Next Level
Showbiz & A.G. Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

All I see is blinking lights, track boards, and fat mics
950s, SP12s, MP60s
Shit is thumping, ear drums pumping
The shit is type hype 'cause the sample is tight, right?
Bite this one and leave teethless
Never sweat that
'Cause I'm a cool cat, just like Heathcliff
Peep this, give up the loot
It's '94 and bitch-ass niggas, yeah, they still get the boot
The Northlakes 'cause I be flowing in all states
Show kept digging and digging, now he got more crates
That's right, nigga, roll that dime, and I'm
The only living matter that controls my mind
Peace to every single rapper on this whole Earth
Sellouts got no worth
I think they better go soul search

Brothers can't believe how the skills have gotten
Brothers can't believe how the skills have gotten

Now here I go again, ready to flow again
And if the coast ain't clear, hell yeah, I'm still going in
Get it together or you'll be laying on a stretcher
I betcha I'ma getcha, the number one heart stresser
Sorry, black, that's right, it's a cardiac arrest
Try to triple team the best?
Then where's Party at?
Lost to no one, a warrior like Shogun
And when the show's done stacks and stacks is how the hoes come
I bruise your feelings, confidence is to the ceiling
If I'm sick, I pick a chick for sexual healing
I'm unique, a freak like Malik
In the twilights with more highlights than Dominique
Around my boys is where the jel' stops
Up to the streets, the Jeeps, my peeps in the cell blocks
I'm not the best but I give you stress
To flatter me, your strategy gotta be more complex than chess
Stop bluffing 'cause you ain't saying nothing, G
And start ducking I'm the A to the fucking G
Last LP we got down right
Showed all these corny motherfuckers what hip-hop's supposed to sound like
See A.G. and the brother Show
Quiet as kept, it's best that you step on the low

Brothers can't believe how the skills have gotten
Brothers can't believe how the skills have gotten
Brothers can't believe how the skills have gotten
Brothers can't believe how the skills have gotten

Well, it's me, meaning the A to the dash
I'm fast to get the cash now I'm gone like the past
What's the remedy?
Suckers better get they own identity
And to the enemy, you better roll like it's ten of me
Fake lords they get strangled with mic cords
Taking beats from my LP for sure ain't healthy
Patterson Projects is where I rest
But I claim the whole planet 'cause it's mine, goddamn it
I'm God, quick to pull a fake brother card
Wrecked Boston, running shit in Portland like Rod
It's hard to face defeat when you're raised in the street
No surrender and no retreat
Now dance with the Devil? No, not hardly
Even though I mamba like La Bamba and smoke ganja like Bob Marley
A bag of sess puts me at my rest
You say it's silly, that's my theory
Get the Philly and let it rest

Brothers can't believe how the skills have gotten
Brothers can't believe how the skills have gotten
Brothers can't believe how the skills have gotten
Brothers can't believe how the skills have gotten




Brothers can't believe how the skills have gotten
Brothers can't believe how the skills have gotten

Overall Meaning

The song "Next Level" by Showbiz & A.G. is an ode to the duo's skills, with lyrics that detail their prowess in the rap game. The first verse describes the studio setup, where the duo creates their music, with references to various sampling machines and instruments. They boast about their skills and demand respect from their peers, while also calling out those who have sold out in pursuit of fame. The chorus repeats the line "brothers can't believe how the skills have gotten," emphasizing the duo's confidence in their ability.


In the second verse, A.G. takes the lead and raps about his own skills, claiming to be the number one heart stresser and a warrior like Shogun. He boasts about his ability to attract women and his unique style, which he compares to basketball player Dominique Wilkins. A.G. also takes shots at his enemies, calling them out for stealing beats from his albums. The third verse includes more boasts and references to A.G.'s bygone days in the streets, with a nod to smoking marijuana and his preference for Philly cigars.


Overall, "Next Level" is a triumphant anthem that celebrates the duo's success and talent. It showcases their confidence, skill, and style, while also calling out those who would try to bring them down. The song's catchy chorus and infectious beat make it a fan favorite to this day.


Line by Line Meaning

All I see is blinking lights, track boards, and fat mics
I am constantly surrounded by the equipment essential for producing and performing music, including bright lights, recording equipment, and high-quality microphones.


950s, SP12s, MP60s
I own multiple pieces of musical equipment, including the Akai S950, E-mu SP-12, and Ensoniq ASR-10, all of which I use to create my art.


Shit is thumping, ear drums pumping
The rhythmic nature of my music is powerful and energizing, causing the listener's eardrums to feel the beat.


The shit is type hype 'cause the sample is tight, right?
My music is particularly exciting and attractive because of the high-quality samples that I use to create it.


Bite this one and leave teethless
Anyone who tries to copy my work will not be successful and will have nothing to show for their efforts.


Never sweat that 'Cause I'm a cool cat, just like Heathcliff
I am confident and collected, like the character of Heathcliff from the comic strip. Therefore, I am unconcerned about imitators or other obstacles that come my way.


Peep this, give up the loot
I challenge my listeners to pay attention and take note of what I am saying, as well as give up any financial rewards that are not earned through hard work and dedication.


It's '94 and bitch-ass niggas, yeah, they still get the boot
Even in the present day, cowardly and insincere people are unwelcome in the world of hip-hop and will be figuratively 'booted' out.


The Northlakes 'cause I be flowing in all states
My skills as a rapper are so great that I can perform successfully in all states, including the Northlakes region.


Show kept digging and digging, now he got more crates
My collaborator, Show, is constantly searching for new and interesting samples to use in our music, and as a result, he now has amassed a large collection of sample 'crates.'


That's right, nigga, roll that dime, and I'm
I am ready to perform at a high level at any time, even when potential distractions, such as drug use, are present.


The only living matter that controls my mind
I am the only one who can control my thoughts and actions, and I do so with confidence and determination.


Peace to every single rapper on this whole Earth
I extend my respect and well wishes to all rappers worldwide.


Sellouts got no worth
Artists who compromise their values and ideals for financial gain are worthless and are not truly successful in their craft.


I think they better go soul search
I encourage these artists to reflect on their choices and motivations and consider returning to a more authentic, genuine form of music-making.


Brothers can't believe how the skills have gotten
Audiences are impressed by the high level of skill and talent I possess as a rapper and producer.


Now here I go again, ready to flow again
I am always eager and prepared to create new music and perform for my fans.


And if the coast ain't clear, hell yeah, I'm still going in
Even if the path forward is not entirely clear, I am still determined to continue making music.


Get it together or you'll be laying on a stretcher
I warn my competitors to improve their skills and focus on their craft, or face being left behind in the industry.


I betcha I'ma getcha, the number one heart stresser
I am confident in my abilities as a lyricist and producer, and I am sure that I can create music that will impress and excite listeners.


Sorry, black, that's right, it's a cardiac arrest
I am so talented and successful that my mere presence in the music industry can cause less talented competitors to be overwhelmed and suffer a figurative 'cardiac arrest.'


Try to triple team the best?
Even if multiple opponents try to work together against me, they will not be successful, as I am the best in the game.


Then where's Party at?
If any challengers tried to compete against me, they would be quickly defeated and left without a 'party' or celebration.


Lost to no one, a warrior like Shogun
Like a skilled and powerful samurai warrior, I am invincible in the music industry and have never lost a battle or competition.


And when the show's done stacks and stacks is how the hoes come
After a successful show or performance, I often have many admirers and fans, particularly women, who approach me and offer their affection and admiration.


I bruise your feelings, confidence is to the ceiling
My work is so powerful and successful that it can even damage the self-esteem and confidence of those who dare to compete against me.


If I'm sick, I pick a chick for sexual healing
When I am feeling unwell or down, I find comfort in sexual intimacy and choose to engage in it with partners who can provide healing and reassurance.


I'm unique, a freak like Malik
I am a unique and original artist, unlike any other, and I share this trait with fellow rapper Malik B.


In the twilights with more highlights than Dominique
Even during the challenges and obstacles faced in the music industry, I still have strong 'highlights' and successes, similar to the skilled basketball player Dominique Wilkins.


Around my boys is where the jel' stops
I am always honest and straightforward with my group of trusted friends and peers, and never put on a facade or pretense around them.


Up to the streets, the Jeeps, my peeps in the cell blocks
I have ties to and understanding of various communities, including those on the streets, driving Jeeps, and even incarcerated in jail cell blocks.


I'm not the best but I give you stress
While I do not claim to be the absolute best in the industry, I am still a formidable opponent and can cause stress and worry in those who compete against me.


To flatter me, your strategy gotta be more complex than chess
In order to win my approval or admiration, a person would need to have a very clever and multi-layered plan, similar to tactics used in a game of chess.


Stop bluffing 'cause you ain't saying nothing, G
I challenge my competitors to stop boasting and trying to look impressive, as their words and actions do not match their true skill level.


And start ducking I'm the A to the fucking G
Instead, these challengers should be wary of me, as I am the powerful and successful A.G. and may defeat them with ease.


Last LP we got down right
In my last album, my collaborator Show and I produced extremely high-quality, successful work.


Showed all these corny motherfuckers what hip-hop's supposed to sound like
Our successful album helped to redefine and show the true, authentic sound and style of hip-hop music.


Quiet as kept, it's best that you step on the low
While we may not be boasting about our success, we are still confident in our skills and recommend that others not attempt to compete against us directly.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: John Leslie Montgomery, Andre Barnes, Rodney Lemay

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@mugenbasquiat

As a unknown producer who's into sample based music, songs like this are insanely inspirational.

@1ofthewizards330

Another banger from DJ Premier. Methinks the main sample this beat is built around is Wes Montgomery "Angel". If you are aware of any other samples used in this track let me know.

@francisard1488

That whole era man, it was a frequency that is missing today and thankfully alot of people are trying to bring it back

@REPOMAN24722

@@1ofthewizards330 Premier made the Remix this ones made by Showbiz

@1ofthewizards330

@@REPOMAN24722 Thanks for the info.

@perrynn7173

Don't stop dude. Keep doing you.

2 More Replies...

@Negative881

This version is dope AF. Always heard the premier version of this

@perrynn7173

Top comment.

@nakoninti6367

it's the album version by Showbiz

@filthyloops9821

with Scratches by the Legendary GM Roc Raida 🙌🏽 R.I.P. 💫 One of the Best Battle DJ and finest Turntablist 👌🏽

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