Be Like That
Group Home Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Intro: agallah
Yeah nigga
I got the gat on them now
Pay back (laughing)

[Chorus:] Lil Dap & Agallah
Why, it got to be like that
Straight like that, real like that
Where my Brooklyn niggas at?
Why, it got to be like that
Straight like that, real like that
Where my Queens niggas at?
Why, it got to be like that
Straight like that, real like that
Where my Harlem niggas at?
Why, it got to be like that
Straight like that, real like that
Where my Bronx niggas at?

{Lil Dap}
Why it gotta be like that?
Niggas, don't act because he flip tracks
And broads don't know how to act
Chillin the east, with the group home appeal
Rippin with steel, and you know my niggas are real
Like straight like that, will burn a hole right through your map
These brooklyn cats, I hope we eatin your food black
We keep it real, with the niggas keep it real with me
That understand that street knowledge was there only key
See before rappin, niggas couldn't fuck with me
It's like these fake brothers stoled brooklyn streets
On these streets I give you square, now shit is the same
Because together we stay, and the desert storm is on
Expect the unexpected, when the juice has been injected
The many styles we have, have been well protected
Move within a makin, observe the fakin to mistake it
My soul is ackin, too much pain I've been takin
Inside my heart, I've been torned apart
But we play it smart, and get money in the streets smarts
Of the streets, 'cause my brothers keep it rowdy
The way they front, and try to act like they bout it

[Chorus:]
{Melachi the nutcracker}
Aiyo, I'm comin up, I'm runnin up like a soldier
I thought I told you, punks, I controlled ya
I'm strong like a boulder, ready to fold ya
I treat you like a new born puppy and scold ya
I'm older, I'm power full like a dodge
Now you know what I'm talkin about me and my squad
I pull your card, I'm underground like the mob
Punk get on your job, here come the superstars
The nutcracker, quick to snappin your back
I was born in the ghetto so it be like that
I was born in the ghetto so it be like that
I was born in the ghetto so it be like that

[Chorus:]

{Blackadon}
I sing a song, to break your arm
The black is pimpin brook-lan, who am I the don
The pro with precon, frustated like saddam
I've been behind the seeds, but now I'm here to chop the bomb
Look me in my grill, my eyes cold as steel
I came to kill, I speak upon you like a pill
For that from brownsville, rusty bitches on my deal
Shisty nigga breast filled if I start to fill
You weakness is a mil, put your body on chill
I ain't got a deal, going out for the mil
'cause skills get more friends then women in the hills
The more dough you get, then the more head like bill
For real

[Chorus:]
{Guru}
You won't be able to understand the power of Allah
That means god's plan, the hour's facing our man
The sour feelings, the ways and actions of this man
Suckas was the crew with the span
That's like Muhammed & Jesus splittin up without a plan
That's like Martin & Malcolm praying for a separate outcome
That's why you can't e-mail me, fuck the fiend dot com
Supreme alphabet, seekin creaming out the get
Mad riches to team, by my next mic check
Plus you this artist sacred like Aztec





[Chorus:]

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Group Home's song "Be Like That" addresses the harshness of reality, where things aren't rosy or easy, and you have to be tough and street-smart to survive. The chorus is a plea to listeners in Brooklyn, Queens, Harlem and The Bronx where rappers Lil Dap and Agallah ask why things have to be the way they are, in the streets, with their people having to be "real like that." Lil Dap speaks about the struggle to make it as a rapper and to keep it real in the brutal East and how he hopes they're eating up others' food. He speaks about how his niggas are the only ones who keep it real with him and how they have to stay together to rise above the fakers on the streets.


Melachi the Nutcracker jumps in next, speaking in a threatening tone, about how he controls the "punks" and will "fold" them. He's powerful and underground like the mob, talking about how his experiences in the ghetto influenced his personality, to become someone not to mess with. Blackadon talks about his skills and how he's here to chop the bomb and is not one to mess with either. Guru concludes the song with his verses, speaking about God's plan and how we have to seek the cream and become sacred, like the Aztecs.


The song is a classic East Coast hip-hop track that speaks about the harsh realities of life on the streets, the need to stay real, and work hard to succeed. It's a song that resonates with many people and is still admired by rap fans today. Some of the interesting facts about the song include:


Line by Line Meaning

Why, it got to be like that
Questioning the reasons behind the difficulties and struggles faced in life by the artist and their community.


Straight like that, real like that
Emphasizing the realness and authenticity of the artist, their message, and their community.


Where my Brooklyn niggas at?
Asking for the support and presence of the artists' fellow residents of Brooklyn.


Niggas, don't act because he flip tracks
Addressing the issue of people acting fake or different when the artist gains success through their music.


And broads don't know how to act
Pointing out how some women can react poorly or in a disrespectful manner in certain situations.


Chillin the east, with the group home appeal
Describing the artist's laid back persona and style, which represents their community's culture and personality.


Rippin with steel, and you know my niggas are real
Boasting about the artist and their crew's skill in hip hop and their authenticity as real people from the streets.


Like straight like that, will burn a hole right through your map
Using a metaphor to show how the artist's raw talent and realness can have a strong impact and create a memorable impression.


We keep it real, with the niggas keep it real with me
Stressing the importance of maintaining genuine connections and relationships with those who share similar values and behaviors.


That understand that street knowledge was there only key
Highlighting the significance of being street smart and having survival skills as vital knowledge for success and survival in tough neighborhoods.


See before rappin, niggas couldn't fuck with me
Recalling earlier times before the artist became known for their rap skills, when people recognized their formidable reputation in other areas, such as street fights.


It's like these fake brothers stoled brooklyn streets
Expressing frustration at how some people who act fake or inauthentic can still gain respect or power, in some cases even by stealing ideas or tactics from others.


On these streets I give you square, now shit is the same
Reflecting on how the artist used to share truthful, honest information with others on the streets, but now they see how little has changed despite their efforts.


Because together we stay, and the desert storm is on
Promoting solidarity and unity among the artist's community, and using a metaphor to describe their collective power and impact as a group.


Expect the unexpected, when the juice has been injected
Advising listeners to be prepared for anything, especially when they feel confident or energized by their successes or accomplishments.


The many styles we have, have been well protected
Asserting the artist's versatility and ability to adapt to different genres and sounds, while also emphasizing how they have preserved and defended their own unique style.


Move within a makin, observe the fakin to mistake it
Encouraging listeners to pay attention to their surroundings and to detect when people are acting fake or insincere.


My soul is ackin, too much pain I've been takin
Expressing deep emotional pain and suffering that the artist has experienced during their life and career, which fuel their artistry and drive for success.


Inside my heart, I've been torned apart
Continuing to reveal the artist's inner turmoil and hardships, which they channel into their music and performances.


But we play it smart, and get money in the streets smarts
Acknowledging the dangers and risks of living in tough neighborhoods, but also emphasizing the importance of being street smart and strategic in making money and achieving success.


Of the streets, 'cause my brothers keep it rowdy
Confirming the artist's connection and loyalty to their neighborhood and crew, and how they maintain a rough and unpolished style of music and life.


I thought I told you, punks, I controlled ya
Challenging the authority and control of others who underestimate the artist's power and abilities.


I'm strong like a boulder, ready to fold ya
Boasting about the artist's physical strength and stamina, which allows them to overcome challenges and defeat their opponents.


I treat you like a new born puppy and scold ya
Using humor to describe how the artist will discipline and correct those who act immaturely or disrespectfully towards them.


Now you know what I'm talkin about me and my squad
Asserting the artist's authority and power as a part of a larger group, and emphasizing their ability to communicate effectively and clearly.


I pull your card, I'm underground like the mob
Revealing the artist's secret or hidden nature, and implying that they operate like a secret society or organization.


Here come the superstars, the nutcracker, quick to snappin your back
Anticipating the arrival of other talented or famous musicians, and stressing the artist's readiness to compete and succeed against them.


I was born in the ghetto so it be like that
Explaining how the artist's difficult upbringing and surroundings have influenced their style and attitudes towards life and success.


I sing a song, to break your arm
Using a metaphor to describe how the artist's music can be powerful and impactful, even potentially causing harm to those who oppose or disrespect them.


The black is pimpin brook-lan, who am I the don
Boasting about the artist's status and power in the Brooklyn music scene, and asserting their importance as a leading figure or authority.


The pro with precon, frustated like saddam
Applying wordplay and alliteration to describe the artist's skill and style, and their angst or frustration with their environment and status.


I've been behind the seeds, but now I'm here to chop the bomb
Describing the artist's path to success, and how they have previously operated behind the scenes or in secondary roles, but now feel ready to take on a larger role.


Look me in my grill, my eyes cold as steel
Challenging opponents or doubters to confront the artist and see the determination and confidence in their eyes and demeanor.


I came to kill, I speak upon you like a pill
Using violent imagery to describe the artist's intentions to dominate and overcome their enemies or competitors.


For that from brownsville, rusty bitches on my deal
Showing the artist's pride in their hometown of Brownsville, and describing how they deal with untrustworthy or problematic people in their lives.


Shisty nigga breast filled if I start to fill
Making a vulgar or lewd comment about how an untrustworthy person would react to the artist's influence and success.


You weakness is a mil, put your body on chill
Playing on words to describe how weak or fearful people can be easily dominated or controlled, and how the artist will make them back down or submit.


I ain't got a deal, going out for the mil
Acknowledging that the artist has not yet achieved mainstream fame or a record deal, but emphasizing their drive to make money and succeed in their own way.


'cause skills get more friends then women in the hills
Using humor to describe how the artist's talent and abilities can attract more fans and support than money or fame can, especially in contrast to wealthy or elite people.


You won't be able to understand the power of Allah
Referencing the idea of a higher power or God, and how people may not be able to understand or comprehend it fully.


That means god's plan, the hour's facing our man
Interpreting the concept of God's power as having a specific plan or destiny for humans, which people must face and overcome in their lives.


The sour feelings, the ways and actions of this man
Reflecting on the negative or difficult emotions and actions of people in the world, and how they affect human life and relationships.


Suckas was the crew with the span
Describing how the artist has left behind or overcome past enemies or competitors, who were not strong or skilled enough to compete.


That's like Muhammed & Jesus splittin up without a plan
Using a religious analogy to describe how factions or divisions can cause conflicts or problems, especially when leaders or authority figures clash or diverge in their beliefs or goals.


That's like Martin & Malcolm praying for a separate outcome
Referencing two famous civil rights figures, and how they had different approaches and goals for achieving progress and equality, and how this caused divisions and disagreements.


That's why you can't e-mail me, fuck the fiend dot com
Asserting the artist's desire for privacy and independence, and their disdain for commercial or corporate influences on their life or music.


Supreme alphabet, seekin creaming out the get
Referencing a system of knowledge and communication used by some street gangs, and how the artist seeks to gain wealth and success from this understanding of the world and its workings.


Mad riches to team, by my next mic check
Anticipating great wealth or success in the near future, as the artist's talent and hard work pays off.


Plus you this artist sacred like Aztec
Comparing the artist to a revered or respected historical figure, and emphasizing their artistic and cultural value and significance.




Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: A. Thomas, Jamel Malachi Felder, James Heath, Keith Elam

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Adam Tokarz

One of the illests beats ever made!

LNS

@VirtualTii no the real sample is the movie menace 2 society prod QD3

VirtualTii

it's sampled from Ice Cube - Ghettobird

Michael Ogunloye

Classic Group Home!!! Straight like that!!!

siffchopf22

Wow its been almost 20 years since I bought ".A Tear For The Ghetto". Time flies by, but some things never change. Hip Hop for life

TheGoldeagle99

New York rap-music will never sound like this again. By the way this was a good album. Indeed it was.

hexd

23 now

Marilyn Robertson

This albums frikin awsome well under rated

Ed. Matthew Oliver Jr.

lil dap is always one of my favorites

FADE2DEAD # HORRORTECH●NINJA

YEAH BLAZE IT UP `CHILLIN IN DA EAST !! [PEACE FROM BULGARIA

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