Down the Backstreets
Guru Lyrics
Down the backstreets down the backstreets
Down the backstreets down the backstreets
(I'm walkin' down the backstreets)
Down the backstreets down the backstreets
Down the backstreets down the backstreets
(I be walkin' down the backstreets)
Yo here goes some info on my flow and how I move
To a def groove, I keep my rep smooth
On the down-low, I travel with my mind to the street
So I gotta hit ya from a real perspective
'Cause anyone who's talkin that crap, will surely get his
I'm not the one to act flashy
'Cause man where I be at, we don't have to be classy
Down the backstreets, down the backstreets
Down the backstreets, down the backstreets
(I'm walkin' down the backstreets)
Down the backstreets, down the backstreets
Down the backstreets, down the backstreets
(I be walkin' down the backstreets)
Down the backstreets, down the backstreets
Down the backstreets, down the backstreets
(Walkin' down the backstreets)
Down the backstreets, down the backstreets
Down the backstreets, down the backstreets
(I be walkin' down the backstreets)
Check it stupid
While you're out there, on the main streets frontin'
Your game's week, so I'm huntin' you down clown
'Cause you need to learn somethin'
All that bluffin', won't get you nothin' but killed
No mission fulfilled, because there's others who will
Get jealous, hell if they can take clout from you, they'll do it
So that's what I'm about to do, I'll step to it
And strip you of your pride (your pride)
And then I'll stick and I'll rip you up from all sides
Or possibly I'll let you slide, slime
Cause you'll set your own death in just a matter of time
Yeah, and I'll be somewhere on the sidelines, y'know
Down the backstreets, down the backstreets
Down the backstreets, down the backstreets
(Walkin' down the backstreets)
Down the backstreets, down the backstreets
Down the backstreets, down the backstreets
(I be walkin' down the backstreets)
So when you're lookin' for me, here's where I'll be
I'll be walkin' down the backstreets in your vicinity
'Cause I been out here for a few
So all that you're doin', ain't really nothin' new (nothin' new)
I peeped the way you always perpetrate
You're so phony, you make me wanna regurgitate
Since you're ridin' so high, you're bound to fall
While I stand tall, and you don't get no props at all out here
Down the backstreets, down the backstreets
Down the backstreets, down the backstreets
(Walkin' down the backstreets)
Down the backstreets, down the backstreets
Down the backstreets, down the backstreets
(I be walkin' down the backstreets)
Down the backstreets, down the backstreets
Down the backstreets, down the backstreets
(Walkin' down the backstreets)
Down the backstreets, down the backstreets
(It's the backstreets)
Down the backstreets, down the backstreets
Down the backstreets, is a mind state
'Cause I don't have to be a pop star to rhyme great
I've been out here observin' things
So now all fake gangsters and pranksters I'm servin'
You know what I'm sayin? I'm the king
Come down the backstreets where it's dark
I'ma snatch your heart
So get a handle on life and quit livin' so trife
Or else we're gonna have to run up, and SMACK all the weak
Comin' straight from the backstreets
And I'm out, ninety-three, it's all me
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network
Written by: Keith Elam
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on specific lyrics, highlight them
There are two artists which use this name
1. A rapper from the United States and member of alternative hip-hop duo Gang Starr
2 A rapper from Ghana
1. (July 17, 1961 – April 19, 2010) was one half of the legendary hip hop duo Gang Starr and an accomplished solo artist. Guru, an acronym for Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal, originally began his hip hop career in Boston but due to lack of local support moved to New York where Gang Starr then blew up. Read Full BioThere are two artists which use this name
1. A rapper from the United States and member of alternative hip-hop duo Gang Starr
2 A rapper from Ghana
1. (July 17, 1961 – April 19, 2010) was one half of the legendary hip hop duo Gang Starr and an accomplished solo artist. Guru, an acronym for Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal, originally began his hip hop career in Boston but due to lack of local support moved to New York where Gang Starr then blew up. Guru was well known for his smooth voice; socially conscious and hardcore lyrics; and an effortless, confident delivery.
Founded in 1987, Gang Starr built a sizable following in the early 90's, releasing classic albums like Step in the Arena (1991) and Daily Operation (1992). Guru's lyrical style was based on battle rhymes delivered smoothly, modestly, and with sly wit; he typically avoided using overwhelming charisma, focusing instead on his rhyming ability. Over the years he even took on younger rappers, including Jeru the Damaja, as proteges. He is credited, along with DJ Premier, for the executive production of Jeru's debut, The Sun Rises in the East (1994).
In 1993, he released his first solo album, Jazzmatazz, Vol. 1. The album featured collaborations with Donald Byrd, N'Dea Davenport, Dee C. Lee, and Roy Ayers, whilst his second LP, Jazzmatazz, Vol. 2: The New Reality, featured Ramsey Lewis, Branford Marsalis, and Jamiroquai. The Jazzmatazz albums have been met with mixed reviews, Guru continued with Jazzmatazz, Vol. 3: Streetsoul (2000) and Baldhead Slick & Da Click (2001).
Moreover, recent Gang Starr albums have continued to garner Guru critical acclaim. Prominent Boston underground rapper Mr. Lif frequently cites Guru as a major stylistic influence; he appears as a guest with Lif on the Perceptionists' debut album, Black Dialogue (2005).
Besides Gang Starr, his Jazzmatazz and solo albums, Guru collaborated with countless artists since the early 90s. Not only in Hip-Hop, but also with artists from various genres such as pop, electronica/dance, acid jazz, and even brass bands.
His "first proper solo album", in his own words, was Version 7.0: The Street Scriptures (2005), released with the help of producer and new backup MC/producer Solar. The album reached #1 on the college hip-hop charts, but was a failure with both fans and critics. It still managed to sell relatively well for an independent release.
Guru's latest project is the fourth installment in the Jazzmatazz series, entirely produced by Solar. It was released in early June 2007 and received good reviews and comments from fans.
In 2007 Guru was ranked at 45 for the Top 50 MCs of our time: 1987-2007
On February 28th 2010, Guru suffered a severe heart attack and was in a coma. He passed away on April 19, 2010 at the age of 49 after a long battle with cancer.
2. Guru also refers to a Ghanaian hip-hop artist known for his single "LaPaz Toyota" and the song "Akayida" - basis for a azonto dance craze
1. A rapper from the United States and member of alternative hip-hop duo Gang Starr
2 A rapper from Ghana
1. (July 17, 1961 – April 19, 2010) was one half of the legendary hip hop duo Gang Starr and an accomplished solo artist. Guru, an acronym for Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal, originally began his hip hop career in Boston but due to lack of local support moved to New York where Gang Starr then blew up. Read Full BioThere are two artists which use this name
1. A rapper from the United States and member of alternative hip-hop duo Gang Starr
2 A rapper from Ghana
1. (July 17, 1961 – April 19, 2010) was one half of the legendary hip hop duo Gang Starr and an accomplished solo artist. Guru, an acronym for Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal, originally began his hip hop career in Boston but due to lack of local support moved to New York where Gang Starr then blew up. Guru was well known for his smooth voice; socially conscious and hardcore lyrics; and an effortless, confident delivery.
Founded in 1987, Gang Starr built a sizable following in the early 90's, releasing classic albums like Step in the Arena (1991) and Daily Operation (1992). Guru's lyrical style was based on battle rhymes delivered smoothly, modestly, and with sly wit; he typically avoided using overwhelming charisma, focusing instead on his rhyming ability. Over the years he even took on younger rappers, including Jeru the Damaja, as proteges. He is credited, along with DJ Premier, for the executive production of Jeru's debut, The Sun Rises in the East (1994).
In 1993, he released his first solo album, Jazzmatazz, Vol. 1. The album featured collaborations with Donald Byrd, N'Dea Davenport, Dee C. Lee, and Roy Ayers, whilst his second LP, Jazzmatazz, Vol. 2: The New Reality, featured Ramsey Lewis, Branford Marsalis, and Jamiroquai. The Jazzmatazz albums have been met with mixed reviews, Guru continued with Jazzmatazz, Vol. 3: Streetsoul (2000) and Baldhead Slick & Da Click (2001).
Moreover, recent Gang Starr albums have continued to garner Guru critical acclaim. Prominent Boston underground rapper Mr. Lif frequently cites Guru as a major stylistic influence; he appears as a guest with Lif on the Perceptionists' debut album, Black Dialogue (2005).
Besides Gang Starr, his Jazzmatazz and solo albums, Guru collaborated with countless artists since the early 90s. Not only in Hip-Hop, but also with artists from various genres such as pop, electronica/dance, acid jazz, and even brass bands.
His "first proper solo album", in his own words, was Version 7.0: The Street Scriptures (2005), released with the help of producer and new backup MC/producer Solar. The album reached #1 on the college hip-hop charts, but was a failure with both fans and critics. It still managed to sell relatively well for an independent release.
Guru's latest project is the fourth installment in the Jazzmatazz series, entirely produced by Solar. It was released in early June 2007 and received good reviews and comments from fans.
In 2007 Guru was ranked at 45 for the Top 50 MCs of our time: 1987-2007
On February 28th 2010, Guru suffered a severe heart attack and was in a coma. He passed away on April 19, 2010 at the age of 49 after a long battle with cancer.
2. Guru also refers to a Ghanaian hip-hop artist known for his single "LaPaz Toyota" and the song "Akayida" - basis for a azonto dance craze
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Ken Rivers
in my opinion the best track on this master piece album!
d.blake808stateofmind
depending on the day my friend,
nathar40
I like Transit Stop too.
Sheryl_Lynn
Ken Rivers Hands down!! I love jazz and this was arranged to a tee!
RankingRobert
when Hip Hop was real music....
Sness 64
The respect he had for jazz is so present. You could tell that the inclusion of the samples and instrumentation was from pure love. As a fan of jazz and Hiphop this album shines above most, taking it place with the legends. Not only of Hiphop but jazz as well.
Randy Marsh
@GhoulishDongle word! Classics jazzy players
GhoulishDongle
There weren't samples on this album; it was live instrumentation
Alfred Cowans
This Joint Hard!!!💪🏾
jazzyeyed
i love Guru's music. Could you please recommend any other similar musicians. I live in Kolkata, India. heard this album first 25 years ago.