Respect
The Real Roxanne Lyrics
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(Tell ya, I kinda like her, you know)
I'm the fox that cold rocks, and I'm comin correct
And what I want is a little respect
Now if I don't get it, I'ma have to take it
And prove to y'all that I can make it
For those of you who took me lightly
I'ma have to put you all in check
And maybe then you'll show me a little respect
Ooh
Just a little bit (repeated)
(Tell ya, I kinda like her, you know)
(I don't know, with kids today it's different)
You want to riff, but you can't base
You're captivated by a smile on a pretty face
And of course breath-takin
I proceed goin wild, if I'm not mistaken
I am woman, watch me roar
I don't run my rhymes, they pour
And I don't be takin shorts, I wear em
A rapper diss me, huh, I dare him
Cause if he does that, then he'll be makin
A big mistake, cause I start breakin
And you don't want me to break
When the gold around your neck is fake!
A 24-carat persona, but I'm not Madonna
You come out your neck, and I'ma treat you like your mama
You don't like what I'm sayin, then you can step
Instead give a lady like me a little respect
Ooh
Just a little bit (repeated)
(Tell ya, I kinda like her, you know)
(I don't know, with kids today it's different)
Ooh
Just a little bit
I can't stop, cause I'm hotter than hot
Bu twhen I see another rapper, I gots
To get wicked and kick it, and put em in check
And let em know the Double are's in effect
And since you're really captivated, super sexy, so seducin
I do the rap, Howie Tee does the producin
I need a scratch, Howie Tee, are you ready?
(Sure) Huh - let's do this
(Tell ya, I kinda like her, you know)
(I don't know, with kids today it's different)
How can you be hotter than July
I will tell you why, your guy
He wants to be my slave
I put him on a short leash, so he can behave
And you cover your face with a paperbag
Cause I'm the kinda girl your man wish he had
And you remind me of the Bride of Frankenstein
Your hair so short that I can read what's on your mind
And since we're on the topic of hair, let me mention
To all the girls that wear extensions
You gotta be like me, and that's legit
And when I put on my jeans, they fit
Cause I'm not lackin, in the back, and
I don't look like I be crackin
Up, Cause my body ain't flat
But yours kinda looks like that
And a lady like me cannot be dismissed
Leave the radio alone, cause you cannot adjust this
And if my tape ain't in the box, then press eject
Just one of the ways you can show me a little respect!
Ooh
Just a little bit (repeated)
(Tell ya, I kinda like her, you know)
(I don't know, with kids today it's different)
Just a little bit
Just a little bit
Just a little bit
(I don't know, with kids today it's different)
(I tell ya, I kinda like her, ya know)
Just a little bit
The Real Roxanne's "Respect" is a powerful declaration of a woman's worth in a male-dominated industry. She starts off by stating that she demands respect, and if she does not get it, she will take it. The song is a call to those who underestimate her to recognize her talents and abilities. Roxanne makes it clear that she is confident in herself and her skills, and she is not afraid to assert herself. She also acknowledges that there are people who are captivated by her physical appearance, but she doesn't let that define her.
The lyrics are straightforward and full of punchy one-liners. Roxanne says that she is a woman who raps her own rhymes and does not run away from her problems. She also makes it clear that she will not tolerate disrespect from anyone, stating, "You come out your neck, and I'ma treat you like your mama." Roxanne also addresses other women, urging them to be confident in themselves and not to rely on extensions or artificial means to feel beautiful.
Overall, "Respect" highlights the importance of self-esteem, self-worth, and confidence. Roxanne uses her lyrics to convey that women should not be underestimated or belittled in any context, and that they should always demand the respect they deserve.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm the fox that cold rocks, and I'm comin correct
I am confident in my abilities and I approach everything with a positive attitude.
And what I want is a little respect
I value respect from others and believe I deserve it.
Now if I don't get it, I'ma have to take it
If I don't receive respect, I will assert myself to show that it is necessary.
And prove to y'all that I can make it
I have confidence in myself and know that I can succeed.
All the way, and not slightly
I am determined to achieve my goals and won't settle for anything less.
For those of you who took me lightly
If someone underestimates me, I will prove them wrong.
I'ma have to put you all in check
I will assert myself to remind others to treat me with respect.
And maybe then you'll show me a little respect
I hope that when I assert myself, others will understand my worth and give me the respect I deserve.
You want to riff, but you can't base
You try to challenge me, but your argument has no foundation.
A 24-carat persona, but I'm not Madonna
I am valuable and unique, but not comparable to anyone else.
Cause if he does that, then he'll be makin
If someone disrespects me, they will be making a big mistake.
And you don't want me to break
If someone disrespects me, they will regret it.
When the gold around your neck is fake!
Don't pretend to be someone you're not, or you will face the consequences.
But when I see another rapper, I gots
When I encounter someone in my field, I must challenge them to prove my worth.
To get wicked and kick it, and put em in check
I will assert myself and show others my abilities.
And let em know the Double are's in effect
I will remind others that my influence is strong and present.
Cause I'm the kinda girl your man wish he had
I am desirable and confident, and someone others wish they could be with.
Leave the radio alone, cause you cannot adjust this
Don't try to compete with me, because you can't match my talent.
Just one of the ways you can show me a little respect!
Treating me with respect is one of the most important things you can do to show me that you value me.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, THE ROYALTY NETWORK INC., Royalty Network, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Otis Redding
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
theoldschooloriginal
I still have this song "Respect" and the album "The Real Roxanne" on the original white cassette tape released in 1988 from Select Records. A classic tune from an underrated artist with a premiere DJ and producer Hitman Howie Tee.
Mercedes Mac
Again, Thank you Sister for your amazing music!! YOUR ARE AND WERE THE BOMB!!!!!! You saved me in high school!!! I still listen to you. Music today SUCKS!! ThanK God for You girl!!
JDLT
CLÁÁÁSICO!!! ÉPOCA DORADA DEL RAP 🎤 💪💪💪 🔥🔥🔥 THE REAL ROXANNE HITMAN HOWIE TEE LEYENDAS
DJ Supreme
When The Real Roxanne first came out I fell inlove with her. Shout out to Howey Tee. Awwww the old daysssss... PEACE!!!
levelheadsteve
Timeless. You definitely can't tell this was made in the 80's.
Curtis Freeman
Old School Rap
with a touch of BEAUTY 😍
Sting_Stung_Me
Ain't it refreshing to see a female rapper who isn't rapping about sex all the damn time! Loved Roxanne!
Chasity Nuvo
I LOVE THE REAL ROXANNE!
comment on Life
I always said her voice never match face. This my era! I was young n was loving it and still do looking back how dope this era was.
Juicebox Ronnie
@Nailah Richardson Yeah, this is actually her voice but she's not the original girl who dissed UTFO. Roxanne Roxanne was a surprise hit that spawned countless answer-back tracks. This sadly is just who the record company decided to make the videos with. Back in the days of Word Up and Right On magazines, this woman here got famously booed off stage at her own record release party.