Funky 97
Five Fingers of Funk Lyrics

Funky fresh tracks I'm strapped with a pack
I have new, exciting songs and I am ready to showcase them to the world.

Pump the real rap false crap to the back
I am determined to promote authentic rap music over fake, poorly made ones.

I stay true to the vibe and the flavor the old school
I remain committed to the traditional hip-hop style and its distinguishing features.

Gave you what all others lacked
I provided what was missing in other hip-hop music.

Integrity contained in the grain of the lines
My lyrics contain honesty and are true to life.

Artistic expression conveyed in the rhymes
I use my music to express my creativity and unique perspective.

Critics dismissed it and dissed it and wished it would die
Despite initial criticism and haters, I persevered through and continued to make music.

But it lifted and strengthened the mind
My music inspired listeners and empowered them to become stronger individuals.

Now the nineties are here so have fear it's getting washed out
The hip-hop industry has become oversaturated, leading to a decline in quality and originality.

All the original vibes are being tossed out
Authentic hip-hop sounds and styles are being ignored and replaced with generic ones.

Taken from the streets and jacked for the beats
Mainstream companies are profiting off of sounds and styles developed by underground artists.

These companies are weak their songs incomplete
Major record labels prioritize profit over quality music and therefore create subpar songs.

They seek to sell hip hop but instead they disrespect it
Record labels exploit hip-hop music for financial gain rather than authentically showcasing the genre.

Dissect it use what they can sell and then neglect it
Once a trend is no longer profitable, companies disregard and abandon it, leaving it behind.

Everywhere I turn I find a sucker with a rhyme
Many people lack skill and authenticity in their music, leading to diluted hip-hop quality.

Not an M.C. 'cause an M.C. knows the time
True hip-hop artists are aware of issues in the industry and prioritize creativity and originality.

Rap is popping up like toast from coast to coast
Hip-hop is becoming increasingly mainstream across the United States.

They try to boast that their style is so dope
Many artists in the industry believe their music is exceptional, despite being mediocre.

But it won't last a round when the real sound macks
Real, authentic hip-hop music will always prevail over watered-down imitations.

"For all the pioneers I'm going way back"
Acknowledging the traditional styles and artists that paved the way for hip-hop today.

Go back... to the Funky 97
Revisiting a time when hip-hop music maintained its authenticity and originality.

Lyrics have been kicking hard from day one
Hip-hop lyrics have been honest, impactful, and powerful since the genre's inception.

I wake around noon I squint at the sun
Describing a typical day in the life of a laid-back artist.

Consider all my chores each day I catch more
Reflecting on the responsibilities that come with being an artist, such as songwriting and performing.

Throw on my drawers before I get the job done
Getting dressed and ready in the morning before starting work on new music.

I step out the apt. without delay
Leaving home and heading out to the studio without hesitation.

Walkman pumping "It's a brand new day"
Feeling optimistic and determined to make new music and improve the hip-hop industry.

I'm gonna meet the keen-one when suddenly I see some
Heading to meet with another artist, but getting distracted by something else unexpected.

Ducks in a truck playing "Ice Ice Babe"
Encountering people listening to music that is not authentic hip-hop.

Down upon my ears my worst fears had ascended
Feeling discouraged and disheartened by the abundance of subpar hip-hop music in the industry.

I guess I must admit that at the shit I was offended
Feeling personally affected by the lack of originality and quality in mainstream hip-hop music.

They proceeded to park stepped in the minute-mart
The people listening to bad music proceeded to do something else unrelated to hip-hop.

I thought to myself "The situation is splendid"
Feeling optimistic about the opportunity to prove that authentic hip-hop music is superior.

I stepped up to it and began to analyze the
Approaching the situation head-on and examining the problems with non-authentic hip-hop music.

Scene in green I tagged my name "Pete Miser"
Claiming ownership of the situation and reestablishing his own creative identity as a hip-hop artist.

Wide strokes in green dripping down the hood while I'm flipping
Restyling and reclaiming his own creative identity through his music while the others listen to bad hip-hop.

The pilot in my pocket is my duty to advise a
Using his hip-hop influence to guide people towards the more authentic, original music.

Bandwagon buster not to dis hip hop
Promoting an anti-mainstream hip-hop mindset and a return to the traditional hip-hop style.

The shit they hit it makes me wonder how they get props
Feeling frustrated by the industry's prioritization of low-quality music over authentic hip-hop artists.

As if you didn't know it takes the skills to flow
Affirming that true hip-hop artists require genuine creativity, skill, and talent to be successful.

Go back to the lab 'cause if you step you'll get dropped
Return to the traditional hip-hop music-making process and abandon shallow, talentless attempts at making music.

O back to that rack of wax and two twelves
Revisiting the process of music creation, with focus on traditional equipment and techniques.

'Cause back then we'd rap when caps sent the braincells
Recalling the origins of hip-hop when traditional equipment was used and authentic, meaningful lyrics were created.

Flying toys dying many punks sunk denying
Referring to less-talented hip-hop artists attempting to become successful without true talent or originality.

Their fronting ain't it something fluffing nothings still trying
Pointing out the trend of bad hip-hop artists attempting to gain success through insincere, fake personas.

To come off but the drums lost their weak minds
Acknowledging that the drum tracks used in more modern hip-hop music has become stale and uninspired.

I cultivate a great state of thought caught between lines
Using hip-hop music as a means of expressing oneself and finding their place within the creative industry.

These toys nowadays employ the sound waves
Certain hip-hop artists are too focused on their music's commercial success and radio airtime, rather than its artistic quality.

To get paid and laid but still played the proud ways
Despite their lack of authentic musical content and weak rhymes, these artists still attempt to work within the original hip-hop style.

Don't understand the plan the man or my reasons
Shallow hip-hop artists do not truly understand the inspiration behind hip-hop music and the necessary commitment and creativity to become an authentic artist.

Wack rhyme's a crime and I'm trying you for treason
Bad hip-hop lyrics are a disgrace to the genre and talentless artists are not needed in the industry.

You're a goner if I catch you on a corner in a freestyle
In this case, authentic hip-hop artists are superior and talentless rhymers should not be performing live, improvised music.

But I never will you lack skills that's why you're on trial
Acknowledging that talentless hip-hop artists are not respected within the industry and therefore not genuinely interrogated regarding their creative processes.

Go back to the basics or face it your fake shit
Offering advice to other hip-hop artists to focus on traditional stylistic elements of hip-hop or abandon ship.

Wastes airspace it's a disgrace when you make it
Bad hip-hop emceeing is a violation of the valuable, popular design.

If it don't sell well tell me would you do it?
Focusing on commercial success over quality is not in the best interest of the genre or the artists themselves.

If not then hot shot you'd better not pursue it
Recommending that aspiring hip-hop artists focus on artistic quality or try another career path, instead of pursuing hip-hop without significant talent or authenticity.