Where We At
Jurassic 5 Lyrics

Speak my mind
I share my true thoughts and opinions

Just to reach your mind
I hope to connect with and influence the thoughts of the listener

Tap a tempo off the instrumental
I nod my head or move my body to keep time with the music

Just to get the drum line
I focus on the rhythm of the drums in the song

You know it's my time
I believe that this is my moment to shine and be heard

Reel up and rewind
I repeat and listen back to the song or my own lyrics

Get off that cheap wine
I avoid wasting time and energy on unimportant things

Swinging on my grapevine
I am confident and enjoying my own style and creativity

You heard a brother
I am a respected and talented MC

Worthy to create rhymes
I have the ability to craft original and impressive lyrics

I take it further than a murder
I surpass the violence and negativity that some rappers use in their music

Or I hate crime
I reject hate and intolerance in my music

Don't hate on me
I ask listeners not to criticize or dismiss my music unjustly

What have you done for me lately
I challenge those who criticize me to show their own achievements and contributions

Beside to baith me assume and mistakenly
I point out that it's unfair and unhelpful to judge me without getting to know me or my music

Too abstract than a backpack
I know my music is unconventional or intellectual compared to typical rap styles

To super underground with the beats and rats
I understand that my music is not mainstream and may only appeal to a niche audience

'Cause I refuse to bust gatts
I reject the glorification of guns and violence in music

And water down my raps
I refuse to compromise my artistry by creating music that is overly commercial or generic

To get me caught up in a trap
I recognize the dangers of trying to conform to expectations or trends

And set me years back. Fuck that!
I am determined to remain true to myself and my music, no matter the obstacles

[Mos Def:]
A new speaker takes over the mic

Yeah right from the start
From the beginning of hip hop

Remember that feeling
Recall the excitement and authenticity of early hip hop

The way the hip-hop used to make you feel
Reflect on the powerful emotions that the best hip hop music can evoke

So real like
This music felt authentic and genuine

Getting first signed
Being noticed by a record label for the first time

Then the first time you heard Planet Rock
The excitement of discovering a new and influential song

Word is over, the God
A slang way of acknowledging the end of a previous statement and the importance of the emcee

Staten Island, for real, for real
A reference to the Wu-Tang Clan, recognizing their creative influence

I heard brother say J5, men them niggas ain't shit
Another artist criticizes Jurassic 5's music

Them niggas never slapped no bitch, never inserted a clip
The critic implies that J5 have not engaged in violent or criminal behavior

They never claimed thug or a pimp
J5 haven't embraced the typical macho stereotypes in hip hop

Them niggas never made the attempt
J5 have not tried to fit in with mainstream rap culture

Hey yo, they ain't all that
The critic continues to belittle J5's music

Men Six members men and four of them black
J5 includes multiple members and is diverse

What kind of racist statement is that
Calling attention to the criticism's potentially discriminatory nature

They need to change their views
The critic demands that J5 conform to their expectations

Start talking about the clubbing they do
The critic suggests that J5 adopt more mainstream and flashy topics in their music

That's the reason we ain't fucking with you
The critic is boycotting J5's music due to their perceived lack of appeal

Today's artist is tough
The critic suggests that modern rappers are more aggressive and successful

Talking loud, this isn't enough, yeah
The critic views modern rap as somehow lacking in substance or authenticity

Let's talk about the guns you bust
The critic is calling out rappers who boast about their gun use

Nigga, the crack you cut
The critic suggests that some rappers have ties to drug dealing

Or all the cars that you bought wholesale
The critic points out the materialism and excess of some rappers

Or the niggas rattling your cold tail
The critic references fears that some rappers may have of retaliation or karma

I've been keeping it real
The critic believes they are speaking truthfully and honestly

Let's talk about the ash you feel
The critic is suggesting that rappers open up about their vulnerabilities and struggles

Now that's the way to get mass appeal
The critic argues that authenticity, rather than materialism or violence, is what will truly resonate with listeners

Y'all ain't heard that wow
The critic implies that their message is profound and insightful

The brothers ain't feeling your style
The critic suggests that many listeners are turning away from mainstream rap

You get stoned play over the radio right now
The critic expresses doubt that today's popular rap will stand the test of time

Where we at
A rhetorical question that calls for reflection

Wh...Whe...Wher...Where we at (YA)
An expression of frustration or confusion

Where we at
Repeat of the earlier line

Don't deny me, diss or austrsize me
The emcee is asking for respect and recognition

'Cause it's likely I'm all up in your sight gee
The emcee believes they are already on the critic's radar

It's unreal how you deal and threat us
The emcee is commenting on how critics treat and dismiss underground artists

Your bunch of believers
The critic's fans are blind followers who only accept mainstream rap

I can tell just by the way you retreat
The emcee is reading into the critic's language and attitude

Cactus is a discreed fact
A non sequitur - not sure what this line means

They heat rap beat gaps but stay of the knee rack
Another unclear line, perhaps a reference to the difficulty of staying true to oneself in the face of criticism

So you could put your seat back
An invitation to sit back and listen to the emcee's music

Pick up your feet and bring facts
The emcee challenges the critic to engage with their music on a factual basis

Rhymes and beats that we create can defeat that weak crap
The emcee believes their music is superior to mainstream rap in terms of lyrics and production value

'Cause your either bling-bliging or your next tails ringing (dring)
The emcee is criticizing the materialism and lack of depth in mainstream rap

Either way it goes, fat baby ain't signing
The emcee assures the listener that they won't abandon their principles for commercial success

The game ain't over until we all get shined
The emcee believes there is still room for underground artists to find success

I mean you do your thing and I do mine
The emcee is acknowledging the diversity of rap and the value of different styles and perspectives