Dont Sweat The Technique
J-Love & Rakim Lyrics


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Don't sweat the Technique
Don't sweat the Technique

Let's trace the hints and check the file
Let see who bit to detect the style
I flip the script so they can't get foul
At least not now, it'll take a while
I change the pace to complete the beat
I drop the bass,'til MC's get weak
For every word they trace, it's a scar they keep
'Cause when I speak, they freak
To sweat the technique
I made my debut in '86
Wit a melody and a president's mix
And now I stay on target and refuse to miss
And I still make hits
wit' beats, parties, clubs, in the cars and jeeps
My underground sound vibrates the streets
MC's wanna beef then I play for keeps
When they sweat the technique

Don't Sweat the Technique

They wanna know how many rhymes have I ripped in rep. but
Researchers never found all the pieces yet
Scientists try to solve the context
Philosophers are wondering what's next
Pieces are took to last who observe them
They couldn't absorb them, they didn't deserve them
My ideas are only for the audience's ears

For my opponents, it might take years
Pencils and pens, are swords
Letters put together form a key to chords
I'm also a sculpture, born with structure
Because of my culture, I'm a rip and destruct the
Difficult styles that'll be for the technology
Complete sights and new heights after I get deep
You don't have to speak just seek
And peep the technique

But don't sweat the Technique

I speak indiscreet cause talk is cheap
Then I get deep and the weak then complete their
Pull with a seat, never weak or obsolete
They never grow old techniques become antiques
Better then something brand new 'cause it's radiant
And the wild style'll have much more volume
Classical too intelligent to be radical
Masterful, never irrelevant: mathematical
Here's some soothing souvenirs for all the years
They fought, and sought, the thoughts and ideas
It's cool when you freak to the beat
But don't sweat the technique





Don't sweat the Technique
Don't sweat the Technique

Overall Meaning

In "Don't Sweat the Technique," J-Love & Rakim showcase their skillful lyricism through an array of metaphors and wordplay. The song's central message is to focus on perfecting craft and not to be intimidated by competition. The phrase "Don't sweat the technique" refers to the idea of not stressing over the manner in which things are done but instead, giving full concentration to the art form or craft the artist pursues.


The lyrics open with a challenge to their listeners to identify the style of the music being played or performed. As an artist, Rakim invariably switches up his style so that no one can trace his methods. The beat is crafted to make MCs give up their flow and show their true form. He emphasizes that his talent should not be overlooked because when he speaks, people freak out because they can't trace his techniques.


The second verse switches the focus to the researchers, philosophers, and scientists who are always looking for the key to creative works. Rakim implies that success in music is not all about copying someone else's methods but creating something new. He claims that his ideas are only for the audience to hear, and for his opponents, it may take years to comprehend.


Line by Line Meaning

Don't sweat the Technique
Don't worry about the intricacies of the craft


Let's trace the hints and check the file
Let's examine our work and see who has copied our style


Let see who bit to detect the style
Let's identify who has imitated our performance style


I flip the script so they can't get foul
I change the performance style to avoid mimicry


At least not now, it'll take a while
It takes time for others to catch up


I change the pace to complete the beat
I modify the rhythm to perfect the performance


I drop the bass,'til MC's get weak
I decrease the bass until the other performers weaken


For every word they trace, it's a scar they keep
Every imitation is a permanent negative memory to them


'Cause when I speak, they freak
They become scared when I start performing


To sweat the technique
They are trying too hard to imitate my style


I made my debut in '86
I started performing in 1986


Wit a melody and a president's mix
With a mix of various styles


And now I stay on target and refuse to miss
I remain on course and ensure I remain successful


And I still make hits
I am still successful


wit' beats, parties, clubs, in the cars and jeeps
My music is played in various venues


My underground sound vibrates the streets
I have an impact on the streets with my music


MC's wanna beef then I play for keeps
If other performers want to compete with me, I play to win


They wanna know how many rhymes have I ripped in rep. but
Others are curious about how many styles I have performed


Researchers never found all the pieces yet
Even with research, they haven't discovered everything I have done


Scientists try to solve the context
Experts attempt to decode the meaning behind my work


Philosophers are wondering what's next
Experts in philosophy are contemplating my next moves


Pieces are took to last who observe them
Those who study my work will understand its value


They couldn't absorb them, they didn't deserve them
Others couldn't grasp the true value of my work, so they didn't appreciate it


My ideas are only for the audience's ears
Only my listeners are able to understand my ideas


For my opponents, it might take years
My competitors may take a long time to catch up


Pencils and pens, are swords
The tools I use can be weapons


Letters put together form a key to chords
Words arranged together create the foundation for my music


I'm also a sculpture, born with structure
I have a natural talent for creating music


Because of my culture, I'm a rip and destruct the
I innovate and revolutionize music because of my background


Difficult styles that'll be for the technology
My style is too complex for some technology to handle


Complete sights and new heights after I get deep
After I go deeper into my music, I reach new levels of excellence


You don't have to speak just seek
My work speaks for itself


And peep the technique
Observe my performance and learn from it


Then I get deep and the weak then complete their
Performing at a higher level exposes the weaker performers


Pull with a seat, never weak or obsolete
I remain steadfast and never become outdated


They never grow old techniques become antiques
My techniques remain relevant while others become outdated


Better then something brand new 'cause it's radiant
My old music is still better than something new because of its brilliance


And the wild style'll have much more volume
My energetic style has more impact


Classical too intelligent to be radical
My classical music is more intelligent than radical


Masterful, never irrelevant: mathematical
My music is precise and never irrelevant


Here's some soothing souvenirs for all the years
Here are some memorable moments in my music for my listeners to remember


They fought, and sought, the thoughts and ideas
My listeners contemplated my thoughts and ideas


It's cool when you freak to the beat
It's exciting when people dance to my music


But don't sweat the technique
Don't try too hard to imitate my style, just appreciate the art




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Eric Barrier, William Griffin

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@falsesmarty6919

Came here after the Bill gates CHAI, but it's too hot than Chai...

@kimchapman4048

Rakim hated the spotlight. He was about perfecting his rhymes - period. He'd record his tracks in the studio and head directly home, didn't wanna party, socialize, be elite, Nothing. True artist of hiphop

@principalitycidade4323

Woe just blew me out the water I meed to follow his example

@judyhopps9380

to quote game of thrones, "a lion doesn't care about the opinion of sheep"

@DeeMaxum

And that also has a lot to do with his principles and beliefs system

@salookie8000

@@judyhopps9380sheep don’t even follow lions and lions are not shephards

@BENWORKIN89

You can tell by how unimpressed he is by all the women in this video lol. He probably had a real queen waiting for him at home. Rakim is a legend and master of lyricism.

7 More Replies...

@bettonektp2379

1992: "Wow, this song is amazing!"
2022: "Wow, this song is amazing!"

3050: "Wow, this song is amazing!"

@user-ww1up1qj2k

1001992:“Wow,this song is amazing!”

@rebeccawalter8491

@@user-ww1up1qj2k LOL - a good LOL, btw.

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