Originally a member of Busta Rhymes' crew, Flipmode Squad becoming the sixth member after the departure of Lord Have Mercy, (aside from other flipmode acts Serious and Show Money) Roc Marciano left in 2001 to form the U.N., a hardcore underground hip hop group consisting of three other MCs (Dino Brave, Laku & Mic Raw) with whom he released an album on Carson Daly's 456 Entertainment in 2004. Notably, Roc Marciano appeared in the 2005 Wu-Tang Clan compilation album, Wu-Tang Meets the Indie Culture, and in Pete Rock's 2008 album, NY's Finest, drawing acclaim for such performances. Since 2008, Roc Marciano has been working on his solo career, and to widespread internet acclaim, released his entirely self-produced debut album, Marcberg in 2010.
In 2011, Roc Marciano collaborated with Gangrene, the duo of rapper/producers Oh No and The Alchemist, to release the collaborative EP Greneberg. His second solo album, Reloaded, was released in November 2012, which Allmusic described as "Grim and exultant at once, this is low-profile hustling on wax at its finest."
Even a cursory glance at the history of Strong Island reveals that its produced more than its fair share of innovative verbal technicians over the years. One of the most original MCs to hail from its shores in recent times has been Roc Marciano from The UN crew. Initially put on by fellow L.I. resident Busta Rhymes, it wasn’t until Marcy and his crew lent their vocals to three tracks for Pete Rock’s Petestrumentals project that the world really took notice. Utilizing a stream-of-consciousness technique that sounds effortless but is actually very precise in terms of timing and cadence, Marciano is in a class of his own right now.
Take Me Over
Roc Marciano Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The other on the strip
Uh, catch me where there's loot to get
The coupe come with the lip
Niggas talkin' that bullshit
If it ain't a buck in it
Then I can't fuck with it
Get money, fuck bitches
Ain't no pension
Keep a Jewish nigga penny-pinchin'
(get your hand out my pocket nigga)
Yeah, sloppily niggas copy
My intellectual property
Papi, this isn't pie this is poppy seed
My hair curly like im papi's seed
Cock a 30 back, pop your knee motherfucker
Forever hustle, money never not gon' need it
See me in that big boy, ma I'm leanin'
Smokin' something for the time being
Bitch I only ride European
Uh, no denying I'm a pimp
Fuck lying to the kids
Gotta get it how ya live
Cavalli be that land silk
Flyin' in the wind, keep a shotty at the crib
Square niggas talk square business
We got hammers with hairpin triggers
Uh, only live hoes no scared bitches
Niggas cut corners like hair trimmers
In the first verse, Roc Marciano highlights his dual lifestyle and mindset. He mentions having one foot in the booth, referencing his passion for music, and the other on the strip, indicating his involvement in illegal activities for financial gain. He expresses his commitment to seeking money and mentions his preference for lucrative opportunities, symbolized by the presence of loot. Additionally, he dismisses those who engage in pointless talk and emphasizes the need for material gain. The line "Get money, fuck bitches" reflects his prioritization of financial success over romantic relationships. He acknowledges that whether he makes money through hustling or pimping, there is no security or retirement plan, thus highlighting the sometimes harsh reality of his lifestyle. The reference to a Jewish person penny-pinching suggests that Roc Marciano is cautious with his money and avoids unnecessary expenses.
In the second verse, Roc Marciano emphasizes his hustler mentality, always prioritizing the pursuit of money. He asserts that a relentless hustle is a lifelong necessity. He boasts about owning a luxurious car, signaling his success and the rewards of his hustling efforts. He also mentions casually smoking something as a means of relaxation, potentially indicating that he indulges in drugs. His preference for European-made cars reflects his elevated taste and status. Roc Marciano acknowledges his role as a pimp and rejects dishonesty when addressing younger generations. He stresses the importance of being true to oneself and always striving to achieve goals. The mention of Cavalli, a luxury clothing brand known for silk, implies that Roc Marciano dresses extravagantly and stands out with his unique style. He mentions having a shotgun at his residence, implying that he is prepared to protect his assets and maintain his status.
In the final part, Roc Marciano juxtaposes his own lifestyle against that of others. He contrasts his own approach to business, which he considers strategic and efficient, with those who cut corners and take shortcuts in their endeavors, as represented by the comparison to hair trimmers. He highlights his preference for only associating with fearless and confident women, dismissing any indication of weakness or hesitation. The line "Niggas cut corners like hair trimmers" might also suggest that other people lack the thoroughness and attention to detail that Roc Marciano values. By using this comparison, Roc Marciano conveys that he is uncompromising in his pursuits and has a no-nonsense approach to business, setting himself apart from those who may be less committed or thorough.
Line by Line Meaning
Real shit i still got one foot in the booth
I'm still fully committed to my music career
The other on the strip
But I'm also involved in street activities
Uh, catch me where there's loot to get
You can find me where there's money to be made
The coupe come with the lip
My luxury car has stylish features
Niggas talkin' that bullshit
People are speaking nonsense
If it ain't a buck in it
If there's no significant value or profit in it
Then I can't fuck with it
I can't be involved or interested in it
Get money, fuck bitches
My focus is on earning money, not pursuing romantic relationships
Whether hustlin' on benches or pimpin'
Whether engaging in street hustling or exploiting others for profit
Ain't no pension
There is no retirement plan in this lifestyle
Keep a Jewish nigga penny-pinchin' (get your hand out my pocket nigga)
I am careful with my money and don't want anyone trying to take advantage of me
Yeah, sloppily niggas copy
People try to imitate my style carelessly
My intellectual property
The creative work that I've produced and own
Papi, this isn't pie this is poppy seed
Hey man, this is a small thing, not something significant
My hair curly like im papi's seed
My hair is curly, just like my father's
Cock a 30 back, pop your knee motherfucker
I'm ready to shoot and injure anyone who opposes me
Forever hustle, money never not gon' need it
I will always be hustling because I always need money
See me in that big boy, ma I'm leanin'
You'll catch me in a luxurious car, and I'm relaxed and confident
Smokin' something for the time being
I'm temporarily enjoying some drugs
Bitch I only ride European
I exclusively drive European luxury cars
Uh, no denying I'm a pimp
There's no doubt that I am a successful pimp
Fuck lying to the kids
I won't deceive the younger generation
Gotta get it how ya live
You have to adapt and find ways to make a living
Cavalli be that land silk
Cavalli clothing represents luxury and opulence
Flyin' in the wind, keep a shotty at the crib
I'm always stylish and prepared for any danger at home
Square niggas talk square business
Boring individuals talk about mundane and uninteresting topics
We got hammers with hairpin triggers
We possess firearms with sensitive triggers
Uh, only live hoes no scared bitches
I only associate with confident and fearless women
Niggas cut corners like hair trimmers
People take shortcuts and cheat like using hair trimmers to rush
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Nate Dupree
I nominate this track to be done with live instruments and a choir. I'd also get Planet Asia to add a verse.
Adam Dimitrijevic
Yeah. Most definately
A Account
Nate Dupree You’re ideas could make $$
Nemesis
Spiritually uplifting. He needs to do a joint wit Nas.
beantownn54
Beat is just beautiful!!!!
beantownn54
@Agnieszka Adamkowska you again 😊😊 we have same taste for music lol
Agnieszka Adamkowska
Yes. Real Wizard 🎧👑🧚♀️
Gobshite
His beats are growers....
After a few years of listening, it all makes sense
yung forensics
People sleep on Roc Marciano way too much
Adam Dimitrijevic
What a nightmare