1)The Firm were an English … Read Full Bio ↴The are multiple artists with this name.
1)The Firm were an English rock supergroup comprising former Free and Bad Company singer Paul Rodgers, ex-Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page, ex-Uriah Heep and Manfred Mann's Earth Band drummer Chris Slade and bass player Tony Franklin. Formed in 1984, the band had only mediocre album sales, although they did have sellout tours. Page and Rodgers originally wanted former Yes drummer Bill Bruford and fretless bassist Pino Palladino in the group; however, Bruford was contracted to another label and Palladino had tour commitments with singer Paul Young.
Band members
* Paul Rodgers - lead vocals, rhythm guitar, acoustic guitar
* Jimmy Page - lead & rhythm guitars, acoustic guitar
* Tony Franklin - bass, keyboards, synthesizer
* Chris Slade - drums, percussion, backing vocals
Both Page and Rodgers refused to play any material from their former bands and instead opted for a selection of Firm songs plus tracks from both their solo albums. The new songs were heavily infused with a soulful and more commercially-accessible sound, courtesy of Franklin's fretless bass guitar underpinning and understated song structure. Despite refusing to play old material, the last track from The Firm, "Midnight Moonlight", was originally an unreleased Led Zeppelin song entitled "The Swan Song". This caused some critics to believe that Page had begun to run out of ideas. In subsequent press interviews, Page had indicated that the band was never meant to last more than two albums. After the band split, Page and Rodgers returned to solo work while Chris Slade joined AC/DC and Franklin teamed up with guitarist John Sykes in Blue Murder.
There are others:
2) The Firm was an American hip hop supergroup that formed in New York City in 1996. It was created by rapper Nas, his manager Steve Stoute, producer Dr. Dre and production team the Trackmasters. The group, composed of East Coast rappers Nas, Foxy Brown, AZ and Cormega, was introduced via the song "Affirmative Action" on Nas' second LP "It Was Written". Due to a falling out between Nas and Cormega, the latter was replaced with Nature.
Although the group received initial hype and high expectations from fans upon their formation after collectively signing to Dr. Dre's Aftermath label, The Firm's debut album, The Album (1997), generated disappointing sales and mixed reviews. The album, which featured predominant mafioso rap-themes and production from Dr. Dre and the Trackmasters, was criticized for its mainstream, pop-orientation. Their debut album was the group's only release and it subsequently disbanded in 1998 with each member continuing their solo careers.
The group reunited for the song "Full Circle" on Nas' thirteenth album "King's Disease" in 2020.
--
3) The Firm were a British group from the 1980s comprising of John O'Connor and Grahame Lister, which specialised in novelty songs. They are best known for the hits "Arthur Daley ('E's Alright)" and "Star Trekkin'", the latter of which spent 2 weeks at the top of the UK Singles Chart.
--
4) A rock / electronic / brit pop band from Barcelona, Spain which has released one album "Hit And Run" in 2010 yet.
--
5) French hardcore techno project formed by Darkomen (aka Exced) & Scratch Deal-A (aka The Mastery).
--
6) Since 2008 ass-kicking Oi! Music from Rotterdam..
Phone Tap
The Firm Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What's the deally, I just touched grounds down in Philly
Brought a pound with me, Feds floating around silly
Tryna find Lynn; bitch supposed to be in the Benz
Parked in row ten, her and that slow ho Gwen
Shoulda known she was a bitch that we both could'a boned
To post it alone, the ass had us both in the zone
I know the jewels no time for them thoughts, too much to lose
Just trying to vibe until them hoes role with the ride
Where's your joy and pride, you know little Des got your eyes
In the cut drop CLK, the top's up
Left the mall bought Little Amal the toy truck
Your boy's what, three-years-old now correct
He and my daughter age neck-and-neck, they future's set
Trees got me wet, in the background's an old cassette
Fly Stephanie Mills shit
What's the deal with, all this shit I'm hearing up top
You got arrested, shot a fair one with a cop
That ain't ya stee', you usually low key when o.t
I'm only going off of what some weak bitch told me
That's some ill shit, hear that bitch go with her clique
Yo Dunn, I'll hit you right back cause the static is thick
We got your phone tapped, what you gon' do
Cause sooner or later, we'll have your whole crew
All we need now is the right word or two
To make all it stick like glue, then you through
We got your phone tapped, what you gon' do
Cause sooner or later, we'll have your whole crew
All we need now is the right word or two
To make all it stick like glue, we got you
We just hit the crib-o, I'm curled up on this pillow
I'm still low, heard the ill news, these niggas killed Mo
The shit touched me, tryna chill just lit a Dutchie
From a while back, same foul cats who tried to bust me
Caught em sleeping in Spanish Harlem with some Puerto Ricans
Up in Washington Heights right off the Deacon
Feel awful speaking, for some reason feel the phone's tapped
Alone with gats left with a vest to watch my own back
Keep your eyes open, stay wide, shit is mind blowing
Look for any sign showin one-time is knowing
About the dynasty, shit is not minor leagues no more
Cats bleed in this cold war
Son we took an oath, then this life took us both
We rich now, milk the whole cow, split the growth
Now I'm on the car doing, headlights on
Fluid in the windsheild wipes gone this light storm
That's forming in the sky, you coming home tomorrow
Will you drive or will you fly - hold up, my other side
Yo son some other cats tried to ruin our plans
Sending two decoy bitches with pictures of you and your man
Asking your whereabouts, I gave em no leads
For all the nigga know them hoes fuck with police
No shit I'm clicking over, I'mma tell Sos quick
Son, them outta state bitches tryna get us both hit
That was Nate, he hit me last night late while in my ho's stomach
Said it's no hundred, we FBI's most wanted
So play the low; change your clothes, pack your bags
Watch what you say on this phone, get home fast
We got your phone tapped, what you gon' do
Cause sooner or later, we'll have your whole crew
All we need now is the right word or two
To make all it stick like glue, then you through
We got your phone tapped, what you gon' do
Cause sooner or later, we'll have your whole crew
All we need now is the right word or two
To make all it stick like glue, we got you
Yo it's all good
I'mma hit you when I touch down tomorrow son, word
Stay on-point, don't even use the phone
Just come to my crib yo, word up
Out
The Firm's song "Phone Tap" is a narrative about their phone being tapped by the FBI. The lyrics depict a conversation between various members of the group about their situation. In the first verse, Nas tries to contact Lynn, a woman who has information they need. He is also with a woman named Gwen who they both have relations with, and he notes that he and his colleague have previously been "schooled by older dudes." They are not trying to let their emotions get the best of them and remain focused on the task at hand. In the second verse, AZ reflects on his recent situation where he narrowly escaped being caught by the feds with some Puerto Rican associates in Spanish Harlem. He is suspicious that their phone has been tapped and is telling his colleague to stay alert and not say too much over the phone.
The lyrics portray a sense of paranoia and mistrust amongst the group, as they are unsure of who can be trusted and are taking preventative measures to avoid being caught. The title "Phone Tap" is a reference to their suspicion that their conversations are being monitored, which adds a sense of danger and unease to the narrative.
Line by Line Meaning
Yo, this Esco, who this
Esco is calling and asking who is on the other end of the line.
What's the deally, I just touched grounds down in Philly
Esco is asking what's going on and informing that he has arrived in Philly.
Brought a pound with me, Feds floating around silly
Esco has brought a pound of something with him and he thinks that the Feds are foolishly lurking around trying to find something on him.
Tryna find Lynn; bitch supposed to be in the Benz
Esco is looking for Lynn and describing her as a woman who should be sitting in a Mercedes-Benz.
Parked in row ten, her and that slow ho Gwen
Esco claims that Lynn is parked in row ten, accompanied by another woman named Gwen that he thinks is slow.
Shoulda known she was a bitch that we both could'a boned
Esco is saying that he and someone else could have had sex with Lynn, and they should have known she was untrustworthy.
To post it alone, the ass had us both in the zone
Esco regrets not having had sex with Lynn and argues that her body made them both aroused.
But you know the rules, both been schooled by older dudes
Esco reminds himself and his partner not to fall for women's tricks, as they have been advised before by older, more experienced men.
I know the jewels no time for them thoughts, too much to lose
Esco reminds himself that he has important lessons learned and that he should not entertain these thoughts, as they may cost him dearly.
Just trying to vibe until them hoes role with the ride
Esco is just chilling and waiting for some women to join them on their trip.
Where's your joy and pride, you know little Des got your eyes
Esco asks his partner where his joy and pride are, and reminds him of his son, Des, who shares his eyes.
In the cut drop CLK, the top's up
Esco describes their car as a CLK with the top down.
Left the mall bought Little Amal the toy truck
Esco talks about a shopping trip and buying a toy truck for Little Amal.
Your boy's what, three-years-old now correct
Esco confirms that his partner's son is three years old.
He and my daughter age neck-and-neck, they future's set
Esco is more confident that the futures of his and his partner's children are secured.
Trees got me wet, in the background's an old cassette
Esco talks about smoking some weed and mentions a background music cassette.
Fly Stephanie Mills shit
Esco describes the music as great or cool.
What's the deal with, all this shit I'm hearing up top
Esco wonders about the rumors or what people are saying about him.
You got arrested, shot a fair one with a cop
Esco talks about someone's alleged involvement with the police, mentioning an arrest and possibly having fought with the cop.
That ain't ya stee', you usually low key when o.t
Esco says that his partner is not the kind of person that gets caught up with the police or is usually laid back when on the move.
I'm only going off of what some weak bitch told me
Esco indicates that his source of information is unreliable or untrustworthy.
That's some ill shit, hear that bitch go with her clique
Esco hears the 'weak bitch' talking with her friends or crew and thinks that what she is saying is bad news.
Yo Dunn, I'll hit you right back cause the static is thick
Esco tells someone that he will call them back because there is a lot of interference on the line.
We got your phone tapped, what you gon' do
Someone informs Esco and his partner that their phone is being monitored, and they ask what they will do about it.
Cause sooner or later, we'll have your whole crew
The person monitoring their phones warns them that they will eventually know everything about everyone in their circle.
All we need now is the right word or two
The phone tapper says that they only need to hear a couple of the right words to know everything.
To make all it stick like glue, then you through
If the right words are said, then the phone tapper will use that as evidence to end everything.
We just hit the crib-o, I'm curled up on this pillow
Esco and his partner are now at home, and Esco is comfortably lying on his pillow.
I'm still low, heard the ill news, these niggas killed Mo
Esco is still feeling low, and he has heard bad news that 'these' people killed someone named Mo.
The shit touched me, tryna chill just lit a Dutchie
Esco is feeling impacted by the news and trying to relax by smoking a joint.
Same foul cats who tried to bust me
Esco thinks that the same people who killed Mo are the ones who tried to get him before as well.
Caught em sleeping in Spanish Harlem with some Puerto Ricans
Esco talks about finding these people and catching them sleeping in Spanish Harlem with some Puerto Rican people.
Up in Washington Heights right off the Deacon
Esco mentions that these people were also involved in activities in Washington Heights, off the Deacon expressway.
Feel awful speaking, for some reason feel the phone's tapped
Esco feels terrible talking about this, and for some reason feels that the phone is being monitored.
Alone with gats left with a vest to watch my own back
Esco is alone and carrying guns as protection to watch his own back.
Keep your eyes open, stay wide, shit is mind blowing
Esco advises his partner to stay alert because the situation is truly mind-blowing.
Look for any sign showin one-time is knowing
Esco tells his partner to be on the lookout for any sign to indicate that the cops are watching or involved.
About the dynasty, shit is not minor leagues no more
Esco is talking about the importance of their dynasty and the fact that the situation has escalated past something minor.
Cats bleed in this cold war
Esco is saying that people die in this kind of war or situation.
Son we took an oath, then this life took us both
Esco and his partner have taken an oath and committed to this life, but they both know that the life has taken a toll on them.
We rich now, milk the whole cow, split the growth
Esco is saying that they are now rich, and they should utilize all the resources they have and split the profits amongst themselves.
Now I'm on the car doing, headlights on
Esco is now driving and has turned on his headlights.
Fluid in the windsheild wipes gone this light storm
Esco's windshield wipers are not working, and he is struggling to drive through a light storm.
That's forming in the sky, you coming home tomorrow
Esco asks his partner if he is coming home tomorrow, while they are driving in a storm that is forming in the sky.
Will you drive or will you fly - hold up, my other side
Esco is about to ask another question, but he is interrupted on the phone.
Yo son some other cats tried to ruin our plans
Someone informs Esco that some other people tried to destroy their plans.
Sending two decoy bitches with pictures of you and your man
The people who tried to sabotage their plans sent two women who pretended to be interested in Esco and his partner and showed them pictures of them and their partners together.
Asking your whereabouts, I gave em no leads
Esco's partner kept his location a secret, and did not let these women know where he is.
For all the nigga know them hoes fuck with police
Esco's partner thinks that these women might be working with the police.
No shit I'm clicking over, I'mma tell Sos quick
Esco tells the person on the phone that he is hanging up and will call someone named Sos quickly.
Son, them outta state bitches tryna get us both hit
Esco tells Sos that the women trying to get information out of them are trying to get them both in trouble.
That was Nate, he hit me last night late while in my ho's stomach
Esco is receiving a call from someone named Nate who called him while Esco was in bed with his partner.
Said it's no hundred, we FBI's most wanted
Nate tells Esco that they are now considered to be the FBI's most wanted group.
So play the low; change your clothes, pack your bags
Nate advises Esco and his partner to stay low, change their clothes, and pack their bags.
Watch what you say on this phone, get home fast
Nate warns Esco and his partner to be careful about what they say on the phone and to hurry home.
Yo it's all good
Esco tells his partner that everything is okay.
I'mma hit you when I touch down tomorrow son, word
Esco promises to call his partner once he arrives home tomorrow.
Stay on-point, don't even use the phone
Esco asks his partner to stay alert and not use the phone.
Just come to my crib yo, word up
Esco tells his partner to come directly to his house.
Out
Esco ends the call and hangs up the phone.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JEFF BAXTER, ANTHONY S CRUZ, NASIR JONES, CHRIS B TAYLOR, ANDRE ROMELL YOUNG
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@richardgriffin8629
The FIRM was definitely slept on. Big time.
@jrobbin24
The Frim?
@akwwalker8782
That beat drop never gets old.
@juneeburgos9034
People call it a flop but this album was a banger
@Shysta30
They said it's a flipped because it sell a 1M copies, it didn't sell 3M people crazy
@LOSTGAMESONSNAKEISLAND
I got it and it's just perfect the beatz are nutz......
@Shysta30
Frfr these people are nuts
@malikmogekwu9781
that's how dope rap was back in the days for this album to be called a flop even when it's a classic album i wonder what can be said about all the thrash hip-hop of today if u can call it that
@themadrapper101
It went #1 on the charts
@David10LUFC
In the 90s mtv was the shit. I loved how music videos were nearly like short movies. There will never be a decade of music like the 90s. Amazing