The band signed a record deal with Profile Records in 1983, and Run's older brother, Russell "Rush" Simmons, signed Run-D.M.C. to his newly formed management company Rush Productions that same year. On their first major United States tour, the group set new fads by performing dressed in baggy black clothing, Adidas Sneakers (always with shoelaces removed), and Fedora hats.
Their mainstream success continued as the group performed at the famous Live Aid concert in 1985, and their 1986 album ''Raising Hell'' became the highest-selling rap album in history (this record was later broken as rap gained more popularity with artists like Notorious B.I.G. and Eminem), reaching number 3 on the ''Billboard magazine'' album charts and selling over 3 million copies. The album featured the famous cover version of Aerosmith's "Walk This Way", a rap-rock collaboration performed with Aerosmith members Steven Tyler and Joe Perry. The song was the first hip-hop track to make the Top 10 on Billboard's singles charts.
Run-D.M.C. were renowned for breaking new ground in rap music. "It's Like That" and "Sucker MC's" (1983) were the first hip hop tracks that relied on electronic beats and nothing else. "Peter Piper" (1986) was the first rap record in which the DJ cut up a record (in this case, "Take Me to the Mardi Gras" by jazz musician Bob James. Run-D.M.C. became the first rap act with a platinum album and multi-platinum album, as well as the first rappers to appear on the cover of ''Rolling Stone'' magazine, to receive a Grammy nomination and to appear on Saturday Night Live] and American Bandstand.
After a period of lackluster commercial success after the ''Raising Hell'' album, the group made a comeback in 1993 with their album ''Down With the King'', which made Billboard's Top 10 for album and the Pete Rock assisted single "Down With the King".
Jam-Master Jay was shot and killed in October 2002, leading Run-D.M.C. to announce their retirement.
For a complete biography and the most up-to-date information on Run DMC, visit www.RunDMC.com.
Can I Get a Witness
Run-D.M.C. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Can you kick it like I kick it when I kick this,
Can I get a witness? (Yes you can!)
New jacks better back up, before they get smacked up
By the are-you-N-D-M-see (that's where it's at cuz)
Known as the tough cats, kickin' tough rough raps
In jeans, leather jackets, my Adidas and gangster hats
I'm tired of brothers tryin to front like they don't hear me though
Knowin' if it wasn't for me, they wouldn't be able
Cause I'm the man with the hand that rocked the cradle, uhh
A lot of punk for the chunk baby that's a bet
Album number seven and we still ain't finished yet
I didn't get old, I got better at the craft
Sat back and watched you try to kick it but you made us laugh
So get back, you already had your chance to dance
You proved you had no waist to fit in this man's pants
Word to God, I'm back fo' sho'
Hollis Queens gettin' wreck so act like you know
[Chorus]
As I spit this and get this out of my throat
I need a witness to get with this, take notes
Great quotes like boats float flowin' so dope
Never givin' up hope, nope, know what I wrote
I'ma saver spectator educator entertainer
You want to ask me, can't be now or later
I'm a rough rugged person, been that way from the start
Darryl Mack got the knack to put the H in heart
(And it ain't no fun, to step to D and Run
But if you want to step up, step up and get that ass - done)
A reporter with recorder was recordin' the slaughter
As I'm peepin' 'cross the border leapin' water keepin' order
Lit it up like a spliff, get a whiff of this hit
Cause I flick em like bits, and I bust 'em like zits
Dippin' down to grip this microphone I rip this
I'm glad not sad I flipped this, now can I get a witness
[Chorus]
Can I get a witness, can I hit a, never been ?? fitness
Don't play like I'm bitter, when you come with your best
And I make a suggestion save it David with your bull
Cause you're full of congestion
Soft? Never me, never get more hard
The King of Kings, Lord of Lords, is the one Lord God
Can I can I get a witness ?? ?? next
To my God, DJ Run and I kick it
Suckers suckers suckers
Suckers get flipped when I start to flip
Slip in a clip when they die I dip
Still spray a gun, see how DJ Run
Leave a sucker stunned, gettin' ill to the drum
Mic check and I wreck and I'm second to none
Accept it don't regret it I expect to get dumb
So don't you forget this, we'll put you on the hit list
To stick ya stick ya wicked wickedest can I get a witness
[Chorus]
In the song "Can I Get a Witness," Run-D.M.C is boasting about their skills and their dominance in the hip-hop world. The lyrics revolve around their contempt for up-and-coming rappers who are trying to imitate their style but failing. Run-D.M.C confidently proclaims that they are the best in the game and that nobody can touch their skills. The chorus repeats the phrase "can I get a witness" multiple times, which can be seen as an invitation to the listener to join them in celebrating their talents.
The first verse of the song expresses Run-D.M.C's anger towards new rappers who are trying to copy their style. They claim to be the "tough cats, kickin' tough rough raps" and are not afraid to flaunt their success. They mock those who have failed to reach their level of fame by saying, "You proved you had no waist to fit in this man's pants." Run-D.M.C also asserts that they are still going strong and are not going to retire from the hip-hop game anytime soon.
The second verse is a continuation of the first, with Run-D.M.C stating that they are still the best and are not going to let anyone take their place. They also talk about their ability to inspire their listeners and motivate them to achieve their own goals. The verse also reveals their religious side, with references to God and their belief that they are blessed with talent and skill.
Line by Line Meaning
Can you kick it like I kick it when I kick this,
Do you have the skills and ability to perform like me when I am at my best?
New jacks better back up, before they get smacked up
Inexperienced newcomers should be careful not to face the consequences of actions or attitudes.
By the are-you-N-D-M-see (that's where it's at cuz)
By being associated with Run-D.M.C's style of rap and mannerisms.
Known as the tough cats, kickin' tough rough raps
Renowned for their intimidating and assertive delivery of precise, hard-hitting lyrics
In jeans, leather jackets, my Adidas and gangster hats
Wearing typical hip hop clothing to reflect their persona as skilled rappers who represent urban culture.
A ?? ?? ??, yo here we go
Beginning a verse or proceeding to rap with enthusiasm and focus.
I'm tired of brothers tryin to front like they don't hear me though
I am frustrated with people who act like they don't understand or can't appreciate my music and talents.
Knowin' if it wasn't for me, they wouldn't be able
Fans and critics acknowledge that they had influenced and set a precedent for future Hip Hop artists to follow and refine.
Cause I'm the man with the hand that rocked the cradle, uhh
Acknowledging himself as the architect of the genre, the originator, and founding father.
A lot of punk for the chunk baby that's a bet
There are a lot of competitors and copycats who imitated their style and culture, but they don't compare to the genuine skill and authenticity of Run-D.M.C.
Album number seven and we still ain't finished yet
Seven albums later, and they still have more material to produce and share with their fans.
I didn't get old, I got better at the craft
My talent and skill continue to improve as I gain more experience in the entertainment industry.
Sat back and watched you try to kick it but you made us laugh
Observing critically with amusement, people who claimed they could out-perform or out-do Run-D.M.C.'s musical style and technique.
So get back, you already had your chance to dance
Acknowledging and warning challengers that they've already had the opportunity to prove themselves and now must yield to Run-D.M.C's authority.
You proved you had no waist to fit in this man's pants
The challenger's limitations and lack of skill and experience are exposed and not enough to match Run-D.M.C.'s level of performance and confidence.
Word to God, I'm back fo' sho'
I swear to God that I am back, with no doubt or uncertainty.
Hollis Queens gettin' wreck so act like you know
Establishing dominance and status by proclaiming their hometown, Hollis Queens, produces the best artists in the rap genre and anyone who is unfamiliar with them should take notice and acknowledge this accolade.
As I spit this and get this out of my throat
As I rap these lyrics and lyrics flow out of my throat to be heard by listeners.
I need a witness to get with this, take notes
I require the acknowledgment and confirmation of an individual who can verify my success and mastery of my craft.
Great quotes like boats float flowin' so dope
Referring to his successful lyrics and how they flow effortlessly like a boat floating on water and delivering pleasure and enjoyment to the listener.
Never givin' up hope, nope, know what I wrote
Retaining the aspiration and determination to continue producing quality lyrics and content, and being self-aware of one's skill level and abilities.
I'ma saver spectator educator entertainer
Someone who appreciates, watches, values, and performs with a goal of educating while also entertaining others.
You want to ask me, can't be now or later
If you are curious about my talent and skill, you must address me and approach me earnestly and directly and not delay any further.
I'm a rough rugged person, been that way from the start
Run-D.M.C.'s music and style has always reflected a toughness and roughness that distinguishes them from the rest of the rap genre.
Darryl Mack got the knack to put the H in heart
The rapper Darryl Mack has a unique talent for imbuing his lyrics with heart, sincerity, and emotional depth.
(And it ain't no fun, to step to D and Run
It is not recommended to challenge Run-D.M.C. in a confrontation, as it wouldn't be enjoyable or worthwhile for the challenger and they would likely fail.
But if you want to step up, step up and get that ass - done)
If you insist on challenging Run-D.M.C., then you will have to face the repercussions and consequences of that challenge and likely come out defeated.
A reporter with recorder was recordin' the slaughter
A journalist was present and recording the event of the verbal slaughter or verbal thrashing that Run-D.M.C. was delivering in their music and lyrics.
As I'm peepin' 'cross the border leapin' water keepin' order
Referring to Run-D.M.C.'s musical influence transcending borders and boundaries, defying limitations and bureaucracy in order to maintain the quality and authenticity of their music.
Lit it up like a spliff, get a whiff of this hit
Their music is like a strong, pungent strain of the cannabis plant that when lit and smoked, emits an intense and memorable high.
Cause I flick em like bits, and I bust 'em like zits
They flick and dismiss challengers of their status and musical style with ease, like one pops and gets rid of annoying zits.
Dippin' down to grip this microphone I rip this
Picking up the microphone and embarking on a rap performance with intensity, skill, and confidence.
I'm glad not sad I flipped this, now can I get a witness
I am content and satisfied with my decision to pursue music, and have produced some amazing hits that I deserve recognition for.
Can I get a witness, can I hit a, never been ?? fitness
Asking for the confirmation and witnessing of success, achievement, and skill in rap, while also acknowledging one's own personal limitations or faults.
Don't play like I'm bitter, when you come with your best
Avoiding the accusation that one is envious or resentful of other's abilities or success, but instead encouraging healthy competition.
And I make a suggestion save it David with your bull
Directing a musical rival, David, to stop with the nonsense and save his petty critiques for someone else.
Cause you're full of congestion
Accusing David of being mentally or emotionally blocked and unable to appreciate or create music at Run-D.M.C.'s level.
Soft? Never me, never get more hard
Rejecting any suggestion that the artist is mediocre or lacks the skill or toughness to compete in the rap industry.
The King of Kings, Lord of Lords, is the one Lord God
Referencing the biblical character of Jesus as the ultimate authority and power, and attributing Run-D.M.C's success to a higher power.
Can I can I get a witness ?? ?? next
Reiterating the request for a witness and confirmation of skill and success in rap, while also mentioning an unknown or unidentified individual.
To my God, DJ Run and I kick it
Acknowledging the Christian God as the ultimate authority and power, but also recognizing the important role that DJ Run plays in their success.
Suckers suckers suckers
Referring to challengers or competitors as weak and inferior.
Suckers get flipped when I start to flip
When Run-D.M.C. engages in a musical battle or confrontation, challengers tend to fail and become confused or disoriented.
Slip in a clip when they die I dip
Supplementing a verbal assault with a strong musical performance instills fear and confusion in the challenger, and when the challenge is defeated, Run-D.M.C. backs away and moves on.
Still spray a gun, see how DJ Run
Run-D.M.C. still wields the metaphorical power of a gun to strike fear and intimidation in their opponents, and DJ Run is the driving momentum and support behind that power.
Leave a sucker stunned, gettin' ill to the drum
Challengers are left speechless and awe-struck upon seeing Run-D.M.C.'s superior skill and talent in action, and their rhythm and beat are exceptionally skilled.
Mic check and I wreck and I'm second to none
Starting a performance with a microphone check and establishing oneself as superior to any other performer in the genre.
Accept it don't regret it I expect to get dumb
Acknowledging and accepting compliments and success without hesitation or regret, and striving to maintain and improve that success.
So don't you forget this, we'll put you on the hit list
Reminding challengers that Run-D.M.C. have a reputation and history of defeating opponents and they will be added to the list of defeated challengers if they don't acknowledge and respect that reputation.
To stick ya stick ya wicked wickedest can I get a witness
Threatening those who refuse to yield to their authority and challenge them, and requesting a witness to affirm their success and legitimacy as rappers in the genre.
Can I get a witness? (Yes you can!)
Repeating the request for confirmation and approval of Run-D.M.C.'s success and skill, and receiving confirmation from the witness, potentially the listener or fan of their music.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JERMAINE DUPRI, DARRYL MATTHEWS MC DANIELS, JOSEPH WARD SIMMONS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind