Why?
The N.Y. Rel-X Lyrics


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[Twista]
The New Testament
These are the Street Scriptures for all my riders, niggas, and hoes
Let me ask you a question,
Why give a bitch fame by sayin' his name?
When all I gotta say is you's a bitch
Yeah, I'm talkin' to you nigga
You ain't no killa, on the riz-illa
So High Beam my nigga, get with 'em

[High Beam]
Ah!

[Chorus]
When I look that fool in his face and tell him he's a lie
Everybody want a cure but nobody want to die
Put the cash in my face, I might take a try
Money motivated that nigga that threw up my sign
My wife's on my side with a .9 ready to ride
Hold my sixth sense up and ask buddy why
Shit get deep in the cold city of Chi
Could somebody, anybody tell me why-ay
Why yeah why yeah
Why yeah why yeah these boys they want to try me
Why yeah why yeah
Why yeah why yeah but these boys don't want to die
Why yeah why yeah
Why yeah why yeah now bring them boys to the Chi
Why yeah why yeah
Why yeah why yeah

[High Beam]
I'll sacrifice my word and my balls for this here
Straight down to earth with my real niggas crack 'em beers
Straight up that mean mug motherfucker havin' no fear
What the fuck
You thought I was one of them bitch niggas standin' right here
Legit Ballas is the clique I break bread with
Niggas I bust lead with
In the midst of confrontation, high-speed chasin'
Bend 'em, and bust 'em and stick 'em, I'm runnin' from the FED's shit
This is the New Testament, uh-huh we never dead bitch, no

[Chorus]

[High Beam]
I'll make that damn fool get on his knees and say please
Bitches in the neighborhood spreadin' disease
Hatin' ass niggas starin' and studyin' me
Cause I'm fresh up out the bank to get my daughter some cheese
But I got somethin' on my side like a lemon to squeeze
Lickin' bout a pack up at you motherfuckers right at the knees
Probably givin' somethin' to fools cause the man in need
I been deep up in this game for a century
Now I'm makin' major moves and stackin' paper is my motto
Different day, different gear, hoppin' out a different auto
Put it on and I'll be jackin' off louchers like lotto
Showin' love to my niggas who show me love in Chicago
It's fair but it's square, for the love of the game or they hate it
Many done died, plenty done tried from imitatin' it
Fuck what they say, keep faith in this world you'll make it
Thank him for everything and every blessin' but don't fake it

[Chorus]

[High Beam]
Trapped up in this wild life, thinkin' to myself
Askin' the Lord for forgiveness and thankin' him for my wealth
The block is on low when these slickers ain't plantin' drugs
Saturated with racial hatred result in a slug
That's why I stay high, gone off green
Fuckin' up motherfuckers lyrically with the Beam
Got you and yo boys losin' yo breath like ?
Never disrespect a Legit Balla when on the scene
Oh wee I rip shit like velcro
Get off in the studio
Fuck up the punk that step up got the umm next nigga screamin' "Oh No"
Just when you thought that I was goin' fall I fuck around and ummm
Cock back explode, reload
Hit you with some shit that make you shake and shiver as I deliver
Shots from the 4-0




NO, no!
Got the next nigga screamin'

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to The N.Y. Rel-X's song Why? reflect the harsh realities of life in the streets, where violence, money, and fame are inextricably intertwined. The lyrics ask pointed questions about why some people are given fame and recognition for their violent and destructive behavior, while others are left behind. The artist critiques the glorification of violence and the toxic masculinity that often accompanies it. The chorus raises questions about the meaning of life and the desire for wealth and material possessions. The verses describe the artist's own experiences in the streets, where he has encountered violent confrontations, confrontations with the police, and the struggle to make a living.


The song was released in 1997 by The N.Y. Rel-X, a rap group from Chicago, Illinois. The group's name stands for "New York Relics," a reference to the group members' admiration of New York City's hip-hop scene. The song features two rappers, Twista and High Beam, and its lyrics are notable for their rapid-fire delivery and explicit content. Twista, who later went on to achieve mainstream success as a solo artist, delivers his verses with impressive speed and agility, while High Beam's verses are marked by their intensity and aggression.


Line by Line Meaning

The New Testament
This is a gospel for the streets that all riders, men, and women can relate to.


These are the Street Scriptures for all my riders, niggas, and hoes
This music represents the urban experience for all those who live it.


Let me ask you a question, Why give a bitch fame by sayin' his name?
Why should someone get famous just for being mentioned in a song, especially if they are not worthy of recognition?


When all I gotta say is you's a bitch
Calling someone out for their actions is a simple way to expose them for who they truly are.


Yeah, I'm talkin' to you nigga
Directly addressing someone who has stirred up trouble or is not living up to their claims.


You ain't no killa, on the riz-illa
Calling out someone who is trying to act tough and violent but actually lacks the ability.


So High Beam my nigga, get with 'em
Challenging someone to meet the same standard of toughness and aggression as the singer.


When I look that fool in his face and tell him he's a lie
Confronting someone who is being dishonest, usually to gain an advantage.


Everybody want a cure but nobody want to die
Everyone wants a solution to their problems, but they don't want to put in the effort or take the risks required to make it happen.


Put the cash in my face, I might take a try
Being motivated by money to take chances or do things that may not be prudent or ethical.


Money motivated that nigga that threw up my sign
Money is the driving force behind someone who is willing to commit a criminal or dangerous act.


My wife's on my side with a .9 ready to ride
The artist's partner is prepared to fight alongside them with a weapon.


Hold my sixth sense up and ask buddy why
Being aware of one's surroundings and being prepared to defend oneself if necessary.


Shit get deep in the cold city of Chi
Life can be challenging and difficult in Chicago, especially when dealing with violence and crime.


Could somebody, anybody tell me why-ay
A rhetorical question asking for an explanation or reason for a troubling issue or problem.


I'll sacrifice my word and my balls for this here
Being willing to risk everything, even one's honor or reputation, for a cause or belief.


Straight down to earth with my real niggas crack 'em beers
Being grounded and real with one's closest friends, enjoying life and relaxing.


Straight up that mean mug motherfucker havin' no fear
Being confrontational and aggressive, showing no fear or hesitation in the face of danger.


You thought I was one of them bitch niggas standin' right here
Proving someone wrong who doubted the singer's toughness or ability.


Legit Ballas is the clique I break bread with
The artist associates with a group of trustworthy, respectable friends and colleagues.


Niggas I bust lead with
The artist's friends are willing to engage in violent activity alongside them.


In the midst of confrontation, high-speed chasin'
Being prepared to engage in conflict or danger at any moment.


Bend 'em, and bust 'em and stick 'em, I'm runnin' from the FED's shit
The singer has experience evading the law and engaging in criminal activity.


This is the New Testament, uh-huh we never dead bitch, no
The artist's message and lifestyle will continue to thrive and survive, no matter what obstacles they face.


I'll make that damn fool get on his knees and say please
Being willing to use violence or intimidation to get what one wants.


Bitches in the neighborhood spreadin' disease
Referring to promiscuous women who may give sexually transmitted infections to others.


Hatin' ass niggas starin' and studyin' me
People who are jealous or envious are always watching and analyzing the singer's actions and success.


Cause I'm fresh up out the bank to get my daughter some cheese
The artist is motivated by providing for their family and loved ones.


But I got somethin' on my side like a lemon to squeeze
The artist has an advantage or tool that will help them succeed or win.


Lickin' bout a pack up at you motherfuckers right at the knees
Being quick and aggressive in attacking or confronting others.


Probably givin' somethin' to fools cause the man in need
Using one's resources or advantages to help those who are less fortunate or in need.


I been deep up in this game for a century
Having years of experience in the street lifestyle or a particular industry.


Now I'm makin' major moves and stackin' paper is my motto
Focusing on success and financial gain as the main goal.


Different day, different gear, hoppin' out a different auto
Always being on the move and appearing successful and powerful, with expensive cars and clothes.


Put it on and I'll be jackin' off louchers like lotto
Threatening to steal or rob from people who act weak or vulnerable.


Showin' love to my niggas who show me love in Chicago
Being loyal and supportive of friends who have supported the artist in the past.


It's fair but it's square, for the love of the game or they hate it
Being honest and straightforward in one's dealings, whether others like it or not.


Many done died, plenty done tried from imitatin' it
Many people have failed or even died from trying to copy the singer's lifestyle or attitude.


Fuck what they say, keep faith in this world you'll make it
Ignoring the negative opinions of others and believing in oneself, despite the odds.


Thank him for everything and every blessin' but don't fake it
Being grateful for one's success and blessings, but also being genuine and honest in that gratitude.


Trapped up in this wild life, thinkin' to myself
Feeling stuck or constrained by the dangers and stresses of the street lifestyle.


Askin' the Lord for forgiveness and thankin' him for my wealth
Praying for guidance and support, while also acknowledging one's success and financial gain.


The block is on low when these slickers ain't plantin' drugs
The neighborhood and market for illegal drugs is slow or struggling when there are no dealers or buyers actively participating.


Saturated with racial hatred result in a slug
The high level of tension and racism in an area often leads to acts of violence, such as shootings.


That's why I stay high, gone off green
The artist smokes marijuana to cope with the stress and danger of the street lifestyle.


Fuckin' up motherfuckers lyrically with the Beam
Being skilled at rapping and able to dismantle or insult one's opponents through music.


Got you and yo boys losin' yo breath like ?
Being able to outperform or defeat one's enemies in a battle or altercation.


Never disrespect a Legit Balla when on the scene
The artist is associated with a powerful and respected group, and should not be underestimated or challenged.


Oh wee I rip shit like velcro
Being very skilled or talented at something, in this case rapping.


Get off in the studio
Being productive and successful in the music industry and recording studio.


Fuck up the punk that step up got the umm next nigga screamin' "Oh No"
Being able to intimidate or defeat one's opponents easily and quickly.


Just when you thought that I was goin' fall I fuck around and ummm
Being resilient and bouncing back from setbacks and challenges.


Cock back explode, reload
Using a weapon to attack or defend oneself, then preparing to do it again if necessary.


Hit you with some shit that make you shake and shiver as I deliver
Being able to impress and intimidate one's opponents using expert skill and sharp lyrics.


Shots from the 4-0
Using a .40 caliber weapon to fire shots at one's enemies.


NO, no!
Expressing a refusal or disagreement.


Got the next nigga screamin'
Being able to defeat or intimidate one's opponents so thoroughly that even their friends and allies are taken aback or scared.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CALVIN E. (GENE) TAYLOR

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Ewan Cameron

can't believe I've never heard this band before. No Way Out rocks incredibly hard!

5-HT2A

great band great sound!!

Calvin Chaos

I love this band

jtheripper713

She's the singer from Banner of hope too, the full album is on here.

Anubis Anubis

Zajebista płyta!;)

Chad

So nostalgic that I can actually taste Budweiser when I listen

Z C

I can't believe they're back together!

SkepticalZombie

This is an amazing album. The Rel-X are broke up?

Logan Oi! Oi! Oi!

They're opening for G.B.H. tonight in Philly

Gasu Trías

😍

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