Skill Trade
Nice & Smooth Lyrics


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[Chorus]
Together we're coolin', the mic we're rulin'
Suckers we're schoolin', you better stop booin'
Skill trade (we know what we doin')

My name is Greg Nice I like to swing
Went to Canal Street I bought the dookie rings
After that, I bought a fur
Then I went to see the lady for a manicure
Cut my nails down low and my rings was glowin'
Around my neck the dookie ropes was showin'
Went outside, to the BM ride
With the VVS rims on all fo' sides
I was, butter soft had on fresh gear
Kickin' it live to the girl in the air
Baby doll, when can we hang?
You got my number, give me a rang
Called me up yo, late one night
Let's get busy 'cause the time was right
You know what she wanted, she wanted to do (What? What?)
Yo she wanted to date (what?) she wanted to ooh!
Took her to the movies, I took her to dinner
Told her I'm a vet, I ain't no beginner
Grabbed her hand and said, "Let's catch a cab
Baby don't worry I'll pay the tab"
Dug in my pockets, for the gusto
Big bills, had nothin' low


The S to the M double-O T-H'er
B-E-E no time to waste
Ah right about now I'm gonna reminisce
Of how a fly MC became a rap-ologist
Around the time when Chubby Checker, invented "The Twist"
I used to play spin the bottle, run catch and kiss
Smooth Bee's my name, that's what I said
I got a blue Mercedes, a big brass bed
I live on a hill overlookin' a view
And I came here tonight just to rock for you
So let's a rock y'all, and get down
Let's take a trip on a funky merry-go-round
You see, round and around and around we go
And when the funky beat stops everybody will know
'Cause there's a time and a place where we'll all have fun
And Smooth Bee will be your number one
Master of Ceremonies and you must admit
That I was, born and raised to make top hits
So vicious, malicious, and very discrete
I have mystical powers I perform any fete
I'm gonna be ranked at the top of my field
I'm gonna see my name in the Rappers Guild
With all the other rappers, who want to be known
I'll be boastin' with a gold-tone microphone
'Cause I'm death-defyin, never caught lyin'
Not a female's love I'm ever caught buyin'
Get so much sex that I might explode
And on a sperm count scale I'm an overload

[Chorus]

Yo, I'm a trooper, and I do loopers
I do stunts and I smoke blunts
Forty ounce of private stizzinock
Standin' on the corner, holdin' my jizzinock
Watching all the girls, pass!
Boy she got a big! (Ooh ooh)
Hey, baby, whatcha eatin?
Looks to me, like you be beefin'
Sneakin' by I saw you peepin'
Did you think Greg Nice was sleepin'?
I'm not rich like Donald Trump
And I don't have no big fat lump
Slouch, only on the couch
And if you fight me girl I will say ouch
(Ah yeah!)

[Chorus]

Smooth Bee guaranteed to make a mic sing
I'm Smooth Bee I'm guaranteed, to give you what you need
Not a sip not a swallow but the whole damn bottle
Got a lot of juice but my girl cut me loose
For a sucker with cazals and plate named Bruce
Little did she know that I'm choice and not moist
Undisputed rapper with a golden voice
An entrepreneur, undercover love
Man of the world with my life to explore
Minks socks leather suits shirts made of velour
Smooth articulate entertainer MC
I'm rappin' to a funky beat, my dialogue's unique
Every time she sees me she offers me a skeeze
She says, "Please Smooth Bee, please, please!
Let me ride in your blue Mercedes"
I taunt and tease as she drops to her knees
And I let her wipe my nose every time that I sneeze
we know what we doin'!

[Chorus]

A skill trade
We know what we doin'
A skill trade
We know what we doin'

Teddy Ted down with the skill trade
Slice and dice, he must get paid




Sip iced tea, and lay in the shade
You gaze be dazed as he will amaze

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Nice & Smooth’s “Skill Trade” is a playful, boastful rap about the confidence and competence of the two rappers. The track’s infectious chorus emphasizes the duo’s rapport and prowess with the mic, while each rapper luxuriates in their individual brags. In his verse, Greg Nice reflects on his aesthetic and romantic proclivities, carefully describing his fashionable “dookie rings” and “fur” in a suave tone. He pursues a woman who he eventually takes to the movies and dinner, all while boasting about his ability to pay the tab without worry. Smooth Bee charmingly addresses his audience, beginning with a nod to Chubby Checker’s “The Twist” and the games children play as he describes his talents as an “MC.” Additionally, he describes his luxurious lifestyle of “a hill overlooking a view” with a “blue Mercedes” and “big brass bed,” all alongside witty lyrics about his sexual potency and entrepreneurial savvy.


The rap giants’ “Skill Trade” track was released in 1991 and is an acclaimed classic in hip-hop culture. Known for its unforgettable hooks and witty lyrics, the song is a testament to the golden age of hip-hop in the 1990s. However, Nice & Smooth’s record label originally dissuaded them from using the track for their 1991 album “Ain’t a Damn Thing Changed,” fearing it would alienate their audience. Eventually, their label allowed the track to be included on the album, helping it become a definitive hit for the duo. Notably, the track became popular in the Los Angeles club scene and ended up being featured in the movie “White Men Can’t Jump.”


Line by Line Meaning

Together we're coolin', the mic we're rulin'
When we come together, we create a cool and captivating atmosphere on the microphone, showcasing our expertise and domination in the rap game.


Suckers we're schoolin', you better stop booin'
We are educating and outshining those who try to compete with us, so they should stop booing and start acknowledging our superior skills.


Skill trade (we know what we doin')
We are experienced and knowledgeable in our craft, confidently asserting that we know exactly what we are doing.


My name is Greg Nice I like to swing
I am Greg Nice and I enjoy living a flashy and extravagant lifestyle.


Went to Canal Street I bought the dookie rings
I went to Canal Street and purchased large, flashy rings.


After that, I bought a fur
Following that, I purchased a luxurious fur coat.


Then I went to see the lady for a manicure
Next, I visited a salon to get a manicure.


Cut my nails down low and my rings was glowin'
I had my nails trimmed short to enhance the visibility of my shining rings.


Around my neck the dookie ropes was showin'
I proudly displayed large, eye-catching chains around my neck.


Went outside, to the BM ride
I went outside to my BMW.


With the VVS rims on all fo' sides
My BMW had high-quality VVS rims on all four wheels.


I was, butter soft had on fresh gear
I was wearing stylish and trendy clothing, exuding confidence and swagger.


Kickin' it live to the girl in the air
I was smoothly flirting with an attractive girl.


Baby doll, when can we hang?
Sweetheart, when can we spend time together?


You got my number, give me a rang
You have my phone number, so please call me.


Called me up yo, late one night
You called me late at night.


Let's get busy 'cause the time was right
Let's engage in intimate activities because the timing was perfect.


You know what she wanted, she wanted to do (What? What?)
You know what she desired, she wanted to engage in sexual activities.


Yo she wanted to date (what?) she wanted to ooh!
She desired to go on a date and engage in passionate activities.


Took her to the movies, I took her to dinner
I took her out for a movie and dinner.


Told her I'm a vet, I ain't no beginner
I informed her that I am an experienced and skilled individual, not a novice.


Grabbed her hand and said, 'Let's catch a cab
I held her hand and suggested that we take a taxi.


Baby don't worry I'll pay the tab'
Darling, don't worry, I will cover the expenses.


Dug in my pockets, for the gusto
I searched in my pockets to find the necessary money.


Big bills, had nothin' low
I had large denominations of money, not low-value bills.


The S to the M double-O T-H'er
I am Smooth Bee, an MC with great skill and talent.


B-E-E no time to waste
I am focused and driven, with no time to waste.


Ah right about now I'm gonna reminisce
At this moment, I will recall and reflect on past experiences.


Of how a fly MC became a rap-ologist
I will discuss the journey of becoming a skilled and knowledgeable rapper.


Around the time when Chubby Checker invented 'The Twist'
During the era when the popular dance 'The Twist' was introduced by Chubby Checker.


I used to play spin the bottle, run catch and kiss
I used to participate in the game of spin the bottle, which involved chasing and kissing.


Smooth Bee's my name, that's what I said
I am Smooth Bee, and that is my given name.


I got a blue Mercedes, a big brass bed
I own a blue Mercedes car and a large brass bed.


I live on a hill overlookin' a view
I reside on a hill, enjoying a scenic view.


And I came here tonight just to rock for you
I arrived here tonight solely to deliver an outstanding performance for you.


So let's a rock y'all, and get down
Let's all enjoy and dance to the rhythm of the music.


Let's take a trip on a funky merry-go-round
Let's embark on a thrilling and exciting journey with the funky music.


You see, round and around and around we go
We continue to revolve in a cycle, constantly moving and evolving.


And when the funky beat stops everybody will know
When the funky rhythm ends, everyone will be aware of it.


'Cause there's a time and a place where we'll all have fun
There exists a specific moment and location where we can all enjoy and have a great time.


And Smooth Bee will be your number one
I, Smooth Bee, will be your top choice and favorite.


Master of Ceremonies and you must admit
I am a highly skilled and respected MC, and it is undeniable.


That I was, born and raised to make top hits
I was destined and raised to create chart-topping songs.


So vicious, malicious, and very discrete
I am aggressive, malicious, and extremely discreet in my actions.


I have mystical powers I perform any fete
I possess extraordinary and inexplicable abilities, capable of achieving any task.


I'm gonna be ranked at the top of my field
I am determined to be recognized as the best in my industry.


I'm gonna see my name in the Rappers Guild
I will ensure that my name is prominently displayed among the most esteemed rappers.


With all the other rappers, who want to be known
I will be among the elite group of rappers who strive for recognition.


I'll be boastin' with a gold-tone microphone
I will proudly flaunt my golden microphone, symbolizing my success and status.


Cause I'm death-defyin, never caught lyin'
Because I fearlessly challenge danger and never succumb to falsehoods.


Not a female's love I'm ever caught buyin'
I never fall prey to purchasing a woman's affection or love.


Get so much sex that I might explode
I engage in a significant amount of sexual activities, to the point that it becomes overwhelming.


And on a sperm count scale I'm an overload
Even in terms of sperm count, I have an excess amount, signifying my virility.


Yo, I'm a trooper, and I do loopers
I am resilient and steadfast, continuously completing daring and adventurous acts.


I do stunts and I smoke blunts
I perform daring feats and indulge in smoking marijuana cigars.


Forty ounce of private stizzinock
I have a forty-ounce bottle of a private and exclusive alcoholic beverage.


Standin' on the corner, holdin' my jizzinock
I am standing on the street corner, proudly displaying my private and valuable possession.


Watching all the girls, pass!
Observing and appreciating the beauty of all the girls who walk by.


Boy she got a big! (Ooh ooh)
Wow, she possesses a noticeable, appealing physical attribute.


Hey, baby, whatcha eatin?
Hey, babe, what are you eating?


Looks to me, like you be beefin'
Seems like you are involved in a conflict or argument.


Sneakin' by I saw you peepin'
As I discreetly passed by, I noticed you secretly glancing.


Did you think Greg Nice was sleepin'?
Did you assume that Greg Nice was unaware or not paying attention?


I'm not rich like Donald Trump
I am not as wealthy as Donald Trump.


And I don't have no big fat lump
I do not possess a large sum of money.


Slouch, only on the couch
I only laze around and relax on the couch.


And if you fight me girl I will say ouch
If you attempt to engage in physical altercation with me, I will express pain.


I'm Smooth Bee I'm guaranteed, to give you what you need
I am Smooth Bee, and I can confidently assure you that I will provide exactly what you desire.


Not a sip not a swallow but the whole damn bottle
I will not offer just a small taste, but the entire bottle.


Got a lot of juice but my girl cut me loose
I have significant influence and power, but my girlfriend recently ended our relationship.


For a sucker with cazals and plate named Bruce
She left me for a foolish and unremarkable man who wears Cazals sunglasses and goes by the alias Bruce.


Little did she know that I'm choice and not moist
She was unaware that I am highly desirable and successful, not inferior or inadequate.


Undisputed rapper with a golden voice
I am an unrivaled rapper, possessing a captivating and exceptional vocal tone.


An entrepreneur, undercover love
I am a versatile individual, skilled in various endeavors, including secret romantic relationships.


Man of the world with my life to explore
I am an experienced and knowledgeable individual, with many adventures and opportunities awaiting.


Minks socks leather suits shirts made of velour
I own luxurious items like mink socks, leather suits, and shirts made of velour.


Smooth articulate entertainer MC
I am a polished, eloquent entertainer and master of ceremonies.


I'm rappin' to a funky beat, my dialogue's unique
I am delivering my rap with a groovy and captivating beat, while my lyrics stand out as distinctive.


Every time she sees me she offers me a skeeze
Whenever she encounters me, she eagerly offers herself for intimate encounters.


She says, 'Please Smooth Bee, please, please!
She pleads with me, desperately requesting my attention and affection.


Let me ride in your blue Mercedes'
Allow me the privilege of traveling in your blue Mercedes.


I taunt and tease as she drops to her knees
I playfully provoke and entice her, causing her to eagerly submit.


And I let her wipe my nose every time that I sneeze
I permit her to attend to my needs and take care of me whenever I require assistance.


A skill trade
A profession or craft in which we possess exceptional expertise.


We know what we doin'
We are fully aware of our capabilities and competence in our chosen field of expertise.




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: DARYL BARNES GREG MAYS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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