Something To Say
F.T.E. Lyrics


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They thought all we would do is pick up the rock and slang it
Or we would hop of off them blocks and hitting corner bangin’
Or become rap stars with long money, fast cars, diamond chains, bad broads, but we different though
I know I play into the stereotype, but I’m the only nigga blastin’ out ya stereos right
Cuz my voice speaks the truth, give you new niggas perspective
Teach you how to rap, give you new niggas a lesson
I’m the courier giving you niggas the message
You niggas pathetic, you niggas get deaded
Niggas green with envy get washed quicker than lettuce
Here to change the game, I’m upgrading the meta
Who are you to say we can’t be doctors or dentists
When my homies about to be a biological chemist
He could conjure up a cure or come up with some new medicine
Moving on up like my last name was Jefferson
You niggas music sounding the same, sounding repetitive
Mind numbing like I popped a whole lot of sedatives
Tryna spit some anecdotes and antidote some damaged folks that mentally enslaved
Physically enraged cuz of oppression and depression, I’m tryna bring brighter days
Never was the one to listen to what Simon say
Got lost on my journey but now I’m finding my way
To get the whole world to hear what I got to say
You can’t stop this Black movement, this Black power
When times stops, you gone witness the blackest hour
They take our culture, then act like it wasn’t ours
If you a coon or complacent then you a fucking coward
Oh I forgot you were signed so you fight for yo masters
House nigga ass rappers, yo world is so fucking backwards
Letting a white man dictate the sound of our culture
By perpetuating stereotypes just for the vultures
To blame rappers for all the violence and drug abuse
You got a voice young brother but you ain’t putting it to fucking use




How Becky get the job when Keisha is more qualified
Peep the signs, make a change, then get immortalized

Overall Meaning

In the song Something to Say by F.T.E., the lyrics express the notion that African American people are often unfairly stereotyped in society. The first verse challenges the stereotype that black men can only succeed by selling drugs and other criminal activities. The rapper emphasizes that people from his background can be doctors, dentists, and chemists, and he encourages his audience to strive for success rather than conforming to negative stereotypes.


The second verse moves beyond the realm of individual achievement and addresses systemic issues of oppression and racism. F.T.E. criticizes black artists who perpetuate negative stereotypes for mass appeal in the white-dominated music industry. He also speaks out against the hypocrisy of white people benefiting from black culture while discrediting its origins. He urges listeners to use their voices to create change and demand justice in a society that frequently disadvantages people of color.


Line by Line Meaning

They thought all we would do is pick up the rock and slang it
People believed that our only future was in criminal or illegal activities, such as drug dealing.


Or we would hop of off them blocks and hitting corner bangin’
Another expectation was that we would join gangs and participate in violence and criminal behavior in our neighborhoods.


Or become rap stars with long money, fast cars, diamond chains, bad broads, but we different though
Alternatively, some may have thought we would pursue a career in music and follow the typical, superficial lifestyle often associated with the industry. However, we are not conforming to these stereotypes and expectations.


I know I play into the stereotype, but I’m the only nigga blastin’ out ya stereos right
Despite acknowledging that I may fit into some stereotypes, I am still able to create impactful and relevant music that resonates with people.


Cuz my voice speaks the truth, give you new niggas perspective
My voice and message are authentic and real, providing a fresh outlook and perspective for new listeners.


Teach you how to rap, give you new niggas a lesson
My music not only enlightens but also helps educate and improve the skills of aspiring rappers.


I’m the courier giving you niggas the message
I am a messenger, delivering important and powerful messages through my music.


You niggas pathetic, you niggas get deaded
Those who perpetuate negative stereotypes and fail to educate and uplift others are irrelevant and unimportant in the grander scheme of things.


Niggas green with envy get washed quicker than lettuce
Those who are jealous of others quickly get washed away and ignored, like wilted lettuce.


Here to change the game, I’m upgrading the meta
I am not only challenging norms and expectations but also bringing new ideas and innovations to the music industry.


Who are you to say we can’t be doctors or dentists
People should not dictate or limit the career choices of others based on their race or ethnicity.


When my homies about to be a biological chemist
I personally know someone who is pursuing a career in science, proving that people of color are more than capable of pursuing higher education and scientific endeavors.


He could conjure up a cure or come up with some new medicine
This individual has the potential to make significant advancements in medicine and potentially save countless lives through scientific research and innovation.


Moving on up like my last name was Jefferson
I am making moves and advancing forward, much like the character George Jefferson from the television show The Jeffersons.


You niggas music sounding the same, sounding repetitive
Many current rappers lack originality and creativity, resulting in their music sounding similar and uninspiring.


Mind numbing like I popped a whole lot of sedatives
Some of this music is so bland and uninspiring that it may as well be classified as a sedative.


Tryna spit some anecdotes and antidote some damaged folks that mentally enslaved
Through my music, I am attempting to offer insights, perspectives, and remedies for those who have been mentally and emotionally impacted or enslaved by societal inequalities, oppression, and other negative forces.


Physically enraged cuz of oppression and depression, I’m tryna bring brighter days
I understand how systemic oppression and depression can lead to physical and emotional frustration and pain, and I want to use my music and voice to offer hope and optimism for a brighter future.


Never was the one to listen to what Simon say
I have always been independent and unafraid to defy authority and expectations.


Got lost on my journey but now I’m finding my way
Although I have experienced setbacks and obstacles on my journey, I have persevered and am now finding my path towards success.


To get the whole world to hear what I got to say
I am determined to share my message and music with the entire world and have a significant impact on society.


You can’t stop this Black movement, this Black power
The Black community is strong and resilient, and this movement towards equality and empowerment cannot be stopped.


When times stops, you gone witness the blackest hour
Eventually, society will witness the momentous and historic accomplishments of the Black community and the Black Lives Matter movement.


They take our culture, then act like it wasn’t ours
People of color have had their cultural artifacts and contributions appropriated and appropriated by others, who then act as if they are the original creators or owners.


If you a coon or complacent then you a fucking coward
Those who perpetuate stereotypes and oppression or fail to speak out against it lack courage and integrity.


Oh I forgot you were signed so you fight for yo masters
Artists who have signed contracts with major record labels may be limited in their artistic expression and controlled by these corporations rather than acting as autonomous individuals.


House nigga ass rappers, yo world is so fucking backwards
Artists who prioritize their own monetary gain and success over making meaningful and authentic music and standing up for their community are detrimental to themselves and society as a whole.


Letting a white man dictate the sound of our culture
Major record labels and producers, who are often white and have little understanding or experience with Black culture, have significant control over the sound and direction of Black music.


By perpetuating stereotypes just for the vultures
These industry professionals are more concerned with profit and commercial success than positive representation and creative expression.


To blame rappers for all the violence and drug abuse
Many people blame rappers and hip hop culture for societal problems like violence and drug abuse, despite these issues being much more complex and systemic.


You got a voice young brother but you ain’t putting it to fucking use
Many young people have the potential and opportunity to create meaningful and impactful art or enact positive change, but they may fall short by not taking action or speaking out.


How Becky get the job when Keisha is more qualified
People of color, and specifically Black women, are often overlooked or faced with discrimination in the workplace despite being more qualified than their white counterparts.


Peep the signs, make a change, then get immortalized
By recognizing the signs of inequality and inequity and taking action to create positive change, one can leave a lasting impact and legacy.




Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Nicholas Stroud

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

DuckyVader

This is the shit right here! Fuckin bumps in the whip!

x x

this song helped me get through 2008-9. This song hits hard, and is loud as fuck.

Jay Cruz

Jay all day

IllyRock

Still lettn this track knock in the whip, anthem for forever....there needs to be a video for this track!

RayBurger (old channel)

Jesus this shit goes hard!

SkywalkerFSU

i love this song

Akon Fenty

This song go hard. Nation go ham 4reel. F.T.E do it big. LIL FENTY |3KE|

Faith And Pixie Dust

This is my shit. I remember back in the day me and my sister used to bump to this shit

PGTRILLFAM

This my shit the streets needs nation come back

Christina C

dis shyt #gohard

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