Heavy D & the Boyz were the first group signed to Uptown Records; their debut, Living Large, was released in 1987 (see 1987 in music). The album was a commercial success, though Big Tyme (1989, 1989 in music) was a breakthrough that included four hits. Trouble T. Roy died at age 22 in a fall on 15 July 1990 in Indianapolis (see 1990 in music). Dixon fell 30 feet from a third-level ramp at Market Square Arena while roughhousing with another member of the group. Police said Dixon jumped onto a retaining wall to avoid a barrel rolling toward him and lost his balance. He died the next day. Dixon's passing led to a tribute on the follow-up platinum album, Peaceful Journey (1991, 1991 in music). Pete Rock & CL Smooth created a tribute to Trouble T. Roy called "They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)" which is regarded as a hip-hop classic.
Heavy D & the Boyz gained even more fame by singing the theme song for the television program In Living Color and also MADtv, and Heavy D performed the rap on Michael Jackson's hit single "Jam." However, the group's next album, Blue Funk, was a critical and commercial failure compared to their previous success. Heavy D then began focusing on his acting, appearing in the television shows Roc and Living Single before returning the music charts with Nuttin' But Love (1994, 1994 in music). After appearing in the off-Broadway play Riff Raff at Circle Repertory Company, Heavy D returned to recording with the hit Waterbed Hev.
He then appeared in the motion pictures Life, before joining the cast of the television show Boston Public. In 2002, Heavy D had a supporting role as an FBI agent along side Omar Epps in the movie adaptation of Dave Barry's novel Big Trouble. In 2003 he starred in the supporting cast for the sit-com The Tracy Morgan Show as Bernard. In 1997, Heavy D collaborated with B.B. King on his duets album Deuces Wild rapping in the song "Keep It Coming." A new Heavy D & the Boyz album is slated for 2007.
You Know
Heavy D Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
So everybody sit back, relax and have a champagne sip
We gonna teach these people out there who are
Against saying what we want to say the right way
Ya know what I'm saying, so what we're gonna do
Is kick back, swing a little funky beat by my man
DJ Pete Rock, producer extraordinaire, yo Pete Rock
Make it clear
I can flex, bend, lend a pen to a friend
Keep a party pimping from now to then
I don't have to swear, curse or juggle
Lyrics in the verse to make a party bubble
So mister Censorship, tell me, what's your problem
There's girlies on the corner, and phifey can't solve 'em
How did she say it, I'm curious G
DOes she say honey love me, or baby baby, funny
Anyway, we say what we wanna say
Play how we wanna play, feels good that way
So G Rap, huh, it's time to kick a verse
Do your man a favor and don't curse
You're telling me don't curse on a verse, they did it worse
First I put a curse on every verse
I kind of got outrageous
Check it, even made a record on how I'm doing on the be-I-T-see-he's
Drop some verses for the bust
Every word that you heard is cause I didn't give a f-, aw shucks
Hey yo, I almost forgot
The curse is a plot but it's getting kinda hot
So I'ma let profanity retire, hey
But if worse comes to worse, I'll cut you out like Richard Pryor
So Grand Puba, kick a verse
But do your man a favor and don't curse
Don't curse bust it
I won't curse, I'll take a famous curse word and just say cuff
Kcuf flipped around the other way means ha
Boy when I do, I see, I can't get stuck
Jump on the mic then I earn a quick buck
Buck meaning loot, then I grab some boots
And set wit my troops
For those who can't follow and got stuck
Kcuf flipped the other way means ahem, hem hem
It's just a curse, I freaked a nurse in a hearse
But I made sure I had my hat first
CL Smooth, it's time to kick a verse
God cypher the rhyme, you can't curse
Go ahead ask me, when I kick a curse in a verse, I say nope
Grab you by your hand, wash you're mouth out wit soap
Thinking to be the last one wit the bad lingo
Scooping on the skins in the church from your bingo
Sounds of the Mecca, dark fresh from the tailor
Because they made a movie when he cuss like a sailor
Better yet, dialect dirty like a subway
Freaking for your loot, here to make it go the other way
In a vocabulary scrimmage
But cursing in my village ain't good for my image
So Big Daddy, you know it's time to kick a verse
But do your man a favor, don't curse
Uh, the smooth rap inventor that enter
Parental discretion's not advised so there's no need to censor
Kiss on, peep it, but you want to beep it, what
I feel like slapping a sticker on ya (chill chill, see) but
Too magical rhymes are too tragical
For any source to stop Kane from getting capital
If I thought sticking me was dissing me
Man, don't you know that this would be worse than Stephen King's Misery
So clean all profanity, stealing all the man to be
Rocking any microphone you're handing me
So Heavy D, I'm about to disperse
So kick another verse and don't forget not to curse
God Bless but I can't mess around wit the curses
So I'm a kick verses or a verse
Soul brother number one here to kick facts
Smoke the microphone and produce crazy tracks
Your my bad bro, let's start the flow
I'm a kick rhymes till it's time for me to go
I can't curse cause Heavy D said so
Now I'm a get back to the subject
Get wreck, if you think I'm bluffing, just check
Wit the crew, Pete Rock and CL Smooth very down to earth
And we didn't have to curse
Yea, yea the Abstract poet Q-tip of a Tribe Called Quest
Here to wreck, ya' know what I'm sayin'
Got my man Pete Rock and my man Heavy D in the house
And we're definitely chilling on the lifted tip
So bust the spit out, aha
Flim flam flim, lick my big black stuff
Plus I kick a curse to be rough enough
You can put the sticker where the sun don't shine
So back off and let me get mine
Visions in my head when it's dealing wit hits
If I had 4 girls then I lick 8 its
Wait, don't wanna hear no drama
Cause the bum diddly Heav is a fav of my mama's
So I blew out get mad lifted
Don't have to say up the show that I'm gifted
God bless me 'cause I reach my 21st
Heavy D, don't drop a curse
Peace, peace, peace to the preacher
I'm talking about a verse without a curse that's how I reach ya
I can rock a party without a swear or a harsh verb
Backwards, no curse words, Heavy D prefers
So swing, swing to the Soul bequiem rhythm
Before I say goodbye, let me tell ya how I hit 'em
CL, Pete Rock, G Rap, Maxwell
Big Daddy, Q-Tip and ah me as well
Time to say peace, thank Pete for the beats
This funky beat was made for the street
Notice how clean that we kept every verse
But if worst came to worst (We all say a curse)
The lyrics of Don't You Know by Heavy D & The Boyz carry an important message about battling censorship and controlling language in music. The opening lines call for the audience to sit back and relax, while the artists provide an example of how to say what they want to say "the right way". DJ Pete Rock is acknowledged and praised as the "producer extraordinaire" of the track, and the artists build upon his "funky beat" to impart their message. The song itself takes on a censorship theme, with Heavy D & The Boyz railing against not being able to say what they want to say. G Rap speaks of cursing in his verses and being told not to curse in his future work; but also acknowledges that he can make his party pop even without using foul language. Grand Puba, CL Smooth, Big Daddy Kane, Q-tip, and the other members of the group follow a similar pattern, emphasising on the need to create good and meaningful music, without resorting to profanity. The lyrics of the song are a product of the time where the explicit nature of rap music was garnering widespread criticism, and the censorship of content in music was a big issue.
Line by Line Meaning
This one definitely goes out on a censorship tip
We are acknowledging that this song is about censorship.
So everybody sit back, relax and have a champagne sip
Take a moment to enjoy yourself and listen to this song.
We gonna teach these people out there who are
Our intention is to educate those who oppose freedom of speech.
Against saying what we want to say the right way
We are against restrictions on expressing ourselves.
Is kick back, swing a little funky beat by my man
We're going to relax and enjoy the music.
DJ Pete Rock, producer extraordinaire, yo Pete Rock
Shoutout to Pete Rock, the talented producer of this song.
Make it clear
Let's make our message clear.
I can flex, bend, lend a pen to a friend
I am versatile, helpful, and creative.
Keep a party pimping from now to then
I know how to keep a party lively and fun.
I don't have to swear, curse or juggle
I don't need to use vulgar language to entertain.
Lyrics in the verse to make a party bubble
My lyrics are enough to make the party lively and enjoyable.
So mister Censorship, tell me, what's your problem
I'm addressing those who try to restrict our speech and ask them to explain themselves.
There's girlies on the corner, and phifey can't solve 'em
Even censorship can't control the attraction between people.
How did she say it, I'm curious G
I'm intrigued by the way she expresses herself.
Does she say honey love me, or baby baby, funny
Is her way of expressing love and affection cute or amusing?
Anyway, we say what we wanna say
Regardless of censorship, we will express ourselves freely.
Play how we wanna play, feels good that way
We will create music in the style that feels authentic and enjoyable to us.
So G Rap, huh, it's time to kick a verse
Now it's G Rap's turn to showcase his lyrical skills.
Do your man a favor and don't curse
Please avoid using any vulgar or offensive language.
You're telling me don't curse on a verse, they did it worse
You're asking me to refrain from cursing, but others have done it more egregiously.
First I put a curse on every verse
I intentionally included curses in my previous work.
I kind of got outrageous
I pushed boundaries and took risks with my lyrics.
Check it, even made a record on how I'm doing on the be-I-T-see-he's
I even recorded a track discussing my explicit lyrics.
Drop some verses for the bust
I delivered impactful and provocative verses.
Every word that you heard is cause I didn't give a f-, aw shucks
I said what I wanted without caring about the consequences.
Hey yo, I almost forgot
I almost overlooked an important point.
The curse is a plot but it's getting kinda hot
Cursing can be controversial, but it is gaining popularity.
So I'ma let profanity retire, hey
I will stop using profanity in my lyrics.
But if worse comes to worse, I'll cut you out like Richard Pryor
If necessary, I will exclude you from my circle of influence.
So Grand Puba, kick a verse
Now it's Grand Puba's turn to rap.
But do your man a favor and don't curse
Please refrain from using any offensive language.
Don't curse bust it
Let's avoid using profanity.
I won't curse, I'll take a famous curse word and just say cuff
I will substitute a well-known curse word with a harmless term like 'cuff'.
Kcuf flipped around the other way means ha
Spelling a particular curse word backward can be interpreted as a humorous exclamation.
Boy when I do, I see, I can't get stuck
When I utilize wordplay, I have an endless supply of creative ideas.
Jump on the mic then I earn a quick buck
As soon as I start performing, I quickly make money.
Buck meaning loot, then I grab some boots
I make a lot of money, so I can afford to buy expensive boots.
And set wit my troops
I am surrounded by my loyal team.
For those who can't follow and got stuck
Some may struggle to understand my clever wordplay.
Kcuf flipped the other way means ahem, hem hem
When that curse word is spelled backward, it represents a throat-clearing sound.
It's just a curse, I freaked a nurse in a hearse
It is merely a vulgar expression, and I had a wild encounter with a nurse in a funeral car.
But I made sure I had my hat first
But before anything happened, I made sure to protect myself.
CL Smooth, it's time to kick a verse
Now it's CL Smooth's turn to showcase his lyrical skills.
God cypher the rhyme, you can't curse
Let the divine higher power guide my lyrics, as I avoid using offensive language.
Go ahead ask me, when I kick a curse in a verse, I say nope
You can inquire about my stance on cursing, but my answer will be a firm 'no'.
Grab you by your hand, wash you're mouth out wit soap
I will metaphorically discipline anyone who uses curse words.
Thinking to be the last one wit the bad lingo
I aim to be the one who avoids using offensive language.
Scooping on the skins in the church from your bingo
Flirting with women in the church while pretending to play bingo.
Sounds of the Mecca, dark fresh from the tailor
The music represents the essence of our culture, delivered with a unique style.
Because they made a movie when he cuss like a sailor
A movie was made showcasing how explicit and vulgar he can be.
Better yet, dialect dirty like a subway
I have a gritty and provocative style of speaking, similar to the language heard in the subway.
Freaking for your loot, here to make it go the other way
I am here to entertain and make money, using innovative and unconventional methods.
In a vocabulary scrimmage
Engaging in a battle of words and ideas
But cursing in my village ain't good for my image
Using foul language in my community would harm my reputation.
So Big Daddy, you know it's time to kick a verse
Now it's Big Daddy's turn to showcase his lyrical skills.
But do your man a favor, don't curse
Please avoid using any vulgar or offensive language.
Uh, the smooth rap inventor that enter
Introducing myself as the creator of smooth rap.
Parental discretion's not advised so there's no need to censor
The lyrics are not explicit, so there is no need for parental guidance or censorship.
Kiss on, peep it, but you want to beep it, what
Listen carefully, but if you want to censor or bleep it, I understand.
I feel like slapping a sticker on ya (chill chill, see) but
I jokingly want to label you with a warning sticker, but let's remain calm and understanding.
Too magical rhymes are too tragical
My extraordinary rhymes can be seen as both impressive and somber.
For any source to stop Kane from getting capital
No external force can hinder Kane from earning money and success.
If I thought sticking me was dissing me
If someone tried to silence or criticize me, they would be mistaken.
Man, don't you know that this would be worse than Stephen King's Misery
The consequences would be more severe than the suffering depicted in Stephen King's novel 'Misery'.
So clean all profanity, stealing all the man to be
Let's eliminate all foul language and become more respectful individuals.
Rocking any microphone you're handing me
I excel at performing on any microphone provided to me.
So Heavy D, I'm about to disperse
Now it's Heavy D's turn to deliver his verse.
So kick another verse and don't forget not to curse
Perform another verse without using any offensive language.
God Bless but I can't mess around wit the curses
I offer a blessing, but I cannot engage in using curse words.
So I'm a kick verses or a verse
I will continue to deliver lyrics without resorting to cursing.
Soul brother number one here to kick facts
As a respected artist, I am here to deliver insightful and meaningful lyrics.
Smoke the microphone and produce crazy tracks
I will dominate the microphone while creating innovative and exciting music.
Your my bad bro, let's start the flow
You're my good friend, so let's begin the music and lyrics.
I'm a kick rhymes till it's time for me to go
I will continue rapping until the end of my time.
I can't curse cause Heavy D said so
Heavy D's influence prevents me from using offensive language.
Now I'm a get back to the subject
Now I will return to the main topic of discussion.
Get wreck, if you think I'm bluffing, just check
Prepare yourself, and if you doubt my skills, test me.
Wit the crew, Pete Rock and CL Smooth very down to earth
With the support of Pete Rock and CL Smooth, we remain grounded and relatable.
And we didn't have to curse
We successfully delivered our message without resorting to vulgar language.
Yea, yea the Abstract poet Q-tip of a Tribe Called Quest
I am Q-tip, the poetic member of Tribe Called Quest.
Here to wreck, ya' know what I'm sayin'
I am here to deliver impressive lyrics and leave an impact.
Got my man Pete Rock and my man Heavy D in the house
Acknowledging the presence of Pete Rock and Heavy D, both talented artists.
And we're definitely chilling on the lifted tip
We are relaxed and enjoying ourselves in an elevated state of mind.
So bust the spit out, aha
Listen carefully to the lyrics, ha!
Flim flam flim, lick my big black stuff
Using nonsense words and innuendo to create a playful and provocative line.
Plus I kick a curse to be rough enough
I add a curse word in order to make my lyrics more edgy and impactful.
You can put the sticker where the sun don't shine
I don't care about warning stickers or censorship.
So back off and let me get mine
Step aside and allow me to achieve my goals and success.
Visions in my head when it's dealing wit hits
I have creative ideas and visions when I am making music.
If I had 4 girls then I lick 8 its
If I had relationships with four women, it would be twice as exciting.
Wait, don't wanna hear no drama
I don't want to deal with any conflict or negativity.
Cause the bum diddly Heav is a fav of my mama's
My mother is a fan of my music and appreciates my talent.
So I blew out get mad lifted
I had a great time and became euphoric.
Don't have to say up the show that I'm gifted
My talent and skill are evident without me having to boast.
God bless me 'cause I reach my 21st
I am grateful for reaching the age of 21 and seek blessings from a higher power.
Heavy D, don't drop a curse
Heavy D, please refrain from using any offensive language.
Peace, peace, peace to the preacher
Extending greetings and a peaceful message to the preacher.
I'm talking about a verse without a curse that's how I reach ya
I am delivering this verse without using any offensive language to connect with you.
I can rock a party without a swear or a harsh verb
I can entertain and energize a party without using vulgar or offensive language.
Backwards, no curse words, Heavy D prefers
Heavy D has a preference for avoiding any curse words or offensive language.
So swing, swing to the Soul bequiem rhythm
Move and dance to the rhythmic and soulful music.
Before I say goodbye, let me tell ya how I hit 'em
Before ending this verse, let me explain how I captivate the audience with my lyrics.
CL, Pete Rock, G Rap, Maxwell
Acknowledging the fellow artists involved in creating this song.
Big Daddy, Q-Tip and ah me as well
Naming the other artists involved in the song, including myself.
Time to say peace, thank Pete for the beats
Ending the song with a message of peace and appreciation for Pete Rock's musical contribution.
This funky beat was made for the street
The music was created to be enjoyed by the people in the streets.
Notice how clean that we kept every verse
Take note of the fact that we delivered each verse without using offensive language.
But if worst came to worst (We all say a curse)
In the worst-case scenario, we might use a curse word.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Teddy Riley, Dwight Myers
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Dee29140
He never degraded or disrespected women in any of his songs. R.I.P. Heavy D.
@user-mk7hn7jy2v
SO TRUE!
I MUST SAY TRUE 🤎🤍💪🏿🎧🎧🎶🎵✈️🙏🏽🌎REST IN HEAVEN ANGEL. JUST AN AWESOME SOUL. HE KEPT IT REAL! AND RESPECTFULLY!!💪🏿👑
@gigijerrie322
He seemed to be a good guy......he was probably smart enough to keep respectable women in his circle.......he made good choices....
@richardmccormick859
Or cussed
@SprayWayCustoms
This came out in 88' but I could remember in 92' saying when I get married this was gonna be my wedding song. Now it's 2018 and I believe I'm about to make that statement come true 😍
@charleslongs4655
SprayWayCustoms 1987
@salaamakbar3630
DONT U KNOW DON'T U KNOW
@arnedac9399
Awwww🥺🥺That's beautiful. Congratulations! God Bless your union.
@lilianmccloud7558
💙
@davidrivas1729
It’s 2021 what needed up happening?