First step
Diamond District Lyrics


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The Holy Tri, who else could do it? You know it's only them!
Back like the rapture, still doing it for the capital
Worldwide now, we like Earth, Wind & Fire
Suburb fly sound, but now bout to take the high of
DC Voltron, Mozart, Beethoven, Bach
Quotables in the wash, and applause y'all
Do it for the cap like we over budget
And overdo it, cause we do it like nobody does it
A young'n, which y'all like the best-o
Five mic the Metro, a hand sight, freedom for the ghetto
We claiming the torch, claiming they wrong
We came in the door, dropping along till the gimmicks put a stop in the pause
Let's say hello to the ending!
What started you all but your intentions?
The rhythm was the root of it all
See you later, it's never goodbye
When a spurr comes back in the music, now you know why
March!

Wale? This is the ship that took the scale
When you ride up on the empty, almost gotta lift the tail
A young'n hunger like you're missing meals, different feels
Spinnin' wheels, you tryna live your dream till it kills
Romans get stolen like the feet that still in fail
No zooming on any human more than you do yourself
You get the L?! Just know, by the end of the day the true did it well
If not than keep rocking, locking your talking and bang!
Aim high, cause otherwise you'll see I love life, bitch
I push forward,??? don't nobody owe Mike shit
I do what make more sense and roll with great folks
That ain't no glitch, we make pesos and stay focused
Upon the greater that lay-off for later, that may never come
Now also get the choke that's be taken for anyone
Twart not the rhyme, never stop, knowing them cops won't come
But still be March on Washington
Come on!

This is what I give ‘em, wisdom over rhythm
From the District to the prison with??? stars as the emblem
We all get what I came from, they doing now what I been, than
They doing???, from extra I make an income
I'm a beast from the East, the product of hard streets
Hard to eat – smaller the beast, margin larger the teeth
Man, it's just the way it go, if I wanna say it so
Say it knowing ye ain't posting too high to be layin' low
Different day, same shit, same script, different play
This is the way of the world and I'm just tryna fit in place
And tryna play the part of a mockery to my art
So anything I do is a part of me from the start
I'm getting better sleep while these niggas lying awake
Keep it moving with the troop while niggas lying in place
Only fill deals on the counter, ain't for the fakes!
DMV, we'll be known as the greatest!
Keep up with the pace!





[Scratched

Overall Meaning

The Diamond District's "First Step" is an ode to their hometown of Washington D.C. and the struggles they faced as aspiring musicians trying to make it in the industry. The opening lines assert the group's confidence in their abilities and claim that they are the only ones who could achieve what they have. They compare themselves to iconic groups like Earth, Wind & Fire, and reference classical composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and Bach to emphasize their unique blend of sounds.


Throughout the song, they speak about overcoming obstacles, staying true to their roots, and striving for success. They mention the challenges of growing up in poverty, losing friends to violence, and being underestimated as musicians from the suburbs. However, they also express gratitude for the opportunities they've been given and the support they've received from their community.


The chorus, "March!", serves as a call to action for listeners to keep pushing forward and never give up on their dreams, even in the face of adversity. The final line, "Come on!", encourages unity and a shared commitment to making positive change.


Overall, "First Step" is a powerful anthem that celebrates determination, perseverance, and the power of music to uplift and inspire. It showcases the Diamond District's unique blend of styles and their deep connection to their hometown and its rich history.


* The Diamond District consists of rappers Oddisee, Uptown XO, and yU.
* The group formed in 2009 and released their debut album, "In The Ruff", in 2009.
* "First Step" is featured on their second album, "March On Washington", released in 2014.
* The album's title is a reference to the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, a historic civil rights event.
* Many of the album's tracks deal with themes of social justice, including police brutality, gentrification, and racial inequality.
* The album was praised for its politically charged lyrics, innovative production, and the group's unique blend of jazz, soul, and hip-hop.
* The Diamond District has been praised for their live performances and energetic stage presence.
* Oddisee, who produces most of the group's music, is also a successful solo artist and has collaborated with artists like Kendrick Lamar and J.Cole.
* Uptown XO is known for his socially conscious lyrics and has worked with organizations like the Million Hoodies Movement for Justice.
* yU is an introspective rapper and producer who has worked on a number of solo projects in addition to his work with the Diamond District.


Chords: Currently unknown.


Line by Line Meaning

The Holy Tri, who else could do it? You know it's only them!
Referring to Diamond District as the Holy Trinity and emphasizing that nobody else could do what they do.


Back like the rapture, still doing it for the capital
Comparing their return to the rapture and stating that they are still making music for the District of Columbia (the capital).


Worldwide now, we like Earth, Wind & Fire
Comparing themselves to the legendary group Earth, Wind & Fire and acknowledging their global reach.


Suburb fly sound, but now bout to take the high of
Acknowledging their unique sound and expressing their desire to elevate it to new heights.


DC Voltron, Mozart, Beethoven, Bach
Comparing themselves to the animated superhero Voltron and classical music legends Mozart, Beethoven, and Bach.


Quotables in the wash, and applause y'all
Acknowledging the praise they have received for their memorable lyrics.


Do it for the cap like we over budget
Expressing their dedication to making music for the District of Columbia, even if it means going over budget.


And overdo it, cause we do it like nobody does it
Emphasizing their unique style and determination to stand out in the industry.


A young'n, which y'all like the best-o
Referring to themselves as young artists and questioning which one the listeners prefer.


Five mic the Metro, a hand sight, freedom for the ghetto
Achieving a five-star rating by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority and using their platform to bring attention to the struggles in the inner city.


We claiming the torch, claiming they wrong
Asserting their place in the rap world and criticizing those who doubt their talent.


We came in the door, dropping along till the gimmicks put a stop in the pause
Entering the music industry with their own style and only stopping because of attention-seeking gimmicks.


Let's say hello to the ending!
Greeting the end of the song or album.


What started you all but your intentions?
Questioning the listeners what drove them to start listening to Diamond District and their intentions behind it.


The rhythm was the root of it all
Emphasizing the importance of rhythm in their music and its role in their success.


See you later, it's never goodbye
Saying goodbye to the listeners but assuring them that it's not the end.


When a spurr comes back in the music, now you know why
Explaining that they put their own spin on their music and that is why it's distinct.


March!
Encouraging the listeners to march forward in life and keep pushing forward.


Wale? This is the ship that took the scale
Referencing Wale and stating that their music is just as influential as his.


When you ride up on the empty, almost gotta lift the tail
Describing the struggle of starting with nothing and having to work hard to get somewhere.


A young'n hunger like you're missing meals, different feels
Describing the hunger to succeed and the drive to do whatever it takes.


Spinnin' wheels, you tryna live your dream till it kills
Acknowledging the struggle to balance chasing dreams and living life in general.


Romans get stolen like the feet that still in fail
Referencing historical events and comparing it to people who have been robbed of opportunities to succeed.


No zooming on any human more than you do yourself
Stressing the importance of self-reflection and not judging others too harshly.


You get the L?! Just know, by the end of the day the true did it well
Acknowledging that taking a loss is inevitable but remaining confident in their ability to succeed in the long run.


If not than keep rocking, locking your talking and bang!
Encouraging listeners to keep pushing forward and to let their actions speak louder than their words.


Aim high, cause otherwise you'll see I love life, bitch
Stressing the importance of setting high goals because it'll make life more fulfilling.


I push forward,??? don't nobody owe Mike shit
Continuing to strive for success and acknowledging that nobody owes them anything.


I do what make more sense and roll with great folks
Doing what makes the most sense for their career and surrounding themselves with talented individuals.


That ain't no glitch, we make pesos and stay focused
Reiterating that their success is not a coincidence and emphasizing the importance of staying focused.


Upon the greater that lay-off for later, that may never come
Prioritizing the bigger picture and the possibilities of the future.


Now also get the choke that's be taken for anyone
Succeeding against all odds and overcoming obstacles.


Twart not the rhyme, never stop, knowing them cops won't come
Continuing to make music and refusing to be silenced, even when facing adversity.


But still be March on Washington
Acknowledging the significance of the March on Washington and their determination to continue fighting for justice.


Come on!
Encouraging the listeners to keep pushing forward and stay motivated.


This is what I give ‘em, wisdom over rhythm
Stating that their music is not just about the rhythm but also the knowledge and wisdom they impart through it.


From the District to the prison with??? stars as the emblem
Making music for everyone, even those in prison and emphasizing their connection to the District of Columbia.


We all get what I came from, they doing now what I been, than
Acknowledging that some people may be copying their style or following in their footsteps.


They doing???, from extra I make an income
Making more than just music, but also profiting from other ventures.


I'm a beast from the East, the product of hard streets
Growing up in a tough environment and coming out stronger because of it.


Hard to eat – smaller the beast, margin larger the teeth
Expressing the difficulty of succeeding in the rap industry and the importance of being strong and assertive.


Man, it's just the way it go, if I wanna say it so
Accepting that the rap industry is tough and expressing themselves through their music regardless.


Say it knowing ye ain't posting too high to be layin' low
Being honest in their lyrics and not pretending to be someone they're not.


Different day, same shit, same script, different play
Acknowledging that life can be repetitive, but it's important to approach it with a fresh perspective and a different strategy.


This is the way of the world and I'm just tryna fit in place
Accepting the realities of the world and trying to find their place in it.


And tryna play the part of a mockery to my art
Working to be taken seriously as a musician and artist.


So anything I do is a part of me from the start
Ensuring that all of their work is genuine and reflects their true self.


I'm getting better sleep while these niggas lying awake
Succeeding and finding peace while their competitors struggle and worry about their own success.


Keep it moving with the troop while niggas lying in place
Continuing to progress and succeed while others stay stagnant.


Only fill deals on the counter, ain't for the fakes!
Only working with genuine individuals and not compromising their principles for the sake of success.


DMV, we'll be known as the greatest!
Recognizing the talent and success of the rap scene in the DMV (District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia) and proclaiming that they will be remembered as the greatest.


Keep up with the pace!
Encouraging listeners to keep up with the fast-paced industry and continue pushing forward.




Contributed by John F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

Wilson Mukuha

Hip Hop is still alive.....thanks to dope tracks and artists like we have here......Much respect

BoChosen

Diamond District never drops anything less than stellar, imo.  Never gets old!!!

mrpostman730

My ears cant get ENOUGH of this!!! DOPENESS PERSONIFIED!!!

KevinF902

man i feeeel u. these cats r the future straight up

IAmWhomUPray2

Sick rhymes and raw video... people talk about collabs that need to happen, this is all that I needed in my life to see collabed.

David Huntley

Preach!

Mr. AsHe Music PR

this is what real hiphop needs, good music, good beats, rhymes, flows, the basics

serious sam

oh my god, cans stop bumpin this fire.. Oddisee, whole MMG squad is just pure gold and only real hip-hop heads and real music lovers recognize pure quality and creation from heart and feel the energy :D

Kambui Bomani

that was solid. If hip hop followed these guys standards today lyrically, the music may have a deeper meaning than surface desires.

H. Jones

Flames. If March tops the first album, I'll be impressed, because I still bump the first album all the time.

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