Initially working with Kevin Harper a.k.a Boy Wonder their first release was the massive underground hit 'Dextrous' which sampled the as yet unknown A Guy Called Gerald's 'Voodoo Ray' on their own Poverty Records label.
Along with Unique 3 'The Theme' ,The Forgemasters 'The Track With No Name' and LFO 'Frequencies' this was one of the defining tracks of the Northern Bleep movement.
The album 'Car Boot Soul' also featured the knock out vocals and keyboards of Sarah Winton.
The duo also hosted their own night 'The Downbeat', initially at Rickys, Leeds before moving to the larger Warehouse Club, Leeds.
Keep On
Nightmares on Wax Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We just keep on rockin' (7x)
86'in it
We was 5 bricks in it
Had the sticks and the 40's all thick in it
Workin hard like we cotton-pickin it
Now we shittin it
Herb spittin it
Atom and neutron headz splittin it
Keep the clique (?) you know whatever syncin it
Press the record button start printin it
Now she winkin it
I's trickin it
Stuffed about a couple-a inch in it
UK represent, U-Kickin it
Wide open, stop you from blinkin it
We be overseas, battleship sinkin it
Your rhymes sound like you put no think in it
You out for the Rolly look and the mink in it
While we sportin the real roller-rink in it
Skate like we wearin the ice to infinite
Bout it like we runnin with P and No Limit
Straight and no gimmick
We all bout to it (?)
From Piccadilly Circus down to Conduit
Ask how we do it
Keepin the fix in it
Lay some old shit, complete the mix in it
Expenses we trimmin, I'm out to afford
I'm tryin to even see the lawn from backyard to the brawl (?)
From Capetown to Leeds (we just keep on rockin)
We at incredible speeds (we just keep on rockin)
LA over to France, we make your hoes dance
Fulfillin all your needs (we just keep on rockin)
And wild out to London (we just keep on rockin)
You know how we run it (we just keep on rockin)
Whether the mountains of Maine or beaches out in Spain
We out to go sun it (we just keep on rockin)
Yo, take your style to the back, to the back of the bus
We front seat drive, no one else stares but us
Never the act of, I activate the jam
That be my life Baby J (?) and you know who I am
The fans pulling cameras out like guns to shoot
We got this rap shit tied without the suit
Lookin for loot, in all the right places to look
And tonight it's in your pocket so pay these cooks
Cause we servin up a batch of the words to match
Hand delivered with some drugs that Mace attached (Maceo!)
My combos concrete, ask the fleet
Or better yet ask your crew who knows defeat
But beyond that I be the capital cat (?)
Known to dog a girl out with wax or dat (all that?)
Bring official illustration to woman and man
Solo, individual, group or clan
Put the chap (?) to the neck to watch you nod
Flippin rhymes on the even, off the odd
Fresh off the pod, I got the gifted place
What you need to taste up in your face
Straight with no chase, move on and on
We splicin projects with some herbal-ons (?)
De La never pitchin you run of the mill
So watch my infantry storm all over the hill
40 below in Alaska (we just keep on rockin)
To the folks in Madagascar (we just keep on rockin)
When we in Philly eatin cheese steaks with Aunt Milly
We still gonna blast ya (we just keep on rockin)
Up in the Alps of Switzerland (we just keep on rockin)
To the white cliffs of Dover (we just keep on rockin)
High tech like Japan, and out to Scotland
Where they ain't never sober (we just keep on rockin)
It's singulary like the Odd Couple, kinda hot on the pavement
Your style is pretty like floral arrangements
Engaged but, she bitchin bout the wedding (word?)
Seen a lot of ass so where's my ass-headin?
Miss my Pro-Keds with the stripes on the bottom
Always cross my t's but my i's I don't dot em
See the rules ain't the rules if they ain't bein broke
We old-folkin it, got you smokin it
Herb communications cause we talk that talk
Whether Yorkshire or New York, New York
Deep from the sleeps, I'm gettin Nightmares on Wax
Fear can't exist if you got the facts
And if you gots to ask, well you ain't heard about us
Holdin more cream than the cream in clam chowders
We deep like Parliament, parts of it
We keeps at all ease from the start to get (?)
You can find my rhymes where paperbacks are sold
Place my backbone in it with my heart to hold
I work the zero with the ten in front, so what you want?
How much of it and where, I'll bring it to you fair
My brothers throughout Tab (?) call me Fly Care (?)
Pretty babies call me baby come here
You get on the choke, as if throat was filled with strep
While I inject the mic with rep
It ain't nothin but the step to take, never bringin it fake
Got the frontier wantin chicken heads with steaks
I paint this whole scene magnificent, magnanimous
Distort the mental court, like cannibus
For those who want the play, bring the pay
While I be rippin rhymes at the dock or the bay
Push it back on the fader (nah turn it up kid!)
While the beats stay bangin, directly engineered (damn!)
We in the bush of Nigeria (we just keep on rockin)
Diggin the dirt in Atlanta (we just keep on rockin)
Smokin that what in Amsterdam, just me and my man
While we duck in Dantana (?)
Now we in the middle of Queens (we just keep on rockin)
Jumpin like Mexican beans (we just keep on rockin)
Peace to my folks in Iraq, we sew the whole map
And stitch the inseams (we just keep on rockin)
Word up (we just keep on rockin)
International style (we just keep on rockin)
Takin it from the US to the UK with my man Ease
You know how we do it please oh please (we just keep on rockin)
Tai-uli (?) on the board (we just keep on rockin)
Cornego (?) in the crib-o (we just keep on rockin)
Wonderwhy in the area
I.C.L. posse in the place to be (we just keep on rockin)
You know how we do
De La, Mr. Maceo
We just keepin on rockin (x3)
Brick wall way, six feet tall way, you know how we do
Peace
The song "Keep On" by Nightmares on Wax featuring De La Soul is an upbeat rap song about the international spread of their music and their success in the industry. The repetitive chorus of "we just keep on rockin'" emphasizes their determination and focus on their craft despite any obstacles that may come their way. Through their lyrics, they discuss their origin ("from Piccadilly Circus down to Conduit") and the various countries they've visited ("From Capetown to Leeds", "40 below in Alaska", "up in the Alps of Switzerland", "smokin that what in Amsterdam").
The verses by De La Soul touch on themes of perseverance, artistic integrity, and authenticity. They use wordplay, metaphors, and cultural references to convey their message. The line "Your rhymes sound like you put no think in it" addressed the trend of superficial and uninspired rap music, which they claim to steer clear from. They also talk about their ability to adapt and evolve musically ("solo, individual, group or clan"), as well as their love for weed ("herb spittin it") and skating ("skate like we wearin the ice to infinite").
Overall, the song is a celebration of Nightmares on Wax and De La Soul's resilience and freedom to create their art without compromise.
Line by Line Meaning
We just keep on rockin'
We continue to thrive and succeed
86'in it
We were totally involved and committed
We was 5 bricks in it
We had a strong foundation
Firm like a silicon tit in it
We were confident and unyielding
Had the sticks and the 40's all thick in it
We were well-prepared and well-armed
Workin hard like we cotton-pickin it
We were putting in a lot of effort
Now we shittin it
Now we're creating something great
Herb spittin it
We're expressing our creativity
Atom and neutron headz splittin it
We're breaking boundaries and innovating
Keep the clique (?) you know whatever syncin it
We're maintaining harmony and unity
Press the record button start printin it
We're capturing our talent and artistry
Now she winkin it
Now she's acknowledging our success
I's trickin it
I'm improvising and impressing others
Stuffed about a couple-a inch in it
We're adding our own unique style
UK represent, U-Kickin it
We're proudly representing the UK
Wide open, stop you from blinkin it
We're captivating and engaging
We be overseas, battleship sinkin it
We're conquering new territories
Your rhymes sound like you put no think in it
Your lyrics lack depth and thought
You out for the Rolly look and the mink in it
You're focused on material possessions
While we sportin the real roller-rink in it
While we embrace authenticity and originality
Skate like we wearin the ice to infinite
We move effortlessly and smoothly
Bout it like we runnin with P and No Limit
We're passionate and dedicated
Straight and no gimmick
We're genuine and honest
We all bout to it (?)
We're all motivated and committed
From Piccadilly Circus down to Conduit
From bustling city streets to quiet lanes
Ask how we do it
Ask us about our process
Keepin the fix in it
We're maintaining our focus and dedication
Lay some old shit, complete the mix in it
We're incorporating classic elements into our work
Expenses we trimmin, I'm out to afford
We're being mindful of our expenses
I'm tryin to even see the lawn from backyard to the brawl (?)
I'm determined to see the full picture and overcome obstacles
From Capetown to Leeds (we just keep on rockin)
No matter where we are, we continue to thrive
We at incredible speeds (we just keep on rockin)
We're moving fast and achieving great success
LA over to France, we make your hoes dance
We can make anyone dance, no matter where we are
Fulfillin all your needs (we just keep on rockin)
We're meeting all expectations and desires
And wild out to London (we just keep on rockin)
We bring excitement and energy to London
You know how we run it (we just keep on rockin)
You know we dominate and excel
Whether the mountains of Maine or beaches out in Spain
Whether in remote locations or popular tourist destinations
We out to go sun it (we just keep on rockin)
We're out to have a great time
Yo, take your style to the back, to the back of the bus
Your style is outdated and irrelevant
We front seat drive, no one else stares but us
We take control and attract attention
Never the act of, I activate the jam
I never hesitate, I make things happen
That be my life Baby J (?) and you know who I am
This is who I am and what I'm about
The fans pulling cameras out like guns to shoot
Our fans are eager to capture our performances
We got this rap shit tied without the suit
We dominate the rap industry without conforming
Lookin for loot, in all the right places to look
We're searching for success in strategic ways
And tonight it's in your pocket so pay these cooks
Tonight, success is in your hands, so support us
Cause we servin up a batch of the words to match
We're delivering powerful lyrics
Hand delivered with some drugs that Mace attached (Maceo!)
Our music is addictive and intoxicating
My combos concrete, ask the fleet
My flow is solid and impressive
Or better yet ask your crew who knows defeat
Ask your crew, they know that they can't beat us
But beyond that I be the capital cat (?)
But besides that, I am the most skilled rapper
Known to dog a girl out with wax or dat (all that?)
Known for satisfying women with my style or presence
Bring official illustration to woman and man
We bring authenticity and realness to everyone
Solo, individual, group or clan
We excel in any setting or context
Put the chap (?) to the neck to watch you nod
I captivate and engage you with every line
Flippin rhymes on the even, off the odd
I'm delivering unique and unpredictable lyrics
Fresh off the pod, I got the gifted place
I'm fresh and talented
What you need to taste up in your face
I have exactly what you need to experience
Straight with no chase, move on and on
We deliver our message directly and consistently
We splicin projects with some herbal-ons (?)
We enhance our projects with herbal influences
De La never pitchin you run of the mill
De La Soul never delivers average content
So watch my infantry storm all over the hill
Watch us conquer and dominate the industry
40 below in Alaska (we just keep on rockin)
No matter how challenging or extreme the conditions are
To the folks in Madagascar (we just keep on rockin)
Even in the most remote locations, we continue to thrive
When we in Philly eatin cheese steaks with Aunt Milly
Even when we're enjoying local delicacies in Philly
We still gonna blast ya (we just keep on rockin)
We're still going to impress and entertain you
Up in the Alps of Switzerland (we just keep on rockin)
Even in the highest and most beautiful mountains of Switzerland
To the white cliffs of Dover (we just keep on rockin)
No matter how iconic or picturesque the location is
High tech like Japan, and out to Scotland
Whether in technologically advanced Japan or historic Scotland
Where they ain't never sober (we just keep on rockin)
Even in places known for indulgence and celebration
It's singulary like the Odd Couple, kinda hot on the pavement
We have an unconventional and unique style, attracting attention
Your style is pretty like floral arrangements
Your style is superficial and lacks substance
Engaged but, she bitchin bout the wedding (word?)
Even though she's committed, she complains about the commitment
Seen a lot of ass so where's my ass-headin?
Even though we've experienced success, we still strive for more
Miss my Pro-Keds with the stripes on the bottom
I miss the nostalgia and simplicity of the past
Always cross my t's but my i's I don't dot em
I pay attention to detail, but sometimes overlook minor things
See the rules ain't the rules if they ain't bein broke
Rules only matter if they are challenged or broken
We old-folkin it, got you smokin it
We bring a classic and timeless vibe, captivating you
Herb communications cause we talk that talk
We communicate through our music and lyrics
Whether Yorkshire or New York, New York
Whether in a rural area like Yorkshire or the urban hustle of New York
Deep from the sleeps, I'm gettin Nightmares on Wax
I'm exploring deep emotions and experiences in my music
Fear can't exist if you got the facts
When you have knowledge and awareness, fear disappears
And if you gots to ask, well you ain't heard about us
If you have to ask, then you're not familiar with our reputation
Holdin more cream than the cream in clam chowders
We have more success and money than you can imagine
We deep like Parliament, parts of it
We have a vast and influential network
We keeps at all ease from the start to get
We remain calm and confident from the beginning
You can find my rhymes where paperbacks are sold
My lyrics are as valuable as books
Place my backbone in it with my heart to hold
I put my passion and integrity into my work
I work the zero with the ten in front, so what you want?
I'm skilled and confident, ready to deliver whatever you need
How much of it and where, I'll bring it to you fair
I can provide the desired quantity and location
My brothers throughout Tab (?) call me Fly Care (?)
My friends and colleagues consider me skilled and reliable
Pretty babies call me baby come here
Attractive women are drawn to me
You get on the choke, as if throat was filled with strep
You're captivated and overwhelmed by my talent
While I inject the mic with rep
I infuse my music with my reputation and skills
It ain't nothin but the step to take, never bringin it fake
It's just a simple process, always being genuine
Got the frontier wantin chicken heads with steaks
We have a strong following and people crave our music
I paint this whole scene magnificent, magnanimous
I portray the music industry as grand and generous
Distort the mental court, like cannibus
I challenge and reshape conventional thinking, like cannabis
For those who want the play, bring the pay
If you want to enjoy our music, be prepared to support us financially
While I be rippin rhymes at the dock or the bay
I deliver powerful lyrics in any setting
Push it back on the fader (nah turn it up kid!)
We control the volume and intensity
While the beats stay bangin, directly engineered (damn!)
The beats remain powerful and expertly produced
We in the bush of Nigeria (we just keep on rockin)
We thrive even in the most remote locations, like the bush of Nigeria
Diggin the dirt in Atlanta (we just keep on rockin)
We find inspiration even in gritty places like Atlanta
Smokin that what in Amsterdam, just me and my man
Enjoying the local culture and relaxing in Amsterdam
While we duck in Dantana (?)
While we hide or take cover in Dantana
Now we in the middle of Queens (we just keep on rockin)
We thrive even in the heart of Queens
Jumpin like Mexican beans (we just keep on rockin)
We're full of energy and excitement
Peace to my folks in Iraq, we sew the whole map
We connect with people all over the world, including Iraq
And stitch the inseams (we just keep on rockin)
We unite and bring people together
Word up (we just keep on rockin)
Absolutely, we continue to thrive
International style (we just keep on rockin)
Our style transcends borders and cultures
Takin it from the US to the UK with my man Ease
We're taking our music worldwide with the help of Ease
You know how we do it please oh please (we just keep on rockin)
You know we're experts at what we do
Tai-uli (?) on the board (we just keep on rockin)
Tai-uli is in control of the music
Cornego (?) in the crib-o (we just keep on rockin)
Cornego is chilling in the crib
Wonderwhy in the area
Wonderwhy is present and involved
I.C.L. posse in the place to be (we just keep on rockin)
The I.C.L. posse is here and ready to continue rocking
You know how we do
You know we're masters at our craft
De La, Mr. Maceo
We're De La Soul, accompanied by Mr. Maceo
We just keepin on rockin (x3)
We continue to thrive and succeed in our music
Brick wall way, six feet tall way, you know how we do
Our approach is strong and unyielding
Peace
Peace and harmony
Contributed by Austin M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Carl Holmes
Nice one WavePortal !!!!!
Quinn Phillips
hey what picture is this? is this an album cover or what?
Primul Adrian
FUTURAMA!
lillupixie _
8yearsLater : ))
lillupixie _
& so are we !
skeletone T
Tune
Carl Holmes
WELL HELLO!