He is noted for an asthmatic whispering lyrical style that is half-rapped, half-sung. As a producer and a musician he is known for having an aversion to perfection preferring to build up a dark, rich and layered sound. Culturally, Tricky bridges white and black Britain particularly in his fusion of rock and hip-hop, high art and pop culture. He drew his influences from rap (Public Enemy) to post-punk (he covered a Siouxsie and the Banshees's song Tattoo).
Throughout his work, Tricky blurs the normally clear sexual definitions found within hip hop. Despite the heavy influence he drew from American hip hop in his debut album, Maxinquaye, he fights against typical sexual representations by, for example, dressing as a woman on the side sleeve of his album cover. Within many of his tracks he blends elements of varying types of music, and use his lyrics to create a much more ambiguous and blurry reality of sexuality.
Maxinquaye remains his most commercially and critically successful album to date. About it, Tricky originally said in an interview with Raygun in October 1996 that he wanted to make an 'out-an-out punk record' and that "I thought it was going be heavier. I thought it was just going to be an out-an-out punk record. But you end up straying. What I wanted to do was a total fast album. Some of the tracks are fast and hard, but they didn't come out like that." He also said that he hated being stuck with the trip-hop tag so "That's why I did Nearly God, and that's why I did Pre-Millennium Tension. You can't see them as trip-hop albums. So I just keep running away from it. But the farther you run, it's still there. They'll find you." Ever since, Tricky' style has evolved away from obscure, sample-based textures to a more contemporary, electronic sound.
Tricky was in Massive Attack and appeared in the movie The Fifth Element as well as the music video for Parabola by Tool. He has collaborated extensively with other artists on tracks on his various releases, including Bjork, Alanis Morissette, Cyndi Lauper, Anthony Kiedis , John Frusciante and Flea (of the Red Hot Chili Peppers), Martina Topley-Bird, and Alison Goldfrapp of Goldfrapp also many others.
After his initial success in the latter 1990's, he started his own label called Durban Poison. Currently he is heading a new imprint called Brown Punk.
Tricky versus Lynx
Tricky Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Warlords with the full force
Drugs, a bitch and then it's a war
Run for the rich and give to the poor
Bring the cops in the mix
We livin' no more
Won't make your car start
A dark heart
Kill and get your ass caught
You're dead now
It's not a problem
The kids who will not steal
the drugs they don't have
Still just kill
In the ghetto this shit is unreal
Nigga's escorts freak the downhills
Shots be ringing like Chinese bells
In fly females, out flip the Catskills
Madness ain't quittin' until
Your night to see jail
And get the raw meal
Mad Dog fought infinity
Ain't trying to be no public enemy
Outlaw like my nigga Red Dog
Step up, bitch and get rough
Nigga with .44's won't lie
A .45 or higher sport nice
Cruise to try to have a kill for your eyes
Lose your life
It feels so nice
Jet for the poor lights, no dice
One thing I don't like is a low light
Trying to get me for selling Snow White
Flying taxi my girl's were so right
When to say what
You trust, you know
No bad boy cops with facts you know
Then some of them flip, they flop the show
Them punk ass bitches got to go
Murder on the mainland
Where the gang's slaying the game plan
Ain't trying to be name brand
Out to the girls and boys and
This went down like Durban Poison
Murder on the mainland
Where the gang's slaying the game plan
Ain't tryin to be name brand
Out to the girls and boys and
This went down like Durban Poison
Just like two my crew is blessed
Doing things with my niggas that I knew was right
If you decide to detest
Like you do when trying
As far as picking up your chest
That be suicide, nigga
See that trigger
All you do is hang
It's a front, take a punt
And it's smooth to guide
Curse the 'ho 'til she takes you in her arms again
Play the role if you ain't a dog
But when you kids get alot of cash off the ash
Shortin' cats in the block of flats
Cops that harrass better watch their backs
Falls well strapped and then broke them flat
Hold gas to the mattress
Drop a match
'Cause that's where your at niggas are off with that
Try and flop me and I'll flop you back
Shout out "kill" and the dogs attack
Want a mil, what's with that
We're all 'bout still and shot the crack
Love the bitches with alot of back
Plus the titties, what you got to ask?
Mad Dog straight ghetto now
Live in this slum but I'm gettin' out
My soldiers wanna knock you out
Don't fuck around just shut your mouth
Murder on the mainland
Where the gang's slaying the game plan
Ain't trying to be name brand
Out to the girls and boys and
This went down like Durban Poison
Murder on the mainland
Where the gang's slaying the game plan
Ain't tryin to be name brand
Out to the girls and boys and
This went down like Durban Poison
Tricky's song "Tricky versus Lynx" is a dark, heavy track that tackles themes of violence, drugs, and poverty. The lyrics paint a picture of a society where warlords have full control and young people are forced to turn to crime and violence just to survive. The opening line "Force like that fill up in your jaw like the lights" suggests an overwhelming sense of power and aggression, which is mirrored throughout the song. Tricky's delivery is aggressive and confrontational, emphasizing the violent themes of the lyrics.
The track also contains a number of references to drug use, with lines like "Drugs, a bitch and then it's a war" and "Trying to get me for selling Snow White." The mention of "Mad Dog," a street name for a powerful drug, further emphasizes the role of drugs in the song's world. The chorus, "Murder on the mainland, where the gang's slaying the game plan," paints a bleak picture of an urban landscape where violence and crime are the norm.
Overall, "Tricky versus Lynx" is a hard-hitting song that doesn't shy away from difficult themes. It presents a world where violence and drug use are the only options for survival, and speaks to the experience of those living in poverty and on the margins of society.
Line by Line Meaning
Force like that fill up in your jaw like the lights
The power that is possessed fills up within you just like the feeling when the lights hit your face.
Warlords with the full force
The people in power are exerting their full force and control over the situation.
Drugs, a bitch and then it's a war
Once drugs are involved, tensions start to rise and it becomes a battle that is difficult to win.
Run for the rich and give to the poor
The rich are running away from problems while the poor are being helped despite having less.
We're all telling kids to get the most oil
People are encouraging children to get ahead and be successful in any way possible, even if it means exploiting natural resources like oil.
Bring the cops in the mix
When law enforcement becomes involved, the situation becomes more complex and potentially more dangerous.
We livin' no more
The way people live is changing and it is becoming less and less like living.
Won't make your car start
Something is preventing your vehicle from operating and you are unable to go anywhere.
A dark heart
Someone who is filled with negativity or who is up to no good.
Kill and get your ass caught
Commit a crime and face the consequences of being caught by the police.
You're dead now
You are no longer alive.
It's not a problem
There is no issue or concern.
The kids who will not steal
Children who choose not to steal from others.
the drugs they don't have
Those who do not have access to drugs.
Still just kill
Despite not having drugs to steal, people will still commit murder.
In the ghetto this shit is unreal
The situation is unbelievable and difficult while living in poverty-stricken areas.
Nigga's escorts freak the downhills
People who escort others engage in risky behavior.
Shots be ringing like Chinese bells
The sound of gunshots is similar to the sound of bells in Chinese culture.
In fly females, out flip the Catskills
Females come and go quickly as if they are flying in and then after a short time, they leave just as quickly.
Madness ain't quittin' until
The craziness and chaos will continue until something happens.
Your night to see jail
The night that you are arrested and taken to jail.
And get the raw meal
Experience the reality of the situation and face the consequences of your actions.
Mad Dog fought infinity
The person Mad Dog fought for a long time, but it felt like forever.
Ain't trying to be no public enemy
Not trying to be someone who causes controversy or goes against society's norms.
Outlaw like my nigga Red Dog
Being an outlaw is similar to the way that Red Dog lived his life.
Step up, bitch and get rough
Take action, be strong and be prepared for a fight or confrontation.
Nigga with .44's won't lie
Someone who is carrying a .44 caliber gun is not lying when they say they have it in their possession.
A .45 or higher sport nice
A .45 caliber gun or a higher caliber gun is considered to be a good weapon.
Cruise to try to have a kill for your eyes
Drive around to find someone to kill to see it with your own eyes.
Lose your life
Die through violent means.
Jet for the poor lights, no dice
Trying to get away from the bad situation but not having any luck.
One thing I don't like is a low light
Disliking someone who does not have a positive outlook on life.
Trying to get me for selling Snow White
Someone is trying to frame the artist for selling cocaine.
Flying taxi my girl's were so right
The artist's female friends were correct about using flying taxis for transportation.
When to say what
Knowing when to speak up and when to be quiet.
You trust, you know
You know who you can trust and who you cannot.
No bad boy cops with facts you know
No corrupt police officers who are using questionable tactics.
Then some of them flip, they flop the show
Some of those police officers may switch their actions and decisions in unpredictable ways.
Them punk ass bitches got to go
Those weak-minded people need to leave or be removed from the situation.
Murder on the mainland
People being killed and dying in the main, most populated areas.
Where the gang's slaying the game plan
The gang members are making moves and they are succeeding at their plans.
Ain't trying to be name brand
Not trying to gain popularity or become famous.
Out to the girls and boys and
Addressing everyone, regardless of gender.
This went down like Durban Poison
This situation is happening unexpectedly and quickly, just like the effects of consuming Durban Poison marijuana.
Just like two my crew is blessed
The artist is fortunate to have a close group of friends who support each other.
Doing things with my niggas that I knew was right
Engaging in activities with friends who share the same values and beliefs.
If you decide to detest
If someone chooses to criticize or reject the situation.
Like you do when trying
Similar to the way someone acts when they are trying to achieve something.
As far as picking up your chest
Trying to show off or act tough.
That be suicide, nigga
Trying to act tough would be dangerous or foolish in this situation.
See that trigger
The trigger of a weapon that can cause great harm or death.
All you do is hang
Being lazy and unproductive, spending all your time hanging out and doing nothing.
It's a front, take a punt
The appearance of being productive is fake and meaningless.
And it's smooth to guide
Easy to maneuver and control the situation.
Curse the 'ho 'til she takes you in her arms again
Continuously mistreating someone until they forgive you and take you back.
Play the role if you ain't a dog
Acting a certain way even if it is not your true nature.
But when you kids get alot of cash off the ash
When young people make a lot of money illegally.
Shortin' cats in the block of flats
Killing other people in the low-income apartment complex.
Cops that harrass better watch their backs
Police officers who are causing trouble need to be careful and aware of their surroundings.
Falls well strapped and then broke them flat
The criminals were well-prepared and armed, while the police were unsuccessful in stopping them.
Hold gas to the mattress
Pushing down on the gas pedal to speed away from danger.
Drop a match
Starting a fire to cover up evidence or destroy something.
'Cause that's where your at niggas are off with that
This is where the situation is, and it is too difficult for some people to deal with.
Try and flop me and I'll flop you back
If someone tries to sabotage or harm the artist, the artist will retaliate in the same way.
Shout out "kill" and the dogs attack
Giving the command to kill and the followers obey by attacking.
Want a mil, what's with that
Asking what the point is of wanting to become a millionaire.
We're all 'bout still and shot the crack
Everyone is focused on stealing and selling drugs.
Love the bitches with alot of back
Having a preference for women with large buttocks.
Plus the titties, what you got to ask?
In addition to the large buttocks, having an attraction to large breasts.
Mad Dog straight ghetto now
Mad Dog has completely embraced the ghetto lifestyle and mentality.
Live in this slum but I'm gettin' out
Despite living in a low-income area, the singer is working hard to improve their situation and escape poverty.
My soldiers wanna knock you out
The artist's friends and followers want to physically harm someone.
Don't fuck around just shut your mouth
Do not engage in risky behavior, and instead be quiet and avoid trouble.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ADRIAN NICHOLAS MATTHEW THAWS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind