years
[Chorus]
I shed a tear for the vato locked down and then
I shed a tear for his girl waitin' to see him again
It's so hard mi vida but I still try
Workin' hard to make a difference before I die
[Verse 2]
Freakas of the funk yo it's the funk freakas
The dog's out the yard and he's loud in your speakas
Stompin' with my compas or should I say my back up
Crusing in the Impala countin' feria that we stacked up
Delinquents pick the slack up I be the first to act up
Deal with all these puntos but first I fuck the track up
Do what I got to do in the quest for the paper
I don't give a fuck if it puts me in danger
Dealin' with the anger that everyone has
Sometimes it makes me feel like a psychopath
I put it on tape and you know I won't lie
I'll be down with the Habits even after I die
[Chorus]
I shed a tear for you vatos won't you change your ways
I shed a tear for you vatos in these last days
It's so hard mi vida but I still try
Workin' hard to make a difference before I die
[Verse 3]
There must be 50 ways to break it down ya'll
There must be 50 ways to let you know
But now they come like what's up muthafuckas it's best to move back
Click clack goes the cuete snap goes the neck
From your canton right up to my canton
It seems that everybody want to be el mas chingon
We move alone or in packas collect ferria in stockas
We got no love for them ratas chest flesh full of placas
And would you strike me down will I feel the wrath
To protect my own another's life is lost in the aftermath
No indecisions mind state makin' moves with precision
See the good turn bad and confirm that I'm livin'
Between Heaven and Hell this be the gloomy old West
Where many souls get lost and many more lie to rest
[Chorus]
I shed a tear for the vatos in street that's dyin'
I shed a tear for the mamas that's at home cryin'
It's so hard mi vida but I still try
Workin' hard to make a difference before I die
The Delinquent Habits song "Shed a Tear" is a powerful and emotional reflection on the realities of life on the streets, including drug addiction, crime, imprisonment, and the struggles of loved ones left behind. The first verse describes a man locked up in prison, with his girlfriend staying loyal and waiting for him on the outside. The second verse focuses on the rough and dangerous world of gang life and drug dealing, with the singer admitting that he's willing to take risks to make money. The final verse touches on themes of violence, loss, and spiritual uncertainty, with the singer struggling to find his place between heaven and hell.
At its core, "Shed a Tear" is a song about compassion and empathy, urging listeners to recognize the humanity in even the most marginalized and stigmatized members of society. The chorus repeats the line "I shed a tear" multiple times, emphasizing the emotional weight of these issues and the need for collective action to address them.
Line by Line Meaning
I see them punk putos they coolin' by the lockers Sellin' crystal to their women fine freaks turned flaca
I observe young men selling drugs near the lockers, targeting vulnerable women who then become skinny due to addiction.
Your lady say she love you but you locked inside I heard you slipped they caught you rollin' with some dope in your ride
Your woman professes love to you, but you are in prison because you were caught with drugs in your vehicle.
Your lady said she'll wait love don't come cheap She'd rather see in the pinta than six feet deep
Your girlfriend claimed she would wait for you because love should not be sacrificed. She would rather you be in jail than dead.
But can't she see that in the pinta you're a soldier They take ya break ya make ya and mold ya
Doesn't she realize that in prison, you are a warrior who is tested and shaped by the environment?
Every night thinking about the good ol days Look at the picture of your ruca on the wall and pray say Por favor perdon a pecado won't you come into and save me why sabes que I'm feelin' hollow So look into your saviors eyes and see tears Shed for you loco and all these years
Every evening, you think about the past and gaze at your girlfriend's photo on the wall while praying for forgiveness and hoping for redemption. You are aware of your emptiness and hopelessness, but your savior sheds tears for you and your lengthy incarceration.
I shed a tear for the vato locked down and then I shed a tear for his girl waitin' to see him again
I cry for the man who is serving time, and I also weep for his woman who eagerly waits for his release.
It's so hard mi vida but I still try Workin' hard to make a difference before I die
It's challenging, my life, but I keep attempting to bring about positive change even if it exhausts me.
Freakas of the funk yo it's the funk freakas The dog's out the yard and he's loud in your speakas
We are the gangsters of the funk; our music is loud and prevalent in every corner of the street.
Delinquents pick the slack up I be the first to act up Deal with all these puntos but first I fuck the track up
I am the one ready to step up and fight for the cause, even if it requires dealing with drug dealers. First, though, I have to show off my skills on the mic.
Dealin' with the anger that everyone has Sometimes it makes me feel like a psychopath
I have to confront everyone's rage, and it can make me feel crazy at times.
There must be 50 ways to break it down ya'll There must be 50 ways to let you know But now they come like what's up muthafuckas it's best to move back
There are several ways to explain, but sometimes people confront us aggressively, forcing us to retreat.
Click clack goes the cuete snap goes the neck From your canton right up to my canton It seems that everybody wants to be el mas chingon
Sounds of guns and bones breaking are commonplace in our neighborhood. It appears that everybody desires to be the toughest.
Between Heaven and Hell this be the gloomy old West Where many souls get lost and many more lie to rest
This is the eerie and dark West, where people frequently lose their lives, and many are deceased and buried.
I shed a tear for you vatos won't you change your ways I shed a tear for you vatos in these last days
I cry for you, guys, to reform your ways and take the right path, especially in these final moments.
I shed a tear for the vatos in street that's dyin' I shed a tear for the mamas that's at home cryin'
I weep for the boys who die on the streets and leave their mothers grieving at home.
Workin' hard to make a difference before I die
I am determined to work relentlessly to bring about positive changes and make a difference while I am alive.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ALEX MARTINEZ, DAVID THOMAS, IVAN MARTIN, SENEN REYES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind