The Harlem native, JR Writer’s, one-on-one demeanor is quite introverted, his
on-camera and stage presence resemble nothing of the same. JR Writer’s flow
quickly grabs the attention of any listener and his cleaver lyrics exude a sort
of surprising confidence. He has made appearances on underground mixtapes with
the Diplomats on songs like “Shake” with Cam’ron but this time around he gets an
entire track to confirm his ill lyrical skills. His tracks on the Diplomats
second LP Diplomatic Immunity 2 gives the spotlight to JR Writer as he secures
his spot as a member of the Diplomats with the poise of a first-round draft pick.
JR Writer brings a strong, silent-type, personality to the Diplomats, which
leaves plenty of room for true lyrical maximizing.
On The Block
J.R. Writer Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There's so many of us now
White people like rap now
Ah, ah, yeah
[Chorus x2]
Slick Rick The Ruler, where's the vocals yo? Come in here
Ah-ah-ah, check out this bizarre
Ayyo! Ayyo!
Remember Slick Rick The Ruler, remember MC Shan used to wear Puma
Remember Masters of Ceremony, Grand Puba
Remember Daddy Kane Aids rumor
Yo, bring it back, yo
Yo, at the rolling rinks, no skates on
Early '80's, girl chase on
Kurtis Blow listed the breaks on
Flavor Flav, Public Enemy clocks, boombox
EPMD made us proud that we was from the Boondocks
Before Boob or Steady be, Heavy D, Mouthburnin'
Craig G, Shout rap version, TRUE SCHOOL
Rock Box, Run-D.M.C., true hip hop
Before Biggie and 2pac got shot, there was Scott La Rock
Before we even learned to make beats, we was in the basement
Freestylin, to 45 King breakbeats
But see, rap is corporate now
It's all about endorsments
So now the rich kids love it, so fuck them poor kids now!
[Chorus: x2]
I remember when the mainstream hated rap music
When James Brown samples was the new shit
I yelled BOX like Cool J on some Krush Groove shit
Dapper Dan shit, Ms. Pac-Man shit
That's when Rakim ran shit [Ran shit]
Before Sweet T was Suga, before ??? Jack Soopafly snooka
Back when Biz Markie was busy pickin boogers
Super Lover Cee, L-why-t-e, Chill Rob G
Graffiti vandals, Jimmy Packer sex scandals
Videos, Ralph MacDaniels
Back when we didn't have the papered samples
Beasties, Chuck D, Busy Bee got ate up ??? battle cool Moe Dee
Chubb Rock hits the Grammys, Hitman Howie Tee, Doug E. Fresh, Chill Will, Barry be
BDP, Eazy E, PRT, Lakim Shabazz, Jaz, Jay-Z, Tragedy, QB
[Chorus: x2]
Markey Fresh, The Mack of Rap, now the Fat Boys are back
X-Clan, ZOOM, pro black, Mr. Bozack
Where the hoes at, I'ma go back
Before we had show DATs, no gats, no plaques
Happy Days, Fonzie and Posse
Bomb Squad, Hank Shocklee and Keith Shocklee
DITC, cool Keith, Ced Gee
Busy Boys, Realski
Milk D, Positive K, First Priority Posse
8th grade, parents on vacation, house mackin, playin
Spin the battle in the basement, fuck ???
Misbehavein, shootin pelletguns at Dunkin Donuts
Make the police go nuts
Used their nice sticks to chock us
Old School, do stay true, Rock Stedy Crew, Zulu
Cash Money, Marvellous, Funkmaster Flex
???, cool G, Shante, Glamorous
Fresh Prince, Jazzy Jeff
[Chorus: x2]
Simphony and Simphony 2
Main Source Live at the Barbeque
Nas and Akinyele debut
EZ Ice, Soul Man
Def Squad, Hit Squad
2 Live Crew videos used to keep my dick hard (OINK!)
Salt 'N Pepa Shoopin, Potholes and Plug Tunin
Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin
Shut' em down, Pete Rock producin
Just-Ice, LaToya
We had Marvin Hagler, fuck Oscar De La Hoya
Doin it, doin it too much
6th grade, I ate my first pussy
In the back of the school bus
[Chorus: x2]
In J.R. Writer's "On the Block," the rapper reflects on the history of hip hop and the changes it has undergone since its early years. In the opening lines, J.R. acknowledges the growing popularity of rap among white listeners and the increasing number of white rappers in the genre. He then goes on to name-check a range of legendary hip hop figures, both well-known and more obscure. From Slick Rick The Ruler to Daddy Kane, EPMD, Biz Markie, and the Fat Boys, J.R. pays homage to the pioneers of hip hop and the impact they had on the genre.
Throughout the song, J.R. touches on the corporate takeover of hip hop, with the genre becoming more about endorsements and wealth than the music itself. He also reminisces about the early days of hip hop, when he and his friends would freestyle to breakbeats in their basements. Despite the changes that have occurred, J.R. remains dedicated to the "true school" of hip hop and celebrates the rich history of the genre.
One interesting fact about "On the Block" is that it features a sample from "La Di Da Di" by Slick Rick and Doug E. Fresh. The song has been sampled numerous times by other artists over the years, including The Notorious B.I.G. on his hit "Hypnotize." Another notable feature of "On the Block" is its use of spoken-word interludes and soundbites from classic hip hop songs, adding to the song's nostalgia and reverence for the genre's past. The song was released on J.R.'s debut album, "History in the Making," in 2006.
Line by Line Meaning
I mean, white rapper
I'm a white rapper and there are so many of us now because white people like rap music.
There's so many of us now
There are now a lot of white rappers in the industry.
White people like rap now
More white people are listening to rap music now than before.
Slick Rick The Ruler, where's the vocals yo? Come in here
J.R. Writer is calling out to someone who's not present to listen in to nostalgic moments in hip hop history.
Remember Slick Rick The Ruler, remember MC Shan used to wear Puma
J.R. Writer reminisces about influential figures and events in hip hop history.
Remember Masters of Ceremony, Grand Puba
J.R. Writer is recalling different artists and groups in hip hop, particularly from the 80s.
Remember Daddy Kane Aids rumor
J.R. Writer remembers rumors that circulated about an influential artist at the time.
Yo, bring it back, yo
J.R. Writer is asking to bring back and remember more influential moments in hip hop history.
Yo, at the rolling rinks, no skates on
J.R. Writer is remembering a specific setting where people used to gather and listen to hip hop music in the 80s.
Early '80's, girl chase on
J.R. Writer is describing the atmosphere at the time and the interest that hip hop music garnered among young people.
Kurtis Blow listed the breaks on
J.R. Writer is referencing an influential artist who named and popularized specific beats in hip hop music.
Flavor Flav, Public Enemy clocks, boombox
J.R. Writer is recalling an iconic and recognizable image from Public Enemy's music videos and lyrics.
EPMD made us proud that we was from the Boondocks
J.R. Writer is referencing a group that represented a specific place and community, which he relates to and is proud of.
Before Boob or Steady be, Heavy D, Mouthburnin
J.R. Writer is referencing different artists and groups from hip hop history.
Craig G, Shout rap version, TRUE SCHOOL
J.R. Writer is referencing a style of hip hop that focuses on originality and creativity, rather than commercial success.
Rock Box, Run-D.M.C., true hip hop
J.R. Writer is referencing an iconic song from an influential group in hip hop history.
Before Biggie and 2pac got shot, there was Scott La Rock
J.R. Writer is referencing influential artists who died tragically before more recent and popular ones.
Before we even learned to make beats, we was in the basement
J.R. Writer is referencing the start of his own music production, which began in a simple setting, such as a basement.
Freestylin, to 45 King breakbeats
J.R. Writer is referencing a specific style of music production and the origins of his own freestyling skills.
But see, rap is corporate now
J.R. Writer is lamenting the commercialization and corporatization of rap music.
It's all about endorsements
J.R. Writer is referencing the role of sponsorships and commercial deals in the rap music industry.
So now the rich kids love it, so fuck them poor kids now!
J.R. Writer is criticizing the classism that exists within the rap music industry, where only wealthy kids can access and enjoy it.
I remember when the mainstream hated rap music
J.R. Writer is referencing a time when hip hop music wasn't widely accepted and was considered a fringe or subculture.
When James Brown samples was the new shit
J.R. Writer is referencing a popular technique in early hip hop production at the time.
I yelled BOX like Cool J on some Krush Groove shit
J.R. Writer is referencing a specific scene from a hip hop movie and how it influenced his own musical tastes and interests.
Dapper Dan shit, Ms. Pac-Man shit
J.R. Writer is referencing different fashion trends and pop culture references that were popular at the time.
That's when Rakim ran shit
J.R. Writer is highlighting the influence and dominance of a particular artist in hip hop culture at the time.
Before Sweet T was Suga, before ??? Jack Soopafly snooka
J.R. Writer is referencing different artists and groups from hip hop history.
Back when Biz Markie was busy pickin boogers
J.R. Writer is referencing an early hit song from an influential artist.
Super Lover Cee, L-why-t-e, Chill Rob G
J.R. Writer is referencing different artists and groups from hip hop history.
Graffiti vandals, Jimmy Packer sex scandals
J.R. Writer is referencing different things that were happening in society and the culture of hip hop at the time.
Videos, Ralph MacDaniels
J.R. Writer is referencing a popular hip hop TV show and the importance of music videos in hip hop culture.
Back when we didn't have the papered samples
J.R. Writer is referencing a time when music production relied on physical music samples, rather than digital ones.
Beasties, Chuck D, Busy Bee got ate up ??? battle cool Moe Dee
J.R. Writer is referencing different artists and famous battles from hip hop history.
Chubb Rock hits the Grammys, Hitman Howie Tee, Doug E. Fresh, Chill Will, Barry be
J.R. Writer is referencing different artists and their achievements or influence within hip hop culture.
BDP, Eazy E, PRT, Lakim Shabazz, Jaz, Jay-Z, Tragedy, QB
J.R. Writer is referencing different influential groups or artists in hip hop history.
Markey Fresh, The Mack of Rap, now the Fat Boys are back
J.R. Writer is referencing different artists and their influence or current status within the hip hop industry.
X-Clan, ZOOM, pro black, Mr. Bozack
J.R. Writer is referencing different groups and styles within the hip hop industry that are centered on black identity and pride.
Where the hoes at, I'ma go back
J.R. Writer is referencing the misogyny and objectification of women that exists within the hip hop industry.
Before we had show DATs, no gats, no plaques
J.R. Writer is referencing the simpler times of early hip hop production and culture.
Happy Days, Fonzie and Posse
J.R. Writer is referencing different TV shows and pop culture references that were popular at the time.
Bomb Squad, Hank Shocklee and Keith Shocklee
J.R. Writer is referencing a production team that was influential in early hip hop music production.
DITC, cool Keith, Ced Gee
J.R. Writer is referencing different artists and groups from hip hop history.
Busy Boys, Realski
J.R. Writer is referencing different artists and groups from hip hop history.
Milk D, Positive K, First Priority Posse
J.R. Writer is referencing different artists and groups from hip hop history.
8th grade, parents on vacation, house mackin, playin
J.R. Writer is recalling specific details and moments from his own personal experiences.
Spin the battle in the basement, fuck ???
J.R. Writer is referencing a specific activity that he and others used to do in the basement, which may involve sexual content.
Misbehavein, shootin pelletguns at Dunkin Donuts
J.R. Writer is referencing different activities that he and others used to do as teenagers, which may include vandalism or law-breaking.
Make the police go nuts
J.R. Writer is referencing the rebellious spirit and attitude that existed within hip hop culture at the time.
Old School, do stay true, Rock Stedy Crew, Zulu
J.R. Writer is referencing different groups and movements within hip hop culture that were focused on originality and creativity.
Cash Money, Marvellous, Funkmaster Flex
J.R. Writer is referencing different artists and groups from hip hop history.
???, cool G, Shante, Glamorous
J.R. Writer is referencing different artists and groups from hip hop history.
Fresh Prince, Jazzy Jeff
J.R. Writer is referencing different artists from hip hop history.
Simphony and Simphony 2
J.R. Writer is referencing different groups from hip hop history.
Main Source Live at the Barbeque
J.R. Writer is referencing a specific concert or event that was influential in hip hop history.
Nas and Akinyele debut
J.R. Writer is referencing different artists and moments in hip hop history.
EZ Ice, Soul Man
J.R. Writer is referencing different artists and groups from hip hop history.
Def Squad, Hit Squad
J.R. Writer is referencing different groups from hip hop history.
2 Live Crew videos used to keep my dick hard (OINK!)
J.R. Writer is referencing the misogyny and objectification of women that exists within the hip hop industry.
Salt 'N Pepa Shoopin, Potholes and Plug Tunin
J.R. Writer is referencing different songs and artists from hip hop history.
Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin
J.R. Writer is referencing different influential figures in hip hop production and industry.
Shut'em down, Pete Rock producin
J.R. Writer is referencing an influential artist and producer in hip hop history.
Just-Ice, LaToya
J.R. Writer is referencing different artists from hip hop history.
We had Marvin Hagler, fuck Oscar De La Hoya
J.R. Writer is referencing different boxing champions from history and expressing his preference over one.
Doin it, doin it too much
J.R. Writer is referencing a specific song and artist from hip hop history and criticizing it for being overplayed.
6th grade, I ate my first pussy
J.R. Writer is disclosing a personal experience from his childhood that is sexual in nature.
In the back of the school bus
J.R. Writer is specifying the location where the sexual act he mentioned earlier took place.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind