When it comes to beats and rhymes, Canadian producer Marco Polo and Brooklyn MC Torae donβt play, just check the rΓ©sumΓ©. On his 2007 critically acclaimed album Port Authority, Polo recruited a whoβs who of MCβs like Kool G Rap and Kardinal Offishall to ride over his hard-hitting, boom-bap instrumentals. Torae, on the other hand, has certified his rep as one of the gameβs illest lyricists in a similar fashion with remarkable wordplay on his highly touted 2008 street album Daily Conversation. So, in the spirit of great hip-hop duos, the producer and the MC signed with Duck Down Records (home of Buckshot, 9th Wonder, Black Moon, B-Real of Cypress Hill, KRS-ONE, Sean Price, Heltah Skeltah, DJ Revolution, Smif N Wessun, Ruste Juxx, Boot Camp Clik and Kidz in the Hall) in 2009 to release their collaborative album Double Barrel.
βHeβs bringing the hardest production that he can bring, Iβm bringing the hardest rhymes I can bring; together its like a double barrel blast,β says Torae of the albumβs persistent theme. The two first hooked up when Marco tapped the MC to guest on his Mick Boogie-helmed mixtape The New Port Authority in 2007. In turn, Marco went on to produce βCasualtyβ on Torβs Daily Conversation. βI think we just had a connection in the studio,β says Polo, βWe wanted to make an album that we wanted to hear with banging beats and aggressive rhymes.β
Sonically Double Barell pays homage to New Yorkβs mid-β90βs rap scene, when artists like Gangstarr and Wu-Tang Clan reigned supreme. The albumβs first single βParty Crashersβ is a definite standout, harkening back to that era with its chest thumping percussion and rock solid rhymes. So rather then try to fit in with hip-hopβs pop set, Marco and Torae chose the unconventional route. βI think the sound of the album is not the most popular or trendy, but weβre going to crash the party,β says Tor, β Weβre coming in with this sound and weβre coming in doing what we want to do.β
Songs like the dramatic βBut Waitβ and the free associative βWord Playβ display Torβs forward thinking conceptuality, while the rock-infused βDangerβ stands as one of Marcoβs finest productions to date. Overall the album is chock-full of the street-influenced rap that fans have come to expect from the two hip-hop upstarts.
More than superior rhymes and dynamic beats, Double Barrel is a testament to the ever-important creative relationship between rapper and beat maker. βYou want to have a good sense of chemistry with a person and Marco and I have good chemistry,β says Torae. βYouβre going to have a consistency in the sound,β says Marco of the benefits of the one MC, one producer dynamic.
Throughout the album pays homage to the genre of rap that influenced the duo and even features critically acclaimed heavyweights like M.O.P., Masta Ace and Sean Price to help balance out the track list. Still while honoring the past, Marco and Toraeβs main goal is ultimately to further their art. βWeβre not trying to take it back,β says Marco we just wanted to make an album that knocks.β
With the boom bap in tow, the pair aim to prove that behind all the flashy videos and high priced toys, hip-hop always boils down to two things: beats and rhymes. Double Barrel more than accomplishes the goal, and Torae sums up the collaboration perfectly when he spits, βHe makes violent beats, Iβm from the violent streets/That Double Barrel sound, thatβs where violence meets.β
Intro
Marco Polo & Torae Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In life you gotta roll the dice I'm tryna hit a parley
I smoke that green parsley
I quit with lean for God's sake
Man a toast before I kill this tape, pour out the Sake
I only see one way
It only exists my way
If you don't like it fine, but fuck you doing on my page
Man they thought it was just a phase
I've seen soldiers fall and bitch motherfuckers rise
Never because of love, only because of pride
You a stranger to my eyes, I believed to all your lies
Man you looked at me straight in the motherfucking eye
I got scars in my heart, looked in the mirror and realized
That man there ain't no tears, only anger inside my eyes
Anger that makes me grind and hustle till I'm in a coffin
Like the boy from Slauson
I'm going till I'm exhausted, approach me you better be cautious
This shit would leave you unconscious man all my shit G and conscious
Man this shit sick, makes you nauseous
This is it for you fuckers, fuck 36 ounces, I'm tryna stack off these concepts
Hold up it's Polo new begging still here for the doe tho
New name same old habits, still dropping a stack on Polo
Still riding around at night with the .45 cocked on my lap man sitting solo
Tryna figure out life cause at the end of the day it's like Dreezy said YOLO
And I can't find a wife man I only got hoes so I don't give em the real Polo
And I fuck em with my clothes on they beg me to take my shirt off
Cause they know I'm tatted like a cholo
But nah man I ain't giving em that, cause I'm real and if I give you my word
I don't want it back
And if you my friend I'ma give you a arm if you needed a hand
The first verse of the song "Intro" by Marco Polo & Torae reflects the artist's determination and resilience. The lyrics convey a sense of sleepless nights and waiting for a breakthrough, emphasizing the need to take risks and make bold choices in life. The mention of "rolling the dice" symbolizes taking chances and hoping for a fortunate outcome. The reference to smoking "green parsley" implies the artist's use of marijuana and a conscious decision to quit using lean, a prescription syrup containing codeine and promethazine.
The lyrics then delve into the artist's journey and personal growth. They highlight his early presence on platforms like Myspace before achieving any significant milestones. The dismissal of others' opinions about his path suggests a strong sense of self and confidence in his own abilities. The artist acknowledges that some may have believed his pursuits were just a passing phase, but he's proven them wrong.
The following lines touch on the artist's observations of the world around him. He acknowledges the harsh realities of life, witnessing both the fall of soldiers and the rise of individuals driven solely by pride. The mention of being a stranger to his eyes signifies the betrayal the artist has experienced, having believed lies told to him by someone who looked him straight in the eye. This betrayal has left scars on his heart and fueled the anger he carries within.
The lyrics then transition to the artist's relentless drive and work ethic. He compares himself to the boy from Slauson, likely referencing Nipsey Hussle, who was known for his tireless hustle and dedication to his craft. The artist desires to keep pushing forward until he is physically exhausted. He warns others to approach him cautiously due to the intensity and authenticity of his music, which he describes as both "G" (street-oriented) and "conscious" (thought-provoking).
In the final verse, the artist shifts focus to his personal life and relationships. He affirms his commitment to his craft, acknowledging that he is still hustling for the money ("doe") despite his new success. The mention of having "h
Line by Line Meaning
I didn't sleep for a thousand nights waiting for that one day
I endured countless sleepless nights anticipating a significant moment.
In life you gotta roll the dice I'm tryna hit a parley
Life involves taking risks, and I'm aiming for a big win against the odds.
I smoke that green parsley
I indulge in marijuana for its recreational effects.
I quit with lean for God's sake
I made the decision to stop using codeine syrup for the sake of my faith.
Man a toast before I kill this tape, pour out the Sake
Let's raise a glass before I complete this music project and celebrate its completion.
I only see one way
I have a singular perspective and vision.
It only exists my way
The only valid way is the one I create and follow.
If you don't like it fine, but fuck you doing on my page
If my approach doesn't suit your taste, then why are you consuming my content?
Man I was on Myspace before I even had hair on my face
I've been active on social media platforms like Myspace since a young age.
Man they thought it was just a phase
People believed my involvement with social media was temporary or insignificant.
I've seen soldiers fall and bitch motherfuckers rise
I've witnessed brave individuals fall while undeserving and weak individuals succeed.
Never because of love, only because of pride
Success is driven by egotism and self-importance rather than genuine care or passion.
You a stranger to my eyes, I believed to all your lies
You are now unfamiliar to me because I placed trust in your falsehoods.
Man you looked at me straight in the motherfucking eye
You confidently deceived me by making direct eye contact.
I got scars in my heart, looked in the mirror and realized
Emotional wounds reside within me, and self-reflection revealed their presence.
That man there ain't no tears, only anger inside my eyes
The reflection shows a lack of tears, replaced by a deep-seated anger.
Anger that makes me grind and hustle till I'm in a coffin
This anger fuels my determination and work ethic until I reach my final resting place.
Like the boy from Slauson
Similar to the individual from Slauson (possibly referring to Nipsey Hussle) who persisted in the face of adversity.
I'm going till I'm exhausted, approach me you better be cautious
I will continue pushing myself until I am physically drained, so if you approach me, do it cautiously.
This shit would leave you unconscious man all my shit G and conscious
My content and demeanor would figuratively knock you out, representing authenticity and awareness.
Man this shit sick, makes you nauseous
My work is impactful and unsettling, leaving you feeling uncomfortable.
This is it for you fuckers, fuck 36 ounces, I'm tryna stack off these concepts
This marks the end for those who doubted me, disregarding 36 ounces (possibly referring to drugs), as I strive to achieve success through my creative ideas.
Hold up it's Polo new begging still here for the doe tho
Wait a moment, it's a fresh start for Polo, still motivated by financial gain.
New name same old habits, still dropping a stack on Polo
Although my name has changed, my familiar behavior remains, including spending a significant amount of money on Polo products.
Still riding around at night with the .45 cocked on my lap man sitting solo
I continue to drive alone at night, with a loaded .45 caliber gun resting on my lap for protection.
Tryna figure out life cause at the end of the day it's like Dreezy said YOLO
I'm attempting to understand the complexities of life because, ultimately, it resembles the sentiment expressed in a song by Dreezy β You Only Live Once.
And I can't find a wife man I only got hoes so I don't give em the real Polo
I struggle to find a committed partner, as I currently only engage in casual relationships, which prevents me from showing them my genuine self.
And I fuck em with my clothes on they beg me to take my shirt off
I maintain physical intimacy while keeping my clothes on, yet my partners desire me to undress.
Cause they know I'm tatted like a cholo
These individuals are aware of my extensive tattoos, reminiscent of the style often associated with Mexican gang members.
But nah man I ain't giving em that, cause I'm real and if I give you my word
However, I refuse to conform to their desires because I value authenticity, and once I make a promise,
I don't want it back
I expect the commitment to be reciprocated and fulfilled without hesitation.
And if you my friend I'ma give you a arm if you needed a hand
If you are truly my friend, then I will provide support and assistance whenever you require it.
Lyrics Β© O/B/O DistroKid, ACUM Ltd.
Written by: Young Frenchy
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Jawnson
Reloaded bangs hard!! Visual came out fire as well!! π₯π₯π₯
@wiggesobk
So dope!π₯π₯π₯
@nickdeezproductionz
This shit is dope my kinda HIP HOP π₯π₯π₯
@PeteOnTheBeat
One of the greats
@RapZPodziemia
Peace from Poland
@Krajowa82
2 pierwsze osoby i to z pln :D
@mertsenturk9856
Respect from Turkey
@vaughnburton4521
π―π₯π₯
@Krajowa82
respect from poland lublin
@BS81SOUND
π₯π₯π₯