After a scene-stealing appearance on The Alchemist's 2012 album Russian Roulette and some buzz-building early singles, hip-hop's newest supergroup is ready to take the spotlight. Consisting of Cali-bred emcees Planet Asia, Killer Ben, and Tristate, Durag Dynasty is the latest project presented by The Alchemist. Durag Dyansty's debut album 360 Waves (entirely produced by The Alchemist) was released on March 26, 2013.
While Planet Asia has enjoyed an extensive career dating back to the late 90s, Killer Ben and Tristate are newer artists. Fortunately, the latter two are no less capable of rocking the mic, and both get a stamp of approval from Alchemist. "Tristate is a professional wizard," he says. "Killer Ben is a rare combination of a certified larynx surgeon and a schoolyard bully." Joining the three co-stars is a star-studded lineup of guests, including Prodigy, Evidence, Phil da Agony, Chace Infinite, and more. Expect head-nodding hip-hop and, in The Alchemist's words, "stretchable polyester rhythms."
Yasir Arafat Prelude
Durag Dynasty Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The force kept here in my draws yep
So sprint till it's lost breath
My cost bets force quick
You niggas just cross dress
And rock crosses on your chest
Never see me rockin' the cross of death
Pilot of the mosh pit
Cock fist, Black Panther punch with a drop kick
Mach fifth karate go c-razy with the shotty
Arab body but stimulate your soul like pilates
Tactical trilateral annual animal
Black manual Hannibal black
Magic to magical slap
Backwards sabbatical clap
Cabbage compatible that
Patterns attachable facts
Niggas with actual facts
The lyrics to Durag Dynasty's song Yasir Arafat Prelude are filled with references to power, strength, and even politics. The first verse speaks to a sense of hidden power, as if the singer is keeping something valuable in their draws that they can bring out when necessary. The force is a tool to win bets and overcome opponents who are weaker, represented by the metaphor of cross-dressing. This verse sets the tone for the rest of the song, which continues to use physical strength and power as a theme.
The second verse ramps up the intensity, with the singer referring to themselves as the pilot of the mosh pit and invoking the image of the Black Panthers as a symbol of strength and resistance. They describe themselves as a martial artist, utilizing the mach fifth (which could refer to the fifth level of martial arts training) and the shotty (a shotgun) to defeat their enemies. Even though they identify as an Arab, they are still able to stimulate the listener's soul with their words.
In general, the song is an ode to power and strength in various forms. The singer is clearly proud of their abilities and takes pleasure in asserting their dominance over others. The specific references to cross-dressing and the Black Panthers may also indicate a political subtext, with the singer aligning themselves with groups that have historically fought for power and representation.
Line by Line Meaning
We bringin' it to your doorstep
We are taking our message directly to you.
The force kept here in my draws yep
The strength I possess is always with me, ready to be unleashed.
So sprint till it's lost breath
Hurry and run until you can't run anymore.
My cost bets force quick
My investments lead to fast and powerful outcomes.
You niggas just cross dress
You are not genuine, pretending to be something you're not.
And rock crosses on your chest
You wear symbols of a religion you don't truly believe in.
Never see me rockin' the cross of death
I refuse to wear a symbol of oppression and hate.
Crash course cockpit
An intense and fast-paced learning experience.
Pilot of the mosh pit
Leading the chaotic and energetic crowd with skill and precision.
Cock fist, Black Panther punch with a drop kick
A powerful and unexpected attack, reminiscent of the Black Panthers and their revolutionary spirit.
Mach fifth karate go c-razy with the shotty
My speed and precision in combat is unmatched, and I am deadly with a firearm.
Arab body but stimulate your soul like pilates
Although I am Arab, my music and message can inspire and challenge anyone, regardless of their background.
Tactical trilateral annual animal
A strategic and well-planned approach to taking over and dominating.
Black manual Hannibal black
A guidebook to success and domination, inspired by the tactics of Hannibal.
Magic to magical slap
Using my power and influence to put others in their place.
Backwards sabbatical clap
Taking time off to recharge and refocus, in preparation for a powerful return.
Cabbage compatible that
My message and values are in line with those who are struggling and oppressed.
Patterns attachable facts
The evidence of oppression and inequality is clear and consistent.
Niggas with actual facts
We are not afraid to speak truth to power and make change happen.
Contributed by Alexander M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.