Stezo has released a few 12" singles over the years including a CD single Where's The Funk At in 1997. In 2004, Stones Throw Records released the 12" single A Piece of the Pie. When Stezo was a dancer for EPMD during the Strictly Business tour, Stezo got into a beef with Parrish Smith and was kicked from the rest of the tour. EPMD blasted Stezo in their venomous classic “So Watcha Sayin”. Stezo and his cousin had become friends again and he enlisted Dooley’s help in the production of his answer to EPMD's call-out. A Piece Of The Pie featured a foreshadowing Dooley saying: “First album Strictly Business, second album Unfinished Business, third album OUT OF BUSlNESS!” The two remain convinced that if the record had been released at that time, it would’ve made Stezo legendary.
Traffic Entertainment Group and Warlock Records released the highly anticipated reissue of Crazy Noise in 2005.
More recently Stezo has made guest appearances on Dooley-O's album The Black Life (2004), and the Boys From The Ranch EP (2007) featuring a track originally from 1992.
To The Max
Stezo Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And listen to the voice of Stezo
Let me explain the situation that's taught
Blame it on me, yeah, I know it's my fault
For teaching you, how to jam right
Tell you the truth, they need to ban mics
Because, I'm a danger zone
Making beats vibrate right through the bone
Just a rapper demonstrating
Talents to the people cause they're the facts
Just (Baby break it on down) to the max
"Baby break it on down"
Let's go, main point, I mean jet out
Rappers, yo, I'm putting heads out
Making MC's drop down to their knees
Saying "More beats please, Stezo-Eaze"
Time after time, this kids getting doper
There's no way (What way?) That you can coper with
The man with the gift
Yo Jim describe me (Swwwwwwift)
It's me Stezo selling records by the rack so
(Baby break it on down) to the max
"Baby break it on down"
Can you get with this? It's something smooth
Now it's time for Stezo to get in the groove
You've been waiting for a long time, I left you sitting
But now I know a lot of MC's are like shitting
Don't be afraid and alarmed, or just pressured
Keep it on file that Stezo-E is a treasure
I'm dangerous, show-wise I am illegal
Two birds together, I stand out like a seagull
I'm the man, I'm the one, I'm the boss
You call me for a show and I'm a tell you the cost
I'm just a principal, lounging in your high school
So homeboy yo, I just advise you to
Keep it in your skull that I'm phantom fluid
Then you finished the test, then you finally ruined
Remember, this is dope on wax so
(Baby break it on down) To the max
"Baby break it on down" [x2]
Wham, right in the kisser
There's no way you can diss the
Original rapping king sire
Believe it or not holmes, I'm not a liar
So, let's go, to the show
And see a fly brother with the tempo
Hypen up the crowd just like a coke sniff
Towing MC's away just like a boat lift
Now I'm gone, I'm long, singing a song
Call me the king, without the corn
Listen up, this is a portion of practice
Sticking MC's up just like a cactus
Meaner than ever, never been defeated
Bow down, just like a king I'm being treated
Yo crack goes your back so
(Baby break it on down) To the max
"Baby break it on down" [x2]
In Stezo's "To The Max," he showcases his talents as a rapper, stating that he is dangerous in his craft of making beats and rhymes. Stezo takes a moment to acknowledge that he taught others how to jam right and that his skills are to blame for this. He thereby asserts that he is the man with the gift, swiftly rising as a rapping king sire that puts other rappers out of commission. Stezo describes his prowess as similar to that of a doctor performing operations but instead of operating; he is demonstrating his rapping talents to the people.
He also refers to himself as the boss and warns those who wish to engage his services to beware of the costs they might incur. Stezo leaves his audience with a reminder that his music is dope on wax, and they should break it on down to the max. The words "Baby break it on down" serve as a chorus that comes after a couple of verses, enabling the listeners to sing along and dance to the song.
In summary, Stezo's "To The Max" is a reminder of his skills and how he taught others to rhyme, which became a problem as he rose to fame. He then warns his competitors that his skills are lethal, and they must be careful how they approach him. He concludes by reminding his listeners to enjoy the music and dance to their heart's content.
Line by Line Meaning
Slow down, and yo, let the rhyme flow
Take a step back, let the creative juices flow
And listen to the voice of Stezo
Pay attention to the rhymes and message that is being conveyed in this song
Let me explain the situation that's taught
Allow me to elaborate on the subject matter being discussed in this song
Blame it on me, yeah, I know it's my fault
I take responsibility for any negative consequences that may arise from my teachings or actions
For teaching you, how to jam right
For showing you the right way to perform or make music
Tell you the truth, they need to ban mics
The level of talent and skill that I possess is so high, that some may consider banning microphones to attempt to level the playing field
Because, I'm a danger zone
I am a force to be reckoned with and my abilities are unmatched
Making beats vibrate right through the bone
The beats that I create and perform are so powerful, they can be physically felt throughout the body
Not a doctor, operating
I am not a surgeon or medical professional, but rather a rapper and performer
Just a rapper demonstrating
I am simply showcasing my skills and talents as a rapper
Talents to the people cause they're the facts
I am presenting the truth of my abilities to the audience and giving them a taste of my talents
Just (Baby break it on down) to the max
Let the music and rhythm take control and bring you to the highest level of enjoyment possible
Rappers, yo, I'm putting heads out
I am dominating the rap game and taking out other rappers with my skills and performances
Making MC's drop down to their knees
I am captivating other rappers with my abilities and causing them to bow down in respect and admiration
Saying "More beats please, Stezo-Eaze"
Other rappers are requesting more of my beats and asking for me to continue delivering my unique style and sound
This kids getting doper
I am continuing to improve and perfect my craft, becoming better with each performance
There's no way (What way?) That you can coper with
No one can compete or keep up with my level of skill and talent
The man with the gift
I am the one with the natural talent and ability to create and perform at the highest level
Yo Jim describe me (Swwwwwwift)
My abilities and talents are so impressive that they leave others speechless, with nothing else to say except to describe me as swift
It's me Stezo selling records by the rack so
My music and performances are so popular, they are selling at a high volume
Can you get with this? It's something smooth
Can you keep up with my smooth and effortless flow?
Now it's time for Stezo to get in the groove
It's time for me to showcase my skills and get into a rhythm with the music
You've been waiting for a long time, I left you sitting
Fans have been eagerly anticipating my next performance, and I have not disappointed them by delivering my best work
But now I know a lot of MC's are like shitting
Other rappers are intimidated by my skills and are feeling nervous or uncertain of how to compete on the same level
Don't be afraid and alarmed, or just pressured
Do not feel intimidated or pressured by my skills and performances
Keep it on file that Stezo-E is a treasure
Remember and appreciate my unique and valuable talents as a treasure within the music industry
I'm dangerous, show-wise I am illegal
My performances are so powerful and captivating, that they could be considered dangerous to some, and are illegal in their level of excitement and intensity
Two birds together, I stand out like a seagull
My unique talents and abilities are easily distinguishable and stand out among other rappers
I'm the man, I'm the one, I'm the boss
I am in charge and dominating the rap game, proving myself as the best and most talented rapper out there
You call me for a show and I'm a tell you the cost
My performances and appearances are in such high demand, that I can charge a high price for my services
I'm just a principal, lounging in your high school
I am in control and taking charge of the music industry, much like a principal in charge of a school
So homeboy yo, I just advise you to
So listen up and pay attention, as I have some advice for you
Keep it in your skull that I'm phantom fluid
Remember that my skills and abilities are like a phantom, fluid and effortless in their execution
Then you finished the test, then you finally ruined
Once you have experienced my performances and abilities, you will be ruined for anything less than the best
Remember, this is dope on wax so
Do not forget, this is great music on record, and it should be appreciated and respected for its quality and excellence
Wham, right in the kisser
I am delivering an impressive and powerful performance that cannot be ignored
There's no way you can diss the
There is no way to deny or criticize my level of skill and talent
Original rapping king sire
I am the true and original king of rap music, deserving of respect and admiration
Believe it or not holmes, I'm not a liar
Trust and believe that I am truthful and honest about my abilities and talents
And see a fly brother with the tempo
Witness an impressively skilled and talented performer with a unique sense of timing and rhythm
Hypen up the crowd just like a coke sniff
Energize and excite the audience in a way that is similar to the rush of a drug
Towing MC's away just like a boat lift
Dominating over and removing other rappers from the spotlight, much like a boat being lifted out of the water
Now I'm gone, I'm long, singing a song
Now that my performance is over, I am moving on to the next one, singing a song and creating new music
Call me the king, without the corn
Refer to me as the king of rap music, without any unnecessary or exaggerated embellishments
Listen up, this is a portion of practice
Pay attention as I show you a small part of my expertise and skill set in this performance
Sticking MC's up just like a cactus
Overpowering and dominating other rappers in the industry, much like a cactus with its prickly thorns
Meaner than ever, never been defeated
I am coming out even stronger than before, never being defeated or intimidated by others in the industry
Bow down, just like a king I'm being treated
Others in the industry are showing me the respect and admiration that is deserved of a true king and ruler
Yo crack goes your back so
You are experiencing intense emotions and excitement as a result of my performance
(Baby break it on down) To the max
Let the music and rhythm completely consume you and bring you to the highest level of enjoyment possible
Contributed by Mason V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Gaz Merks
RIP Stezo! 😢🙏🏾 I’m absolutely gutted. Terrible news this morning. Thank you for the music
Derek Lomax
Only a real HipHop head will know and understand what I just heard. Stezo is that dude, lol.
Dogs And Yoga
Yup. Rock In Power...
Travels & Chases
I used to love this song. Summer time 89 . Red Alert would blend this into Special Ed " I got it Made remix " Stezo was slept on. He had that classic late 80s NY flow.
Joseph Ginther
I remember that… Chuck Chillout too! Not much love on BLS
Kendall Jones
CLASSIC 2016 hip hop salute 👍👍🔥❤😀🎵🎵🎶🍺
The 1 above all
He's from CT
PattieFlower
Travels & Chases yes!!! That September I started HS
Darris Washington
This beat is bananas. Some joints grab u as soon as they come on. This is one of them.
dareal05
Darris Washington Courtesy of the great Paul C..RIP