The group's name is a combination of the words Haiku and Coup detat. which is put in one of their songs as meaning a Poetry Takeover.
These 3 Hip hop legends had a blend of rap, jazz and poetry on their 1999 self titled debut album setting out track after track many consider classics. The group returned in 2004 with their second album Coup De theatre, this album was to show off their individual strengths while having the ability to work together to make their music, and included other artists like gift of gab, Busdriver and Lateef.
With each artist having their own very successful solo careers and other hip hop groups it may be a while before the group returns for their 3rd strike to the hip hop community
Non Compos Mentis
Haiku D'Etat Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Non compos mentis and moon struck
come, pompous apprentice and succumb
To this relentless, yes, the sun
rises and sets yet you see none
of it's effects until it's done
then you'd reflect on how you'd run
I'd take a step, your momentum
[Abstract Rude]
they eat then they want to smoke then they eat food
repetitive cycle 'til I feel in the mood
other crews can't copy, they ain't got the magnitude
I hit 'em up, a heavyweight, they call 'em Ab Rude
this is not simply just to downplay wishes
made by emcees who found they status
do what you do to live life lavish
have this cabbage, heavy baggage
[Aceyalone]
Well I would like to start by saying
life has to be sparked each day
and night, got to be smart don't play
your time, you won't be back
when I speak I slice the words up like a slasher
private party crasher, dasher, rational thinker
sparkle a twinkle, third eye glimmer
sky swimmer
I like to let it simmer 'til the lights get dimmer
and I like talking about dilemma
and come up with a solution for the pollution
my contribution being the superior being at emceeing
and seeing the light love being in the light
but they snatch it like a thief in the night
[Mikah 9]
(right, right, you know what I mean)
I call them the cookie monsters
on the grind for these Entemanns, Chips-A-Hoy
combined with M&Ms, money, main
these be -Boys prosper posture on top of the roster exposed impostor
send him in, rendering him limb and limb
salted wounded, squeezing a little lemon in
torture sounding from drowning porter subjects surrendering
my tender and remembering the splendor when
I put my first splinter in nail
cuticle, black male
and you and yo honey giving skully to Clinton insider her cubicle
checks not cash knots
she also gotta keester half this poultry up that twat
the rest will go up to other how's tickling the G-spot
on G.P. you could D.P. the sales manager and the VP
you could smuggle me a key
I best belive that's how it be
just smoke this weed and leave with all the homies
[Abstract Rude]
Out the hotel
ain't we having a car come pick us up?
the life of a star come hook us up
studios, stages and the streets, bomb beats
pages of loose leaf, blazing the keef
courageous, the truth speaks louder than lies
so when they hear you style they be proud of you guys
search from land to land
go from a thousand to a hundred to ten
and couldn't find an honest man
it ain't always what it's promised to be
they don't stop until the thirty third and a third degree
shhh... can you keep a secret? of course
or yell it loud 'til your voice hoarse
out the airport
and we having a plane fly us out
we the truest, they interview us for what we write about
whether we're right or wrong
once again it's on 'til the night is gone
get in a zone from the dome and a tight song
[Aceyalone]
Well life just ain't sugary and buttery, is it?
now what, are we fooling ourselves thinking that it is?
I'm thinking that these kids need to know it from the jump
and be it that I'm a poet trying to get over the hump
I could play it like a trump
make you sicker than the mumps
the days come hella fast and the money comes in clumps
and sometimes it don't come at all
you run you fall come one for all for one
depending on exactly where you from
'cause the only way to be immortalized to be organized
and be able to be mobilized and look over the skies
I speak for an Overise and I stand for the universe
and freedom of man original with the tan
can I expand? can I feel the crowd?
if you don't want me to touch you then, uhh, speak up now
yeah, I keep my eyes on the owl and the sparrow
and the eagle and the hawk
They say why you talk that crazy talk
I tell 'em "we see what your eyes can't see"
on me, "we hear what ears can't hear"
poetry we can be what nobody can be
solely the only lonely truly
[Mikah 9]
Non compos mentis and moon struck
come pompas apprentice and circum
To this relentless the sun
rises and sets yet you see none
of it's effects until it's done
then you'd reflect on how you'd run
I'd take a step, your momentum
I had still kept, fool
The song "Non Compos Mentis" by Haiku D'Etat addresses themes of introspection, self-awareness, and societal issues. The title of the song means "not of sound mind" in Latin, and the lyrics reflect various states of mind in different situations. The first verse by Mikah 9 talks about being too caught up in one's own ego to see the bigger picture of life. He talks about the sun rising and setting, yet people not realizing its effects until it's too late. The second verse by Abstract Rude addresses the repetitive nature of life and the struggles of being an artist. He talks about how other crews can't copy their magnitude and how he hits them up like a heavyweight. The third verse by Aceyalone delves into the harsh realities of life and how people need to be organized and mobilized to make a change. He talks about being a poet and standing for the universe and freedom.
The repetition of the phrase "Non compos mentis and moon struck" throughout the song ties the verses together and emphasizes the idea that people are not always of sound mind or aware of the world around them. The lyrics also touch on societal issues such as poverty, inequality, and corruption.
Overall, "Non Compos Mentis" urges listeners to take a step back and reflect on their own lives and the world around them. It encourages self-awareness, critical thinking, and action towards creating a better society.
Line by Line Meaning
Non compos mentis and moon struck
Being mentally unstable and affected by the moon's gravitational pull
Come, pompous apprentice and succumb
Addressing those who are arrogant and telling them to give in and submit
To this relentless, yes, the sun
Referring to the unstoppable nature of time and the constant rising and setting of the sun
Rises and sets yet you see none
Despite the regularity of the sun, people fail to truly observe and appreciate its beauty and power
Of it's effects until it's done
People don't realize the impact of something until it has already passed and they reflect upon it
Then you'd reflect on how you'd run
Once people realize the impact of something, they may regret their actions or decisions
I'd take a step, your momentum
Taking advantage of someone's energy or excitement to further one's own goals or agenda
I had still kept, fool
Asserting dominance and ownership over the situation at hand
They eat then they want to smoke then they eat food
Describing the cyclical nature of unhealthy habits and addictions
Repetitive cycle 'til I feel in the mood
Waiting for a particular moment or feeling to indulge in the unhealthy cycle again
Other crews can't copy, they ain't got the magnitude
Boasting about their unique skills and abilities that cannot be replicated by others
I hit 'em up, a heavyweight, they call 'em Ab Rude
Bringing the full force of their talent and reputation to take on challengers
Life has to be sparked each day
Emphasizing the need to actively seek inspiration and motivation in everyday life
And night, got to be smart don't play
Being responsible with one's time and choices, even during leisure hours
Your time, you won't be back
Highlighting the irreversibility of time and the importance of cherishing and making the most of it
When I speak I slice the words up like a slasher
Describing their sharp and precise way of speaking and communicating
Private party crasher, dasher, rational thinker
Being a strategic and insightful person who is able to navigate social situations with ease
Sparkle a twinkle, third eye glimmer
Being able to see beyond surface-level details and perceive deeper truths
Sky swimmer
Metaphorically swimming through the vast expanse of the sky
I like to let it simmer 'til the lights get dimmer
Preferring to take time and let ideas develop organically, rather than rushing the creative process
Well I would like to start by saying
Beginning a thought or statement in a formal manner
Life just ain't sugary and buttery, is it?
Expressing the harsh reality that life is not always easy and enjoyable
And be it that I'm a poet trying to get over the hump
Acknowledging the struggle to find success and recognition in their chosen field
Make you sicker than the mumps
Promising to deliver something impactful and memorable
Depending on exactly where you from
Implying that one's background and upbringing can greatly affect their experiences and opportunities in life
'Cause the only way to be immortalized to be organized
Suggesting that in order to leave a lasting impact, one must be well-prepared and structured
I speak for an Overise and I stand for the universe
Proudly representing their community and embracing a larger perspective on the world
Shhh... can you keep a secret? of course
Playfully teasing the listener before revealing a potentially-sensitive piece of information
They say why you talk that crazy talk
Addressing the skepticism and criticism they receive for their unconventional ideas and beliefs
Non compos mentis and moon struck
Repeating the opening phrase to introduce a new section of the song
Addressing those who are arrogant and telling them to give in and submit
Restating the meaning of the first line in a more general way
Referring to the unstoppable nature of time and the constant rising and setting of the sun
Providing a literal interpretation of the sun's symbolism in the song
Despite the regularity of the sun, people fail to truly observe and appreciate its beauty and power
Expanding on the metaphor of the sun to comment on people's tendency to take things for granted
People don't realize the impact of something until it has already passed and they reflect upon it
Continuing the discussion on reflection and regret from earlier in the song
Taking advantage of someone's energy or excitement to further one's own goals or agenda
Exploiting others for personal gain
Asserting dominance and ownership over the situation at hand
Reiterating the idea of taking control and being powerful
Describing the cyclical nature of unhealthy habits and addictions
Pointing out the negative consequences of indulging in these habits
Waiting for a particular moment or feeling to indulge in the unhealthy cycle again
Expressing the idea of addiction and a lack of self-control
Boasting about their unique skills and abilities that cannot be replicated by others
Repeating an idea from earlier in the song with a slightly different tone
Highlighting the irreversibility of time and the importance of cherishing and making the most of it
Recalling an earlier discussion about the value of time
Describing their sharp and precise way of speaking and communicating
Reiterating a persona of being articulate and commanding
Being a strategic and insightful person who is able to navigate social situations with ease
Elaborating on the idea of being a skilled and impressive communicator
Being able to see beyond surface-level details and perceive deeper truths
Describing an intellectual and intuitive ability
Metaphorically swimming through the vast expanse of the sky
Expanding on the sky imagery used throughout the song
Preferring to take time and let ideas develop organically, rather than rushing the creative process
Continuing a theme of valuing patience and quality
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: AARON JOSEPH POINTER, ADRIAN BURLEY, EDWIN M. JR. HAYES, MICHAEL TROY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind