The group released their debut album, Here Come the Lords on March 9, 1993 with production handled by Marley Marl and K-Def. The album peaked at 66 on the Billboard 200 and featured five charting singles, including the group's signature song, "Chief Rocka".
The group released their second album, Keepers of the Funk the following year on November 1, 1994. Keepers of the Funk peaked at 47 on the Billboard 200 and featured three charting singles, the most successful of which was "Tic Toc". As stated in a 2013 interview, the group had never disbanded.
They reunited for a third album with 1999's Resurrection. Released via Queen Latifah's Jersey Kidz imprint, was so small-scale a release that few realized it had been recorded. The Lords returned again in 2007 for a fourth album entitled House of Lords, but like Resurrection, it failed to reach the Billboard charts.
The Lords are best remembered in connection with the golden age of hip hop. As such, when Nas decided in 2007 to do a remix of his song "Where Are They Now?", which asked of the fates of several long-forgotten golden age rappers, the Lords were among those requested to appear. DoItAll Dupré performed eight bars on the track.
DoItAll appeared briefly in the final scene of the final episode of The Sopranos credited as Du Kelly, as one of a series of potentially ominous figures entering the diner. He also appeared on other TV shows; Law & Order as Two Tone, on Oz the HBO series, and on the Christmas episode of 30 Rock on NBC (2008). He has also been in independent movies such as Somewhere in the City with Bai Ling, Rhyme & Reason, and with Treach of Naughty By Nature. He has also starred in an off Broadway play entitled Diss, Diss, & Diss, Dat.
In 2017, DoItAll revealed he planned on running for Councilman at Large for his hometown of Newark.[1] He started his campaign in 2018, and despite not winning a seat still plans to help the city.[2]
Tic toc
Lords of the Underground Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Throw your hands in the air and do it for your block (um)
Tic toc, this is how we rock
Throw your hands in the air and please don't stop (um)
Tic toc, this is how we rock
(tic toc, you don't stop)
Tic toc, this is how we rock
Now, um, underground's my style
To this I have vows
And I swear to my god
I'll always rock a crowd
So (um) peace to my area, n.w.k.
Which is scarier
So if your on the deals,
Who cares, the more the merrier
Now right off south orange
On the block of one-nine
Of course, thirteenth ave
Is my stomping grounds
I open up my chest
And to my 'hood give my heart
'cause without the heart
Then your 'hood falls apart
So respect to the cement
The park called "the corner"
'cause that's where the doitall two was performing
Runnin' from the cops
I couldn't be stopped
'cause I was jumpin' big gates that connected the blocks
Now before making records
The 'hood was my savior
But now I'm making tunes to make you jam wit 'cha neighbor
Tic toc, this is how we rock
Throw your hands in the air and do it for your block (um)
Tic toc, this is how we rock
Throw your hands in the air and please don't stop (um)
Tic toc, this is how we rock
Throw your hands in the air and represent your block (um)
Tic toc, this is how we rock
(tic toc, you don't stop)
Well, I be the funk-ular
Ultra-funk-ular
Gamma-funk-ular
Half you rappers out there couldn't see me with binoculars
Anyone who thinks he'll take me out is just a dreamer
If you think you're the bomb, then I'm hiroshima
When I die,
I hope they're making records up in heaven
On a scale of one to ten
I'm like 100-5th-11
And sticks-and-stones-may-break-my-bones
But if you ever try to dis the lords, then it's on
I go on beat
Off beat
Then jump right back on time
I drop another rhyme
And talk about your fat ugly mama
M.c.'s cannot rock me
I'm stone-proof
Me grabbin' the mic
Is like superman running to a phone booth
Straight from martin luther king boulevard
In the heart of newark, new jersey
Make you say "lord have mercy"
If you step up in my face
Then it's do or die
And I'm gonna make you cry!
Tic toc, this is how we rock
Throw your hands in the air and do it for your block (um)
Tic toc, this is how we rock
Throw your hands in the air and please don't stop (um)
Tic toc, this is how we rock
Throw your hands in the air and represent your block (um)
Tic toc, this is how we rock
(tic toc, you don't stop)
Well, times have changed
Not only for the urban
But also for suburban
We get props, we're deservin'
From black kids, to white kids
I see them bob their heads,
From the blond hair, to redhead
I even seen a dread
So now it doesn't matter
As the clock winds down
With the tic and the toc
Because they love the sound
But people 'round your area
Say you sell out
Because you sell a million copies
And your tour goes baow
So do it for yourself
And do it for the 'hood
But do it from the heart
'cause that's when it's good
Now tell me what's gonna happen
After the rappin'
When the clock ticks away
And ain't nothin' happenin'
I remember way back in the days on my block
When the kids used to meet up in the hallway and rock
On martin luther king's boulevard
With p.c., wise, easy ed, and my brother hard bernard
Used to hit the ill rhymes from the head
While I'd hit the beat on the wall until my hands turned red
You had the shorty two m.c.'s
The educated three
I have to give them props for helping me be me
Now I'm the one who's educated
I suffered but I made it
I only write rhymes that will be appreciated
No matter how large I get
The fire still burns
'cause from the 'hood I came
And to the 'hood I must return
Tic toc, this is how we rock
Throw your hands in the air and do it for your block (um)
Tic toc, this is how we rock
Throw your hands in the air and please don't stop (um)
Tic toc, this is how we rock
Throw your hands in the air and represent your block (um)
Tic toc, this is how we rock
(tic toc, you don't stop)
The song "Tic Toc" by Lords of the Underground is a celebratory track that pays homage to the band's hometown of Newark, New Jersey. The lyrics aim to tell the story of how the band members came from humble beginnings in their neighborhood and made it big in the music industry, while also urging their listeners to stay true to their roots and have pride in their communities.
The opening lines, "Tic toc, this is how we rock/ Throw your hands in the air and do it for your block," set the stage for the rest of the song. The repeated use of "um" serves as a filler between lines, which gives the song a laid-back, conversational tone. The chorus repeats the phrase "throw your hands in the air," encouraging listeners to join in on the celebration and show love for their neighborhood.
The verses feature a mix of boastful rapping and nostalgic reflection. Band member Doitall talks about his experiences growing up in Newark, including performing on "the corner" and dodging cops while jumping over gates. At the same time, he asserts his status as a skilled rapper, claiming he's "stone-proof" and that "sticks-and-stones-may-break-my-bones/ But if you ever try to dis the lords, then it's on."
Overall, "Tic Toc" is an upbeat and positive song that balances a sense of pride in one's roots with a desire to succeed and make a name for oneself.
Line by Line Meaning
Tic toc, this is how we rock
This is our rhythm and style
Throw your hands in the air and do it for your block (um)
Show your loyalty to your community with this hand gesture
Throw your hands in the air and please don't stop (um)
Keep the energy going with this hand gesture
(tic toc, you don't stop)
The beat will keep going and won't stop
We're those same (um) brothers that brought you "chief rock"
We are the same artists who released the song "Chief Rock"
Now, um, underground's my style
I prefer to stay underground and maintain my style
To this I have vows
I am committed to this style
And I swear to my god
I swear to my beliefs and principles
I'll always rock a crowd
I will always entertain and perform for my fans
So (um) peace to my area, n.w.k.
I give my respect to my hometown, Newark
Which is scarier
It can be a dangerous place
So if your on the deals,
If you're involved in criminal activity
Who cares, the more the merrier
It doesn't matter, the more people involved, the better
Now right off south orange
In the area around South Orange
On the block of one-nine
The street 19th Avenue
Of course, thirteenth ave
Also, 13th Avenue
Is my stomping grounds
This is where I grew up and am familiar with
I open up my chest
I show my vulnerability
And to my 'hood give my heart
I give my all to my community
'cause without the heart
Because without passion and dedication
Then your 'hood falls apart
Your community will suffer
So respect to the cement
Acknowledgement of the hard streets and tough environment
The park called "the corner"
A specific location in the community
'cause that's where the doitall two was performing
Where another artist performed
Runnin' from the cops
I was evading the police
I couldn't be stopped
I was determined and unstoppable
'cause I was jumpin' big gates that connected the blocks
I was able to maneuver through the community
Now before making records
Before becoming famous
The 'hood was my savior
My community kept me grounded and safe
But now I'm making tunes to make you jam wit 'cha neighbor
I'm making music that brings everyone together
Throw your hands in the air and represent your block (um)
Show pride for your community with this hand gesture
Well, I be the funk-ular
I am the master of funk music
Ultra-funk-ular
The best at funk music
Gamma-funk-ular
The most unique style of funk music
Half you rappers out there couldn't see me with binoculars
I'm better than most rappers out there
Anyone who thinks he'll take me out is just a dreamer
No one can surpass me
If you think you're the bomb, then I'm hiroshima
I'm even more explosive and destructive
When I die,
When I pass away
I hope they're making records up in heaven
I hope to continue making music in the afterlife
On a scale of one to ten
Referring to skill level
I'm like 100-5th-11
I'm off the charts, incomparable
And sticks-and-stones-may-break-my-bones
Words and criticism don't hurt me
But if you ever try to dis the lords, then it's on
Don't disrespect the group or there will be consequences
I go on beat
I stay in rhythm
Off beat
Sometimes I switch things up
Then jump right back on time
But I always return to the beat
I drop another rhyme
I continue with another verse
And talk about your fat ugly mama
I mock other rappers by insulting their mother
M.c.'s cannot rock me
No other artist can outperform me
I'm stone-proof
I'm immune to criticism and defeat
Me grabbin' the mic
When I take the microphone
Is like superman running to a phone booth
I'm unstoppable and powerful
Straight from martin luther king boulevard
The street where I'm from
In the heart of newark, new jersey
In the center of my hometown
Make you say "lord have mercy"
Make others react with amazement
If you step up in my face
If you confront me
Then it's do or die
I will fight if necessary
And I'm gonna make you cry!
I won't back down and will succeed
Well, times have changed
Things are different now
Not only for the urban
Not just in the city
But also for suburban
Even in the suburbs
We get props, we're deservin'
We receive recognition for our music
From black kids, to white kids
All races enjoy our music
I see them bob their heads,
I see them enjoying the music
From the blond hair, to redhead
Regardless of hair color
I even seen a dread
I even saw someone with dreadlocks enjoying our music
So now it doesn't matter
Race doesn't determine who enjoys it
As the clock winds down
As time passes
With the tic and the toc
The sound of the clock ticking
Because they love the sound
People enjoy the music
But people 'round your area
Some people in your community
Say you sell out
They think you've abandoned your roots for fame
Because you sell a million copies
Because you've become successful
And your tour goes baow
And your tour is highly anticipated
So do it for yourself
Make music for personal reasons
And do it for the 'hood
Also make music for your community
But do it from the heart
Stay true to yourself and your values
'cause that's when it's good
That's when the music is at its best
Now tell me what's gonna happen
What will occur
After the rappin'
After the music stops
When the clock ticks away
When time passes by
And ain't nothin' happenin'
When nothing seems to be changing
I remember way back in the days on my block
I recall childhood memories on my street
When the kids used to meet up in the hallway and rock
When the children gathered to listen to music and dance
On martin luther king's boulevard
On the street named after Martin Luther King Jr.
With p.c., wise, easy ed, and my brother hard bernard
With these people from my community
Used to hit the ill rhymes from the head
Improvise rap verses
While I'd hit the beat on the wall until my hands turned red
I would create percussion on the wall
You had the shorty two m.c.'s
Child musicians
The educated three
A group of smart musicians
I have to give them props for helping me be me
I credit them for making me who I am
Now I'm the one who's educated
Now I am the one who is informed and knowledgeable
I suffered but I made it
I faced difficulties, but overcame them
I only write rhymes that will be appreciated
I create music that will be enjoyed by others
No matter how large I get
No matter how successful I become
The fire still burns
I am still passionate and motivated
'cause from the 'hood I came
Because I grew up in the community
And to the 'hood I must return
I will always be connected to my community
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, RALEIGH MUSIC PUBLISHING, O/B/O CAPASSO
Written by: DUPREE KELLY, AL-TERIK WARDRICK, MARLON LU'REE WILLIAMS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@CHRISTOFOROS33
Tic toc, this is how we rock
Throw your hands in the air and do it for your block (um)
Tic toc, this is how we rock
Throw your hands in the air and please don't stop (um)
Tic toc, this is how we rock
(tic toc, you don't stop)
Tic toc, this is how we rock
We're those same (um) brothers that brought you "chief rock"
Now, um, underground's my style
To this I have vows
And I swear to my god
I'll always rock a crowd
So (um) peace to my area, n.w.k.
Which is scarier
So if your on the deals,
Who cares, the more the merrier
Now right off south orange
On the block of one-nine
Of course, thirteenth ave
Is my stomping grounds
I open up my chest
And to my 'hood give my heart
'cause without the heart
Then your 'hood falls apart
So respect to the cement
The park called "the corner"
'cause that's where the doitall two was performing
Runnin' from the cops
I couldn't be stopped
'cause I was jumpin' big gates that connected the blocks
Now before making records
The 'hood was my savior
But now I'm making tunes to make you jam wit 'cha neighbor
Tic toc, this is how we rock
Throw your hands in the air and do it for your block (um)
Tic toc, this is how we rock
Throw your hands in the air and please don't stop (um)
Tic toc, this is how we rock
Throw your hands in the air and represent your block (um)
Tic toc, this is how we rock
(tic toc, you don't stop)
Well, I be the funk-ular
Ultra-funk-ular
Gamma-funk-ular
Half you rappers out there couldn't see me with binoculars
Anyone who thinks he'll take me out is just a dreamer
If you think you're the bomb, then I'm hiroshima
When I die,
I hope they're making records up in heaven
On a scale of one to ten
I'm like 100-5th-11
And sticks-and-stones-may-break-my-bones
But if you ever try to dis the lords, then it's on
I go on beat
Off beat
Then jump right back on time
I drop another rhyme
And talk about your fat ugly mama
M.c.'s cannot rock me
I'm stone-proof
Me grabbin' the mic
Is like superman running to a phone booth
Straight from martin luther king boulevard
In the heart of newark, new jersey
Make you say "lord have mercy"
If you step up in my face
Then it's do or die
And I'm gonna make you cry!
Tic toc, this is how we rock
Throw your hands in the air and do it for your block (um)
Tic toc, this is how we rock
Throw your hands in the air and please don't stop (um)
Tic toc, this is how we rock
Throw your hands in the air and represent your block (um)
Tic toc, this is how we rock
(tic toc, you don't stop)
Well, times have changed
Not only for the urban
But also for suburban
We get props, we're deservin'
From black kids, to white kids
I see them bob their heads,
From the blond hair, to redhead
I even seen a dread
So now it doesn't matter
As the clock winds down
With the tic and the toc
Because they love the sound
But people 'round your area
Say you sell out
Because you sell a million copies
And your tour goes baow
So do it for yourself
And do it for the 'hood
But do it from the heart
'cause that's when it's good
Now tell me what's gonna happen
After the rappin'
When the clock ticks away
And ain't nothin' happenin'
I remember way back in the days on my block
When the kids used to meet up in the hallway and rock
On martin luther king's boulevard
With p.c., wise, easy ed, and my brother hard bernard
Used to hit the ill rhymes from the head
While I'd hit the beat on the wall until my hands turned red
You had the shorty two m.c.'s
The educated three
I have to give them props for helping me be me
Now I'm the one who's educated
I suffered but I made it
I only write rhymes that will be appreciated
No matter how large I get
The fire still burns
'cause from the 'hood I came
And to the 'hood I must return
Tic toc, this is how we rock
Throw your hands in the air and do it for your block (um)
Tic toc, this is how we rock
Throw your hands in the air and please don't stop (um)
Tic toc, this is how we rock
Throw your hands in the air and represent your block (um)
Tic toc, this is how we rock
(tic toc, you don't stop)
@TheLawMan1980
42 year old me thanks 14 year old me for listening to this album endlessly. It's a timeless piece of work.
@Hasenhans
43 xD same here
@wraith8323
Also 43 lol, growing up in 90s Brooklyn this was one of the anthems. Very different place now, but in some areas still the same
@colinlarson9656
Haha! I am 42 as well and the sentiment is mutual.
@Gamer_4life873
43 year old me thanks you too
@d.derreck_2191
I swear I wish I had lived in that era. Fucking dope when Hip-Hop was real and you had countless real MCs
@therealExmo
Well I lived in that era and even got to see them all around my city of Newark nj...doitall is now a councilman of the west ward in Newark..the early 90s was the bomb so much better back then.
@d.derreck_2191
@Exmo Gonzalez I envy you right now brother 😄 Must have been dope af. So you see doitall every now and then?
@echidna210
im a late 2000s kid i wish i lived throug the 80s and 90s
@davidoconnor9369
Lmaoo i only listen to 90s shit the newest rap I’ll listen to is fabolous Ann’s 50