Oh No
Mos Def feat. Craig David Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Two for the bass (bass)
Welcome to the great incredible paper chase (chase)
Keep your boots laced if you wanna keep pace (pace)
Oh no
Niggas ain't scared to hustle
It's been seven days, the same clothes
Mos Def, Nate Dogg, and Pharoahe
Step away from the mic they too cold
The funk might fracture your nose (nose)
Say my name, say my name
Observe how I stake my claim
I independently laid down and played my game
My own two raise my flame
'Cause dick ridin' ain't my thing
I earned what they said I wouldn't (uh)
I got it the way they said I couldn't
But now I'm gettin' it and they whole grill is crooked (yeah)
Mad 'cause I'm getting 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 (what)
'Cause after this year the price ain't comin' down
And if you got a joint bubbling then get money now
'Cause in a minute there's gonna be some real trouble coming out
Just a warning, as usual some cats won't heed it
The hard headed always gotta feel it to believe it
A shame that 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 evening
You keep on scheming, it 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 got to be bothering 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 (ha)
The do or die stay rumbling and bubbling hard
And when we move, we ain't got no discussion at all
East Coast on your neck and you ain't shrugging it off
Try to bullyfoot and end up stumbling off
I'm Daddy Brooklyn, y'all niggas are the sons of New York
Getting 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 the Pharoahe (they know)
Step away from the mic they too cold
The funk might fracture your nose (nose)
Very contagious raps should be trapped in cages
Through stages and 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'
Hallelujah, Pharoahe Monch'll do ya
Maintain the same frame of mind, screw ya (woo)
Get the picture, sit ya, seat ya, greet ya with scriptures
I'ma quit the rip ya, reach ya (woo)
Pharoahe and Mos is verbal osmosis
Coast to coast, we boast to be the most explosive here
Ferocious, the lyrical prognosis
The dose is just leaving you mentally unfocused there
Mc's just come on 'round
You're the next contestants on "Catch A Beat Down"
Don't be hesitant, sound cracks to sediment
It's evident we medicine for your whole town (uh)
Sky's the limit, game's infinite when I'm in it
All window's is tinted, how you seeing 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 (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 (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 (they know)
Step away from the mic they too cold
The funk might fracture your nose (nose)
The song “Oh No” features the rap talents of Mos Def, Nate Dogg, and Pharoahe Monch. The lyrics are a commentary on the current state of hip-hop and the music industry. The first lines, “one for the treble, two for the bass,” are a reference to the elements of hip-hop music. The next line, “welcome to the great incredible paper chase,” is a nod to the commercialization and commodification of hip-hop. The song continues with lines like “ask them originals ‘cause they know,” which references the pioneers of hip-hop who laid the groundwork for the genre.
The song also includes commentary on the struggles and successes of the three rappers. Mos Def raps about his independence and his determination to succeed on his own terms. Pharoahe Monch raps about his intellectual approach to rap and his ability to leave other MCs mentally unfocused. Nate Dogg provides the catchy chorus that ties the song together.
Overall, “Oh No” is a tight, explosive track that showcases the individual talents of each rapper while also paying tribute to the roots and history of hip-hop.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah, one for the treble, two for the bass
Acknowledging the importance of both high and low frequencies in music
Welcome to the great incredible paper chase
Embracing the pursuit of financial success and prosperity
Keep your boots laced if you wanna keep pace
Stay prepared and motivated to keep up with the fast-paced nature of the industry
Oh no
Expressing surprise or concern about a situation
Niggas ain't scared to hustle
People are not afraid of putting in hard work and dedication
It's been seven days, the same clothes
Highlighting the relentless grind and lack of rest in their lives
Ask them originals 'cause they know
Seek advice and guidance from those who have been in the industry for a long time
Mos Def, Nate Dogg, and Pharoahe
Referring to themselves as talented artists and influential figures in the music industry
Step away from the mic, they too cold
Their skills and talent are so impressive that others should step back and give them space
The funk might fracture your nose
The intensity and quality of their music can have a powerful impact on listeners
Say my name, say my name
Demanding recognition and acknowledgement for their talents and contributions
Observe how I stake my claim
Demonstrating their confidence and claiming their place in the music industry
I independently laid down and paved my game
Establishing their own unique style and approach to music without relying on others
My own two raise my flame, 'cause dickridin' ain't my thing
They rely on their own efforts to uplift themselves and refuse to engage in sycophantic behavior
I earned what they said I wouldn't
Proving their doubters wrong and achieving success despite criticism
I got it the way they said I couldn't
Achieving success in a manner that others deemed impossible
But now I'm gettin' it and they whole grill is crooked
Others are envious and resentful of their success, causing their attitudes to become distorted
Mad 'cause I'm gettin' caked out from my bookings
Others are jealous because they are earning a significant amount of money from their shows and appearances
When y'all was askin' permission, I just stepped up and took it
While others hesitated and sought permission, they boldly seized opportunities and took what they wanted
What? The kid's better buy my rookie card now
Urging people to recognize their potential and invest in their early stages of success
'Cause after this year, the price ain't comin' down
Warning that their value and demand will only increase with time
And if you got a joint bubblin', then get money now
Encouraging artists to capitalize on their current success and maximize their earnings
'Cause in a minute, there's gonna be some real trouble comin' out
Warning that competition and challenges will arise in the future
Just a warnin', as usual, some cats won't heed it
Advising that some individuals will ignore the warning and suffer the consequences
The hard-headed always gotta feel it to believe it
Stubborn individuals need to experience the negative consequences firsthand before accepting the reality
It's a shame they jealous gaze is too short to see it
Expressing pity for those who are too envious to recognize their own shortcomings
But when they face hit the cement, they nod in agreement
Only when they experience failure or hardship do they acknowledge their mistakes
We could play nice and decent, or dirty like the 7-1 precinct
They can choose to cooperate and collaborate peacefully, or resort to aggressive tactics
Call it a day, or make it a long evenin'
Deciding whether to peacefully resolve conflicts or escalate them into prolonged confrontations
You keep on schemin', and give me some more reason
Continuously plotting against them only adds fuel to their motivation to succeed
To have the women in your mama's church screamin', 'Lord Jesus'
Causing such a commotion and admiration from women that even the religious community reacts strongly
Harder than y'all 'cause I'm smarter than y'all
Asserting that they are more successful and talented than others due to their intelligence and strategic thinking
I know that deep down, it's gotta be botherin' y'all
Recognizing that their success may create envy and unease in others
Pay attention, watch Flaco get larger than y'all
Indicating that their influence and popularity will only continue to grow
Pour your pride on the rocks, make you swallow it all
Challenging others to let go of their pride and admit defeat
The mathematic problem for y'all, it just get harder to solve
The challenge and difficulty of competing against them consistently increases
Every day that the saga evolve
Their story and journey in the music industry keeps progressing and evolving
The do-or-die stay rumblin' and bubblin' hard
They continue to work relentlessly and face difficulties head-on
And when we move, we ain't got no discussion at all
They take decisive action without wasting time on unnecessary debates
East Coast's on your neck and you ain't shruggin' it off
They have a strong presence and influence on the East Coast, and others cannot ignore it
Try to bullyfoot and end up stumblin' off
Those who attempt to intimidate or overpower them will ultimately fail and face embarrassment
I'm Daddy Brooklyn, y'all niggas are the sons of New York
Asserting their dominance and authority as prominent figures hailing from Brooklyn
Gettin' spanked when there's too much trouble to talk
Others face the consequences and repercussions when they provoke unnecessary conflict
Respect mine
Demanding respect and recognition for their achievements
Look at who they let in the back door
Reflecting on the surprise and disbelief that they have gained acceptance and success in the music industry
From Long Beach to Brooklyn, they know
Their reputation and impact is recognized and respected across different locations
We rock from the East to West Coast
Their music and influence extend from the East Coast to the West Coast
Queens, salute to Pharoahe
Showing respect and admiration to Pharoahe Monch, who represents Queens
Very contagious raps should be trapped in cages
Their infectious and powerful lyrics should be confined and controlled
Through stages of wackness, Pharoahe's raps are blazin'
Pharoahe Monch's lyrics shine even amidst a sea of mediocre and uninspiring music
And it amazes me how you claim thug
Expressing disbelief and skepticism towards those who assert toughness
But go two-ways without Skytel pagers
Contrasting their claims of being involved in criminal activities with their use of modern technology
I'm intellectual, pass more esés
Highlighting their intelligence and ability to surpass others in a variety of areas
Than motorcade police parades through East L.A.
Emphasizing that their influence and impact is greater than that of police parades in East Los Angeles
More beef than deli's, thus, what I vent is just (uh)
They face more conflict and controversy than a deli, and what they express is genuine and authentic
What you lust to vent is irrele'
They dismiss and disregard the irrelevant grievances and complaints of others
Huh, hallelujah, Pharoahe Monch'll do ya
Celebrating and praising Pharoahe Monch's skills and ability to impress listeners
Maintain the same frame of mind, screw ya
They will not allow others' opinions or criticisms to sway their mindset and determination
Get the picture, sit ya, seat ya, greet ya with scriptures
They paint a clear picture and enlighten listeners with their powerful and meaningful lyrics
I'm equipped to rip ya, reach ya
They are fully prepared and skilled to tear apart their opponents and captivate their audience
Pharoahe and Mos is verbal osmosis
Their combination and collaboration results in a seamless and transformative exchange of ideas and creativity
Coast to coast, we boast to be the most explosive here
They confidently claim to be the most dynamic and impactful artists across different regions
Ferocious, the lyrical prognosis
Their rhymes and lyrics are powerful and intense, serving as a diagnosis of the current state of the industry
The dosage is leavin' you mentally unfocused here
Their music can overwhelm and distract listeners, leaving them mentally unsettled
MCs just come on 'round
Challenging other MCs to step up and face them
You're the next contestants on 'Catch-A-Beat-Down'
They are prepared to deliver a brutal and merciless defeat to their opponents in a rap battle
Don't be hesitant, sound cracks the sediment
Encouraging others not to hesitate or hold back, as their powerful sound can shake the foundations and awaken dormant energies
It's evident we medicine for your whole town
Their music serves as a healing and transformative force for the entire community
Sky's the limit, game's infinite when I'm in it
There are no boundaries to their potential and impact in the music industry
All windows is tinted, how you seein' me when I'm in it?
They are protected and shielded from external influences, making it difficult for others to understand their true nature and intentions
Rap, we got it on lock, man, stop that (gimme that)
Asserting their dominance and ownership of the rap genre, demanding that others recognize their authority
Put that mic back down, boy, drop that
Challenging others to give up their attempts at rap, as they cannot match their skill and talent
Pharoahe's flows blows shows like Afros
Pharoahe Monch's rapping style captivates and impresses audiences, just like afros were a popular hairstyle in the past
We hate y'all though, that's why Nate Dogg goes
They have disdain and resentment towards others, leading Nate Dogg to express his frustration and anger through his 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
@johnniewalker23
So Wassup? Episode 27 | Craig David ft. Mos Def - "7 Days Remix" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBVqHRxzdZA
Here's Premo talkin' about the making of this track and that Craig did the intro, really cool
@mikecooley7514
Thats crazy how everyone including myself always thought that was Nate.
@jajablinks9059
How the hell he got nate doggs voice on point 💓
@theallmightydef
That's actually Craig David doing a Nate Dogg impression! DJ Premier confirmed this on a track break down
@johnniewalker23
I never thought it was Nate so I was surprised to see that comment. Gonna have to check out the Premier clip.
@jit_cool_grewal
Just found this out and my mind blown!
@sabrisaad8858
Amazing 😍🤩
@jonathansoko1085
my guy we knew that back in the day, that news aint new
@anthonymaillis6725
I used to think it was Craig David and Nate Dogg on here
@aDavv
Just found out this ain't Nate Dogg but Craig paying homage. Just made this remix even better.