I'm The Man
Gang Starr Featuring Jeru The Damaja And Lil Dap Lyrics

I say people people come on and check it out now
I'm calling out to everyone, urging them to pay attention and listen to what I have to say

You see the mic in my hand now watch me wreck it now
Observe as I masterfully control and dominate the microphone with my skills

What is a party if the crew ain't there?
A gathering lacks true excitement and energy if my crew is not present

[what's your name?] call me Guru that's my man Premier
When asked my name, refer to me as Guru, and Premier is my trusted friend and collaborator

Now many attempts have been made to hold us back?
Numerous efforts have been made to hinder our progress and success

Slander the name and with-hold facts
People spread false and damaging information about us, while also concealing the truth

But I'm the type of brother with much more game
I possess superior skills, knowledge, and strategy

I got a sure aim and if I find you're to blame
I have a precise focus, and if I discover you are responsible for wrongdoing or obstacles, I will hold you accountable

You can bet you'll be exterminated, taken out, done
Rest assured, I will eliminate and defeat you completely

It doesn't matter how many they'll go as easy as just one
Regardless of the number, defeating them will be as effortless as taking down a single person

Bust one round in the air for this here
Symbolically fire a shot into the air as a demonstration of power and significance

'Cause this year suckers are going no where
Because this year, inferior individuals who try to impede our progress will not succeed

'Cause my street style and intelligence level
Because the way I present myself and my high level of intelligence

Makes me much more than just an angry rebel
Elevates me beyond being a mere rebellious person driven by anger

I'm Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal
I possess an abundance of talent when it comes to creating rhymes that resonate universally

Mc's that ain't equipped get flipped in my circle
Incompetent MCs will find themselves humiliated and defeated within my inner circle

I'm aiming on raining on the bitch ass chumps
I am targeting and bringing down those weak and disrespectful individuals

'Cause their rhymes don't flow and their beats don't pump
Their lyrics lack smoothness and their musical compositions lack rhythm and energy

And niggaz better know I paid my dues and shit
Everyone should be aware that I have worked hard and overcome obstacles to reach my current position

I'm bout to blow the fuck up because I refuse to quit
I am on the verge of achieving enormous success because I have never given up or given in

I'm out to get the props that are rightfully mine
I am determined to receive the recognition and respect that I rightfully deserve

Yeah me and the crew think it's about that time
Both myself and my crew believe that the time for us to shine and succeed is approaching

But on the DL you know that Gangstarr will conquer
Confidentially, Gangstarr will ultimately overcome any adversaries or obstacles

That's why you stare and point and others cling on to
This is why you observe and acknowledge our presence, while others desperately try to associate themselves with us

My Nautica, asking for a hookup
Individuals seek favors and special treatment from me due to my affiliation with Nautica clothing

Well sorry but my schedule is all booked up
Unfortunately, I do not have any availability in my busy schedule to accommodate those requests

Nobody put me on, I made it up the hard way
I achieved success and recognition through my own efforts and perseverance, without relying on others for opportunities

Look out for my people but the suckers should parlay
I watch out for and support my friends and allies, but those individuals who hinder our progress should step aside

'Cause it's business kid, this ain't no free-for-all
This is a serious matter that involves strategic decision-making and professionalism, not a chaotic and unrestricted environment

You have to wait your turn, you must await your call
You need to exercise patience and wait for the appropriate opportunity or invitation

So now, now it is my duty to
Therefore, it is my responsibility and obligation to

Eliminate and subtract all of the booty crews
Remove and dismantle all the mediocre and talentless groups

And suckers should vacate
Inferior individuals should leave and make way for those who are more skilled and deserving

Before I get irate
To avoid my anger and frustration

And I'll kick your can
I will metaphorically and forcefully defeat you

From here to Japan
Across vast distances, demonstrating the extent of my dominance

With force you can't withstand
Using a power and strength that you are unable to resist

'Cause I'm the muthafuckin' man
Because I am the ultimate and dominant individual in this context

Yo right now I got my man Lil' Dap from the Group home
At this moment, I am accompanied by Lil' Dap from the Group Home

Yo step up to the mic and tell them why you're the man
Approach the microphone and explain to everyone why you consider yourself the superior individual

So much anger built inside
A substantial amount of anger and frustration resides within me

So don't stop to say hi, muthafucka just die
Do not approach me with pleasantries, as I would prefer that you cease to exist

My shit holds a mouthful so I guess you know what's up
My rhymes and lyrics are powerful and impactful, indicating that you should understand the situation

Why punks get killed at the end of the month
I am referring to the end of the month as a metaphorical time when these weak individuals meet their demise

Styles and styles I flip
I effortlessly and skillfully change my rap styles and techniques

Lil' Dap remains sick
Lil' Dap continues to possess great talent and ability

Yes the Group Home is thick
The Group Home, as a collective, is undeniably powerful and influential

So all you punks hear this
I want all of you insignificant individuals to listen attentively to what I am saying

Every time you riff
Every instance when you talk or boast

The more fame that we get
Our reputation and level of recognition increases

Muthafuckas act hard
These individuals put on a tough exterior and behave aggressively

Thinking that they are God
Erroneously believing themselves to possess godlike power and authority

Niggaz just don't understand
These individuals fail to comprehend

Let me be my own man
Allow me to establish and maintain my own independence and authority

Did everything on my own
I accomplished all of my achievements without relying on others

And every place wasn't home
I did not find a sense of belonging or comfort in every environment I encountered

Everywhere that I'd rest
In any location where I would temporarily settle or find solace

I had to dress with a vest
I had to wear a bulletproof vest for my own protection

I guess you get the routine but with a lot of stress
You may understand the pattern of my experiences, but it was accompanied by a significant amount of anxiety and pressure

Frustration on my mind
I constantly carried frustration within my thoughts

Brothers doin' mad time
My fellow brothers are enduring lengthy prison sentences

Rhymes are organized like crime
My lyrics are structured and executed with precision, similar to how crimes are planned and executed

As we're rippin' the lines
While we are delivering our rap verses with great intensity and skill

Brothers just don't know
These individuals lack awareness and understanding

How shit got to go
How the current state of affairs and circumstances developed

'Cause I was told
Because I was informed and given guidance

To never give my back to the street
To always be aware of and cautious about potential dangers in the streets

As I walk through the ghetto
While I navigate and traverse through impoverished and crime-ridden neighborhoods

Dead souls I greet
I come across individuals who have lost their motivation and hope

See my man give him pound
Acknowledging and greeting my acquaintance with a fist bump

Then I walk with a frown
Continuing my journey with a look of sadness and disappointment

Another minute
With each passing moment

Another brother's gunned down
Another fellow black man has been shot and killed

Shit is getting too close that's why the Group Home is thick
The violence and danger in our surroundings is becoming increasingly severe, which is why the Group Home is strong and united

So every time you riff the more fame that we get
Therefore, whenever you disrespect or provoke us, it only enhances our reputation and success

My father always said don't watch the one across the street
My father's advice was to not focus on or compare ourselves to others

Watch the one right next
Instead, pay attention to the person closest to you

Because he's easy to flex
That person is more vulnerable and easily influenced or manipulated

Took heed to what he said
I listened and followed his advice

Yeah that deep ass nigga
Referring to him as a wise and insightful individual

While brothers hang around
While other individuals continue to associate with one another

Tryin' to get down
Attempting to gain acceptance and participate

Niggaz just don't understand
These individuals fail to comprehend

I'm the mutha fuckin' man
That I am the ultimate and dominant individual in this context

And also on the set from Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
Additionally, we have Jeru the Damaja joining us from Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

We got my man Jeru the Damaja
I am proud to have Jeru the Damaja with us

Yo tell them why you're the man
Please explain to everyone what makes you the superior individual

I'll tap your jaw
I will strike your jaw with force

You probably heard it before
You may have been informed about this previously

Step to the bedlamite I'll prove my word is law
Challenge me, the chaotic and unpredictable individual, and I will demonstrate that what I say holds significant authority

Drugstore with more
I possess an abundance of drugs or substance, perhaps referring to the power of my lyrics

Dope rhyme vendor
I am a skilled artist who provides excellent rhymes

Not partial to beef
I have no preference or bias regarding conflicts or rivalries

The chief ambassador
I am the primary representative or spokesperson

Niggaz get mad 'cause they can't score
Jealous individuals become angry because they are unable to accomplish what I have achieved

Like a wild west flick they wish to shoot up my door
Similar to the action-packed movies of the Wild West, they desire to cause havoc and damage at my residence

But I incite a riot
However, my presence and actions instigate chaos and rebellion

Don't even try it
Do not even attempt to challenge or confront me

Bust up chumps so crab kids keep quiet
I dismantle and humiliate feeble individuals, thus silencing those who oppose or criticize me

Like I said before
As I previously mentioned

I tap jaws
I forcefully strike jaws

Snatch whores
I seize or dominate women who lack self-respect

Kill suckers in wars
I destroy and defeat weak individuals in conflicts or battles

Vic a style you said was yours
I effortlessly and successfully imitate a style that you claimed as your own

Money grip want to flip but you're fish
A person who tries to act tough and rebellious, but in reality, they are weak and easily defeated

House the mic like your hooker and did tricks on the bitch
Handle the microphone with great skill and proficiency, as if I were exploiting and manipulating a prostitute for personal gain

Dirty Rotten Scoundrel and my name is Jeru
As a member of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, I introduce myself as Jeru

Utilizing my tools in '92
In the year 1992, I am effectively using my skills and knowledge to achieve success

MC's step up in mobs to defeat us
Other MCs confront us in groups, attempting to overpower and overcome us

When we rock knots and got props like Norm Peterson
As we perform and receive praise and recognition, similar to the fictional character Norm Peterson from the sitcom 'Cheers'

Lot's of friends, lot's of fun, lots of beers
We have many friends, enjoy ourselves, and consume a significant amount of alcoholic beverages

Got the skills, kreeno so I always get cheers
Due to my exceptional abilities, I consistently receive enthusiastic applause and support

Troop on like a trooper no tears for fears
I persevere courageously, displaying no fear or weakness

I'm a get mine 'cause the crew'll get theirs
I will achieve success on an individual level, as well as ensuring that my crew also prospers

Cut you up like Edward Scissorhands
I will metaphorically and skillfully dismantle and defeat you, similar to how a talented hairstylist would use scissors

You know the program I'm the mutha fuckin' man
You understand the situation and my dominant position, as I am the ultimate and superior individual