My Kung Fu
Mr. Scruff Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

[ INTRO: Mos Def ]
Baba-baba-baba-baba-baba, you been so good to me
When I was a little boy you were the only one I wanted to be
To be like pa duke and ma duke
How much I love the both of you
I know all the strain we been through
But it's of no consequence cause we're comin through
[ VERSE 1: Mos Def ]
Check it
I first studied my kung fu in the Brakalak
In the center of ( ? )
This had to be about ten years back
Before I ever even heard of a 24 track
Talkin about you was an MC was not the move
Cause if you said you had skill, well then you had to show and prove
And if there ever was a party, son yo, I would set it
And tell the DJ run the beat from (Ultra-magnetic)
I grab the mic and then I leave the party buzzin
Tellin all the honeys I was Slick Rick's cousin
When they knew I wasn't, but I had no shame
Pa, you know the name, the Mos always had game
Back in the day of the Rap Attack
When brothers knew how to act, before glocks and crack
And Vandy see was doin radio shows
And 'crossover' meant that you wore your mom's clothes
When Sweet G was talkin about the games that people play
I used to sit back and say: yeah indeed, someday
And as I grew older my kung fu grew better
Instead of shootin the humbles I was shootin ( ? )
And now my time has come
And now hip-hop's an industry polluted by bums
Posin with guns, they're puffin mad blunts
Aiyo, brothers just started rhymin last month
They gettin fat deals on any major label
When they only seen other people hold the mic cable
Five years ago when we was dancin house
When the DJ played hip-hop, then you walked out
But now you're hard, talkin about you paid mad dues
I used to see your ass abused wearin platform shoes
I ain't confused, who you think you're foolin with that get-up?
You ain't genuine, so don't waste your time
Riffin over here cause there ain't no chance
That you could break the sound, son, you ain't that advanced
Times are gettin critical across the land
Don't provide the be -boy, introduce the be -man - understand?
The M-o-s D is who I am, now check it out, y'all

[ CHORUS ]
My kung fu is the style you haven't mastered

[ VERSE 2: DCQ ]
At the age of 18 made a little money
And I needed some advice on how to live my life
Was goin through strife, people couldn't understand
That I was comin into my own, becomin a man
I had to have a plan cause I know what I'm here for
So I can't waste time, y'all
Gotta be on the ball and represent for my peeps
(Where?) In the streets!
I make beats and kick facts over fat tracks
It's all of that from the Brakalak
Goin through problems as a adolescent
A lot of troubles and turmoils, there was persistence
And I know that I stutter
But it don't matter cause I'm a bad -
I flip a verse either backwards, sideways
I rocks my [edited] from here, Mondays, Fridays
Saturdays and I get a weekend off
My [edited] ain't soft
(Well, excuse me, baby)
You paid your dues cause I'm the boss
So mother[edited] Bruce Springsteen and Diana Ross
Because they know what the time is
I rock [edited] for the fly kids, be -men, bouncin bass bombastics
Kick it drastic, you get tossed like an ash, kid
Youknowmsayin?

[ CHORUS ]

[ VERSE 3: Ces ]
Well, I'm sleek and I freak a beat
For you and your peeps to bump inside your jeeps
Your Acura, Honda or whatever
Bump it in the Benzi and get your head together
Strollin down the F.D.R.
Playin the microphone star
Deep in your car
With the thump-diddy-thump-da-thump-da-thump-thump
Pop up the trunk and let the bass bump
If you ain't got a ride, well, that's alright
Let the you keep you company on your hike
Trekin down the ave with your headphones on
Take em off for a sec, you still feel gone
You're pressin rewind, many, many times
I must rock the mic cause it's only right
Comin right up off of Eastern ground
This is how you get down, I hope you like the sound
Thermo offering number one
There's more in store, there's more to come
We far from done, no, the show ain't over
So when we comin through, don't say I never told ya
That





[ CHORUS ]

Overall Meaning

The song "My Kung Fu" by Mr. Scruff featuring Mos Def, DCQ, and Ces is an exploration of the hip hop culture through the lenses of various artists who have diverse experiences. Mos Def begins with a nostalgic verse that shows his gratitude to his parents and how they influenced his passion for music. He also reminisces about the golden age of hip hop when rapping was about talent and not hype. Mos Def talks about how he evolved as an artist and the direction that hip hop music has taken, which he believes is adulterated by unskilled rappers who get record deals just because they have social media presence. DCQ adds a verse about his struggles as a young adult trying to make it in the music industry. He manages to showcase his rapping talent, but struggles with speech impediments, which he acknowledges in the verse. Lastly, Ces finishes with a verse that is about enjoying music while taking a stroll, immersing oneself in the bass, and having a good time.


The song stresses the importance of a genuine passion for music and how the industry's current practices can be discouraging to truly talented artists. The chorus, "My kung-fu is the style you haven't mastered," emphasizes the importance of perfecting one's craft before seeking fame and fortune, in this case, kung-fu representing the artist's talent.


The song also reveals the artists' experiences and tells a story about their journey in pursuing their passion for music. It emphasizes how these experiences have shaped their music and how their own struggles and triumphs have influenced their perspective on the hip hop industry.


Line by Line Meaning

Baba-baba-baba-baba-baba, you been so good to me
You have been incredibly kind and supportive to me


When I was a little boy you were the only one I wanted to be
I looked up to you and aspired to be just like you when I was young


To be like pa duke and ma duke
I wanted to emulate my parents who were strong and admirable figures in my life


How much I love the both of you
I have a deep and profound love for both of my parents


I know all the strain we been through
I am aware of all the difficulties and challenges we have faced together


But it's of no consequence cause we're comin through
Those challenges are insignificant because we are overcoming them


I first studied my kung fu in the Brakalak
I began developing my skills in the art of hip-hop in the Brakalak


In the center of ( ? )
In an undefined location or community


This had to be about ten years back
This was approximately ten years ago


Before I ever even heard of a 24 track
Before I became familiar with advanced recording technology


Talkin about you was an MC was not the move
Claiming to be a skilled MC was not enough; you had to prove it


Cause if you said you had skill, well then you had to show and prove
If you claimed to be talented, you had to demonstrate it through your actions


And if there ever was a party, son yo, I would set it
If there was a party, I would take charge and make it unforgettable


And tell the DJ run the beat from (Ultra-magnetic)
I would request the DJ to play a beat from Ultra-magnetic, a respected hip-hop group


I grab the mic and then I leave the party buzzin
I take the microphone and leave the party with an electrifying energy


Tellin all the honeys I was Slick Rick's cousin
I would boast to the women that I was related to Slick Rick, a popular rapper


When they knew I wasn't, but I had no shame
Although they were aware I wasn't actually related, I didn't feel embarrassed about my claim


Pa, you know the name, the Mos always had game
Father, you know my name, and I have always possessed charisma and skill


Back in the day of the Rap Attack
During the early days of hip-hop and rap


When brothers knew how to act, before glocks and crack
When there was a sense of unity and positivity before the introduction of guns and drugs


And Vandy see was doin radio shows
Vandy See, a radio personality, hosted popular hip-hop radio shows


And 'crossover' meant that you wore your mom's clothes
The term 'crossover' referred to the fashion trend of wearing clothing typically associated with women


When Sweet G was talkin about the games that people play
Sweet G, a rapper, discussed the deceptive actions and behaviors exhibited by people


I used to sit back and say: yeah indeed, someday
I would listen and reflect, thinking that one day I would experience similar situations


And as I grew older my kung fu grew better
As I became more mature, my skill and proficiency in hip-hop improved


Instead of shootin the humbles I was shootin ( ? )
Rather than engaging in meaningless confrontations, I focused on honing my craft


And now my time has come
Now is the moment for me to shine and showcase my talent


And now hip-hop's an industry polluted by bums
The hip-hop industry has become filled with talentless individuals


Posin with guns, they're puffin mad blunts
They pretend to be tough and smoke excessive amounts of marijuana


Aiyo, brothers just started rhymin last month
These individuals recently began pursuing a career in rap


They gettin fat deals on any major label
Despite their lack of talent, they receive lucrative record deals from major labels


When they only seen other people hold the mic cable
They have only witnessed other people holding a microphone, lacking any real experience


Five years ago when we was dancin house
Five years ago, we used to enjoy dancing to house music


When the DJ played hip-hop, then you walked out
You would leave the venue when the DJ switched to playing hip-hop music


But now you're hard, talkin about you paid mad dues
Now you act tough, claiming that you have paid your dues and earned your success


I used to see your ass abused wearin platform shoes
I remember when you were mistreated and wore unfashionable platform shoes


I ain't confused, who you think you're foolin with that get-up?
I am not fooled by your appearance or attempts at deception


You ain't genuine, so don't waste your time
You are not authentic, so there is no point in trying to prove otherwise


Riffin over here cause there ain't no chance
You are attempting to deceive or impress those around you, but it won't work


That you could break the sound, son, you ain't that advanced
You lack the skill and expertise to create groundbreaking music


Times are gettin critical across the land
The current state of affairs is becoming increasingly dire nationwide


Don't provide the be-boy, introduce the be-man - understand?
We must evolve from being adolescent boys to mature men. Do you comprehend?


The M-o-s D is who I am, now check it out, y'all
I am Mos Def, and this is my identity. Pay attention and listen to what I have to say, everyone


My kung fu is the style you haven't mastered
My unique style and skill in hip-hop is something you have not yet achieved


At the age of 18 made a little money
When I turned 18, I started earning some money


And I needed some advice on how to live my life
I was seeking guidance on how to navigate through life


Was goin through strife, people couldn't understand
I was facing difficulties, and others found it hard to comprehend


That I was comin into my own, becomin a man
I was beginning to mature and discover my own identity as a man


I had to have a plan cause I know what I'm here for
I needed a clear direction in life because I knew my purpose


So I can't waste time, y'all
I cannot afford to waste my time, everyone


Gotta be on the ball and represent for my peeps
I need to be alert and represent my friends and community


(Where?) In the streets!
I will demonstrate my talent and dedication in the urban environment


I make beats and kick facts over fat tracks
I produce music and deliver truthful lyrics over impressive instrumentals


It's all of that from the Brakalak
Everything I produce is of high quality and represents the Brakalak community


Goin through problems as a adolescent
I faced various issues during my teenage years


A lot of troubles and turmoils, there was persistence
I encountered numerous difficulties and hardships, but I persevered


And I know that I stutter
I am aware that I sometimes stutter or struggle with my speech


But it don't matter cause I'm a bad -
But it doesn't affect my abilities or talent because I am exceptional


I flip a verse either backwards, sideways
I can rap in various styles, including reversed or unconventional patterns


I rocks my [edited] from here, Mondays, Fridays
I perform my music here regularly on Mondays and Fridays


Saturdays and I get a weekend off
On Saturdays, I take a break and have the weekend to myself


My [edited] ain't soft
I am not weak or lacking in skill


(Well, excuse me, baby)
(Apologies if my statement offends you)


You paid your dues cause I'm the boss
You have fulfilled your obligations because I am in charge


So mother[edited] Bruce Springsteen and Diana Ross
Disregard Bruce Springsteen and Diana Ross because I am the superior artist


Because they know what the time is
They understand the current state of affairs and the music industry


I rock [edited] for the fly kids, be-men, bouncin bass bombastics
I create music for the stylish and fashionable individuals, those who embody maturity and enjoy powerful bass-driven music


Kick it drastic, you get tossed like an ash, kid
I deliver my music with intensity, and those who oppose me will be swiftly defeated or ignored


Youknowmsayin?
Do you understand what I am saying?


Well, I'm sleek and I freak a beat
I am smooth and skilled in creating captivating music


For you and your peeps to bump inside your jeeps
For you and your friends to enjoy and play loudly in your cars


Your Acura, Honda or whatever
Regardless of the type of car you have


Bump it in the Benzi and get your head together
Play the music loudly in your Benz and allow it to uplift and inspire you


Strollin down the F.D.R.
Driving along the F.D.R. highway


Playin the microphone star
Taking the forefront as a skilled and respected microphone performer


Deep in your car
Immersed in your car and the music


With the thump-diddy-thump-da-thump-da-thump-thump
With the powerful and captivating bass


Pop up the trunk and let the bass bump
Open the trunk of your car and let the bass from the music resonate and pulsate


If you ain't got a ride, well, that's alright
If you don't have a car, that's not a problem


Let the you keep you company on your hike
Allow the music to provide you comfort and accompany you on your journey


Trekin down the ave with your headphones on
Walking down the avenue with your headphones on


Take em off for a sec, you still feel gone
If you remove the headphones for a moment, you will still feel the impact of the music


You're pressin rewind, many, many times
You keep replaying the song, repeatedly


I must rock the mic cause it's only right
It is my responsibility and duty to deliver an exceptional performance on the microphone


Comin right up off of Eastern ground
Emerging from the Eastern region and bringing my unique style


This is how you get down, I hope you like the sound
This is the way to enjoy and appreciate my music, and I hope you find it enjoyable


Thermo offering number one
This is the top offering and representation of my talent and music


There's more in store, there's more to come
There are additional exciting things to expect and anticipate in the future


We far from done, no, the show ain't over
We are still far from being finished, and the entertainment is not yet concluded


So when we comin through, don't say I never told ya
When we arrive or make an impact, do not claim that you were not informed




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: FRANCES NIEVES, JEFF PRINCE, DANTE SMITH, DENARD SMITH

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found