Masquerade
P-Nuckle Lyrics
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Rappers whatever you call yourselves pack your bags and get outta town
'Cause I'ma strike down on thee with grave vengeance and furious anger
Those who attempt to poison the hood
I'ma let y'all know the preacher's son is back! (Waiya!)
Uh, Refugees
One time, M.O.P. (oh, oh, oh, oh)
Now the world is in trouble, come on (oh, oh)
Yo, you're number one on the charts! (You're a masquerade!)
Paying for your Billboard slots! (You're a masquerade!)
Because the block knows hot! (You're a masquerade!)
You're livin' in a, you're livin in a (masquerade!)
I'm on first so this ain't a rap verse it's more like a voodoo curse
So when you die kids'll throw rocks at your hearse
'Cause you lie too much you ain't got no gat at your arms reach
Just aimed it at your headpiece now you pissin' in your briefs
Hold up we just saw you on your BET, your MTV
Your public access channel talkin' bout 'I'm a thug!'
You're an animal, a cannibal, you even scared Hannibal
But when the blackout came, no lights for your candles
So welcome to the real world where a spade is a spade
And I'ma call it like I see it and ya'll livin in a masquerade
Even though Jacob iced you out with the baguette
Money with no respect, that makes you a suspect
So you can't ride through Brownsville
You wan't peace, you better call Churchill
If not feel Clef when he connects with M.O.P. family
And plays guitar at your eulogy
You wanna claim you run the blocks! (You're a masquerade!)
Givin' information to the cops! (You're a masquerade!)
How come you've never seen a rock! (You're a masquerade!)
You're livin' in a, you're livin in a (masquerade!)
Now you grimey little bastards line up, times up, I'm up
(They see it) William Danze'll show you how to get it crunk
(I'm still) plottin' with Fox (to death) I do it with Clef
(Forever) We're world mackin' thats to the death
Nigga blast (blast) blast royalty you dumpsters better get back
Before you get a setback and get clapped
That's it and that's that, clap!
(Blow! Blow! Blow! Blow! Blow! Blow! Blow! Blow! Blow! Blow! Blow! Blow! Blow!)
Now I'm gone nigga haul that
Take all that and fall back
I kick too much ass (kick ass) to rock shoes by Prada
Fuck Gucci shoes Timbs mo' hotter (hah)
We still grip arms Brook Norm down shit
The street don't want that watered down shit
Nigga Fame we clear the whole stage (uh)
You don't wanna ride with us niggas we got road rage!
Now I'ma let my hoods out! (You're a masquerade!)
Unless you feedin' the dogs! (You're a masquerade!)
That's why we steal and we rob! (You're a masquerade!)
You're livin' in a, you're livin in a (masquerade!)
Sixteen bars of murder here murder baby this ain't a facade
Niggas pumping they fist like they punchin' at God
Over ten years rippin' emcees I bring it hard
Don't make me split your chest and pull your guard
R&B singer the greatest and now barred
'Cause he been feelin' on booties of too young cuties
Got more bombs left you punk niggas
Reach to shake the Bumpy hand you got no arms left
You ain't a pimp nigga you ain't a mack
You keep bitches in the house all day I keep them on the track
Drinkin' coke cold wearin' long mink coats black
Hear them twelve inch stillettos tappin' through the ghetto
I can see it in your eyes lil nigga you ain't a part
Of shake a niggas hand, shake a nigga hard
I keep the underground in shape and never be soft
You wanna make it like the fat naked bitches turnin' me off!
Now I'ma let my hoods out! (You're a masquerade!)
Unless you feedin' the dogs! (You're a masquerade!)
That's why we steal and we rob! (You're a masquerade!)
You're livin' in a, you're livin in a (masquerade!)
Miri Ben-Ari won't you take 'em to the Middle East
Uh uh uh (uh) uh (uh)
Yeah (yeah) yeah (uh) yeah (yeah) waiya!
The song "Masquerade" by P-Nuckle addresses the state of the music industry and calls out rappers who are inauthentic and dishonest in their portrayal of themselves. The lyrics express frustration and anger towards these rappers who claim to be something they're not, and warns them to leave the town. The artist asserts himself as a force to reckon with, vowing to strike down those who attempt to poison the neighborhood.
The first verse emphasizes the hypocrisy and deception in the rap industry. The artist criticizes rappers who lie and exaggerate their lifestyles, claiming to be tough and thuggish but failing to live up to their claims. They mock these rappers for being all talk and no action, using BET and other platforms to present a false image of themselves. The artist asserts that they see through the facade and calls out these rappers for living in a "masquerade."
The second verse continues the critique, questioning the credibility of rappers who claim to run the streets and give information to the police. The artist suggests that their claims are baseless, as they've never actually been involved in illegal activities. This verse also mentions Jacob, potentially referring to a jeweler who provided expensive jewelry to these rappers. However, the artist implies that money alone doesn't earn respect, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and genuine street credibility.
The third verse features collaboration with other artists, including William Danze, Clef, and Fox. These artists add their own perspectives on the situation, with lines about getting "crunk" and displaying loyalty. They emphasize their street credibility and warn those who underestimate them that they are willing to take action. The artists assert their dominance and declare that they will not back down, instilling fear in those who oppose them.
The final verse takes aim at various individuals who are not genuine in their actions. It includes references to an R&B singer who has been accused of inappropriate behavior and rappers who claim to be influential but lack the necessary abilities. The artist proclaims their own authenticity and talent, claiming to be the best in the game. They express their disdain for artists who prioritize materialism over substance and mock those who try to imitate their success.
Overall, "Masquerade" is a song that critiques the inauthenticity and deceptive nature of rappers in the industry. It highlights the artist's own credibility while exposing the pretentiousness and lack of substance in others. The lyrics convey a sense of frustration and anger towards the phoniness prevalent in the music world.
Line by Line Meaning
The streets is mad right now (tell em' why we mad!)
The current state of the streets is chaotic and anger-filled.
Rappers whatever you call yourselves pack your bags and get outta town
Rappers, regardless of how they identify, should leave the city.
'Cause I'ma strike down on thee with grave vengeance and furious anger
I will unleash my wrath and bring down punishment upon those who harm the community.
Those who attempt to poison the hood
Those who try to corrupt and harm the neighborhood.
I'ma let y'all know the preacher's son is back! (Waiya!)
I am announcing my return as the son of a preacher.
Yo, you're number one on the charts! (You're a masquerade!)
Being at the top of the charts does not represent your true self.
Paying for your Billboard slots! (You're a masquerade!)
Your success on the charts is a result of paying for recognition.
Because the block knows hot! (You're a masquerade!)
The local community recognizes that your success is superficial.
You're livin' in a, you're livin in a (masquerade!)
Your entire life is a facade.
I'm on first so this ain't a rap verse it's more like a voodoo curse
My words carry a negative, powerful energy like a curse.
So when you die kids'll throw rocks at your hearse
When you pass away, children will disrespect and show disdain for you.
'Cause you lie too much you ain't got no gat at your arms reach
You tell so many lies, you don't even have a gun within close reach.
Just aimed it at your headpiece now you pissin' in your briefs
I targeted your head, causing you to be scared and urinate in fear.
Hold up we just saw you on your BET, your MTV
We recently saw you on television networks like BET and MTV.
Your public access channel talkin' bout 'I'm a thug!'
You appeared on a public access channel, claiming to be a thug.
You're an animal, a cannibal, you even scared Hannibal
You are savage and terrifying, even intimidating Hannibal.
But when the blackout came, no lights for your candles
During a power outage, your supposed fame no longer holds any value.
So welcome to the real world where a spade is a spade
Welcome to reality, where things are called what they truly are.
And I'ma call it like I see it and ya'll livin in a masquerade
I will speak the truth, and you are all living in a false reality.
Even though Jacob iced you out with the baguette
Despite having jewelry from Jacob, it does not earn you respect.
Money with no respect, that makes you a suspect
Having wealth without earning respect makes you suspicious.
So you can't ride through Brownsville
You are not welcome to navigate through the Brownsville neighborhood.
You wan't peace, you better call Churchill
If you desire peace, you should seek assistance from a powerful figure like Churchill.
If not feel Clef when he connects with M.O.P. family
Otherwise, be prepared for Clef to join forces with the M.O.P. family and confront you.
And plays guitar at your eulogy
He will even perform a guitar tribute at your funeral.
You wanna claim you run the blocks! (You're a masquerade!)
You falsely boast about controlling the neighborhood.
Givin' information to the cops! (You're a masquerade!)
You are a fake, providing information to the police.
How come you've never seen a rock! (You're a masquerade!)
You have never experienced or witnessed true danger.
You're livin' in a, you're livin in a (masquerade!)
Your entire existence is nothing more than a facade.
Now you grimey little bastards line up, times up, I'm up
All you dirty, deceitful individuals should assemble because your time is over.
(They see it) William Danze'll show you how to get it crunk
William Danze will demonstrate how to get things lively and energetic.
(I'm still) plottin' with Fox (to death) I do it with Clef
I am still scheming with Fox, and together with Clef we will continue our endeavors until the end.
(Forever) We're world mackin', thats to the death
We will forever be excellent and influential, even in the face of death.
Nigga blast (blast) blast royalty you dumpsters better get back
We will blast and eliminate those who disrespect us, so you better retreat.
Before you get a setback and get clapped
Otherwise, prepare for failure and to be shot.
That's it and that's that, clap!
That is the conclusion, and it is final.
(Blow! Blow! Blow! Blow! Blow! Blow! Blow! Blow! Blow! Blow! Blow! Blow! Blow!)
Explosions are imminent, with a continuous display of force.
Now I'm gone nigga haul that
Now I am leaving, so take that with you.
Take all that and fall back
Take everything given to you and retreat.
I kick too much ass (kick ass) to rock shoes by Prada
I am too formidable and powerful to wear expensive Prada shoes.
Fuck Gucci shoes, Timbs mo' hotter (hah)
To hell with Gucci shoes, Timberlands are more popular.
We still grip arms, Brook Norm down shit
We continue to hold weapons and dominate the streets of Brook Norm.
The street don't want that watered down shit
The streets reject anything that is diluted and lacks authenticity.
Nigga Fame, we clear the whole stage (uh)
I, Nigga Fame, have the power to overshadow and dominate any stage.
You don't wanna ride with us niggas, we got road rage!
It would be unwise to mess with us, as we have intense anger and aggression.
Now I'ma let my hoods out! (You're a masquerade!)
I will now allow my fellow community members to reveal their true selves.
Unless you feedin' the dogs! (You're a masquerade!)
Unless you are providing support and nourishment to those in need.
That's why we steal and we rob! (You're a masquerade!)
That is why we engage in illegal activities.
You're livin' in a, you're livin in a (masquerade!)
Your entire life is a masquerade.
Sixteen bars of murder here, murder baby this ain't a facade
These sixteen lines contain brutal and honest statements, not just a superficial act.
Niggas pumping they fist like they punchin' at God
Individuals proudly raising their fists as if striking against God.
Over ten years rippin' emcees I bring it hard
For over a decade, I have been fiercely battling and defeating other emcees.
Don't make me split your chest and pull your guard
Do not provoke me, or I will open your chest and expose your vulnerability.
R&B singer the greatest and now barred
Even the greatest R&B singer now faces restrictions and limitations.
'Cause he been feelin' on booties of too young cuties
His actions of touching the behinds of underage girls have been exposed.
Got more bombs left you punk niggas
I have more surprises or attacks remaining for you cowardly individuals.
Reach to shake the Bumpy hand you got no arms left
If you try to extend your hand for a handshake, you won't have any arms left.
You ain't a pimp nigga, you ain't a mack
You are not a true pimp or a player.
You keep bitches in the house all day, I keep them on the track
You confine women to your home, while I have them working as prostitutes.
Drinkin' coke cold wearin' long mink coats black
Enjoying a cold beverage while wearing luxurious, black mink coats.
Hear them twelve inch stillettos tappin' through the ghetto
Hearing the sound of women wearing twelve-inch stiletto heels walking through the impoverished neighborhood.
I can see it in your eyes lil nigga you ain't a part
I can perceive from your expression that you do not belong or fit in.
Of shake a niggas hand, shake a nigga hard
Shaking a person's hand firmly, showing dominance and strength.
I keep the underground in shape and never be soft
I maintain the integrity of the underground scene and never compromise my authenticity.
You wanna make it like the fat naked bitches turnin' me off!
You desire success, but your actions and choices are unattractive and unappealing.
Now I'ma let my hoods out! (You're a masquerade!)
I will now allow my community members to reveal their true selves.
Unless you feedin' the dogs! (You're a masquerade!)
Unless you are providing support and nourishment to those in need.
That's why we steal and we rob! (You're a masquerade!)
That is why we engage in illegal activities.
You're livin' in a, you're livin in a (masquerade!)
Your entire life is a masquerade.
Miri Ben-Ari won't you take 'em to the Middle East
Miri Ben-Ari, please transport them to the Middle East.
Uh uh uh (uh) uh (uh)
Expressing uncertainty or confusion.
Yeah (yeah) yeah (uh) yeah (yeah) waiya!
Expressing enthusiasm and excitement.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network
Written by: Wyclef Jean, Farel Jean, Jerry Duplessis, Jerry Lordan, Jameal Grinnage, Eric Murray, James Campbell
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind