Archetype
Tonedeff Lyrics


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Now, Who the fuck are you to judge me?
Who the fuck are you to tell me what I can & can't do?
Can you repeat the feats I'm achieving to rhymes and beats
Or even conceive that I'll be competing still even when I'm deceased

Now beating me is easier than finding peace, But niggaz still criticize
my work and my lines and my shirt down to the size
In a world of scouring eyes, and words compounded by lies
The artistry of lyricism I epitomize

It's overwhelming, cause there's so much to say and so much to change
But for every rapper constantly bitching, I made a record that's honestly different
Just watch the world scoff in the distance, and cynic's bark in resistance
And still, in its wake, this archetype's bound to mimmicked

This is the new hip-hop, devoid of boundaries, gimmicks
Or rigid genres, with no apologies given
To solemnly sing aloud and then spit poly's without inhibition
In a world where courage is reprimanded, but cowardice isn't

The power to listen and learn, keeps me adaptive
A tribe fan that appreciated the classics
But damn if I'm trapped in the past, I act to surpass what they crafted
And still manage to travel the path on the maps that they drafted

And man, I'm rappin on behalf balance
The do it all MC, with the 2 long sleeves, and a passion for practical magic
A tap of the wand, and I'm graphic - another tap, I'm the fastest
You tap again, and I'm chanting on a piano ballad

The preconceived notions get shattered
Fuck mainstream & underground - is the shit any good? is what matters
Why categorize? There's wack and there's nice
So, I put all that to the side and reset the standard for any cat that just asks for a mic
So what that in mind, Them niggaz won't last after they've established their hype

While mine's only added, more than half of my life
And I'm last in a line of cats with divine talent - Don't ask for a sign
Answers will rise in the passage of time -
Cause I'm the Archetype

[Chorus]
'Cause I'm the archetype. Original as they come
Ayo, they broke the fuckin mold when they made this one




Said I'm the archetype, cause there can only be one
The day intelligence sells, we'll leave the industry stunned

Overall Meaning

In Tonedeff's song Archetype, the singer questions those who judge and try to dictate what he can and cannot do. He challenges these critics to match his lyrical abilities and to recognize his mastery of language and rhythm as the epitome of lyricism. Despite facing constant criticism and scrutiny, the singer asserts that he is creating a new form of hip-hop that is free of constraints and gimmicks. He refuses to be categorized as mainstream or underground and instead focuses on creating quality music that sets a new standard for aspiring artists. The singer also acknowledges the importance of listening and learning in order to adapt and improve, while continuing to push boundaries and challenge preconceived notions of what hip-hop can be.


Line by Line Meaning

Now, Who the fuck are you to judge me?
Who are you to have the audacity to criticize me?


Who the fuck are you to tell me what I can & can't do?
Who are you to impose limits and restrictions on what I can do?


Can you repeat the feats I'm achieving to rhymes and beats
Are you capable of achieving the same level of lyrical and rhythmic mastery as me?


Or even conceive that I'll be competing still even when I'm deceased
Can you even imagine that my legacy will continue long after I'm gone?


Now beating me is easier than finding peace, But niggaz still criticize
Despite how easy it is to criticize me, people still do it.


my work and my lines and my shirt down to the size
People scrutinize everything about me, including my work, my lyrics, and even my clothing size.


In a world of scouring eyes, and words compounded by lies
In a world where everyone is watching and rumors abound.


The artistry of lyricism I epitomize
I am the embodiment of poetic and musical skill.


It's overwhelming, cause there's so much to say and so much to change
I feel overwhelmed by the enormity of the issues I want to address in my music.


But for every rapper constantly bitching, I made a record that's honestly different
Instead of constantly complaining like other rappers, I created a truly unique record.


Just watch the world scoff in the distance, and cynic's bark in resistance
I know that people will be skeptical and resistant to my message.


And still, in its wake, this archetype's bound to mimmicked
Despite the haters, my style and approach will inevitably be imitated.


This is the new hip-hop, devoid of boundaries, gimmicks
I am breaking down the limits and conventions of hip hop to create something new and authentic


Or rigid genres, with no apologies given
I am not bound by genre conventions and I am unapologetically myself.


To solemnly sing aloud and then spit poly's without inhibition
I can switch from singing to rapping without reservations or self-doubt.


In a world where courage is reprimanded, but cowardice isn't
People are punished for being brave, but not for being cowardly.


The power to listen and learn, keeps me adaptive
I am constantly growing and evolving by listening and learning from others.


A tribe fan that appreciated the classics
I am a fan of classic hip hop and draw inspiration from it.


But damn if I'm trapped in the past, I act to surpass what they crafted
I respect tradition, but I am always striving to push beyond it and create something new.


And still manage to travel the path on the maps that they drafted
I am charting my own course while still using the lessons of those who came before me.


The preconceived notions get shattered
I am breaking down people's expectations and assumptions about hip hop.


Fuck mainstream & underground - is the shit any good? is what matters
I don't care about labels or popularity, only the quality of the music.


Why categorize? There's wack and there's nice
Hip hop can be divided into two categories: bad and good.


So, I put all that to the side and reset the standard for any cat that just asks for a mic
I am setting a new standard for hip hop, and any rapper who wants to challenge me had better bring their A-game.


So what that in mind, Them niggaz won't last after they've established their hype
I know that many popular rappers won't last long after the initial excitement around them has faded.


While mine's only added, more than half of my life
My music has been part of my life for a long time and will continue to be.


And I'm last in a line of cats with divine talent - Don't ask for a sign
I am part of a long lineage of talented rappers.


Answers will rise in the passage of time -
The true value and impact of my music will become clear over time.


Cause I'm the Archetype
I am the epitome of what it means to be a true rapper and artist.


'Cause I'm the archetype. Original as they come
I am truly unique, an original in every sense of the word.


Ayo, they broke the fuckin mold when they made this one
I am so different from other rappers that I seem to have been made from a different mold altogether.


Said I'm the archetype, cause there can only be one
I am one of a kind, and there will never be another like me.


The day intelligence sells, we'll leave the industry stunned
If the music industry starts valuing intelligence and originality over commercial appeal, people will be shocked.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BURTON C. BELL, DINO A.M. CAZARES, RAYMOND HERRERA, CHRISTIAN OLDE WOLBERS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

James Safarik

"if I'm trapped in the past then I have to surpass what they crafted" a message to all of us

Alin Rosu

One of the best out there, along with Sage Francis, Aesop Rock, Atmos and more others. Anyway was listening to this song today and just figured out, that the negative sounds a lot like romanian popular(traditional) music :))

MzTerra Baby

YES this is EXACTLY what i've been looking for...i think i'm in love! This shit is real....PERIOD.

K.

100% agreed.i've said so myself many times as well... long live the underground

Patrick Marciano

God damn, Tone is the king of flow.

stefdelev

This is...extremely tight. Dang.

Fred

why is this not mainstream?

SuperSnowman111

@StrangeMusicFan91 in other words, when they get popular and everyone knows them etc etc. Fame and whatever isn't gettin to Tondeff, he's pure talent.

FatToDaCat Yo

this song is dope

FatToDaCat Yo

this song is dope

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