The group debuted for TVT Records in 1995 with the single for Unified Rebelution. Their acclaimed position in the 1990s alternative hip-hop movement, alongside artists including Company Flow, Black Star and Kool Keith, was confirmed when the Jurassic 5 EP was released in December 1997.
The EP was later repackaged with additional tracks and released in December 1998 as the band's full-length debut album, entitled Jurassic 5 LP.
The tracks harked back to the old school attitude of New York's Native Tongues Posse, the seminal late 1980s coalition of artists who reaffirmed rap's social agenda, which included De La Soul, the Jungle Brothers and A Tribe Called Quest. This was evident on the song Concrete Schoolyard ("Let's take it back to the concrete streets/Original beats from real live MCs"), and the album even provided the troupe with a surprise UK Top 40 single when it reached number 35 in November 1998. The other stand-out track, Jayou, was built around a hypnotic flute loop from Pleasure Web's Music Man Part 1 (Music Man Part 1).
In 1999, Jurassic 5 signed to Interscope Records, who re-released the Jurassic 5 EP. This was followed by their second album (their first on a major label), Quality Control.
In 2002, they released their third album, Power In Numbers, which was followed by touring with the newly-revived Lollapalooza festival in the summer of 2003.
Their latest album, Feedback, was released on July 25, 2006.
FINISH FIRST
Jurassic 5 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yo, because of cash in the purse, guns blast in the hearse
A vast universe when the last is the first
The past been a curse, I need some asprin to nurse
It's your cash getting earth, I ask when it hurts
A passionate burst of some last-minute work
The first human bodies are living last in this Earth
Puffing grass when it works, a bastard at birth
(Stashed in this verse) Burning like gas in a torch
(Jurass in a fort) Some don't see past their front porch
(Masking a smirk) No doubt my class been alert
Verbal splash for your thirst, 5 Jurass finish first
[Marc 7even]
Yo, cause the crooks in the game know exactly the same
Not mentioning no names, merely passing the blame
Your ass been in flames since the cash went ka-chang
Why you can't stand the rain when my crew bring the pain
You a masculine myth who I constantly diss
I bond with the Fish, understand we the fifth
Put two and hit the dirt, wish you well, wish you worse
Your ass been cursed, 5 Jurass finish first
Bringing it back from the lost, we have to report
The trash on the chart make you have to resort
To leave the record store instead of quenching your thirst
But at last planet Earth, 5 Jurass finish first
[Charli 2na]
Yo, because of passing the course wife asking divorce
Taking half of your cash, now you bask in remorse
Turning rap into sport, I've mastered the part
Cause the trash on the chart leave you gasping for art
Now if you've mastered the art, I'm asking with force
To mass of your thoughts, to your ass is a corpse
Cover grass in a burst, unfasten your purse
Give your cash to the clerk, 5 Jurass finish first
[Marc 7even]
Yeah, cause the tricks of the trade, I'm a virtual slave
A smirk will get raised once the pen hits the page
While your thoughts of the stage and perhaps getting paid
Relax in the shade, time passing in days
I'm searching for ways to avoid the charade
Cause when voices are laid, choices are made
Be not afraid, people plastic on Earth
Verbal blast bout to burst, 5 Jurass finish first
5 Jurass finish first [Repeat: x2]
[Charlie 2na]
Yo, because of passing the torch, puffing pipes with a bouche
You a hype living loose with your life in the noose
You invite many fools when you light chemicals
Night of the living ooze, your ego makes many bruise
[Marc 7even]
You need to watch what you choose, what you give is what you get
Some are lacking intellect in their quest for a check
Is it love or respect, does the subject get you vexed?
Only 4 bars to wreck, the situation is complex
[Charlie 2na]
Yo, you in constant pursuit to be the last in the house
(Where's your wallet?) With the wife, deep stashed in the blouse
[Mark 7even]
Like "Without a Doubt" you can catch me on the be-side
Cause the one who wins the war
[Charlie 2na]
Is the one without pride
J5 make you feel a lickle gaseous at first
(Martin Lawrence) And yes I make you ask "Is that Lurch?"
In you try your soul a lyrical madness that works
Give your cash to the clerk, 5 Jurass finish first
The lyrics to Jurassic 5's "Jurass Finish First" focus on a variety of topics, including the pursuit of money, competition in the music industry, and the importance of being true to oneself. The opening lines of the song describe a world in which money and violence dominate, but ultimately those who are truly passionate and dedicated are the ones who will come out on top. The rappers also discuss the problem of "trash" music dominating the charts, and lament the fact that many listeners are not getting the quality they crave. Ultimately, the song is about the importance of staying true to oneself and remembering what really matters in life.
One interesting fact about "Jurass Finish First" is that it was the first single released from Jurassic 5's second album, "Quality Control." The song was a big success, receiving significant airplay in the United States and abroad. It also featured prominently in the soundtrack to the popular video game "Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4."
Another interesting fact about the song is that it features a prominent sample from the song "The Payback" by James Brown. The horn riff from "The Payback" is used throughout "Jurass Finish First," giving the song a funky, energetic feel.
Other notable elements of the song include the distinctive vocal styles of rappers Charli 2na and Marc 7even, as well as the tight, punchy beat produced by DJ Nu-Mark. The lyrics are also packed with references and wordplay, giving the song a rich, dense feel that rewards repeated listening.
Overall, "Jurass Finish First" is a classic example of Jurassic 5's distinctive sound and style, combining hip-hop, funk, and jazz influences to create something truly unique and memorable.
Chords: Unfortunately, the chords for this song are not available as it is a primarily sample-based track.
Line by Line Meaning
Yo, because of cash in the purse, guns blast in the hearse
Money in the wrong hands can lead to violence and death.
A vast universe when the last is the first
The possibilities are endless when you strive to be the best, even if you started from the bottom.
The past been a curse, I need some aspirin to nurse
Bad experiences can be painful and hard to shake off.
It's your cash getting earth, I ask when it hurts
Money can be a burden and bring about problems.
A passionate burst of some last-minute work
Putting in extra effort can result in fulfilling and successful outcomes.
The first human bodies are living last in this Earth
The world as we know it is constantly changing, and we need to adapt to survive.
Puffing grass when it works, a bastard at birth
Using substances to cope with the pain of past traumas can lead to a destructive cycle.
But at last planet Earth, 5 Jurass finish first (Stashed in this verse)
Despite the challenges, Jurassic 5 is victorious and will continue to succeed.
Burning like gas in a torch (Jurass in a fort)
Their success is undeniable and will shine brilliantly forever.
Some don't see past their front porch (Masking a smirk)
Not everyone has a broader perspective or the ability to appreciate different things.
No doubt my class been alert, verbal splash for your thirst
Jurassic 5 is aware and ready to deliver mind-blowing rhymes for their fans.
Yo, cause the crooks in the game know exactly the same (Not mentioning no names, merely passing the blame)
Corrupt people in power have the same motives and tactics without taking responsibility.
Your ass been in flames since the cash went ka-chang (Why you can't stand the rain when my crew bring the pain)
Focusing on money instead of true passion leads to disappointment when facing real challenges.
You a masculine myth who I constantly diss
False bravado and ego are not welcome in Jurassic 5's eyes.
I bond with the Fish, understand we the fifth
Jurassic 5 stands united and recognizes their worth as a group.
Put two and hit the dirt, wish you well, wish you worse
It's better to keep moving forward and let bygones be bygones, rather than dwelling on negativity.
Bringing it back from the lost, we have to report
Jurassic 5 is bringing back real hip-hop from a time where it seems to be lost or forgotten.
The trash on the chart make you have to resort
The mainstream music industry puts out mediocre or bad music, forcing listeners to seek real quality elsewhere.
To leave the record store instead of quenching your thirst
Despite the desire for good music, it's hard to find in the current commercialized industry.
Yeah, cause the tricks of the trade, I'm a virtual slave
The music industry can be manipulative and exploit artists to make a profit.
A smirk will get raised once the pen hits the page
Jurassic 5's lyrical prowess will always impress and intimidate the competition.
While your thoughts of the stage and perhaps getting paid, relax in the shade, time passing in days
Focusing only on the end result and ignoring the journey can be unfulfilling and waste precious time.
You need to watch what you choose, what you give is what you get
Being mindful of our choices and actions can lead to better outcomes in life.
Some are lacking intellect in their quest for a check
Some people value money over personal growth and development, leading to ignorance and superficiality.
Is it love or respect, does the subject get you vexed?
Navigating relationships can be emotionally taxing and require constant reflection and communication.
Only 4 bars to wreck, the situation is complex
Jurassic 5 has limited time to convey a complex message through their music.
You in constant pursuit to be the last in the house (Where's your wallet?) With the wife, deep stashed in the blouse
Some people are too focused on material possessions rather than what truly matters in life.
Like "Without a Doubt" you can catch me on the be-side
Jurassic 5 is confident in their abilities and is always ready to showcase their skills.
Cause the one who wins the war is the one without pride
Humility and integrity are key to long-term success and true victory.
J5 make you feel a lickle gaseous at first (Martin Lawrence) And yes I make you ask "Is that Lurch?"
Jurassic 5's unique sound and clever wordplay can catch listeners off guard and leave them in awe.
In you try your soul a lyrical madness that works
Jurassic 5's music is not just entertainment, but a form of art that resonates with the soul.
Give your cash to the clerk, 5 Jurass finish first
Jurassic 5 is the best in the game, and their music is worth investing in.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: CHARLES L. STEWART, SHELLY MANNE, LUCAS CHRISTIAN MACFADDEN, DANTE LAMAR GIVENS, COURTENAY HENDERSON, MARC F. STUART, MARK ALI POTSIC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind