Her classic, critically acclaimed debut album Miseducation of Lauryn Hill went outside of the box for female rappers of her kind, making listeners think about greater causes in their community and how to be a powerful female without selling yourself short. The album also proved to be a huge landmark in rap, as it combined rap, r&b and neo-soul into a unique and beautiful mixture, full of different religious stories and concepts.
Although she retired after the success of her debut, mostly due to her child, Lauryn continued to make appearances at different shows (including at a concert with Drake in 2014). Shortly after announcing her official retirement, Lauryn returned to the scene to release MTV Unplugged 2.0, a live album where she explored with folk, departing from her rap/neo-soul style. Hill is also set to perform tracks from Miseducation in 2018 on its 20th Anniversary.
In a world where sex sells, Lauryn proved that her brand of empowering and soulful music is everlasting.
Ready or Not
Ms. Lauryn Hill Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yea
Uh huh
M S. M O N É T
It’s shot o’ clock on the dot
Is you ready or not?
Is you ready or not?
Check the fit it cost a lot
Is your ready or not? (What?)
Is your ready or not? (What?)
Is your ready or not? (Uh)
I could separate a broke nigga from his last dime
Got my own but never gotta spend it cause I'm that fine
He love the game but if I want to see him, he leave at halftime
He know them other bitches couldn't touch me, I’m a landmine
I keep that nigga at attention, he my soldier
He always wanna kiss me more, that's word to Doja
We could end it now and I ain’t beggin' for no closure
Never wife these niggas, he the Stedman to my Oprah
If I shoot my shot, I hit the target - I’m a sniper
Say she hate me, always tuning in - she a subscriber
Always scare the shit up out these bitches, call me fiber
Fuck a bark, be worried about my bite, bitch I’m a tiger
I keep the mood on young joc, it’s goin' down (goin' down)
Teeth pretty so you never catch a frown
Bottle wars we 'bout to get another round
They love a IT girl so I’m the talk of every town yuh
It’s shot o’ clock on the dot
Is you ready or not?
Niggas finna hit the spot
Is you ready or not?
Check the fit it cost a lot
Is your ready or not? (What?)
Is your ready or not? (What?)
Is your ready or not? (Uh) (Let's gooo)
It’s shot o’ clock on the dot
Is you ready or not? (Let's gooo)
Niggas finna hit the spot
Is you ready or not? (Let's gooo)
Check the fit it cost a lot
Is your ready or not? (Let's gooo)
Is your ready or not?
Is your ready or not?
The way I’m cutting up on niggas you could call me Edward Scissorhands
Invested in myself and now I’m living on the dividends
Lovin' all my choices - I could get the beam or get the Benz
Thinkin' that I give a fuck but knowin' I don’t give a damn?
That shit sound like a disorder to me
Keep my distance from these bitches, it's a border 'round me
You can keep the Casa flowin' I’ma, order 'bout three
Niggas braggin' bout a check but it’s a quarter my fee?
(No!)
I like niggas who adore me then Dior me
I like niggas who don’t struggle to afford me
I like niggas with the whips that sit on Forgi’s
I’m a chick that love to have some fun, please don’t bore me
(Lets gooooo)
All my pretty bitches to the floor (Lets gooooo)
We with some niggas and they finna blow some dough
We throwin' ass and it’s 'bout to be a show
Don’t come here on that broke shit, you scarin' all the hoes (Lets gooooo)
It’s shot o’ clock on the dot
Is you ready or not? (Let's gooo)
Niggas finna hit the spot
Is you ready or not? (Let's gooo)
Check the fit it cost a lot
Is your ready or not? (What?)
Is your ready or not? (What?)
Is your ready or not? (Uh)
(Let's gooo)
Is your ready or not?
Is your ready or not?
Is your ready or not?
Is your ready or not?
Is your ready or not?
Is your ready or not?
In the song "Ready Or Not" by Ms. Lauryn Hill, the lyrics depict a confident and empowered individual who is ready to take on the world. The repetition of the question "Is you ready or not?" throughout the song emphasizes the readiness of this person for any challenge that comes their way.
The first verse introduces the persona's self-assured attitude, showcasing their ability to attract attention and hold power over someone. They can easily separate a person who lacks financial stability from their last remaining money, suggesting their ability to manipulate situations to their advantage. Despite having their own wealth, they don't need to spend it because they are confident in their own desirability. The mention of a lover who is infatuated with them highlights their ability to command attention and affection. They hold the power in the relationship, as the person always wants to be close to them. The line "Never wife these niggas, he the Stedman to my Oprah" implies that they have no intentions of settling down in a committed relationship.
The chorus reinforces the persona's readiness for any situation. "Shot o' clock on the dot" indicates that they are alert and prepared at all times. The repetition of the question "Is you ready or not?" implies a challenge to others, daring them to match their level of readiness. The line "Check the fit it cost a lot" suggests that the persona values their appearance and is willing to invest in their image. This further emphasizes their confidence and their desire to stand out in a crowd.
In the second verse, the persona compares themselves to Edward Scissorhands, implying that they have a sharp and cutting personality when it comes to dealing with people. They have invested in themselves and are now reaping the rewards of their choices. They are unapologetic about their lack of concern for others' opinions. The line "That shit sound like a disorder to me" suggests that they find it strange that people would prioritize others' thoughts over their own. They maintain a sense of boundary and keep their distance from others, implying a need for protection and self-preservation. The persona also highlights their preference for partners who can afford a luxurious lifestyle, such as owning expensive cars (Dior me) and being financially stable. They enjoy having fun and expect others to keep up with their energetic and exciting lifestyle.
The final chorus repeats the motif of readiness and poses the question, "Is your ready or not?" This line serves as a final challenge to anyone who doubts or underestimates the persona's capabilities. Asking this question multiple times reinforces their determination and assertiveness. The repetition creates a sense of urgency and excitement, urging listeners to embrace the thrilling and adventurous nature of the persona.
Overall, the lyrics of "Ready Or Not" showcase a confident and empowered individual who is unapologetic about their control and readiness for any situation. They are not afraid to set high standards for themselves and those around them. The song exudes a strong sense of self-assuredness and independence, encouraging listeners to embrace their own power and readiness in life.
Line by Line Meaning
We ready?
Are we prepared?
Yea
Yes
Uh huh
Yes, I agree
M S. M O N É T
Introducing the artist, Ms. M O N É T
It’s shot o’ clock on the dot
It's the perfect time for action
Is you ready or not?
Are you prepared or not?
Niggas finna hit the spot
People are about to arrive at the location
Check the fit it cost a lot
Check out my outfit, it is expensive
Is your ready or not? (What?)
Are you prepared or not? (What?)
Is your ready or not? (What?)
Are you prepared or not? (What?)
Is your ready or not? (Uh)
Are you prepared or not? (Uh)
I could separate a broke nigga from his last dime
I have the ability to identify a poor man and take his remaining money
Got my own but never gotta spend it cause I'm that fine
I have my own money but don't need to spend it because I am attractive
He love the game but if I want to see him, he leave at halftime
He enjoys playing games, but if I want his attention, he leaves in the middle
He know them other bitches couldn't touch me, I’m a landmine
He knows that other women can't compete with me, I'm dangerous
I keep that nigga at attention, he my soldier
I keep that man focused on me, he is like my soldier
He always wanna kiss me more, that's word to Doja
He always wants to show affection, just like the artist Doja Cat
We could end it now and I ain’t beggin' for no closure
We can end the relationship without needing closure
Never wife these niggas, he the Stedman to my Oprah
I would never marry these men, he is like Stedman to my Oprah
If I shoot my shot, I hit the target - I’m a sniper
If I take a chance, I always succeed - I'm skilled like a sniper
Say she hate me, always tuning in - she a subscriber
Even if she claims to hate me, she always pays attention - she is like a subscriber
Always scare the shit up out these bitches, call me fiber
I always intimidate these women, they are afraid of me - call me fiber
Fuck a bark, be worried about my bite, bitch I’m a tiger
Don't just talk, be scared of my actions, I am fierce like a tiger
I keep the mood on young joc, it’s goin' down (goin' down)
I keep the mood lively, like the artist Young Joc, things are happening
Teeth pretty so you never catch a frown
My teeth are beautiful, you will never see me upset
Bottle wars we 'bout to get another round
We are going to continue with drinks and have another round
They love a IT girl so I’m the talk of every town yuh
People love a girl like me, I am the topic of conversation in every town
The way I’m cutting up on niggas you could call me Edward Scissorhands
The way I am dominating men, you could compare me to Edward Scissorhands
Invested in myself and now I’m living on the dividends
I have invested in my own success and now I am reaping the rewards
Lovin' all my choices - I could get the beam or get the Benz
I am enjoying all the choices I have - I can choose luxury items like diamonds or a Mercedes-Benz
Thinkin' that I give a fuck but knowin' I don’t give a damn?
Do you really believe I care when I actually don't give a damn?
That shit sound like a disorder to me
That sounds like a problem to me
Keep my distance from these bitches, it's a border 'round me
I maintain distance from these women, they can't cross my boundaries
You can keep the Casa flowin' I’ma, order 'bout three
You can keep the alcohol flowing, I will order about three drinks
Niggas braggin' bout a check but it’s a quarter my fee?
Men boast about their money, but it's only a quarter of what I earn
(No!)
No!
I like niggas who adore me then Dior me
I prefer men who admire and spoil me, as luxurious as Dior
I like niggas who don’t struggle to afford me
I prefer men who can easily afford me without struggling
I like niggas with the whips that sit on Forgi’s
I prefer men who drive expensive cars with Forgi wheels
I’m a chick that love to have some fun, please don’t bore me
I'm a woman who loves to have fun, please don't be boring
(Lets gooooo)
Let's go!
All my pretty bitches to the floor (Lets gooooo)
All my beautiful women, get on the dance floor
We with some niggas and they finna blow some dough
We're with some men and they're about to spend a lot of money
We throwin' ass and it’s 'bout to be a show
We're dancing provocatively and it's about to be an exciting performance
Don’t come here on that broke shit, you scarin' all the hoes (Lets gooooo)
Don't come here with no money, you're scaring all the women away
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@tshepomoloi7114
If you still rocking this in 2024 you are a legend
@Phapha_is_Me
Yeah 🎉🎉🎉I am❤
@zahirguerra5820
I am 👍
@jamessturman5040
Gotta be done ✔
@jv1969imisspaula
GMACididntcthistillnowiswearimdone
@jv1969imisspaula
Iwillneverlietoyouagainevnifidosumtthnwrong
@dmoney9896
Who is here cause this shit till bumps in 2019..
@racle8491
Bigup
@appie6466
Wag1
@norbertj5434
D Money i always liked da beat