Them That's Not
J-Live Lyrics
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Once upon a time there was a brotha named Kastro
Had a little problem with his cash flow
More than once his friend'd tell me he had a dream to clock mad dough
Only at the time it seem that obsurb
Then he saw a light bulb flash up in his forehead
Shine so bright he had to close both eyes
Said whoever hit him for the average poor asshole
Now meanwhile, still short on pot to piss in
Not to mention any window to throw it out
Lookin like who don't you want and where it come from
Sippin on chickin wing, smackin on stout
Step to his boys, the label of the month
Like 'yo, what's the half kid, let me get a deal'
Got a dope style, sound just like so and so
What's her name, runnin from ya, even more ill
Make ya want to holler like Marvin, did I mention I'm starvin and quite thirst
Meanin what, meanin that I'm a do whatever it take to make sure they play my shit first
On the Billboard and last on the countdown, like contact on that show
So what's up black, yo, how that sound?
If you down then c'mon let's go
Down to the studio right now, bring me that crate with the old hits
Make that beat with the right style, so that ??? want to go get
In that club with the DJ, he be on the radio all day
I get in cool with him even though he fake-assin toupee
I roll with ballers and thugs to make my image legit
Even though back in the day they told me I was the shit
I'm at the Cinderella ball, now it just don't quit
Eh, Fuck that, I shrink my feet if the shoe don't fit
I make it happen like hormones, you been forewarned
I got you mad now 'cause I'm kickin that popcorn
It blows up in a couple minutes
Expand the pockets so your girl's hand's all in it
I see ya shorty starin at me on the guest line
But these four backstage'll do me just fine
Or five, that's for my jam on the request line
So if you stress me I could tell you through the grapevine
It's like this
(Chorus)
Them that's gots, I get
Them that's not shall lose
But man, you gotta get it while the gettin is good
Now, if you can get it all this much and this fast
Don't be tellin me you wouldn't 'cause I know that you would
Them that's gots, I get
Them that's not shall lose
But god, I gotta get it while the gettin is good
Now, if you can get it all this much and this fast
Don't be tellin me you wouldn't 'cause I know that you would
Yo, I'm number one, but the bullet can't hack it now
The Billboard need a full metal jacket now
You see my face all day 'til it make you sick
I got a hand full of cards, you can take your pick
Now who'd a thought this bullshit song'd have me seen
And every video and every other magazine
With more attention than a jet black drag queen
At a convention with a Grand Dragon Klans meetin
Kids hang on every word I say like a damn fiend
It's too bad it don't stand for a damn thing
They parents say I'm too nasty for they damn team
But I ain't write it so don't ask me what the fuck it mean
I got some other shit to worry 'bout instead
The more money, more problems like the man said
Ain't like my phone is bein tapped by the damn FEDs
But my accountant said I can't get out the damn red
I heard that people gettin tired of my song now
The album drops and now my fans are gettin hostile
I only had one song that got the style right
The guy who wrote it, yo, his album dropped last night
My pockets on Slim Fast and Jenny Craig
The same clubs and restaurants that kept me well fed
Reject my credit like a Muslim do a bore's head
Good thing my boss is my boy so I ain't gotta beg
But now he hollerin at me like 'yo, where the loot went?'
We had to clear the damn sample when the loop went
We comin up type short like an indent
And I just learned a new word called recoupment
I got paid for the video equipment
And every other detail a red cent spent
Oh hell nah, don't talk about no fuckin fine print
Well tell me this, how the hell I'm gonna pay the rent
I got a little landlord so now I tiptoe
In and out the crib to find a way to get dough
Can't make another record 'cause I can't flow
But I could tell you a little story
And that shit go
(talking)
Once upon a, I don't know
Used to be a brother named Kastro
Had a little problem with his cash flow
(Chorus fades in) 3x
Them that's gots, I get
Them that's not shall lose
But God bless the child that could write his own rhyme
Some might choose to pray, some might choose to snooze
But the style that I use is the style that's mine
Them that's gots, I get
Them that's not shall lose
But God bless the child that could write his own rhyme
Some might choose to pray, some might choose to snooze
But the style that I use is the style that's mine
(mixing to fade)
The song "Them That's Not" by J-Live tells the story of a rapper who is struggling to make it big in the music industry. The song starts with a story about a friend of J-Live's who has dreams of making a lot of money. This friend sees a way to achieve his dreams and starts to pursue them relentlessly. Meanwhile, the singer of the song is struggling to pay the bills and get his music played on the radio. He is frustrated that his style isn't being recognized, and he feels like he needs to change his image to fit in with the "ballers and thugs" that are popular.
As the song progresses, the rapper becomes more and more successful. He gets his music played on the radio, he becomes a household name, and he starts to make a lot of money. However, he soon realizes that fame and success come with their own set of problems. He struggles to keep up with the demands of the industry, he worries about his finances, and he feels like he's being forced to compromise his artistic integrity. He also faces criticism from parents who think his music is too explicit for their children.
Overall, "Them That's Not" is a commentary on the music industry and the ways in which it can both make and break an artist. It highlights the pressures that artists face to be successful and the sacrifices they often have to make to achieve their dreams.
Line by Line Meaning
Bring it in
Come closer and listen
Once upon a time there was a brotha named Kastro
In the past, there was a man named Kastro
Had a little problem with his cash flow
He had financial difficulties
More than once his friend'd tell me he had a dream to clock mad dough
His friend would often mention his dream of making a lot of money
Only at the time it seem that absurb
At that time, it seemed unrealistic
Then he saw a light bulb flash up in his forehead
Suddenly, he had a brilliant idea
Shine so bright he had to close both eyes
The idea was so bright that he had to close his eyes
Said whoever hit him for the average poor asshole
He believed that whoever underestimated him would be in for a surprise
'Bout to be hit for they biggest surprise
They were about to experience a major shock
Now meanwhile, still short on pot to piss in
Meanwhile, he was still lacking basic resources
Not to mention any window to throw it out
He didn't even have a way to get rid of waste
Lookin like who don't you want and where it come from
Appearing as if he didn't care about anything or anyone
Sippin on chickin wing, smackin on stout
Enjoying some chicken wings and beer
Step to his boys, the label of the month
Approach his friends who were popular in the music industry
Like 'yo, what's the half kid, let me get a deal'
Asking them to help him secure a record deal
Got a dope style, sound just like so and so
He had a unique and impressive style that resembled famous artists
What's her name, runnin from ya, even more ill
Even more impressive than the female artist he's compared to
Make ya want to holler like Marvin, did I mention I'm starvin and quite thirst
His talent and hunger for success can make people want to shout, just like Marvin Gaye's famous song 'What's Going On'
Meanin what, meanin that I'm a do whatever it take to make sure they play my shit first
His intention is to do whatever it takes to ensure that his music is played before anyone else's
On the Billboard and last on the countdown, like contact on that show
He wants his songs to reach the top of the Billboard charts and be the last song on music countdown shows
So what's up black, yo, how that sound?
He asks his friend how his plan sounds
If you down then c'mon let's go
If his friend agrees, they should proceed together
Down to the studio right now, bring me that crate with the old hits
They need to go to the recording studio and bring a crate of old hit records
Make that beat with the right style, so that ??? want to go get
They need to create a beat with the perfect style that will motivate people to go out and buy the music
In that club with the DJ, he be on the radio all day
They need to go to a club where the DJ has a lot of influence on the radio
I get in cool with him even though he fake-assin toupee
He will try to build a good relationship with the DJ, despite the DJ's fake personality
I roll with ballers and thugs to make my image legit
He associates himself with successful and tough individuals to enhance his image
Even though back in the day they told me I was the shit
Despite being praised in the past, he still feels the need to prove himself
I'm at the Cinderella ball, now it just don't quit
He's currently at the height of his success and it seems endless
Eh, Fuck that, I shrink my feet if the shoe don't fit
He will adjust himself to fit into any situation, even if it means compromising
I make it happen like hormones, you been forewarned
He has the ability to make things happen, just like hormones regulate the body
I got you mad now 'cause I'm kickin that popcorn
His success is making others jealous and angry
It blows up in a couple minutes
His success rapidly increases
Expand the pockets so your girl's hand's all in it
His wealth allows him to spoil his partner
I see ya shorty starin at me on the guest line
He notices a woman looking at him from the VIP section
But these four backstage'll do me just fine
He's satisfied with the company of four women backstage
Or five, that's for my jam on the request line
He adds that he could also have five women for his song on the radio request line
So if you stress me I could tell you through the grapevine
If someone bothers or annoys him, he can spread rumors about them
Them that's gots, I get
He takes what he wants from those who already have
Them that's not shall lose
Those who don't have will continue to struggle
But man, you gotta get it while the gettin is good
He believes it's important to seize opportunities when they arise
Now, if you can get it all this much and this fast
If one can achieve a significant amount of success quickly
Don't be tellin me you wouldn't 'cause I know that you would
He knows that anyone would take advantage of such an opportunity
Yo, I'm number one, but the bullet can't hack it now
He considers himself the best, but his success is in danger
The Billboard need a full metal jacket now
He suggests that Billboard charts need extra protection due to his powerful impact
You see my face all day 'til it make you sick
His face is everywhere, which might annoy people
I got a hand full of cards, you can take your pick
He has many options and opportunities to choose from
Now who'd a thought this bullshit song'd have me seen
He didn't expect this seemingly meaningless song to bring him fame
And every video and every other magazine
His face is featured in music videos and magazines
With more attention than a jet black drag queen
He receives more attention than a flamboyant drag queen
At a convention with a Grand Dragon Klans meetin
The attention he receives is controversial and unexpected, like a black person attending a KKK meeting
Kids hang on every word I say like a damn fiend
Young fans listen attentively to his every word
It's too bad it don't stand for a damn thing
Unfortunately, his fame doesn't have any real substance or meaning
They parents say I'm too nasty for they damn team
Parents think he's inappropriate for their children to support
But I ain't write it so don't ask me what the fuck it mean
He didn't write the controversial lyrics, so he can't explain their meaning
I got some other shit to worry 'bout instead
He has other important things to focus on
The more money, more problems like the man said
As his wealth increases, so do his issues, as famously stated by another artist
Ain't like my phone is bein tapped by the damn FEDs
He's not under surveillance by the authorities
But my accountant said I can't get out the damn red
His accountant tells him that he's in serious financial debt
I heard that people gettin tired of my song now
He's heard rumors that people are growing tired of his music
The album drops and now my fans are gettin hostile
After releasing a new album, his fans become angry and aggressive
I only had one song that got the style right
He believes he only had one successful song with the right style
The guy who wrote it, yo, his album dropped last night
Ironically, the person who wrote his hit song released their own album recently
My pockets on Slim Fast and Jenny Craig
His pockets are empty, as if he's on a diet regimen
The same clubs and restaurants that kept me well fed
Now, he can no longer afford to frequent the same establishments
Reject my credit like a Muslim do a bore's head
His credit applications are denied, just like a Muslim refusing to consume pork
Good thing my boss is my boy so I ain't gotta beg
Thankfully, his friend is also his boss, so he doesn't have to beg for money or favors
But now he hollerin at me like 'yo, where the loot went?'
His friend and boss is questioning him about the missing money
We had to clear the damn sample when the loop went
They had to pay for the sample used in the music when it was discovered
We comin up type short like an indent
They're facing a financial shortage that's similar to an indentation
And I just learned a new word called recoupment
He recently learned the term 'recoupment,' which refers to reclaiming money spent on a project
I got paid for the video equipment
He received payment for the use of video equipment
And every other detail a red cent spent
Every other expense was accounted for and paid in full
Oh hell nah, don't talk about no fuckin fine print
He doesn't want to discuss the hidden details or contract terms
Well tell me this, how the hell I'm gonna pay the rent
He questions how he will be able to afford his rent payment
I got a little landlord so now I tiptoe
He's cautious and careful around his small-scale landlord
In and out the crib to find a way to get dough
He's constantly trying to find ways to make money
Can't make another record 'cause I can't flow
He can't create new music because he's lacking inspiration
But I could tell you a little story
However, he can still share a story through his lyrics
And that shit go
And that's how the story unfolds
Them that's gots, I get
He takes advantage of those who already have
Them that's not shall lose
Those who don't have will continue to struggle
But God bless the child that could write his own rhyme
A talented person who can create their own lyrics is deserving of blessings
Some might choose to pray, some might choose to snooze
Some people choose to seek solace in prayer, while others choose to ignore the issue
But the style that I use is the style that's mine
He uses his unique style of music to express himself
Chorus fades in
The chorus slowly becomes audible
Them that's gots, I get
He takes advantage of those who already have
Them that's not shall lose
Those who don't have will continue to struggle
But god, I gotta get it while the gettin is good
He recognizes the importance of seizing opportunities
Now, if you can get it all this much and this fast
If one can achieve a significant amount of success quickly
Don't be tellin me you wouldn't 'cause I know that you would
He knows that anyone would take advantage of such an opportunity
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind