In just a few short years, The Funk Hunters have built an international fol… Read Full Bio ↴In just a few short years, The Funk Hunters have built an international following, releasing music on labels around the globe and showcasing their signature high-energy DJ sets at some of the world’s most popular music festivals and clubs. The duo (Dunks & The Outlier) first teamed up because of a mutual love for “Hunting” good music, and today this passion still rings true as they continue to champion the simple but often lost idea that the music itself comes first, regardless of attachments to genre. The Funk Hunters name is now in high demand, receiving bookings, accolades, and remix requests from all corners of the electronic music scene.

Armed with 4-turntables and the unique ability to create live mashups and remixes, their DJ sets standout. Seamlessly blending original productions with everything from HipHop to Funk, Disco to House, Dubstep to DnB, and everything in between, The Funk Hunters create original sets never replicated. It’s not uncommon to find this duo headlining an all bass music festival one night and then performing a funk, soul, or boogie set the next. They have toured across Canada multiple times, played to crowds of thousands at renowned festivals such as the Shambhala Music Festival and the Telus World Ski & Snowboard Festival, and have been invited to share the stage with musical pioneers like Z-Trip, RJD2, and Cut Chemist. In 2010, they completed their first month-long international tour, playing shows across the country of Brazil.

Empire
The Funk Hunters Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Who paid the costs, who got the gains?

Well first of all, remember....

Because we're hot like fire in any season
Still around like tyre, we don't need reason
We built the empire, we build the empire

Because we're hot like fire in any season
Still around like tyre, we don't need reason
We built the empire, we build the empire

Because we hot like fire.

Generations call up
Generations
Turn it up a little Higher
Generations Call up
Things will slip
Empire
Generations call up
Generations
Turn it up a little Higher
Generations call up
Things will slip

Them can't tell me...
Tell me...

Them can't tell me nothin'
Man a rebel with a cause and a purpose
Performance but nothing like circus
When we get to work, that's the day they're gonna run
Gun shot a burn a skin and slap scales off a serpent,
Yo car it's curtains, anywhere we see them inside, outside in corners or middle,
We built the empire, hammer and chisel, coming hot like fire flying high like an eagle, legal.

So why have an empire
We built the empire
Generations call up, up up up
Turn it up a little higher
So what's the impact?

Tell me
We built the empire
Tell me
Them can't tell me

So why have an empire?

Hey!
Who got the gains.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to The Funk Hunters' song "Empire" delve into the themes of power, legacy, and purpose. The questions "who paid the costs, who got the gains?" are rhetorical and are meant to emphasize the singer's awareness of the costs of building an empire. However, the fact that they pose this question shows that there is a sense of restlessness and introspection at play. Instead of being content with their success, the singer is questioning the legitimacy of their gain and is cognizant of the possibility of exploitation.

The singer then goes on to say "because we're hot like fire in any season, still around like tire, we don't need reason" and repeats "we built the empire". The first line indicates that the singer is confident in their abilities and is unafraid to shine. It also implies that their success isn't temporary, like the flame of a matchstick that burns out after a while. Instead, they are like a tire that is always durable and can withstand any challenge. The idea of not needing reason could mean that they built their empire on passion and instinct, rather than calculated decision-making. The phrase "we built the empire" repeats several times, making it clear that the singer is proud of their accomplishment, and perhaps even trying to convince themselves of its validity.

In the chorus, the phrase "generations call up" repeats several times. This line could refer to the idea that the empire that has been built will be handed down to future generations. It speaks to the idea of legacy and wanting to leave something behind that will outlast the individual. "Turn it up a little higher" could be a metaphor for striving for greatness and not settling for mediocrity. The line "things will slip" could imply that even though the empire has been built, it's not invincible and could crumble if it's not managed effectively.

Overall, "Empire" is a song about a person or group of people who have achieved great success but is also grappling with the complicated nature of power and the responsibility that comes with it. The lyrics suggest a person who is confident in his or her abilities, but also harbors doubts about the morality of their actions.

Line by Line Meaning

Who paid the costs, who got the gains?
Asking who bore the expenses and who enjoyed the profits.

Well first of all, remember....
Introducing a subject and signaling a forthcoming explanation.

Because we're hot like fire in any season
Highlighting the group's prowess and hotness throughout the year.

Still around like tyre, we don't need reason
Asserting their resilience and no-quit attitude despite any obstacle.

We built the empire, we build the empire
Emphasizing the group's role in constructing and growing the empire.

Generations call up
Referring to different groups of people over time.

Turn it up a little Higher
Urging for higher volume and intensity.

Things will slip
Implying the potential for things to deteriorate or fail.

Them can't tell me...
Denying others the power or authority to command them.

Tell me...
Asking for an explanation or justification.

Man a rebel with a cause and a purpose
Describing themselves as rebels who have a reason and goal to strive for.

Performance but nothing like circus
Differentiating themselves from showy and gimmicky performers.

When we get to work, that's the day they're gonna run
Confidently predicting that their opponents will flee when they start to take action.

Gun shot a burn a skin and slap scales off a serpent,
Using metaphors to describe their destructive impact on their enemies.

Yo car it's curtains, anywhere we see them inside, outside in corners or middle,
Assuming victory against their rivals in different locations and situations.

We built the empire, hammer and chisel, coming hot like fire flying high like an eagle, legal.
Reiterating their influence on the empire, using more metaphors to illustrate their power and legality.

So why have an empire
Questioning the purpose or reasons for having an empire.

Hey!
Expressing interest, greeting or attention.

Who got the gains.
Asking who benefited from the empire's success and wealth.

Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: Marc Veira, Nick Middleton, Tyler Martens

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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