Live From The PJ's
The Roots Feat. Ghostface & Trife Lyrics

One two, one two, one two, one two
The singer is testing the microphone before beginning the performance

So you wanna start up, what we gonna tear shit up?
The singer is asking the audience if they are ready to begin the performance and cause chaos

I said let the turntables talk for me at first
The singer intends to let the music do the talking before he starts performing

And then I should finish the rest
The artist will take over and perform after the music has set the mood

Theodore Deini, Deini, Deini, Deini (say what) Deeeeeeeeeeeeeee
The artist is introducing himself by his moniker and then elongating his name for effect

Aiyo, what up? Aiyo, what's poppin' and shit
The singer is greeting someone and asking what's happening in a casual and informal way

Yo, this your man, Ghost Deini and shit, Trife Diesel on the side Money Come First, Theodore Unit, aiyo, son blind these niggaz
The singer introduces himself and his associate, and then mentions his crew's name and tells his listeners to impress them

Throw bleachin'
This is just a nonsensical phrase for effect

Aiyo, aiyo, what's poppin' out in Stapleton Park, hoppin' the V's Call Ghost, special invited host, bring through the seeds
The artist is asking what's happening at a specific location and then suggests calling Ghost because he's a special host and can bring people along

Sun beamin' like a hundred degrees, yo Tone! Hurry up, get your ass in the truck, it's time to leave
The artist is telling Tone to hurry up because they need to leave before it gets any hotter

Hold on, I gotta polish my ring, throw on my Clarks And you know, I can't iron man garments, without the stars, just Double park, give me ten minutes or less I overslept, my bitch left, and my crib is a mess
The singer is delaying their departure by tending to his appearance and explaining why he's running late

*scratches and talk* "If you not down, you not an M.C. or a D.J., off the stage"
This is a line from another artist that the performance is cutting into the track to emphasize the idea that non-performers are not welcome on stage

It's the Theodore event, so they blocked off the streets And we came here to chill, but the cops wanna beef
The singer is explaining that the performance is an event thrown by his crew and that they intended to have a good time, but the police are causing trouble

Little kids, shootin' hoops on the court, playin' horse All the young bucks, rocking new gear, try'nna floss
The singer is describing the scene and the people enjoying themselves before the police arrive

Say no more, let's motivate Trife, throw on your poker face Spin around the block one time, so we can spoke the place
The singer is suggesting that they take a lap around the area to hype themselves up and spread the word that they're there

Yeah, it's lookin' lavish, and the scene looks wonderful Pockets full of trees, and my shit look colorful We got the X-Men spinnin', on the one's and two's No drugs, no violence, leave home the guns and tools
The artist is taking a moment to appreciate the atmosphere and the vibrant colors of the surroundings. He mentions that they have money and drugs but they're making an effort to keep it peaceful and avoid violence

And the grill's just cookin' up chicken and steak And greedy ass Uncle Ronnie, yo, he lickin' the plate
The artist describes the food being cooked and mentions an enthusiastic individual who's enjoying his food

Ladies and gentlemen, we got Black Thought in the house tonight Yo, he just came from off tour, and I think he wanna spit something, yo!
The singer is introducing Black Thought as a special guest performance who has just come off tour and will perform something for them

Yo, we X-Ecute 'em, with the rapid fire, pealin' your face off Sprayin' up the party, from the ceiling with napalm Shots follow the target, I ain't gon chase ya'll Swinging aluminum bats, that's not for baseball
Black Thought begins his rap by describing how they execute their performances with rapid-fire lyrics and how they aim to disrupt the party by spraying it up with their words. He also mentions their violent tendencies with references to bats.

It's humor, the way ya'll makin' me laugh I'm like a, natural born hustler, gotta get that cash The way a natural born, freak, gotta shake that ass And anybody wanna eat, gotta break that fast
Black Thought switches from his intense mode to a playful one, talking about how people's actions are humorous to him and how he's a natural born hustler who has to make money. He also references physical pleasures like dancing and eating

A million crabs in a barrel, try'nna make they splash Break away fast, nice brother's finish in last It don't, matter the speakers, or the hammers can blast To handle your ass, frontin', I'mma take your stash
Black Thought continues by describing how everyone is fighting to stand out, but ultimately it's the selfish ones who will come out triumphant. He also mentions how he has the confidence to handle any situation, regardless of the opposition

And twist it, and bake the whole, projects biscuits This kid is a trendsetter, ya'll just misfits Black Thought, I've been better, ya'll just forgettin' shit
Black Thought boasts about his ability to take something ordinary and make it extraordinary. He also notes that he is a trendsetter, while others don't quite fit in, and that he's already reached lofty goals that others aspire to

Now it's a life or death predicament I step in with a vendetta, then start spittin' shit Then spit game, that's ridiculous, ya'll muthafuckas insignificant I'm three fifty seven, magnificent Stay playin', where them bad bitches is, you feelin' tonight You know they feelin', let the semi automatic bend They fend to have 'em in the ghetto, goin' at it, man They bring it to your block, have it like Pakistan Philly boys bringin' noise, makin' wild static, then We trick cops, even jump out vans, and leave you Sprayed out, stiffer than a mannequin stance
Black Thought switches back to a more aggressive tone, describing how his rap is serious and vital to his survival. He notes how he has amazing skills and how he only associates with those who can bring in the good times. He also mentions how he and his crew will do whatever it takes, even outsmarting the police if it means they can party and have fun

You get, laid out, clapped with mechanical hands That kick back, cuz, you and your mans'll get zapped Just keep, thinkin' my peoples, and peoples'll toy with A cold blooded kill shit, and keep on doin' it Cuz that's my pleasure, that's the people's enjoyment Gangsta's holla at me, if you seekin' employment
Black Thought concludes his rap with a final warning, saying that those who oppose him will be dealt with violently. He mentions that he enjoys it and that it's what the people want. He also invites anyone who's interested in being a part of their gang to contact him