Classic
J-Love & Rakim Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Stepping up, better check ya attitude
High on it, 37,000 that's the altitude
They be dropping that on designer shoes
Just to pull up and then go on to skip the queues
You built from reputation, I'm built from repitition
We not the same, I gotta set a date
Heavy delay, sorry for the weight
I'm still hungry, given the chance, I'll lick the plate
Miss nothing like eyes do, minus like ice do
I need the point to stay on top like I do
You think being passive, we don't see you
I'm from the city where they drown the statue
She telling me baby keep it classic
She telling me baby keep it classic
She telling me baby keep it classic
She telling me baby keep it classic
Going crazy rip it out the plastic
Under spells, this a different magic
She telling me baby keep it classic
She telling me baby keep it classic
You could be blood and still mistaken, that's type o
I'm the fattest cat, call me Garfield, I need lipo
Spoke with Compton crips, blue story, no Shiro
Tales that would turn your heart cold
Cowards want to tower over you, no Eiffel
He don't take pictures, but loves to make an op tick
Wounded last summer so he drives automatic
The way I lift 'em to the light, gave me carpal tunnel
The troubles kept his mind working, always staying subtle
Went from blood stains to steady, sipping vino
Had to start from somewhere, go ahead hit that C note
Grams in your socks if you forgot your pea coat
Conflicted, inbetween like a TV remote
Working all night, you know they do the most
We can't burn bread, but they raise a toast
She telling me baby keep it classic
She telling me baby keep it classic
She telling me baby keep it classic
She telling me baby keep it classic
Going crazy rip it out the plastic
Under spells, this a different magic
She telling me baby keep it classic
She telling me baby keep it classic
It was 24/7 like it's clock work
They move the keys because the lock work
Throw away the key, heavy time, for them it's light work
Reality painted permanent for them
Skip words, different sentences if you foreign
Tired of those who prefer the reoccurance
The government want it, they stripping us and lining their pocket
We all tighten our own noose
Please don't struggle, I'm trying to cut you loose
26 years, conscious boy, still woke up
This jungle turning kids into grown ups
The orangutan out here, I just go nuts
She telling me baby keep it classic
She telling me baby keep it classic
She telling me baby keep it classic
She telling me baby keep it classic
Going crazy rip it out the plastic
Under spells, this a different magic




She telling me baby keep it classic
She telling me baby keep it classic

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "Classic" by J-Love & Rakim convey a message of perseverance through difficult times and staying true to oneself. The artist boasts of his hard work and determination, claiming that he is not the same as others who rely on reputation. He touches upon various themes of social inequality, government corruption and urban violence. The reference to the altitude, designer shoes and luxury queues highlights the disparities between the rich and poor, while the line "tired of those who prefer the reoccurance" suggests a yearning for change. The artist's desire to stay relevant and on top of his game is emphasized with lines like "minus like ice do" and "still hungry, given the chance, I'll lick the plate." The repetition of the phrase "She telling me baby keep it classic" reinforces the importance of staying true to oneself and the need to remain grounded in the face of life's challenges.


Overall, the song is an anthem for those who believe in hard work, resilience and the power of staying true to one's values. The artist's intricate use of language and references to social issues is what makes the song stand out and resonates with listeners who are going through similar struggles.


Line by Line Meaning

Stepping up, better check ya attitude
Before taking charge, make sure your disposition is appropriate for the task at hand.


High on it, 37,000 that's the altitude
Experiencing a sense of euphoria, like being 37,000 feet above the ground.


They be dropping that on designer shoes
Some people spend large amounts of money on expensive footwear.


Just to pull up and then go on to skip the queues
These same people then use their designer shoes to cut in line.


You built from reputation, I'm built from repetition
One person has gained their standing through a solid reputation, while the other through constant practice and repetition.


We not the same, I gotta set a date
We are not equals, so I need to establish a time and place for us to meet.


Heavy delay, sorry for the weight
Apologies for the significant delay.


I'm still hungry, given the chance, I'll lick the plate
Having a strong desire for success and not wasting any opportunities to achieve it.


Miss nothing like eyes do, minus like ice do
Not missing any details, but also remaining cool and collected.


I need the point to stay on top like I do
In order to stay successful, I need to maintain my focus on my goal.


You think being passive, we don't see you
Just because you are not taking action, does not mean we are not aware of your presence.


I'm from the city where they drown the statue
I come from a place where people commit acts of violence and destruction, even towards monuments.


She telling me baby keep it classic
She is urging me to maintain a timeless style and attitude.


Going crazy rip it out the plastic
Feeling ecstatic and exhilarated, like tearing off the protective film from a new item.


Under spells, this a different magic
Experiencing something extraordinary, almost like being under a magical enchantment.


You could be blood and still mistaken, that's type o
Even if we have a close relationship or share blood ties, mistakes can still happen.


I'm the fattest cat, call me Garfield, I need lipo
I may hold a lot of power or wealth, but I still have my own imperfections and need to work on myself.


Spoke with Compton crips, blue story, no Shiro
Had a conversation with members of a notorious gang in Compton, with no embellishment like in the film Shiro.


Tales that would turn your heart cold
Sharing stories that are so dark and disturbing that it can cause emotional distress.


Cowards want to tower over you, no Eiffel
Weak individuals desire to dominate you, but their control is not as grand as the Eiffel Tower.


He don't take pictures, but loves to make an op tick
He does not often take photos, but enjoys creating a spectacle or disruption.


Wounded last summer so he drives automatic
Having suffered an injury in the past, he operates his vehicle using automatic transmission.


The way I lift 'em to the light, gave me carpal tunnel
The repetitive motion of holding and examining objects is causing me physical strain and pain.


The troubles kept his mind working, always staying subtle
Challenges have kept him alert and aware, but he remains low-key or unobtrusive.


Went from blood stains to steady, sipping vino
Moving from a violent, chaotic lifestyle to one of peace and relaxation, enjoying a glass of wine.


Had to start from somewhere, go ahead hit that C note
Everyone has to begin somewhere, start by playing a low C note on a musical instrument.


Grams in your socks if you forgot your pea coat
If you accidentally left your warm coat at home, you may have to stash drugs in your socks to make a quick profit.


Conflicted, inbetween like a TV remote
Feeling uncertain and indecisive, like selecting between channels on a television remote.


Working all night, you know they do the most
Working tirelessly throughout the night, putting forth their greatest effort.


We can't burn bread, but they raise a toast
We cannot sacrifice and lose everything, but others cheer for us and our success.


It was 24/7 like it's clock work
Working nonstop around the clock, like clockwork.


They move the keys because the lock work
They are able to successfully move illegal drugs because their methods are foolproof, like a well-built lock.


Throw away the key, heavy time, for them it's light work
For those who engage in illegal activity, serving a long prison sentence is not a big deal as they are accustomed to such consequences.


Reality painted permanent for them
Their current reality is harsh and permanently ingrained in them.


Skip words, different sentences if you foreign
Choosing different words or sentence structure when conversing with someone who speaks a different language.


Tired of those who prefer the reoccurance
Growing weary of those who repeatedly fall into the same patterns or behaviors.


The government want it, they stripping us and lining their pocket
The government desires something and as a result, takes from the people and lines their own pockets with the spoils.


We all tighten our own noose
We all contribute to our own downfall or demise, whether intentionally or unintentionally.


Please don't struggle, I'm trying to cut you loose
Please stop fighting or resisting, I am trying to help you escape from a difficult situation.


26 years, conscious boy, still woke up
After 26 years of life experience, he remains aware and vigilant.


This jungle turning kids into grown ups
The world can be a harsh and unforgiving place, causing young people to mature and become adults before their time.


The orangutan out here, I just go nuts
Being in the wild and unpredictable environment can make anyone lose their mind or behave in a bizarre manner.




Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: James Perring

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

Rea Dy

[Produced by DJ Premier]

[Hook]
And now for my next number I'd like to return to the…
[Nas] Classic
[Kanye West] Uh, uh, – timeless
[Kool G Rap] Live straight classic
[Nas] Classic
[Kool G Rap] Live, straight classic
[Kanye West] Timeless
[Sample] I'd like to return to the classic
[Rakim] Kanye West
[Rakim Sample] I'm Rakim, the fiend of a microphone

[Verse 1: Rakim]
Uh yeah, is y'all ready for 20-07? It's now another drought
Everybody's a killer, wow, we buggin' out
Since '86 showing the crowd what I'm about
And they still wanna know when the album coming out
Ask the teenagers, OG's and nasty kids
What their definition of "classic" is
Timeless, so age don't count in the booth
When your flow stay submerged in the fountain of youth
Ain't no doubting the truth, I'm off the meters
Everybody cosigning, even non-believers
Since I came in the door became one of y'alls leaders
In a fresh pair of Air Force One sneakers
Uptowns, we call 'em uppies when they're on divas
Probably worn when KRS-One teaches
Nas made you look before the heaters
I bet you Kan' had em on when he walked with Jesus

[Hook]
[Nas] Classic
[Kanye West] Uh, uh, – timeless
[Kool G Rap] Live straight classic
[Nas] Classic
[Kool G Rap] Live, straight classic
[Kanye West] Timeless
[Sample] I'd like to return to the classic
[Rakim] Kanye West
[Rakim Sample] I'm Rakim, the fiend of a microphone

[Hook]
And now for my next number I'd like to return to the…
[Nas] Classic
[Kanye West] Uh, uh, – timeless
[Kool G Rap] Live straight classic
[Nas] Classic
[Kool G Rap] Live, straight classic
[Kanye West] Timeless
[Sample] I'd like to return to the classic
[Rakim] Kanye West
[Rakim Sample] I'm Rakim, the fiend of a microphone

[Nas Samples - One Love & It Ain't Hard To Tell]
Hold the fort down, represent to the fullest
Nas'll rock well

[Verse 3: Nas]
Perseverance, see the fake hustler rapper
To them, it hurts to hear this
Oh, you went platinum? Yeah, that's nice
Now let me see you do the same thing twice
Three times, four times, then a couple of mo' times
Please, you're Amateur Night, it's Showtime
It's one life to live, so live it the best you can
The world could use one less man
Not enough air, not enough car factories
To manufacture new vehicles, sedans and vans
When they do make the whip you like, your chips ain't right
By the time you could afford it, the car ain't important
In the streets I'm in, it's just iron
Cops keep firin' in my environment
Leaving you slumped, then they drive home
Far from the hood, brothers they eager to jump on
I like to be the wall that they toast up on
I like to see them fall, guilty for doing wrong
I'm classic like the Air One's, the hustler shoe
That's what I'm accustomed to, yeah

[Hook: Samples]
And now for my next number I'd like to return to the…
[Nas] Classic
[Kanye West] Uh, uh, – timeless
[Kool G Rap] Live straight classic
[Nas] Classic
[Kool G Rap] Live, straight classic
[Kanye West] Timeless
[Sample] I'd like to return to the classic
[Rakim] Kanye West
[Rakim Sample] I'm Rakim, the fiend of a microphone

[KRS-One Sample]
"Of course - we have Blastmaster KRS-One"

[Verse 4: KRS-One]
How many of y'all got Criminal Minded?
You, you, you; y'all don't be blinded
Me, I got no jewels on my neck
Why? I don't need 'em, I got your respect
KRS-One, twenty years I rock
I do it for JMJ and Scott La Rock
This hip-hop and we's a nation
Don't you wanna hear more KRS-One on your radio station?
Instead of broadcasting how we smoke them trees
On the radio we need to hear more local emcees
Where you at? C'mon, where you at?
This is the difference between emceeing and rap
Rappers spit rhymes that are mostly illegal
Emcees spit rhymes to uplift their people
Peace, Love, Unity, havin' fun
These are the lyrics of KRS-One

[Hook]
And now for my next number I'd like to return to the…
[Nas] Classic
[Kanye West] Uh, uh, – timeless
[Kool G Rap] Live straight classic
[Nas] Classic
[Kool G Rap] Live, straight classic
[Kanye West] Timeless
[Sample] I'd like to return to the classic
[Rakim] Kanye West
[Rakim Sample] I'm Rakim, the fiend of a microphone



Mehmet ÖZGÜN

Is y'all ready for Twenty-0-7, it's now another drought
Everyone's a killer, wow we buggin out
Since 86 showin the crowd what I'm about
And they still want to know when the album comin' out
Ask the teenagers, O'Gs and Ask the kids
What they definition of Classic is
Timeless, cause age don't count in the booth
And your flow stays submerged in the fountain of youth
And no doubt the truth I'm off the meters
Everybody co-signing even non-believers
I came in the door, became one of y'alls leaders
In the fresh pair of Air Force One sneakers
Uptown we call 'em uppies when they on divas
Prolly worn when KRS One teaches
Nas, made you look, before the haters
I bet you Kan had 'em on when he walked with Jesus
This is classic

Chorus:

classic, better than I'v ever been
talent,
If it's classic it's gonna last forever than
I'm everywhere you never been and better than I ever been
Classic
Better than I'v ever been

Perseverance, see the fake hustler rapper to them it hurts to hear this
O you went platinum - yeah that's nice,
now let me see you do the same thing twice
New times, 4 times, then been a couple of more times,
please your amateur night is show time
It's one life to live so live it the best you can,
the world could use one less man
Not enough air, not enough car factories to manufacture
new vehicles sedans and vans
When they do make the whip you like ya chips ain't right,
by the time you could afford it the car ain't important
In the streets silent, it's just I and
cops keep firin' in my environment
Leavin' your slum when they drive home
far from the hood brothers they eager to jump on
I like to be the wall that they post up on,
I like to see them fall, guilty for doing wrong
I'm classic like the Air Ones, the Hustler shoe,
that's what I'm accustomed to

Chorus:

classic, better than I'v ever been
talent,
If it's classic it's gonna last forever than
I'm everywhere you never been and better than I ever been
Classic
Better than I'v ever been

How many y'all got criminal minded you you you y'all don't be blinded
Me I got no jewels on my neck, why - I don't need 'em I got your respect
KRS 1 20 years I rock I do it for JMJ and Scott LaRock this hip hop
And we's a nation, don't you want to hear more KRS on your radio station?
Instead of broadcasting how we smokin' trees,
on the radio we need to hear more local MC's
Where you at? Come on where you at?
This is the difference between MC'ing and rap
Rappers spit rhymes that are mostly illegal, MC's spit rhymes to uplift they people
Peace, love, unity, and Havin' fun, these are the verses of KRS On



Femi Akande

How many of y'all got Criminal Minded
You, you, you, y'all don't be blinded
Me, I got no jewels on my neck
Why, I don't need em, I got your respect
KRS-One, twenty years I rock
I do it for JMJ and Scott La Rock
This hip-hop and we's a nation
Don't you wanna hear more KRS-One on your radio station
Instead of broadcasting how we smoke them trees
On the radio we need to hear more local emcees
Where you at?, c'mon where you at
This is the difference between emceeing and rap
Rappers spit rhymes that are mostly illegal
Emcees spit rhymes to uplift their people
Peace, Love, Unity, havin' fun
These are the lyrics of KRS-One



All comments from YouTube:

Horus Shepard

"Timeless, age don't count in the booth, when your flow stays submerged in the fountain of youth". WOW

MyLifeForAuir87

Ain't no doubt in the truth...

Jermaine Price The Reason

That bar was so damn raw.

메이플

GOD MC R.

forgetfulfunctor1

@Rick L mm k

Rick L

@forgetfulfunctor1 because Kanye is awful?

65 More Replies...

HipHopHead

"By the time you can afford it, the car ain't important" ... That's classic

Shentavione Moore

@User Pick Facts💯

RehanSiddique

SIDDIQUE!

User Pick

The older I get this line gets so much clearer

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