Sirens
Littles; Mobb Deep Lyrics
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Are we back on? Let's go
(One, two, three, four!)
Yo, yo, back in it, back in it
"The one thing that, the black audience realized, is when the tower fell
There were some changes. There was a change in societies, where where
To now it's, whatever the masses do. So there's not even really a choice
That a black audience is being given."
[Rapper Big Pooh]
They talk about us, not usin' the word nigga
I wanna speak about a couple issues much bigger
Like most black folks live below the poverty line
And they wonder why the fuck! we attracted to crime
Got niggaz shootin' niggaz at the drop of a dime
Babies in the street die way before they time
Many single parent mothers packin welfare lines
And niggaz bein' donors, the apocalypse is on us
Niggaz take owners, that's all I ever asked
And got pegged as a hater, man they tryin'' to take niggaz
Out with the fader, started with three
Down to two-six later, back independent
Cause to kids I wouldn't cater
Go against the system you in bed with Al'Qaeda
Dog they not playin'
Look here, they goin' to war with more than rap
This our muh'fuckin' lives now it's time to fight back
[Chorus: Carlitta Durand]
They're coming closer for you
They're gonna get you while you sleep, watch out!
Don't sleep, beware
They're coming closer for you
And they won't stop 'til you delete, watch out!
Don't sleep, beware
[Phonte]
Yes sir, one time, uhh, uhh, yo
I came back from NY, a nigga lost his deal
Felt sick to the stomach, almost lost his meal
Lost friends from way back, and on top of all that
They tryin to blame this rap shit for all of our ills
Like I can stick you up with a mic
Like I can rape you with a verse or use a verb as a knife
Like before Kool Herc, everything was alright
Like y'all wasn't callin' black women hoes before' "Rappers Delight"
Sheeeit! That's just idiot talk, this whole shit is a farce
I refuse to be hip-hop's pallbearer
Had to tell me son cut that bullshit off
Them ain't videos nigga, that's psychological warfare
Too many different variations of the same face
Designed to keep yo' broke ass in the same place
Somethin' else more yo it got's to be for
I'm a end transmission cause they watchin' me
I know they watchin' me
[Chorus]
[Outro]
Yeah, do not attempt to adjust your station
There is nothing wrong, for we have takin over
Come to give y'all the truth
Phonte, Big Pooh, Illmind on the beat
It's time to wake 'em the fuck up yo
Yeah!
[Chorus: as background music fades out]
Mobb Deep's song Sirens highlights the societal issues faced by the Black community in America. The song begins with a voiceover about the aftermath of 9/11 and the shift in power dynamics in society. Rappers Big Pooh and Phonte then deliver powerful verses that address issues like poverty, gang violence, single motherhood, and the negative portrayal of Black people in media. They call for a rebellion against the systemic injustice faced by the Black community and urge listeners to stay woke and fight back. The haunting piano melody and the sirens in the background add to the sense of urgency and danger.
Line by Line Meaning
They talk about us, not usin' the word nigga
The focus on whether or not to use the word 'nigga' is a distraction from the bigger issues affecting the Black community.
I wanna speak about a couple issues much bigger
Instead of concentrating on semantics, we need to address the more significant problems affecting Black people.
And they wonder why the fuck! we attracted to crime
The systemic issues of poverty and lack of opportunity drive Black people to crime.
And niggaz bein' donors, the apocalypse is on us
Black people donating their organs and blood lead to the idea of an impending disaster.
Niggaz take owners, that's all I ever asked
Black people need to take ownership of their lives and not rely on the system to provide for them.
Cause to kids I wouldn't cater
I refuse to compromise my artistic integrity to appeal to a younger, mainstream audience.
This our muh'fuckin' lives now it's time to fight back
The system is stacked against Black people, and we need to take a stand to reclaim our lives and communities.
Like I can stick you up with a mic
Blaming rap music for violence is absurd and based on racist stereotypes.
Had to tell me son cut that bullshit off
As a parent, I take responsibility for what my child is exposed to and will not allow him to consume harmful media.
Them ain't videos nigga, that's psychological warfare
Music videos are designed to manipulate and control young people's minds and behavior, contributing to a broader systemic issue.
I'm a end transmission cause they watchin' me
I must be cautious of who may be listening in, as any opposition to the system is heavily monitored.
There is nothing wrong, for we have takin over
This is a call to action to rise up against the oppressive system and gain control of our lives and communities.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
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