The Herbaliser is a Hip-Hop band formed by Jake Wherry and Ollie Trattles i… Read Full Bio ↴The Herbaliser is a Hip-Hop band formed by Jake Wherry and Ollie Trattles in London, UK in 1994. Previously one of the most famous artists from the Ninja Tune independent record label, they have released 8 LPs, plus a DJ mix for Ninja Tune's Solid Steel series. Tracks by The Herbaliser have featured a variety of guest vocalists including Jean Grae, Roots Manuva, Seaming To, Rakaa-Iriscience, Blade, Phi Life Cypher, Bahamadia, Katerine, Dream Warriors and MF DOOM.

The core pairing assembled a full 8-piece live band for touring purposes, and released one The Herbaliser Band album. Although still a studio rather than a live album, it is distinct from the normal Herbaliser albums; the lack of guest vocalists focuses the an overall "live band" feel, especially showcasing the horn section.

Generals
The Herbaliser Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

(Jean Grae)
Yeah
(What, nigger?)
Ladies and Gentlemen
Bear witness to the Generals
General number one

(Trap Clapper)

I'm a big gun
r.i.p big one
bitches shit
...

Be like 'Drop kick his ass,' I be like 'Hell, oh no'
I don't fight for no bitch, nigga, fight for self
...

(Cheech Marina)
bitches aint gangster
good day miss tenfler ?
i can flip both slangs, the word phrase sampler
loony when i say iam the Boston strangler
i can turn into the perfect picture of anger
...
i smoke trees outta bones, and then ... the moment
just leave me alone with the tv on
cheech marina the anti peacemaker face beater
white chicks, three shades paler, the most of my people
like my own shit, they can t say that either bitch,
I'm not feminem, you'll find an emblem
over your tombstone of my face if you mention him
in harvard yard i park my car
not far from where i learn that i can shit on these bars
and cantankerous words could dripple of my lips
you won't accept me but i bet you take this unused clip bitch

(A.K.)
...

(Jean Grae)
Yeah
A.K.
Daddy Mills
How we gettin' down?
Is it ill yet?
Y'all still ain't done?
(Generals) Let's go

(Private E1/MacGuyver)
I'm only 12
But I can hold it down for myself
The General Private E1, MacGuyver
I get a gun in my Happy Meals
spank my dad
That I can carry super soakers in my backpack
Filled up with acid
I'm a bad kid
Slip razors in my teachers' apples
From the rotten apple
I'm an eighth grade nightmare
Like I care, right, yeah
Jean'll be right there

(Jean Grae)
You little dummies runnin' scareder than Gregory Han?
Prepare to be leveled by enemy mines and get
Blinded by your bullshit-slinging
I'm in the pulpit singing
A prayer while I'm banging Duran Duran

(?) you can't hang with Generals
...

Overall Meaning

The Herbaliser's song "Generals" is an embodying track that features a group of individuals, including rappers Jean Grae, Trap Clapper, Cheech Marina, A.K, and Private E1/MacGuyver, referencing themselves as generals. The first rapper, Trap Clapper, declares himself as number one, while Cheech Marina boasts about his capability to flip slangs and morph into an exponent of fury. Jean Grae furthers the theme using the pulpit and bang metaphor and also alludes to why one should not mess with the generals or the consequences that will follow.

The song is primarily about empowerment, showcasing the strengths and purposes of the individual generals. It also alludes to the consequences of assaulting, wronging, or underestimating the generals. The lyrics, delivered over a funky, deep bass and drum-heavy beat, also emphasize the individuality of each rapper and how they have the ability to act according to their conscience.

Line by Line Meaning

I'm a big gun r.i.p big one bitches shit ...
I am a powerful weapon and I dedicate my existence to the memory of those who came before me. I do not tolerate disrespect or drama from anyone, especially not women.

Be like 'Drop kick his ass,' I be like 'Hell, oh no' I don't fight for no bitch, nigga, fight for self ...
When someone tells me to fight, I refuse because I don't fight for anyone except myself. I cannot be controlled by women or anyone else.

bitches aint gangster good day miss tenfler ? i can flip both slangs, the word phrase sampler loony when i say iam the Boston strangler i can turn into the perfect picture of anger ... i smoke trees outta bones, and then ... the moment just leave me alone with the tv on cheech marina the anti peacemaker face beater white chicks, three shades paler, the most of my people like my own shit, they can t say that either bitch, I'm not feminem, you'll find an emblem over your tombstone of my face if you mention him in harvard yard i park my car not far from where i learn that i can shit on these bars and cantankerous words could dripple of my lips you won't accept me but i bet you take this unused clip bitch
I express myself through many different languages and styles. I can become incredibly angry when pushed, but I often prefer to relax alone, enjoying my vices and my favorite TV shows. I do not promote peace or kindness, and I do not care about the opinions of those who cannot appreciate my music.

...
This line is missing and cannot be associated with any insightful or detailed rewording.

I'm only 12 But I can hold it down for myself The General Private E1, MacGuyver I get a gun in my Happy Meals spank my dad That I can carry super soakers in my backpack Filled up with acid I'm a bad kid Slip razors in my teachers' apples From the rotten apple I'm an eighth grade nightmare Like I care, right, yeah Jean'll be right there
Despite being young, I am capable of taking care of myself and I am proud to be a member of this military unit. I am used to having weapons at my disposal and do not hesitate to use them to cause chaos and destruction. Although I rebel against authority figures, I know that Jean Grae always has my back.

You little dummies runnin' scareder than Gregory Han? Prepare to be leveled by enemy mines and get Blinded by your bullshit-slinging I'm in the pulpit singing A prayer while I'm banging Duran Duran (?) you can't hang with Generals
You weak-minded individuals should be afraid, as you will soon face our explosive power and powerful words that will cut through your lies. I am a skilled leader who can inspire my followers with my music, all while taking down our enemies. Those who cannot keep up with us are not worthy to hang with Generals.

Contributed by Kennedy P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS