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.
Masters Of The Dark Arts
La Coka Nostra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Passengers smashed up in the car parts
Glass sticking into the last
Ticking of hard hearts this is a massacre
It’s the underground of passages
Fiercest of the animals that
Run around in Africa bastard kids of Lazarus
The laughter of the scavengers
Chapels of the savages
There’s nothing left that could embarrass us
We conquered the jungle, built a kingdom
And destroyed your whole establishment
Just the idea, the unseen, is insane
The whole world seen through one
Dream from one king
The pace walked from a gun
Duel with a ten chant
The Art of War, not a Sun Tzu
But a Rembrandt
There isn’t many who pursue what we do
We bear fruit from the Tree of Life
And feed it though the root of evil
For thousands of years power polluted people
Now our trusted brand stands
Amidst the madness bringing you the sequel
Masters of the Dark Arts
The masters of puppets we on another planet
Not even NASA can touch us
Masters of the darkest reaches of reality
Enter the gallery and
Witness organized anarchy
Master of the Dark Arts
Masters of universal law
Pray for peace but indisputable at war
Masters of the darkest hours of our time
Masters of our destiny
We the masters of our lives
Masters of the Dark Arts
Blasting firearms bark
Assassins dive in the high
Tide and find sharks
Past designed to glide by like cyanide darts
And climb cataracts the size of
The sky that blind gods
And give lightning bolts to frightening cults
From a nuclear bazaar bought and
Sold amongst sheisty folks
Popes, Ayatollahs and Shamans
Ogres and goblins, cobras and moccasins
Soldiers rub shoulders with congressmen
Saudi Arabians own Twitter
Skull and Bones own Google and Facebook face
Off, get your face took
Illuminati want my mind, soul and my body
Secret societies got me creeping
With the shotty
La Coka Nostra like Peter Gotti
I got an evil army that feast like zombies
A high priest as Ozzy
Carve my enemy’s forehead
With tattooed Swazis
We kamikaze like Carmine Lupertazzi
Masters of the Dark Arts
The masters of puppets we on another planet
Not even NASA can touch us
Masters of the darkest reaches of reality
Enter the gallery and
Witness organized anarchy
Master of the Dark Arts
Masters of universal law
Pray for peace but indisputable at war
Masters of the darkest hours of our time
Masters of our destiny
We the masters of our lives
The lyrics of "Masters of the Dark Arts" by La Coka Nostra touch upon themes of power, control, and dominance. The song portrays the artists as masters of their own destinies and the dark arts, indicating their ability to navigate through the underground, survive in harsh environments, and conquer their adversaries.
The opening lines depict a chaotic scene, with passengers smashed up in car parts and glass sticking into their bodies. This imagery sets the tone for a massacre, reflecting the intense and destructive nature of the underground world they inhabit. The lyrics then delve into references to Africa, portraying themselves as the bastard kids of Lazarus, scavenging and laughing in the face of adversity. They emphasize their conquests, building their own kingdom and tearing down established power structures.
The song further explores the idea of unseen power, with the whole world seen through the dream of one king. The artists compare themselves to Rembrandt, implying that their approach to the art of war is as skillful and masterful as the renowned painter. The lyrics also hint at a connection to the Tree of Life, symbolizing their ability to harness power and manipulate it, even if it stems from evil roots.
Overall, the lyrics of "Masters of the Dark Arts" convey a sense of empowerment, defiance, and a willingness to challenge established norms and systems.
Line by Line Meaning
We the Masters of the Dark Arts
We, as the individuals who have mastered the dark arts, possess great power and knowledge in the realm of the occult.
Passengers smashed up in the car parts
People caught up in struggles and conflicts, feeling broken and shattered like a wrecked vehicle.
Glass sticking into the last
The sharp and painful remnants of shattered dreams or past experiences piercing into one's consciousness.
Ticking of hard hearts this is a massacre
The cold and unfeeling hearts of individuals, a metaphorical massacre of compassion and empathy.
It’s the underground of passages
Referring to the hidden and secretive world of the dark arts, accessible through hidden passages.
Fiercest of the animals that run around in Africa bastard kids of Lazarus
Symbolizing the dark and untamed forces that exist in the underworld, while also alluding to the rebirth and resurrection of those forces.
The laughter of the scavengers painted on the ceilings of the chapels of the savages
The twisted and mocking laughter of those who thrive in the darkness, depicted metaphorically on the ceilings of places inhabited by the morally corrupt and savage.
There’s nothing left that could embarrass us
Having embraced the darkness, there is nothing that could bring shame or humiliation to those who have fully immersed themselves in the dark arts.
We conquered the jungle, built a kingdom and destroyed your whole establishment
Having triumphed over the chaotic and lawless realm, the dark arts practitioners have established their own powerful and dominant society, annihilating the previous structures of authority.
Just the idea, the unseen, is insane
The mere concept and existence of the hidden world of the dark arts is considered to be insane and mind-boggling within conventional society.
The whole world seen through one dream from one king
Perceiving the entirety of the world and its happenings through the perspective of a single influential figure, who holds authority and dominance over all.
The pace walked from a gun duel with a ten chant
Advancing forward with determination and aggression, as if engaged in a fierce battle with high stakes, accompanied by the chanting of a war cry.
The Art of War, not a Sun Tzu but a Rembrandt
Referring to the expertise and mastery of warfare, comparing it to the refined and artistic skills of a painter like Rembrandt.
There isn’t many who pursue what we do
Only a select few are willing to embark on the same path and pursue the dark arts with the same dedication and passion.
We bear fruit from the Tree of Life and feed it through the root of evil
Extracting positivity and nourishment from a source of life and vitality, but channeling it through the dark and corrupt aspects of their practices.
For thousands of years, power polluted people
Throughout history, the quest for power has contaminated and corrupted individuals, leading them astray from morality and integrity.
Now our trusted brand stands amidst the madness bringing you the sequel
Having established themselves as a reliable and influential force, they continue to thrive within the chaos and offer a continuation of their dark endeavors.
Masters of the Dark Arts
Acknowledging their expertise and dominance in the realm of the dark arts.
The masters of puppets we on another planet
Exerting control over others like puppet masters do, demonstrating their superiority and detachment from conventional society.
Not even NASA can touch us
Being beyond the reach of even advanced organizations like NASA, reinforcing their formidable and otherworldly status.
Masters of the darkest reaches of reality
Having complete command over the most obscure and unfathomable aspects of existence and the human experience.
Enter the gallery and witness organized anarchy
Inviting others to observe the carefully orchestrated chaos and disorder that they have created, like an art exhibition.
Masters of universal law
Having deep comprehension and authority over the fundamental principles that govern the entire universe.
Pray for peace but indisputable at war
Despite expressing a desire for peace, they are undeniably engaged in conflict and warfare, showcasing their contradicting nature.
Masters of the darkest hours of our time
Exerting control and influence during the darkest and most challenging moments in history and the present era.
Masters of our destiny
Having complete sovereignty and control over their own fates and life paths.
We the masters of our lives
Asserting their authority and dominance in shaping and controlling their own existence and experiences.
Blasting firearms bark
The explosive sound of firearms being discharged, signifying aggression and violence.
Assassins dive in the high tide and find sharks
Referring to skilled assassins who fearlessly plunge into dangerous situations, encountering powerful and predatory adversaries.
Past designed to glide by like cyanide darts
The events and experiences of the past swiftly passing by, leaving a toxic and harmful residue behind.
And climb cataracts the size of the sky that blind gods
Ascending immense obstacles and challenges that seem insurmountable, leaving even divine beings blinded and overwhelmed.
And give lightning bolts to frightening cults
Bestowing supernatural and impactful abilities upon cults that invoke fear and terror, as if they possess the power of lightning.
From a nuclear bazaar bought and sold amongst sheisty folks
Referring to the shady and unscrupulous individuals involved in the trade and exchange of nuclear weapons within a marketplace of illicit activities.
Popes, Ayatollahs, and Shamans
Representatives of religious and spiritual authority from various traditions and cultures who hold significant influence and power.
Ogres and goblins, cobras and moccasins
Evoking imagery of mythical creatures and dangerous reptiles, symbolizing the menacing and villainous forces encountered in their dark world.
Soldiers rub shoulders with congressmen
Highlighting the intermingling of military personnel, who are often engaged in conflict, with politicians holding positions of power and influence.
Saudi Arabians own Twitter
Drawing attention to the extent of control and ownership wielded by wealthy individuals and nations, indicating the potential for manipulation and influence within modern technology.
Skull and Bones own Google and Facebook face off, get your face took
Imagining a scenario where secretive and powerful organizations like Skull and Bones assert control over influential and widely-used platforms like Google and Facebook, potentially manipulating and compromising individuals.
Illuminati want my mind, soul, and my body
Conveying the perception of being sought after by a mysterious and powerful group, who desire to possess and control every aspect of their being and existence.
Secret societies got me creeping with the shotty
Feeling compelled to be cautious and vigilant due to entanglements and associations with secretive organizations, carrying a shotgun for protection.
La Coka Nostra like Peter Gotti
Comparing the group to the notorious mob boss Peter Gotti, implying their influence and feared reputation within their own realm.
I got an evil army that feast like zombies
Asserting their possession of an army comprised of wicked and relentless individuals, likening them to insatiable and undead creatures who consume without thought or mercy.
A high priest as Ozzy, carve my enemy’s forehead with tattooed Swazis
Assuming the role of a revered and influential figure, similar to Ozzy Osbourne, engaging in acts of violence and marking their enemies with tattooed symbols of power.
We kamikaze like Carmine Lupertazzi
Drawing parallels to the reckless self-destruction often displayed by characters like Carmine Lupertazzi in organized crime, indicating their willingness to go to extreme lengths for their cause.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Andre Straesser
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Mickey Lono
We the Masters of the Dark Arts
Passengers smashed up in the car parts
Glass sticking into the last ticking of hard hearts
This is a massacre, it’s the underground of passages
Fiercest of the animals that run around in Africa
Bastard kids of Lazarus,
The laughter of the scavengers
Painted on the ceilings of the chapels of the savages
There’s nothing left that could embarrass us
We conquered the jungle, built a kingdom
And destroyed your whole establishment
Just the idea, the unseen, is insane
The whole world seen through one dream from one king
The pace walked from a gun duel with a ten chant
The art of war, not a Sun Tzu but a Rembrandt
There isn’t many who pursue what we do
We bear fruit from the Tree of Life
And feed it though the root of evil
For thousands of years power polluted people
Now our trusted brand stands amidst the madness
Bringing you the sequel
[Hook: ILL Bill]
Masters of the Dark Arts
The masters of puppets
We on another planet
Not even NASA can touch us
Masters of the darkest reaches of reality
Enter the gallery and witness organized anarchy
Master of the Dark Arts
Masters of universal law
Pray for peace but indisputable at war
Masters of the darkest hours of our time
Masters of our destiny
We the masters of our lives
[Verse 2: ILL Bill]
Masters of the Dark Arts, blasting firearms bark
Assassins dive in the high tide and find sharks
Past designed to glide by like cyanide darts
And climb cataracts the size of the sky that blind gods
And give lightning bolts to frightening cults
From a nuclear bazaar bought and sold amongst sheisty folks
Popes, Ayatollahs and Shamans
Ogres and goblins, cobras and moccasins
Soldiers rub shoulders with congressmen
Saudi Arabians own Twitter
Skull and Bones own Google and Facebook
Face/Off, get your face took
Illuminati want my mind, soul and my body
Secret societies got me creeping with the shotty
La Coka Nostra like Peter Gotti
I got an evil army that feast like zombies
A high priest as Ozzy
Carve my enemy’s forehead with tattooed Swazis
We kamikaze like Carmine Lupertazzi
[Hook]
Masters of the Dark Arts
The masters of puppets
We on another planet
Not even NASA can touch us
Masters of the darkest reaches of reality
Enter the gallery and witness organized anarchy
Master of the Dark Arts
Masters of universal law
Pray for peace but indisputable at war
Masters of the darkest hours of our time
Masters of our destiny
We the masters of our lives
Mickey Lono
We the Masters of the Dark Arts
Passengers smashed up in the car parts
Glass sticking into the last ticking of hard hearts
This is a massacre, it’s the underground of passages
Fiercest of the animals that run around in Africa
Bastard kids of Lazarus,
The laughter of the scavengers
Painted on the ceilings of the chapels of the savages
There’s nothing left that could embarrass us
We conquered the jungle, built a kingdom
And destroyed your whole establishment
Just the idea, the unseen, is insane
The whole world seen through one dream from one king
The pace walked from a gun duel with a ten chant
The art of war, not a Sun Tzu but a Rembrandt
There isn’t many who pursue what we do
We bear fruit from the Tree of Life
And feed it though the root of evil
For thousands of years power polluted people
Now our trusted brand stands amidst the madness
Bringing you the sequel
[Hook: ILL Bill]
Masters of the Dark Arts
The masters of puppets
We on another planet
Not even NASA can touch us
Masters of the darkest reaches of reality
Enter the gallery and witness organized anarchy
Master of the Dark Arts
Masters of universal law
Pray for peace but indisputable at war
Masters of the darkest hours of our time
Masters of our destiny
We the masters of our lives
[Verse 2: ILL Bill]
Masters of the Dark Arts, blasting firearms bark
Assassins dive in the high tide and find sharks
Past designed to glide by like cyanide darts
And climb cataracts the size of the sky that blind gods
And give lightning bolts to frightening cults
From a nuclear bazaar bought and sold amongst sheisty folks
Popes, Ayatollahs and Shamans
Ogres and goblins, cobras and moccasins
Soldiers rub shoulders with congressmen
Saudi Arabians own Twitter
Skull and Bones own Google and Facebook
Face/Off, get your face took
Illuminati want my mind, soul and my body
Secret societies got me creeping with the shotty
La Coka Nostra like Peter Gotti
I got an evil army that feast like zombies
A high priest as Ozzy
Carve my enemy’s forehead with tattooed Swazis
We kamikaze like Carmine Lupertazzi
[Hook]
Masters of the Dark Arts
The masters of puppets
We on another planet
Not even NASA can touch us
Masters of the darkest reaches of reality
Enter the gallery and witness organized anarchy
Master of the Dark Arts
Masters of universal law
Pray for peace but indisputable at war
Masters of the darkest hours of our time
Masters of our destiny
We the masters of our lives
Critical ImAge
the beat is dope, but i hope everyone can appreciate the intense knowledge in the lyrics
Mazzini11
One of the best rap songs ever made.
acidimagination
Coka never disapointed me.
nietbekend2
Then dont use too much 😂
Unknown Swede
Sick track, love it.
Vincent Adema
This track is DOPE!
Unknown Swede
Love it.
Firstbig Lastb
Dope track !
Speedy Downer
but that chorus in the background... Why is the track so short.. Should've called the whole death rap elite for this one and make it longer and with a video.. this is one the illest LCN tracks