Initial tracking dates are unknown, but it is likely that the track was recorded in mid-1995 at Paisley Park Studios, Chanhassen, MN, USA. It was included as the third track on a July, 1995, configuration of Emancipation, and as the fourth track on another 1995 configuration. The released version contains a drum pattern during the chorus that is sampled directly from Ain't No Place Like U, which was not included on an earlier, unreleased version of the song. The song contains some lyrical and musical similarities to Slave 2 The System, but the two are otherwise different songs.
Slave
Prince Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Slave son (Uh) Slave Son (Uh)
If you want the money, go and get it son
Slave son (Uh) Slave Son (Uh)
If you want them hundreds go and get them son
Slave son (Uh) Slave Son (Uh)
If you want the money, go and it get son
Slave son (Uh) Slave Son (Uh)
Niko on a mission ya kuwa the boss
Niko na vision ya ku-own a Porsche
Nina kipaji, ya kusaka ganji
Niite boat, vile niko maji
Napiga arch ju ya karatasi
Me hu-paint ka Peter Marangi
Me si fan so sinanga jersey
Nime-stand out ka stain kwa shati
Usipoteze wakati
Ukiniandikia diss
Me hudishi mboga
So sitaki ma-beef
Party kila siku, ju tuko na ma-doh
Unabonga mingi, boss unaboo
Class ya rap since darasa la Kwanza
Rhyme ina first class
Oh ina masters
Me huskiza mozzart, why lie?
Nikiwa ma- me na fly by
Ngoma ya pili isha-come through
Nightshift miaka tatu
Better believe it me ni bantu
Sheng ambassador
Back left me ni passenger
Cheki cheki cheki weh!
Slave son (Uh) Slave Son (Uh)
If you want the money, go and get it son
Slave son (Uh) Slave Son (Uh)
If you want them hundreds go and get them son
Slave son (Uh) Slave Son (Uh)
If you want the money, go and get it son
Slave son (Uh) Slave Son (Uh)
If you want them hundreds go and get them son
Self employed nyuma ya mic, mistari 9 to 5
Ju paper chasing niliambiwa si lazima suti tie
So usi-hate ka hatujawahi patana eye to eye
Ata hater tukipatana,salamu, hi - good bye
Miguu nimevaa Nike
Ndio hustle iwe check
Na nikalipa tithe
Vile nlipata cheque
Hawa ma-rapper ni ma knight
Na me ndio king aliwa-check-mate
Wanani-back bite
Na nina third eye kwa kisogo nawa spectate
Hizi mistari over 18
Serikali bana wali x-rate
Vunja mifupa ka bado meno bado iko bana
Tuta x-ray
Sato dundaa rave
Sunday ibada tuko freshy
Flow yangu ili-come na waves
Very very fishy
Hii beat nikaizika kwa grave
Bila hata mazishi
Me ndio last of a dying breed
Rare rare species
Nina ma-arif kwa magereza
Kwa majeneza
Wengine walisaka wokovu kwa Ebenezer
Msupa nlimchukuwa na Subaru nimu-imprezza
Nikampeleka out nimengara ah, mbwenya ka-blazer
Alikuwa na high hopes eti atakuwa my mistressa
Nilimkunja one night nikamrudisha kwao na stretcher (Much Ire)
Slave son (Uh) Slave Son (Uh)
If you want the money, go and get it son
Slave son (Uh) Slave Son (Uh)
If you want them hundreds go and get them son
Slave son (Uh) Slave Son (Uh)
If you want the money, go and get it son
Slave son (Uh) Slave Son (Uh)
If you want them hundreds go and get them son
UNDRSCR
The lyrics of "Slave" by Prince reflect on the ongoing legacy of slavery in America and the consequences of this history on present-day race relations. The opening lines ask how many guns are being carried by those who project their power through violence, and the suggestion is made that those in power, likely white men, know exactly how to handle and exploit such violence to their own benefit. The chorus repeats the line "Son of slave master keepin' it goin' goin' goin'" to emphasize the intergenerational impact of slavery, echoed in the present-day practices of racism and exclusion.
The song also touches on the music industry and the exploitation of Black artists by the predominantly white recording industry. When the singer in the song is approached to sell his "real dope beat," he knows that the offer he receives is nothing compared to the wealth that these beats will bring in. He recognizes the legacy of exploitation that has enriched white record executives at the expense of Black creators. The mention of publishing rights being "back on the street" highlights the ongoing struggle of Black artists to retain control over their own work.
The song's refrain, "Son of slave master keepin' it goin' goin' goin'," is a haunting reminder of the persistent power dynamic of racial inequality in America. Prince's lyrics underscore the fact that throughout history, those in power have used violence, wealth, and exploitation to maintain their control over communities of color. Despite the efforts of activists and advocates, this power structure remains in place today.
Line by Line Meaning
Mm, band
The intro music of the song
How many gats in the slacks be showin'
Asking how many guns are visible and who's aware of them
Betcha that the man downtown be knowin'
The authorities are always aware of what's happening
Wax turn to beef when the gangsters meet
When the thugs show up, a peaceful scene can turn violent
Son of slave master keepin' it goin' goin' goin'
The artist is proud of his heritage despite its dark past
How much do you want for that real dope beat?
Asking about the asking price for a high-quality piece of music
Another A in our name, lyin' through their teeth
Acknowledgment of dishonesty and self-promotion in the music industry
Son of a slave master, meet & greet
Referring to his background as a descendant of slave owners or dealing with the challenges that come with being a famous, wealthy black musician
There goes the publishing & you're back on the street
Losing rights to one's music can be a devastating career blow
Twenty-five thousand is like selling it free
The artist considers this amount insignificant compared to his wealth
Seems like a lot next to poverty
Relative cost considerations: wealth is relative
How much you really want for all them beats?
Asking again about the cost of multiple pieces of music
All the gates of henry
Unclear lyric, there are several interpretations
Uncovered your past
A reference to the idea that our past shapes who we are
Checkered like a NASCAR flag, vroom
Life is often filled with ups and downs
Movin' too fast
Living in the fast lane can be detrimental to our well-being
Betcha if you had your way you'd turn back the hourglass
If you could rewrite your life, you would do things differently
What an A-S-S
A humorous jab at someone
Don't come to the party unless you bring somebody
Picking up women/men at a party is more fun with friends
Somebody that wants to dance
The importance of having fun at parties
Somebody that wants to make sweet romance
Possible romantic intentions in regards to someone at the party
We still got mad love for ya
Despite everything, the artist still loves the object of the song
Even though really don't know ya
The object of the singer's affection is not well known to the singer
Black on black crime
A commentary on the tragedy of violence in the black community
Abel and Cain
A reference to the story of Cain and Abel from the Bible
You would think high yellow would be ashamed oh
A suggestion that people of mixed race (yellow) should understand the significance of these types of crime
The 21st century, it's still about greed & fame
Success in our modern age is still measured by wealth and celebrity
I'm about to go insane
The constant pressures of the music industry have been overwhelming for the artist
Somebody call 911 and leave his name
A cry for help in a stressful situation
Son of a, son of a, son of a, son of a slave master
More commentary on the legacy of slavery
Running game, oh, still running game, y'all
Artist is still in the game, despite the challenges
Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Austin Opiyo, Kariuki Waite, Martin Muchiri
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind