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.
Where You At
Kool G Rap Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yo, if you make a lotta cream and don't share them stacks
Yeah, it ain't where you from, it's where you at
I know a lotta niggas that'll tear your back
It ain't where you from, kid, it's where you at
Listen, if you goin out of town and don't bear them gats
It ain't where you from, kid, it's where you at
If you caught up in a beef and you scared to clap
Shit, thug listen (What up baby?)
Ain't nothin' 'round here but drug addiction
Niggas is anti-love-livin
The slug-givin' little shortie on the snub itchin'
For beef, he might get left in the street with his blood drippin'
The poor niggas sling crack, real raw niggas that bang gats
Crazy lady jumped on the train tracks
Know if you owe somebody dough you better bring that
Them kids is live, put five where your brain at
You walk the streets of the slums
Know to spot beef when it come
Reach for the guns or feel the heat from the ones
Never know who your killer be (Yeah, speak to no one)
Just put a Desert Eagle beak in his lung
Leak em and run, some guys light the blunts up
(And then what?) And then go ride with the pumps up
Chopped up bitch inside of a dumpster
Paramedics tryin' to speed a nigga pulse up
(Yo, he's a cold blue) victim of the vultures
Block sizzlin' hot, flooded in the middle with cops
Innocent nigga topped, riddled with shots
Kids up in rock spots clock knots, fiddle with glocks
Ready to die for what little they got
Tricks, hoes and thugs (That's right)
The ones that put holes in mugs
Waitin' outside for them ones that pose in clubs
To that strange nigga knockin' on your do' with gloves
Let the .44 blow for grub, it's no love
[Chorus]
You got uniformed cops, the D's when it's hot
TNT knockin' down the door of your spot
The feds come get you once you think you on top
They just been buildin' they case, they got you on tape
The CIA clip you if the shit is that deep
Your money's that long, you ain't that strong
Informants'll bury you under the jail
They got wires and statements for juries to hear
Then they got rivals that got it clickin' just like you
That's your competition, them niggas tryin to eat too
They'll set you up for dead if you don't show strength
Extort all your workers cause you ain't built for this
Plus stick-up kids and jealous-ass niggas
You gotta watch your front, sides and your back (Damn)
You gotta keep your eyes on your bitch and your mens
You gotta keep your mind sharp livin' so fed
[Chorus x2]
The song "Where You At" by Kool G Rap is a gritty depiction of life on the streets, of gang violence and drugs, and of the constant danger that lurks around every corner. The chorus warns that it's not about where you come from, but where you are right now that determines your safety. The verses then go on to detail the harsh realities of a life of crime, where people are always looking to exploit each other for their own gain, and where violence is always just a hair-trigger away.
The first verse paints a picture of a young man eager to prove himself, but who doesn't yet fully understand the danger he is getting himself into. He's itching for a fight, and his gun is always at the ready. The second verse is more reflective, and describes a world where no one can be trusted, even friends and allies can quickly turn on you for the slightest advantage. The final verse reinforces this message, describing the many ways the authorities are always on the lookout to take down those who try to gain power and fortune through ill-gotten means.
Overall, the song is a stark reminder that the world of crime is a brutal and unforgiving one, where loyalty and trust are in short supply, and where death can come from any direction at any time. It paints a vivid picture of a world that most of us can barely imagine, but which is unfortunately all too real for far too many people.
Line by Line Meaning
Yo, if you make a lotta cream and don't share them stacks
If you accumulate wealth without sharing it with others
Yeah, it ain't where you from, it's where you at
The important thing is not where you come from, but your present situation
I know a lotta niggas that'll tear your back
There are many dangerous people who will harm you
It ain't where you from, kid, it's where you at
Again, your current situation matters more than your background
Listen, if you goin out of town and don't bear them gats
If you travel without carrying guns for protection
It ain't where you from, kid, it's where you at
Repeated emphasis on the importance of current circumstances
If you caught up in a beef and you scared to clap
If you find yourself in a fight and are too afraid to shoot
Dogs, it ain't where you from, it's where you at
Another instance of stressing the importance of the present moment
Shit, thug listen (What up baby?)
Addressing a fellow gangster/associate
Ain't nothin' 'round here but drug addiction
The environment is filled with drug abuse
Niggas is anti-love-livin
People do not prioritize love or positivity
The slug-givin' little shortie on the snub itchin'
A young person eager to shoot a gun
For beef, he might get left in the street with his blood drippin'
If he gets into a fight, he may end up bleeding out in the street
The poor niggas sling crack, real raw niggas that bang gats
People in poverty sell drugs and are also violent
Crazy lady jumped on the train tracks
A mentally unstable person committed suicide on the train tracks
Know if you owe somebody dough you better bring that
If you owe someone money, you should pay it back
Them kids is live, put five where your brain at
Gang members are dangerous and prone to violence
You walk the streets of the slums
The singer is in an impoverished area
Know to spot beef when it come
Able to recognize potential conflicts
Reach for the guns or feel the heat from the ones
Either use your weapon, or face your opponent's weapon
Never know who your killer be (Yeah, speak to no one)
You never know who might kill you, so keep quiet
Just put a Desert Eagle beak in his lung
Shoot the person with a particular type of gun
Leak em and run, some guys light the blunts up
After killing someone, some people like to smoke marijuana
(And then what?) And then go ride with the pumps up
After smoking, ride around with guns again
Chopped up bitch inside of a dumpster
A woman's body has been dismembered and left in a dumpster
Paramedics tryin' to speed a nigga pulse up
Paramedics attempting to resuscitate someone with a low pulse
(Yo, he's a cold blue) victim of the vultures
The person died due to the harsh environment and criminal activity around them
Block sizzlin' hot, flooded in the middle with cops
The area is filled with police activity
Innocent nigga topped, riddled with shots
An innocent person has been killed with multiple gunshots
Kids up in rock spots clock knots, fiddle with glocks
Young people in drug-selling locations carry guns
Ready to die for what little they got
People are willing to fight and die over small amounts of money
Tricks, hoes and thugs (That's right)
Referring to people who engage in prostitution, women who date drug dealers, and gang members
The ones that put holes in mugs
The violent individuals who shoot people
Waitin' outside for them ones that pose in clubs
Waiting outside nightclubs for wealthy or famous people to rob
To that strange nigga knockin' on your do' with gloves
A warning about suspicious people who wear gloves when knocking on your door
Let the .44 blow for grub, it's no love
Kill someone for food (another example of the harshness of the environment)
You got uniformed cops, the D's when it's hot
The police (uniformed and undercover) are present when crime is high
TNT knockin' down the door of your spot
A drug bust where explosives are used to break into a home
The feds come get you once you think you on top
The FBI will arrest you when you think you've succeeded
They just been buildin' they case, they got you on tape
The authorities have been gathering evidence against you
The CIA clip you if the shit is that deep
If you're involved in extreme criminal activity, the CIA will take action
Your money's that long, you ain't that strong
Money won't protect you from law enforcement or criminal rivals
Informants'll bury you under the jail
Informants will cause you to be arrested and imprisoned for a long time
They got wires and statements for juries to hear
Law enforcement has recordings and testimony to use as evidence in court
Then they got rivals that got it clickin' just like you
There are other criminal organizations with the same level of effectiveness
That's your competition, them niggas tryin to eat too
They are competing with you for resources and success
They'll set you up for dead if you don't show strength
If you appear weak, your rivals will try to kill you
Extort all your workers cause you ain't built for this
Your lack of ability leads to others taking advantage of you
Plus stick-up kids and jealous-ass niggas
People who rob others and those who envy your success
You gotta watch your front, sides and your back (Damn)
Always be aware of your surroundings and potential threats
You gotta keep your eyes on your bitch and your mens
Pay attention to your romantic partner and your associates
You gotta keep your mind sharp livin' so fed
You have to be intelligent and aware in order to survive in tough circumstances
[Chorus]
Repetition of the chorus
[Chorus x2]
Repetition of the chorus twice
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ALBERT J. JOHNSON, DARYL HALL, KEJUAN WALIEK MUCHITA, NATHANIEL WILSON, ROOSEVELT HARRELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind