One Time
Raheem DeVaughn & Apollo Brown Lyrics

One time
Let's take a moment to celebrate

One time for the block
Celebrating the neighborhood community

One time for Hip-Hop
Celebrating the genre of music

One time for being black
Celebrating black culture and identity

From wherever you at
Regardless of your background or location

One time for Skyzoo from the NYC
Paying homage to the rapper Skyzoo from New York City

One time for Pete Rock in the place to be
Paying respect to the legendary producer Pete Rock

Peep it, one time for the time sticking beside me
Acknowledging those who have supported the artist

Wouldn't count me out when it counted me in the lobby
Friends who have stood by and believed in the artist during tough times

Where counting will lead you into the fold like origami
Using wordplay to describe the dangers of being too focused on money and losing oneself

It could've overlapped and then chose to au revoir me
Acknowledging the possibility of being forgotten or replaced in the industry

Like yo, when you be talking bonjour to a Mazi'
A play on words, referencing French and Italian luxury cars, to describe the artist's rise and recognition

It seems to intervene and encores to a homi'
Recognition leading to encore performances and attracting negative attention such as crime

Like anybody can get it so, nothing don't surprise me
Being aware of the dangers and deceit in the music industry

'Cause anybody can get it so, hopefully you got me
Recognizing the need for trustworthy friends in the industry

Shout to Gates and Greene, in between's where you find me
Giving shoutouts to friends and representing a sense of community

And shout to Jamaica Queens, "Margherita's" is a body
Acknowledging a great restaurant in the artist's hometown

Easier to spot me, but I ain't never mind so
Despite being recognizable, the artist continues to pursue their passion and creativity

I ain't step aside I just speak it in tsunamis
Using powerful and impactful language in their music

Pay me no never mind, I just stayed in the design
Staying true to oneself and not caring about public opinion

Until they was tryna trace me or pay me to oblige
Acknowledging the pressures of the industry and staying true to oneself

Whole fist in the air not a shade was a mirage
Showing sincerity and conviction in their beliefs

And true to what you would hear I decorated the garage
Acknowledging their success and wealth

I'm more Belafonte when it come to the front line
Comparing oneself to the famous singer and civil rights activist

But still dressed in mortgage money
Being financially secure despite activism and social awareness

Like "what else you wanted from me?"
Asking what more people want the artist to do

Except when they calling for me
Only responding to those who truly appreciate and support the artist

They took in outta towners but couldn't take the corner from me
Remaining rooted in their hometown while achieving success and recognition

I took it to a five bedroom mini mansion in a cul de sac
Achieving a luxurious lifestyle while staying true to oneself

Prestigious subdivision, I brought my son to that
Celebrating their success and being able to provide for their family

Did it off of inspiring who ain't cut from that
Motivated by those who came from similar backgrounds and were able to achieve success

Says a lot about you if you can't fuck with that
Challenging those who don't support their success and roots

(One time) one time for the aura that's in the groove
Acknowledging the power and energy of music

(One time) one time for you coming up off the stoop
Celebrating the journey and humbleness of those who came from humble beginnings

(One time) one time for the horns fitting the mood
Appreciating the use of horns in the music

(One time) one time for it all, through and through
Celebrating everything that has led to the artist's success and recognition

(One time) one time we was being followed by 12
Referencing a past experience with the police

Quoting "Ready To Die" so we was probably twelve
Recalling a moment from their youth

Boys pulled us over like we had product to sell
Reflecting on racial profiling and police harassment

A week later my man was popping with crills
Referencing drug dealing and the dangers of that lifestyle

He said, "If they already assume I'm tryna deal
Explaining why some people turn to illegal activity to make a living

Then why not though?" Custies said "arigato"
Describing how customers will buy drugs even if they know it's illegal

I had a hundred sixteens written 'bout how my block go
Referencing the artist's upbringing and sharing their story through music

By sixteen I needed room so I forgot those
Outgrowing their past and moving onto bigger things

Now fast forward twenty more and where the top goes
Reflecting on the artist's success and future potential

Is where that sent me, word to who resent me
Acknowledging those who were not supportive of their journey

And word to who be like "Your words?, They represent me"
Acknowledging those who appreciate and relate to the artist's words and messaging

Whether bidding or tryna tie up an ending
Navigating the ups and downs of the music industry

All coded for who's in the scrimmage
Using coded language in their music to communicate with other artists and insiders

So if you didn't get it
Challenging those who don't understand or appreciate the artist's message

Then you should be lucky that you didn't live it
Acknowledging the challenges that come with pursuing a career in the music industry

Doe or die 'til the end of that time
Staying committed to the music and the message

You thought you wasn't given
Reflecting on doubt and feeling undervalued

And all the Patron that you wasn't spilling
Reflecting on past struggles and financial strain

All that I know, if you here with it, then you recognize
Acknowledging those who appreciate and support their music and message

Being twelve and seeing bells in a detective's eyes
Reflecting on a past experience with the police and the fear that comes with it

Henny still pouring outta me if you step aside
Referencing their love for Hennessy and their confidence in their music

Bought a truck that had room to fit the rep inside
Acknowledging their success and wealth

So do the knowledge, do the math and the science
Encouraging listeners to educate themselves and be aware of the industry they are in

Just because I'm relaxed doesn't mean that I'm compliant
Remaining true to oneself despite outside pressures

Just 'cause I'm in the back doesn't mean that I ain't eyeing
Being aware of the competition and the industry at all times

And just'cause I got class doesn't mean that I ain't firing
Remaining true to oneself while also being passionate and driven

(One time) one time for the soul and the groove
Acknowledging the power of music to connect with the soul

(One time) one time for the horn and jazzy mood
Appreciating the use of horns and jazz influence in the music

(One time) one time, one time
Celebrating the moment

(One time) one time for Pete Rock on the groove
Paying respect to Pete Rock's influence on the music

(One time) one time for Skyzoo and me
Celebrating the collaboration and success of the artists

(One time) one time, one time, one time
Repeating the celebration and appreciation for the music

(One time) one time, one time, one time
Repeating the celebration and appreciation for the music