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.
Soldiers of Fortune
La Coka Nostra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I see past everyone else, my name is Billy Idol and my influence is heavily felt
Do it myself, my DNA inflict your slaughter like Tony [?] talks shit to his daughter
As I approach the hour of reprisal
In a black truck, black moon, black guns, black metal, black sun
Two minutes until midnight, we amped up
Homie, stand up, leave the competition blammed up
Walk quietly and carry a humongous biscuit
I care less whether you love Buddha or Jesus
Not even Mohammed could stop these bullets from freezing
Your blood ice cold in your arms and legs
Lie in a lifeless pose plus you're missing part of your head
I often thought if I could travel through time, what I would do
Often I drift between breaths of ganja fumes
Seeing mayhem unfold in the yards of schools
Seeing Satan on the chrome screaming God's a fool
Peep the angel of death creeping on you dudes
You're confusing my customers, man, you're not the truth
We walk close to the edge and we don't care what the limit is
This is business, we the new Cohens and Simmonses
The bad seed you cats are growing your images
You don't know any lyricists, you only know what a gimmick is
I know about parents' dreams, I know where The Dimock is
I know about guns, drugs, I know the whole city, kid
I know what an idiot is, where he lives with his bitch and his kid
For the ditch that he digged was dug
I know about hate, I know there's no love
I know about the stress from an AIDS test, I fuck with no glove
Tattoos from a dirty needle spelling my alias
Ask about me in the Bean and they'll tell you how real he is
I'm the monsoon goon, pistol packing with coke
Packaging ropes, bringing blades to the back of your throat
Every record that I made is like a package of dope
So take a sniff of fury, homie, take a whack of the hope
Call me Mr. White, call me Whitey Furrah
Play me out, call me Devil and I'll send you to God
You pretend to be hard, yo I bring the Jihad
I make war on the man that makes war on the D
Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim, caporegime, captain of the team
I know I'm uncivilized, I know I'm unclean
I know I get high, I know I'm sick, I'm obscene
Subliminal hymning, original sinning
Purple drinks swimming, chasing young loose women
There's flames for the coward, praise for the martyr
I'm older, I'm wiser, I'm James fucking Carter
In the meanwhile you're going out like Reagan
If your girl goes wild, sacrifice that pagan
'Cause it's Coka, it's going down
Do you want it by the key, do you want it by the pound?
Yo it's Coka, it's going down
Do you want it by the key, do you want it by the pound?
Yo it's Coka, it's going down
Do you want it by the key, do you want it by the pound?
Yo it's Coka, it's going down
Do you want it by the key, do you want it by the pound?
Yo it's Coka
The La Coka Nostra's song, Soldiers of Fortune, is a track in which several rappers showcase their individual skills and rhyming abilities. In the opening lines, Billy Idol cleverly uses wordplay to establish his influence in the rap game. He mentions how his DNA can inflict slaughter, which is a reference to Tony-talks-from-the-Sopranos, who is known for his violent tendencies. The lines "Two minutes until midnight, we amped up, Homie, stand up, leave the competition blammed up" imply the rappers' readiness for a fight or a musical battle, which they are confident they will win. They call themselves the new Cohens and Simmonses, which are Jewish surnames known for their association with the entertainment industry.
The song's lyrics are filled with vivid imagery that depicts violence, drugs, and misogyny. The lines "I'm that guy that smacked your moms and fucked your sister" are particularly disturbing and show a lack of respect for women. The rappers in the song seem to revel in their roles as criminals, and their harsh language and violent behavior suggest that they believe that they are above the law.
The overall tone of the song is confrontational and aggressive. The rappers boast about their abilities, their wealth, and their lack of morals. They are not afraid to use violent force to achieve their goals, and they seem to take pleasure in causing harm to others. While the song is undeniably well-crafted, it may be difficult for some listeners to stomach the content of the lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
I see past everyone else, my name is Billy Idol and my influence is heavily felt
I am highly influential and my abilities are unmatched.
Do it myself, my DNA inflict your slaughter like Tony [?] talks shit to his daughter
I am competent and able to inflict damage on my own terms.
As I approach the hour of reprisal
I am approaching my moment of reckoning.
In a black truck, black moon, black guns, black metal, black sun
My surroundings are dark and ominous, signaling a sense of danger.
Two minutes until midnight, we amped up
We are ready and excited for the impending confrontation.
Homie, stand up, leave the competition blammed up
I am encouraging my comrades to rise up and leave our competition destroyed.
Walk quietly and carry a humongous biscuit
I carry a large and deadly weapon on me at all times.
I'm that guy that smacked your moms and fucked your sister
I am a ruthless individual who is not above committing heinous acts.
I care less whether you love Buddha or Jesus
I am indifferent to your religious beliefs.
Not even Mohammed could stop these bullets from freezing
My bullets are so powerful they cannot be stopped, even by divine intervention.
Your blood ice cold in your arms and legs
My attack will cause your body to become cold and lifeless, starting in your limbs.
Lie in a lifeless pose plus you're missing part of your head
My attack will leave you dead with a portion of your head missing.
I often thought if I could travel through time, what I would do
I contemplate the possibilities of time travel and what actions I would take.
Seeing mayhem unfold in the yards of schools
I witness chaos and violence occurring in educational institutions.
Seeing Satan on the chrome screaming God's a fool
I see evil triumphing over good, with Satan mocking a higher power.
Peep the angel of death creeping on you dudes
Death looms over us and is always drawing near.
You're confusing my customers, man, you're not the truth
Others are spreading falsehoods which are causing confusion among those who listen to me.
We walk close to the edge and we don't care what the limit is
We live dangerously close to the edge of catastrophe and do not fear the consequences.
This is business, we the new Cohens and Simmonses
We are a serious business and as capable as the legendary Cohens and Simmonses.
The bad seed you cats are growing your images
The image you are depicting is not genuine and is a negative portrayal.
You don't know any lyricists, you only know what a gimmick is
You do not appreciate true talent and only recognize what is trendy and flashy.
I know about parents' dreams, I know where The Dimock is
I am knowledgeable about the aspirations of families and locations within the city.
I know about guns, drugs, I know the whole city, kid
I am aware of the weaponry, narcotics, and entirety of the city and its underworld.
I know what an idiot is, where he lives with his bitch and his kid
I am aware of the behavior of foolish individuals and where their families reside.
For the ditch that he digged was dug
The negative consequences of their poor choices have been brought upon themselves.
I know about hate, I know there's no love
I understand the concepts of hate and lovelessness.
I know about the stress from an AIDS test, I fuck with no glove
I understand the fear of contracting AIDS and take precautions to avoid it.
Tattoos from a dirty needle spelling my alias
My identity is marked forever by a tattoo needle, with the possibility of infection.
Ask about me in the Bean and they'll tell you how real he is
Asking about me in the city of Boston will reveal how authentic and genuine I am.
I'm the monsoon goon, pistol packing with coke
I am a formidable figure, armed with both firearms and a supply of cocaine.
Packaging ropes, bringing blades to the back of your throat
I come equipped with a variety of weapons, including ropes and blades that can injure or kill someone from behind.
Every record that I made is like a package of dope
My music is comparable to a drug, as it is addictive and fulfilling.
So take a sniff of fury, homie, take a whack of the hope
Listen to my music and you will experience a range of emotions, from rage to optimism.
Call me Mr. White, call me Whitey Furrah
I have various aliases, such as Mr. White and Whitey Furrah.
Play me out, call me Devil and I'll send you to God
Do not test me or provoke me, as I have the ability to end your life.
You pretend to be hard, yo I bring the Jihad
You may pretend to be tough, but I am willing to bring the fight to a whole new level.
I make war on the man that makes war on the D
I will fight back against those who oppose me or my associates.
Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim, caporegime, captain of the team
I call upon the power and blessings of Allah as I lead my team and operate as a caporegime.
I know I'm uncivilized, I know I'm unclean
I am aware of my rough and dirty nature.
I know I get high, I know I'm sick, I'm obscene
I embrace my addiction and unconventional lifestyle, as it sets me apart as a unique and unforgettable artist.
Subliminal hymning, original sinning
My music contains hidden messages and is rooted in original sinfulness.
Purple drinks swimming, chasing young loose women
I indulge in drugs and alcohol, as well as pursuing young and promiscuous women.
There's flames for the coward, praise for the martyr
Trouble awaits those who cower, while those who sacrifice themselves in pursuit of a noble cause are celebrated.
I'm older, I'm wiser, I'm James fucking Carter
As I mature, I gain wisdom and confidence, being compared to former President James Carter.
In the meanwhile you're going out like Reagan
While I am gaining power and respect, you are headed towards a downfall similar to former President Reagan.
If your girl goes wild, sacrifice that pagan
If your significant other becomes promiscuous, discard them and move on without hesitation.
'Cause it's Coka, it's going down
La Coka Nostra is happening and making moves.
Do you want it by the key, do you want it by the pound?
Do you want our product in large or small quantities?
Yo it's Coka, it's going down
La Coka Nostra is taking over the scene and making waves.
Do you want it by the key, do you want it by the pound?
Would you prefer our product in small or large amounts?
Yo it's Coka, it's going down
La Coka Nostra is here to stay and making major moves.
Do you want it by the key, do you want it by the pound?
Would you like our product in large or small quantities?
Yo it's Coka
La Coka Nostra is the real deal.
Contributed by Sarah G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.