By 1988, however, Ini Kamoze had effectively disappeared from the music scene following lukewarm reactions to his intermittent releases.
In 1994, Kamoze burst back onto the scene with a harder sound and the song which would become his signature - "Here Comes The Hotstepper". Adopting his nickname from the song title, Kamoze would become known as the "Hotstepper", from the Patois for a man on the run from the law. The infectious song found its way onto several soundtracks, including the fashion-industry satire, "Prêt-à-Porter". The resulting video featured a much more solid Kamoze and the obligatory scantily-clad women for this genre of music. "Hotstepper" still remains one of dancehall's more well-known hits, with its call-and-response chorus of "Here come de hotstepper - MURDERER (often misheard as "Word it up") - I'm de lyrical gangsta - MURDERER" lighting up clubs worldwide. "Here Comes The Hotstepper" remains Kamoze's only US #1 hit (see Hot 100 No. 1 Hits of 1994).
General
Ini Kamoze Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When we go fe chant, we drop it crucial
We reggae general, eh, heh
We no victimize, we don't partial, do you love that?
Gather Africans, we reasonin' a thing
Tribal love weh we want it
Do you love that, Lord, Lord?
Look around you and what do y'all see?
Mighty people rockin' graciously
If you hurt one, you hurt yourself too
You must love one 'cause they're just like you
When we go fe chant, we drop it crucial
We reggae general
We no victimize, we don't partial, do you love that?
Gather Africans, mek we reason dis ya thing
Right, better than the might
The hypocritical Babylonian thing
Do you love that, Lord, Lord?
Listen keenly and what do y'all hear, yea?
Words, sounds, sets your mind in fear
Ain't this a good reason, removin' prison?
This is Operation Roots and Culture, Lord
When we go fe chant, we drop it crucial
We reggae general, eh, heh
We no victimize, we don't partial, do you love that?
Gather Africans, we reasonin' a thing
Tribal love weh we want it
Since you can't blow breath, you shouldn't take life
Do you love that, Lord, Lord, Lord?
Look around you and what do y'all see, yea?
Mighty people rockin' graciously
If you hurt one, you hurt yourself too, yea
You must love one 'cause they're just like you
When we go fe chant, we drop it crucial
We reggae general, eh heh
We no victimize, we don't partial, do you love that?
Gather Africans, we reasonin' a thing
Right, better than the might
The hypocritical Babylonian thing
Do you love that?
When we go fe chant, we drop it crucial
We reggae general, eh heh
We no victimize, we don't partial, do you love that?
Ini Kamoze's song “General” is a call for unity and equality, focused primarily on the treatment of black people in the world. The general in the song can be interpreted as a leader who is calling for a revolution against systemic oppression. The use of reggae music in the song shows an appreciation for the African roots of the music and its ability to bring people together. The line, “When we go fe chant, we drop it crucial” implies that the people are ready to fight for a change and will do everything necessary to bring about the change.
The song denounces any form of victimization or partiality in the treatment of people. The line, “We no victimize, we don't partial, do you love that?” shows that those who are fighting for equality are not seeking revenge or looking to discriminate against others. Instead, they want everyone to be treated equally, regardless of their race, color or class. The song highlights African unity as well. As Africans gather to reason, they focus on tribal love, which they believe is essential for a peaceful coexistence.
The song also urges people to listen keenly and remove prisons, a metaphor for getting rid of the systemic barriers that prevent people from achieving their full potential. The line, “This is Operation Roots and Culture, Lord” refers to the need to revive African culture and traditions to unite people and put an end to oppression.
Line by Line Meaning
General, General
We are reggae generals, leading our people towards a better life.
When we go fe chant, we drop it crucial
When we sing, we do it passionately and with meaning.
We no victimize, we don't partial, do you love that?
We treat everyone equally and don't discriminate based on any criteria.
Gather Africans, we reasonin' a thing
We come together to discuss things that affect us as a community.
Tribal love weh we want it
We want to unite as a tribe and love each other regardless of our differences.
Since you can't blow breath you shouldn't take life
Life is precious and we shouldn't take it for granted or harm others.
Look around you and what do y'all see?
Take a look at your surroundings and see the greatness in your community.
Mighty people rockin' graciously
Our people are strong and resilient, overcoming challenges with grace.
If you hurt one, you hurt yourself too
Harming others also harms yourself in the long run.
When we go fe chant, we drop it crucial
When we sing together, we do so with a purpose and passion.
The hypocritical Babylonian thing
The Babylon system that is hypocritical and oppressive to our people.
Listen keenly and what do y'all hear, yea?
Pay close attention to the words and sounds that move us as a community.
Ain't this a good reason, removin' prison?
Isn't this a good reason to work towards removing the oppressive systems that hold us back?
Gather Africans, mek we reason dis ya thing
Let's come together as Africans and discuss how to tackle the issues we face.
Right, better than the might
We will overcome adversities with our righteousness and unity.
Do you love that, Lord, Lord, Lord?
Do you agree with our message and want to help us make a change?
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: LOWELL DUNBAR, ROBERT SHAKESPEARE, INI KAMOZE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@necro_puerco6705
General, General
When we go fe chant, we drop it crucial
We reggae general, eh, heh
We no victimize, we don't partial, do you love that?
Gather Africans, we reasonin' a thing
Tribal love weh we want it
Since you can't blow breath you shouldn't take life
Do you love that, Lord, Lord?
Look around you and what do y'all see?
Mighty people rockin' graciously
If you hurt one, you hurt yourself too
You must love one 'cause they're just like you
When we go fe chant, we drop it crucial
We reggae general
We no victimize, we don't partial, do you love that?
Gather Africans, mek we reason dis ya thing
Right, better than the might
The hypocritical Babylonian thing
Do you love that, Lord, Lord?
Listen keenly and what do y'all hear, yea?
Words, sounds, sets your mind in fear
Ain't this a good reason, removin' prison?
This is Operation Roots and Culture, Lord
When we go fe chant, we drop it crucial
We reggae general, eh, heh
We no victimize, we don't partial, do you love that?
Gather Africans, we reasonin' a thing
Tribal love weh we want it
Since you can't blow breath, you shouldn't take life
Do you love that, Lord, Lord, Lord?
Look around you and what do y'all see, yea?
Mighty people rockin' graciously
If you hurt one, you hurt yourself too, yea
You must love one 'cause they're just like you
When we go fe chant, we drop it crucial
We reggae general, eh heh
We no victimize, we don't partial, do you love that?
Gather Africans, we reasonin' a thing
Right, better than the might
The hypocritical Babylonian thing
Do you love that?
When we go fe chant, we drop it crucial
We reggae general, eh heh
We no victimize, we don't partial, do you love that?
@randyhaynie3403
Im 55 yrs old & this track dropped in 1985 when i was graduating High School @ 18 yrs old & it's been 🔥🔥🔥🔥since #yah #inikamoze #bigups #respect
@hiprichhiprich
One of the sickest Reggae tunes ever produced.
@brandonhobson9436
One of the sickest artist ever
@randyhaynie3403
🔥🔥🔥🔥
@paulofarias3288
That intro so ahead
@warrenphipps4598
Totally agree
@guidelineuk
This tune give me goosebumps
@necro_puerco6705
General, General
When we go fe chant, we drop it crucial
We reggae general, eh, heh
We no victimize, we don't partial, do you love that?
Gather Africans, we reasonin' a thing
Tribal love weh we want it
Since you can't blow breath you shouldn't take life
Do you love that, Lord, Lord?
Look around you and what do y'all see?
Mighty people rockin' graciously
If you hurt one, you hurt yourself too
You must love one 'cause they're just like you
When we go fe chant, we drop it crucial
We reggae general
We no victimize, we don't partial, do you love that?
Gather Africans, mek we reason dis ya thing
Right, better than the might
The hypocritical Babylonian thing
Do you love that, Lord, Lord?
Listen keenly and what do y'all hear, yea?
Words, sounds, sets your mind in fear
Ain't this a good reason, removin' prison?
This is Operation Roots and Culture, Lord
When we go fe chant, we drop it crucial
We reggae general, eh, heh
We no victimize, we don't partial, do you love that?
Gather Africans, we reasonin' a thing
Tribal love weh we want it
Since you can't blow breath, you shouldn't take life
Do you love that, Lord, Lord, Lord?
Look around you and what do y'all see, yea?
Mighty people rockin' graciously
If you hurt one, you hurt yourself too, yea
You must love one 'cause they're just like you
When we go fe chant, we drop it crucial
We reggae general, eh heh
We no victimize, we don't partial, do you love that?
Gather Africans, we reasonin' a thing
Right, better than the might
The hypocritical Babylonian thing
Do you love that?
When we go fe chant, we drop it crucial
We reggae general, eh heh
We no victimize, we don't partial, do you love that?
@RootzGemini
amazing, thank you kindly for dropping the lyrics, makes it a lil easier for those born in babylon, learning to make a difference
@rmak2950
Bad nuh BOMBOCLAAAT!!! It makes a spider kiss a fly!!!!!!! Timeless expression of sound