Juice
Eric B.and Rakim Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Sip the juice 'cause I got enough to go around
And the thought takes place uptown
I grew up on the sidewalk where I learned street talk
And then taught to hawk New York
I go to Queens for queens to get the crew from Brooklyn
Make money in Manhattan and never been tooken
Go Uptown and the Bronx to boogie down
Get strong on the Island, recoupe, and lay around
Time to bulid my juice back up
Props back up, suckers get smacked up
Don't doubt the clout, you know what I'm about
Knocking niggaz off, knocking niggas out
Shaking em up, waking em up
Raking em up, breaking em up
Standing on shaky grounds too close to the edge
Let's see if I know the ledge

Corners' trifling 'cause shorty's here
I get cock-d liffin' forty's of beer
Here's a sip for the crew that's deceased
If I get revenge, then they rest in peace

Somebody's got to suffer, I just might spare one
And give a brother a fair one
Stay alert and on "p's"
And I do work with these- like Hercules
Switch to southpaw, split your right jaw
'Cause I don't like y'all, I'm hype when night fall
Smooth but I move like an army
Bulletproof down in case brothers try to bomb me
Putting brothers to rest like Elliot ness
'Cause I don't like stress
Streets ain't a place for innocent bystanders to stand
Nutting's gonna stop the plan
I'll chill like Pacino, kill like DeNiro
Black Gambino, die like a hero
Living on shaky grounds too close to the edge
Let's see if I know the ledge!

Shells lay around on the battleground
Dead bodies are found throughout the town
Tried to put shame in my game to make a name, I'm a
Put it on a bullet, put it in your brain
Rip the block like a buckshot
Who cares where it goes, just keep the casket closed
No remorse when a life is lost
I paid my dues- paid the cost
And my pockets are still fat
Wherever I'm at, I get the welcome mat
Even if my crew steep with one deep
I attract attention, people like to peep
So come say hi to the badguy
Don't say goodbye, I don't plan to die
'Cause I get loose and I got troops
And crazy juice
In control of many like Ayatollah Khomeini
Hang out wit Smith and Wesson, don't try to play me
I'm at war a lot, like Anwar Sadat
But no warning shot, my gun is warm alot
When I cook beef, the smoke will never clear
Areas in fear but this here's a fear
Living life too close to the edge
Hoping that I know the ledge

A brand new morn, no time to yawn
Shower's on, power's on
Late for school, I catch the train
Girls sip "Cristal" and whisper my name
I push up like an exercise
Check the intellect and inspect the thighs
Select the best one, pull her to the side
Keep her occupied for the rest of the ride
Read my resume she's know I'm 'ready cool
Just meet me after school
We can moan and groan until your mom come home
And you be calling me Al "dope" Capone
Sweatin' me, she didn't want to let me loose
Come get me, that's if you want to sip the juice
Cause the streets await me, so I take my gun off safety
Cause a lot of niggaz hate me
Coming out of the building, they set me up
Sprayed wit automatics, they wet me up




In a puddle of blood, I lay close to the edge
I guess I didn't know the ledge

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of the song "Juice" by Eric B. and Rakim portray the violent lifestyle of living on the streets of New York City. The theme of the song is about staying strong and in control in a dangerous environment always living on the edge. The first few verses talk about the different neighborhoods of New York where Rakim has hustled, making money in a dangerous environment. The chorus is a warning to Rakim and others that living on the streets can lead to dangerous situations and falling off the edge, it is important to always remain composed and know the ledge, meaning, know when to step back from potentially fatal situations.


The latter part of the song, however, presents a more poignant message. It talks about the cost of living within such an environment, the loss of friends, and the possibility of coming up against someone's revenge. The third verse talks about how one can no longer play around, as the variables of life itself are unexpected. Having may resources surely does not guarantee survival in such an environment. Finally, the song ends with a critical reminder of the consequences of not knowing the ledge; one can easily fall off the edge and pay the ultimate price for taking risks beyond their control.


Line by Line Meaning

Sip the juice 'cause I got enough to go around
Enjoy the success and abundance in life because I have plenty to share with others.


And the thought takes place uptown
These ideas and experiences occur in an urban setting where I have grown and acquired street-smarts.


I grew up on the sidewalk where I learned street talk
My upbringing in the city streets exposed me to the language and culture of the urban environment.


And then taught to hawk New York
I was taught to hustle and make money in the bustling city of New York.


I go to Queens for queens to get the crew from Brooklyn
I travel to Queens to connect with powerful women and gather a crew of talented individuals from Brooklyn.


Make money in Manhattan and never been tooken
I successfully earn money in the wealthy area of Manhattan without being taken advantage of.


Go Uptown and the Bronx to boogie down
I visit Uptown and the Bronx for vibrant and energetic entertainment and celebrations.


Get strong on the Island, recoupe, and lay around
I regather my strength and relax on the island, recovering from the challenges I face in the city.


Time to bulid my juice back up
It's time for me to rebuild my power, influence, and reputation.


Props back up, suckers get smacked up
I regain the respect and admiration of others while asserting dominance over those who oppose me.


Don't doubt the clout, you know what I'm about
Do not underestimate my influence and authority, as you are aware of my intentions and capabilities.


Knocking niggaz off, knocking niggas out
I am defeating and overpowering my adversaries, both physically and metaphorically.


Shaking em up, waking em up
I am causing disruption and awakening others to the realities and consequences of their actions.


Raking em up, breaking em up
I am gathering wealth and power while dismantling and defeating those who oppose me.


Standing on shaky grounds too close to the edge
I am taking risks and residing in unstable circumstances that are perilously close to failure or danger.


Let's see if I know the ledge
Let's test if I possess the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate and overcome these precarious situations.


Corners' trifling 'cause shorty's here
The corners of the city are causing trouble and disorder because I am present and making an impact.


I get cock-d liffin' forty's of beer
I enjoy drinking forty-ounce bottles of beer with confidence and swagger.


Here's a sip for the crew that's deceased
I raise my drink in honor of those in my crew who are no longer alive.


If I get revenge, then they rest in peace
If I seek vengeance on those who harmed my crew, they will find tranquility and forgiveness in death.


Somebody's got to suffer, I just might spare one
Someone must face the consequences and suffer for their actions, and I may choose to show mercy to a select few.


And give a brother a fair one
I will engage in a fair fight and grant an opportunity for redemption to my fellow brother.


Stay alert and on "p's"
Remain vigilant and cautious, always aware of potential threats and dangers.


And I do work with these- like Hercules
I am skilled and labor tirelessly, comparing myself to the legendary hero Hercules.


Switch to southpaw, split your right jaw
I utilize my left hand and deliver a powerful punch to fracture your right jaw.


'Cause I don't like y'all, I'm hype when night fall
I have no fondness for you all, and I become energetic and excited when the night descends.


Smooth but I move like an army
I possess a calm and collected demeanor while exhibiting strategic and coordinated movements like an army.


Bulletproof down in case brothers try to bomb me
I wear bulletproof protection as a precaution against potential attacks or assassination attempts.


Putting brothers to rest like Elliot ness
I am bringing an end to the activities and influence of rival brothers, likening myself to Elliot Ness, a famous law enforcement agent.


'Cause I don't like stress
I prefer to live a stress-free life and avoid unnecessary conflicts.


Streets ain't a place for innocent bystanders to stand
The streets are not a safe environment for innocent individuals to remain idle.


Nutting's gonna stop the plan
No obstacles or setbacks can halt or disrupt my intentions and strategies.


I'll chill like Pacino, kill like DeNiro
I will remain calm and composed like Al Pacino while executing my actions with deadly precision and intensity like Robert DeNiro.


Black Gambino, die like a hero
I am a powerful and influential figure like the notorious Gambino crime family, prepared to die valiantly if necessary.


Living on shaky grounds too close to the edge
My existence is characterized by uncertainty and danger due to my proximity to potentially disastrous or harmful situations.


Let's see if I know the ledge!
Let's determine if I possess the necessary knowledge and understanding to navigate and triumph over these perilous circumstances.


Shells lay around on the battleground
Empty bullet casings are scattered on the battlefield, symbolizing the violence and conflict taking place.


Dead bodies are found throughout the town
The corpses of those who have perished can be discovered in various locations within the city.


Tried to put shame in my game to make a name, I'm a
People attempted to tarnish my reputation and hinder my success in order to gain recognition, but I refuse to let them succeed.


Put it on a bullet, put it in your brain
I will retaliate by inflicting harm on my enemies, specifically targeting their minds with a bullet of retribution.


Rip the block like a buckshot
I penetrate and dominate the neighborhood with force and impact, like the wide spread of a shotgun blast.


Who cares where it goes, just keep the casket closed
I act without concern for the consequences or destination, but ensure that death and its repercussions are finalized and concealed.


No remorse when a life is lost
I feel no regret or guilt when someone's life is taken in the pursuit of my goals or self-defense.


I paid my dues- paid the cost
I have earned my place and endured the necessary sacrifices and hardships to achieve my current position.


And my pockets are still fat
Despite the challenges, I continue to accumulate wealth and maintain financial abundance.


Wherever I'm at, I get the welcome mat
My presence and reputation precede me, ensuring a warm welcome and respect wherever I go.


Even if my crew steep with one deep
Even if I am accompanied by only a few trusted individuals, we command attention, as our strength and unity exceed numerical limitations.


I attract attention, people like to peep
I generate curiosity and interest from others who are eager to observe and learn from my actions and lifestyle.


So come say hi to the badguy
Approach and greet the notorious individual who is seen as the antagonist or antihero.


Don't say goodbye, I don't plan to die
Do not bid farewell to me, as I do not have any intentions of meeting my demise.


'Cause I get loose and I got troops
I become uninhibited and unrestricted in my actions, supported by a loyal group of followers and allies.


And crazy juice
I possess a wild and unpredictable nature, driven by a potent and intoxicating energy.


In control of many like Ayatollah Khomeini
I wield authority and influence over a large number of individuals, similar to the power held by Ayatollah Khomeini.


Hang out wit Smith and Wesson, don't try to play me
I associate myself with powerful firearms like Smith and Wesson, warning others not to underestimate or challenge me.


I'm at war a lot, like Anwar Sadat
I frequently find myself in conflict and battling adversaries, drawing parallels to the late Egyptian president Anwar Sadat.


But no warning shot, my gun is warm alot
I do not issue warnings before engaging in combat, as my weapon is always ready and primed for action.


When I cook beef, the smoke will never clear
When I engage in conflicts or disputes, the consequences and tension will persist and linger indefinitely.


Areas in fear but this here's a fear
The surrounding areas are gripped with fear and apprehension, but my presence itself evokes a sense of fear and respect.


Living life too close to the edge
My existence is characterized by constantly being in dangerous and precarious situations.


Hoping that I know the ledge
I remain hopeful that I possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and instincts to navigate these treacherous circumstances successfully.


A brand new morn, no time to yawn
The start of a fresh day, with no time to waste on laziness or lethargy.


Shower's on, power's on
Preparing myself for the day with a refreshing shower, revitalizing my energy and confidence.


Late for school, I catch the train
In a hurry to get to school, I quickly catch the train to ensure I am not tardy.


Girls sip "Cristal" and whisper my name
Girls indulge in luxury and expensive drinks like Cristal Champagne while whispering my name with admiration and desire.


I push up like an exercise
I impress and flirt with girls by confidently approaching them, akin to the physical exertion of a workout.


Check the intellect and inspect the thighs
I assess a girl's intelligence and attractiveness, examining both her intellect and physical beauty.


Select the best one, pull her to the side
After evaluating various options, I choose the most appealing girl and separate her from the rest.


Keep her occupied for the rest of the ride
I engage her in conversation and activities to captivate her attention throughout the journey.


Read my resume she's know I'm 'ready cool
As she reads my reputation and past experiences, she realizes that I possess a confident and cool demeanor.


Just meet me after school
I arrange for her to meet me after school, implying a romantic or intimate encounter.


We can moan and groan until your mom come home
We can engage in sexual activities and pleasure each other until her mother returns home.


And you be calling me Al "dope" Capone
She will refer to me as a powerful and influential figure, comparing me to the infamous gangster Al Capone.


Sweatin' me, she didn't want to let me loose
She is infatuated with me and reluctant to release her grip on our connection.


Come get me, that's if you want to sip the juice
If she desires to experience the same level of excitement and power I possess, she should pursue a relationship with me.


Cause the streets await me, so I take my gun off safety
The unpredictable and potentially dangerous streets demand my presence, prompting me to remove the safety from my firearm.


'Cause a lot of niggaz hate me
Due to my influence and success, many individuals harbor animosity and resentment towards me.


Coming out of the building, they set me up
As I exit a building, my enemies scheme and plan to trap or ambush me.


Sprayed wit automatics, they wet me up
I am targeted by gunfire from automatic weapons, resulting in me getting hit and soaked in blood.


In a puddle of blood, I lay close to the edge
Bleeding and injured, I find myself in a critical condition, teetering on the brink of disaster.


I guess I didn't know the ledge
My lack of awareness and knowledge of the danger and risks ultimately led to this disastrous outcome.




Lyrics Β© Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ERIC BARRIER, WILLIAM GRIFFIN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@jumahamis227

Its a blasphemy not to honor Rakim as one of the greatest MCS ever lived

@Salman.khan786

juma hamis Facts!!!! πŸ™ŒπŸ½πŸ™ŒπŸ½πŸ‘πŸ½πŸ‘πŸ½

@archiejackson2315

And u know that...

@Kayzef2003

Nobody ever dared.

@rohaaniidaalii9758

The greatest ever. ...goat

@SAMack-xd2fn

He is number 1

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@JBalla20

It’s so crazy that Rakim did the drums for this beat. He killed it

@toshizohijikata9164

NATIONAL TREASURE

@3hooks781

Dude's musician for sure! Also plays sax!

@TheArknessm

Wow, didn't know that. Respect the God MC even more now

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