Salute
M.O.P. feat. Gang Starr Lyrics


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"Yeah, they talkin about rap."
"We don't rap, its not about rap we livin it what they talkin about.
It's not about college or what you read in a newspaper or magazine.
It's hear its reality, this is our nature. Its how we live."

[Guru]
Now everybody on Earth want to rap, we burnt all of that
Knocked off the game, and cold broke is spat
Gang Starr, will Billy Danze and Big Slap
Word to Laze, big schools and big gats

You didn't whip it right so pick up the pace
Word to grimy niggas, they want to stick up the place
Word to hiphop, plus a crib that's laced
Primo's breaks, activate the mental, that's all

We got credentials galore, fuck a small vending tour
Yet, still, I be at the around-the-way spots
Near where niggas be slinging innocent get hit by straight shots
And brave cops, protect the community

While corrupt cops, be harassing you and me
Pullin me over, in front of the crib, in front of my neighbors
Askin for favors, here's a cassette and why you
Question my behavior?

Pursuing me, trying to catch me off quard
I shrug scars, you see a lot of hoes at thug bars
I don't care what these beats my do
We'll sun you, plus I see right through

It's way it means to me and M.O.P.
Just To Get a Rep, nigga, you best to step, nigga, Salute!

[Chorus]
Holdin it down
Phony ass rappers
Dead serious
Finish em
(Is this hiphop) Hell no this is war
Heavy artillery, in my vicinty
*repeat - change 5th line to: M.O.P.*

[Billy Danze]
Ah-yo, the game's called survival *echoes* I admit
As a soldier, I've done a lot of shit
To the so-called tough dude, I ain't mad at you
But I wish I wouldn't of had to do the shit I had to do

It's true, I would jump up in a Bamma
And travle miles of road to unload this hammer
(And I) Notice ?colors? when they glance
At the baby boy of Haddy and Frank Danze

I won't stress the blazin
But I will think about what size slug best for the occasion
(It's so amazin) ???? pop shit
Like Windy Williams till you fuckers bury me

(Who we be!) What, what's wrong, nigga?
(First Family) Come, come on, nigga!
(Ain't nothin cute) My niggas is ready to shoot
For the love of the First Family thugs, Salute!

[Chorus]

[Lil' Fame]
Before you slit your wrist, bitch, imagine this
M.O.P., Gang Starr (Damn!) hazardous
Thugs that got love for this hiphop and shit
Makin words rhyme at the same time poppin shit

I used to go to jams, and drop grammar
Before I left niggas told me (Boy take your hammer!)
Sure nuff, shit got rowdy
Dumped off my first clip at a house party

I love this rap shit, though, the love is clear
But fuck the parties, my nigga, I lost a brother there
Only if I'm gettin paid (That's right)
And the shit gon' benefit the trade

I snatch a mic, turn it out, bad
Even have you smooth niggas fuckin up yours shoes and your outfit
I be, the Brownsville slugger (Signing out)
Act like you know what I'm about, Salute!





[Chorus]

Overall Meaning

The lyrics in M.O.P. feat. Gang Starr's song Salute Part 2 are a response to the widespread commercialization of rap music. The artists argue that rap is not just a genre of music, but a way of life. They assert that they don't just "rap," but they live the reality of the music that they make. They reject the idea that rap is just something you can learn in college or read about in newspapers and magazines, and instead emphasize that it comes from their nature and how they live.


The three verses each paint a vivid picture of the realities of life in the rap game. Guru describes being pulled over by corrupt police officers who are just looking to hassle him. Billy Danze talks about the violence that he's seen and how he's had to do things in order to survive. Finally, Lil' Fame discusses the love that he has for rap music and the sacrifices he has made, including losing a brother at a house party.


The chorus emphasizes the seriousness with which the artists approach rap music. They reject the idea that it's just something to be done for fun, and instead treat it as a form of warfare. They point out that they are armed with heavy artillery, and anyone who wants to step up to them should be ready for a fight.



Line by Line Meaning

Yeah, they talkin about rap.
People talk about rap, but to us, it's not just music. It's our way of life, a part of our reality.


We don't rap, its not about rap we livin it what they talkin about.
We don't just rap for the sake of it. We live and breathe our art and our culture, and it's not just something we read about in papers or magazines.


It's not about college or what you read in a newspaper or magazine.
Our experience and perspective come from living it, not from academics or the media.


It's hear its reality, this is our nature. Its how we live.
Hip-hop is not just an art form or a lifestyle choice, it is an essential part of our nature and everyday existence.


Now everybody on Earth want to rap, we burnt all of that
The saturation of the rap industry has led to a trivialization of the art form and its value.


Primo's breaks, activate the mental, that's all
Dj Premier's beats and instrumentals have a profound effect on the listener's consciousness and awareness.


Yet, still, I be at the around-the-way spots
Despite their success, the artists remain connected to their roots and the streets where they come from.


And brave cops, protect the community
Some police officers uphold their duty to protect communities from harm and maintain order.


While corrupt cops, be harassing you and me
Other police officers abuse their power and authority, harass people in their communities, and perpetuate systemic biases and injustices.


Only if I'm gettin paid (That's right)
The artists emphasize the importance of being compensated fairly for their work and talent.


Act like you know what I'm about, Salute!
They demand respect and recognition for their skills, experiences, and contributions to hip-hop culture.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: CHRISTOPHER E MARTIN, ERIC MURRY, JAMAL GERARD GRINNAGE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@coimbralaw

East Coast 1990’s Boom Bap = THE GOLDEN AGE OF HIP HOP. A beautiful era never to return.

@echoarcade_nj

smooth, trippy chords, funky bassline, monster boom bap drums = masterpiece...(I remember hearing Premier saying this is one of his personal favorite beats)

@rachendrapyakurel9911

MOP and Gang Starr - Nothing can touch this.

@jamzonwv

This whole album was fire. I played this album so much I had to buy it four times because of people taking it. But it’s cool that mean they like real Hip Hop. 100%

@kendrickjones3115

STILL slept on heavily!!! GOTDAMN SHAME!

@jamzonwv

@@kendrickjones3115 fo-real they been hard since the first album and still making good music 💯

@Lerf8

Nah fuck them niggas Thieves don't deserve respect

@jamzonwv

@@Lerf8 why you say that?

@chadashingi2703

My top 5 best ever Dj Premier production.

@mindfulmaniac8973

It's so smooth and hard at the same time. CLASSIC!!!!

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