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).
Hot Stepper
Ini Kamoze Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I love the way I am
Do you understand?
I'm steppin' it hotter this year
I'm steppin' it hotter this year
Don't you like it, ah, don't you like it?
I'ma steppin' it hotter this year
I'm steppin' it hotter this year
Don't diss, try'na miss
Who miss must get evict
Do you understand me?
Do you understand?
Respect, don't take a set
My set, bust ya bet
Do you still love me?
Do you still love me?
I'm steppin' it hotter this year
I'm steppin' it hotter this year
Can you feel I, can you feel I?
I'm steppin' it hotter this year
I'ma steppin' it hotter this year
I hope ya don't mind it?
I hope ya don't mind it?
Yea, I love the way I am
Do you understand?
Hey, hey
Love yout' speak the truth
Not hypocritical, no need no dispute
Do you respect me?
Do you respect me?
Real dan, no carry gun
I want, wana we want
Do you still love me?
Do you still love me?
I'ma steppin' it hotter this year
I'ma steppin' it hotter his year
Don't you like it, don't you like it?
I'm steppin' it hotter this year
I'ma steppin' it hotter this year
I hope ya don't mind it?
I hope ya don't mind it? Yeah
Stand strong, don't fear no one
Live good with every one
Just respect that as a natural fact
Don't diss tryna mis
Who mis must get evict
Do you understand me?
Do you understand me?
I'm steppin' it hotter this year
I'm steppin' it hotter this year
Don't you like it, don't you like it, yeah?
I'ma steppin' it hotter this year
I'm steppin' it hotter this year
Don't you fight it, don't you fight it
I just love the way I am
Want you understand, yes, yes?
I'm steppin' it hotter this year
I'ma steppin' it hotter this year
Ini Kamoze's song "Hot Stepper" is an upbeat and confident anthem about being comfortable in your own skin and staying true to yourself. The lyrics express an unapologetic attitude towards personal growth and progress, "I'm steppin' it hotter this year, don't you fight it, don't you fight it." The singer is content with who they are and will not be deterred by anyone who tries to bring them down or stunt their growth, "Don't diss tryna mis, who mis must get evict." They also place emphasis on treating others with respect, "Respect, don't take a set, my set, bust ya bet." The message is clear - stay true to who you are, have confidence in your abilities, and treat others with respect.
One interesting fact about "Hot Stepper" is that it was originally released in 1994 but gained worldwide popularity in 1995 after it was featured in the film "Prêt-à-Porter". Another interesting fact is that the song was written and produced by Ini Kamoze himself, which is a testament to his creativity and musical talent. The song has been used in numerous movies, TV shows, and commercials, which has helped it reach a global audience. Additionally, the song features a sample from the song "Land of 1000 Dances" by Wilson Pickett. This sample contributed to the song's infectious rhythm and catchy beat.
Another interesting fact is that there is a music video for "Hot Stepper" that features Ini Kamoze dancing through the streets of London. The video perfectly captures the energy and spirit of the song, and is a fun visual accompaniment to the music. Additionally, "Hot Stepper" has been covered by numerous artists, including Elvis Crespo, who added a salsa twist to the song. The song has also been remixed by various DJs and producers, which has kept it relevant and popular throughout the years.
In terms of chords, "Hot Stepper" features a simple and repetitive rhythm that is easy to play on guitar or piano. The song is played in the key of D minor, and the chords are as follows:
Verse: Dm - Gm - Dm - Gm
Chorus: Dm - Gm - Dm - Am - Dm - Gm - Dm - Am
Line by Line Meaning
Right ya now, right now
At this very moment, I am feeling confident and empowered.
I love the way I am
I am content and happy with who I am as a person.
Do you understand?
Do you comprehend my feelings and thoughts?
I'm steppin' it hotter this year
I am taking everything to the next level this year, making progress and achievements.
Don't you like it, ah, don't you like it?
Isn't my progress and success delightful to witness?
Don't you fight it, don't you fight it
Don't resist my growth or progress.
Don't diss, try'na miss
Don't speak ill of or ignore me with the intention of causing harm.
Who miss must get evict
Those who choose to ignore or harm me will be removed or excluded from my life.
Do you understand me?
Do you fully comprehend the consequences of disrespecting me?
Respect, don't take a set
Show respect and avoid aggression or confrontation.
My set, bust ya bet
My lifestyle and beliefs may differ from yours, but they will lead to success while yours may lead to failure.
Do you still love me?
Do you still have affection for me despite our differences?
Can you feel I, can you feel I?
Can you sense my energy and passion for success?
I hope ya don't mind it?
I hope you are not bothered by my ambition and drive for success.
Hey, hey
An expression of enthusiasm and excitement.
Love yout' speak the truth
True love and affection involves honesty and transparency in communication.
Not hypocritical, no need no dispute
Honesty and transparency in communication eliminates the need for arguments or disputes.
Do you respect me?
Do you hold me in high regard?
Real dan, no carry gun
A real man does not need weapons or violence to assert himself.
I want, wana we want
I desire what we all desire and believe we can achieve it together.
I'ma steppin' it hotter this year
I am taking everything to the next level this year, making progress and achievements.
Stand strong, don't fear no one
Be confident and brave, not intimidated by anyone or anything.
Live good with every one
Spread positivity and goodwill towards everyone.
Just respect that as a natural fact
Respect for everyone is a fundamental aspect of human nature.
I just love the way I am
I am happy and content with who I am as an individual.
Want you understand, yes, yes?
Do you comprehend my self-confidence and contentment?
Contributed by Penelope L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@NaishaTheGamer
naaaa na na na naaaaaa
na na na naaaaa nanana nana
na na na naaaaaaa
Here comes the hotstepper, murderer
I'm the lyrical gangster, murderer
I will like your comment, murderer
cause It's my childhood too, murderer
@_ROLEX_SIRR_
Anybody in 2024 ❤
@cleusaferreira3095
Eu tô vendo em 2024 muita nostalgia
@1000MiniFred
Here come the hot stepper 🤸♀️💃🏻💃🏻🤸♀️💃🏻⛹️♀️⛹️♀️🥰🥳
@user-xd5un4dp5l
ME..
@ablemedia8763
Yes
@mikedederick593
This came out in my sophomore year, I had that classic memorex cd player. I loved this chit.
@Ozymandias-
A message to the future generations. Don't let this song die.
@StubMyToe
A message to the future generations. Don't continue making stupid comments like this.
@ryuthepanda3993
Understood 🫡
@Akhazmat907
Haha 2023 might be every thing is racist and they want the world to go silent lol and next year no visuals either lmfao