U-God was born in Brownsville, Brooklyn, New York. However he moved to Staten Island, New York as a youth. He was originally a beatboxer for clan affiliate Cappadonna, as well as being well known friends with future members Method Man, Inspectah Deck, and Raekwon. Sometime before the members united, U-God was mentored in rap by Cappadonna. He soon became friends with RZA and Ghostface Killah, and he began rhyming under the alias Golden Arms, based on the kung-fu movie The Kid with The Golden Arms. Later on narcotics possession prevented him from featuring heavily on the group's debut album Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), his input on the seminal LP consisting of only a short bridge on the group's debut single "Protect Ya Neck" in 1992 as well as the famous opening verse of "Da Mystery of Chessboxin'". Nevertheless, after his release he quickly became known to fans for his rugged flow and bass-like voice on Wu tracks such as "Winter Warz", "Knuckleheadz", "Investigative Reports", and "Black Jesus". He was featured heavily on the group's second album Wu-Tang Forever on which he was one of only four of the group to get a solo track - "Black Shampoo" (While the others being Inspectah Deck with "The City", Ol' Dirty Bastard with "Dog Shit" and RZA with "Sunshower"; clan affiliate and singer Tekitha sang 'Second Coming' solo). Around this time his young son was accidentally shot and injured, an ordeal the rapper documented on the Wu-Tang Clan track "A Better Tomorrow". He appeared with all the clan members during the VH1 Hip-Hop Honors, as well as on tour for the release of Wu Tang Clan's latest album, 8 Diagrams. U-God released his third studio album Dopium in 2009 and touring around the globe in support of 8 Diagrams. He released his fourth studio album Keynote Speaker in 2013.
Name: U-God
Real Name: Lamont Hawkins
Web: www.myspace.com/ugod
Take It to the Top
U-God Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
[Intro: U-God]
Time to strongarm this shit
This how we gon' do, dead arm this man, knowhatimsayin?
From the root to the fruit, twenty-one gun salute this shit
Uptown, Downtown, New York, down South
L.A., that's how we gon' do it, Hillside, nigga, all day
[Desert Eagle]
Meet me at the pop off, INF on the block
Hillside, get your rocks off, take it to the top
Got the whole world hatin', can't take me in the drop
Can't take it how I'm cakin' it, catch me in the spot
And you might see a veteran stance, but you'll never see a veteran dance
But you might catch me bangin' in the twat
She ain't got G, she ain't untangling my knot
In my baratone throw, here, bangin' out the box
Clubs to cell blocks, here tangle with an ox
Got gorillas in the mist, all my niggas arm with lead
So we gotta watch the killas on the strip
You already had a chance, try to kill us with a clip
One slug hit my lung, you could feel it when I spit
I'm a Hillside Scrambler, the widest in the click
Watch Ugodz-Illa set fire to this shit
[U-God]
As the music gets louder at the top of the hour
It's time to devour, cuz I'm hungry for power
I rise the towers, I'll retire your mans
And it never backfires when I devise a plan
I sprinkle money showers, I'm suppose to think big
All you coward ass niggas don't want me to live
Up the ladder of success, I won't forgive
Ya'll tight ass niggas, ya'll greedy ass pigs, nigga
Last bids, better tie it, the CREAM
I got here, hard work, plus dreams of steam
I'm a mean machine, eat Lean Cuisine
Similar to Steve McQueen on silver screen
I'm suppose to redeem, see my Sprewells twirl
I want a penthouse view, plus windows to the world
And, diamonds and pearls, and hardwood floors
An Italian Job, catch a big money score
At the tip of the iceberg, top of the mountain
Nigga, sky's the limit, when money I'm countin'
I want water and waves sprayin' out my fountain
Nigga, I can it with him, or I can do without him, bitch
[Chorus: all (INF-Black)]
Take it to the top (we ball 'til we fall, let the champagne pop, nigga)
Take it to the top (every hood, every block, know we got this shit locked,
Nigga)
Take it to the top (Uptown niggas, Downtown niggas, get it poppin', baby)
Take it to the top (Niggas get your front on, bitches get your stunt on, come
On!)
[INF-Black]
It's the silent mover, analyst, sharpshooter
I parachute in your hood, ride off on a scooter
Smookin' buddha with two nines, I'm still rockin' Puma's
Heard it first on grapevine, my rhymes ill manauvers
On jake, we call 'em one time, escape the street crime
Drapped in black hoodies, Timbs and gold shines
Poppin' that champagne, get high like jet lines
Glide and break spines, make ya'll respect mine
I grind from nine to five, rely on the iron nine
INF-Black, I'm doin' fine, so far from hittin' prime
Rippin' right through your flesh, these bitches they wantin' sex
I take you to the top, and cut you off at the neck
Oh you the boss? You ain't a threat
Who cares of what you did, who cares of what you rep
I sidestep ya'll faggots, leave your food in a mess
Got ladies that play it cool and keep the tool in they dress
Ride with me... Hillside, uh
[Chorus]
[King Just]
I've done started at the bottom, I deserve the tippy
Ya'll niggas got some nerve to try to forget me
Man, is he, or isn't he, the greatest who done it?
With sixteen bars that run concurrent
Who wanna serve the warrant? Ya'll ain't got nothin' for him
How you gonna score points, on the after Mike Jordan
Won't happen, stay scrappin', I can see what you lackin'
Hillside, rep Staten, see my wolves, still packin'
I ain't actin', unless they sold out the box office
Or Spike Lee steps to me with better offers
Tune in, play it again, Q, fuck me? Fuck you
That's how I'm supposed to do
We'll go eye for eye, we'll go tooth for tooth
Who the fuck wastes they money to put you in the booth?
You ain't the truth, you more like an L-I-E
Let it be known, I meet you at the T-O-P, nigga
[Letha Face]
Enter the stage, I hell raise
With the force of double barrel 12 gauge
Pump shotgun, dump hot ones
Fireballs flamin' out the mouth, lockin' your lungs
Let me explain what the pain is about
Oscar the Grouch, out the trashcan, Dead Presidents style
Twin pounds in my hands, write my measurements down, clown
I bang in the name of my son, exchange flames til I'm done
The clip's empty and I'm the remainding one
Anger from the Slums, soak up liquor with a sponge liver
Your flow of blood is leakin' worse than a running river
Silver spines worse than Cabin Fever
Play the receiver, of a stabbing meat clever in your abdomen
All that from steppin' on my sneaker
The beat box jam, causes me to murder you with my intellect
Kill for respect, plus work hard for the power
Then I carve Loose Links inside the heart of a coward
[Chorus]
The song "Take It to the Top" by U-God featuring Desert Eagle, INF-Black, King Just, and Letha Face is a rap full of determination to succeed and achieve their dreams of becoming successful. The lyrics talk about taking risks, overcoming adversities, and never looking back but instead climbing their way to the top. They claim to be hungry for power and are willing to make money by any means necessary. They brag about their abilities, financial status, and assert their superiority over others who try to bring them down. The song encourages the listener to strive for success, stay committed, and never give up.
U-God is a member of Wu-Tang Clan and released his solo album “Golden Arms Redemption” in 1999. The song “Take It to the Top” is featured in that album.
The song also features four rappers, namely Desert Eagle, INF-Black, King Just, and Letha Face.
“Take it to the Top” contains several pop-culture references such as Steve McQueen in the line “Similar to Steve McQueen on the silver screen” and rapper Sprewell in the line “I’m supposed to redeem, see my Sprewells twirl.”
The song’s lyrics also reference the infamous shooting that U-God was involved in near Times Square in Manhattan. The line “One slug hit my lung, you could feel it when I spit” is thought to be referencing the experience.
U-God is a Baritone who raps in a deep tone and has been responsible for much of Wu-Tang Clan’s success.
The album was certified gold by the RIAA and reached number 64 in the US Billboard 200.
The song is often praised for its catchy rhythm and sharp rhymes, and U-God’s flow is particularly highlighted.
“Take It to the Top” was sampled in the 2019 song, “Feel the Beat” by LL Cool J.
U-God's solo album, in which the song is featured, was produced by RZA, one of the Wu-Tang Clan’s founding members.
Chords for “Take It to the Top” are not widely available, as it is a rap song that relies more on rhythm than melodic content.
Line by Line Meaning
Time to strongarm this shit
It's time to take control by force
From the root to the fruit, twenty-one gun salute this shit
We're taking over everything and celebrating it with a 21 gun salute
Meet me at the pop off, INF on the block
Let's meet up and party at the spot where INF is posted up
Got the whole world hatin', can't take me in the drop
Everyone's jealous but they can't bring me down
And you might see a veteran stance, but you'll never see a veteran dance
I might look like a pro, but I'm not dancing around for anyone
But you might catch me bangin' in the twat
You might catch me jamming to the music
She ain't got G, she ain't untangling my knot
If she doesn't have what I want, she's not getting any of my attention
In my baratone throw, here, bangin' out the box
I'm rapping in my deep voice, making sure everyone hears me
Got gorillas in the mist, all my niggas arm with lead
I have dangerous people on my side, all ready to go
You already had a chance, try to kill us with a clip
You tried to kill us before, but we're still here
I'm a Hillside Scrambler, the widest in the click
I'm the most skilled rapper in my group
As the music gets louder at the top of the hour
As the night goes on and the excitement builds
I rise the towers, I'll retire your mans
I'll take down your group and be the new top dog
I sprinkle money showers, I'm suppose to think big
I'm supposed to have big dreams and make it rain with cash
Up the ladder of success, I won't forgive
I won't let anyone stop me from climbing to the top
Ya'll tight ass niggas, ya'll greedy ass pigs, nigga
You're all stingy and selfish
Last bids, better tie it, the CREAM
You better hold onto your money before it's too late
I'm a mean machine, eat Lean Cuisine
I'm unstoppable and I don't need much to sustain me
Similar to Steve McQueen on silver screen
I'm like a cool movie star, always on top
I'm suppose to redeem, see my Sprewells twirl
I'm supposed to make a comeback, just like Latrell Sprewell did
I want a penthouse view, plus windows to the world
I want a fancy apartment with a great view
And, diamonds and pearls, and hardwood floors
I want all the luxuries in life
An Italian Job, catch a big money score
I want to pull off a big heist and make a lot of money
At the tip of the iceberg, top of the mountain
I want to be at the very top of the game
Nigga, sky's the limit, when money I'm countin'
I can reach the highest heights with all this money
I want water and waves sprayin' out my fountain
I want a really fancy fountain
I can it with him, or I can do without him, bitch
Either you're with me or you're not, and I don't care either way
Take it to the top (we ball 'til we fall, let the champagne pop, nigga)
We're partying hard until we can't anymore
Take it to the top (every hood, every block, know we got this shit locked, Nigga)
We're the best in every area, we're in control
Take it to the top (Uptown niggas, Downtown niggas, get it poppin', baby)
Everyone in every part of town is with us
Take it to the top (Niggas get your front on, bitches get your stunt on, come On!)
Everybody should be trying to impress us and show off
I parachute in your hood, ride off on a scooter
I come into your neighborhood and then leave quickly on a scooter
Smookin' buddha with two nines, I'm still rockin' Puma's
I'm smoking weed and carrying guns, still wearing Puma shoes
On jake, we call 'em one time, escape the street crime
The cops, we call them 'one time', and avoid getting arrested
Drapped in black hoodies, Timbs and gold shines
We're dressed in all black with Timberland boots and gold jewelry
Poppin' that champagne, get high like jet lines
We're drinking champagne and getting really high
Glide and break spines, make ya'll respect mine
I'm moving smoothly and hurting anyone who gets in my way
I'm suppose to do
This is how I'm supposed to be
We'll go eye for eye, we'll go tooth for tooth
We're not going to back down from a fight
Who the fuck wastes they money to put you in the booth?
Why would anyone pay to record music for you?
Oh you the boss? You ain't a threat
You might think you're the boss, but you're not a real threat
I sidestep ya'll faggots, leave your food in a mess
I avoid dealing with people who do a poor job, and leave them to clean up their mess
Got ladies that play it cool and keep the tool in they dress
I have female friends who are armed and stay calm in tense situations
With sixteen bars that run concurrent
I have a really good flow and can spit my verse without taking a break
How you gonna score points, on the after Mike Jordan
How can you possibly succeed after the greatest basketball player ever?
Hillside, rep Staten, see my wolves, still packin'
I'm representing Hillside in Staten Island, and my crew is still carrying guns
We'll go eye for eye, we'll go tooth for tooth
We're not going to back down from a fight
Let me explain what the pain is about
Let me tell you what you're about to feel
Oscar the Grouch, out the trashcan, Dead Presidents style
I'm coming out of a tough situation, and it's like the movie Dead Presidents
Twin pounds in my hands, write my measurements down, clown
I'm holding two guns and I'm about to shoot you, idiot
All that from steppin' on my sneaker
You're about to get badly hurt just because you stepped on my shoe
The beat box jam, causes me to murder you with my intellect
The music inspires me to rap so well that it's like I'm killing you with my mind
Kill for respect, plus work hard for the power
I'll do anything to earn respect and gain power
Then I carve Loose Links inside the heart of a coward
I'll make sure that everyone knows who's guilty and not brave
Contributed by Samuel S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@DeathDrums
nice upload.. Good shit!!