when i be on the mic
J-Love & Rakim Lyrics

Hardcore, real ill niggas
Acknowledging and proclaiming respect to the truly talented and dedicated individuals in the music industry.

I'm internationally known
I am recognized as a musician and artist even in countries beyond my own.

When I be on the mic
When I am performing on stage and delivering my music through the microphone.

So all hail the honorable
Showing admiration and respect to those who have achieved great things in their respected fields.

It's to my real ill niggas, heavyweight hitters
Dedicated to those who are truly talented and successful in the music industry.

Dough getters, fifty ways to make figures
Those who are skilled at making money in multiple ways and are successful in their endeavors.

My niggas, that come on the spot to feel sisters
People who come to the performances to enjoy the music and support the artists.

Like they hear real spitters and kids on the zigga-ziggas
People who appreciate talented rappers who deliver rhymes and verses in a unique and clever way.

When it's ugly, then the club is lovely
Even when things are not going well, people still come together to enjoy music in the club.

Thugs be sipping Hennessey and bubbly
People in the club drinking alcohol and enjoying good music.

To my comrades that keep it flaming hot
Referring to fellow musicians who are committed to the art and always deliver quality performances.

On dangerous blocks, claiming spots
Performers who come from rough neighborhoods and are able to succeed despite adversity.

Where the goal is to be one of the top-ranked soldiers
The objective is to become one of the most successful and respected artists in the industry.

Forty-five holders, one of the high rollers
Referring to those who own a .45 caliber handgun and are able to succeed financially.

Get respect in the hood, credit is good
Earning recognition and respect in one's community can lead to greater opportunities and success.

Knock it down lumberjack style, baby, extra wood
Delivering music with a lot of power and force, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

Rock it all night long, the bang-a-thon baby
Performing non-stop and keeping the party going all night long.

Keep hanging on, we like it with the lights on
Referring to the energy and anticipation of the crowd, always wanting more music and entertainment.

Don't have to blow twenty thou' to get to know honey's style
Finding love and connection without having to spend a lot of money or use material possessions as a way to attract someone.

Show her the town, steal her heart, no money down
Taking someone on a date without the need for extravagant or costly gestures, showing genuine care and affection.

How about some hardcore, yeah we like it raw for sure
Asking for more intense and raw music, typically associated with the hardcore genre.

Broads on the floor, wall to wall
Referring to the crowded and energetic dance floor at a club or concert.

There's more at the door, players ball to score
People continue to arrive at the show or club, all looking to have a good time and potentially meet new people.

'Cause this right here is for all of y'all
The music and performance is for everyone in the audience to enjoy and connect with.

Rakim and Primo, yo I got what you need bro
Acknowledging the skills and talent of fellow musicians Rakim and Primo and offering his own abilities to contribute to their success.

You go see a show, smoke an l, mean yo
Encouraging people to enjoy themselves and partake in smoking marijuana while attending a music performance.

And deejays play hits with hard bass kicks
The disc jockeys are playing popular songs with a strong bass sound and heavy beat.

And then they display tricks like the matrix
The DJs showcase their abilities and skills, similar to the way characters in the movie 'The Matrix' display their talents and abilities.

Make the record fly undetected by the naked eye
Creating music and sounds that are impressive and difficult to produce, using special techniques and technology.

So just feel the vibe 'cause your ears never lie
Encouraging people to connect with the music and listen to their instincts, as the music can evoke different emotions and feelings.

Nowadays deejays bags of tricks, graphic
DJ's are becoming more creative and skilled, incorporating new techniques and visuals into their performances.

On some behind the back shit, catch it and scratch it
Utilizing creative DJ techniques, such as scratching the vinyl record behind their back, to impress the audience with their talents.

Classic, this kid got his craft mastered
Acknowledging the mastery and skill of a young and talented artist.

Hands is mad quick like he mix with magic
Referring to the incredible speed and skills displayed by a talented artist, as if they possess magical abilities.

Spin it back and forth and grab it
Performing elaborate moves with the record, such as spinning it back and forth with quick movements of the hand.

And know just where it is, there it is
Having an innate sense of timing and rhythm, knowing exactly when to perform specific moves and beats.

To my elite peeps with the murderous mystiques
Acknowledging the talented individuals who have unique and impressive qualities that help them achieve success.

I hit the streets with beats and they critique for weeks
The music produced by the artist is analyzed and reviewed by fans and critics for an extended period of time.

They be like, 'How that kid Ra' reach the peak?'
People are curious and impressed by the level of success achieved by the artist, wondering how they were able to achieve it.

Pull out the heat and use my technique to speak
Referring to the artist's ability to use powerful words and language in order to create mesmerizing and memorable music.

It's dangerous, sit calm and explain to kids
Although the art of music may involve some risk, it is important to educate and explain the importance of the art form to younger generations.

What part of the game this is and foreign languages
Clarifying the intricacies and nuances of the music industry and also delivering music that is not limited to just one language or culture.

They hold Ra's events in different continents
The artist is respected and recognized all over the world, and their events and performances are enjoyed by people of different cultures and backgrounds.

Put my lyrical contents in monuments
The artist's music is memorable and enduring, with lyrics and themes that will be remembered for years to come.

In ghetto garments, I rock a towel like a Pharaoh
Despite humble beginnings and socio-economic challenges, the artist is able to dress and carry themselves with dignity and pride, much like Egyptian royalty.

Mind travel, design style like apparel
The artist is capable of creating and crafting unique and sophisticated styles and sounds that reflect their personality and creativity.

My fashions last long as a lifetime
The artist's fashion sense is timeless and enduring, reflecting their ability to create styles that are classic and never go out of style.

'Cause I can see the future when the God write rhymes
Referring to the artist's extraordinary talent and creativity, being able to create music that is ahead of its time and reflective of great vision and insight.

They're mad 'cause I managed to reign so long
Others in the music industry are envious and jealous of the artist's long-lasting success and ability to remain relevant over a long period of time.

Like their chance to make money done came and gone
Others have missed out on opportunities to achieve success and make money, feeling frustrated and defeated.

This is strictly for my listeners on the corners at night
Delivering music and performance that resonates with individuals who come from difficult and complex socio-economic backgrounds.

And the sisters that be keeping this right, when I be on the mic
Acknowledging the strong support of women in the artist's life who have helped them stay focused and grounded, contributing to their success in the industry.