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Shaka
Q‐Tip Lyrics
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My brother Shaka would have wanted me to do it like this
So raise your glasses for the lost ones in your life
Dilla Dawg and Master Wel would have wanted me, as well
To propel with the spirit of the mic
They make it easy, celebrate them, let them just who they are
Because of these experiences I have some control
On the microphone, I'm bold elevating to the stars
Here's a demonstration, with the excellence
Reverse the pandemic that's filled with pestilence
Who has his finger on the pulse of the b-boy?
Serving fiends with the stream of a d-boy
Who's well connected, you must respect it
I'm driven with the spirits mentioned in this record
Hopefully this serves as motivation
The never sayin ?doc? kind of sensation
Put my stamp on it, the mic clamps on it
Mama I know, let me put lil' thamp on it
Blade runnin through the day with agility
Stay gunnin, make way for possibilities
It's the capital Q, rap it'll do
What I want it to, it's like tamin a shrew, uh
Livin life, the Shakespearean proportions
Knowin better, I've experienced distortions
And through the in and outs, of life's revolvin doors
I'mma see that, I'm still gettin more
Yeah I'm comin in, I'm gon' see my friends
To the top floor, it seems it never ends
Heaven never ends, yeah it never ends
It be goin on, it's phenomenon
Like a new born, or a Stevie song
It be going on, do ya feel it?
(Do ya feel it? Do ya feel it?)
The snare drum go
My brother Shaka would've wanted me to say this to y'all
Don't lose sight y'all without giving a fight
I'm channeling Weldon Irvine Mr. Clean
He would've wanted me to say what I mean, and mean give it right
Dilla, havin you in my past has been a blast
You've inspired so many and forever will you last
And to my father, yo your spirit is drapin me
Never escapin me, I'm happy that I had you in my past
Uh, uh, let's go
A-let's go
Let's go
Let's go, uh
Tka, uh
The song Shaka by Q-Tip is a tribute to some of the important people who have influenced his life and music, including his brother Shaka, the late rapper J Dilla, and jazz musician Weldon Irvine. The opening verse pays homage to Shaka, stating that he would have wanted Q-Tip to make this song, and encouraging listeners to raise their glasses for those they have lost. The following verse mentions J Dilla and Weldon Irvine, both of whom are said to have inspired Q-Tip to "propel with the spirit of the mic" and speak the truth in his music. Q-Tip also advises listeners to celebrate the presence of those who support them, no matter how few, and to have control over their own experiences.
The second part of the song is a showcase of Q-Tip's lyrical ability and the influence of those he's mentioned. He name-drops other influential rappers like Biggie Smalls and Jay-Z and references the pandemic, while also describing his own journey and experiences. He raps about being driven and well-connected, motivated and determined, stamping his authority on the microphone and owning his craft. Throughout the song, the theme of paying tribute to those who have helped and inspired him is clear, emphasizing the importance of honoring the people who have made a difference in our lives.
Line by Line Meaning
My brother Shaka would have wanted me to do it like this
Q-Tip is dedicating this song to his late brother Shaka, who he believes would want him to perform with spirit and meaning.
So raise your glasses for the lost ones in your life
Q-Tip encourages listeners to honor loved ones who have passed away by raising a toast in their memory.
Dilla Dawg and Master Wel would have wanted me, as well / To propel with the spirit of the mic
Q-Tip pays tribute to two other late musicians, J Dilla and Weldon Irvine, by stating their desire for him to deliver his music with passion and skill.
Even if you had one person with you and it's hard / They make it easy, celebrate them, let them just who they are
Q-Tip advises listeners to cherish those close to them and to acknowledge their uniqueness, even if they feel like a burden at times.
Because of these experiences I have some control / On the microphone, I'm bold elevating to the stars
Q-Tip reflects on how his life experiences have given him power and confidence when performing on stage.
Here's a demonstration, with the excellence / Reverse the pandemic that's filled with pestilence
Q-Tip showcases his skill as a performer while expressing his desire to overcome the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Who has his finger on the pulse of the b-boy? / Serving fiends with the stream of a d-boy
Q-Tip asserts that he understands the essence of hip-hop culture and can also cater to fans of drug-related lyrics that are popular in the music industry.
Who's well connected, you must respect it / I'm driven with the spirits mentioned in this record
Q-Tip boasts of his extensive network of contacts and emphasizes his motivation for making music that honors those who have influenced him.
Hopefully this serves as motivation / The never sayin ?doc? kind of sensation
Q-Tip hopes that his music inspires listeners to push through adversity and achieve their goals, using the example of his hard-working attitude as an inspiration.
Put my stamp on it, the mic clamps on it / Mama I know, let me put lil' thamp on it
Q-Tip asserts his creativity and ownership of his music while also making a playful reference to his mother.
Blade runnin through the day with agility / Stay gunnin, make way for possibilities
Q-Tip embraces his image as a skilled rapper and notes the importance of seeking out new opportunities.
It's the capital Q, rap it'll do / What I want it to, it's like tamin a shrew, uh
Q-Tip asserts his status as a dominant rapper and compares his precision with words to taming a wild animal.
Livin life, the Shakespearean proportions / Knowin better, I've experienced distortions
Q-Tip reflects on the ups and downs of his life, describing it as a grand drama while acknowledging past mistakes.
And through the in and outs, of life's revolvin doors / I'mma see that, I'm still gettin more
Q-Tip admits that life is full of obstacles and challenges, but he remains optimistic and determined to achieve success, even in the face of adversity.
Yeah I'm comin in, I'm gon' see my friends / To the top floor, it seems it never ends
Q-Tip expresses his excitement and enthusiasm for continuing to pursue his dreams with the support of his friends and peers.
Heaven never ends, yeah it never ends / It be goin on, it's phenomenon / Like a new born, or a Stevie song
Q-Tip celebrates the spiritual and artistic beauty of life and compares it to the wonder of a newborn baby or a song by iconic musician Stevie Wonder.
Do ya feel it? / (Do ya feel it? Do ya feel it?) / The snare drum go
Q-Tip asks listeners to connect with the emotion of his music and emphasizes the importance of the drum beat in his songs.
Don't lose sight y'all without giving a fight
Q-Tip reminds listeners to stay focused on their goals and not give up, even when things get tough.
I'm channeling Weldon Irvine Mr. Clean / He would've wanted me to say what I mean, and mean give it right
Q-Tip honors Weldon Irvine again, imagining that he would want Q-Tip to speak honestly and effectively through his music.
Dilla, havin you in my past has been a blast / You've inspired so many and forever will you last
Q-Tip pays tribute to J Dilla once again, celebrating his impact on the music world even after his death.
And to my father, yo your spirit is drapin me / Never escapin me, I'm happy that I had you in my past
Q-Tip acknowledges the influence of his father on his life and expresses his gratitude for their time together.
Tka, uh
This is just a vocalization that separates the last verse from the previous ones and adds a rhythmic quality to the song.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: KAMAAL IBN JOHN FAREED, KURT ROSENWINKEL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind