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.
What's Golden
Jurassic 5 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I work the pen to make the ink transform
On any particular surface the pen lands on
The camera stands on, what's the beef?
The Cooley High cold chief high post techniques
I drape off poetic landscapes and shapes
Illustrate the paper space off the pens that paint
Then design what have a National Geographic a magic
We're not balling
We take it back to the days of "yes y'all-in'"
We holding onto what's golden
On a stage I rage and I'm rollin'
We're not balling or shot callin'
We take it back to the days of "yes y'all-in'"
We holding onto what's golden
On a stage I rage and I'm rollin'
Melancholy, mundane so I tame the hot flame
Big rings, fat chains, and y'all quest for the same
No name, use fame, strictly new to the thang
We stay true to the game and never bring it to shame
We tight like dreadlocks or Redd Foxx and Ripple
We pass participles, and smash the artist in you
The saga continues, this I won't get into
'Cause there ain't enough bars to hold the drama that we been through
Yo
We still the same with a little fame
A little change in the household name but ain't too much changed
We in the game but, yo not to be vain
I refrain from salt grains to season up my name
We entertain for a mutual gain from close range
Steady aim, drum at your head to hit the brain
I'm labor ready, Rhode Scholar for the dollar
Work for mines pay me by the hour
We're not balling
We take it back to the days of "yes y'all-in'"
We holding onto what's golden
On a stage I rage and I'm rollin'
We're not balling or shot callin'
We take it back to the days of "yes y'all-in'"
We holding onto what's golden
On a stage I rage and I'm rollin'
Music, that music (hip hop music)
Music, that music (hip hop music)
Music, that music (hip hop music)
Music, that music (hip hop music)
Music, that music (hip hop music) (turn it up, turn it up without a doubt)
Music, that music (hip hop music) (turn it up, turn it up without a doubt)
Music, that music (hip hop music) (turn it up, turn it up without a doubt)
Music, that music (hip hop music) (turn it up, turn it up without a doubt)
Yo
Well, it's the verbal Herman Munster
The word enhancer, sick of phony mobsters controllin' the dance floor
I been in dark places, catch you when you stark naked
Your heart races as we pump you for your chart spaces
The taut traces be bringing these hot styles through
Some of you bum a few chairs from shock value
Word power can plow through acres of cornfields
Paragraphs cut like warm steel, perform ill
We're not balling
We take it back to the days of "yes y'all-in'"
We holding onto what's golden
On a stage I rage and I'm rollin'
We're not balling or shot callin'
We take it back to the days of "yes y'all-in'"
We holding onto what's golden
On a stage I rage and I'm rollin'
Jurassic 5βs βWhatβs Goldenβ is a song that embodies the collectiveβs style of rap, which is characterized by old-school hip hop beats and lyrics championing the genreβs glory days. The trackβs lyrics highlight the group's love for hip hop and their refusal to conform to mainstream rap culture. The song's catchy hook, βWeβre not balling, we take it back to the days of βyes yβall-in,ββ is a nod to the early days of hip hop when the focus was solely on the music and the community around it, rather than fame and fortune.
The opening lyrics of the song, βI work the pen to make the ink transform, On any particular surface the pen lands on," illustrate the skill and talent of the lyricist, showing their ability to turn any blank canvas into a work of art. The verse then goes on to reference Tailormade status, and favored culture, which together imply that the group has reached a level of success through their talent alone. The reference to National Geographic highlights the group's creativity and ability to craft vivid images through their lyrics.
The second verse references a range of ideas, from the monotony of everyday life to the materialism and lack of originality in mainstream rap. The line βI refrain from salt grains to season up my nameβ is a metaphor for not relying on superficial enhancements like jewellery and other material possessions to elevate one's status. The repeated refrain of βWeβre not ballingβ reinforces the idea that the group is not interested in buying into mainstream culture, and that what they value most is the music itself. The final lines of the song reiterate the importance of the group's music and their commitment to keeping the spirit of hip hop alive.
Overall, βWhatβs Goldenβ is a celebration of the origins of hip hop and the core values of the genre, namely creativity, originality, and community.
Line by Line Meaning
Check it out now
Listen closely to what I have to say
I work the pen to make the ink transform
I use my writing skills to create meaningful art
On any particular surface the pen lands on
No matter where my writing may end up, it has an impact
The camera stands on, what's the beef?
Why is there conflict or drama in the world?
The Cooley High cold chief high post techniques
We use intelligent and effective methods to achieve our goals
I drape off poetic landscapes and shapes
I create beautiful, artistic imagery with my writing
Illustrate the paper space off the pens that paint
My written words come to life and fill the blank page with meaning and art
Then design what have a National Geographic a magic
The things I write about are so fascinating and meaningful that it rivals the content found in National Geographic
With Tailormade status and plus favored is automatic, uh!
My writing style is unique and popular, and it comes naturally to me
We're not balling
We're not living extravagantly or wastefully
We take it back to the days of "yes y'all-in'"
We go back to the roots of hip hop music and culture
We holding onto what's golden
We cherish and preserve the important aspects of hip hop culture
On a stage I rage and I'm rollin'
I perform with passion and energy on stage
Melancholy, mundane so I tame the hot flame
Even though life may be difficult and boring, I control and use my creativity to make it better
Big rings, fat chains, and y'all quest for the same
Others may pursue material possessions and riches, but I am content with my creativity and art
No name, use fame, strictly new to the thang
I don't need to be well-known or famous to be successful in hip hop music
We stay true to the game and never bring it to shame
We honor and respect the traditions and integrity of hip hop culture
We tight like dreadlocks or Redd Foxx and Ripple
Our friendship and bond is strong and unbreakable
We pass participles, and smash the artist in you
We inspire and motivate others to pursue their own creative passions
The saga continues, this I won't get into
We have been through many trials and tribulations, but I won't go into detail
'Cause there ain't enough bars to hold the drama that we been through
There are too many difficult experiences to put into words
Yo
Listen up
We still the same with a little fame
We haven't changed despite some success and recognition
A little change in the household name but ain't too much changed
Our name is more recognizable now, but we haven't let it go to our heads
We in the game but, yo not to be vain
We are successful, but we remain humble
I refrain from salt grains to season up my name
I won't use any tricks or gimmicks to try to make myself more popular
We entertain for a mutual gain from close range
We perform for the enjoyment and benefit of everyone involved
Steady aim, drum at your head to hit the brain
My lyrics hit hard and make an impact on the listener
I'm labor ready, Rhode Scholar for the dollar
I am skilled and ready to work hard for my success
Work for mines pay me by the hour
I work hard for my money and I am compensated accordingly
Music, that music (hip hop music)
Referring to the genre of music they create
Music, that music (hip hop music)
Referring to the genre of music they create
Music, that music (hip hop music)
Referring to the genre of music they create
Music, that music (hip hop music)
Referring to the genre of music they create
Music, that music (hip hop music) (turn it up, turn it up without a doubt)
Encouraging the listener to turn up the volume and enjoy their music
Music, that music (hip hop music) (turn it up, turn it up without a doubt)
Encouraging the listener to turn up the volume and enjoy their music
Music, that music (hip hop music) (turn it up, turn it up without a doubt)
Encouraging the listener to turn up the volume and enjoy their music
Music, that music (hip hop music) (turn it up, turn it up without a doubt)
Encouraging the listener to turn up the volume and enjoy their music
Yo
Listen up
Well, it's the verbal Herman Munster
I am like the character of Herman Munster from The Munsters TV show, known for my verbal skills
The word enhancer, sick of phony mobsters controllin' the dance floor
I use my words to enhance the music, and I'm tired of fake people trying to control the music industry
I been in dark places, catch you when you stark naked
I have been through difficult times, and I will expose the truth of others when they are most vulnerable
Your heart races as we pump you for your chart spaces
We will continue to gain success and climb the charts, leaving others in awe
The taut traces be bringing these hot styles through
Our tight, cohesive group brings the heat and delivers amazing music
Some of you bum a few chairs from shock value
Some other artists rely on shock value to sell their music, but we don't need to do that
Word power can plow through acres of cornfields
The power of our words can transcend any obstacle or challenge, no matter how large or daunting
Paragraphs cut like warm steel, perform ill
Our writing style is sharp and impactful, and we perform with amazing energy
Lyrics Β© Universal Music Publishing Group, REACH MUSIC PUBLISHING, Missing Link Music, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Eric T. Sadler, James Henry Boxley Iii, Carlton Ridenhour, Carlton Douglas Ridenhour, Charles L. Stewart, Courtenay D. Henderson, Dante Lamar Givens, Lucas Christian Macfadden, Marc F. Stuart, Mark Ali Potsic
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@datboi1971
The year is 2004 and you just hoped off the bus from school. You walk in the house, quickly do your homework, and fire up the trusty PS2 and start playing ATV Off-road Fury 2 and the first track that plays is this π
@kaynexo9111
Was born in 04 and still have this exact memory
@Reel95
Was born in '97, thank you for this comment, the memories are golden.
@christiannuzzolo6162
And now they put it on forza horizon 3
@hunterkiara1819
This comment is just beautiful
@ChrisPBacon-xn9up
I hate nostalgia.
@thekidk13
Bring this back. Hip Hop that makes you want to move even if you canβt dance, vibes that can solve any disagreements, beats that make you love your neighbors.
@jalopysocks
All the music seems so evil these days I swear
@kattywhampus
Blasting this for this comment dude, so tru
@kattywhampus
GOLDEN VIBES BABY