Not many bands lock into their sound in high school or manage to hang together for seven years, but Heiruspecs has and now the young 20-somethings are seasoned vets. With more than 100,000 revolutions on the band’s odometer from a touring schedule that keeps them on the road 150 days a year, Heiruspecs has steadily broken down preconceived notions of live hip-hop by refusing to regurgitate the same old sounds you’ve heard before, and knock you upside the head with their impressive array of funk, soul and hard-hitting beats. And the band doesn’t cop samples to get to where they want to take you, instead opting to deliver it all live, all original.
All this has culminated in the band’s latest, A Tiger Dancing (Razor & Tie) released September 28, 2004. With lead MC Felix’s fast-lane but steady and assured handle on the mic and the powerful rhythmic backing of the band, Heiruspecs has brought live hip-hop into a new arena. From the countdown of a daily routine that makes up “5ves” to the mid-song break between old-school and new school in the title track, the soul strains of “Heartsprings,” and the frantic anthem of “Fist,” Heiruspecs cast a net that encompasses everything from the Roots and DJ Shadow to Run D.M.C. and Digable Planets.
“We’re influenced by sampler-based production, old-school rhyming and real life,” says lead MC Felix. “But we do everything live, nothing is sampled and we like to keep it song-oriented, to give equal space to the lyrics and the music.”
“When we started touring, a lot of people seemed surprised there are bands who play this kind of music live,” Felix adds. “They’re even more puzzled when we tell them we’re from St. Paul, because no one has ever heard of St. Paul. Ever. That’s why we tell most people we’re from Minneapolis.”
As part of the burgeoning Midwestern hip-hop scene, Heiruspecs first made inroads with their self-released 2002 album, Small Steps, which earned them critical praise in national and regional outlets (“Exceptional ... the rhythm that rocks the spot” - URB), and set them off on their never-ending touring schedule. In their down time, Heiruspecs has been tapped to perform as the backing band for such acts as Atmosphere, Oddjobs, Aesop Rock, Sage Francis and others, allowing the band to cement themselves as one of the premiere live hip-hop bands in the nation.
“The Twin Cities is a very nurturing scene,” Twinkie says. “There’s a lot of clubs, a lot of musicians, and a lot of open minds here. It’s allowed us to be ourselves while also being able to develop our live act and take it out of town to the rest of the country.”
get down
Heiruspecs Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You know we doing this for you and yours
St. Paul, Minneap, MIDWEST Heiruspecs, check your map
Work harder at assembling, words that leave 'em trembling
Let 'em ring, keep ripping 'til my lips get chapped
And you are now checking the best sound get down
My new mission in life is to tour and wreck towns
'til the other local niggas get mad and step down
And I couldn't give a fuck if you're feeling it
I outlined my rhyme book in chalk would you believe I'm killing it
The village idiot has got a lot of tales to tell
I'm a fool and now I'm knowing that these tales will sell
Put 2 and 2 together and you get a hole
A whole lot of cats trying playing out they roles
They, play, on, say songs through speech
I smile and exhale more than air like in green mile
I fell ill last year, so ill that I was bed ridden
So ill that when I came out MC's got masks
This illness never left, now when I talk I'm afflicted
This ill shit is stuck with me until my death, I laugh
Ha-ha
Man. I ain't the right personality type to kick some yada-yada hype
For y'all to pretend to write
Despite the fringe benefits, penning this is my life
Tight lipped enough to suppress grins when bending mics
Strike
I pitch words that change-up, slide, sink, and curve
Not a standard issue sidearm, but still serve superb
Sound meets concussive force and forges alliance
Hit the earth, ground ripples and burst, Codename: Seismic
Fucking up all landings, steps, strides, and stances
Dr. Footshock trauma, metatarsals and phalanges
We can't quit, shit'll be over like that quick
When that cinema plays images of last days, laughter is magic
It ain't the ripple in the riddle, the flow's undertow we patrol
Amphibious menace, snapping jaws and death roll
Swamp gator related to sewer species
These beasts be Lake Placid drastic, best believe me
Let the beat hit you like a rock, rock
Take the rhythm, strangle it and just rock, rock
Keep the beat like a clock, tick-tocking on
Move to the break of dawn with us, rock, rock
We gets down like Heidi Fleiss humming Cheap Trick
I've been sewing up a fat as crop I want to reap it
Move swiftly down the road, swinging low while your left lost
Stock soul with a body kit, get it?
We gets down like a snapped bungee chord a rush
Wet up verses like a wave out of blue crush, must we
Keep annoying critics that think we even listen
I'm Felix, and in my position they would never get it
If I'm a master of ceremonies then I want to MC your funeral
The last ceremony you'll ever have fucker
We gets down like the last ceremony you'll ever have
Burying cats, too many are too drab
In the lab, grabbing every thing we've got to keep it on lock
Blessed with the gift to move swift like agent smith
Can I get down? Oh yeah, no question 'bout that
Hotter than the flames on your message board
Forging out blades, melting metal, blacksmith with mic chord
We gets down like Icarus, we 'gone melt the whole floor
I wouldn't lie to you, this year we reaching out like sunlight
Moving every proving ground to show we run right
We're "zehrgut" in Germany, in Chi Town we're raw
No flaws, you heard this sound and went home with dropped jaws
Pause for a second
We gets down like bullets whirring over your head to wreck shit
Seen you running from the club and you were looking desperate
Inspired to write, right after our set, your page is desolate
We gets down like 10 yards completed pass
Completely pass those competing in a weaker class
They say sticks and stones can break your bones
Your breathing fast, cause these words could beat your ass
The lyrics to Heiruspecs's song "Get Down" are about the group's purpose and dedication to producing music. The first verse emphasizes that they create music for themselves and their audience, with the Midwest and their roots in St. Paul and Minneapolis as a significant factor influencing their sound. The second verse highlights the group's lyricism and the impact it has on those who listen, as well as their ability to change up the game and create something unique. The song's chorus expresses the group's ability to make their listeners move, with a reference to their impact being compared to that of a powerful hit.
Overall, the lyrics to "Get Down" demonstrate Heiruspecs's passion for making powerful music that resonates with their audience.
Line by Line Meaning
We do this for us, we do it for applause
We create and perform music for ourselves and also for the recognition and appreciation from our audience
You know we doing this for you and yours
We are creating music specifically for you and your community
St. Paul, Minneap, MIDWEST Heiruspecs, check your map
We are representing and proud of our Midwestern roots, specifically St. Paul and Minneapolis
Work harder at assembling, words that leave 'em trembling
We constantly strive to craft lyrics that have a powerful impact, making listeners feel intense emotions
Let 'em ring, keep ripping 'til my lips get chapped
We will continue to perform passionately and energetically until our voices tire
And you are now checking the best sound get down
You are currently witnessing and experiencing the highest quality and most captivating music
My new mission in life is to tour and wreck towns
My primary goal in life now is to travel and incredibly impress audiences in every city I visit
'til the other local niggas get mad and step down
Until the other local artists become envious and feel compelled to retire from the music industry
Leave 'em all shook like they got the clap, ha-ha
We will leave them completely shocked and astonished, as if they have contracted a serious disease
And I couldn't give a fuck if you're feeling it
I genuinely don't care if you appreciate or enjoy our music
I outlined my rhyme book in chalk would you believe I'm killing it
I meticulously planned and prepared my lyrics like a crime scene, showcasing my lyrical prowess
The village idiot has got a lot of tales to tell
Despite being viewed as foolish, I have many interesting and captivating stories to share
I'm a fool and now I'm knowing that these tales will sell
I have embraced my status as a fool, but I am confident that people will find value in my stories and purchase them
Put 2 and 2 together and you get a hole
If you combine certain pieces of information or actions, you will discover a significant flaw or weakness
A whole lot of cats trying playing out they roles
Many individuals are pretending to be something or someone they are not
They, play, on, say songs through speech
They perform and express themselves through the lyrics and message of their songs
I smile and exhale more than air like in green mile
I find joy and relief in expressing myself and sharing my music, just like the character in the film 'The Green Mile'
I fell ill last year, so ill that I was bedridden
I experienced a severe illness last year, to the point that I was unable to leave my bed
So ill that when I came out MC's got masks
My illness was so intimidating that other MCs started wearing protective masks in my presence
This illness never left, now when I talk I'm afflicted
The effects of this illness still remain, causing me to speak with a certain affliction or aura
This ill shit is stuck with me until my death, I laugh
I find it amusing and ironic that I will carry this unique illness with me until my final days
Man. I ain't the right personality type to kick some yada-yada hype
I am not the type of person who can engage in superficial or empty hype
For y'all to pretend to write
For you all to pretend to be skilled and talented writers
Despite the fringe benefits, penning this is my life
Even though there may be additional perks, writing and creating music is my true passion and purpose
Tight lipped enough to suppress grins when bending mics
I am able to maintain a serious and focused demeanor while delivering powerful and impactful performances
Strike
Deliver an exceptional performance or make a significant impact
I pitch words that change-up, slide, sink, and curve
I deliver lyrics that are unpredictable and dynamic, evoking various emotions and reactions
Not a standard issue sidearm, but still serve superb
My style and approach to music may not be conventional, but I still excel and impress
Sound meets concussive force and forges alliance
The power and intensity of my music bring together and form a strong connection with the audience
Hit the earth, ground ripples and burst, Codename: Seismic
When my music impacts the world, it creates vibrations and energy that spread and explode like an earthquake
Fucking up all landings, steps, strides, and stances
My music disrupts and disturbs the stability and confidence of others
Dr. Footshock trauma, metatarsals and phalanges
My music inflicts a significant and painful shock on individuals, affecting their feet and toes
We can't quit, shit'll be over like that quick
We cannot stop creating music, as the career could abruptly end just as quickly
When that cinema plays images of last days, laughter is magic
When reflecting on the fleeting nature of our existence, finding joy and laughter becomes even more precious
It ain't the ripple in the riddle, the flow's undertow we patrol
The real essence and power of our music lies beneath the surface, and we explore it vigilantly
Amphibious menace, snapping jaws and death roll
We are a dangerous and formidable force in the music industry, capable of striking aggressively and causing significant damage
Swamp gator related to sewer species
We are distinctly connected to a dark and unconventional side of the music world
These beasts be Lake Placid drastic, best believe me
Our music is so powerful and impactful that it can rival the dramatic intensity seen in the film 'Lake Placid'
Let the beat hit you like a rock, rock
Allow the rhythm and music to hit you with a strong and forceful impact
Take the rhythm, strangle it and just rock, rock
Fully embrace the rhythm and manipulate it to create a powerful and captivating experience
Keep the beat like a clock, tick-tocking on
Maintain the rhythm and energy of the music, keeping it constantly moving and flowing
Move to the break of dawn with us, rock, rock
Join us in experiencing and enjoying the music until the break of dawn
We gets down like Heidi Fleiss humming Cheap Trick
We engage in our craft with the same intensity and dedication as Heidi Fleiss (famous Hollywood madam) passionately humming a Cheap Trick song
I've been sewing up a fat as a crop I want to reap it
I have been working hard and nurturing a fruitful project that I am eager to harvest and enjoy
Move swiftly down the road, swinging low while your left lost
We maneuver through life with speed and efficiency, overcoming obstacles while others struggle and feel disoriented
Stock soul with a body kit, get it?
Fuel your spirit and essence with a boost of energy and vigor, do you understand?
We gets down like a snapped bungee cord a rush
We engage in our craft with the same exhilaration and excitement as a bungee cord that suddenly snaps
Wet up verses like a wave out of blue crush, must we
We inundate our verses with a flow and energy comparable to a powerful wave, and the question is, must we continue?
Keep annoying critics that think we even listen
We persistently provoke and annoy critics who mistakenly believe we pay attention or are influenced by their opinions
I'm Felix, and in my position they would never get it
As an artist named Felix, I am in a unique position where they would never fully understand or comprehend my talent
If I'm a master of ceremonies then I want to MC your funeral
If I am regarded as a skilled and respected MC, then I want to perform at your funeral service
The last ceremony you'll ever have fucker
It will be the final event and ceremony of your life, you asshole
We gets down like the last ceremony you'll ever have
We engage in our craft with the same intensity as if it were the very last ceremony or event of your life
Burying cats, too many are too drab
We metaphorically bury other artists who are uninteresting and lack excitement
In the lab, grabbing everything we've got to keep it on lock
In the studio, we are fiercely determined to hold onto and maintain our unique and captivating style
Blessed with the gift to move swift like agent smith
We are fortunate to possess the talent and ability to move quickly and seamlessly, reminiscent of the fictional character Agent Smith
Can I get down? Oh yeah, no question 'bout that
Can I engage in the music and demonstrate my skills? Oh yes, there is absolutely no doubt or question about it
Hotter than the flames on your message board
We deliver music that is so intense and captivating, it surpasses the fiery debates and arguments found on internet message boards
Forging out blades, melting metal, blacksmith with mic chord
We metaphorically craft and shape powerful lyrics and music, resembling a skilled blacksmith working with molten metal
We gets down like Icarus, we 'gon melt the whole floor
We engage in our craft with the same ambition and confidence as Icarus, who flew too close to the sun and caused the floor beneath him to melt
I wouldn't lie to you, this year we reaching out like sunlight
I am being completely honest with you, as this year we are expanding our reach and influence like the rays of sunlight
Moving every proving ground to show we run right
We are confidently demonstrating our skills and abilities in every challenging situation to prove that we are superior
We're 'zehrgut' in Germany, in Chi Town we're raw
We are highly regarded and respected in Germany as 'zehrgut', and in Chicago, we are known for our raw talent and authenticity
No flaws, you heard this sound and went home with dropped jaws
Our music is flawless, leaving listeners in awe and astonishment after experiencing our sound
Pause for a second
Take a moment to reflect and consider
We gets down like bullets whirring over your head to wreck shit
We engage in our craft with the same high-speed intensity as bullets flying overhead, causing chaos and destruction
Seen you running from the club and you were looking desperate
We have witnessed you desperately fleeing from the club, demonstrating your fear or inability to match our performance
Inspired to write, right after our set, your page is desolate
After witnessing our electrifying performance, you find yourself inspired to write, resulting in a completely empty and devoid page
We gets down like 10 yards completed pass
We engage in our craft with the same precision and success as completing a 10-yard pass in football
Completely pass those competing in a weaker class
We effortlessly surpass and outperform those who are in a lower level or class of skill
They say sticks and stones can break your bones
It is said that physical harm can be inflicted with sticks and stones
Your breathing fast, cause these words could beat your ass
Your breathing becomes rapid and intense because the power and impact of our words can metaphorically beat you up
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: LEE BUTLER, STEVEN LAYCOCK, CHRISTOPHER RUDALL, OWEN DAVIES, CASEY MORRISON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind