It all started with BFAP (now known as Sunspot Jonz) and Luckyiam.PSC, who laid claim to the name of Mystik Journeymen in the early 1990s. By '94 they were locally legendary for throwing Underground Survivors shows, houseparty style at their loft - 4001 San Leandro Boulevard in East Oakland. That's where the Grouch hooked up with the Journeymen in 1995, just before they took off on their renowned first European tour.
Around the same time in the southern part of the state, Mid-city Los Angeles to be exact, 3 Melancholy Gypsys (Murs, Scarub & Eligh) were part of the almost mythic Log Cabin crew going back to 1993. Log Cabin later broke up and the Gypsys wandered separately. As it turned out, the 3 would cross paths again in the Bay Area and became Living Legends.
Aesop came to Oakland from Fresno, Arata from Osaka, and Bicasso from various points, East, West and elsewhere...
In 1999 the Legends shifted their center of gravity to Los Angeles, but their presence has definitely not diminished in Oakland and the Bay. You know it makes no difference where they stay because the universe revolves around them anyway. Over the years, the Journeymen and the Legends have rocked Europe, Japan, Australia and Canada numerous times, plus they've toured the USA, north and south, east coast, west coast and beyond ...
In the years since the Legends have continued releasing solo and crew projects and now have a catalog of over 50 full-length albums and numerous singles.
What Would I Be
Living Legends Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
No diamonds would be bought by this man
If I took a lucky strike and hit the jackpot
Would I rot in hell or prosper
Cottontail the offer
Or just plot to tell the officer
Of the demons in the missions that I've been in
Let us keep continuing
And I lived in a skyscraping building with high ceilings
Would I fall to the bottom where the serpent catches prey
In the form of spending money frivolous each and every day?
Would I give it to the homeless or go buy a house in the Bay?
I know I'd pay my mama's mortgage, helping out the family
Take it to the next century, build a solid foundation beneath me
I don't think I'd be stupid with it, I'd just handle it generously
Curiosity killed the cat
Just think about that when you got the fat stacks
And can't find your way back
Bottom line is music is my number one
And nothing made of paper can cut through my vapor
Vibrations stabilize my able eyes
[Chorus: N8 and Eligh]
Who would I be with money?
What would I do?
Would I stay true?
[N8 the GR8]
Who wants to be a millionaire? Me!
Is that your final answer? I'm pretty sure it might be
Matter a fact, the fatter the stack
The more likely to see us ahead of the pack like fleas
Get a house, pay my debts, and my spouse
And my Moms, a couple of cars that run the college fund
Fix my teeth, lace my peeps, fulfill the dreams that made this beat
It'll be strange at first I think, but I'll adjust fine
Make my money worth my time and all of us shine
Invest in my friends' success, independent
I'm blessed to still be in my skin so stop trippin'
Would if I could but we're good so we can't
No matter how ugly of a picture its paint
Leave a stain with my small frame
Ain't got a damn thang
Nothin' to lose and everything to gain
[Chorus x2]
[The Grouch]
Now if you literally had a million in the bank
Who would you thank? Would you do crank?
How would you paint
A picture to fit the dreams you dreamt your whole life?
Exempt from old strife
Would you know pain's name anymore?
You came in the door with just a shirt on
Now you have a name brand suit to kick dirt on
Word on the street's you keep the cash on you
East of California, peeps they flash on ya
Bodyguards for yards and autographs for days
A lot of laughs and lays, I wouldn't pass I'd play
Looking glass my way and I can see futures
Powerful business and little Grouch juniors
Figure out sooner not later how major
Plug yourself in as a player, cry later
I'll take my advance now, spend it on a chance to just that
Not a chain to enhance style when my homies are broke
You most be lonely, no folks, or just a joke.
[Chorus x2]
[Krush]
If you're in the search of the treasure
Walkin' pathways of pleasure
And pain is the only way to gain a thang
You can count on me to remain the same
Maintain, see I'm here to only lace your brain with game
Sustain finances substantially growin' annually
Residuals for individuals who plan to be rich
Instead of diggin' a ditch
No way a felon, so listen closely to everything I'm sellin'
If that's what it's all about
Chasin' the fame and clout
Listen, your first mission is just to turn the party out
Be sure to keep writin' flows, providing exciting shows
For all those in attendance
Bear witness to every sentence
Keep dodging opposition and remember to stay focused
Form like locus on hopeless, forever displaying dopeness
And hope this encourages all to get up off they asses
Passes to the masses
Before the scene collapses
The fact is we need more support from our sport
Of course I soar because I pour it with force
[Chorus]
The song “What Would I Be” by Living Legends features several verses by different members of the group reflecting on the idea of having a large amount of money. The verses question how they would handle it while also expressing that their passion for music will always come first. Eligh's verse contemplates whether he would be corrupted or use the money generously to build a stable future for himself and his family. N8 the GR8's verse discusses his plans to pay off his debts, take care of his family and friends, and invest in their success. The Grouch's verse asks the listener to consider how they would handle fame and fortune, while Krush's verse encourages listeners to use their passion and talents to build a successful future without compromising their values.
Overall, the song seems to be questioning the concept of wealth and success and what that means for individual values and goals. The Living Legends appear to value staying true to oneself and not losing sight of one's passions in the face of potential wealth.
Line by Line Meaning
No diamonds would be bought by this man
Money isn't everything to me, I don't care for material things like diamonds.
If I took a lucky strike and hit the jackpot
If I were to suddenly come into a lot of money.
Would I rot in hell or prosper
Would the money change me for the worse or for the better?
Cottontail the offer
Should I accept the offer or not?
Or just plot to tell the officer
Should I report my past illegal activities to the authorities?
Of the demons in the missions that I've been in
Of the difficult situations I've been through in the past.
Let us keep continuing
Let's keep moving forward.
Say the bank account was millions
If I had millions of dollars in the bank.
And I lived in a skyscraping building with high ceilings
If I had a luxurious lifestyle in a skyscraper with high ceilings.
Would I fall to the bottom where the serpent catches prey
Would I be susceptible to greed and become a victim of someone else's schemes?
In the form of spending money frivolous each and every day?
By spending money carelessly every day.
Would I give it to the homeless or go buy a house in the Bay?
Would I donate to charity or buy myself something luxurious?
I know I'd pay my mama's mortgage, helping out the family
I would do something practical and meaningful, like helping my family with their expenses.
Take it to the next century, build a solid foundation beneath me
Make smart investments to secure my future.
I don't think I'd be stupid with it, I'd just handle it generously
I would be responsible with my newfound wealth and use it to help others.
Curiosity killed the cat
Being too curious and nosy can get you into trouble.
Just think about that when you got the fat stacks
Keep caution in mind when you have a lot of money.
And can't find your way back
When you lose sight of what's important in life.
Who would I be with money?
How would money change me as a person?
What would I do?
How would I spend my newfound wealth?
Would I stay true?
Would I remain true to who I am?
Is that your final answer?
Are you sure of your decision?
Matter a fact, the fatter the stack
The more money you have.
The more likely to see us ahead of the pack like fleas
The more likely we are to be successful.
Get a house, pay my debts, and my spouse
Use the money to improve my living situation and pay off debts and expenses for my family.
And my Moms, a couple of cars that run the college fund
Take care of my mother and provide transportation and funds for education.
Fix my teeth, lace my peeps, fulfill the dreams that made this beat
Use the money to take care of my health, connect with my friends, and fulfill my dreams of making music.
It'll be strange at first I think, but I'll adjust fine
Adjusting to having a lot of money may be difficult at first, but I believe I can handle it.
Make my money worth my time and all of us shine
Use the money well to benefit myself and those around me.
Invest in my friends' success, independent
Support my friends and their independent projects.
I'm blessed to still be in my skin so stop trippin'
I'm grateful for what I already have and don't need to obsess over money.
No way a felon, so listen closely to everything I'm sellin'
I won't do anything illegal to get money and am only offering good advice.
If that's what it's all about
If money is really what matters.
Chasin' the fame and clout
Seeking popularity and attention.
Listen, your first mission is just to turn the party out
Have fun and enjoy life, don't make everything about money.
Be sure to keep writin' flows, providing exciting shows
Keep working hard and creating art.
For all those in attendance
For everyone who is listening and watching.
Bear witness to every sentence
Pay attention to the lyrics and message of the music.
Keep dodging opposition and remember to stay focused
Keep pushing through challenges and staying on track.
Form like locus on hopeless, forever displaying dopeness
Stay strong and positive in difficult situations, always showing skill and talent.
And hope this encourages all to get up off they asses
I hope this music inspires people to take action and strive for success.
Passes to the masses
The music is for everyone and should be shared widely.
Before the scene collapses
Before the music industry changes and becomes less profitable.
The fact is we need more support from our sport
Musicians need more support and recognition from the industry and fans.
Of course I soar because I pour it with force
I will be successful because I put a lot of effort and energy into my work.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
absorbcontact
great catch i´ve to admit - the whole album is THE shit
Dub87
Where can I get the instrumental