Carry On
Joey Bada$$ & Freddie Gibbs Lyrics
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(Others such as myself are trying to carry on tradition)
(Carry on tradition)
Got Statik, and I'ma select
Mic check 1,2,1,2
(Carry on tradition)
Mic check when a nigga come through
Niggas keep it silent
Besides the fact a nigga never been as swank as me, I like that
Until I shine I sit patiently, so light that, I'm folding back, scroll a pack
And roll a fatty, smokes heavy, not even over
Mad I'm thinking what they probably should have did before him
I'm on my girls and soaring, foreign under them heels
It ain't about the Ralph though, tell your horse chill
Don't need to grill to feel like a real nigga
If he can't see the light then shine Hilfigers still
Six-figure deals with the hell
since the age of six I knew the name would ring a bell
In six more years to wonder what the time could tell
That's 666 still no signs of a three-sixty deal
Neither did I sell myself, Records spinning by they self
The DJ tell myself go reflects off the reflex
before I told Flex drop that Semtex on the next New York best
This sickest sound, stick around, and we coming for the vets now
Can a nigga contest? Maybe if he put his pride aside he could confess, but none the less
It's fundamental, we need to fund the mental, wise with the momentum
So rise on this momental, so porn your inquidentials
Watch who you pretend to, and put a potent diamond to fuel
If you respect my conglomerate then wait I'm rocking to
It's such a prominent tune, but I won't get my roses until I lie on my tomb
Flowers
(Others such as myself are trying to carry on tradition)
(Carry on tradition)
You're static and I'm a selektah
(This is live and direct)
(Carry on tradition)
(Nigga that Hennesy)
With my lyrical Billy Dee 45 colt
Fuck the polices, they raided but they can't find dope
If it ain't about money and bitches, nigga what you rhyme for?
Work half a day in my trap, and make what you sign for
My niggas is willing to whip that work, it's such a ridiculous feeling
To come in your crib and your shit don't work
Electric, gas, and water, you fugazi
You mutilated like Pookie at the Carter
Joseph Jackson, the gangsta rapping, nigga respect the father
Taking it back to making them pick a switch off the tree
Every time you rap or do a show, bitch I should pinch off a fee
You used to flow 'bout goofy shit
Met a G and got on some groupie shit
A slave to my rap page, student under my tutelage
I'm still taking these boys to school
As quick as I build them up, I can just disassemble them
Coke and cut the curriculum cousin stayed up in Flint
I was shipping this shit to Michigan
The black bastard fuck LensCrafters I see the bitch in them
Cop a squat drop a pile on them, I'm steadily shitting on these niggas
But they hate the way Freddie came and switched up the style on 'em
I stretched it out to 250 he got a nine coming
Don't sell it at night but I'm up as early as five something
Chopping boulders, and blowing doja so fuck a cup of Foldgers
Bended corners, and serving yola off of this motorola
Sometimes you sacrifice your heart to serve this hard weight
Thirty rounds of death on my waist, its baby scarface nigga
I said thirty rounds of death on my waist, its baby scarface nigga
I got thirty rounds of death on my waist, its baby scarface nigga
(Carry on tradition)
(Got statik and I'ma selekt)
You know what I'm saying these niggas is rapping around in circles and shit
They ain't talking no real shit they ain't really 'bout about it you dig?
In "Carry On", Joey Bada$$ and Freddie Gibbs collaborate to bring meaningful lyrics on the importance of carrying on the tradition of hip-hop. The song opens with a sample of a voice affirming the importance of keeping the tradition alive. The song's first verse is from Joey Bada$$, who talks about his emergence in the industry and the struggles he went through to get there. He points out that he did not sell himself to fame, but rather earned it by being wise with the momentum. Joey stresses the importance of respecting his culture while reminding the listener that this song is live and direct.
Freddie Gibbs comes in hard for the second verse, threatening to mess up anyone who tries to disrespect the tradition. He raps about being a gangster and taking matters back to the old school, whipping out his lyrical guns and teaching his enemies a lesson. In one line, he compares himself to Baby Scarface, with thirty rounds of death on his waist, which refers to his willingness to protect the tradition at any cost.
"Carry On" opens with a quote from Pete Rock, who speaks about the importance of keeping the tradition of the genre alive. The song was produced by Statik Selektah, a renowned hip-hop producer, and DJ. The sample used in the song's intro is taken from Pete Rock's "The Creator".
The track features both artists delivering hard-hitting bars over a classic boom-bap beat, which pays homage to the golden era of hip-hop.
"Carry On" was released in 2019 as part of the reputed hip-hop brand, the "Griselda Shady Records".
Freddie Gibbs has collaborated with numerous big rappers in the industry, including Jeezy, Gucci Mane, and Madlib.
Joey Bada$$ has a unique style of rapping that has been compared to the likes of Nas and Tupac.
Both rappers have spoken out against police brutality and systemic racism in their lyrics.
Gibbs and Joey had never collaborated before "Carry On".
The song's live instrumentation was performed by The Soul Council.
The message in "Carry On" aligns with Joey Bada$$'s political views, as he has been vocal about the need for more education in the hip-hop community.
Chords are not available as the song doesn't have any guitar or piano sounds.
Line by Line Meaning
(Others such as myself are trying to carry on tradition)
Like others, Joey Bada$$ and Freddie Gibbs are trying to continue the legacy of true hip hop
(Carry on tradition)
The chorus emphasizes the importance of continuing the tradition of real hip hop
Got Statik, and I'ma select
Joey Bada$$ has teamed up with DJ Statik Selektah for this track
Mic check 1,2,1,2
Mic check before starting to rap
(Nigga that Hennesy)
A reference to drinking Hennessy, a popular drink in the hip hop culture
With my lyrical Billy Dee 45 colt
Freddie Gibbs compares his lyrical skills to a gun, specifically a Billy Dee 45 colt
Fuck the polices, they raided but they can't find dope
Gibbs expresses his disdain for police and their inability to catch him with illegal drugs
If it ain't about money and bitches, nigga what you rhyme for?
Gibbs questions the motives of other rappers who don't focus on money and women in their lyrics
Electric, gas, and water, you fugazi
Gibbs calls out those who try to fake their wealth by not paying their bills
Taking it back to making them pick a switch off the tree
Gibbs reminisces about being physically punished by his elders as a child
I'm still taking these boys to school
Gibbs boasts about his ability to out-rap and outperform his competition
Sometimes you sacrifice your heart to serve this hard weight
Gibbs acknowledges the risks and sacrifices involved in drug dealing
Thirty rounds of death on my waist, its baby scarface nigga
Gibbs compares himself to Scarface, a notorious drug dealer in the movie of the same name
(This is live and direct)
Another nod to old school hip hop, where performances were often recorded live and with no edits
Niggas keep it silent
When Joey Bada$$ enters the mic, the audience goes quiet to listen
It ain't about the Ralph though, tell your horse chill
Joey Bada$$ emphasizes that true style is not about the brand, but how you wear it
Six-figure deals with the hell
Joey Bada$$ has signed lucrative contracts, but at what cost?
The DJ tell myself go reflects off the reflex
Joey Bada$$ references the skill and artistry of a good DJ when setting up tracks to rap over
It's fundamental, we need to fund the mental, wise with the momentum
Joey Bada$$ emphasizes the importance of investing in mental health and wisdom to keep moving forward
Watch who you pretend to, and put a potent diamond to fuel
Joey Bada$$ warns against fake friends and encouraging yourself to succeed
If you respect my conglomerate then wait I'm rocking to
Joey Bada$$ asks those who respect him and his group to be patient as they continue to make music
It's such a prominent tune, but I won't get my roses until I lie on my tomb
Joey Bada$$ acknowledges that recognition may not come until he's no longer alive to enjoy it
Can a nigga contest? Maybe if he put his pride aside he could confess, but none the less
Joey Bada$$ dares anyone to challenge his skills, but suggests they have to swallow their pride first
So rise on this momental, so porn your inquidentials
Joey Bada$$ encourages people to capitalize on opportunities and show off their individuality
This sickest sound, stick around, and we coming for the vets now
Joey Bada$$ asserts that he and his contemporaries are taking over the rap game and coming for the old guard
They ain't talking no real shit they ain't really 'bout about it you dig?
Joey Bada$$ calls out other rappers for not being authentic in their music and lifestyles.
Lyrics © HIPGNOSIS SONGS GROUP, WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Welyn
Joey was dope But freddie SNAPPED in this
Yung Goblin
Welyn has Good Music Taste it seems.
ya boi ichiraku ramen
wth where did u come from bumpkin boi
YouNation
"Taking these boys to school"
"Up at early as 5 something"
Shits so fucking raw
Corno
welyn what da
Buttle Rubbies
Yeah but Joey still killed it. And statik murdered the beat
Sam
Need more Bada$$ and Gibbs they blend together so well.
dead for 5 years
fr
Mit ohne Swibel
Still bumpin...poor neighbours.
shambooki
No doubt. Two of the best rappers in the game.