In 1982, Soulsonic Force and Afrika Bambaataa released a single called "Planet Rock". The song borrowed musical motifs from German electro-pop, British rock, and African-American disco rap. All the different elements and musical styles were blended together; and in doing so, they offered hip-hop as a new vision for global harmony. The song became an immediate hit and stormed the music charts worldwide.
Their most well-known songs are "Planet Rock", "Looking for the Perfect Beat" and "Renegades of Funk" (which is one of the earliest political-conscious rap songs alongside Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five's "The Message").
Soulsonic Force feature on the title track of the Freestylers' debut album We Rock Hard.
Lineup:
Afrika Bambata
Mr Biggs
Pow Wow
The G.L.O.B.E.
DJ Jazzy Jay
Cosmic Force
Planet Rock
Soul Sonic Force Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Party people
Can y'all get funky?
Soul Sonic Force - can y'all get funky?
The Zulu Nation - can y'all get funky?
Yaaah!
Just hit me
Just taste the funk and hit me
Bambaataa's jus' gettin' so funky, now, hit me
Yaaah!
Just hit me
Just start to chase your dreams
Up out your seats, make your body sway
Socialize, get down, let your soul lead the way
Shake it now, go ladies, it's a livin' dream
Love Life Live
Come play the game, our world is free
Do what you want but scream
We know a place where the nights are hot
It is a house of funk
Females and males
Both headed all for the disco
The D.J. plays your favorite blasts
Takes you back to the past, music's magic (poof)
Bump bump bump get bump with some flash, people
Rock rock to the Planet Rock, don't stop
Rock rock to the Planet Rock, don't stop
The Soul Sonic Force - Mr. Biggs, Pow Wow, and M.C. Globe
We emphasize the show, we got ego
Make this your night, just slip it right, and by day
As the people say, live it up, shucks
No work or play, our world is free
Be what you be - be
Rock rock to the Planet Rock, don't stop
Rock rock to the Planet Rock, don't stop
You're in a place where the nights are hot
Where nature's children dance and set a chance
On this Mother Earth, which is our rock
The time has come, and work for soul, show you really got soul
Are you ready hump bump bump, get bump, now let's go, house
Twist and turn, the you let your body slide
You got the body rock and pop, bounce and pounce
Everybody just rock it, don't stop it
Gotta rock it, don't stop
Keep tickin' and tockin', work it all around the clock
Everybody keep rockin' and clockin' and shockin' and rockin', go house
Everybody say, rock it, don't stop it (Crowd repeats)
Well hit me, Mr. Biggs (Crowd repeats)
Pow Wow (Crowd repeats)
G-L-O-be -E (Crowd repeats)
The Soul Sonic Force
You gotta rock it, pop it, 'cause it's the century
There is such a place that creates such a melody
Our world is but a land of a master jam, get up and dance
It's time to chase your dreams
Up out your seats, make your body sway
Socialize, get down, let your soul lead the way
Shake it now, go ladies, it's a livin' dream
Love Life Live
Zih Zih Zih Zih Zih (ad lib)
Everybody say, rock it, don't stop it (Crowd repeats)
Everybody say, shock it and pop it (Crowd repeats)
Everybody say, ich me sun chi (Crowd repeats)
Say, Planet Rock (Crowd repeats)
It's the sure shot (Crowd repeats)
Say, Planet Rock (Crowd repeats)
It's the sure shot (Crowd repeats)
So twist and turn, then you let your body glide
You got the body rock and pop, bounce and pounce
So hit me
Just taste the funk and hit me
Just get on down and hit me
Bambaataa's gettin' so funky, now hit me
Every piece of the world
Rate the message of the worlds
All men, women, boys, and girls, hey our Planet Rock is superb
Get on it
You got the groove, move (ad lib)
Feel the groove - feell it
Do what ya want but ya know ya got to be cool and boogie
Out on the floor, go down
Bring it low
Close to the ground
Everybody just rock it, don't stop it, gotta rock it Don't stop
Keep tickin' and tockin'
Work it all around the clock
Everybody just rock it, don't stop it
Gotta rockin' don't stoppin', Gotta rock it, don't stop
Gotta rockin' don't stoppin', Gotta rock it, don't stop
The song "Planet Rock" by Soul Sonic Force is a classic hip-hop track that was released in 1982. The song has an upbeat and energetic vibe that encourages everyone to dance and let loose. The lyrics throughout the song encourage people to "get funky" and "chase your dreams." The song also talks about a place where everyone can come together, regardless of gender or background, to dance and have fun. The lyrics encourage socializing and letting your soul lead the way.
The song also includes a reference to the Zulu Nation, which was a hip-hop movement founded by Afrika Bambaataa. The Zulu Nation was known for promoting peace, unity, and positivity within the hip-hop culture. Soul Sonic Force's reference to the Zulu Nation in "Planet Rock" helps to further reinforce the message of unity and togetherness.
In addition to its positive and uplifting message, "Planet Rock" is also notable for its pioneering use of electronic music. The song was one of the first hip-hop tracks to use a Roland TR-808 drum machine, which helped to create the distinctive sound that would later become synonymous with early hip-hop. Overall, "Planet Rock" is a classic track that continues to inspire and influence generations of hip-hop artists to this day.
Line by Line Meaning
Party people
Addressing the crowd to start the party
Can y'all get funky?
Asking if the crowd is ready to dance and enjoy the music
Soul Sonic Force - can y'all get funky?
The band is ready to bring their funk music if the crowd is ready to dance
The Zulu Nation - can y'all get funky?
Asking if the Zulu Nation, an African American social and political movement, is ready to dance and enjoy the music
Yaaah!
An exclamation of enthusiasm and excitement
Just taste the funk and hit me
Inviting the crowd to experience the rhythm of the funky music and start dancing
Just get on down and hit me
Encouraging the crowd to dance and follow the rhythm of the music
Bambaataa's jus' gettin' so funky, now, hit me
Referring to Afrika Bambaataa, the founder of Zulu Nation and a pioneer in hip hop music, getting funkier and inviting the crowd to dance along
Just start to chase your dreams
Encouraging the crowd to follow their dreams and aspirations
Up out your seats, make your body sway
Inviting the crowd to get up and dance to the music
Socialize, get down, let your soul lead the way
Encouraging the crowd to interact with each other and let loose while dancing
Shake it now, go ladies, it's a livin' dream
Encouraging the female audience to dance and emphasizing the joy of living in the moment
Love Life Live
A phrase that encapsulates the theme of enjoying and living life to the fullest
Come play the game, our world is free
Inviting the crowd to embrace freedom and happiness while enjoying the music
Do what you want but scream
Encouraging the crowd to express themselves freely and loudly
We know a place where the nights are hot
Referring to a party place with the atmosphere and music that make people dance and enjoy the hot nights
It is a house of funk
Describing the music played at the party as funky and soulful
Females and males
Referring to both genders being present at the party
Both headed all for the disco
All genders coming to the party to dance and enjoy the disco-style music
The D.J. plays your favorite blasts
Describing the D.J. playing the crowd's favorite music
Takes you back to the past, music's magic (poof)
Describing how the music can transport people back in time and make them feel connected to each other and the world
Bump bump bump get bump with some flash, people
Encouraging the crowd to dance and move their bodies to the rhythm of the music
Rock rock to the Planet Rock, don't stop
Inviting the crowd to dance and keep enjoying the music
The Soul Sonic Force - Mr. Biggs, Pow Wow, and M.C. Globe
Introducing the band members
We emphasize the show, we got ego
Boasting about the band's showmanship and confidence
Make this your night, just slip it right, and by day
Encouraging the audience to enjoy the night and party while still being responsible in their daily lives
As the people say, live it up, shucks
Referring to people who encourage others to enjoy life to the fullest and not hold back
No work or play, our world is free
Emphasizing the theme of freedom and enjoyment in the song's lyrics
Be what you be - be
Encouraging people to be themselves and embrace their unique qualities
You're in a place where the nights are hot
Referring to the party place where the music and atmosphere make people dance and enjoy themselves
Where nature's children dance and set a chance
Referring to people as nature's children and emphasizing the natural desire of humans to dance and enjoy music
On this Mother Earth, which is our rock
Referring to Earth as the motherland that is shared by all humans and emphasizes that music can bring people together
The time has come, and work for soul, show you really got soul
Encouraging the audience to dance with soul and passion to show their love and appreciation for the music
Are you ready hump bump bump, get bump, now let's go, house
Encouraging the audience to dance and move their hips to the rhythm of the music
Twist and turn, the you let your body slide
Encouraging people to move their bodies freely and creatively
You got the body rock and pop, bounce and pounce
Encouraging the audience to show off their moves and dance with energy
Everybody just rock it, don't stop it
Encouraging the audience to keep dancing and enjoying the music
Gotta rock it, don't stop
Encouraging the audience to continue dancing and enjoying the music
Keep tickin' and tockin', work it all around the clock
Encouraging the audience to dance and enjoy the music all night long
Everybody say, rock it, don't stop it
Encouraging the audience to repeat the chorus and continue dancing
Well hit me, Mr. Biggs (Crowd repeats)
Asking the bandmate Mr. Biggs to start playing his music and encouraging the audience to repeat the chant
The Soul Sonic Force
Repeating the band name
You gotta rock it, pop it, 'cause it's the century
Encouraging people to dance and enjoy the music of the current era
There is such a place that creates such a melody
Referring to the party place as a magical place where the music creates an irresistible melody
Our world is but a land of a master jam, get up and dance
Emphasizing the importance of music in the world and encouraging people to dance
Zih Zih Zih Zih Zih (ad lib)
A repetition of sounds that create a rhythmic effect
Everybody say, shock it and pop it (Crowd repeats)
Encouraging the audience to move their bodies creatively and rhythmically
Everybody say, ich me sun chi (Crowd repeats)
A repetition of sounds that create a rhythmic effect and an encouragement for people to get exciting and energetic
Say, Planet Rock (Crowd repeats)
A repetition of the song's title to further emphasize its importance
It's the sure shot (Crowd repeats)
Reiterating that the song is a guaranteed success and a must-play at parties
So hit me
Inviting the bandmate to start playing his music and get people dancing
Every piece of the world
Referring to people from all over the world
Rate the message of the worlds
Urging people to recognize and appreciate the message and importance of music regardless of their origins
All men, women, boys, and girls, hey our Planet Rock is superb
Including everyone in the enjoyment of music and emphasizing the greatness of the song
Get on it
Encouraging the audience to start dancing and enjoying the music
You got the groove, move (ad lib)
Encouraging the audience to move their bodies and dance to the music's groove
Feel the groove - feell it
Encouraging the audience to feel the rhythm and enjoy the music's groove
Do what ya want but ya know ya got to be cool and boogie
Encouraging the audience to express themselves freely while still being cool and appreciating the aesthetics of the boogie dance
Out on the floor, go down
Encouraging the audience to dance and show off their moves on the dance floor
Bring it low
Encouraging the audience to move their bodies closer to the ground while dancing
Everybody just rock it, don't stop it, gotta rock it Don't stop
Repeating the chorus to further emphasize the importance of dancing and enjoying the music
Gotta rockin' don't stoppin', Gotta rock it, don't stop
Encouraging the audience to continue dancing and enjoying the music without stopping
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Afrika Bambaataa, Arthur H Baker, Ellis Williams, Emil Shult, John Robie, John B. Miller, Ralf Huetter, Robert Allen
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@TheJaybugg311
I don't think people understand and appreciate the creativity that was utilized at the beginning of Hip Hop.
@motherfuckergs2948
I love this, money are destroying the world
@JazzyAmbitions
They was not doing nothing new when it came to stage presence.... Evidence of preexisting examples exits. Now as for the utilization of dancers talent in that respect at that time became huge. So what's left?.... Lyrics and instrumentals! 75% of the times the beats carry the song! The other 30% lyrics!........ Now.
Knowing this all i can do is appreciate the organizers! Work done on stage and to promote the music.
Nothing new under the Sun! It's about promoting, creating a certain vibe and rolling it out.
@andrewruesche3395
Hip Hop originals never received fully due credit for their innovation in music.
@3737raider
This is not the beginning.
@toddcombs9784
I lived it. Spent time watching breakdance competitions. It was a good vibe for a white guy in 1985.
@LLLL-dz9wb
This wasn't just a song, it was a movement.
@randomstuff5100
Still works too
@andreaharper788
It was definitely a movement..autotuning made it better.
@404010ful
It is a futuristic dance piece it played in alot of big dance clubs across the city where I live in Toronto it is pretty repitive but it really keeps you moving .