Heltah Skeltah first appeared on Smif-N-Wessun's album Dah Shinin' in 1995, appearing on the tracks "Wontime (LP Version)", "Cession at da Doghillee (LP Version)" and "Let's Git It On". Later in 1995, they grouped up with fellow Boot Camp members O.G.C. to form The Fab 5 (another nod to The Beatles), and released a surprise hit single, "Leflaur Leflah Eshkoshka". Out of The Fab 5 members, Rock and Ruck received the most amount of attention, due to their notable charisma and chemistry. The duo released their anticipated debut Nocturnal in June 1996, which included "Leflah", as well as the singles "Operation Lock Down" and "Therapy". The album sold over 250,000 copies in the United States, and has become a classic in the underground hip hop scene because of its grimy, basement sound and strong lyrics.
The duo released a group album with the Boot Camp Clik in 1997, then followed in 1998 with their second effort Magnum Force. The album's lead single, "I Ain't Havin' That" (sampled from the A Tribe Called Quest track "Hot Sex"), became a Hot 100 hit. Despite the single's success, most critics slammed the album due to its lighter content. Ruck and Rock seemed disillusioned with their lack of sales, and split in 2000. Rock began having problems with Duck Down Records, and split with the label, signing to DJ Lethal's Lethal Records. He planned to release an album titled Planet Rock, but the label folded and the album disappeared. Sean Price stuck with the Boot Camp for their second group effort The Chosen Few in 2002.
Heltah Skeltah reunited in 2005, making appearances on Sean Price's solo album Monkey Barz and Smif-N-Wessun's Reloaded album. The duo continued work with the Boot Camp for their third group effort The Last Stand, released in July 2006. According to both members, they are also currently working on another Heltah Skeltah album, tentatively titled D.I.R.T., an acronym for Da Incredible Rap Team. Rock is also planning to release his solo debut, tentatively titled Monstah Music, sometime in 2007. In 2007, Heltah Skeltah will appear on Chinga Chang Records March 5th Release The "Official Joints" compilation, a collection of previously unreleased songs by NYC rappers.
Hellz Kitchen
Heltah Skeltah Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Listen, if I die tonight, don't stress yourself bitching
Cause a big Thanksgiving size plate waiting for me in Hellz Kitchen
Hell's Angels gon' do my bidding like I'm Charlie's Devil's rejects
But he kicked me out for robbing his homies
And I'm right back like I forgot my keys
On the block slinging shots for cheese, that's a fair trade
A hustle's a hustle, my hustle is muscle
None of you wanna dance with the devil, save me the last dance
Been a gat man since Marques Houston was Batman
You Dela Reese, this mack with a top of a trash can
I'm quick, nah, bitch, not quick like ya last mans
Sag pants, street slaughter, spartan savagery
Murder muthafuckas, monster mashary, assault and battery
At the least, B, I promise, you haters
I show you grocery, without a bodega, you bitch bastards
[Chorus: Rock]
Will heat your bird, rotisserie ducks
Not just birds, we heating all beef up
Not just beef, we heating these streets up
Don't stop there, we heat whole cities up
Why stop there, we heat countries up
All off the heat off one CD, yup
Can't take the heat, get up out of this bitching
I'm welcoming real niggas to Hellz Kitchen, listen
[Sean Price:]
Yo, peep the food for thought, if food were thoughts
I'd be Lean Cuisine, you Mushu Pork
Napoleon complex, pa, you too short
Can't, rock with the God, nor box with the God
Listen, I paid my dues, I pave my shoes
Cost so much to look at 'em, charge pay-per-view
My gun game crazy, the fifth spit I
Kill man, woman & child, ala Chris Benoit
Sean Price, is not the brokest rapper you know
Blow G's on trees, rolling tobacco and smoke
Puff my trees, don't fuck with P
You a new born I'm dealing with these plus degrees
Peace God, you my success? I'm trying to succeed
You niggas suck cess and blunts and suck seeds
This is the Boot Camp Show, I'm your host
Most definite, the best in ya row, coast to coast, P.
[Chorus:]
Will heat your bird, rotisserie ducks
Not just birds, we heating all beef up
Not just beef, we heating these streets up
Don't stop there, we heat whole cities up
Why stop there, we heat countries up
All off the heat off one CD, yup
Can't take the heat, get up out of this bitching
I'm welcoming real niggas to Hellz Kitchen, listen.
[Rock:]
I'm just gon' say it, yo, we the hardest tag team ever
You better than them niggas 'Catraz and P? Never
Disrespect us if you wanna, get ya teeth messed up
Deal with angry Robert Blake, that's the mean Beretta
We Da Incredible Rap Team, muthafucking rap G's
Suckas never catch me, up in them slim ass jeans, ya'll some bustas
I think you gay, you might be
Catching giant balls on your head like you David Karee
[Sean Price:]
Yo, Kanye West welcomed niggas to the Good Life
Sean stay stressed, welcome niggas to a hood knife
Niggas ain't crazy, they ain't ready for a hood fight
Rock a bye baby, with the eighty, pa, good night
Pa, you the shook type, know your kind
Niggas like you, ain't even supposed to rhyme
Listen, I used your CD for a coaster
B.C.C.C., Sean P and I toast ya
[Chorus:]
Will heat your bird, rotisserie ducks
Not just birds, we heating all beef up
Not just beef, we heating these streets up
Don't stop there, we heat whole cities up
Why stop there, we heat countries up
All off the heat off one CD, yup
Can't take the heat, get up out of this bitching
I'm welcoming real niggas to Hellz Kitchen, listen
The lyrics to "Hellz Kitchen" by Heltah Skeltah feature the two members, Rock and Sean Price, rapping about their tough and unapologetic personas. They reference their willingness to do whatever it takes to survive, even if it means resorting to violence and hustling on the streets. Rock speaks of being a "gat man" and using his muscle to take down those who cross him. He likens himself to a devilish figure, with the Hell's Angels doing his bidding. Sean Price adds to the machismo with his boastful lines about his wealth, his guns, and his ability to out-rap anyone. He critiques those who are not as tough as he is, refusing to acknowledge their success and mocking them for their lack of street cred.
The chorus of "Hellz Kitchen" adds to the menacing vibe of the song, with the repeated phrase "we heat[ing] whole cities up." The rappers seem to revel in the chaos they create, with a mix of bravado and humor. The song employs a number of pop culture references, from Marques Houston to David Carradine to Chris Benoit, showcasing the duo's wit and cleverness.
Overall, "Hellz Kitchen" is a gritty and intense track, with Heltah Skeltah flexing their rap skills and their personas as tough guys from the streets.
Line by Line Meaning
Listen, if I die tonight, don't stress yourself bitching
Don't mourn my death, because I have a great meal waiting for me in Hell's Kitchen
Hell's Angels gon' do my bidding like I'm Charlie's Devil's rejects
The Hell's Angels will follow my command like they are my loyal soldiers
But he kicked me out for robbing his homies
Charlie kicked me out of his gang for stealing from his friends
On the block slinging shots for cheese, that's a fair trade
Selling drugs for money is a barter system that is considered fair in my neighborhood
A hustle's a hustle, my hustle is muscle
Every legal and illegal way of making money is a hustle, but I rely on my physical strength to earn money
Been a gat man since Marques Houston was Batman
I have been carrying guns for a long time, even before Marques Houston played Batman
Murder muthafuckas, monster mashary, assault and battery
I have killed people, and I don't shy away from violence
All off the heat off one CD, yup
This one CD of our music is generating a lot of attention and causing a stir in the music industry
Can't take the heat, get up out of this bitching
If you can't handle the pressure, then leave this music scene
Yo, peep the food for thought, if food were thoughts
Consider my lyrics as a profound message that feeds your mind
Yo, Kanye West welcomed niggas to the Good Life
Kanye West's music attracts people to the good life, but my music is more about the harsh realities of the hood
Niggas ain't crazy, they ain't ready for a hood fight
People aren't mentally and physically prepared to fight in the dangerous world of the hood
We Da Incredible Rap Team, muthafucking rap G's
We are an amazing rap duo, and we are considered leaders in the industry
Contributed by Brody E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Sean Faunce
on gettin ass gettin ass
yw
Sean Faunce
on gettin ass gettin ass
aight aight girl I aint doin nothin ether, maybe we could do somethin ya meen,
come through i got the trees ya know, i got the fat bootleg joint ye know what im sayin, new jackie chan joint
I got it on video tape yee know what im sayin? come through
ya never know what could happen ya know what im sayin it might get a little physical ya know
i think im ready to make that move ya know what im sayin like whyyy cant wee go alll the wayy