G Rap began working with DJ Polo in 1986, releasing several underground hit singles including "It's a Demo"/"I'm Fly." Two other singles, "Streets of New York" and "Road to the Riches," received heavy rotation on Yo! MTV Raps and cemented his reputation as one of New York's top lyrical auteurs. His talent for telling a compelling, hard-luck story in a single song was considered second to only that of Rakim. While G Rap grew in popularity, he never crossed over like Biz Markie or Big Daddy Kane, both also members of the Juice Crew.
G Rap began a solo career in the mid-1990s, released 4,5,6. This and subsequent LPs saw little attention from critics or consumers, and G Rap began collaborating with others. Signing to Rawkus Records, G Rap launched a comeback with 2002's The Giancana Story. "Giancana" also is said by Kool G Rap to be the "G" in his name in the song "Drama". The album was well-received without commercial success.
In 2008 he released Half a Klip on Chinga Chang Records, featuring production from DJ Premier and Marley Marl, among others. His 2011 album Riches, Royalty, Respect showcased his true to form style and lyricism.
It's A Demo
Kool G Rap Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
People in the audience Kool G Rap is my name
I write rhymes and insert them inside your brain
And DJ Polo, the man I'm behind
He operates the turntables when I'm rocking my rhymes, see
It's a demo
Psychopath on the phonograph, nut of the cuts
You heard the boy slice, is he nice or what?
He's the main entertainer inside the show
And he goes by the name of DJ Polo, see
It's a demo
I supply the data, he's the wheel operator
We're walking tall and we're called The Terminators
I'm Kool G Rap, and he's Polo
He cuts like a pro when I go solo
He's a record spinner winner, that you can bet
Eats DJ's for dinner on his table set
With cuts he concocts and the party rocks
DJ's want to Xerox it out the box
A professional performer, wheels of steel trainer
One hundred percent excellent entertainer
The maker and creator of the lyrical line
Idea of Shakespeare, the mind of Einstein
Surrender, pretender, you don't exist
As a vocalist, so you can kiss this
I'm Kool G Rap, greatest of all times
And you can see it, inside my rhymes
See it's a demo
It's a demo
My recital will form a musical brainstorm
Powerful sound waves where ear drums are torn
The performer recites, competitors ignite
Audiences tonight I came to incite
Fascinating results, a defeat will be difficult
Equivalent to a thousand volts
To my brief rap speech you attach like a leech
Examine when I'm jamming and when I preach
Before I'm completed, you will all be deleted
You said I sucked, instead I succeeded
Fan fascinator, I supply data
According to the groove, I'm a real smooth operator
I activate a musical device
Dialogues are concise, no need to splice
My system contains musical rap rain
Instrumentals inserted inside your brain
All levels rate low with a medium tempo
I give a dramatical cameo show
And now you know DJ Polo
These party people are ready to go
See it's a demo
It's a demo
Better than a Snicker when it comes to a snack
I go solo with Polo when I'm in combat
I'm the MC humanoid and I just get annoyed
Boy you'll be destroyed cause you copy like a Polaroid
Coming like a meteor inside any area
Make the people merrier, vicious like a terrier
Like a terrorist, I will terrorize
Telling any territory I'm a glory enterprise
The microphone fanatic, cause I'm the Asiatic
Brotherman from the motherland, rappers automatic
Ly suffer as I suffocate, then I start to alienate
Make you an inmate, so you cannot retaliate
Mutilate at a rate to penetrate you
No other crew can rescue
My talents are balanced my audience is silent
MC's stop biting or I'll get violent
It's a demo
It's a demo
I take a scene to the extreme
To the climax and those who sleep will have a wet dream
So don't even quote what you write is dolt
Your rhymes are small-time through a microscope
More cooler than an Ice Ages
Biters, let the effective students walk through my white pages
Different stages of rage that I'm going through
And like an owl, you'll know who to
Feed your greed, you want and need
The rhymes that you carefully read, but your eyes bleed
Cause my fury is scary
And if you bite, you'll be leaving all your teeth for the Tooth Fairy
Go ahead and dare me, if you think I'm joking or playing
When you're feeling what I'm saying, you'll be kneeling and praying
Then I release steam like a radiator
And attack MC's like a gladiator
As my talent proceeds to grow, yo
This ain't the end of the show, it's a demo
It's a demo
In the hip-hop classic "It's a Demo," Kool G Rap and DJ Polo showcase their skills as MC and DJ respectively. The song begins with Kool G Rap introducing himself and inspiring himself upon the audience. DJ Polo is the real star here, being touted as the "wheel operator" and the "record spinner winner" who is capable of cutting and concocting the beats that get the party jumping. Kool G Rap is not modest about his own abilities either, referring to himself as "the maker and creator of the lyrical line." And he warns any potential competitors that they will be obliterated by his rhymes.
As the song goes on, Kool G Rap's lyrics become more aggressive, with him asserting that he's "better than a Snicker when it comes to a snack." He consistently calls himself the "greatest of all times" and warns others to stop biting his rhymes. His verbal skills culminate in a climactic section where he threatens to leave his competition toothless if they dare to steal from him.
"It's a Demo" is a powerful showcase of the chemistry between Kool G Rap and DJ Polo. The latter's contributions are especially notable, with his turntable magic elevating the song's energy significantly. Kool G Rap's lyrics are also formidable, and the song remains a classic example of golden era hip-hop.
Line by Line Meaning
People in the audience Kool G Rap is my name
Introducing himself to the audience, Kool G Rap declares his name
I write rhymes and insert them inside your brain
Kool G Rap writes rhymes that stick with the listener
And DJ Polo, the man I'm behind
Kool G Rap introduces DJ Polo, his turntable operator and support
He operates the turntables when I'm rocking my rhymes, see
DJ Polo provides musical backing when Kool G Rap performs
Psychopath on the phonograph, nut of the cuts
Kool G Rap characterizes DJ Polo as a master of his craft
You heard the boy slice, is he nice or what?
Kool G Rap questions the listener's opinion on DJ Polo's skills
He's the main entertainer inside the show
DJ Polo is a vital part of the performance
And he goes by the name of DJ Polo, see
Kool G Rap reminds the listener of DJ Polo's name
I supply the data, he's the wheel operator
Kool G Rap writes the lyrics while DJ Polo provides the music
We're walking tall and we're called The Terminators
Referencing the title of the song, Kool G Rap and DJ Polo are powerful and unstoppable
I'm Kool G Rap, and he's Polo
Kool G Rap and DJ Polo reiterate their names
He cuts like a pro when I go solo
DJ Polo is skilled at cutting records when Kool G Rap performs solo
He's a record spinner winner, that you can bet
DJ Polo wins at manipulating records
Eats DJ's for dinner on his table set
DJ Polo defeats other DJs and claims victory
With cuts he concocts and the party rocks
DJ Polo creates a lively atmosphere with his music
DJ's want to Xerox it out the box
Other DJs want to copy DJ Polo's skills
A professional performer, wheels of steel trainer
DJ Polo is a skilled and experienced professional
One hundred percent excellent entertainer
DJ Polo is an excellent entertainer
The maker and creator of the lyrical line
Kool G Rap is the writer of the song's lyrics
Idea of Shakespeare, the mind of Einstein
Emphasizing his creativity and intelligence, Kool G Rap compares himself to Shakespeare and Einstein
Surrender, pretender, you don't exist
Kool G Rap dismisses other rappers who try to copy his flow
As a vocalist, so you can kiss this
Kool G Rap tells other rappers to give up because they won't be able to match his skills
I'm Kool G Rap, greatest of all times
Kool G Rap proclaims himself to be the greatest of all time
And you can see it, inside my rhymes
Kool G Rap's skill is evident in his lyrics
My recital will form a musical brainstorm
Kool G Rap's performance will inspire creative ideas in the listener
Powerful sound waves where ear drums are torn
Kool G Rap's music is loud and powerful
The performer recites, competitors ignite
Kool G Rap's performance excites his competition
Audiences tonight I came to incite
Kool G Rap has come to excite and entertain the audience
Fascinating results, a defeat will be difficult
Kool G Rap expects a positive reaction from the audience
Equivalent to a thousand volts
Kool G Rap's performance is energetic and electrifying
To my brief rap speech you attach like a leech
Listeners are drawn to Kool G Rap's lyrics and become attached to them
Examine when I'm jamming and when I preach
Kool G Rap encourages the listener to analyze his lyrics
Before I'm completed, you will all be deleted
Kool G Rap's lyrics will stay with the listener long after the performance ends
You said I sucked, instead I succeeded
Kool G Rap has succeeded despite any previous criticism
Fan fascinator, I supply data
Kool G Rap attracts and entertains his fans with his lyrics
According to the groove, I'm a real smooth operator
Kool G Rap is skilled at expressing himself through music
I activate a musical device
Kool G Rap's lyrics have a powerful effect on the listener
Dialogues are concise, no need to splice
Kool G Rap's lyrics are straightforward and to the point
My system contains musical rap rain
Kool G Rap's lyrics are a shower of creative ideas
Instrumentals inserted inside your brain
Kool G Rap's music stays with the listener long after they hear it
All levels rate low with a medium tempo
Kool G Rap's music is not too fast or too slow
I give a dramatical cameo show
Kool G Rap's performance is well-crafted and entertaining
And now you know DJ Polo
Kool G Rap reminds the listener of DJ Polo's name once again
These party people are ready to go
The audience is excited and eager for the performance
Better than a Snicker when it comes to a snack
Kool G Rap is a superior entertainer
I go solo with Polo when I'm in combat
Kool G Rap and DJ Polo are a powerful team
I'm the MC humanoid and I just get annoyed
Kool G Rap is frustrated with inferior competition
Boy you'll be destroyed cause you copy like a Polaroid
Kool G Rap warns that imitation will lead to failure
Coming like a meteor inside any area
Kool G Rap is a powerful force in any performance space
Make the people merrier, vicious like a terrier
Kool G Rap entertains and engages with his lyrics
Like a terrorist, I will terrorize
Kool G Rap is unstoppable and intimidating to his competition
Telling any territory I'm a glory enterprise
Kool G Rap is a powerful and successful performer
The microphone fanatic, cause I'm the Asiatic
Kool G Rap is a devoted performer who takes his craft seriously
Brotherman from the motherland, rappers automatic
Kool G Rap is a skilled rapper who excels at his craft
Ly suffer as I suffocate, then I start to alienate
Kool G Rap's competition cannot match his skills and fall behind
Make you an inmate, so you cannot retaliate
Kool G Rap's competition is powerless against him
Mutilate at a rate to penetrate you
Kool G Rap's performance is aggressive and powerful
No other crew can rescue
Kool G Rap has no competition
My talents are balanced my audience is silent
Kool G Rap's performance is skillful and impressive
MC's stop biting or I'll get violent
Kool G Rap warns rappers copying his style to stop or face his wrath
I take a scene to the extreme
Kool G Rap pushes boundaries with his performance
To the climax and those who sleep will have a wet dream
Kool G Rap's performance is so impressive that even those who are asleep will be affected by it
So don't even quote what you write is dolt
Kool G Rap dismisses inferior competition
Your rhymes are small-time through a microscope
Kool G Rap's competition has not reached his level of skill
More cooler than an Ice Ages
Kool G Rap is extremely cool and impressive
Biters, let the effective students walk through my white pages
Kool G Rap challenges his competition to learn from him
Different stages of rage that I'm going through
Kool G Rap's performance is full of passion and intensity
And like an owl, you'll know who to
Kool G Rap asserts his dominance over his competition
Feed your greed, you want and need
Kool G Rap's competition craves his skill and success
The rhymes that you carefully read, but your eyes bleed
Kool G Rap's lyrics are so impressive they overwhelm the listener
Cause my fury is scary
Kool G Rap's passion is intimidating
And if you bite, you'll be leaving all your teeth for the Tooth Fairy
Kool G Rap warns competitors who copy his style will suffer the consequences
Go ahead and dare me, if you think I'm joking or playing
Kool G Rap challenges his competition to test his skill
When you're feeling what I'm saying, you'll be kneeling and praying
Kool G Rap's performance will inspire intense emotion in the listener
Then I release steam like a radiator
Kool G Rap's performance is powerful and energetic
And attack MC's like a gladiator
Kool G Rap is competitive and aggressive in his performance
As my talent proceeds to grow, yo
Kool G Rap is continually improving and becoming even more skillful
This ain't the end of the show, it's a demo
Kool G Rap reminds the listener that this performance is just the beginning
Lyrics Β© CAK MUSIC PUBLISHING, INC, O/B/O CAPASSO
Written by: MARLON LU'REE WILLIAMS, NATHANIEL THOMAS WILSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
GrapevineEnt
From Tee Brooks to all of our favorite funk legends:
"Investigate hip hop like I'm Columbo/ Culture and music mixed like Frogmore Stew or Gumbo/Kool Herc would Merry Go Round "The Get Down"/ No cueing, drop needle B boys never sit down/ Clyde Stubblefield for short I call'em CS/ Not DJ Khalid he really is the best/Jab'o and Clyde "Ain't take no mess"/Funky Drummer sampled a thousand times but I digress/the Funky Drummer break under pop, rock and rhymes/A couple rappers used it two or three times/
Since "It's a Demo" I would always wonder/JB hollering' at the band "Who is the Funky Drummer?"/
Clyde said the story aint really been told yet/
Clyde and Jab'o still got y'all in a "Cold Sweat"/
Break boys to Golden Age is based on JB/
On "I'm Real" James said it's time to pay me/
Funky Drummer always move your booty/
Thang funky as Catfish and Bootsy/69 on tha flo, Butterfly and Tootsie/
Brown Butterfly Girl 1982
Who still listening to this song in 2020. This song is fire! Man I swear Hip Hop had some good years from 1985 to 1990. Kool G Rap is one of the greatest poets of all time.
Damon Adams
STILL MY DUDE SALUTE!!![999]
Geraldo Lopez
2022 π₯
Damon Adams
Yep classic real hip hop still the fire fam
David Entzminger
Yes indeed I still blast old school hip-hop
Waltuh
Hip hop had a good run until 2015-16. From then til today UK Hip hop and worldwide drill are having a good run.
Hip hop has channged but it never has had a truly terrible year minus maybe 2009
Jerome Smiley Johnson
This is true rap music. I have this on cassette tape! It was hard-hitting back then and still is!
ibcalm24
Always on repeat because it takes you back to that time of true lyricists. Classic
TapeWorm Official
After spittin' all them hazardous bars, Marley Marl droppin' the drums and loopin' his last words like that for infinity was the hardest shit ever back in 1986!!!
You'll Like It Too
1986 was the year this dropped. Been bumpin' it ever since!