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1. Alistaire Mc Calla, Roshaun Clarke, Craig Thompson and Xavier Davidson make up the Jamaican dancehall crew, known as T.O.K (a.k.a Touch Of Klass).
Straight from Jamaica, T.O.K has emerged as dancehall's hottest foursome. The band, made up of Alex, Flexx, Bay-C and Craigy T, have shown their true strength with their sophomore VP Records set.
The group started out in high school doing R'n'B covers, and it was only a matter of time before they began to blend hardcore dancehall into their music to create their trademark style. After building a fan base on their home island, the group was recognised in the U.S. with their 2001 debut album "My Crew, My Dawgs," which peaked at No. 6 on Billboard's Top Reggae Albums chart.
With singles such as "Gal You Ah Lead", T.O.K has become a crossover hit. The single has re-introduced the group to fans both stateside and abroad, as the world's current fascination with dancehall continues to grow. T.O.K sees it as their duty to "continue doing more quality songs that everybody loves to sing because more eyes are on us and the whole dancehall fraternity on a whole," says Flexx. "We hope that our fans will see that we have grown as artists," says Bay-C. "We will be around for a very long time."
Top Shotta
T.O.K. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And any bwo disrespect dem get alot a COPPA
Shoot dem inna dem head and a dem heart and a dem BACKA
Nuh like see we prospa go suck out yuh MODDA, MODDA, MODDA, MODDA
Alright, real top SHOTTA
Amd any bwoy diss we crush dem like bottle SNAPPA
We rollin wid di eagle and di uzi and di CHOPPA
Dem shouldn′t violate becau dem know
Seh man a real top SHOTTA
Warn dem before we nuh tek tuff CHATTA
Anybwoy violate get gun SHOTTA, SHOTTA, SHOTTA, SHOTTA
Real top SHOTTA, we tell di politician to sort out di MATTA
Fi we pocket slim bwoy fi dem own POTTA
And if di price nuh drop well di place a get HOTTA
Man a, buss up, di ROT TA TA TA TA TA
The lyrics to T.O.K.'s song Top Shotta are centered around the life of a top shot caller, highlighting the power and influence they hold within their community. The opening line, "Seh man a real top SHOTTA," establishes that the singer is an authoritative figure who commands respect and obedience. The following lines make it clear that there will be consequences for those who dare to disrespect or cross them. The phrase "get alot a COPPA" means that they will face a hail of bullets aimed at their head, heart, and back. The use of the phrase "suck out yuh MODDA," which means to insult someone's mother, shows the level of disrespect that will not be tolerated.
The second verse reinforces the idea that the singer is a true top shot caller. The lines "We rollin wid di eagle and di uzi and di CHOPPA / Dem shouldn't violate because dem know / Seh man a DAPPA" explain that the singer is heavily armed and willing to use his weapons to defend himself and his team. The use of onomatopoeic words like "SNAPPA" and "SHOTTA" highlights the violence and aggression associated with top shot callers. The ending line, "Man a, buss up, di ROT TA TA TA TA TA," further reinforces their power and authority.
Overall, Top Shotta is a braggadocious ode to the lifestyle of top shot callers, showcasing the violence and authority they wield.
Line by Line Meaning
Seh man a real top SHOTTA
The singer claims to be a true gangster and leader in his community.
And any bwo disrespect dem get alot a COPPA
Anyone who disrespects them gets a lot of police attention.
Shoot dem inna dem head and a dem heart and a dem BACKA
They shoot their enemies in vital parts of their body, showing their deadly capabilities.
Nuh like see we prospa go suck out yuh MODDA, MODDA, MODDA, MODDA
They do not want anyone to interfere with their success and will threaten the mother of anyone who comes their way.
Alright, real top SHOTTA
The artist reaffirms their status as a true gangster.
Amd any bwoy diss we crush dem like bottle SNAPPA
They assert their capability to crush anyone who opposes them like a bottle cap.
We rollin wid di eagle and di uzi and di CHOPPA
They have various weapons ready to deal with any threats to their power.
Dem shouldn′t violate becau dem know Seh man a DAPPA, DAPPA, DAPPA, DAPPA
Their reputation as a force to be reckoned with is known, so people should not attempt to challenge them.
Warn dem before we nuh tek tuff CHATTA
They are giving a warning ahead of time before they react strongly to any insolence or opposition.
Anybwoy violate get gun SHOTTA, SHOTTA, SHOTTA, SHOTTA
Anyone who disobeys or challenges them will receive gunfire as a consequence.
Real top SHOTTA, we tell di politician to sort out di MATTA
They demand that politicians should address and resolve the issues affecting the community to maintain peace.
Fi we pocket slim bwoy fi dem own POTTA
If they are not making enough money, they do not care about the struggles of others and will look out for themselves.
And if di price nuh drop well di place a get HOTTA
If prices are too high, they will resort to criminal activities to make ends meet.
Man a, buss up, di ROT TA TA TA TA TA
They are ready to cause chaos and destruction if anyone crosses them.
Writer(s): Richard Browne, Craig Thompson, Roshaun Clarke, Xavier Davidson, Alistaire Mccalla
Contributed by Brody T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.