The band's rap-rock hybrid style was influential on several groups, such as Rage Against the Machine and a late 1980's tour with the Beastie Boys was what convinced the latter group to return performing their own instruments. UDS' single "Deeper Shade of Soul" was a hit in the United States, peaking at #21 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Band members:
Rudeboy Remington (real name: Patrick Titon) (vocals)
Tres Manos (real name: René van Barneveld) (guitar)
Silly Sil (real name: Silvano Matadin) (bass)
Magic Stick (real name: Michel Schoots) (drums)
DJ DNA (real name: Arjen de Vreede) (turntable)
Official UDS website: www.uds.nl
Big Apple
Urban Dance Squad Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
in europe you heard the first dose of rhyme
it shivered your spine, the music was fine, I suppose
it made you presumptious - you can't come close to a cigar -
no superstar - 'cos you copy
make a cliche what they say in usa, mc
don't believe, rub your eyes a clear vision
you're lucky in your zone, no u.s. collision
rap your tracks - they smack, before you have a notion
'cos all originals gotta be original
make 'm say 'european style is typical'
no bites or snatches, big apple's a temple
now make your own, you know the example
big apple, it's only example
The rhyme spectre haunts like a corrector
my hate of imitating mc's - is the factor
you see, I walk around in my hometown
visit now and then clubs underground
see them walk around blowing their mouths off
they can't hang, so why hang around son ?
not learning, no progress 'bout the past
stuck with old skool, old wax, all that jazz
big apple, it's only example
Like me when I blast you're going on drugs
like designer-drugs - you get the best bang for the buck
now let me show you the big picture
you as an outsider get a mixture
of whack rhymes, over and over
you feel dizzy, yo ! here's an artist to make you sober
with strong rhymes made for succes
sometimes I stand alone, this time with a bandact
and I guess uds is fresh
'cos we don't mess with things they do in the us
big apple, it's only example
The Urban Dance Squad's song "Big Apple" begins with a criticism of American MCs who blindly follow cliche lyrics and create nothing new. The MC in this song remembers the day they first heard European hip-hop, which inspired them to create their own unique style without copying others. They encourage others to cross the ocean and create their own sound, rather than imitating what's been done before. They emphasize the importance of originality and standing out, rather than blending in with the crowd.
The second verse continues this theme of originality, with the MC expressing their distaste for imitators in their hometown. They criticize those who aren't making progress or learning from the past, instead staying stuck in old-school ways. The song then takes a turn towards promoting the power of music, with the MC claiming that their strong rhymes can make listeners sober and inspire them to create their own unique sound. The Urban Dance Squad stands out from other American hip-hop acts by intentionally avoiding copying their style, and striving towards originality and creativity.
Line by Line Meaning
mc, remember the day you were hyped ?
Do you recall when you were excited about becoming an MC, back in Europe? That's when you first heard someone rap and it was so good that it sent shivers down your spine. It made you believe that you were better than you actually were because you can't come close to smoking cigars or being a superstar, and you're just copying what you heard from the US.
it shivered your spine, the music was fine, I suppose
The music you heard was so good that it gave you goosebumps, and you thought it was fine, I guess.
make a cliche what they say in USA, MC
Don't be a cliché by repeating what people say in the US, MC.
now, make that decision to cross the ocean
Make the decision to cross the ocean to the US to rap your tracks, because they'll be a hit there before you know it.
cos all originals gotta be original
Because everything original has to be, well, original.
big apple's a temple
New York City is like a temple for hip hop.
not learning, no progress 'bout the past
People in my hometown aren't learning anything new and are still stuck in the past, listening to old school rap and outdated music.
like designer-drugs - you get the best bang for the buck
Listening to good rap is like taking designer drugs; you get your money's worth with the best experience.
you feel dizzy, yo ! here's an artist to make you sober
You may feel overwhelmed by all the weak raps you've been hearing, but here's an artist that will make you feel sober and good again.
'cos we don't mess with things they do in the US
We do things differently in UDS and don't want to copy what everyone is doing in the US.
big apple, it's only example
New York City is just an example. Hip hop can thrive anywhere and anyplace.
Contributed by Madelyn G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
0785758826
on Happy Go Fucked Up (Cyborg Squad With A Vengeance Cut)
Obongo beni
0785758826
on Happy Go Fucked Up (Cyborg Squad With A Vengeance Cut)
ODONGO DENISH