Web
The Roots Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

And it weights a ton
'Riq geez motherfuckers I'm a son of a gun
Black master of any trade under the sun
Talk sharp like a razor blade under the tongue
Clear my path and come get your captain hung
Trying to breath like black'll collapse your lungs
Young chump you could choke off the web I spun
I done cleared 'em out from the threat I brung
You done heard about what set I'm from
My nigga, word-a-mouth little rule-a-thumb
Y'all better bow down when the ruler come
I'm a real hood nigga not a hood-a-lum
The way Thought put it down be confusin' some of y'all
Cats can't walk while chewin' your gum 'n all
With a keyboard got do with a drum 'n all
School 'em on stage like I'm doin' a seminar
Professional type, I'm adjusting my mic
Go to war kid I'll give you any weapon you like
Give you something to run from
Bust off your dum-dum
Stop kid, that hot shit you know where it come from
It's philly world-wide phenomenon
And reinforcin' that shit is my nine to five
And when I finish making you recognize
I'm getin' at a couple civilized women that's tryin' to ride
You were waitin' on the raw to come off the oil
You wanna get the bitches up off the wall
Just to see you smile and enjoy yourself
To keep you in health, this for all of y'all
I'm quick on the draw like Black McGraw
And I can't tell what y'all cats rappin' for
My name 'riq geez and I'm back for more
To get more chips than the corner store
With a portrait of Malcom X on the door
While I'm eatin' MCs like a carnivore
Matter fact, ease back 'fore you get harmed
Ring the, warning horn when I'm gon' perform
The first nigga that move, or disturb the groove
I'm a have y'all flicks on the evening news
Play y'all part, get on y'all P's and Q's
And when y'all think Thought, be prepared to lose
Bring money to spend and somebody to lend
And some worthwhile money not twenties and tens
Get took for your tuck right in front of your 'hens
Who coulda help you nigga, not none of ya friends
Because, I put a black fist under ya chin
Have your physical remains found under the pen
If I'm coming up in the place, I'm coming to win
Wasn't in it for a minute, now I'm dumbin' again
'Riq geez ock, y'all can chat what y'all please
Receive what I'm gonna give back to y'all please
'Cuz y'all don't really wanna get clapped with all these
My man, you can take y'all strap when y'all leave
You see the squad come in the place, they all freeze
Ice cold, with his mellow cool breeze
MCs, never showed loyalty yet
Kool Herc ain't never get a royalty check
I do work, no question, and bomb your set
I'm calm collect, sharp like my name Gillette
RIP my man Gillette
Until I touch the mic, y'all people ain't seen danger yet
I'm a decorated vet, I regulate and wreck
Never hesitated yet, I'm gettin' heavy weighted checks
If you would dare ask if I'm dedicated - yes
I spit, live rounds that would penetrate a vest
Nigga, take ya seats I'm a demonstrate a test
How to freak the beats, so gangsta fresh
And it thump, from the east coast to Bangladesh
Big bank, willy gank smoke the thing to death
But hold tight, cuz it's not over yet
I don't even feel like I'm not sober yet
And it ring like shots in the projects new year's eve
And it ain't even October yet
I'm a big bounty hunter like Boba Fett
Y'all more shell shocked then a soldier get
If the prize in my sights then I'm goin' for this
Whoo whoo 'riq geez be the ultimate
I'm the corporate, give me the bulk of this
'Riq set it on the magnetic ultra tip
Get down how you 'posed to get
I got nothing to lose, I'm a killer with no regrets
I'm like young LL, cuz I'm hard as hell
Makin' niggaz screw face like Gargamel




Now I'm all out on my own like Patty LaBelle
Put the pimp game down on your mademoiselle

Overall Meaning

The Roots's song Web is a display of lyrical skill and word play by MCs Tariq Trotter, also known as Black Thought, and Ahmir Khalib Thompson, otherwise known as Questlove. The song has multiple layers of meaning and a complex rhyme scheme, which makes it both entertaining and thought-provoking.


At the beginning of the song, Black Thought makes a bold claim that he is a master of any trade under the sun. He then proceeds to demonstrate his lyrical prowess by laying down intricate rhymes while warning his detractors to clear his path or face the consequences. The chorus underscores the theme of the song, with a repeated refrain of "Web! Web! Don't get caught in the..."


Throughout the rest of the song, Black Thought and Questlove continue to display their musical and lyrical talents. They talk about their experiences in the music industry, their love for hip hop culture, and the importance of staying true to oneself. The song is a testament to their dedication to their craft and their unwavering commitment to their art.


Overall, Web is a masterful display of MCing and an excellent example of The Roots's musical talents. It is a song that can be enjoyed both for its lyrical complexity and its musical excellence.


Line by Line Meaning

And it weights a ton
The significance and impact of this song is extremely heavy and substantial.


'Riq geez motherfuckers I'm a son of a gun
I am a highly skilled and talented individual, fully capable of dominating any competition or situation.


Black master of any trade under the sun
I possess a high level of expertise and mastery in any field or profession imaginable.


Talk sharp like a razor blade under the tongue
I communicate with precision and intelligence, delivering my words with a cutting and impactful effect.


Clear my path and come get your captain hung
Anyone who challenges or opposes me will face severe consequences and defeat.


Trying to breath like black'll collapse your lungs
I am so formidable that even the mere presence of my blackness can suffocate and overwhelm my adversaries.


Young chump you could choke off the web I spun
I have created a complex and entangling network of strategies and tactics that can easily ensnare and overpower weak opponents.


I done cleared 'em out from the threat I brung
I have successfully eliminated any potential danger or obstacles that may have posed a challenge to me.


You done heard about what set I'm from
I am well-known and respected in the community or group I represent.


My nigga, word-a-mouth little rule-a-thumb
Through the power of word-of-mouth and reputation, I have established a set of guiding principles and rules.


Y'all better bow down when the ruler come
When I arrive, it is expected and necessary for everyone to show respect and submission to my authority.


I'm a real hood nigga not a hood-a-lum
I am an authentic and genuine individual from the streets, not a mere imitator or pretender.


The way Thought put it down be confusin' some of y'all
The manner in which I express myself and deliver my message can often be perplexing or challenging for some listeners.


Cats can't walk while chewin' your gum 'n all
Many individuals lack the necessary skills and multitasking abilities to handle basic actions like walking while chewing gum.


With a keyboard got do with a drum 'n all
I am capable of creating music and delivering performances using both traditional instruments and modern technology.


School 'em on stage like I'm doin' a seminar
My live performances are not only entertaining, but also educational and enlightening, like a seminar.


Professional type, I'm adjusting my mic
I am a highly skilled and experienced artist, always refining and perfecting my craft, evidenced by my microphone adjustments.


Go to war kid I'll give you any weapon you like
I am so confident in my abilities that I am willing to engage in any kind of battle or competition, and even provide my opponents with their weapon of choice.


Give you something to run from
My presence and actions will create a sense of fear and urgency, making others want to flee or avoid confrontation.


Bust off your dum-dum
I will defeat and disarm you, rendering you defenseless and exposed.


Stop kid, that hot shit you know where it come from
Don't even try to compete or imitate my style, as you know that my skill and originality is unmatched.


It's philly world-wide phenomenon
The influence and impact of my artistry extends beyond Philadelphia, reaching a global scale and creating a phenomenon.


And reinforcin' that shit is my nine to five
I dedicate my life and career to continuously reinforcing the authenticity and power of my music and message.


And when I finish making you recognize
Once I am done impressing and enlightening you with my talent, you will have no choice but to acknowledge and respect my abilities.


I'm getin' at a couple civilized women that's tryin' to ride
I am pursuing and engaging with sophisticated and respectable women who are interested in accompanying me on my journey.


You were waitin' on the raw to come off the oil
You were anticipating and longing for the authentic and unfiltered essence of my music to be revealed.


You wanna get the bitches up off the wall
You desire to impress and attract the attractive women who are currently on the sidelines or hesitant to engage.


Just to see you smile and enjoy yourself
Your happiness and enjoyment are the ultimate goals and motivations for others to take action and support you.


To keep you in health, this for all of y'all
I am creating and delivering this music to uplift and support the well-being of everyone who listens.


I'm quick on the draw like Black McGraw
I am able to react and respond swiftly, like a skilled gunslinger, just like the fictional character Black McGraw.


And I can't tell what y'all cats rappin' for
I struggle to understand the purpose or motivation behind the mediocre and uninspiring rap that others produce.


My name 'riq geez and I'm back for more
I am 'riq geez, and I have returned with even greater determination and intensity to succeed.


To get more chips than the corner store
My aim is to accumulate more wealth and success than even the most prosperous corner store.


With a portrait of Malcom X on the door
I display a symbol of power and resistance, represented by a portrait of the influential figure Malcom X, as a reminder of my defiance and strength.


While I'm eatin' MCs like a carnivore
I devour and consume other MCs, just like a carnivorous animal, as a demonstration of my superiority and dominance.


Matter fact, ease back 'fore you get harmed
I strongly advise you to retreat and withdraw before facing the severe consequences and harm that I can inflict upon you.


Ring the, warning horn when I'm gon' perform
Sound the alarm and prepare for my explosive and captivating performance.


The first nigga that move, or disturb the groove
I will immediately confront and neutralize anyone who dares to disrupt or interrupt the smooth and rhythmic flow.


I'm a have y'all flicks on the evening news
My actions and accomplishments will be so remarkable and newsworthy that they will be featured on the evening news.


Play y'all part, get on y'all P's and Q's
It is essential for you to fulfill your roles and responsibilities, and be attentive and disciplined in your actions and behavior.


And when y'all think Thought, be prepared to lose
Once you associate my name, Thought, with a challenge or competition, you should mentally prepare yourself for an inevitable defeat.


Bring money to spend and somebody to lend
When you come into my presence, make sure to have enough money to spend and someone who can lend you additional funds if needed.


And some worthwhile money not twenties and tens
Make sure the money you bring is of substantial value and not just small denominations like twenties and tens.


Get took for your tuck right in front of your 'hens
I will easily and boldly take your possessions and fortunes right in front of your female companions, demonstrating my dominance and control.


Who coulda help you nigga, not none of ya friends
None of your so-called friends or associates will come to your aid or offer assistance when you are in need.


Because, I put a black fist under ya chin
I will physically confront and intimidate you, placing my black fist under your chin as a symbol of power and defiance.


Have your physical remains found under the pen
If you continue to challenge or oppose me, your lifeless body will be discovered and recovered in a place of my choosing.


If I'm coming up in the place, I'm coming to win
Whenever I enter a competition or environment, it is with the sole intention of emerging as the victorious and dominant force.


Wasn't in it for a minute, now I'm dumbin' again
Although I may have momentarily withdrawn from the scene, I have returned with even greater intensity and aggression.


'Riq geez ock, y'all can chat what y'all please
'Riq geez, the master of this art form, is not concerned with or affected by the idle chatter and opinions of others.


Receive what I'm gonna give back to y'all please
Prepare yourselves to receive and accept the powerful and impactful messages and artistry that I am about to deliver to you.


'Cuz y'all don't really wanna get clapped with all these
Trust me, you do not want to experience the repercussions and consequences of challenging me and my skills.


My man, you can take y'all strap when y'all leave
You can retrieve your weapon once you surrender and retreat from the confrontation, as I have already established my dominance.


You see the squad come in the place, they all freeze
The sight of my team entering the venue causes everyone to pause and become immobilized in awe and respect.


Ice cold, with his mellow cool breeze
We exude an aura of icy calmness and confidence, accompanied by a soothing and refreshing energy.


MCs, never showed loyalty yet
Other MCs have consistently failed to demonstrate loyalty, dedication, and genuine support to the culture and art form.


Kool Herc ain't never get a royalty check
Even the legendary DJ Kool Herc, who pioneered this genre, has not received the financial compensation he deserves for his contributions.


I do work, no question, and bomb your set
I consistently put in the necessary effort and work to ensure that I deliver a powerful and explosive performance that surpasses your expectations.


I'm calm collect, sharp like my name Gillette
I remain composed and collected, possessing a razor-sharp skill and precision, just like the renowned brand Gillette.


RIP my man Gillette
My respect and tribute to the late Gillette, honoring his legacy and influence on the industry.


Until I touch the mic, y'all people ain't seen danger yet
You have not yet witnessed the true level of danger and intensity that I am capable of unleashing until I take control of the microphone.


I'm a decorated vet, I regulate and wreck
With years of experience and accomplishments, I am a highly respected and skilled individual who both enforces the rules and causes destruction.


Never hesitated yet, I'm gettin' heavy weighted checks
I have never faltered or hesitated in my pursuit of success, resulting in substantial financial rewards and recognition.


If you would dare ask if I'm dedicated - yes
There is no doubt or question about my unwavering dedication and commitment to my craft.


I spit, live rounds that would penetrate a vest
My words and rhymes are so powerful and impactful that they have the ability to pierce through even the strongest protective gear.


Nigga, take ya seats I'm a demonstrate a test
Everyone should find a seat and prepare to witness and experience a demonstration of my skills and abilities.


How to freak the beats, so gangsta fresh
I will illustrate and teach you how to flawlessly manipulate and utilize beats in a manner that exudes an authentic and cool gangster vibe.


And it thump, from the east coast to Bangladesh
My music is so powerful and engaging that it resonates and reverberates from the east coast of the United States to countries like Bangladesh.


Big bank, willy gank smoke the thing to death
I have acquired significant wealth and power, able to casually enjoy and consume extravagant amounts of drugs, such as smoking to the point of complete obliteration.


But hold tight, cuz it's not over yet
Do not relax or lower your guard, as the excitement and intensity of this experience is far from over.


I don't even feel like I'm not sober yet
Despite the fact that I may not be completely sober, I still possess an incredible level of focus and clarity in my performances.


And it ring like shots in the projects new year's eve
The impact and resonance of my music is comparable to the sound of gunfire heard in the housing projects during the celebration of New Year's Eve.


And it ain't even October yet
The intensity and energy of my music is so powerful that it feels like the climax of a festive and explosive occasion, even though it is not yet the month of October.


I'm a big bounty hunter like Boba Fett
Similar to the iconic bounty hunter Boba Fett, I pursue and capture my targets with great skill and determination.


Y'all more shell shocked then a soldier get
The level of surprise and shock you experience is comparable to that of a traumatized soldier during combat.


If the prize in my sights then I'm goin' for this
Once I have identified my objective or goal, I am fully committed and unwavering in my pursuit of achieving it.


Whoo whoo 'riq geez be the ultimate
'Riq geez represents the epitome of excellence and superiority in this realm.


I'm the corporate, give me the bulk of this
I am the dominant and authoritative figure, deserving of the majority of the resources and rewards in this industry.


'Riq set it on the magnetic ultra tip
'Riq has established and set the standards of excellence at an extremely high level, surpassing the expectations of others.


Get down how you 'posed to get
Everyone should adhere to and embody the expected or desired behavior and attitude.


I got nothing to lose, I'm a killer with no regrets
I possess a fearless and relentless mindset, ready to eliminate any obstacles or opponents, without any remorse or hesitation.


I'm like young LL, cuz I'm hard as hell
Similar to a young LL Cool J, I am tough and formidable, not to be underestimated or taken lightly.


Makin' niggaz screw face like Gargamel
I have the ability to provoke and unsettle individuals to the point where their facial expressions become twisted and angry, just like the fictional character Gargamel.


Now I'm all out on my own like Patty LaBelle
I have established myself as an independent and self-sufficient artist, comparable to the successful solo career of Patty LaBelle.


Put the pimp game down on your mademoiselle
I will successfully charm and captivate your female companions, asserting my dominance and control over them.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: HUBBARD, THOMPSON, ROBERT JR. DORSEY, TARIK L. COLLINS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@Pride317

Lyrics

[Intro]
Uh huh
Uh

[Verse: Black Thought]
And it weighs a ton
Riq Geez motherfuckers I'm a son of a gun
Black master of any trade under the sun
Talk sharp like a razor blade under the tongue
Clear my path and come get your captain hung
Trying to breathe like Black'll collapse your lungs
Young chump you could choke off the web I spun
I done cleared 'em out from the threat I brung
You done heard about what set I'm from
My nigga, word of mouth little rule-a-thumb
Y'all better bow down when the ruler come
I'm a real hood nigga not a hood-a-lum
The way Thought put it down be confusing some of y'all
Cats can't walk while chewing your gum 'n all
What a keyboard got to do with a drum and all
School 'em on stage like I'm doing a seminar
Professional type, I'm adjusting my mic
Go to war kid I'll give you any weapon you like
Give you something to run from, bust off your dum-dums
Stop kid, that hot shit you know where it come from
It's Philly world-wide phenomenon
And reinforcing that shit is my 9-to-5
And when I finish making you recognize
I'm getting at a couple civilized women that's trying to ride
You been waiting on the boul to come off to all
You wanna get the bitches up off the wall
Just to see you smile and enjoy yourself
To keep you in health, this for all of y'all
I'm quick on the draw like Black McGraw
And I can't tell what y'all cats rapping for
My name 'Riq Geez and I'm back for more
To get more chips than the corner store
With a portrait of Malcom X on the door
While I'm eating MCs like a carnivore
Matter fact, ease back 'fore you get harmed
Ring the warning horn when I'm gon' perform
The first nigga that move, or disturb the goove
I'm a have y'all flicks on the evening news
Play y'all part - get on y'all P's and Q's
And when y'all face Thought, be prepared to lose
Bring money to spend and somebody to lend
And some worthwhile money not twenties and tens
Get took for your tuck right in front of your hens
Who coulda helped you, nigga? not none of ya friends
Because, I put a black fist under ya chin
Have your physical remains found under the pen
If I'm coming up in the place, I'm coming to win
Wasn't in it for a minute, now I'm dumbing again
Riq Geez, akh, y'all can chat what y'all please
Receive what I'm gonna get back to y'all believe
Cuz you don't really wanna get clapped with all these
My man, you can take y'all strap when y'all leave
You see the squad come in the place, they all freeze
Ice Cold, with his mellow Cool Breeze
MCs never showed loyalty yet
Kool Herc ain't never get a royalty check
I do work, no question, and bomb your set
I'm calm collect, sharp like my name Gillette
RIP my man Gillette until I touch the mic
Y'all people ain't seen danger yet
I'm a decorated vet, I regulate and wreck
Never hesitated yet, I'm getting heavy weighted checks
If you would dare ask if I'm dedicated - yes
I spit live rounds that'll penetrate a vest
Nigga, take ya seats I'm a demonstrate a test
How to freak the beats, so gangsta fresh
And it thump, from the east coast to Bangladesh
Big bank Willy Gank smoke the thing to death
But hold tight, cuz it's not over yet
I don't even feel like I'm not sober yet
And it ring like shots in the projects New Year's Eve
And it ain't even October yet
I'm a big bounty hunter like Boba Fett
Y'all more shell shocked then a soldier get
If the prize in my sights then I'm going for this
Whoo whoo 'Riq Geez be the ultimate
I'm the culprit, give me the bulk of this
Riq set it on the magnetic ultra tip
Get down how you 'posed to get
I got nothing to lose, I'm a killer with no regrets
I'm like young LL, cuz I'm hard as hell
Making niggas screw face like Gargamel
Now I'm all out on my own like Patti LaBelle
Put the pimp game down on your mademoiselle

[Outro]
Keep the beat going
Keep the beat going



@DrWillyInfantry

Black Thought]
Uh huh
uh

And it weights a ton
'riq geez motherfuckers I'm a son of a gun
Black master of any trade under the sun
Talk sharp like a razor blade under the tongue
clear my path and come get your captain hung
Trying to breath like black'll collapse your lungs
Young chump you could choke off the web I spun
I done cleared 'em out from the threat I brung
You done heard about what set I'm from
My nigga, word-a-mouth little rule-a-thumb
Y'all better bow down when the ruler come
I'm a real hood nigga not a hood-a-lum
The way Thought put it down be confusin' some of y'all
cats can't walk while chewin' your gum 'n all
With a keyboard got do with a drum 'n all
School 'em on stage like I'm doin' a seminar
Professional type, I'm adjusting my mic
Go to war kid I'll give you any weapon you like
Give you something to run from
, bust off your dum-dum
Stop kid, that hot shit you know where it come from
It's philly world-wide phenomenom
And reinforcin' that shit is my 9-to-5
And when I finish making you recognize
I'm getin' at a couple civilized women that's tryin' to ride
You were waitin' on the raw to come off the oil
You wanna get the bitches up off the wall
Just to see you smile and enjoy yourself
To keep you in health, this for all of y'all
I'm quick on the draw like Black McGraw
And I can't tell what y'all cats rappin' for

My name 'riq geez and I'm back for more
To get more chips than the corner store
with a portrait of Malcom X on the door
while I'm eatin' MCs like a carnivore
Matter fact, ease back 'fore you get harmed
Ring the, warning horn when I'm gon' perform
The first nigga that move, or disturb the goove
I'm a have y'all flicks on the evening news
Play y'all part - get on y'all P's and Q's
And when y'all think Thought, be prepared to lose
Bring money to spend and somebody to lend
And some worthwhile money not twenties and tens
Get took for your tuck right in front of your 'hens
Who coulda help you nigga, not none of ya friends
Because, I put a black fist under ya chin
Have your physical remains found under the pen
If I'm coming up in the place, I'm coming to win
Wasn't in it for a minute, now I'm dumbin' again

'riq geez ock, y'all can chat what y'all please
Receive what I'm gonna give back to y'all please
'cuz y'all don't really wanna get clapped with all these
My man, you can take y'all strap when y'all leave
You see the squad come in the place, they all freeze
Ice cold, with his mellow cool breeze
MCs, never showed loyalty yet
Kool Herc ain't never get a royalty check
I do work, no question, and bomb your set
I'm calm collect, sharp like my name Gillette
RIP my man Gillette
Until I touch the mic, y'all people ain't seen danger yet
I'm a decorated vet, I regulate and wreck
Never hesitated yet, I'm gettin' heavy weighted checks
If you would dare ask if I'm dedicated - yes
I spit, live rounds that would penetrate a vest
Nigga, take ya seats I'm a demonstrate a test
How to freak the beats, so gangsta fresh
And it thump, from the east coast to Bangladesh
Big bank, willy gank smoke the thing to death
But hold tight, cuz it's not over yet
I don't even feel like I'm not sober yet
And it ring like shots in the projects new year's eve
And it ain't even October yet
I'm a big bounty hunter like Boba Fett
Y'all more shell shocked then a soldier get
If the prize in my sights then I'm goin' for this
Whoo whoo 'riq geez be the ultimate
I'm the corporate, give me the bulk of this
'riq set it on the magnetic ultra tip
Get down how you 'posed to get
I got nothing to lose, I'm a killer with no regrets
I'm like young LL, cuz I'm hard as hell
Makin' niggaz screw face like Gargamel
Now I'm all out on my own like Patty LaBelle
Put the pimp game down on your mademoiselle

Keep the beat goin'



All comments from YouTube:

@soulCracka1

One of the greatest performances in hip hop history.

@birdoffire9

Absolutely 💯💯💯💯💯. Every cell in your being vibrates.

@brentstevens6228

I never ever get tired of this song.

@RebelUndergroundNetwork

One of the best verses in Hip Hop history.

@neiltaylor6443

RUN Without doubt,an MC master class.Never tire of this.💥💥💥💥

@willismullen3749

Black Thought has always been a master of the english language, literacy, story telling, and has always been a legit MC. Masterful execution on this. No hook. Just flow.

@Youngapollo47

One of the best verses in Black Thought's discography

@CoherentHipHop

No doubt.

@jerichf1

“Don’t say nothing” too

@africanbella28

This song is fire!!! Black Thought is one of the greatest rappers of all time in my opinion. Facts👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

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