Roots Discussion
Nesian Mystik Lyrics

I need some hiphop, if thats quiet alright
Te Awanui is asking if he can listen to hiphop and why it's not okay for him to mix different genres together.

Can you please define, explain for me why
Te Awanui wants someone to explain hiphop to him and why it's important.

Can't I put hop with the hip
Te Awanui is asking why he can't mix different genres together, such as hip hop and reggae or hip hop and soul.

Melodies with the rhyme
Te Awanui wants to mix melodies with lyrical rhymes in his music.

Be myself, Keep it true
Te Awanui wants to stay true to himself and his music and not be influenced by others.

Soul driven through and through
Te Awanui's music is driven by his soul and his passion for music.

This be the message that I send to you
The message that Te Awanui is trying to convey is the importance of staying true to yourself and your music.

A discussion of the roots, the real
The song is about discussing the roots of hiphop and what it truly means.

There ain't no half stepping when I take the field
Te Awanui is serious about his music and won't settle for anything less than his best effort.

Yo so what the *&%$ is hiphop
Donald is questioning what hiphop really is and its importance.

I rock a platnium grill with chains
Donald is saying that he has a lot of bling and is trying to show off his wealth.

I wanna be like my man Ali G
Donald is admiring Ali G and his style and wants to emulate him in his own music.

You don't even know, The true definitive hiphop Is from the soul
Te Awanui is saying that many people don't understand the true meaning of hiphop, which comes from the soul and the passion for the music.

My definition of hiphop is what I'm on kid
Donald is saying that his definition of hiphop is what he's currently doing, which is showing off his bling and trying to be like Ali G.

4 core element foundations imperative, Seek the wisdom find your own definition
It's important to explore the four core elements of hiphop (MCing, DJing, graffiti, and breakdancing) and find your own definition of what hiphop means to you.

Can you define for me The definition of hiphop
The song is asking the listener what their definition of hiphop is.

When it's empty In the cup, Fill it up until your soul flows Rhythms all you got
When you feel like you're lacking something in your life, fill it up with what makes your soul happy (in this case, hiphop rhythms).

I'm so hiphop I rock an american accent
Feleti is saying that he's so hiphop, he even has an American accent when he raps.

I'm so hiphop cause I always curse when I rap
Feleti is saying that he curses a lot when he raps, which he thinks makes him more hiphop.

I'm from the slum and I've lived a deprived life
Feleti is saying that he's had a tough life growing up and that reflects in his music.

My lyrics penetrate your ear lobes And stab you in the brain
Donald's lyrics are meant to stick in your head and make you think about them long after you've stopped listening to the song.

You talking about being spiritual I'm all about the visuals
Donald is saying that he's more concerned with the physical, material aspects of life rather than the spiritual or emotional.

First expressions of our long life lessons Of hard times, still so many questions
The song is about how hiphop has been a way for people to express the hard times and challenges they've faced in life, but there are still many unanswered questions about what hiphop truly means and represents.

The truth ain't so far from the cradle
The truth about who you are and what you believe in isn't something far off or hard to find, it's something that's been there all along (since birth).

Where you once rocked in your sleep And you mama sung sweet melodies Prayed to the lord for your soul to keep
The song is referencing childhood memories and how our mothers and families are often the ones who instill values and beliefs in us from a young age.