Oh No
Most Def ft. Nate Dogg & Pharohe Monch Lyrics


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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 ft. Nate Dogg & Pharohe Monch is a hip-hop track that exudes confidence above all else. The first verse talks about keeping up with the hustle and maintaining a quick pace, as emphasized by the repetition of the phrase "keep your boots laced if you wanna keep pace." The chorus repeats an ominous warning about stepping away from the mic when these three rappers are performing, as they are too good and may even fracture your nose with their funk. Mos Def's verse boasts about his independence and success, stating that he proved his critics wrong and is now getting paid and booking gigs left and right. Pharohe Monch's verse is more aggressive, calling out those who claim to be thugs but cannot even afford a pager. He lays down some incredible wordplay, maintaining an intellectual flow throughout.


Overall, the song is a powerful showcase of the skills and confidence of the three featured artists. While each verse has a slightly different tone, they all share a common thread of asserting dominance and skill in the hip-hop industry. The chorus ties everything together with a repeated mantra of "oh no", a warning to any who would dare step up to these rappers.


Line by Line Meaning

Yeah, one for the treble, two for the bass
Acknowledging the importance of both high and low frequencies in music, setting the tone for a great song


Welcome to the great incredible paper chase
Inviting listeners to join them on their pursuit of success and wealth


Keep your boots laced if you wanna keep pace
Encouraging everyone to stay prepared and focused if they want to keep up with their fast-paced lifestyle


Oh no
Expressing concern or surprise about a situation or event


Niggas ain't scared to hustle
Highlighting the fearless and determined attitude of individuals who are willing to work hard


It's been seven days, the same clothes
Illustrating the dedication and persistence of those who are fully committed to their work and have little time for personal care


Ask them originals 'cause they know
Referring to experienced individuals who have deep knowledge and understanding, encouraging listeners to seek advice from them


Mos Def, Nate Dogg, and Pharoahe
Acknowledging the presence of these talented artists in the song and the contribution they bring to the music


Step away from the mic, they too cold
Recognizing the exceptional skills and talents of Mos Def, Nate Dogg, and Pharoahe, emphasizing that they are a force to be reckoned with


The funk might fracture your nose
Warning that the captivating and intense energy of their music might leave a lasting impact on listeners


Say my name, say my name
Asserting the importance of being recognized and respected for one's talent and achievements


Observe how I stake my claim
Demonstrating confidence in their abilities and asserting their rightful place in the music industry


I independently laid down and paved my game
Highlighting their ability to create their own path and establish their unique style in the music industry without relying on others


My own two raise my flame, 'cause dickridin' ain't my thing
Emphasizing their preference for staying true to themselves and building their success with their own efforts, rather than seeking validation from others


I earned what they said I wouldn't
Proving wrong those who doubted their success, showing that they have achieved what others believed was impossible


I got it the way they said I couldn't
Obtaining success and accomplishments in a manner that defied the expectations and limitations set by others


But now I'm gettin' it and they whole grill is crooked
Reveling in their triumph and enjoying the fact that those who doubted them are now envious and resentful


Mad 'cause I'm gettin' caked out from my bookings
Causing frustration among others because they are earning significant income and success from their performances and bookings


When y'all was askin' permission, I just stepped up and took it
Highlighting their boldness and determination to seize opportunities without seeking approval, while others were hesitant and unsure


What? The kid's better buy my rookie card now
Urging listeners to recognize their talent and potential early on, as their value and impact will only increase with time


'Cause after this year, the price ain't comin' down
Implying that their popularity and influence will continue to rise, making it more valuable to invest in their music and artistry


And if you got a joint bubblin', then get money now
Encouraging individuals with emerging success or opportunities to capitalize on them and start making money immediately


'Cause in a minute, there's gonna be some real trouble comin' out
Warning that their imminent rise to fame and dominance will challenge and disrupt the current status quo of the music industry


Just a warnin', as usual, some cats won't heed it
Advising that not everyone will pay attention or take their warning seriously, as some people are resistant to change or refuse to acknowledge their influence


The hard-headed always gotta feel it to believe it
Noting that stubborn individuals often need to personally experience or witness the impact before they understand or accept the reality


It's a shame they jealous gaze is too short to see it
Expressing sadness that envy and jealousy blind certain individuals from recognizing and appreciating their accomplishments and talent


But when they face hit the cement, they nod in agreement
Suggesting that once those envious individuals face the consequences or challenges of their actions, they will finally acknowledge and agree with the truth


We could play nice and decent, or dirty like the 7-1 precinct
Presenting two options: to either collaborate and cooperate in a peaceful and respectful manner, or resort to aggressive tactics like the police in a tough area


Call it a day, or make it a long evenin'
Offering the choice to either peacefully end conflicts or continue with a prolonged and intense confrontation


You keep on schemin', and give me some more reason
Challenging those who plot and scheme against them, daring them to provide additional motivation or justification for their actions


To have the women in your mama's church screamin', "Lord Jesus"
Implying that their power and influence are so strong that even the women in the church will cry out to God in awe and astonishment


Harder than y'all 'cause I'm smarter than y'all
Asserting that their success and ability to overcome obstacles stem from their intelligence and cleverness, giving them an advantage over others


I know that deep down, it's gotta be botherin' y'all
Acknowledging that their achievements and abilities may create envy and irritation within others, as they know it must be challenging for them to witness


Pay attention, watch Flaco get larger than y'all
Demanding attention and encouraging others to watch them grow and surpass their competition


Pour your pride on the rocks, make you swallow it all
Suggesting that those who are prideful and arrogant should be humbled and forced to digest their own ego and self-importance


The mathematic problem for y'all, it just get harder to solve
Presenting themselves as a difficult challenge or obstacle for others to overcome, making it progressively more challenging as time goes on


Every day that the saga evolve
Highlighting that their story and journey are continuously developing and evolving, gaining complexity and significance with each passing day


The do-or-die stay rumblin' and bubblin' hard
Describing their relentless determination and resilience, as they persistently strive for success and fight against obstacles


And when we move, we ain't got no discussion at all
Asserting their decisiveness and confidence in their actions, not requiring excessive deliberation or negotiation before making their moves


East Coast's on your neck and you ain't shruggin' it off
Signifying their dominance and impact on the East Coast, which others can't ignore or dismiss


Try to bullyfoot and end up stumblin' off
Warning against attempting to intimidate or overpower them, as those who do will ultimately fail and stumble in their efforts


I'm Daddy Brooklyn, y'all niggas are the sons of New York
Establishing their authority and superiority as leaders and influencers in the music industry, while others are merely followers and contenders


Gettin' spanked when there's too much trouble to talk
Indicating that those who challenge them or create problems will face severe consequences and hardships, leaving no room for negotiation or discussion


Respect mine
Demanding respect for their talent, accomplishments, and position in the industry


Look at who they let in the back door
Highlighting the surprise or shock that they have entered into a space or industry where they may not have been initially welcomed with open arms


From Long Beach to Brooklyn, they know
Recognizing the widespread recognition and awareness of their music and influence, reaching from the West Coast (Long Beach) to the East Coast (Brooklyn)


We rock from the East to West Coast
Emphasizing their ability to captivate audiences and create great music that resonates with listeners across the entire United States


Queens, salute to Pharoahe
Paying tribute and showing respect to Pharoahe Monch, who hails from Queens and represents the borough as an influential artist


Very contagious raps should be trapped in cages
Describing their highly infectious and compelling rap style that captivates listeners, suggesting that it should be contained and controlled like a contagious disease


Through stages of wackness, Pharoahe's raps are blazin'
Highlighting the exceptional quality and intensity of Pharoahe's lyrics, contrasting it with the mediocrity often found in the rap industry


And it amazes me how you claim thug
Expressing disbelief and amusement at individuals who claim to be tough or gangsta, despite their actions and behaviors suggesting otherwise


But go two-ways without Skytel pagers
Mocking those who pretend to be involved in illegal activities or a dangerous lifestyle but still rely on modern communication technology, revealing their hypocrisy


I'm intellectual, pass more esés
Asserting their intellectual prowess and cleverness, surpassing others in their ability to navigate and succeed in various aspects of life


Than motorcade police parades through East L.A.
Comparing their influence to that of a motorcade police parade, which is a significant display of power and control, particularly in a neighborhood like East Los Angeles


More beef than deli's, thus, what I vent is just (uh)
Asserting their superiority in engaging in verbal conflicts and feuds, with their words having a greater impact than any physical confrontation, as illustrated by delis known for serving beef sandwiches


What you lust to vent is irrele'
Dismissing and belittling the desires or motivations of others to engage in conflicts or arguments, deeming them irrelevant and unimportant


Huh, hallelujah, Pharoahe Monch'll do ya
Expressing confidence and power, asserting that Pharoahe Monch can overpower or defeat anyone in a rap battle


Maintain the same frame of mind, screw ya
Remaining focused and steadfast in their mentality and attitude, dismissing and disregarding those who try to bring them down or distract them


Get the picture, sit ya, seat ya, greet ya with scriptures
Using vivid language to convey the impact of their lyrics and greetings to listeners, as if they are welcoming them, guiding them, and providing valuable knowledge


I'm equipped to rip ya, reach ya
Asserting their ability to completely dismantle or overpower their opponents, both figuratively and literally


Pharoahe and Mos is verbal osmosis
Describing the seamless flow and exchange of ideas and energy between Pharoahe Monch and Mos Def, suggesting that their collaboration is a harmonious and powerful force


Coast to coast, we boast to be the most explosive here
Demonstrating their dominance and impact across the entire country, highlighting that they are the most dynamic and powerful presence in the rap game


Ferocious, the lyrical prognosis
Describing the intensity and power of their lyrics, which diagnose and analyze various topics with accuracy and precision


The dosage is leavin' you mentally unfocused here
Implying that their words and music have a mind-altering effect, leaving listeners bewildered and captivated, unable to fully concentrate on anything else


MCs just come on 'round
Inviting other MCs and artists to challenge them and witness their superiority firsthand


You're the next contestants on "Catch-A-Beat-Down"
Referencing a hypothetical game show where the contestants are bound to be defeated or overwhelmed by their superior rap skills


Don't be hesitant, sound cracks the sediment
Advising others not to be hesitant or fearful of their talent, as their music has the power to break apart established norms and traditions


It's evident we medicine for your whole town
Asserting that their music and artistry have a healing and transformative effect on society, capable of positively impacting entire communities


Sky's the limit, game's infinite when I'm in it
Acknowledging that their potential and reach are boundless, as they are not confined by any limitations or restrictions when it comes to their talents and creativity


All windows is tinted, how you seein' me when I'm in it?
Metaphorically suggesting that their true essence and intentions remain unclear and hidden, as if their perspective or true selves are obscured by tinted windows


Rap, we got it on lock, man, stop that (gimme that)
Asserting their complete control and dominance over the rap industry, demanding that others recognize and respect their position


Put that mic back down, boy, drop that
Ordering someone who dares to challenge or compete with them to give up and surrender, dropping the mic as a sign of defeat


Pharoahe's flows blows shows like Afros
Highlighting the explosive and captivating nature of Pharoahe's flow and performances, comparing it to the iconic and attention-grabbing nature of Afros


We hate y'all though, that's why Nate Dogg goes
Disclosing that their success and popularity are driven partly by their disdain for others and their ability to express that through their music, with Nate Dogg providing the vocals on this song


Oh no
Expressing concern or surprise about a situation or event


Niggas ain't scared to hustle
Highlighting the fearless and determined attitude of individuals who are willing to work hard


It's been seven days, the same clothes
Illustrating the dedication and persistence of those who are fully committed to their work and have little time for personal care


Ask them originals 'cause they know
Referring to experienced individuals who have deep knowledge and understanding, encouraging listeners to seek advice from them


Mos Def, Nate Dogg, and Pharoahe
Acknowledging the presence of these talented artists in the song and the contribution they bring to the music


Step away from the mic, they too cold
Recognizing the exceptional skills and talents of Mos Def, Nate Dogg, and Pharoahe, emphasizing that they are a force to be reckoned with


The funk might fracture your nose
Warning that the captivating and intense energy of their music might leave a lasting impact on listeners


Oh no
Expressing concern or surprise about a situation or event


Niggas ain't scared to hustle
Highlighting the fearless and determined attitude of individuals who are willing to work hard


It's been seven days, the same clothes
Illustrating the dedication and persistence of those who are fully committed to their work and have little time for personal care


Ask them originals 'cause they know
Referring to experienced individuals who have deep knowledge and understanding, encouraging listeners to seek advice from them


Mos Def, Nate Dogg, and Pharoahe
Acknowledging the presence of these talented artists in the song and the contribution they bring to the music


Step away from the mic, they too cold
Recognizing the exceptional skills and talents of Mos Def, Nate Dogg, and Pharoahe, emphasizing that they are a force to be reckoned with


The funk might fracture your nose
Warning that the captivating and intense energy of their music might leave a lasting impact on listeners


Oh no
Expressing concern or surprise about a situation or event


Look at who they let in the back door
Highlighting the surprise or shock that they have entered into a space or industry where they may not have been initially welcomed with open arms


From Long Beach to Brooklyn, they know
Recognizing the widespread recognition and awareness of their music and influence, reaching from the West Coast (Long Beach) to the East Coast (Brooklyn)


We rock from the East to West Coast
Emphasizing their ability to captivate audiences and create great music that resonates with listeners across the entire United States


Queens, salute the Pharoahe
Paying tribute and showing respect to Pharoahe Monch, who hails from Queens and represents the borough as an influential artist


Step away from the mic, they too cold
Recognizing the exceptional skills and talents of Mos Def, Nate Dogg, and Pharoahe, emphasizing that they are a force to be reckoned with


The funk might fracture your nose
Warning that the captivating and intense energy of their music might leave a lasting impact on listeners




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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