He was given the name Papoose by his grandmother because of his childhood resemblance to an American Indian child. Inspired by rap legends Rakim, Kool G Rap and Big Daddy Kane, he has been well respected on the underground hip-hop circuit for a long period of time now.
In early 2006, his StreetSweepers crew linked up with Busta Rhymes' Flipmode Inkprint to co-executive produce Papoose's first official album. On August 24, 2006, his official website officially announced that he signed with Jive Records, a deal which, according to his management's official website was worth $1.5 million.
Papoose has recently become known for engaging in charity work, visiting sick children and donated to causes including the Make-A-Wish Foundation and to various Hurricane Katrina charities.
On September 19, 2007 DJ Kay Slay announced that Papoose and himself have parted ways from Jive records. "We have officially gotten our release from Jive fuckin records. It was like a fuckin year of hell... Unfortunately, we almost became victims of A&R hell." On the radio show slay was asked what was next for Papoose, and he said "You know we can't talk about that man." The future of the Papoose's debut album, The Nacirema Dream, is unknown at this time; however, Papoose and Kay Slay are rumored to own the records that were created under Jive.
Papoose is no longer affiliated with Flipmode Squad.
Hold It Down
Papoose Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
"Got to let you know where I come from"
"I got to hold down the city"
"Got to let you know"
"Let you know"
"I got to hold down the city"
"Got to let you know where I come from"
They thought I ran out of breath but I was just catching my wind
That only happens to them, I got to capture my win
I practice 31 days a month and I practice again
Was born equipped with sportsmanship so I just laugh and I grin
Victory is my objective, I don't have to pretend
Spread my wings like an eagle and let them flap in the wind
No guts, no glory, no pain, no gain, these are actions of men
My teammate is a warrior, got my back 'til the end
My offense is God-sent, you gon' have to defend
My crossover is vicious, I got more swagger than him
Hit the bottom of the net, or the back of the rim
Your style is a flagrant foul, your score, I'mma take it down
All of your trash talking was pointless, say it now
You're slacking and goal tending, my actions are bone-chilling
Got the home court advantage, I'm back on the road winning
"I got to hold down the city"
"Got to let you know where I come from"
"I got to hold down the city"
"Got to let you know"
"Let you know"
"I got to hold down the city"
"Got to let you know where I come from"
I got to hold the city down, anyhow, they gon' have to really bounce
Totally dominate the game in front of any crowd
I keep it 100 while you only keep it 50 thou'
I can conquer any style, victory is in me now
My time is now, who said it was later?
It comes natural, I got a competitive nature
Look at them guys when I'm coming, they be hiding, I'm hunting
Luckily, they've been ducking me, you see lots of them running
Challengers, I embarrass 'em, they a dime and a dozen
Full of fire just like a dragon straight out of the dungeon
I'm just rising above it, you just lied to the public
I serve a purpose, you nervous with butterflies in your stomach
Don't try to intimidate me, you couldn't scare me, will it?
I'm spontaneous, smart, dangerous, fancy and quick
My trainer told me to work, he ain't prepare me to quit
I'm the only captain who's sailing this champion-ship!
"I got to hold down the city"
"Got to let you know where I come from"
"I got to hold down the city"
"Got to let you know"
"Let you know"
"I got to hold down the city"
"Got to let you know where I come from"
In the song Hold the Borough Down by Papoose, he talks about his determination to represent and protect his city, letting people know where he comes from. He reinforces his dedication to perfecting his craft, using sports as a metaphor for his journey, as he practices relentlessly until he attains victory. He portrays himself as a warrior who conquers challenges and intimidations, and the only captain who sails his championship ship. He metaphorically spreads his wings like an eagle, determined to let them flap in the wind, push through the pain, and gain success. He's of the opinion that those who have no guts and take no risk won't achieve glory, and there's no gain without going through some pain. Papoose believes he was born with the sportsmanship quality, so he doesn't have to pretend, and his confidence level is so high that he feels he can conquer any opponent.
Line by Line Meaning
I got to hold down the city
I need to dominate and represent my hometown
Got to let you know where I come from
I need to show everyone the pride I have for my city
I got to hold down the city
I need to maintain my position as the top player in the city
Got to let you know
I need to make sure everyone is aware of my talent and success
Let you know
I want to make sure everyone recognizes my abilities
I got to hold down the city
It's my responsibility to keep the city's reputation strong
Got to let you know where I come from
I want to represent the values and spirit of my city
I did all my laps in the gym, the sweat ran off my skin
I worked tirelessly to improve my skills
They thought I ran out of breath but I was just catching my wind
People underestimated me when I was only getting started
That only happens to them, I got to capture my win
I use my unique skills and strengths to achieve victory
I practice 31 days a month and I practice again
I am dedicated to improving and perfecting my craft every day
Was born equipped with sportsmanship so I just laugh and I grin
I have a natural talent and love for sportsmanship
Victory is my objective, I don't have to pretend
I am confident and determined to win
Spread my wings like an eagle and let them flap in the wind
I am confident and free to dominate
No guts, no glory, no pain, no gain, these are actions of men
To succeed, one must overcome challenges and pain
My teammate is a warrior, got my back 'til the end
I have a strong team that supports me and fights alongside me
My offense is God-sent, you gon' have to defend
My skills are so good, I am almost unbeatable
My crossover is vicious, I got more swagger than him
My moves are unbeatable and filled with confidence
Hit the bottom of the net, or the back of the rim
My shots are always successful
Your style is a flagrant foul, your score, I'mma take it down
My opponents' styles won't be enough to stop me
All of your trash talking was pointless, say it now
My opponents' attempts at intimidation failed
You're slacking and goal tending, my actions are bone-chilling
My opponents can't keep up with my speed and dominance
Got the home court advantage, I'm back on the road winning
I am used to being successful both at home and away games
I got to hold the city down, anyhow, they gon' have to really bounce
I am responsible for keeping the city's reputation strong no matter what
Totally dominate the game in front of any crowd
I am confident and successful no matter who is watching
I keep it 100 while you only keep it 50 thou'
I am honest and true to myself, while others are not
I can conquer any style, victory is in me now
I can defeat any opponent with my skills and confidence
My time is now, who said it was later?
I am confident and successful in the present
It comes natural, I got a competitive nature
I am naturally competitive and driven to succeed
Look at them guys when I'm coming, they be hiding, I'm hunting
My opponents fear and avoid me
Luckily, they've been ducking me, you see lots of them running
My opponents fear my skills and avoid competing with me
Challengers, I embarrass 'em, they a dime and a dozen
My opponents are no match for me
Full of fire just like a dragon straight out of the dungeon
I am fierce and unstoppable
I'm just rising above it, you just lied to the public
I remain strong and successful, while others pretend to be what they're not
I serve a purpose, you nervous with butterflies in your stomach
I am confident and successful, while others are nervous and afraid
Don't try to intimidate me, you couldn't scare me, will it?
My opponents' attempts at intimidation are futile
I'm spontaneous, smart, dangerous, fancy and quick
I am talented and successful in many ways
My trainer told me to work, he ain't prepare me to quit
My trainer taught me to work hard and never give up
I'm the only captain who's sailing this champion-ship!
I am the only one who can lead my team to victory
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Shamele Machie
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Mistyde
Did all my laps in the gym, the sweat ran off my skin
They thought I ran out of breath but I was just catching my wind
That only happens to them, I gotta capture my win
I practice 31 days a month and I practice again
Was born equipped with sportsmanship so I just laugh and I grin
Victory is my objective, I don't have to pretend
Spread my wings like an eagle and let them flap in the wind
No guts, no glory, no pain, no gain, these are actions of men
My teammate is a warrior, got my back 'til the end
My offense is God-sent, you gon' have to defend
My crossover is vicious, I got more swagger than him
Hit the bottom of the net or the back of the rim, uh
Your style is a flagrant foul, your score, I'mma take it down
All of your trash talking was pointless, say it now
You're slacking and goaltending, my actions are bone-chilling
Got the home court advantage, I'm back on the road winning (road winning)
I gotta hold the city down, anyhow, they gon' have to really bounce
Totally dominate the game in front of any crowd
I keep it 100 while you only keep it 50 thou'
I can conquer any style, victory is in me now
My time is now, who said it was later?
It comes natural, I got a competitive nature
Look at them guys when I'm coming, they be hiding, I'm hunting
Luckily, they've been ducking me, you see lots of them running
Challengers, I embarrass 'em, they a dime and a dozen
Full of fire just like a dragon straight out of the dungeon
I'm just rising above it, you just lied to the public
I serve a purpose, you nervous with butterflies in your stomach
Don't try to intimidate me, you couldn't scare me, will it?
I'm spontaneous, smart, dangerous, fancy and quick
My trainer told me to work, he ain't prepare me to quit
I'm the only captain who's sailing this champion-ship!
Joe
This song definitely made 2k history.
Brayden Harris
How does it feel losing 2 games in a row Joe
Joe
@Brayden Harris We're still going 14-2.
Z
@Joe 4-11
Joe
@Z 4-11-1 get it right.
hydra
Stolen comment
- supreme -
I think I speak on the behalf of everyone as this being the greatest 2k song ever
bam
- supreme - yes
GodlyManners
This song is better than any song from 2k14 which is incredible
koki
Snoopy Doggy and that’s saying something Cos 2k14 had one of the best soundtracks OAT💯