Like That
The Black Eyed Peas Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Question for the ages
What's going on with my back pages?
Rappers wanna be down, but listen listen
You got to feel it within your body and your spirit
When you listen to the rhythm (come on)
It's the abstract Will's on the beat
Women all around the globe, the world
You got to follow me
Change your history, categories
Different people in the same territories
Hip-hop in here for my Black Eyed Peas
So watch it watch it be marveled on the speakers please
'Cause they gonna marvel and shake the ground
Break addles break the sound
Fill the embraceful pound
Treat all the things profound
If you wanna dude to help you out
Make it cool around your friends without smoking now
Play the song kinda loud, it could help you out
And you could work it out, yeah you could work it out
It's like that, and a

And we got it like that (like that)
You know we got it like that (like that)
Y'all we got it like that (like that)
It's like that, like that (like that)
Y'all we got it like that (like that)
You know we got it like that (like that)
Yeah we got it like that (like that)

It's like that 'Cause I got it like that
And I got it like that also
Got a style that's way out like Bosto
You know I'm a crook a nigga like Chocko
Steady jumpin' around like it's heavy cargo
(Can I kick it?) Yup, really far though
From El Segundo to Toronto
I once hit a girl up in Chicago
But I'd never say who unless my name was Tanto
Yup, you know how the date rape go
'Cause we show the classic example
Now they know the Peas collect the dough
So they knocking on our door like we was Fargo
Yup, they see me in a Will.I.Am suit
But I wasn't that cute when I didn't have the loot
And I don't smoke birds but I'm still real nice with the birds
So fuck (hey!) what you heard
'Cause we got it like that

And we got it like that (like that)
You know we got it like that (like that)
Y'all we got it like that (like that)
It's like that, like that (like that)
Y'all we got it like that (like that)
You know we got it like that (like that)
Yeah we got it like that (like that)

Talib, just hit 'em like that
I'm from the jungle, brother, and I got it like that
Yo, my life got me running through a maze like a white rat
I need a shot at ramming like my rap
It's like the yak is the fights that got me spillin' on the right track
And I like this Will so I might get ill
On the mics somebody might get killed
So many damn rappers there's a stifle in heaven
My tongue is a weapon and plus when I bust all this stuff with Legend
When this Brooklyn MC come after you
You be running like I herd a carrel at Murdell Avenue
There we yattin' that ain't pretty that's the attitude
To be at Fight Club, even Brad had to crack a tooth
Stare into the sun, they try to copy
Let your eyes get used to the light because you gotta watch me
Sneak up on you like sake
My lyrics get out a split atom like Hiroshima and Nagasaki

It's the Apl.De.Ap in the lab with the rap
Demonstrate how we act, we attack any track
It's the Black Eyed Peas and we back with the facts
Start with the fat skills that rose in the past
We got it like how you know how to beast rocks
Entertain you, see you soon at the next spot
The crew got you bouncing and dropping your eye
Making you
Tss tsss tsss, I'm a roll with the hot
I'm a flow from the soul when you can't hold me back
Ke-ke-keep on keep on rolling the track
I'm a simply simply always attach
Jeepney Music by Apl.De.Ap
From L.A to Philippines we bridging the gap
We got it like that you know we got it like that
Like we got it like that y'all

And we got it like that (like that)
You know we got it like that (like that)
Y'all we got it like that (like that)
It's like that, like that (like that)
Y'all we got it like that (like that)
You know we got it like that (like that)
Yeah we got it like that (like that)

It's like that and a
It's like that and a
My man Q-Tip in the house
Cee-lo you know he's in the house
My man John Legend's in the house
Talib Kwali will work it out
My man Apl.De is in the house
Will.I.Am is definitely in the house
Fergie Ferg is in the house
Whadup to De La, shout 'em out
Drew hip-hop music now
Positive vibes, no doubt
My man Ali Muhammed's in the house
My man Shahid's in the house
You know I'm in the house
Black Eyed Peas represent sellin' out
Black Eyed Peas represent sellin' out
Black Eyed Peas represent sellin' out





It's like that da-da

Overall Meaning

The song "Like That" is a collaboration featuring The Black Eyed Peas, Q-Tip, Talib Kweli, Cee-Lo, and John Legend. The lyrics talk about the power and influence of hip hop music around the world. The line "women all around the globe, the world, you got to follow me" implies that the song is meant to unite people from different backgrounds under the music. The lyrics also touch on the struggles of the artists to gain recognition, the pressure to conform and sell out, as well as expressing the love and passion for the genre. As Apl.De.Ap says in his verse, "It's the Black Eyed Peas and we back with the facts. Start with the fat skills that rose in the past."


The chorus "We got it like that" is a statement of confidence and success. The verses are filled with clever wordplay and metaphors, highlighting the lyrical prowess of the featured artists. Q-Tip boasts about his style that's "way out like Bosto" and his ability to hit a girl up in Chicago. Talib Kweli talks about being from the jungle and using his tongue as a weapon. Cee-Lo sings about the pressure to conform and to smoke, but he stays true to himself. John Legend provides the soulful background vocals that tie everything together.


Overall, "Like That" is a celebration of hip hop and its global impact. The song encourages listeners to feel the rhythm and embrace the music, emphasizing the positive aspects of the genre.


Line by Line Meaning

Question for the ages
A thought-provoking inquiry


What's going on with my back pages?
Curiosity about one's past experiences and memories


Rappers wanna be down, but listen listen
Aspiring artists crave acceptance, but they must truly understand and connect with the music


You got to feel it within your body and your spirit
The music should evoke emotional and physical sensations


When you listen to the rhythm (come on)
Emphasis on the importance of recognizing and embracing the beat


It's the abstract Will's on the beat
Will.I.Am's unique production style sets the tone


Women all around the globe, the world
Females from different cultures and locations


You got to follow me
Listen and engage with my perspective


Change your history, categories
Challenge traditional boundaries and classifications


Different people in the same territories
Diverse individuals inhabiting shared spaces


Hip-hop in here for my Black Eyed Peas
The Black Eyed Peas represent the presence of hip-hop


So watch it watch it be marveled on the speakers please
Immerse yourself in the captivating music playing on the artists


'Cause they gonna marvel and shake the ground
The impact of the music will astonish and create a powerful influence


Break addles break the sound
Break through audio barriers and conventions


Fill the embraceful pound
Elevate the rhythmic pulse with a sense of warmth and connection


Treat all the things profound
View all aspects of life with depth and significance


If you wanna dude to help you out
If you need assistance or guidance


Make it cool around your friends without smoking now
Be socially accepted without relying on substance use


Play the song kinda loud, it could help you out
Crank up the volume and let the song uplift your mood


And you could work it out, yeah you could work it out
Resolve personal issues and find a way to succeed


And we got it like that (like that)
We possess that incredible ability or talent


You know we got it like that (like that)
You are aware of our exceptional skills


Y'all we got it like that (like that)
Everyone, we have that incredible talent


It's like that, like that (like that)
That's simply the way it is


Yeah we got it like that (like that)
Yes, we possess that exceptional talent


It's like that 'Cause I got it like that
That's the case because I possess that incredible talent


And I got it like that also
Furthermore, I possess that incredible talent as well


Got a style that's way out like Bosto
My unique fashion sense is avant-garde like Boston


You know I'm a crook a nigga like Chocko
I possess the cunning and charm of a skilled criminal


Steady jumpin' around like it's heavy cargo
I move confidently and energetically, as if carrying a heavy load


(Can I kick it?) Yup, really far though
Can I express myself? Yes, to a considerable extent


From El Segundo to Toronto
Covering a wide geographical range from Los Angeles to Canada


I once hit a girl up in Chicago
I once had a romantic encounter with a woman in Chicago


But I'd never say who unless my name was Tanto
I wouldn't disclose her identity unless I had a reason to


Yup, you know how the date rape go
You are familiar with the unfortunate reality of non-consensual encounters


'Cause we show the classic example
We exemplify a well-known and undeniable reality


Now they know the Peas collect the dough
Now people recognize our ability to make money


So they knocking on our door like we was Fargo
They are approaching us with eagerness and urgency


Yup, they see me in a Will.I.Am suit
They observe me dressed in fashionable attire created by Will.I.Am


But I wasn't that cute when I didn't have the loot
I wasn't considered attractive before I had money


And I don't smoke birds but I'm still real nice with the birds
I don't smoke marijuana, but I'm incredibly skilled with rhymes


So fuck (hey!) what you heard
Disregard any false or negative gossip


'Cause we got it like that
Because we possess that incredible talent


It's like that da-da
That's simply the way it is, da-da


Talib, just hit 'em like that
Talib Kweli, deliver your verses in that signature style


I'm from the jungle, brother, and I got it like that
I come from a raw and challenging environment, but I possess exceptional talent


Yo, my life got me running through a maze like a white rat
My experiences and circumstances complicate my journey, resembling a rat in a maze


I need a shot at ramming like my rap
I desire a chance to impact the music industry with my skills


It's like the yak is the fights that got me spillin' on the right track
Alcohol fuels my inner struggles and motivates me to express myself through music


And I like this Will so I might get ill
I enjoy Will.I.Am's production style, and it might inspire me to deliver exceptional verses


On the mics somebody might get killed
With my impressive lyrical prowess, I might metaphorically obliterate other emcees


So many damn rappers there's a stifle in heaven
The abundance of average rappers stifles the creativity and talent of exceptional artists


My tongue is a weapon and plus when I bust all this stuff with Legend
My skillful delivery and powerful rhymes, combined with John Legend's contributions, leave a lasting impact


When this Brooklyn MC come after you
When I, a skilled rapper from Brooklyn, pursue success in the industry


You be running like I herd a carrel at Murdell Avenue
You'll flee, intimidated by my lyrical prowess, as if a flock of birds were chasing you


There we yattin' that ain't pretty that's the attitude
Expressing ourselves with authenticity, even if it's not conventionally attractive


To be at Fight Club, even Brad had to crack a tooth
Even someone as prominent as Brad Pitt faced challenges and sacrifices to achieve success in their craft


Stare into the sun, they try to copy
We shine brightly and become targets of imitation


Let your eyes get used to the light because you gotta watch me
Acclimate yourself to my brilliance, as you must pay attention to my actions


Sneak up on you like sake
Catch you off guard, similar to the unexpected nature of the alcoholic beverage sake


My lyrics get out a split atom like Hiroshima and Nagasaki
My powerful lyrics have an explosive impact, comparable to the devastation caused by atomic bombs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki


It's the Apl.De.Ap in the lab with the rap
Apl.De.Ap showcasing his skills and creativity in the studio


Demonstrate how we act, we attack any track
Showcasing our approach and intensity, overpowering any instrumental


It's the Black Eyed Peas and we back with the facts
The Black Eyed Peas returning with truthful and authentic content


Start with the fat skills that rose in the past
Begin with the exceptional skills that have brought us success in the past


We got it like how you know how to beast rocks
We possess incredible talent, just like your ability to handle challenging situations


Entertain you, see you soon at the next spot
We aim to captivate and delight you, and we'll be performing at the next venue


The crew got you bouncing and dropping your eye
Our collective group energizes you, making you dance and captivated by our performance


Making you Tss tsss tsss, I'm a roll with the hot
Causing you to make rhythmic sounds as I continue with my impressive performance


I'm a flow from the soul when you can't hold me back
I express myself authentically and freely, overcoming any obstacles in my path


Ke-ke-keep on keep on rolling the track
Maintain the continuous flow and momentum of the music


I'm a simply simply always attach
I consistently bring my unique style and energy to every performance


Jeepney Music by Apl.De.Ap
Apl.De.Ap's music style encompasses the vibrant and energetic culture of the Jeepney in the Philippines


From L.A to Philippines we bridging the gap
Connecting and uniting Los Angeles and the Philippines through our music


We got it like that you know we got it like that
We possess that incredible talent, and you are well aware of it


Like we got it like that y'all
Similar to how we possess that incredible talent, everyone


My man Q-Tip in the house
Acknowledging the presence and contribution of Q-Tip


Cee-lo you know he's in the house
Confirming that Cee-Lo is present


My man John Legend's in the house
Acknowledging the presence and contribution of John Legend


Talib Kwali will work it out
Recognizing Talib Kweli's ability to resolve and handle any situation


My man Apl.De is in the house
Confirming that Apl.De.Ap is present


Will.I.Am is definitely in the house
Emphasizing that Will.I.Am is undoubtedly present


Fergie Ferg is in the house
Fergie's presence is acknowledged


Whadup to De La, shout 'em out
Sending greetings and acknowledging De La Soul


Drew hip-hop music now
Creating and making hip-hop music in the present moment


Positive vibes, no doubt
Promoting a positive atmosphere and attitude


My man Ali Muhammed's in the house
Confirming the presence of Ali Muhammed


My man Shahid's in the house
Acknowledging the presence of Shahid


You know I'm in the house
Affirming and confirming my presence


Black Eyed Peas represent sellin' out
The Black Eyed Peas symbolize achieving commercial success


It's like that da-da
That's simply the way it is, da-da




Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group, BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC, SONGS MUSIC PUBLISHING
Written by: PHILLIP HALL NATHANIEL, BENTON SMALL MICHAEL, WILL ADAMS, LESLIE BRICUSSE, KAMAAL IBN JOHN FAREED, JAIME GOMEZ, TALIB KWELI GREENE, ANTHONY NEWLEY, ALLAN APLL PINEDA

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@IAMZiontheZodiacWolfREAL

To everyone who has returned to this song, welcome back😊❤

@kaywillz7720

I will never stop loving this song.

@Krum-Cola

Sounds so fresh everytime

@cassidyferdinand6435

It's like that man🙂

@godswiph

Imagine if an artist came out today with a whole album of tracks like this. Hip hop doesn’t have to be a war zone with bodies laid out all over the streets, does it? Just thinking out loud.

@KK-gn8nm

I keep thinking the same. Their music from Elephunk and Monkey Business that wasn't in mainstream was totally slept on, but it's soooo good. Today they'd be the coolest, like Anderson .Paak

@sp123

They weren't that type of rap group to talk about violent activity

@ig8083

Agreed. This was a fantastic band.

@bee8589

are yall forgetting how violent rap was between 1990-2010??? it never changed 💀

@silewis9396

​@@bee8589 No more violent than the neighbourhoods

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