Formed in 1997, the band released their first album, 1999s Composition No. 1 on independent record label Eartube Empire. They then recorded an album entitled Call It What You Want for Squint Entertainment, containing tracks produced by the band and by Mario C, will.i.am and Prince Paul. Squint never released the album, but they did release a promotional EP titled Big Broke L.A. that contained tracks from Call It What You Want.
LA Symphony independently released the Baloney EP in 2002. Originally, 1000 limited edition copies were pressed, hand-numbered and shipped in resealable sandwich bags. Baloney was later re-pressed.
Following the Baloney EP, LA Symphony was signed to Gotee Records. They then released The End Is Now in 2003, Less Than Zero in 2005 and Disappear Here in 2005.
187 on the Dancefloor
L.A. Symphony Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
DJs to wax spinning something like this
I murder the English language without risks
????????????? don't really spit like this
Take notes, my mind floats when I rip like this
On some black fist ??? blow up the spot like this
Find women often, do it softly like this
See everybody's killing something, even flat lines like this
Murderous music and then some, stab your ear drums
Time and time again, befriend a serial killer fresh out the pen
Spot me slow dancing with the faces of death
Erasing the rest until there's nothing left
I'm dirty rotten, the completely opposite of fresh
Filthy mess with a sense of humor dark as my flesh
Starving artist, ????????????????????????
When we out on tour, 187 on the dance floor
We coming with the rhymes galore, 187 on the dance floor
When you need someone to settle the score, 187 on the dance floor
We leave the people screaming for more, 187 on the dance floor
The opening lines of L.A. Symphony's "187 on the Dancefloor" suggest that the track is oriented towards the DJ culture. The lyrics declare that DJs are waxing ("spinning") something that is being narrated. The emcee, then, states that he murders the English language without any risks. He also asserts that he spits in a distinct way, which is not common amongst other emcees. The lyrics convey a sense of mastery over language and a certain amount of improvisation in the rap. The artist asks the audience to take notes when he delivers his rhymes because his mind floats when he rips the mic. He asserts that he is on some black fist shit, referring to the rhetoric of Black Panther narratives that advocated for black empowerment systems, and that he can blow up the spot (nail the performance). Also, he asserts that while everybody is killing something, even flat lines, he aims to be different in his approach to music.
The subsequent lyrics of the song develop a dangerous edge. The artist claims to create music that is murderous and stabs your eardrums. He also confesses to befriend a serial killer fresh out the pen, demonstrating that he is open to new experiences, even perilous ones. He imagines himself to be slow dancing with the "faces of death," and erasing the rest until there's nothing left. The lyrics convey a rebellious nature, and the emcee asserts that he is dirty rotten and completely opposite of fresh. The line "with a sense of humor dark as my flesh" is a dual pun, referring to both skin and the immorality that influences his thoughts. The artist finalizes his lyrics by depicting the struggles of a starving artist and suggesting that he aims to make this life more bearable by creating music that is explosive, forward-thinking, and unique. He sums up the tone of the song by suggesting that when they go on tour, they bring the rhymes galore, and settle the scores by leaving the audience screaming for more.
Line by Line Meaning
It goes something like this,
The song starts with an introduction to the beat and flow of the music.
DJs to wax spinning something like this
The DJs are spinning the music on their turntables and creating a similar beat.
I murder the English language without risks
The artist is able to manipulate the English language to create powerful lyrics with ease, without hesitation.
????????????? don't really spit like this
Other artists do not have the same style or ability to rap in this manner.
Take notes, my mind floats when I rip like this
The artist is in a state of creative flow when he raps, and listeners should take note of his talent.
On some black fist ??? blow up the spot like this
The artist is referencing the Black Power fist and using his music to create an impact in society.
Find women often, do it softly like this
The artist is able to attract women and engage in sexual encounters in a gentle and romantic manner.
See everybody's killing something, even flat lines like this
Everyone is capable of creating something great, even if they do not think they have the ability.
Murderous music and then some, stab your ear drums
The artist's music is aggressive and powerful, and it can have a physical impact on the listener's eardrums.
Time and time again, befriend a serial killer fresh out the pen
The artist is able to create dangerous and compelling music, and he often associates with others who have been in trouble with the law.
Spot me slow dancing with the faces of death
The artist is unafraid of death or violence and uses this imagery to create a powerful visual in the listener's mind.
Erasing the rest until there's nothing left
The artist is able to dominate the music industry and eliminate his competition until he is the only one left.
I'm dirty rotten, the completely opposite of fresh
The artist is edgy and controversial, and he stands out from other artists who try to maintain a clean image.
Filthy mess with a sense of humor dark as my flesh
The artist has a dark and twisted sense of humor that is reflected in his music and image.
Starving artist, ????????????????????????
The artist may not have the same level of financial success as other mainstream artists, but he is still able to thrive due to his passion for music.
When we out on tour, 187 on the dance floor
When the artist is on tour and performing live shows, the energy and excitement of the crowd is so intense that it feels like a violent crime scene.
We coming with the rhymes galore, 187 on the dance floor
The artist and his crew are showcasing their talent and creativity through their lyrics and music while performing live.
When you need someone to settle the score, 187 on the dance floor
If someone is looking for a confrontation or to resolve a conflict, the artist and his crew will bring it to the dance floor and settle it with their music.
We leave the people screaming for more, 187 on the dance floor
The artist's live performances are so intense and engaging that the audience always wants more.
Contributed by Kennedy F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.