Ghostface Killah is critically acclaimed for his loud, fast-paced flow, and his stream-of-consciousness narratives containing cryptic slang and non-sequiturs.
Ghostface Killah was raised in the Stapleton housing projects in Staten Island, New York. In his autobiographical song "All That I Got Is You", Ghost tells the story of his childhood. He raps about how he grew up in a three bedroom apartment without his father, who left him at the age of six. Apparently, his mother had nine children.
His stage name was taken from one of the characters in the 1979 kung fu film Mystery of Chessboxing.
He was also a close friend of the three founding members of Wu-tang clan
Tones Rap
Ghostface Killah Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I can't pimp in these clothes
Them fuckin' hoes is killin' me
There's no slack for a pimp in these streets, is you feelin' me?
Catty suede is brush
The velvet shirt is crush
The diamonds in my teeth are flush
I'm a fly nigga
For snakes that slither
Cry me a river, bitch
Just want my cut of the money
You get pimp slapped
Catch your bitch ass acting funny
Get my mink and a fucking suede brush for the wallows
First, pretty Tone enter the room, then y'all hoes can follow
To swallow, flip tricks, sit dicks and make money
Bring "Daddy Pooh Bear" back, barrel loads of the honey
I'm bumpin the Isleys, Al Green got a pimp on lean
I got a main bitch, a side bitch, and two in between
Nah mean? I make a ho polish the chrome of my gun
Cause pimpin' ain't easy but it sure is fun
The lyrics to Ghostface Killah's song "Tones Rap" showcase the mindset and lifestyle of a self-proclaimed pimp. Ghostface Killah starts off by expressing his frustration with having lint on his robes, which symbolizes his desire for perfection and opulence. He acknowledges that he can't successfully pimp in his current clothes and suggests that the women he deals with are causing him trouble. He emphasizes the harsh realities of being a pimp on the streets, stating that there is no room for weakness or hesitation.
He continues by mentioning his fashion choices, describing his catty suede brush and crushed velvet shirt. These luxurious items, along with the diamonds in his teeth, emphasize his status as a fly and fashionable individual. He prides himself as a cognac sipper and carries a blade at the tip of his cane to protect himself from treacherous individuals. Ghostface Killah asserts his dominance, stating that if anyone crosses him, they will be pimp slapped.
He then references his desire for material possessions, such as a mink coat and a suede brush for his wallows. He asserts himself as the center of attention in any room, demanding that others follow his lead. He talks about making money through various means, including exploiting women and engaging in illegal activities. He even references the nickname "Daddy Pooh Bear," indicating his role as a dominating figure in his relationships. Ghostface Killah concludes by stating that being a pimp may not be easy, but it is certainly enjoyable.
Line by Line Meaning
Ayo, ayo, bitch, what the fuck? I got lint on my robes
Hello, hello, woman, what is the problem? I have lint on my luxurious robes.
I can't pimp in these clothes
I cannot engage in the act of pimping while wearing these clothes.
Them fuckin' hoes is killin' me
These promiscuous women are causing me distress.
There's no slack for a pimp in these streets, is you feelin' me?
Pimps face no leniency in these rough neighborhoods, do you understand my point?
Catty suede is brush
I meticulously brush my high-quality suede clothing.
The velvet shirt is crush
I have a fondness for crushing velvet shirts.
The diamonds in my teeth are flush
The diamonds embedded in my teeth are perfectly aligned.
I'm a fly nigga
I am a stylish and impressive man.
Cognac sipper, keep a blade at the tip of my cane
I enjoy sipping on cognac and always keep a concealed blade at the end of my walking cane.
For snakes that slither
To protect myself from deceitful individuals.
Cry me a river, bitch
I have no sympathy for you, woman.
Just want my cut of the money
I simply desire my fair share of the earnings.
You get pimp slapped
You will experience a forceful strike from a pimp.
Catch your bitch ass acting funny
I will confront you if I perceive any suspicious behavior from you.
Get my mink and a fucking suede brush for the wallows
Retrieve my mink coat and a suede brush for the gentle cleaning of my suede shoes.
First, pretty Tone enter the room, then y'all hoes can follow
First, the attractive Tone will enter the room, then all you promiscuous women can follow.
To swallow, flip tricks, sit dicks and make money
To engage in oral sex, perform sexual acts in exchange for money, and profit.
Bring 'Daddy Pooh Bear' back, barrel loads of the honey
Reestablish the prominence of 'Daddy Pooh Bear' and accumulate large amounts of money.
I'm bumpin the Isleys, Al Green got a pimp on lean
I am listening to The Isley Brothers and Al Green while indulging in a relaxed and confident demeanor.
I got a main bitch, a side bitch, and two in between
I have a primary female companion, another woman on the side, and two other options in between.
Nah mean? I make a ho polish the chrome of my gun
Do you understand? I have a woman polish the surface of my firearm.
Cause pimpin' ain't easy but it sure is fun
Because being a pimp is not a simple task, but it is undoubtedly enjoyable.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Adam King Feeney, Alexander Sowinski, Chester Hansen, Matthew Tavares
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Peter Badami
The chemistry between Ghostface and BADBADNOTGOOD is tailor fitted. Release a full joint album!
Bradley Greenan
they are! coming in february, i saw them perform together along with raekwon in halifax last month, best show ive ever seen
Cam B
It's out!!!
BeatHunta Al
soooo dope! eargasm! can't get enough of it!
D Wade
Very good album but also needs an instrumental release as well.
Blue Lotus
Buckin chill. Almost a sad chill, kinda. Like I can think of only two other rappers that can flow on a beat like this. Action Bronson (obviously) and Earl Sweatshirt (and Tyler, I guess). I have a feeling Earl would make me feel sorry for being alive if he spat over this!
ADjustinG2013
Damn, this shit gives the Roots a fun for their money. A full album, pleeease!
Neo
ADjustinG2013 u
Rob G
If this is an instrumental track (I'm obviously guessing all instruments being played by BBNG), what's Ghostface's part? Also, this song is just amazing, no one does anything like this right now.
TheVideologists Og
Ghostface is gonna spit on the album version.