The group formed in East Orange, New Jersey, and first appeared on the music scene in the late 1980's releasing an album titled The Independent Leaders, under their then name The New Style. The album generated the minor hit "Scuffin' Those Knees". After the release of their first album, the group was subsequently mentored by fellow New Jersey native Queen Latifah and consequently changed their name.
Their first hit as Naughty By Nature was a track titled "O.P.P." ("Other People's Parts"), which sampled the The Jackson 5's hit "ABC" and was released in 1991 on their self-titled debut album. The album also generated another hit titled "Ghetto Bastard" (the track is often referred to as "Everything's Gonna Be Alright"). Fellow New Jersey native Tony D, accused Naughty by Nature of stealing a sample from his breakbeat album Music Makes You Move and using it on their track "O.P.P.". The matter was settled out of court. Later they had multiple hits from their third and fourth albums, titled 19 Naughty III and Poverty's Paradise respectively.
"Hip Hop Hooray" was a success from the album 19 Naughty III. Its video was directed by Spike Lee and featured other hip-hop artists popular in the early 1990's, including Queen Latifah, Eazy-E, and Kris Kross.
The group also scored a major hit with the track "Uptown Anthem", from the soundtrack to the 2Pac movie Juice.
In later years, Naughty by Nature started their own music imprint, Illtown Records, and released an album from their proteges the Rottin Razkals. The group (mainly Kaygee) worked closely with a number of rnb groups over the years particularly Zhané and Next.
An ongoing dispute between Kaygee and Treach saw Kaygee leave Naughty by Nature in late 2000 to concentrate on his Divine Mill label. The remainder of the group released an album in 2002 titled IIcons, using a variety of different producers including Da Beatminerz - the album however received a lukewarm reception from the public. Treach is rumoured to be releasing a solo album soon. Kaygee has been extremely successful building his Divine Mill imprint with 2 platinum plus albums on both (Divine Mill acts) Jaheim and Next as well as songs on albums from Syleena Johnson and Charlie Wilson among others. In May 2006 Kay Gee reunited with Treach and Naughty by Nature at a concert at B.B. King's nightclub. They will be working together on their next album.
Wickedest Man Alive
Naughty By Nature Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Mercifully mercifully mercifully massacre Naughty By Nature
Through it ever time comin at a dance
My man Treacherous MC go on let the saxophone man play a little
Make it lovely
[Treach]
You got beef well what we do talk to the bunny sunny
Funny that you should mention as my family they covered
Wassup to my cousins and my sisters and my Warner Brothers
Birds of a feather, flap and fold and be together
No matter what your whatever, endeavor, find us better
You mean he, she, them, him, those and others
Let's kill two ducks in one, pluck, initiate the trouble
For those who disagree, I maybe feel the need to front it
Show me your whole entire crew, two shoes and I'ma run it
Do you want it? Maybe so, but just know, we're rolling spreads
You claim you want it but you need it just about as much as a hole in ya head
This is a flow-er show, a product float a while ago
With a new swing, I think so, bring it, sing it, act like you know
And if ya don't, you won't by the time this track is done
Queen Latifah the sire, give em some, come
[Chorus: Queen Latifah]
Every time they coming at the dance, what you know
It's time for rum, man, yeah man
Every time they coming at the dance, what you know
It's for jamming, g'yeah know?
Every time they come, you know they come without the flow
Soon we have a single, they're the quickest out the door
The wickedest man, the wickedest man in dance hall, well ya know
I'm out for rum, come!
[Treach]
118th Street keeps production, conjunction junction nothin
Huh, what's your function?
I don't mean to be blunt or front, true or rude
How can he diss? Your honey dip looks like a honey dude
So keep it to yourself, greedy when you're in good health
So before you come and try the Treach, try yourself
'cause I ain't having it, remember act like you know
And if ya can't act jack, you best find the door
I hate to think a trade, I slot another, see ya gator
A stam yada, peace!, sasalama, lick em later
Yeah, you don't have a chance, but I see ya next
This track is KayGee's baby and he named it "Def"
I'm smoking in em, it's like chimneys, I ain't friendly
Fuck your fendy, I'm swinging for your diet kidney
Pimples are simple to pop, I want temple's op
Then slop your rock wit more flopping than a waffle spot
The wickedest man alive, I am what I am and I'm
Damn good to be a no good, hooded by
The wiggle in the middle, simple to party thumps
They call me the wickedest man alive, make em jump
[Chorus]
[Treach]
Getting it and hitting wit it a old fashion weapon when you're slipping, I got time
Try to stand and get rammed like a Stop sign
The bad just got worse within one verse
Put the shitty verse and reverse and this fella's first
Wrecking is second, so back with ya wacked disc
For candle after candle and still couldn't wax this
I be the wickedest while you're still the wackest
I need wallpaper to list what your track miss
This is a double decker from the head wrecker, neck and head checker
Check the check and who's def? Who's left ya?
Standing back canning ya, plan ta stay back
I'm down wit Kay's tracks, black, this is the payback, lay back, jack
I have you every which way but loose, blowing your sound proof
That's happening to me, your thanks for giving a neck noose
This comes naturally, all day and night
I make a party of all lefty's leave screaming out "Alright!"
Talking bout needing a lot more work than you had
Twelve years, twelve hundred, twelve inches and sold one
Who's getting done? Who's swifter? Who's badder?
You be able to get down wit some help in a step ladder
This is another song, we check out the style that I've
Picked and rip, I be the wickedest man alive
[Queen Latifah]
No rude bwoy, come test the sound of Treacherous MC
Massacre Naughty By Nature, crew come flec, man, eaze up
The song “Wickedest Man Alive” by Naughty By Nature is a unique blend of rap and dancehall. The track features an intro from Queen Latifah who narrates and sets the tone for the entire song. The verses are filled with a lot of wordplay, clever rhymes, and boastfulness of their lyrical prowess. The overt theme of the song is their dominance over their contemporaries, calling themselves “The wickedest man in dancehall”, and their readiness to take on anyone who comes their way.
One striking feature of the song is how they cleverly sample the beat of the saxophone, which becomes a distinguishable feature of the track. The song makes use of Jamaican patois along with English, adding to the authentic dancehall feel. Treach makes reference to Bugs Bunny, calling him “Bugs the thug with the money”, giving the song some comic relief.
The chorus of the song is repetitive and catchy, encouraging listeners to dance and enjoy the moment. Treach’s rap verses are aggressive and filled with bravado, calling out anyone who disagrees with their lyrics. “Wickedest Man Alive” showcases Naughty By Nature’s musical prowess, their incredible ability to fuse multiple genres seamlessly, and their confidence in their lyrical abilities.
Line by Line Meaning
Mercifully mercifully mercifully massacre Naughty By Nature
Queen Latifah pleads with listeners to show mercy on Naughty By Nature despite their provocative lyrics and instead enjoy their music
Through it ever time comin at a dance
Naughty By Nature's music has been enjoyed by many people at parties and dance events
My man Treacherous MC go on let the saxophone man play a little
Make it lovely
Treacherous MC is complimented by Queen Latifah and asked to let the saxophone player perform. The goal is to create enjoyable music for everyone
You got beef well what we do talk to the bunny sunny
He's the man Bugs the thug wit the money
Treach suggests that instead of starting a conflict, they can talk to the person who appears to have more power (Bugs) and resolve issues amicably
Funny that you should mention as my family they covered
Wassup to my cousins and my sisters and my Warner Brothers
Treach acknowledges that his family members and associates are involved in various endeavors but he loves them and supports them all
Birds of a feather, flap and fold and be together
No matter what your whatever, endeavor, find us better
People who share similar interests and goals will naturally come together. Naughty By Nature invites others to join them in their mission to create better music
You mean he, she, them, him, those and others
Let's kill two ducks in one, pluck, initiate the trouble
Treach disregards the differences between people and suggests that they work together to accomplish a common goal. He encourages people to solve problems in a quick and efficient manner
For those who disagree, I maybe feel the need to front it
Show me your whole entire crew, two shoes and I'ma run it
Treach stands his ground and challenges those who question his authority. He dares them to bring their whole crew and he will handle all of them
This is a flow-er show, a product float a while ago
With a new swing, I think so, bring it, sing it, act like you know
Treach boasts about Naughty By Nature's music and their ability to consistently create great content. He encourages others to follow their lead and act like they know what they're doing
And if ya don't, you won't by the time this track is done
Queen Latifah the sire, give em some, come
Treach is confident that anyone who doubts his skills will change their mind once they hear his music. He invites Queen Latifah to showcase her own talent as well
Every time they coming at the dance, what you know
It's time for rum, man, yeah man
It's for jamming, g'yeah know?
Every time they come, you know they come without the flow
Soon we have a single, they're the quickest out the door
The wickedest man, the wickedest man in dance hall, well ya know
I'm out for rum, come!
The chorus is about Naughty By Nature's music being perfect for dancing and partying. The song is so popular that even people who don't usually like that type of music are drawn to it. They want to have a drink and have a good time
118th Street keeps production, conjunction junction nothin
Huh, what's your function?
Naughty By Nature continues to produce great music, and they mock people who don't create anything of value
I don't mean to be blunt or front, true or rude
How can he diss? Your honey dip looks like a honey dude
Treach tries to be polite but he suggests that someone who criticizes him shouldn't because their significant other looks questionable
So keep it to yourself, greedy when you're in good health
So before you come and try the Treach, try yourself
'cause I ain't having it, remember act like you know
And if ya can't act jack, you best find the door
Treach tells people to mind their own business and not speak negatively about him. He warns those who still want to challenge him to prepare themselves because he won't tolerate disrespect
This is a double decker from the head wrecker, neck and head checker
Check the check and who's def? Who's left ya?
Treach is confident that he's better than anyone who wants to challenge him. He knows he can beat them in different aspects, and it's up to them to choose if they want to take the risk
Standing back canning ya, plan ta stay back
I'm down wit Kay's tracks, black, this is the payback, lay back, jack
Treach warns his opponents to stay out of his way because he's aligned with Kay and will defeat anyone who tries to go against him. He's confident and relaxed
I have you every which way but loose, blowing your sound proof
That's happening to me, your thanks for giving a neck noose
This comes naturally, all day and night
I make a party of all lefty's leave screaming out "Alright!"
Treach suggests he can control people and make them do whatever he wants through his music. He celebrates how good he is and how much joy he brings to people
Talking bout needing a lot more work than you had
Twelve years, twelve hundred, twelve inches and sold one
Who's getting done? Who's swifter? Who's badder?
You be able to get down wit some help in a step ladder
Treach challenges anyone who says he hasn't worked hard enough. He outsells those who doubt him and dares them to do what he does
No rude bwoy, come test the sound of Treacherous MC
Massacre Naughty By Nature, crew come flec, man, eaze up
Queen Latifah closes the song by calling all challengers to face Treacherous MC and Naughty By Nature's music. She believes no one can beat them
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: QUEEN LATIFAH, ANTHONY CRISS, ANTHONY SHAWN CRISS, KEIR GIST, KEIR LAMONT GIST, VINCENT E. BROWN, VINCENT VINNIE BROWN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@stuckintha90s
Treach is one of the top 10 most talented MCs of all time
@lagunaprmc8416
One of my favorite songs growing up. That beat is still 🔥🔥🔥
@mralgonzz
Ya man
@mrfreeze5524
The beat was probably inspired by my Kousin Joe rip 🪦 he was from east orange 🍊 nj naughty by nature did a good job with the track
@user-eh1xk7sp4e
Who's still listen this masterpiece in 2023 ? 👇🏿
@WD-fn8qx
Ain’t gone lie, appreciate Eminem for educating me on HIPHOP jewels like this. I already knew Treach was a beast tho, but never heard this one
@pinksunshine8843
Feel the flow is one of my FAVs. 90s was the best of hiphop. I feel bad for my kids and the shit that's on the past 15 years LOL
@gowmitch069
Thats such a shame
@johnlombardo7816
Welcome. One of the best albums ever glad he shed light on it
@bikotheanimator6169
The sad part is that you even needed Eminem. I don't listen to eminem and I never will. I am a 1990s kid. I only listen to 1980s or 1990s rap. I can't listen to another guy who steals music and takes over.