In Memory Of...
Gang Starr - Topic Lyrics

Mami Mary, Mary Coleman that is
This phrase pays tribute to Mary Coleman, someone cherished, referred to with warmth and affection.

I love you, rest in peace
A heartfelt expression of love directed towards her, accompanied by a wish for her peace after death.

You still here though
Despite her physical absence, her spirit and memory remain alive and impactful.

Word up
An affirmation, signaling sincerity in the previous statements.

This goes out to you
This message is dedicated specifically to her memory, underscoring her importance.

Mary Parker, Loretta Randall
Mentioning other significant individuals who have passed away, showing that they are also remembered.

Grandfather Bill
Referring to a familial figure, highlighting the personal connections with those lost.

Runy Manuel, Robert N'Blangio
Continued acknowledgment of friends and loved ones who have departed, indicating a close-knit circle of remembrance.

Uncle C, Alicia Elon
More names representing those cherished who have left this world, reinforcing themes of love and loss.

Giovanni
Another individual included in the tribute, signifying a broader community mourning together.

[Guru]
Introduction of the main speaker, Guru, who carries the emotions behind the words.

To my man G.O.V., I remember how you used to be
Addressing a lost friend, recalling their past character fondly.

You were the illest man alive now I'm reading your eulogy
Contrasting their vibrant life with the current somber act of commemorating their death.

Eyes so serious, you told me hold my head
Recalling a moment of support, indicating the friend's advice to stay strong.

Pursue this rap shit and go forward never backwards
Encouragement to chase dreams, emphasizing perseverance and growth.

While you gripped Tec's tight, and ran niggaz out of town
Reference to their past life which involved toughness and a rough lifestyle.

I ripped up mics, showin wack niggaz how to sound
Acknowledging his own musical talent and influence over others in the rap scene.

Still your essence, was callin
The memory and spirit of the friend continue to resonate strongly.

By two gunshots, at close range, your frame had fallen
A tragic depiction of how the friend met their end, emphasizing the violent loss.

Now like an angel you've risen
A poetic imagery suggesting the friend's transformation into a spirit or guardian after death.

And you will stay in my heart, and yo I wish you were still livin
Affirming eternal love for the friend while expressing sorrow for their absence.

Word... this is in memory of
A declaration of the purpose of this tribute, underscoring its significance.

* I'm not sure about any of these names *
An acknowledgment of uncertainty regarding the recognized individuals, indicating humility.

Zachary Bro, Cousin Paula
More names of beloved departed individuals, stressing the theme of familial connection and loss.

Harry O-Fives 'Rest in peace' -- Biggie Smalls
Referencing iconic figures and their legacy, while respecting their memories.

Yeah, Sam-O, 183rd
Creating a bond through shared experiences and local memories of those who have passed.

Joshua Faust 'Rest in peace'
An additional tribute to someone who is no longer alive, again signifying remembrance.

Brian Brown y'all, yeah
Yet another acknowledgment, emphasizing a group of friends lost but not forgotten.

[Guru]
Reaffirming the presence of Guru as the voice of this remembrance.

To my man Brian B, I remember how you used to be
Addressing another friend, displaying a bond through nostalgia.

You were the flyest in the club with three bitches doin rub-a-dub
Vividly recalling Brian B's flamboyant lifestyle and charm, highlighting his larger-than-life persona.

You were the pimp of all panderers
Playing on his reputation as a charismatic figure, emphasizing his role in the nightlife scene.

GQ, Johnny Presley, fuckin up the elegances
Comparing him to iconic stylish figures, complementing his suave demeanor.

So many hookers on your schedule
A nod to his carefree lifestyle, focusing on romance and relationships.

Slammin Cadillac doors and mackin whores on the regular
Illustrating a flashy lifestyle filled with luxury cars and romantic escapades.

You used to boost, the slickest of suits
Recalling his suave fashion sense, hinting at a mischievous side of his personality.

Climbin through the back windows on the bus, you was ill Dukes
Highlighting his rebellious nature, doing things unconventionally.

Until that chick you vicked, for the Cutlass
Recalling a fateful romantic encounter that led to tragic consequences.

started snillz-niffin ki-daine, and went to cut cha
A stark depiction of betrayal, leading to dangerous circumstances.

That freak shanked you six times in your sleep
A graphic recounting of betrayal and violence that took his life.

I wish you was here, cause your philosophy was mad deep
Expressing a longing for his wisdom and insights that were impactful.

Yeah... this is in memory of
Reaffirming the purpose of this segment, underscoring the act of remembrance.

Keith 'Cowboy', Scott LaRock
Listing more iconic individuals whose contributions are celebrated though they are gone.

Prince Messiah 'Rest in peace'
Honoring another figure who left a mark on those around them, emphasizing loss.

Buffy, the Human Beatbox y'know
Acknowledging a notable figure in the music scene known for their unique talent.

Tupac Shakur 'Rest in peace'
Paying homage to the late rapper whose legacy continues to influence.

Pinkhouse, Sub Roc
Continuing to honor the memory of others, reinforcing the weight of their collective absence.

O.G. Boo Bang, salute! 'Rest in peace'
A respectful acknowledgment of another individual who has passed on, signifying esteem.

Seagram's, Killa Black from Mobb Deep
More names from the hip-hop landscape, reflecting on lost talent and community.

Biggie Smalls, yeah rest in peace
A powerful tribute to a legendary artist, reinforcing his impact on culture and music.

Lance Owens y'all
Mentioning an additional individual whose legacy lives on through memory.

[Guru]
Reintroducing Guru as the voice delivering this heartfelt tribute.

To all my brothers doin time, whether or not you did the crime
Acknowledging the struggles of those imprisoned, regardless of their guilt.

You know the system is devised to keep you deaf dumb and blind
Critiquing societal systems that oppress and manipulate individuals, keeping them uninformed.

Like Scarface said, them cats are smart
Referencing a well-known cultural statement about awareness and intelligence in challenging environments.

In order for things to change we must all play a part
Highlighting the importance of collective action for social change.

It's easy for us to blame society
Recognizing a tendency to shift blame onto external forces for personal or communal issues.

But now it's way too late, and we must take responsibility
Emphasizing that accountability is necessary, as the moment to act has arrived.

To all my brothers in the streets
Speaking directly to the community, addressing those living in harsh conditions.

I know you feel you gotta hustle cause your peeps gotta eat
Understanding the struggle for survival and the pressure to provide for one’s family.

Makin moves right and exact; don't wanna see you layin flat
Encouraging resilience and careful planning, wishing safety for the community.

Don't wanna see ya catch a bullet black
A heartfelt plea to avoid violence and death, especially in troubled environments.

If we don't build we'll be destroyed
A stark warning that without progress, greater harm will come to the community.

That's the challenge we face in this race of poor and unemployed
Acknowledging socio-economic struggles faced by marginalized groups, particularly in a systemic context.

Freud, a philosopher, but I'm a realist
Referencing psychological thought while identifying as someone grounded in reality.

So philosophize this, without love we won't exist
Stating that love is essential for the survival and unity of humanity.

To those who passed out there, in the deserts and the jungles
Addressing those who suffered and died in harsh conditions, perhaps even far from home.

with pain on their shoulders, and heavy bundles
Describing the burdens and struggles these individuals faced during their lives.

I pray each one will, ascend to new heights and new enlightenment
Wishing for their souls to find peace and enlightenment beyond this life.

And this is why I'm writin it
Providing a rationale for capturing these memories and tributes in this piece.

Yeah... this is in memory of
Reconfirming the purpose of honoring the collective memories of those lost.

* I'm not sure about all of these names *
Asserting humility and uncertainty regarding the names mentioned, emphasizing the collective nature of loss.

Linnet Grinnich, Cookie Murray
Continuing to list more individuals, again showcasing the breadth of community loss.

Yeah 'Rest in peace'
Reinforcing the sentiment of peace for those who have passed on.

Ross, Laverne La-La Eyelif
Further tributes to individuals who have impacted lives or communities.

John Hood 'Rest in peace'
Another acknowledgment of someone significant, reflecting on their memory.

Kevin Fredricks, Donny Charles
Continuing to honor those who are familiar and missed in the community.

Leslie Clark, and Will Clark 'Rest in peace'
Another round of tributes to individuals indicating personal connections.

Tommy Saunders, Princess Di
Mentioning names that bridge personal and public loss, emphasizing shared grief.

Don Clark, Betty Shabazz 'Rest in peace'
Paying respect to those from varied backgrounds, reinforcing global human connection.

This is in memory of...
Concluding the tribute by reiterating the purpose of honoring and remembering the departed.

'Rest in peace'
A final blessing for the deceased, reflecting a wish for peace in their afterlife.