Rebel
The Great Escape / LA Lyrics


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We don't live for Hip-Hop, It lives for us

It's the eternalist, y'all burn to this, blaze da dro'
Soul rebels trap up, we got a long way to go
Before this here blow like a volcano
We get eternal, this is what you waitin' for
You try to front and play the role
When you more like a pimp who pay the ho
With my name up in your mouth like fellatio
I lace the flow on purpose even up the ratio
Of Hip-Hop to that shit they drop on the radio
Underground classics is what they used to say before
Now we break the surface quiet like an alligator nose
They hate it, cuz they know if they don't get it, then they may be slow
We still gonna blow like the horn played by Horatio
The stakes is three feet high and risin' like De La Soul
So I got Wonder Why, my man Dave and Maseo
We all got babies so we embrace the taste of dough
But y'all already know so I ain't gotta say no mo'

(De La) is whatcha need, (Reflection) is whatcha need
We got the masters of the ceremonies
Blessin' emcees (lip professin' emcees)
From LI to Brooklyn to Cinncinnati, Hi-Tek and Kweli got this on lock D
(Let me hear you scream out loud) if you're somebody
Party to party, body to body
When we come into the jam we do it wildstyle

Yo! I'm homegrown for the bain, once I rock the mic plain
It's the extravaganza we glad you came
Made only for them heads, it's infra-red Aim
For such a world figure, we got figures to gain
(don't sleep on a nigga)
I ain't Icabod Crane get that ass cooked hard cuz we raw like Kane
Been known to mic spit, infinite per frame
While these girls throw me plenty like jenny to jane
Ain't some old school G poppin' memory lane, been on it future robotic
Since the day I came
If you don't know Plug Wonder Why is my name
Most recognized leo with my size in mane
Matter a fact track is simple and Plain
Cuz the complexities I freeze is too deep to detain
Reflect, Kwa-Tone Tek eternally in the game (and De La) oh fo' sho'
We be shinin' the same

(De La) is whatcha need, (Reflection) is whatcha need
We got the masters of the ceremonies
Blessin' emcees (lip professin' emcees)
From LI to Brooklyn to Cinncinnati, Hi-Tek and Kweli got this on lock D
(Let me hear you scream out loud) if you're somebody
Party to party, body to body
When we come into the jam we do it wildstyle

Y'all think these challengers is here to make a man fold
Shoot I've been holdin' these joints since I was day old
Came to confirm the fact that I've been on the payroll
Stay cold til one day make it hot and fade old
Continue til I'm dyin, rottin' out gray and old
I told them fool before they pass they have to pay toll
While I've been sittin' at the table eatin' steak whole, side of greens
Baby yams you know it stay soul, pre-natal
But they want to come spit your way so
So was I supposed to go and say no
Right emcees some walking straight, some take the gay stroll
I get my man to clamp they asses like they staples
I'm from LI we take it far as out as naples
And scrape hoes who'll be willing to take clothes off (off)
See once you bet it all against reflects eternal
You lose every rapper on a dept
Y'all need to pay ya dues

(De La) is whatcha need, (Reflection) is whatcha need
We got the masters of the ceremonies
Blessin' emcees (lip professin' emcees)
From LI to Brooklyn to Cinncinnati, Hi-Tek and Kweli got this on lock D
(Let me hear you scream out loud) if you're somebody




Party to party, body to body
When we come into the jam we do it wildstyle

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of The Great Escape / LA's song Rebel are about the constant struggle that underground and conscious rappers face when trying to make it big in the music industry. The song talks about Hip-Hop as an entity that exists not only for the artists, but also lives through them. The lyrics go on to describe how underground rappers need to work harder and longer than mainstream artists to be noticed and appreciated. The song also touches upon how some artists choose to compromise their values and music to make it big, while others stay on the underground path to make honest and meaningful music. The chorus featuring De La and Reflection Eternal encourages the listeners to elevate their taste in music and acknowledge the art of conscious Hip-Hop.


Line by Line Meaning

We don't live for Hip-Hop, It lives for us
Hip-hop is not just a genre of music we enjoy, it is a part of who we are and our way of life.


It's the eternalist, y'all burn to this, blaze da dro'
Hip-hop is a forever-living entity that we are passionately connected to and deeply inspired by; smoking weed enhances the experience.


Soul rebels trap up, we got a long way to go
As non-conformist individuals, we are constantly fighting against societal norms while navigating through life's hardships and challenges.


Before this here blow like a volcano
Before our talents and passions explode onto the mainstream and garner mass attention and recognition.


We get eternal, this is what you waitin' for
Our unique and original brand of hip-hop will stand the test of time and this is what true music lovers have been yearning for.


You try to front and play the role
People often pretend to be something they're not in order to gain acceptance or validation from others.


When you more like a pimp who pay the ho
Despite trying to front, you are actually like a pimp who pays for intimacy and is not authentic in your interactions.


With my name up in your mouth like fellatio
You constantly talk about me and my music like a person performing oral sex, indicating obsession and thirst for attention.


I lace the flow on purpose even up the ratio
I intentionally improve the quality of my music to level up with the trash that dominates the airwaves.


Of Hip-Hop to that shit they drop on the radio
My aim is to make quality hip-hop that can compete with the commercialized trash that radio stations play.


Underground classics is what they used to say before
In the past, underground hip hop was known for producing classic music that was authentic and meaningful.


Now we break the surface quiet like an alligator nose
We have finally emerged from the underground scene and are starting to gain mainstream attention, but we do it subtly and patiently like an alligator quietly surveying its surroundings.


They hate it, cuz they know if they don't get it, then they may be slow
People who do not appreciate our music are only hateful because they are incapable of understanding it and may be slow in comprehending its value.


We still gonna blow like the horn played by Horatio
Despite the obstacles we face, we will succeed and thrive like the iconic horn that Horatio played.


The stakes is three feet high and risin' like De La Soul
The hurdles and risks we take are getting higher and more challenging every day, just like the iconic group De La Soul.


So I got Wonder Why, my man Dave and Maseo
I have my fellow hip-hop artists to join and support me in my journey, including Wonder Why, Dave, and Maseo from De La Soul.


We all got babies so we embrace the taste of dough
As fathers, we are responsible for our children's well-being, so we must embrace earnings from our music to provide for them.


But y'all already know so I ain't gotta say no mo'
My audience is already aware of the struggle and the motivation behind my music that needs no further explanation.


(De La) is whatcha need, (Reflection) is whatcha need
De La Soul and their unique style of music are what people need and long for in the hip-hop scene.


We got the masters of the ceremonies
De La Soul are experts in commanding a crowd and putting on flawless performances.


Blessin' emcees (lip professin' emcees)
As experienced emcees, they are capable of blessing and supporting up-and-coming artists in the industry.


From LI to Brooklyn to Cinncinnati, Hi-Tek and Kweli got this on lock D
From Long Island to Brooklyn and Cincinnati, Hi-Tek and Kweli have established themselves firmly in their respective communities and have a solid grip on the hip-hop scene.


(Let me hear you scream out loud) if you're somebody
If you believe in yourself and your individuality, scream it out loud and be proud of who you are.


Party to party, body to body
From party to party, we connect with people from all backgrounds and celebrate our passion for music and life.


When we come into the jam we do it wildstyle
We bring our unique, unorthodox style to every show and leave a lasting impression on our audience.


Yo! I'm homegrown for the bain, once I rock the mic plain
I come from humble beginnings but when I perform, I do it with pure authenticity and skill.


It's the extravaganza we glad you came
Our performances are extravagant and we are grateful to have fans and supporters who appreciate and enjoy our music.


Made only for them heads, it's infra-red Aim
Our music is tailored for hip-hop fans who appreciate and understand the genre, and we aim to connect with them on a deep level.


For such a world figure, we got figures to gain
Despite being prominent figures in the hip-hop world, there is still room for us to grow in terms of our influence and success.


(don't sleep on a nigga)
Don't underestimate my talent and potential.


I ain't Icabod Crane get that ass cooked hard cuz we raw like Kane
I am not weak or scared, and I will come at you with aggression and power because we are fierce and raw like rapper Big Daddy Kane.


Been known to mic spit, infinite per frame
I have a reputation for being able to rapidly spit bars and rhymes with seemingly boundless energy.


While these girls throw me plenty like jenny to jane
Girls shower me with attention and affection like how the character Jenny was devoted to Forrest Gump in the movie of the same name.


Ain't some old school G poppin' memory lane, been on it future robotic
I am not just an old-school rapper reliving the past; I am futuristic and forward-thinking with my music style.


Since the day I came
I have been pursuing my passion for music and hip-hop since the beginning of my career.


If you don't know Plug Wonder Why is my name
If you're not familiar with me yet, I am Plug Wonder Why.


Most recognized leo with my size in mane
I am a Leo astrologically and have a distinctive, recognizable hairstyle.


Matter a fact track is simple and Plain
The track for this song has a simple and straightforward structure.


Cuz the complexities I freeze is too deep to detain
My lyrical complexity and depth are too vast and complex to be contained.


Reflect, Kwa-Tone Tek eternally in the game (and De La) oh fo' sho'
Reflect, Kwa-Tone, and Tek have established themselves as integral players in the hip-hop game and will continue to thrive, along with De La Soul.


We be shinin' the same
We are all shining and succeeding together in the hip-hop industry.


Y'all think these challengers is here to make a man fold
Challengers in the hip-hop industry may appear to make artists feel weak or inferior, but we are not intimidated or defeated by competition.


Shoot I've been holdin' these joints since I was day old
I have been honing my skills and talents from a very young age.


Came to confirm the fact that I've been on the payroll
I am here to prove that I have been working hard and earning a living from my music.


Stay cold til one day make it hot and fade old
I will continue to persevere and improve my craft until the day my music finally blows up and becomes mainstream, but all artists will eventually fade away with time.


Continue til I'm dyin, rottin' out gray and old
I will continue to pursue music and perform even in old age, and I will not let death stop me from doing what I love.


I told them fool before they pass they have to pay toll
I have warned my competitors that they will have to work hard and overcome obstacles in order to succeed in the hip-hop industry.


While I've been sittin' at the table eatin' steak whole, side of greens
While my competitors struggle and try to come up, I have already made it and am enjoying life's finer things.


Baby yams you know it stay soul, pre-natal
My music is soulful and authentic, even from the earliest stages of my career.


But they want to come spit your way so
Other rappers may desire to collaborate with me or try to mimic my style and approach to hip-hop.


So was I supposed to go and say no
Should I reject these opportunities, or should I embrace them and expand my brand?


Right emcees some walking straight, some take the gay stroll
Some hip-hop artists are more traditional and straightforward in their approach, while others are more flamboyant and expressive with their style.


I get my man to clamp they asses like they staples
I have my colleagues put a stop to those who try to copy or attack my style and approach to hip-hop.


I'm from LI we take it far as out as naples
As a native of Long Island, I will represent my roots and take my hip-hop to the far reaches of the world, including Naples, Italy.


And scrape hoes who'll be willing to take clothes off (off)
I am successful and have the financial capacity to attract women who will want to sleep with me for material gain.


See once you bet it all against reflects eternal
If you put all your money and belief into my music career and talents, you will be rewarded with everlasting success.


You lose every rapper on a dept
All rappers will be left in debt and defeated in comparison to my success and abilities.


Y'all need to pay ya dues
Others in the hip-hop industry need to work harder and put more effort into their craft if they truly want to succeed like I have.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BARRETT STRONG, D. JOLICUER, KELVIN MERCER, NORMAN WHITFIELD, TALIB KWELI, TONY COTTRELL, VINCENT MASON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@Muirton66

I'm sure Monty Python could have developed a sketch from this scene with the ever increasing rank of German getting involved.

@stuartholden6163

Oh that would be funny

@Robi2009

"You see,as I was saying to the corporal, sargeant, staff sargeant, first sargeant, lieutenant, captain..." ;)

@Muirton66

@Robi_CK Python would have done it right up to Hitler himself, theres a hint of the living in a shoe box sketch in there.

@ludecom-cz1wz

It would have gotten very silly.

@Yakushii

@Muirton66 And then Hitler's mom. And then some Jewish guy.

51 More Replies...

@wcatholic1

The Group Captain had a point. Being a prisoner of the Luftwaffe was one thing. Being a prisoner of the SS or Gestapo was something else.

@India.H

wcatholic1 wcatholic1 All or the majority of the captured men in this camp were from the RAF (or foreign equivalent). The Luftwaffe took care of them because they were also fliers.
The Geneva Convention prevented them from acting like the SS and the Gestapo as POWs had to be treated with some sort of respect, even though all the POWs were trying to escape and mess with the Germans. It also states that the punishment for escaped POWs is equal to that of a petty crime. They usually got 10 days in prison (if they were found outside the camp) or time in solitary if they were found trying to escape.
The massacre that occurs at the end of the film of 50 escapees was, in fact, illegal and the members of the Gestapo and SS, along with other members of the Nazi Party, that took part in it were all tried as war criminals at the end of the war. By the camp this is based on, there is a memorial constructed by the POWs in memory of the 50 killed. The officers of the camp gave them permission to build it as the majority thought that the massacre was extreme and unnecessary although, of course, they didn't voice these thoughts until the end of the war.

@wagnerpd5921

Indi Heaton: Thanks for your Posting info... I didn't know all the facts.

@borgstod

'We're fighting the whole bloody lot of 'em!'

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