Oh No
Mos Def and Pharoahe Monch featuring Nate Dogg Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Yeah, one for the treble, two for the bass
Welcome to the great incredible paper chase
Keep your boots laced if you wanna keep pace

Oh no
Niggas ain't scared to hustle
It's been seven days, the same clothes
Ask them originals 'cause they know
Mos Def, Nate Dogg, and Pharoahe
Step away from the mic, they too cold
The funk might fracture your nose

Say my name, say my name
Observe how I stake my claim
I independently laid down and paved my game
My own two raise my flame, 'cause dickridin' ain't my thing
I earned what they said I wouldn't
I got it the way they said I couldn't
But now I'm gettin' it and they whole grill is crooked
Mad 'cause I'm gettin' caked out from my bookings
When y'all was askin' permission, I just stepped up and took it
What? The kid's better buy my rookie card now
'Cause after this year, the price ain't comin' down
And if you got a joint bubblin', then get money now
'Cause in a minute, there's gonna be some real trouble comin' out
Just a warnin', as usual, some cats won't heed it
The hard-headed always gotta feel it to believe it
It's a shame they jealous gaze is too short to see it
But when they face hit the cement, they nod in agreement
We could play nice and decent, or dirty like the 7-1 precinct
Call it a day, or make it a long evenin'
You keep on schemin', and give me some more reason
To have the women in your mama's church screamin', "Lord Jesus"
Harder than y'all 'cause I'm smarter than y'all
I know that deep down, it's gotta be botherin' y'all
Pay attention, watch Flaco get larger than y'all
Pour your pride on the rocks, make you swallow it all
The mathematic problem for y'all, it just get harder to solve
Every day that the saga evolve
The do-or-die stay rumblin' and bubblin' hard
And when we move, we ain't got no discussion at all
East Coast's on your neck and you ain't shruggin' it off
Try to bullyfoot and end up stumblin' off
I'm Daddy Brooklyn, y'all niggas are the sons of New York
Gettin' spanked when there's too much trouble to talk
Respect mine

Oh no
Look at who they let in the back door
From Long Beach to Brooklyn, they know
We rock from the East to West Coast
Queens, salute to Pharoahe
Step away from the mic, they too cold
The funk might fracture your nose

Very contagious raps should be trapped in cages
Through stages of wackness, Pharoahe's raps are blazin'
And it amazes me how you claim thug
But go two-ways without Skytel pagers
I'm intellectual, pass more esés
Than motorcade police parades through East L.A.
More beef then deli's, thus, what I vent is just (uh)
What you lust to vent is irrele'
Huh, hallelujah, Pharoahe Monch'll do ya
Maintain the same frame of mind, screw ya
Get the picture, sit ya, seat ya, greet ya with scriptures
I'm equipped to rip ya, reach ya
Pharoahe and Mos is verbal osmosis
Coast to coast, we boast to be the most explosive here
Ferocious, the lyrical prognosis
The dosage is leavin' you mentally unfocused here
MCs just come on 'round
You're the next contestants on "Catch-A-Beat-Down"
Don't be hesitant, sound cracks the sediment
It's evident we medicine for your whole town
Sky's the limit, game's infinite when I'm in it
All windows is tinted, how you seein' me when I'm in it?
Rap, we got it on lock, man, stop that (gimme that)
Put that mic back down, boy, drop that
Pharoahe's flows blows shows like Afros
We hate y'all though, that's why Nate Dogg goes

Oh no
Niggas ain't scared to hustle
It's been seven days, the same clothes
Ask them originals 'cause they know
Mos Def, Nate Dogg, and Pharoahe
Step away from the mic, they too cold
The funk might fracture your nose
Oh no
Niggas ain't scared to hustle
It's been seven days, the same clothes
Ask them originals 'cause they know
Mos Def, Nate Dogg, and Pharoahe
Step away from the mic, they too cold
The funk might fracture your nose
Oh no
Look at who they let in the back door
From Long Beach to Brooklyn, they know
We rock from the East to West Coast
Queens, salute the Pharoahe




Step away from the mic, they too cold
The funk might fracture your nose

Overall Meaning

The song Oh No by Mos Def, Pharoahe Monch, and Nate Dogg is an impressive lyrical masterpiece fronted by the three skilled rappers. The lyrics revolve around their experience in the rap industry, their success, and the rivalry between them and other rappers. They start by acknowledging their unique styles, Mos Def rapping, "Say my name, say my name, observe how I stake my claim" and Pharoahe Monch adding, "I'm intellectual, pass more essays than motorcade police parades through East L.A." They also talk about how they have had to work hard to get where they are today and how their success has made them targets of haters.


The line "step away from the mic, they too cold" is a boastful claim of their superiority over other rappers. They talk about the struggles of the industry, the need to hustle, and how some refuse to believe in their greatness until it's proven. They also address the fact that they are from different parts of the country, Long Beach and Brooklyn, and how their collaboration illustrates their reach across the coasts. The chorus, "Oh no, n*ggas ain't scared to hustle, it's been seven days, the same clothes" is a nod to their hard work and dedication to their craft, even if it means putting in long hours and neglecting their appearance.


Overall, the lyrics are packed with clever wordplay, internal rhymes, and metaphorical imagery that showcases the rappers' skill and ingenuity. They use their platform to show off their lyrical prowess and brag about their success while acknowledging their journey and hard work. The song stands as a testament to their legacy in the rap industry and their ability to dominate any mic they touch.


Line by Line Meaning

Yeah, one for the treble
Acknowledging the importance of the high-frequency sounds in music


Two for the bass
Recognizing the significance of the low-frequency sounds in music


Welcome to the great incredible paper chase
Entering the challenging pursuit of financial success and prosperity


Keep your boots laced if you want to keep pace
Stay prepared and focused in order to keep up with the fast-paced competition


Oh no
Expressing surprise or concern


Niggas ain't scared to hustle
People are not afraid to work hard and strive for success


It's been seven days, the same clothes
Indicating the persistence and dedication of individuals who focus solely on their work


Ask them originals cause they know
Seek guidance from those who have experience and knowledge in the field


Mos Def, Nate Dogg, and Pharoahe
Referring to the artists involved in the song


Step away from the mic they too cold
Acknowledging the skills and talent of the artists, suggesting others should not attempt to compete


The funk might fracture your nose
Warning that the powerful and soulful music might have a strong impact


Say my name, say my name
Demanding recognition and respect for one's achievements


Observe how I stake my claim
Witness the way I confidently establish my influence and success


I independently laid down and played my game
Asserting that the artist creates their own path and follows their own strategies for success


My own two raise my flame
Asserting independence and determination to fuel one's passion and drive


'Cause dick ridin' ain't my thing
Rejecting the act of blindly following or imitating others


I earned what they said I wouldn't
Proving wrong the doubters and achieving what was deemed impossible


I got it the way they said I couldn't
Obtaining success in a manner that others deemed unlikely or impossible


But now I'm gettin' it and their whole grill is crooked
Seeing others become envious or resentful as one achieves success


Mad cause I'm getting caked out from my bookings
Causing resentment or jealousy due to the artist's successful bookings and financial gains


When ya'll was askin' permission I just stepped up and took it
Taking action and seizing opportunities without seeking approval or permission


What!? The kid's better buy my rookie card now
Indicating the rising value and potential of the artist as they establish themselves in the industry


'Cause after this year the price ain't comin' down
Predicting that the artist's value and demand will only increase in the future


And if you got a joint bubbling then get money now
Encouraging others to capitalize on their current success or popular activities to earn money


'Cause in a minute there's gonna be some real trouble coming out
Warning that future competition or challenges may arise, making it more difficult to succeed


Just a warning, as usual some cats won't heed it
Providing a cautionary message that some individuals will ignore or not take seriously


The hard-headed always gotta feel it to believe it
Noting that stubborn individuals often need to experience negative consequences to understand the warning


It's a shame that jealous guys is too short to see it
Expressing disappointment in individuals who are too envious or blinded by their own insecurities to recognize the artist's success


But when their face hit the cement, they nod in agreement
Suggesting that those who doubt or oppose the artist will eventually understand and acknowledge their talent or superiority


We could play nice and decent
Proposing the possibility of maintaining respectful cooperation


Or dirty like the 7-1 precinct
Alternatively, resorting to aggressive and confrontational tactics


Call it a day or make it a long evening
Deciding between resolving the conflict peacefully or extending it into a prolonged encounter


You keep on scheming, making me some more reasons
Acknowledging someone's ongoing efforts to plot against the artist, resulting in the artist finding further motivation


To have the women in your mama's church screamin' 'Lord Jesus!'
Imagining the reaction of women in a religious setting when witnessing the artist's success and talent


Harder than ya'll cause I'm smarter than ya'll
Asserting superiority over others due to intelligence and cunning


I know that deep down it's got to be bothering ya'll
Recognizing that the artist's success and abilities may create feelings of insecurity or frustration for others


Pay attention, watch fly gon' get larger than ya'll
Advising others to observe and be aware of the artist's continuous growth and success


Put your pride on the rocks, make you swallow it all
Challenging individuals to let go of their ego and accept the artist's superiority


The mathematic problem for y'all, it just get harder to solve
Indicating that for those attempting to compete or challenge the artist, the difficulty and complexity of the situation will only increase


Every day that the saga evolves
Highlighting the ongoing development and progression of the artist's story or journey


The do or die stay rumbling and bumbling hard
Emphasizing the artist's determination and resilience in the face of challenges and adversity


And when we move, we ain't got no discussion at all
Asserting that the artist's actions and decisions are not up for negotiation or debate


East coast on your neck and you ain't shrugging it off
Signifying the dominance and influence of the East Coast hip-hop scene and the impact it has on others


Try to bullyfoot and end up stumbling off
Warning those who attempt to intimidate or bully the artist will eventually face failure or defeat


I'm Daddy Brooklyn, y'all niggas are the sons of New York
Establishing a position of authority and excellence, while likening others to offspring in comparison


Getting spanked when there's too much trouble to talk
Receiving significant consequences or punishment when the situation becomes too chaotic or difficult


Respect mine
Demanding respect and recognition for one's achievements and abilities


Look at who they let in the back door
Observing and questioning the presence of someone unexpected or uninvited


From Long Beach to Brooklyn they know
Recognizing the artist's influence and reputation spans across different cities and locations


We rock from the east to west coast
Demonstrating the artist's ability to captivate and entertain audiences nationwide


Queens salute (they know)
Acknowledging the respect and recognition from individuals in Queens, New York


Oh no
Expressing surprise or concern


Niggas ain't scared to hustle
People are not afraid to work hard and strive for success


It's been seven days the same clothes
Indicating the persistence and dedication of individuals who focus solely on their work


Ask them originals cause they know
Seek guidance from those who have experience and knowledge in the field


Mos Def, Nate Dogg, and Pharoahe
Referring to the artists involved in the song


Step away from the mic they too cold
Acknowledging the skills and talent of the artists, suggesting others should not attempt to compete


The funk might fracture your nose
Warning that the powerful and soulful music might have a strong impact


Very contagious raps should be trapped in cages
Highlighting the infectious and captivating nature of the artist's verses, emphasizing their ability to captivate listeners


Through stages and wackness, foul rats is blazin'
Navigating through different stages and situations, encountering inferior or subpar individuals along the way


And it amazes me how you claim thug
Expressing disbelief in someone's false claims or portrayal of being tough or hardened


But go two ways without Skytell pagers
Noting the inconsistency or hypocrisy in someone's behavior, as they switch between different personas or lifestyles


I'm intellectual, pass more essays
Asserting intelligence and knowledge, indicating the artist's ability to convey complex ideas through lyrics


Than motorcade police parades through East L.A.
Comparing the frequency and volume of the artist's writings to the occurrence of police parades in a specific location


More beef than delis
Having more tension or conflicts than local delis, which are known for selling various meats


Thus what I vent is just, what you lust to vent is irrel'
Stating that the artist's expressions and perspectives hold significance, while dismissing or deeming someone else's as irrelevant


Halleluja, Pharoahe marching through ya
Using religious imagery to emphasize the profound impact and presence of the artist in the music scene


Maintain the same frame of mind school ya
Encouraging others to adopt a similar mindset or perspective in order to learn and grow


Get the picture, sit ya, seat ya, greet ya with scriptures
Provoking thought and contemplation, welcoming listeners with profound and meaningful lyrics


I'ma quit the rip ya reach ya
Asserting dominance and skill in lyricism, suggesting the artist will surpass or outshine others


Pharoahe and Mos is verbal osmosis
Highlighting the synergistic and influential combination of Pharoahe Monch and Mos Def's lyrics and styles


Coast to coast, we boast to be the most explosive here
Asserting the dominance and impact of the artists across different regions, claiming to be the most electrifying and powerful


Ferocious, the lyrical prognosis
Describing the artist's aggressive and compelling lyrical style, suggesting their words have a significant impact


The dose is just leaving you mentally unfocused here
Implying that the artist's lyrical delivery might overwhelm and distract listeners, affecting their focus and concentration


Emcee's just come on 'round
Challenging other emcees to step forward and engage in a battle or competition


You're the next contestants on 'catch a beat down'
Suggesting that those who step up to compete or challenge will face harsh criticism and defeat at the hands of the artist


Don't be hesitant, sound cracks to sediment
Encouraging others to be bold and decisive, as hesitation leads to weakness or vulnerability


It's evident we're medicine for your whole town
Declaring that the artist's music serves as a healing or therapeutic force for the entire community


Sky's the limit, game's definite when I'm in it
Asserting that there are no boundaries or restrictions to what the artist can achieve, and that success is guaranteed


All window's is tinted, how you seeing me when I'm in it
Metaphorically suggesting that others cannot fully comprehend or perceive the artist's true essence or impact


Rap, we got it on lock man, stop that
Asserting the dominance and control the artist has over the rap genre, dismissing any challenges or attempts to undermine their authority


Put that mic back down, boy, drop that
Challenging others to relinquish their attempt to compete against the artist, implying they will be outmatched


Pharoahe's blows shows like afros
Comparing the artist's powerful performances to the distinctive hairstyles known as afros, highlighting their impact and visual appeal


We hate ya'll though
Expressing disdain or antagonism towards those who oppose or challenge the artist


That's why Nate Dogg goes
Explaining that Nate Dogg's distinct voice and contributions add to the overall potency and allure of the music




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, REACH MUSIC PUBLISHING, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Nathaniel D Hale, Troy Donald Jamerson, Dante Smith, Dana Stinson

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@mwanawaemmar6168

If you are here in 2024, you are a true hip hop head

@MrSmash85

Agreed

@martacosta9542

@dondiablo5583

Oh no

@bluemannmakhanya4598

Absolutely!

@lowlifehighroad

it never gets old

23 More Replies...

@norrainemhlanga7626

I’m a 58 year old girl and this music keeps me alive. Miss Nate Dogg. 🎉🎉

@misterburns103

🥹💯

@chukaye6677

❤❤

@mkadoza

Rest In Power Nate.

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