Hard Hitters
Dilated Peoples Lyrics

Stories 'bout the angels of brotherly love
This song is about the love that brothers and sisters share for each other.

This is for the sisters and brothers we love "Come on"
Dilated Peoples is dedicating this song to the siblings we hold dear.

We care enough to give it uncut, straight up
This song is straightforward and honest.

With no chaser 'cause time don't wait up
There's no time to waste, so the group is getting straight to the point.

that's why we're sending cats back to the lab "Worldwide"
Dilated Peoples is challenging other rappers to improve their craft and get better.

The microphone's up for grabs
The group is calling out to other rappers to step up and challenge them on the mic.

that's why we're sending cats back to the lab "Evidence"
The group is calling out Evidence specifically to up his game.

The microphone's up for grabs
The group is still calling out to other rappers to step up and challenge them on the mic.

Yo
Evidence is taking the mic for his part in the song.

Hunters and gatherers, Nomads in Attica
Evidence is using metaphors to describe rappers wandering through the rap landscape.

Radical Terrorists and those who tally up the data
Evidence is grouping extremist rappers in with those who focus on the business side of things.

What matters most is they can boast
Rappers are mainly concerned with boasting about their accomplishments.

But scatter when toast is close
When faced with danger, these rappers will run away.

Burners pressed to your throat you ghost
If a gun is put to a rapper's throat, they'll disappear like a ghost.

Of course
Evidence is acknowledging the obvious here.

You could chose to go against the force
Rappers can choose to resist the pressure to conform.

I'll fire straight ahead
Evidence is determined and focused on his goals.

There'll be no mission abort
Evidence won't give up on his goals no matter what adversities he may face.

We can take it to the streets or take it to court
Evidence is suggesting that the group will fight for their success wherever necessary.

Supreme shit get hit over your fort, open the door
Great rap skills will knock down the barriers that some rappers have put up.

We've opened up for different artists on tour
Dilated Peoples has opened up for other musicians while on tour.

Sixty percent love, Forty percent war,
Most of the time, Dilated Peoples spreads love and good vibes, but they are also willing to stand their ground and fight.

Let's settle the score
Dilated Peoples wants to establish who is the best in the rap game.

Most things are rot at the core
Many things in life may look good on the outside, but there's usually something wrong at their core.

Not what they seem
Dilated Peoples wants to expose the truth of these seemingly good things in life.

Watch the two worlds you're stuck in between
The group is cautioning rappers to be wary of the two different worlds they find themselves in (the rap world and the real world).

Or pay the penalty
If rappers don't heed their warning, they'll suffer the consequences.

Zero strikes, Zero Felonies
Dilated Peoples has a clean record and has never gotten into any legal trouble.

Lay low ??Hokito?? master
Evidence is referencing a famous martial arts master to say that he's laying low and avoiding trouble.

Redirecting energy
Dilated Peoples is refocusing their energy towards their music.

I use words similar but none sound fresher than
Evidence is acknowledging that there are many other rappers out there, but the way he uses words is unique.

"Three of us who rap together"
Dilated Peoples is reminding listeners that they are a group of three individuals working together.

Aiyyo you could probably find Rakaa at the rockery
Rakaa is saying that he's probably at a coffee shop in Amsterdam.

Puffin' A K Sippin Cafe Au Lait
Rakaa is smoking weed and drinking coffee.

In Amsterdam chillin in the cafe all day
Rakaa is content to spend his days in a laid-back coffee shop.

Bang my shit between classes in your school hallways
Rakaa's music is perfect for playing on your headphones between classes.

You're fuckin' with expansion all-access
Rakaa's music is all about expansion and growth.

Hard journeys make you treat your mic like a cactus
Rakaa is saying that tough experiences make you appreciate your craft more.

Rap iconoclast that loves to sound flash
Rakaa is describing himself as a trailblazer who likes to sound cool.

And sticky green grass with orange and brown hash
Rakaa likes to smoke weed.

Take your tape up and take this on
Rakaa is challenging other rappers to step up and take him on.

I heard anything that does not kill will make strong
Rakaa is suggesting that trials and tribulations only make you stronger.

And I build one of the sickest holding this still
Rakaa is proud of his unique style of rapping.

You need a dose of eccinacea with a little golden seal
Rakaa is referencing natural remedies for good health.

If you boots turn up my two boots
Rakaa is saying that if you mess with him, he'll retaliate.

Babu slice and dice your crew and produce hits
Babu, Dilated Peoples' DJ, will take your crew apart with his scratching skills.

Misunderstandings go back to the blues but ah-
Rakaa is referencing the blues genre and how its themes of hardship and struggle still apply to modern music.

There ain't nothing like hip hop music
Rakaa believes that hip hop is the best music genre.

Live everyday like its your last
Black Thought is reminding listeners to live life to the fullest.

'Cause one day ??you'd fight??, my nigga
Black Thought is saying that time is short and can be taken away at any moment.

Fuck around son it might be tonight cause figure
You never know when the end might come, so it's best to live life without regrets.

The likeliness of you surviving this brawl is slim
Black Thought is suggesting that life is a constant battle and your chances of living a long happy life are slim.

It's like scuba diving with no oxygen
Living without purpose or direction is like being underwater without a source of air.

Monster when I situate my slang
Black Thought turns into a lyrical beast when he starts rapping.

Leave a nigga almost brainless once and bang
Black Thought's rhymes are so good that they might leave you speechless.

Had a crowd screamin bout how they don't want your thang
Black Thought is so good that even your fans will reject you for him.

Keep it the sharpest one in the game its no secret
Black Thought is always on his game and everyone knows it.

My style is certified , Philly-Animal rough
Black Thought's unique style is unmistakably rough and raw like his hometown of Philadelphia.

Runnin' things, pull more strings than gamble and huff
Black Thought has a lot of power and connections.

Cannibal hustlers taught me how to handle myself
Black Thought has learned a lot from his life experiences and has become wiser as a result.

hit man for hire pull a hot pick from shelf and spark
Black Thought has lethal rhymes and can take out any rapper who dares to step to him.

The pioneer to represent illadelph is Thought
Black Thought is proud to represent his hometown.

I got these weak niggas pullin theyselves apart
Black Thought is so good that he makes his opponents crumble under pressure.

why'all know the tone the one that hold the throne
Black Thought is the king of the rap game and everyone knows it.

That radiate your dome like a motorola phone nigga*echoes*
Black Thought's rhymes will stay in your head like a catchy jingle.

Dilated*echoes*
The song ends with a final shoutout to Dilated Peoples.