It's On You
Pete & SmoothC.l. Rock Lyrics


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On you ("smile in my face, behind my back they talk trash")
On you ("mad and stuff because they don't have cash")
On you ("when I roll and stroll, cool always pack a tool")
On you ("just in case a brother acts a fool")

It's death before dishonor
Strap the vest down tight when you bring the drama
Now raise up off mine, and taste it in the raw
Before snipers on the floor galore, in my hardware store
Nightmares of thirsty crooks, niggas all acting fishy working off the books
Painting pictures of poverty, causing armed robbery
And if provoke every last one gets smoked
No doubt for real it's like wildlife
Where thugs forever pull caps and always keep a knife
Cause on the strip warefare's inevitable, hot steel's incredible
And it's a pride the revolution won't be televised
As I supply and demand, as I build my currency to expand, call it progress
When I bless my territory all respect due
But can niggas keep it real? it's on you

On you ("smile in my face, behind my back they talk trash")
On you ("mad and stuff because they don't have cash")
On you ("when I roll and stroll, cool always pack a tool")
On you ("just in case a brother acts a fool")

Step into the dragon's lair, where cl's the don and pete's the creator
Now praise the most high and represent the best
Cause the number one killer of black men is stress
The armed and dangerous, the bulletproof
Couldn't stop the homicide of another youth
Penetrating your body parts with hollow point shells, you fraud
Cause vengence is mine said the lord, indeed
My own click now turns greedy
Out of twelve of my soldiers, one will decieve me
With salt in the game, shame the family and push
My black ass straight into a terrifying ambush
The whole empire's at stake
Mastering the streets, devil the mental won't break and turn snake
For pete's sake you gotta be true to the crew
So if niggas want to set it, it's on you

On you ("smile in my face, behind my back they talk trash")
On you ("mad and stuff because they don't have cash")
On you ("when I roll and stroll, cool always pack a tool")
On you ("just in case a brother acts a fool")

Capture the beast within me, beware when it's moving deep in new york city
The diabolical gangster chronicle mob scenes in all directions
The type of connections to get your wig split
Submit the wanted signs posted, chickens spots for major knots you get
Toasted
To the head piece, I release firepower, only I'm controlling
We put in work and got the right brothers rolling
When hell kicks off we lick off
Keeping mine hard like stone from the red zone, to each his own
Smile in my face behind my back you talk trash
But my pockets hit empty and my lexus crashed
But not in your wildest dreams
Hear my name in all the scandals and all the schemes, I rest in queens
The veronville's my capital, so memorize the cuts
Then give you two more seconds to get off these nuts, it's on you

On you ("smile in my face, behind my back they talk trash")
On you ("mad and stuff because they don't have cash")
On you ("when I roll and stroll, cool always pack a tool")
On you ("just in case a brother acts a fool")

Check it, grap luva, if you're in the house
Just get on the mic and show 'em what it's all about

It's all about the wicked check one two
Cause I rips a microphone and pass it to my crew
I don't drink no brew, I smoke nuff spliffs, I don't have no riffs
So check me as I shoot the gift
Rip rhymes, freestyle rhymes
Off top of the dome every time
I'm glad this shit is going on tape




So I can escape into the beat and make nuff papes
Word to god, kicking nuff freestyle rhymes

Overall Meaning

The song “It’s on You” by Pete Rock and CL Smooth depicts the harsh reality of life in the inner city. The lyrics describe the constant danger that residents face, including violent crime committed by armed robbers and the stress that comes from living in such difficult circumstances. The chorus repeats the words “On you”, reminding listeners that they must take responsibility for their own survival in this dangerous environment.


The lyrics also explore issues of trust and loyalty among friends and associates. The rappers describe how even those closest to them can turn against them for personal gain or out of a desire for power. They make it clear that anyone hoping to survive in this world must always be vigilant and prepared to defend themselves.


Some other notable themes include the importance of family and community support, as well as the idea that success can only be achieved through hard work and persistence. The song ultimately paints a bleak but realistic picture of life in the inner city, highlighting the challenges and dangers that residents face on a daily basis.


Line by Line Meaning

On you
People talk behind your back while pretending to be nice to your face


On you
People get angry and resentful because they don't have money like you do


On you
Carrying a weapon is necessary in case someone tries to act violently toward you


On you
Violence is a reality and danger is always present


It's death before dishonor
One should choose death before betraying their own values


Strap the vest down tight when you bring the drama
Prepare for confrontation and protect yourself


Now raise up off mine, and taste it in the raw
Stay away from me and accept the real consequences of your actions


Before snipers on the floor galore, in my hardware store
Threats of violence are everywhere and I am always prepared


Nightmares of thirsty crooks, niggas all acting fishy working off the books
Criminals are always lurking and trying to cheat the system


Painting pictures of poverty, causing armed robbery
Criminals often use poverty as an excuse for their actions


And if provoke every last one gets smoked
Violence is inevitable and retribution will be swift


No doubt for real it's like wildlife
Living in a dangerous environment is like living in the wild


Where thugs forever pull caps and always keep a knife
Violence and weapons are a constant presence


Cause on the strip warefare's inevitable, hot steel's incredible
Violence erupts often and weapons are deadly


And it's a pride the revolution won't be televised
The struggle for power and control is often unseen and hidden


As I supply and demand, as I build my currency to expand, call it progress
Growing wealth is seen as progress in society


When I bless my territory all respect due
I expect respect for the areas that I control


But can niggas keep it real? it's on you
Can people be honest and true? The responsibility is theirs


Step into the dragon's lair, where cl's the don and pete's the creator
Enter a dangerous place where Cl is the leader and Pete is the creator


Now praise the most high and represent the best
Acknowledge a higher power and represent the best version of yourself


Cause the number one killer of black men is stress
Stress is a major cause of death among black men


The armed and dangerous, the bulletproof
People are prepared for violence and have protection


Couldn't stop the homicide of another youth
Protective measures are not always effective at preventing death


My own click now turns greedy
Even those closest to me can become selfish and greedy


Out of twelve of my soldiers, one will decieve me
Betrayal and deceit is a common occurrence among those close to me


With salt in the game, shame the family and push
Through deceit, people can harm not only me but also my family


The whole empire's at stake
Everything I have built is at risk


Mastering the streets, devil the mental won't break and turn snake
To survive, one must master the dangerous streets without giving in to temptation


For pete's sake you gotta be true to the crew
To be loyal and honest to the crew is essential


So if niggas want to set it, it's on you
If people want conflict, the responsibility is on them


Capture the beast within me, beware when it's moving deep in new york city
Beware of the violent side of me when I am in the dangerous streets of New York City


The diabolical gangster chronicle mob scenes in all directions
Gangsters are everywhere and violence is a constant


The type of connections to get your wig split
The connections that gangsters have can lead to deadly consequences


Submit the wanted signs posted, chickens spots for major knots you get
Surrender to the posted signs and receive cash rewards for information on criminals


Toasted to the head piece, I release firepower, only I'm controlling
I use deadly force to protect myself and I am in control


We put in work and got the right brothers rolling
Through hard work, we have gained support from trustworthy people


When hell kicks off we lick off
When violence erupts, we are ready to respond


Keeping mine hard like stone from the red zone, to each his own
I am tough and unyielding in dangerous areas, and everyone must do what is necessary to survive


But not in your wildest dreams
Even in your imagination, you cannot fathom my experiences


Hear my name in all the scandals and all the schemes, I rest in queens
My name is associated with crime and controversy, and I live in Queens


The veronville's my capital, so memorize the cuts
Veronville is where I am most powerful, and it is important to remember who is in charge


Then give you two more seconds to get off these nuts, it's on you
You have two seconds to leave me alone, or you will face my wrath


Check it, grap luva, if you're in the house
Listen, Grap Luva, if you are here


Just get on the mic and show 'em what it's all about
Perform well on the microphone and show everyone your talent


It's all about the wicked check one two
It's all about the skillful use of the microphone


Cause I rips a microphone and pass it to my crew
I perform well on the microphone and then pass it to my group members


I don't drink no brew, I smoke nuff spliffs, I don't have no riffs
I do not drink alcohol, but I do smoke a lot of marijuana, and I have no problems with anyone


So check me as I shoot the gift
Watch me perform well on the microphone


Rip rhymes, freestyle rhymes
Perform well on the microphone with written or improvised rhymes


Off top of the dome every time
Improvised rhymes without preparation every time


I'm glad this shit is going on tape
I am happy that someone is recording this performance


So I can escape into the beat and make nuff papes
I can lose myself in the music and make a lot of money


Word to god, kicking nuff freestyle rhymes
I swear to God, I am performing well with improvised rhymes




Lyrics © Royalty Network Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: COREY PENN, PETE PHILLIPS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@4u2cre8

Almost 30 years later, and STILL one of the greatest Hip-Hop songs ever made.

@bigboyope

Facts 👍🏾

@NorakTheDon

Ever made!!!

@NAzTRAdamUS

still fresh

@shocker3448

You can just tell when shit real 🤦🏾‍♂️ this definitely top 25 one of the best Hip hop rap songs in history🔊 🔊🎵🎶🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤🎧

@davidgerald133

Omg...30 years.....wow I'm old lol

101 More Replies...

@ebonpaladin

2024, ya out there? Man, there are songs, then there are songs that are anthems - this is one of the anthems of the 90s. What were you doin when this hit dropped? I was still a teen running amok in the streets in NY, loving life and not knowing what the future held...

@BLAZENYCBLACKOPS

This is the jam.

@JayzoTheNextKobeBryant2.0

Who All Still Listening To This Song In 2024 ?

@nscurge

The 90’s was the best era for hip-hop

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