Poor Righteous Teachers was a hip hop group from Trenton, New Jersey, found… Read Full Bio ↴Poor Righteous Teachers was a hip hop group from Trenton, New Jersey, founded in 1989.[1] Often referred to as PRT by its fans, Poor Righteous Teachers was known as a pro-Black conscious hip hop group, with musical content inspired by the teachings of the Nation of Gods and Earths. Wise Intelligent, as the lead MC, was the most visible and well known member of the group. Culture Freedom provided backing vocals and production, and Father Shaheed served as a DJ and producer. About.com ranked the group's lead MC, Wise Intelligent, number five on its list of the 10 Most Underrated Rappers, calling him "one of the most creative MCs of our time."[2]

PRT debuted in 1989 with the release of the single "Time to Say Peace" b/w "Butt Naked Booty Bless." The trio released its first album, Holy Intellect, in 1990,[3] amid a number of similarly pro-Black albums such as Public Enemy's Fear of a Black Planet, X-Clan's To the East, Blackwards, and Brand Nubian's One for All. While not as commercially successful as these albums, Holy Intellect received critical acclaim and spawned the group's only major radio hit, "Rock Dis Funky Joint." PRT returned in 1991 with its second album, Pure Poverty.[3] The album was not as commercially successful as its debut, and was not as acclaimed. The lead single "Shakiyla (JRH)", became a minor rap hit that year. The group's third, and possibly most successful release to date, Black Business, was released in 1993.[3] Sales were once again limited, but the album was a critical success. The album's lead single, "Nobody Move", received little radio airplay. After a three-year hiatus, PRT returned as a group in 1996 with its fourth album, The New World Order.[3] Released in a new Hip Hop era, the album received little attention, failing to reach the Billboard 200 album chart. The album's lead single, "Word Iz Life", was barely able to reach the Hot Rap Singles chart, peaking at the chart's lowest position, #50. Despite the lack of significant attention, the album, like its past releases, received significant acclaim.

In 2001, Poor Righteous Teachers dropped the rare underground release Declaration of Independence.[3] In 2006, Cha-Ching Records released Rare & Unreleased, a compilation of rare Poor Righteous Teachers songs and remixes.[4][5]

PRT had a short feud with rapper YZ over reels of tapes that YZ would not give back to its owner, PRT.[6]

Father Shaheed died on May 26, 2014, from a motorcycle accident.[7]

Ghetto Love
Poor Righteous Teachers Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Roots!

Praise for the days when I couldn't get paid
In the fix on the mix in the damn projects
Cracks for the blacks but I couldn't sell that
Even though blacks couldn't get jobs and shit
Hit after hit from the Sugarhill Gang
Hear a Pow Wow, hear a Big Bank Hank

It was strange, I was broke but I still got the record
Even though I was poor and about butt naked
Rats in my front room, roaches in the back
Junkies in the alley running styles for the crack
It was ill on the real, I be still bugging off it
In the ways I will walk it so today I can talk it
It's a shame how the games in the ghetto get played
On the cracks they paid for the tricks they laid
I'm afraid for the youth in this time we're living in
Just about 13 on the scene scrambling
Gambling small-time, apologize nice
I'm about to roll 10 7's for the crap I rolled twice
Rough business, it's a rich mon time
When you ain't got the loot, you resort to the crime
From the cess house, the youth house, the jail house, the Cult house
Where I perfected these skills I be doggin
Love to teach the facts but the brothers in the back
Can't see what I'm saying cause the blunt smoke is foggin
Still I proceed with degrees of the wisdom
Cause this shit's thick, it kicks and I know it
Lickle do you know there's a God and so
Born just like Christ in a damn ghetto

From ghetto to ghetto, from project to project
Bookbag of lessons but I ain't have dough yet
From knowledge to wisdom, from wisdom to see
And understand me if you don't dance, G
It's a god in the house, it's a god in the house
And I'm godding it out, and I'm godding it out
I've come a long way, the strong way, the wrong way, I lived it
The right way, you might say, I got it, I'll give it
But praise for the days when I used to be tramp
And had to freeload of my Earth's food stamps
Til I stopped, paused, start the pop's stores
It was ill on the real, but who's to die for us?
Say that I rock my own community
Ain't a damn thing owned by the you or the me
It's Koreans I be seeing on the neighborhood corners
With the guns and the stores and love the ??? owners
So beg my parton, peace Natasha Harton
See I won't forget, I know for shit's starting
From my way to LA, from JA to UK
I am who I am, I say what I say
I gots no time to love a slave trader
Cause according to the constitution, they'll always hate us
Play this, say this, and say it like I said it
Cause a magazine edit can get your ass beheaded
I'm thorough breaded, black slave dreaded
The shit that y'all doing, I already did it!
But lickle do you know there's a God and so
Born just like Christ in a damn ghetto

Praise for the days when I used to be trife
With a lack of understanding anything about life
So thanks to Malcom, Martin, Wylee Ferartin
Father Allah talk the talk that I'm starting
Peace to Elijah, we can't forget about ya
Teaching us how ta, get up out the
Project complex caves
Another damn rave for the damn ex-slave
My ghetto noise ringing from a project hallway
Don't want to hear my mom say "Blacks have come a long way"
How can she see that when we haven't eaten all day
Haven't had a job since the ending of the slave trade
Then they give us church, attempt to try and ease this
But I check it out, had to learn about Jesus
Told em he was black and they called me a hater
Then he's on the church wall, yeah like a slave trader
Something real funny's going on boy I'll tell ya
Send you up sell ya, free ya try to kill ya
Martin taught me much when he simply tried to love em
Brother all about peace but the devils had to snuff him, but
Lickle do you know there's a God and so
Born just like Christ in a damn ghetto

Lickle do you know there's a God and so
Born just like Christ in a damn ghetto

Overall Meaning

The Poor Righteous Teachers’ song “Ghetto Love” talks about the struggles of poverty, racism, and crime that are present in ghettos in America. The lyrics touch upon the harsh realities that the band members faced when they were growing up in projects - facing both oppression and temptation to succumb to criminal activities. They describe their experiences of living in poor conditions, with rats and roaches infesting their homes and junkies running around in alleyways in search of drugs. Despite these struggles, the band members persevered and honed their skills to become successful artists. The lyrics talk about how the band members have come a long way, from not having any money to freeload of their food stamps to now owning property and becoming entrepreneurs.

The song also references several influential people, such as Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr., and Elijah Muhammad, who were instrumental in teaching the youth about Black history and teaching them how to uplift their communities. The song talks about how the Constitution was not meant for Black people and how they are still being discriminated against today. The lyrics question why Koreans and other non-Black communities own most of the businesses in their neighborhoods when it should be the Black community running them.

The song “Ghetto Love” is a celebration of the resilience and strength of Black people living in ghettos in America. It portrays the struggles that they face on a daily basis, but also provides hope and inspiration for overcoming these obstacles and fighting against the oppression that they face.

Line by Line Meaning

Praise for the days when I couldn't get paid
Acknowledging gratitude for the times when financial struggles were prevalent

In the fix on the mix in the damn projects
Facing difficult circumstances and challenges in the neighborhood

Cracks for the blacks but I couldn't sell that
Unable to engage in the drug trade despite its prevalence in the community

Even though blacks couldn't get jobs and shit
Despite the limited employment opportunities for black individuals

Hit after hit from the Sugarhill Gang
Being influenced by successful artists, like the Sugarhill Gang

Hear a Pow Wow, hear a Big Bank Hank
Being exposed to different styles and voices in the music scene

It was strange, I was broke but I still got the record
Despite being financially struggling, managing to possess the record

Even though I was poor and about butt naked
Despite living in poverty and lacking material possessions

Rats in my front room, roaches in the back
Living in a home infested with pests

Junkies in the alley running styles for the crack
Observing drug addicts engaging in illegal activities to support their addiction

It was ill on the real, I be still bugging off it
Being deeply affected by the harsh realities and negative aspects of the environment

In the ways I will walk it so today I can talk it
Enduring hardships in order to gain firsthand experience and knowledge to speak about it now

It's a shame how the games in the ghetto get played
Expressing disappointment in the manipulative tactics used within the community

On the cracks they paid for the tricks they laid
Highlighting the exploitation and payment involved in illegal activities

I'm afraid for the youth in this time we're living in
Feeling concern for the younger generation given the current circumstances

Just about 13 on the scene scrambling
Being involved in chaotic and desperate actions at a young age

Gambling small-time, apologize nice
Engaging in small-scale risky behavior and making amends when necessary

I'm about to roll 10 7's for the crap I rolled twice
Taking a chance or risk in hopes of achieving success after previous failures

Rough business, it's a rich mon time
Describing the harsh nature of survival and the pursuit of wealth

When you ain't got the loot, you resort to the crime
Exploring illegal activities as a means of survival when lacking financial resources

From the cess house, the youth house, the jail house, the Cult house
Experiencing negative environments such as drug dens, juvenile facilities, prisons, and cults

Where I perfected these skills I be doggin
Refining and honing personal abilities and talents during tumultuous times

Love to teach the facts but the brothers in the back
Having a desire to educate others, but facing challenges in communication or reaching certain individuals

Can't see what I'm saying cause the blunt smoke is foggin
Being hindered or obstructed in conveying a message due to the influence of drugs

Still I proceed with degrees of the wisdom
Continuing to move forward despite having acquired knowledge and understanding

Cause this shit's thick, it kicks and I know it
Recognizing the depth and significance of the situation at hand

Lickle do you know there's a God and so
Little do you realize that there is a higher power at play

Born just like Christ in a damn ghetto
Being born into difficult circumstances similar to those of Jesus in an impoverished neighborhood

From ghetto to ghetto, from project to project
Moving from one disadvantaged community to another

Bookbag of lessons but I ain't have dough yet
Having acquired knowledge and insights, but lacking financial stability

From knowledge to wisdom, from wisdom to see
Progressing from mere knowledge to deeper understanding and insight

And understand me if you don't dance, G
Grasping the meaning behind my words and ideas, even if you don't agree

It's a god in the house, it's a god in the house
Emphasizing the presence and significance of spirituality

And I'm godding it out, and I'm godding it out
Expressing a strong connection and embodiment of divine qualities

I've come a long way, the strong way, the wrong way, I lived it
Having gone through challenging experiences and unconventional paths in life

The right way, you might say, I got it, I'll give it
Having found the correct path and understanding, and being willing to share it with others

But praise for the days when I used to be tramp
Expressing gratitude for the period of time when living a vagabond lifestyle

And had to freeload of my Earth's food stamps
Depending on government assistance for basic sustenance

Til I stopped, paused, start the pop's stores
Transitioning from relying on welfare to becoming a business owner

It was ill on the real, but who's to die for us?
Acknowledging the challenges and obstacles faced, questioning who will fight for their rights and well-being

Say that I rock my own community
Being proud of positively influencing and empowering one's own community

Ain't a damn thing owned by the you or the me
Not having ownership or control over significant resources within the community

It's Koreans I be seeing on the neighborhood corners
Observing Korean individuals occupying businesses and prominent positions within the neighborhood

With the guns and the stores and love the ??? owners
Noticing the presence of firearms and Korean ownership of stores, as well as their affinity for black culture

So beg my parton, peace Natasha Harton
Apologizing and sending peace and respect to Natasha Harton

See I won't forget, I know for shit's starting
Promising to remember and remain aware of the challenges they face as a movement begins

From my way to LA, from JA to UK
Having traveled and experienced different cities and countries, including Los Angeles, Jamaica, and the United Kingdom

I am who I am, I say what I say
Asserting one's identity and expressing their thoughts and beliefs openly

I gots no time to love a slave trader
Lacking interest in showing affection or admiration for individuals who perpetuate the enslavement and oppression of their own people

Cause according to the constitution, they'll always hate us
Believing that, based on the constitutional framework, there will always be systemic hatred and discrimination towards them

Play this, say this, and say it like I said it
Encouraging others to listen to and repeat the message conveyed in the song

Cause a magazine edit can get your ass beheaded
Highlighting the dangers and consequences of altering or misrepresenting one's words in the media

I'm thorough breaded, black slave dreaded
Emphasizing roots and lineage as a descendant of enslaved Africans

The shit that y'all doing, I already did it!
Asserting that their experiences and actions have already surpassed what others are currently engaged in

But lickle do you know there's a God and so
Little do you realize that there is a higher power at play

Born just like Christ in a damn ghetto
Being born into difficult circumstances similar to those of Jesus in an impoverished neighborhood

Praise for the days when I used to be trife
Showing appreciation for the past when engaged in reckless and mischievous behavior

With a lack of understanding anything about life
Acknowledging a previous state of ignorance and naivety regarding the complexities of life

So thanks to Malcolm, Martin, Wylee Ferartin
Expressing gratitude towards influential figures such as Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr., and Wylee Ferartin

Father Allah talk the talk that I'm starting
Acknowledging the influence and teachings of Father Allah in their own speaking and actions

Peace to Elijah, we can't forget about ya
Sending respect and appreciation to Elijah Muhammad for his contributions and teachings

Teaching us how ta, get up out the
Providing guidance and knowledge on how to escape difficult circumstances

Project complex caves
Referring to the challenging living conditions in project housing complexes

Another damn rave for the damn ex-slave
Describing the ongoing hardships faced by descendants of slaves

My ghetto noise ringing from a project hallway
The expression and impact of their message resonating within the confines of a project hallway

Don't want to hear my mom say 'Blacks have come a long way'
Rejecting the notion that significant progress has been made for the black community

How can she see that when we haven't eaten all day
Challenging the idea of progress when basic necessities such as food are still lacking

Haven't had a job since the ending of the slave trade
Pointing out the lack of employment opportunities for black individuals even after slavery's abolition

Then they give us church, attempt to try and ease this
Observing the provision of religion by the authorities as a means to pacify and suppress discontent

But I check it out, had to learn about Jesus
Taking an individual journey to discover and understand the teachings of Jesus

Told em he was black and they called me a hater
Facing criticism for affirming Jesus' racial identity and being labeled as a troublemaker

Then he's on the church wall, yeah like a slave trader
Noticing the irony of Jesus being portrayed on the church wall, similar to how slave traders were celebrated

Something real funny's going on boy I'll tell ya
Sensing deception or manipulation occurring within society

Send you up sell ya, free ya try to kill ya
Being trapped, exploited, and exposed to dangers in various ways

Martin taught me much when he simply tried to love em
Learning valuable lessons from Martin Luther King Jr.'s message of love and acceptance

Brother all about peace but the devils had to snuff him, but
Recognizing the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. and the opposition he faced from those who sought to maintain the status quo

Lickle do you know there's a God and so
Little do you realize that there is a higher power at play

Born just like Christ in a damn ghetto
Being born into difficult circumstances similar to those of Jesus in an impoverished neighborhood

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: SCOTT D. PHILLIPS, TIMOTHY WADELL GRIMES

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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