With the always spirited ‘Print on the mic and RJ deftly manning the boards, this pair caught the underground by storm with their 6-song EP Unlimited in 2002. Only a year later they got heads listening a lot more closely with 2003’s pensive full-length debut, Eight Million Stories.
As Blueprint expresses through Soul Position’s new material, it was a long, sometimes uncertain road from when they recorded Eight Million Stories until now. But with the duo back in action, as their new album’s title says, Things Go Better With RJ and Al. On this well-balanced release, ‘Print delves into a greater variety of subject matter than ever, as he speaks on reshaping the Black identity in hip-hop and, on the lighter side, warns people not to waste his precious cell phone minutes. And as usual, RJ mines an abundance of funky samples for his partner in rhyme to enthusiastically rhyme over. On their new album, Soul Position dodges the dreaded sophomore jinx and delivers yet another gimmick-free release that’s sure to be one of the most talked about records of 2006.
Printmatic
Soul Position Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
this is Blueprint, RJD2 on the tracks
this is a new tune Gotta get it right today, you know
Whatever
[Chorus x2]
Printmatic, cinematic perfection
the blueprint, for crews that lack direction
automatic, just for my crew
Infinitively ill
while most MC's show nothing but cold symptoms and hopes of ripping
I turn crews of hard rocks into pot holes to piss in
and you be no different, because you don't listen
too many want to accept your crew of mediocre henchmen
who got you gassed up for an ill-advised solo mission
but you should watch who you listen to
they only did it cause they tryin to get rid of you
and be the man standing in the limelight instead of you
a little less dead weight, a little more revenue
and you're about to play right into their hands
cause you dumb enough to buy all the bullshit they're selling you
I guess one's born every minute
and all the cats you roll with are living proof of that schedule
man listen, I'm willing to bet your DJ was born one minute ahead of you
in the same hospital, maternity ward, crying in the crib, sittin right next to you
you got beef? I got vegetables
so if you really want it you can leave with a full stomach
[Chorus X2]
In rumbles, I funnel words until I start feeling fully galvanized
inhale formaldahyde, exhale the battle rhymes
begin to bomb in a calm manner, jaws drop and shatter
gall bladders burst, punks jump up and get their egos punched
by a far fatter verse
and you can celebrate afterwards
with a single release party in the back of my black hearse
invite your groupies, maybe one of thems a nurse
with imported ice cubes from purgatory in her purse
but I doubt it, and to my rivals
your chance of survival is slim to none unless you get a gun
or show your true colors and act like a bitch and run
praying that you're not another raisin in the sun
but I suppose foes of mine chose the latter
and scattered outta the way of powerful flows
I shatter em those with blows that land hard enough
to knock the snot outta your nose
isn't it funny how funny style contestants get reverted back to adolescence
turn your microphones in and turn into crack peddlers
now your dope and no one expects you to rap better
you ain't a hard rock you write raps with feathers
in the school of hard knocks you majored in mascara
with a minor in black leather
a nightclub swinger trying to get your sister act together
but I'll close the curtain, it's certain that i'll close the curtain
[Chorus X3]
In the beginning of Soul Position's song "Printmatic," Blueprint and DJ RJD2 introduce themselves and their new tune. The rest of the song is a rapid-fire rap by Blueprint that dismantles other MCs' mediocre rhymes, calls attention to their gullibility to industry manipulation, and boasts about his own skills.
In the first verse, Blueprint declares himself "infinitely ill" compared to other MCs who only display "cold symptoms." He boasts of turning crews of "hard rocks into pot holes to piss in" and suggests that other rappers are prone to foolishly following the advice of those who seek to take over their careers. Instead of buying into the hype and working with lackluster crews, Blueprint recommends finding fewer, but more genuine supporters.
In the second verse, Blueprint continues to challenge his rivals through introspective lines, punchy rhymes, and sharp humor. He compares his rhymes to "formaldehyde" and "battle rhymes" that can shock, impress, and dominate. He also threatens other MCs with his verbal assaults and notes how funny it is that many who initially boast about their status as "hard rocks" often end up reverting to childishness or criminality. Blueprint closes the song with a final refrain of "Printmatic," "cinematic perfection."
Line by Line Meaning
I figure we start it out correctly..
Let's start this song off on the right note.
this is Blueprint, RJD2 on the tracks
This song is performed by Blueprint and produced by RJD2.
this is a new tune Gotta get it right today, you know
This is a brand new song and we need to make sure we perform it well.
Whatever
I don't really care one way or the other.
[Chorus x2]
The chorus of the song repeats twice.
Infinitively ill
I am extremely talented.
while most MC's show nothing but cold symptoms and hopes of ripping
Most rappers aren't that good and just talk a big game.
I turn crews of hard rocks into pot holes to piss in
I am so good that I can easily defeat other rappers and make them feel worthless.
and you be no different, because you don't listen
You are just like those other rappers because you don't pay attention to good advice.
too many want to accept your crew of mediocre henchmen
You surround yourself with average people who don't have the talent to be successful in the music industry.
who got you gassed up for an ill-advised solo mission
Your friends are encouraging you to do something you're not ready for.
but you should watch who you listen to
Be careful who you take advice from.
they only did it cause they tryin to get rid of you
Your friends might be sabotaging you to benefit themselves.
and be the man standing in the limelight instead of you
Your friends want to be famous instead of you.
a little less dead weight, a little more revenue
You need to get rid of the people holding you back and focus on making money.
and you're about to play right into their hands
You are making the wrong choices and falling into their trap.
cause you dumb enough to buy all the bullshit they're selling you
You are gullible and falling for their lies.
I guess one's born every minute
There are always people who will be tricked by others.
and all the cats you roll with are living proof of that schedule
Your friends are evidence of the fact that people get tricked too easily.
man listen, I'm willing to bet your DJ was born one minute ahead of you
Your DJ is probably just as inexperienced as you are.
in the same hospital, maternity ward, crying in the crib, sittin right next to you
You and your DJ grew up together and have a similar upbringing.
you got beef? I got vegetables
If you want to fight, I'm ready. But I would rather make peace.
so if you really want it you can leave with a full stomach
If you insist on fighting, I will win and leave you fed up.
[Chorus X2]
The chorus of the song repeats twice.
In rumbles, I funnel words until I start feeling fully galvanized
When I rap, I become filled with energy and power.
inhale formaldahyde, exhale the battle rhymes
I am so talented that I can turn anything into a successful rap verse.
begin to bomb in a calm manner, jaws drop and shatter
I start rapping calmly and then surprise people with my incredible talent.
gall bladders burst, punks jump up and get their egos punched
My talent is so crushing that it makes people feel physically ill and embarrassed about their own lack of skill.
by a far fatter verse
My raps are so much better than anyone else's that there is no competition.
and you can celebrate afterwards
After listening to my music, you will feel amazed and inspired.
with a single release party in the back of my black hearse
We will party in style after my incredible music release.
invite your groupies, maybe one of thems a nurse
Don't forget to invite all your groupies to the party, especially if any of them are nurses.
with imported ice cubes from purgatory in her purse
We will have the best of everything at the party, even ice cubes from exotic locations.
but I doubt it, and to my rivals
I don't actually expect any groupies to show up, and I'm addressing my rap competitors.
your chance of survival is slim to none unless you get a gun
You won't make it in the rap industry unless you're willing to fight for your success.
or show your true colors and act like a bitch and run
If you don't want to fight, your only other option is to quit and run away.
praying that you're not another raisin in the sun
You hope that you won't be just another unsuccessful rapper.
but I suppose foes of mine chose the latter
I assume my rivals give up and run away instead of fighting me.
and scattered outta the way of powerful flows
My incredible raps are too intense for my competitors to handle.
I shatter em those with blows that land hard enough
I easily defeat my competitors with one good rap verse.
to knock the snot outta your nose
My music is so powerful that it will literally make you cry.
isn't it funny how funny style contestants get reverted back to adolescence
Other rappers revert back to acting childish when they are defeated by my music.
turn your microphones in and turn into crack peddlers
You will never be successful as a rapper and should consider selling drugs instead.
now your dope and no one expects you to rap better
Everyone knows you're a bad rapper and doesn't expect you to improve.
you ain't a hard rock you write raps with feathers
You are not tough or talented - your raps are weak.
in the school of hard knocks you majored in mascara
You are not tough enough for the rap industry - instead you majored in cosmetics.
with a minor in black leather
You're trying to be tough by wearing black leather, but it's not working.
a nightclub swinger trying to get your sister act together
You're just trying to go to parties and be cool, but it's not working.
but I'll close the curtain, it's certain that i'll close the curtain
I'm going to finish this song strong and confidently end it.
[Chorus X3]
The chorus of the song repeats three times.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
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