Founded in late 1994 with no intention to record an album, La Coka Nostra was more a loose collective of artists connected through Danny Boy than a group. Having taken time off from rap after the break-up of House of Pain, Danny Boy took to working in video production and fashion as well as mentoring other artists. He met Slaine in Boston and, impressed with his writing, brought him to L.A. to record some tracks. Eventually it turned into more of a group effort including the former members of House of Pain and Ill Bill, as well as associates from Psycho Realm, Special Teamz and others. It was not until early 2006 that an actual line up solidified. Plans to release an album were first voiced later the same year.
In late 2008, the group signed to Suburban Noize Records and released the long delayed debut album A Brand You Can Trust on July 14, 2009. The album took so long to complete due to Danny Boy's refusal to have the members collaborate via e-mail; instead, he would gather everyone at the studio. This took time due to the recording of Ill Bill and Everlast's solo albums as well as various tours and other commitments. A Brand You Can Trust features fifteen tracks and guest appearances from Snoop Dogg, Bun B, Sick Jacken, B-Real, Sen Dog, Immortal Technique, Big Left and Q-Unique. Though similar stylistically to the group's prior online releases, it features songs grounded more in reality. Subjects touched upon include politics, death, drug addiction, raising a child and terrorism.
On March 2, 2012, it was announced that Everlast would be leaving La Coka Nostra due to his daughter's medical issues.
Get You By
La Coka Nostra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You motherfuckers talk like you a movement
But none of you's are moving
I walk the hills, I had to climb with these legs of my own
My hard days and dark nights put my head in the zone
Hustled for blood money, left my wife pregnant at home
We're on the television, everyone's regularly stoned
I flash back to a 70's song in a [Incomprehensible]
Picture the future seeing everything gone
My wife is asking me, is anything wrong?
I tell her Erica, everything is, you better be strong
America, where I was born, city blocks are where I was raised
I seed from the land of the greed, home of the craze
I never burn them unafraid, I'm known to be brave
Till my bitch dig me a ditch and she stone me a grave
Seven weeks in utero, you grow and don't be a slave
Just build your hunger and your power from your loneliest days
There were many before me who molded me and showed me the way
But I'm my own man, there's nobody that told me to say what I say
Hate will fuel your rage, drugs will get you high
Money buys respect, love will get you by
Hate will fuel your rage, drugs will get you high
Money buys respect, love will get you by
It's the Highland samurai with the violent devil eye
Semper Fi qualified, sing your ass a lullaby
Rockaby, do or die, true Jedi status
You wanna learn to skywalk? Bitch, come get at us
Dolomite, senamite, canonite, fahrenheit, satellite
Mr. White got a light, do the right from your seeds to the block
Trooper with the future shock
Fumigate the paradox, illuminate the orthodox
I feel the devil in my eyes, I see 'em in hell next
I sniff and I sell death, walking up twelve steps
I live rock bottom with bitches that sell sex
This ice cold world has got me vicious and selfish
Danny man got a plan, Taliban outta hand
Pakistan to Japan, Darvocet, Percodan
Overstand fifty grand, cougar and who's the man?
Dapper Dan, Uncle Sam, bitch, he never gave a damn
Hate will fuel your rage, drugs will get you high
Money buys respect, love will get you by
Hate will fuel your rage, drugs will get you high
Money buys respect, love will get you by
I walk amongst the reptilians and leather-skinned aliens
On inner stellar chariots, post-apocalyptic gladiators
My electrons are Teflon, my protons are Tech Nines
My neutrons will shoot your motherfucking heads gone
They form molecules that move like death squads
That kidnap American tourists and make bombs
Standing at the gates of heaven waiting to face God
Take part in criminology like Raekwon
We those killers that don't blink
The world's mostly billions that don't think
Controlled by the Skull and Bones, triple six
Listen kid, the day the nuclear missile hit
Where were you? Probably taking a shit
While the sky hailed mountain sized comets
And planet-shattering lightning
Gigantic fragments of ice like what the Titanic collided with
Society is not civilization, technology is Satan
In the hands of devil worshipers that praise him
Hate will fuel your rage, drugs will get you high
Money buys respect, love will get you by
Hate will fuel your rage, drugs will get you high
Money buys respect, love will get you by
The song "Get You By" by La Coka Nostra is a powerful commentary on the state of society, with lyrics that touch on themes of perseverance, greed, addiction, and love. The opening lines introduce the concept of movement, with the rapper suggesting that while many people claim to be part of a movement, few actually take action or make meaningful change. The verses that follow are introspective, with the artist reflecting on his own personal struggles and the harsh realities of life.
The lyrics touch on topics such as sacrifice, hustling, drugs, and love. The artist speaks candidly about the sacrifices he has made in order to succeed, including leaving his pregnant wife at home while he works to provide for his family. He also touches on the role that drugs and addiction play in society, with lines like "drugs will get you high" and "I sniff and I sell death." Ultimately, the chorus brings the song full circle, reminding listeners that while hate and drugs may have temporary effects, it is love that will "get you by."
Line by Line Meaning
This is a movement, a real movement, La Coka Nostra
We are a true movement, unlike those who talk big but do not take action.
You motherfuckers talk like you a movement
But none of you's are moving
Others talk about being a movement, but they do not take any real action.
I walk the hills, I had to climb with these legs of my own
My hard days and dark nights put my head in the zone
Hustled for blood money, left my wife pregnant at home
We're on the television, everyone's regularly stoned
I have worked hard to achieve success, even sacrificing time with my family. My struggles have helped me focus on my goals. Despite our fame, society is still consumed by drugs.
I flash back to a 70's song in a [Incomprehensible]
Picture the future seeing everything gone
My wife is asking me, is anything wrong?
I tell her Erica, everything is, you better be strong
I remember a song from my youth and realize that the future looks bleak. My wife notices my concern, and I assure her that she needs to be strong for what lies ahead.
America, where I was born, city blocks are where I was raised
I seed from the land of the greed, home of the craze
I never burn them unafraid, I'm known to be brave
Till my bitch dig me a ditch and she stone me a grave
I come from the United States, and I grew up in the city. I have always been courageous, but even I'm not afraid to die one day.
Seven weeks in utero, you grow and don't be a slave
Just build your hunger and your power from your loneliest days
There were many before me who molded me and showed me the way
But I'm my own man, there's nobody that told me to say what I say
Even as a fetus, you have the potential to achieve great things. Draw strength from your struggles and learn from those who came before you. However, you should speak your own truth and make your own way in life.
Hate will fuel your rage, drugs will get you high
Money buys respect, love will get you by
Hate will fuel your rage, drugs will get you high
Money buys respect, love will get you by
Hate and drugs will only lead to negative outcomes. Love is the key to overcoming obstacles and gaining respect.
It's the Highland samurai with the violent devil eye
Semper Fi qualified, sing your ass a lullaby
Rockaby, do or die, true Jedi status
You wanna learn to skywalk? Bitch, come get at us
I am a skilled warrior with no fear. I am a true fighter and will defeat anyone who challenges me. Come learn from us if you dare.
Dolomite, senamite, canonite, fahrenheit, satellite
Mr. White got a light, do the right from your seeds to the block
Trooper with the future shock
Fumigate the paradox, illuminate the orthodox
List of words and references showcasing the power of knowledge and the importance of making the right choices.
I feel the devil in my eyes, I see 'em in hell next
I sniff and I sell death, walking up twelve steps
I live rock bottom with bitches that sell sex
This ice cold world has got me vicious and selfish
I have been through tough times, engaging in criminal behavior, and now I feel the consequences. This harsh world has made me ruthless and self-centered.
Danny man got a plan, Taliban outta hand
Pakistan to Japan, Darvocet, Percodan
Overstand fifty grand, cougar and who's the man?
Dapper Dan, Uncle Sam, bitch, he never gave a damn
References to drug use and criminal activity, as well as the corruption in political institutions.
I walk amongst the reptilians and leather-skinned aliens
On inner stellar chariots, post-apocalyptic gladiators
My electrons are Teflon, my protons are Tech Nines
My neutrons will shoot your motherfucking heads gone
I feel like an otherworldly fighter, ready to take down any challenger with the power of my being.
They form molecules that move like death squads
That kidnap American tourists and make bombs
Standing at the gates of heaven waiting to face God
Take part in criminology like Raekwon
A warning against the dangers of extremist groups and their violent actions. A reference to Raekwon's song about crime.
We those killers that don't blink
The world's mostly billions that don't think
Controlled by the Skull and Bones, triple six
Listen kid, the day the nuclear missile hit
Where were you? Probably taking a shit
The world is full of people who are complicit in their own oppression. References to secret societies and the potential for catastrophic events that people do not take seriously.
While the sky hailed mountain sized comets
And planet-shattering lightning
Gigantic fragments of ice like what the Titanic collided with
Society is not civilization, technology is Satan
In the hands of devil worshipers that praise him
The world is full of natural disasters and threatening technology, but the real issue is a society that does not value human life. Warning against the dangers of worshiping technology and blindly following those who use it for evil.
Contributed by Michael P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.