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.
Twelve
Jurassic 5 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
One, two, Jurassic Crew
What we bout to do, brothers have no clue
Three, four, tear down the door
And give the party people what they came here for, ahh
One, two, Jurassic Crew
What we bout to do, brothers have no clue
Three, four, tear down the door
Akil:
Yo, my pleasure principle from the streets of South Central
Ghetto hip-hop, nonstop fundamental
Urban curb servin', vocabulary surging
Rebel with the turban and the street corner sermon
I keep it working for certain, close curtains
Renegade bought up a troop when I'm dispursing
That body rock moving, ghetto baby music
We eat together with the inner city coolness
Chali 2na:
Yo (Who's this?) Slicing a rhyme in square bits
Burning through open skin like newly prepared grits
It's 2na Fish, I'm bringing the bad news
And changing your bathroom if you thinking that cash rules
Oooh, pumpernickle blow words like snot speckles
When shots echo, some duck and hide like Doc Jeckyl
Like Don Rickles, I'm kicking rhymes that stop heckles
Correcting all them bumbaclot specials
Zaakir:
Yeah, I got my mind on my money for those that comprehend
And my money on whatever I think I look fresh in
Questions, is he stepping authentic?
Controller of the panic, break a senate lieutenant
Spit it, yo, despite your critic comments
Knowing it ain't a hotter verse than Zaakir Mohammed
Whether last or first, or bottom or top
Now is it "Stop hip-hop" or "Hip-hop don't stop?"
Marc 7even:
You need to protect your neck
You the kind of brother who be chasing checks
Me and my crew crash through and get nuff respect
Basic bet takers I'm beyond your average thinker
Break and MC down, like my name was Dr. Shrinker
Passion fake MC's, wearing mink MC's
On-the-brink MC's, you need to think MC's
Bout to sink MC's, don't even speak MC's
Cause half the shit you kicking sounding weak MC's
Chorus:
One, two, Jurassic Crew
What we bout to do, brothers have no clue
Three, four, tear down the door
And give the party people what they came here for, ahh
One, two, Jurassic Crew
What we bout to do, brothers have no clue
Three, four, tear down the door
And give the party people what they came here for
Zaakir:
I razor sharp with mindset, sunset til sun
And I admit, I used to bite people's shit when I was young
Back in 83rd, before my style was preferred
Now my connectionw with the word is preferred
Primo, my AC, 310
The first confidential, inscribed my initial
The Z double A K-I and R
Submerge in submarine words near and far
Cause I'm too hot to handle, too cold to freeze
And I'm a diss any nigga that sounds like me
Akil:
Yo yo, breeze through the trees, feel the flavor at ease
Degrees of melodies, typewriter MC's
They on their Q's and P's withing my vicinity
Department of Correctional Rhyme Ability
Keep the biters on lock, rock no silk
Still shock, rhyme around the clock
Marc 7even:
From dawn to dusk, my raps is Mack Truck
You schmucks is out of luck, I'm ready to run amuck
Akil:
Ayo I'm lampin, I'm lampin, I'm cold stone lampin
High pitch, beat drumsticks like Lionel Hampton
The champion, fly shit, the anthem
5'11" with dark skin and tantrum
Handsome never, not even as a kid
The girls used to say "Oh his nose is too big"
Chali 2na:
Yo, you'll get bruised, kid, ghetto blues, you'll never refuse shit
The show's good, pinching MC's like rosewood
I'm shrinking you rap characters into die-cast minitures
I'll blast ten of you while my rhymes while my rhymes harass senators
Through TV monitors, brains and glass dinner jaws
Verbal vinegar for you biters down at the salad bar
The combat that's making your mom mad
I'm feeling a congrat for burning his mom bad
Chorus:
One, two, Jurassic Crew
What we bout to do, brothers have no clue
Three, four, tear down the door
And give the party people what they came here for, ahh
One, two, Jurassic Crew
What we bout to do, brothers have no clue
Three, four, tear down the door
And give the party people what they came here for
The lyrics to Jurassic 5's song "Twelve" is all about the group's dynamic ability to command the attention of any crowd with their music. Throughout the song, each member of the group delivers a unique and powerful verse that shows off their individual talents, while also emphasizing the group's collective strength. The chorus follows a simple count along that calls for the Jurassic Crew to tear down doors, give people what they came for and show that they are in complete control of the party.
The lyrics are also heavily influenced by hip-hop culture and the group's roots in South Central Los Angeles. The verses are filled with references to urban life, the struggle for success, and a deep love for hip-hop music. The members talk about their ability to move crowds with their lyrics and their command of the microphone. They also make references to the importance of being original and standing out in the rap game, as well as the need to stay on top of their game to remain relevant and impactful.
Overall, the song "Twelve" is a powerful and uplifting tribute to hip-hop music, the Jurassic 5 group, and their ability to command any crowd with their skillful, original, and engaging rap music.
Line by Line Meaning
One, two, Jurassic Crew
Introducing the group's name as Jurassic Crew
What we bout to do, brothers have no clue
Implying that the group is about to perform their music and the audience has no idea what is to come
Three, four, tear down the door
Building up the excitement and anticipation for the music that is about to come
And give the party people what they came here for, ahh
The group is here to provide the audience with the music and entertainment that they expect from a live performance
Yo, my pleasure principle from the streets of South Central
The singer is introducing himself and stating that he has learned his musical skills from the experiences of living in a tough neighborhood
Ghetto hip-hop, nonstop fundamental
Describing the raw and foundational nature of hip-hop and the style that the group performs
Urban curb servin', vocabulary surging
Using wordplay to describe the group's style and lyrical abilities
Rebel with the turban and the street corner sermon
Describing the hidden message in the group's music and the lyrical content that references social issues
I keep it working for certain, close curtains
The singer promises to put on a great show and closing the curtains is a reference to ending the show with a bang
Renegade bought up a troop when I'm dispursing
Referring to the group as a team and emphasizing how they bring something different to the music scene
That body rock moving, ghetto baby music
Describing the effect that their music has on the audience, and how the group's style is unique
We eat together with the inner city coolness
The group has a collective mindset and shares a passion for music that represents the urban culture
Yo (Who's this?) Slicing a rhyme in square bits
The singer is introducing himself and his style of rapping that uses strong imagery to capture attention
Burning through open skin like newly prepared grits
Describing the impact of the singer's lyrics and how the words have a burning effect on the listener
It's 2na Fish, I'm bringing the bad news
The singer is introducing himself and his role as someone who brings attention to issues in society that people may not be aware of
And changing your bathroom if you thinking that cash rules
Encouraging the listener to question societal values that prioritize money over other aspects of life
Oooh, pumpernickle blow words like snot speckles
Using unique metaphors and imagery to describe the singer's style and impact on the listener
When shots echo, some duck and hide like Doc Jeckyl
Referencing how people react to the violent behavior in society and how it has become an accepted norm
Like Don Rickles, I'm kicking rhymes that stop heckles
Making a reference to a famous comedian who was known for his ability to shut down hecklers in his audience, and emphasizing the power of the singer's rhymes
Correcting all them bumbaclot specials
Using language and slang from the singer's culture to emphasize the group's authenticity
Yeah, I got my mind on my money for those that comprehend
The singer is emphasizing how he values money and success, but only for those who understand how to achieve it
And my money on whatever I think I look fresh in
The singer is making a reference to how his pursuit of success is closely tied to his personal style and appearance
Questions, is he stepping authentic?
The group acknowledges the criticism they may face and question whether they are staying true to themselves and their values
Controller of the panic, break a senate lieutenant
Using strong and powerful imagery to describe how the group is in control and can influence society
Knowing it ain't a hotter verse than Zaakir Mohammed
The singer is acknowledging his own talent and how he believes that he is one of the best in the industry
Whether last or first, or bottom or top
The singer is emphasizing that he believes in his talent, no matter where he ranks in the industry's hierarchy
Now is it "Stop hip-hop" or "Hip-hop don't stop?"
The group is questioning the future of hip-hop and whether it will continue to evolve or decline
You need to protect your neck
Giving advice to others that they need to be aware of the risks in society
You the kind of brother who be chasing checks
Making a reference to those who prioritize money and success over other aspects in life
Me and my crew crash through and get nuff respect
The group is emphasizing their dominance and how they receive respect from others in the industry
Basic bet takers I'm beyond your average thinker
The singer is asserting that he is smarter and more creative than others in the music industry
Break and MC down, like my name was Dr. Shrinker
Using a reference to a famous cartoon villain who was known for shrinking people, to describe how the singer breaks down other MCs
Passion fake MC's, wearing mink MC's
Drawing attention to how others in the industry may not be authentic and may prioritize material possessions
On-the-brink MC's, you need to think MC's
The group is encouraging others to think more deeply about their actions and how they can improve themselves
Bout to sink MC's, don't even speak MC's
The group is asserting their dominance and how they are better than other MCs in the industry
Cause half the shit you kicking sounding weak MC's
The group is criticizing others in the industry for their weak lyrics and unoriginal style
I razor sharp with mindset, sunset til sun
Using an analogy to describe how the singer is always sharp and focused on their craft
And I admit, I used to bite people's shit when I was young
Acknowledging their past mistakes and how they have grown as artists and individuals
Back in 83rd, before my style was preferred
Referencing a specific time in the past when the singer was still developing their style and had not yet become successful
Now my connectionw with the word is preferred
The singer is highlighting the fact that their unique style and connection with the audience is what makes them successful
Primo, my AC, 310
Making references to specific people and places that are important to the singer
The first confidential, inscribed my initial
Referring to the singer's initial success and how it was a turning point in their career
The Z double A K-I and R
Spelling out the singer's name and showing pride in their identity
Submerge in submarine words near and far
Using unique imagery to describe the power of the singer's lyrics and how they can reach people everywhere
Cause I'm too hot to handle, too cold to freeze
Emphasizing their dominance and how they have achieved success without sacrificing their values
And I'm a diss any nigga that sounds like me
Asserting their dominance and how they are better than others who have copied their style
Yo yo, breeze through the trees, feel the flavor at ease
Using imagery to describe the sensation of listening to the singer's music
Degrees of melodies, typewriter MC's
Describing the singer's unique style and how they are different from other MCs
They on their Q's and P's withing my vicinity
The group is asserting their dominance and showing how they can influence others in their presence
Department of Correctional Rhyme Ability
Creating a unique title for their style and talent
Keep the biters on lock, rock no silk
The group is asserting how they prevent others from copying their style and maintain their authenticity
Still shock, rhyme around the clock
Using wordplay to describe the impact that their music has and how they are always working to improve their craft
From dawn to dusk, my raps is Mack Truck
Using imagery to describe the power and impact of the singer's lyrics
You schmucks is out of luck, I'm ready to run amuck
The group is asserting their dominance and readiness to take on anyone who tries to challenge them
Ayo I'm lampin, I'm lampin, I'm cold stone lampin
Using repetition and rhythm to create a unique and powerful stanza
High pitch, beat drumsticks like Lionel Hampton
Describing the rhythm and power of the singer's lyrics
The champion, fly shit, the anthem
Describing how the group is on top and how their music is considered an anthem for the people
5'11" with dark skin and tantrum
Describing physical characteristics of the singer and his personality
Handsome never, not even as a kid
Acknowledging the singer's humble beginnings and how he was not considered handsome by others
The girls used to say "Oh his nose is too big"
Referencing how the singer was teased and criticized for his appearance in the past
Yo, you'll get bruised, kid, ghetto blues, you'll never refuse shit
Using language and imagery from the singer's culture to describe how their music is raw and authentic
The show's good, pinching MC's like rosewood
Describing how the singer is capable of taking down other MCs and demonstrating their dominance
I'm shrinking you rap characters into die-cast minitures
Using a metaphor to describe how the singer is reducing other MCs to nothing
I'll blast ten of you while my rhymes while my rhymes harass senators
Describing how the singer's lyrics can have a powerful impact on society
Through TV monitors, brains and glass dinner jaws
Using imagery to describe how the singer's lyrics can have a wide-reaching impact on society
Verbal vinegar for you biters down at the salad bar
Using wordplay to describe how the group is critical of others in the industry who copy their style
The combat that's making your mom mad
The singer is referencing how their music can be seen as controversial or rebellious, and how it can upset parents or authority figures
I'm feeling a congrat for burning his mom bad
Using language and slang from the singer's culture to describe how the group is unafraid to challenge societal norms and values
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CHARLES COLQUHOUN STEWART, CHRIS HENDERSON, DANTE LAMAR GIVENS, LEONARD MACFADDEN, MARK ALI POTSIC, MARK KOHLENBERG STUART, SHAFIQ HUSAYN, Charles Stewart, Dante Givens, MARK STUART, PATRICK RYAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind