Ice-T started in 1982 out with other West Coast rap pioneers such as Kid Frost, DJ Flash, and The Egyptian Lover with Electro recordings. Later on, he changed his style and was the first West Coast rapper to be accepted by the East Coast. 6 'n The Mornin is sometimes seen as the track that triggered the whole gangster rap movement. It was produced by The Unknown DJ, who produced electro funk tracks before and went on to produce Compton's Most Wanted. The song was inspired by Schoolly D's "P.S.K. What Does It Mean?" and became itself the inspiration for Eazy-E and N.W.A's Boyz-N-The-Hood. Ice-T went on to work with Afrika Islam, the man behind the beats on 1987's Rhyme Pays, 1988's Power and 1989's The Iceberg/Freedom of Speech... Just Watch What You Say.
He also is a star in Law in Order: Special Victims Unit.
In 1992 he created the crossover band Body Count with 4 other black musicians.
Where Ya At?
Ice-T Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
So yo check this out
This is Ice Cube from the Westside Connection
Callin all the way from Johannesburg, South Africa
The world has never seen a million black men in one place
But on October 16, in Washington, D.C., a million black men will gather
"This is a mission, not a small time thing" (sample repeats)
Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah, word up son, check it out though
YaknowhatI'msayin? Word up son
Listen up son, knowhatI'msayin?
(Watch out for them man) Listen up son, check it out though, yo
Open your eyes get wise and look alive focus your attention
Windows 95 updated high tech lynchin
Crosses of the colored man who claims he holds the keys to the safe
Secrets of the world, blow him in his face
Who's the master of the universe, galaxy and planets
Babylonians ecstatic moon the sinkin of Atlantis
(Be the one soul original black filled with melanin
Goin out like represent Kuwait in two thousand)
[Ice-T]
Brothers gonna have to put themself in check
Three strikes you in the penzo, checked to your neck
Your woman cries, your baby grows up alone
Talkin through a three inch glass on a two way phone
You tell me brothers got no options today
You best to listen to the Ice closely fool, crime don't pay
Gas and dope bullets and coke ain't the way
You need to march with the Nation on Atonement Day, represent
[Chuck D]
Now, to all my brothers we be rhymin like this
Yeah I can handle, but they can't kill it mill or dismantle it
And we can leave the component alone
Show all my brothers a brother instead of negro
Crackers in the back obscene knahmean
But I've been knockin em out the box like ??
So on the single we be flowin at the lingo
Comin together, not solo like Mandingo
[Chorus: all together]
So where you at why'all?
Right here, hangin with my brothers and we showin no fear
So where you at why'all?
Right here, if you represent then throw your hands in the air
[Smooth B]
Arm Leg Leg Arm Head
My people with braids waves dreads and baldheads
A million strong doin duty, wisdom strength beauty
Ummah Ahs they are, sun moon star
And it's a holy day, come sober
Smooth be in D.C., sixteenth of October
In unity there is power, none can devour
Hour after hour, we shower
[RZA & Killah Priest]
Imagine us travellin back to Nazareth
Most fabulous
To raise up the black dead slaves like Lazarus
When I catch rays through the blaze holy essays
No more death days and vexed slaves possessed in caves
Yo it's the last days and times we gots to raise your mind
Brothers walk around dumb different and blind
Pregnant Earths always carry eggs
I pledge to never fall off the ledge
and blacks remain family like Sister Sledge
[Shorty]
God prepared the table for us, in the presence of our enemy
Now we soon to be, one in unity
One two three I'm a G
But the God inside is that G I chose to be
The world is a stage and everybody plays a part
I'm not considered, the one with a sensitive heart
When I say black man you say go
Black man GO black man GO
[Chorus]
[DA Smart]
Somebody stole me, you took me from Kunta to Toby
and mold me, in a way that you freed me but still hold me
What you tryin to pull? Eatin us like cannibals
Whatever happened to that forty acres and that animal
Now you tryin to use integration just to fool us
Like Malcolm said, we been hoodwinked and bamboozled
Mama cryin, and I ain't lyin
I'm going to Washington for justice, I'ma get it, or die tryin
Don't hesitate, he's at the gate
And that's a million black men in one place to set it straight
So black women applaud the black God
I'm DA Smart, with the million man march
[KAM]
Damn that's how you know the world about to end
Rain hail snow earthquakes and a million black men
Upon the God indivisible
With liberty and justice for all cause why'all done made us miserable
With this AmeriKKKan nightmare
That's why October 16th we gon be right there like yeah
The same niggaz that you want gone
Well we about a million deep on your front lawn
It's goin on from here to Abraham Lincoln's statue
And every brother here thinkin yeah we need to holla at you
About this overdue bidness
With the Black Muslim, Christian Jew and Jehovah Witness
To get this out in the open the only way
Is for us to declare a black holy day
The homies say that they rollin
Plus we got family, forty miles up, controllin
[Chorus: x 4]
The lyrics of Ice-T's song 'Where Ya At' is a collection of different rappers and artists sharing their thoughts and opinions on the Million Man March that happened in Washington, D.C. It marked one of the largest gatherings of African-American men in history. Ice Cube opens the track with a message about the gathering and how this wasn't just any typical event. Mobb Deep's verse expresses the theme of vigilance and caution, speaking against those who claim to hold the keys to the secrets of the world. Ice-T speaks about the gravity of the situation, where crime, gas, bullets, and dope won't solve problems- marching with the Nation on Atonement Day will. Chuck D's verse talks about the power that comes with coming together and not solo. Smooth B celebrates the occasion, calling out aspects of pride and solidarity. Shorty speaks about the purpose of the Million Man March, which is to speak out loudly and make a statement. RZA and Killah Priest speak about the vision of ‘raising the black dead slaves like Lazarus’ and casting aside the chains of slavery. DA Smart calls out the injustice and the false promise of integration, while KAM delivers a powerful rap about the struggle and the need to demand change.
The song's lyrics encapsulate the social and political themes of the time that came after the massive gathering in Washington. The Million Man March was significant not just for its sheer size but also for the impact it had on the African American community. Apart from the social and political themes, there are also religious undertones to the song. The artists use the black-centric Islamic teachings to call out for unity.
Line by Line Meaning
So yo check this out
Listen up, I have something to say
This is Ice Cube from the Westside Connection
Introducing himself as Ice Cube from the Westside Connection
Callin all the way from Johannesburg, South Africa
Making a long-distance call from Johannesburg, South Africa
The world has never seen a million black men in one place
Stating that the world has never witnessed a large gathering of black men like the upcoming event
But on October 16, in Washington, D.C., a million black men will gather
Announcing the date and location of the event
"This is a mission, not a small time thing" (sample repeats)
Emphasizing that this is a significant mission that requires attention and action
Open your eyes get wise and look alive focus your attention
Encouraging others to be alert and aware of their surroundings
Windows 95 updated high tech lynchin
Metaphorically describing modern-day racism and oppression through technology
Crosses of the colored man who claims he holds the keys to the safe
Referencing a person of color who believes they have access to power and security, yet still faces discrimination
Secrets of the world, blow him in his face
Dismissing the notion that one person can solely have control over all the world's secrets
Who's the master of the universe, galaxy and planets
Questioning who holds ultimate power of the world
Babylonians ecstatic moon the sinkin of Atlantis
Referencing ancient tales and mysteries surrounding Babylon and Atlantis
"Be the one soul original black filled with melanin
Encouraging black individuals to embrace their uniqueness and heritage
Goin out like represent Kuwait in two thousand)
Comparing the mission to the representation of Kuwait in 2000
Brothers gonna have to put themself in check
Acknowledging the responsibility of individuals to monitor their own actions
Three strikes you in the penzo, checked to your neck
Referring to the three strikes law and its harsh consequences
Your woman cries, your baby grows up alone
Highlighting the impact of incarceration on family members
Talkin through a three inch glass on a two way phone
Describing the limited communication options for inmates in prison
You tell me brothers got no options today
Challenging the idea that there are no alternatives to criminal activity
You best to listen to the Ice closely fool, crime don't pay
Urging listeners to take heed of his words and avoid a life of crime
Gas and dope bullets and coke ain't the way
Rejecting drugs and violence as a means to success
You need to march with the Nation on Atonement Day, represent
Encouraging participation in a national day of atonement and representation for the black community
Now, to all my brothers we be rhymin like this
Addressing his peers in the hip-hop community
Yeah I can handle, but they can't kill it mill or dismantle it
Asserting that they can withstand criticism and opposition
And we can leave the component alone
Suggesting that they can create music without relying on outside influences
Show all my brothers a brother instead of negro
Calling for unity and brotherhood among black individuals
Crackers in the back obscene knahmean
Deriding white individuals who act inappropriately or offensively
But I've been knockin em out the box like ??
Boasting about his success in the music industry
So on the single we be flowin at the lingo
Referring to the flow and language used in their songs
Comin together, not solo like Mandingo
Promoting the idea of working together as a group, rather than individually
Arm Leg Leg Arm Head
Reciting a phrase often associated with the Five-Percent Nation
My people with braids waves dreads and baldheads
Describing the diversity within the black community
A million strong doin duty, wisdom strength beauty
Highlighting the power and beauty of a united black community
Ummah Ahs they are, sun moon star
Incorporating Islamic terminology regarding the unity and strength of the black community
And it's a holy day, come sober
Stating that the event is significant and requires attendees to be sober and attentive
Smooth be in D.C., sixteenth of October
Announcing his presence at the upcoming event
In unity there is power, none can devour
Stressing the importance of unity among the black community to overcome obstacles
Hour after hour, we shower
Referring to a show of strength and solidarity during the event
Imagine us travellin back to Nazareth
Invoking the idea of time travel to right past wrongs and achieve justice
Most fabulous
Expressing excitement or approval
To raise up the black dead slaves like Lazarus
Referencing the biblical story of the resurrection of Lazarus to address past injustices
When I catch rays through the blaze holy essays
Possibly referring to a religious experience or revelation
No more death days and vexed slaves possessed in caves
Condemning the history of slavery and oppression
Yo it's the last days and times we gots to raise your mind
Addressing the urgency of the current situation for the black community
Brothers walk around dumb different and blind
Critiquing the lack of awareness and action among some in the black community
Pregnant Earths always carry eggs
Using a metaphor to suggest that there is always potential for growth and change
I pledge to never fall off the ledge
Committing to staying true to his beliefs and values
and blacks remain family like Sister Sledge
Celebrating the unity and togetherness among the black community
God prepared the table for us, in the presence of our enemy
Referencing a biblical passage about being rewarded despite adversity
Now we soon to be, one in unity
Encouraging solidarity and togetherness among black individuals
One two three I'm a G
Asserting his confidence and strength
But the God inside is that G I chose to be
Describing his inner strength and power
The world is a stage and everybody plays a part
Alluding to a famous Shakespearean quote to suggest that everyone has a role to play in fighting for justice
I'm not considered, the one with a sensitive heart
Rebutting the idea that he is weak or soft
When I say black man you say go
Encouraging action and movement among black individuals
Somebody stole me, you took me from Kunta to Toby
Referencing the history of slavery and how it has impacted black individuals and their identities
and mold me, in a way that you freed me but still hold me
Expressing frustration with the idea that black individuals may be free in name, but still face oppression and systemic barriers
What you tryin to pull? Eatin us like cannibals
Accusing those in power of exploiting and consuming the black community
Whatever happened to that forty acres and that animal
Referencing the broken promise of reparations for slaves after the Civil War
Now you tryin to use integration just to fool us
Questioning the motives and effectiveness of the integration movement
Like Malcolm said, we been hoodwinked and bamboozled
Referencing a famous Malcolm X quote to express disillusionment and distrust with the system
Mama cryin, and I ain't lyin
Highlighting the emotional toll of systemic oppression on families
I'm going to Washington for justice, I'ma get it, or die tryin
Expressing determination and commitment to the mission of seeking justice
Don't hesitate, he's at the gate
Encouraging others to take action and join the movement
And that's a million black men in one place to set it straight
Highlighting the significance and power of the upcoming event
So black women applaud the black God
Celebrating the strength and power of black women and their contributions to the black community
I'm DA Smart, with the million man march
Introducing himself and his involvement in the event
Damn that's how you know the world about to end
Using hyperbole to express the gravity and urgency of the current situation
Rain hail snow earthquakes and a million black men
Metaphorically describing the impact and significance of a large gathering of black men
Upon the God indivisible
Referencing the unity and divine nature of the black community
With liberty and justice for all cause why'all done made us miserable
Asserting that the lack of justice and freedom for black individuals has caused significant pain and suffering
With this AmeriKKKan nightmare
Critiquing the current state of the American system and its impact on black individuals
That's why October 16th we gon be right there like yeah
Stating the determination and enthusiasm for the upcoming event
The same niggaz that you want gone
Referring to black individuals who are often marginalized or oppressed by the system
Well we about a million deep on your front lawn
Boasting about the power and impact of a large gathering of black individuals
It's goin on from here to Abraham Lincoln's statue
Referencing the iconic statue in Washington D.C. to suggest the scope and impact of the upcoming event
And every brother here thinkin yeah we need to holla at you
Expressing the desire and need to confront those in power and demand justice
About this overdue bidness
Highlighting the long-standing issue of systemic oppression and the need for change
With the Black Muslim, Christian Jew and Jehovah Witness
Emphasizing the importance of unity across different faiths and ideologies
To get this out in the open the only way
Stating that the only way to address and confront systemic oppression is through collective action and visibility
Is for us to declare a black holy day
Proposing a day dedicated to the black community and its struggles
The homies say that they rollin
Referring to his friends and supporters who are joining him at the event
Plus we got family, forty miles up, controllin
Referencing the tight-knit and supportive nature of the black community
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JOHN W. DAVIS, ALI SHAHEED JONES-MUHAMMAD, MALIK IZAAK TAYLOR, ERIC BARRIER, MICHAEL LOUIS DIAMOND, WILLIAM GRIFFIN, ADAM KEEFE HOROVITZ, RICK RUBIN, ADAM NATHANIEL YAUCH, SIMON P. JR. CULLINS, JAMES BROWN, CHARLES A. BOBBIT, BOBBY BYRD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
svart elervit
ice-t in the house
svart elervit
i love this song rap
Paul gabbard
Like all old school hip-hop rap music old school hip-hop mix music old school hip-hop jam music old school hip-hop 90s music old school hip-hop ICE T WHERE YA AT 1995
svart elervit
dope
Александр Горбунов
Word Shark