Their debut LP, Dah Shinin', followed soon thereafter, unleashing more heavy artillery from the military-minded BCC. With a canvas of dark, gluttonous beats provided by the gifted Beatminerz production squad, the duo expanded the limits of harsh sounding, neck-snapping hip-hop by adding a melodic element. The crew released their album during the heyday of one of the '90s most influential independent hip-hop labels, Nervous Wreck Records, which many other indies (Rawkus) have patterned themselves around. Their name alone implies violence, but the weaponry they deploy is also of the verbal variety. Tek and Steele both possess signature flows, the former a bit more straight-laced while the latter showcases West Indian influences. Dah Shinin' was a focused album with a sharp compacted sound that still contained depth, albeit strictly from the dark side.
Forced to reincarnate themselves after a legal battle with the Smith and Wesson firearm company, the duo resurfaced in 1997 as the Cocoa Brovaz, a reference to their heritage and also to their marijuana fixation. Their second album (and first as the Cocoa Bs), 1998's The Rude Awakening, was a more sprawling and chaotic venture, as well as being a shade more frighteningly dark. Since 1998, the two partners have released a few singles, including "Super Brooklyn," which features a superbly innovative use of a sample from the old Super Mario Bros. Nintendo game.
They got signed to leading underground record label Rawkus Records but never released an album on the label. Thay joined back up with the Boot Camp Clik in 2002 for the album The Chosen Few. In September 2005, they returned as Smif-N-Wessun for the album Reloaded.
Wrektime
Smif-n-Wessun Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You're too light to fight plus you're too thin to win
And who ya gonna call when I break your glass chin?
Mista rippa slicker than your sista'.
Turn down the lights she got hit by the vicksta.
Keep a lid on your lip so your wig won't get split.
Better have your joint cocked my hand's comin' off my hip.
Three of your boys wounded, three of your men dead.
Time to hop to iron (Hilly), back to my (spilly),
Flat foot comin' deep like (Hill Billy).
Can't hear the sirens, gotta block 'em out my mind,
I gotta get away so I can do more crime.
See my brethrens down the block, risin' up out their spot,
Puffin' meth in the hood where the spot is hot.
My timbs ease tension by stompin' next when I'm vexed,
Throw up your dick-beaters, kid, it's time to flex.
[Repeat: x4]
(I am what I am)
And I do what I do
(Puff mad lye)
Catch wreck with my crew
Sent to represent the real heads,
The dreads on the scene, now all the bumbaclot talk must dead.
I walk the fence of stress and tension,
Hit the Benz then hit the spliff with my friends
And catch mad wreck with my man tek I am what I am
That's why my fans show respect when I slam sets.
I don't front for you, your crew, even a stunt,
Roll up the blunts, 'cause real niggas do what they want.
Big up to all original criminals, the ill political,
And all boot camp generals.
I be gettin' charged with my squad on the project step
And you'll regret when my mob flex.
Glam to the man that sham
When I hit 'em with tricks or 4-5-6 when I'm gamblin'.
Collect your trap then add it to my fat stacks,
Chill, I'll be back, right now I'm out to smoke the next sack.
[Repeat: x2]
Puff mad lye
(Catch wreck with my crew)
Puff mad lye
(Catch wreck with my crew)
Puff mad lye
(Catch wreck with my crew)
I am what I am
(And I do what I do)
It's goin' down.
The deal has been set and it's ready
Strap up the arms 'cause it's time to be jetty.
Ya niggas violated when you crossed that thin line.
Trespassed in bucktown and now you're all mine.
Here batty boy one move and you're dead.
Got my glocks cocked and they're pointed at your head
Your operation's dead and stinkin', tied down with bricks and
East river sinkin'.
Got my hoodie on and my timb boots, troop.
Kick your whole bottom row of fronts out, dupe
Ya best protect your frame before you tow out it, g.
I'm halfway sane, that's what the lord tells me
But I chose to disregard fuzz smoke buzz
And lamp in the camp with the rest of the thugs, 'cause
I am, what I am, and I do what I do
Puff mad lye, catch wreck with my crew.
[Repeat: x4]
(I am what I am)
And I do what I do
(Puff mad lye)
Catch wreck with my crew
[Repeat: x2]
Puff mad lye
(Catch wreck with my crew)
Puff mad lye
(Catch wreck with my crew)
Puff mad lye
(Catch wreck with my crew)
I am what I am
(And I do what I do)
Smif-N-Wessun and we out like that
(okay, we ready to rock
The lyrics to Smif-N-Wessun's "Wrektime" are aggressive and violent, rapped over an eerie beat with tense, rapid-fire flows. The opening line, "Where Brooklyn at?", is a proud declaration of their hometown and sets the tone for the rest of the song. The verses are filled with boasts of toughness, warning rivals that they are too weak to compete and using violence as a solution to any perceived threats. The chorus repeats the mantra "I am what I am and I do what I do" alongside the command to "puff mad lye" and "catch wreck with my crew," emphasizing both their confidence and their loyalty to their fellow rappers.
The lyrics are typical of the "hardcore" subgenre of hip-hop that emerged in the late 80s and early 90s, characterized by gritty, often violent themes and aggressive delivery. This style was a reaction to the more light-hearted and dance-oriented tracks of the previous decade, and became associated with acts from the East Coast, particularly New York. Smif-N-Wessun were part of the Boot Camp Clik, a collective of Brooklyn-based rappers that also included Black Moon, Originoo Gunn Clappaz, and Heltah Skeltah. The group's name is a nickname for the Smith and Wesson brand of firearms, adding to the violent imagery in their music.
"Wrektime" was included on Smif-N-Wessun's debut album "Dah Shinin'" released in 1995. The album was produced by fellow Boot Camp Clik member DJ Evil Dee and featured guest appearances from members of the group and other Brooklyn rappers. It received critical acclaim and is considered a classic of the hardcore rap genre. The song did not chart, but was a favorite among underground hip-hop fans and helped establish Smif-N-Wessun as an influential group.
Line by Line Meaning
You're too light to fight plus you're too thin to win
You are too weak and frail to stand a chance in a fight.
And who ya gonna call when I break your glass chin?
Who will you ask for help when I knock you out with one punch?
Mista rippa slicker than your sista'.
I am cooler and smoother than your sister.
Turn down the lights she got hit by the vicksta.
Her face got hit so hard it turned bruised and blue like Vick's vapor rub.
Keep a lid on your lip so your wig won't get split.
Be quiet or I'll hit you so hard your wig will come off.
Better have your joint cocked my hand's comin' off my hip.
Prepare to fight because I am getting ready to throw a punch.
This little nigga pumped the lead that ass fled
I shot someone and they ran away in fear.
Three of your boys wounded, three of your men dead.
I shot three of your friends and they are either injured or dead.
Time to hop to iron (Hilly), back to my (spilly),
I need to quickly get away and return to where I came from.
Flat foot comin' deep like (Hill Billy).
The police are coming to arrest me.
Can't hear the sirens, gotta block 'em out my mind,
I am ignoring the sound of police sirens and trying to focus on my escape.
I gotta get away so I can do more crime.
I need to escape to avoid getting caught and so I can continue to commit crimes.
See my brethrens down the block, risin' up out their spot,
I see my friends down the street doing drugs and hanging out.
Puffin' meth in the hood where the spot is hot.
They are smoking methamphetamine in the dangerous area of the city where it is popular.
My timbs ease tension by stompin' next when I'm vexed,
My heavy boots make me feel more composed when I am angry.
Throw up your dick-beaters, kid, it's time to flex.
Get ready to fight with your fists.
Sent to represent the real heads,
I am here to represent the true hip-hop fans who appreciate the genre.
The dreads on the scene, now all the bumbaclot talk must dead.
I am a respected member of the hip-hop community and others need to pay respect to me.
I walk the fence of stress and tension,
I am constantly dealing with anxiety and pressure in my life.
Hit the Benz then hit the spliff with my friends
I enjoy smoking marijuana with my buddies after driving around in my Mercedes Benz.
And catch mad wreck with my man tek I am what I am
I engage in reckless behavior with my buddy Tek because it is part of who I am.
That's why my fans show respect when I slam sets.
My fans admire my skills and appreciate my performances.
I don't front for you, your crew, even a stunt,
I am not faking my personality or trying to impress you or anyone else.
Roll up the blunts, 'cause real niggas do what they want.
We smoke marijuana because we are true to who we are and don't care about society's expectations.
Big up to all original criminals, the ill political,
Shout out to all the real criminals and political activists.
And all boot camp generals.
I respect all the military leaders and their tactics.
I be gettin' charged with my squad on the project step
I am not afraid to talk about how I constantly do illegal things with my group of friends in public housing.
And you'll regret when my mob flex.
You will face consequences if you mess with me or my gang.
Glam to the man that sham
Shout out to all the people who are fake and not authentic.
When I hit 'em with tricks or 4-5-6 when I'm gamblin'.
I am good at cheating at card games and will use my tricks to win.
Collect your trap then add it to my fat stacks,
I am taking money from other people and adding it to my large amount of cash.
Chill, I'll be back, right now I'm out to smoke the next sack.
Relax, I will return soon, right now I need to smoke more marijuana.
It's goin' down.
Something big and important is happening.
The deal has been set and it's ready
The plan is in place and ready to execute.
Strap up the arms 'cause it's time to be jetty.
Get your weapons ready because it's time to fight.
Ya niggas violated when you crossed that thin line.
You broke the rules when you crossed that line and now you're in trouble.
Trespassed in bucktown and now you're all mine.
You crossed into my territory and now I am going to take care of you.
Here batty boy one move and you're dead.
I am telling you to not make a sudden move or you will be killed.
Got my glocks cocked and they're pointed at your head
My guns are loaded and aimed at your head.
Your operation's dead and stinkin', tied down with bricks and
Your group is finished and over, weighted down with cement blocks and thrown into the river.
East river sinkin'.
The bodies are sinking in the East River.
Got my hoodie on and my timb boots, troop.
I am wearing a hoodie and Timberland boots to intimidate and appear tough.
Kick your whole bottom row of fronts out, dupe
I will knock out all your bottom teeth with one kick.
Ya best protect your frame before you tow out it, g.
You should protect yourself before leaving or you will get hurt.
I'm halfway sane, that's what the lord tells me
I am slightly crazy, but I believe in God and try to keep my behavior under control.
But I chose to disregard fuzz smoke buzz
I don't care about the police, smoking marijuana or other people's opinions.
And lamp in the camp with the rest of the thugs, 'cause
I hang out with other criminals and gang members.
Smif-N-Wessun and we out like that (okay, we ready to rock)
We are the rap duo Smif-N-Wessun and we are ready to perform.
Lyrics © Royalty Network, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: FRANK HAMMERSLAND, TEKOMIN WILLIAMS, DARRYL YATES, EWART DEWGARDE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind