Dance in the Reign
Phonte Lyrics

All systems go
Everything is ready to start

Thank y'all so much, thank y'all for listening
Expressing gratitude to the listeners for their attention

It's Phon-tiga
Introducing the artist

And I do this all for hip-hop
Claiming that he creates music for the love of the genre

I'm lyin' like shit, I do this shit for my goddamn mortgage nigga
Admitting that he also creates music to pay his bills and survive

And my bills, who the fuck am I foolin'
Acknowledging the financial stress that comes with being a musician

New tigallo new tigallo new tigallo
Reintroducing himself with a new nickname

Stand clear
Preparing the listener for what he's about to say

You are not a man if you cannot stand here
Challenging the listener to be bold and confident

Phon-tigallo make the Song Cry grown man tears
Claiming that his music is emotional and powerful

With the Bull City flow off the corner of Alston and Angier
Referring to his hometown of Durham, NC and his unique style

Sex symbol rap, you niggas is Pam Grier
Suggesting that his music is attractive and appealing, unlike other rappers

We throw bows like Bill Laimbeer
Comparing his aggressiveness to the basketball player's playing style

Plant fear the first time around, no do-overs
Emphasizing the importance of making a good first impression

Where the fuck is my glass of sangria
Expressing a desire for a specific alcoholic beverage

Get a sip, then get another sip
Indicating his enjoyment of the drink

Then go back to the mothership and tell them I'm on that
Referring to his record label and letting them know he's enjoying himself

Separate excrement, yeah that other shit
Saying that his music is different and better than other artists'

Run and tell mother it's clearly not your time yet
Asserting his excellence and telling other rappers they're not ready to compete with him

Cause you to me is Dr. Seuss to a Steinbeck
Comparing other rappers to a children's author and himself to a classic novelist

A pro with the prose, what a concept
Stating that he is skillful at writing and it's not surprising

Haha, and I cut this shit in half cause I ain't feel like waitin'
Laughing off the idea of waiting and indicating that he doesn't like to waste time

They say everybody got a story, so here's mine
Acknowledging that everyone has a life story to tell

It ain't heartbreakin', because I've taken
Saying that he's been through difficult times but has overcome them

The sour Grapes of Wrath and made Cheerwine
Referring to a famous North Carolina soda and saying that he's turned his struggles into something positive

They didn't see shit, nigga I feel fine
Suggesting that despite what others may think, he's doing well

You know that I'm real, ten years still here
Stating that he's authentic and has been successful for a decade

No worse for the wear, nigga I'm ill
Saying that he's still at the top of his game

And I'm still top notch
Reiterating his excellence and success

You niggas is better off playin' hopscotch in a minefield
Insulting other rappers and suggesting that they should do something safer than compete with him

Better off warring in the jungle with no camouflaging
Using violent imagery to describe the futility of trying to compete with him

Suicide mission, straight sabotagin'
Saying that trying to compete with him is self-destructive

Flow so addicting it's like habit formin'
Suggesting that his music is so good that it's addictive

Flow hair-raising it's like rabbit farmin'
Using humorous wordplay to indicate that his music is thrilling

Peter Cottontail hopping over beats or rocking
Using a childhood character to describe his musical style

Acappells since the days of Akinyele nigga
Saying that he's been making music without beats since the '90s

I'm back in the kitchen with a silk apron
Referring to himself as a chef in the rap game

Let that boy sauté
Inviting the listener to sit back and enjoy his music

I said let me know the troubles on your mind youngblood
Opening up a conversation with a listener or contemporary

And Lord willing me and you will solve them
Suggesting that he's here to help the listener or contemporary find solutions to their problems

He said Tay I worry about you in the rap game
Recalling a conversation with someone that's concerned for his success

I said motherfucker go and get a real problem
Asserting that his rap career is not a real problem compared to other issues in life

Please beg pardon but I'm not starvin'
Requesting an apology for assuming he's in a dire financial situation

This rap shit is not the life I live
Explaining that his music career is just a part of his life

It's a tool that I use, that's it
Saying that he uses music as a means to an end, not as the end goal itself

No great fortune to show for it but fortunate
Acknowledging that he's not extremely wealthy from his music career, but fortunate to do what he loves

That no one can say his life ain't his
Asserting that he's in control of his own life, and that no one can judge his choices

Some might even say underachiever cause they are not believers
Saying that some people doubt his success or think he's not doing enough

That I don't want the world, but I done seen the world
Explaining that he's content with his life and doesn't need fame or fortune

And if you ever saw it, hell, you wouldn't want it either
Suggesting that the world is not as glamorous as it may seem

I don't need a kingdom, just want a home
Saying that he's not seeking power or fame, just a place to call his own

You can take a seat or you can take the throne
Letting the listener decide if they want to follow his lead or not

As long as it is known ain't a damn thing changed
Suggesting that he hasn't changed and that his authenticity remains the same

Still the underground king, nigga dance in the reign
Claiming that he's still the best underground rapper and encouraging people to enjoy his music

Holla
Ending the song with a shout-out or exclamation

I feel so glad that I made it, I couldn't ask for more
Expressing happiness and satisfaction with what he's accomplished

This world is yours for the taking, what are you waiting for
Encouraging the listener to go after their dreams and not waste any time