UTD first graced the scene with the underground classic track "My Kung-Fu". They soon thereafter followed up with the now classic "Manifest Destiny" single which gave them notoriety among the wider hip-hop masses.
Though the group was signed to Payday Records, the group’s album was never released due to label politics. Soon after the group was released from Payday, Mos Def and DCQ formed Medina Green and released the Rawkus Records underground mega-hit "Crosstown Beef."
Later, Mos Def recorded with Talib Kweli as Black Star which took his underground notoriety to soaring highs. Mos Def hit gold with his debut solo album, Black on Both Sides.
UTD brings a Fugees-style vibe, combining both male and female vocals that mesh intermittent crooning with absolute lyrical grit. Producers Diamond D. and Showbiz keep a hard edge grinding throughout, adding an appropriate ruggedness to the album's gutter feel. Heavy-handed bass loops guide the unabashed verbal barrage, marked with periodic jazz melodies that play well to the sing-song style that Mos Def has embraced even more so in his later work.
Manifest Destiny
Urban Thermo Dynamics Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You are about to enter
the manifestation of a family cipher
The Urban Thermo Dynamics
is about to hit you right about now
[ VERSE 1: Ces ]
I'm just here to let you all know
I love the nappy heads, the braids and afros
Kicks Adidas, jeans Girbaud
This is how we go and this is how we do
This how we be, we are the big you
You don't know me and I don't know you
But if you want to set it, do what you gotta do
I keep my flow with the one and two
That equals three, first letter see
Second letter e, last joint s
Styles manifest from Key West to Budapest
Nevertheless don't need no S on my chest
"Yo, why Ces?" Cause I'm superblessed
Save all the stress 'fore I clean up the mess
And if it ain't no, then it must be yes
And if it's the bomb, then it must be Ces
And if it's the bomb, then it must be Ces
I got the exposure to keep my composure
I'm meetin quotas from Minnesota to Dakota
Takin no shit from the rap promoter
Cause if they ever try to, they shit is over
Murky mixture, what's goin on?
I leave the party bumpin till the break of dawn
Break of dawn, break ya down
Yo Mister [Name], I like that sound
Put on the weight cause it's more than a pound
So if you want some of what I have
Meet me on [Name] or Fulton Ave
Or Albee Square, a hop from the D
Manifest Destiny, it must be (What?)
Manifest Destiny, it must be (What?)
So check it out
[ VERSE 3: Mos Def ]
Well if it ain't red, then it must be blue
And if it ain't false, then it must be true
And if it ain't day, then it must be night
And if it ain't left, then it must be right
And if it ain't ( ? ) then it must be hype
And if it ain't loose, then it must be tight
And if it ain't off, then it must be on
If it ain't here, then it must be gone
If the shit ain't proper, then it must be wrong
Whatever don't fit does not belong
Sunrise to sunset, that's dawn to dusk
The big you, a name that you can trust
The big you, a name that you can trust
The big you, a name that you can trust
Lay around on the middle ground, kid, you could die
It's game time, son, you better choose yo side
Half-measure will no abide
If you ain't all the way live, then step aside
The deep Medina Green is where I reside
And it's about time that this Brooklynite
Took the mic and made the world get hype
You want to be hardcore, try livin right
Man, niggas be puttin up a hell of a fight
Many times I stumble off the righteous path
But ( ? ) on my ass
But I promise on high plains I take the rocks
I got the ( ? ), I will not be stopped
I gotta manifest des', what ock, you think not?
The verbal juggernauts will make a party lick shot
I tread a road more narrow than a ( ? )
Comin from the bottom, so I'm risin to the top
What, and you don't stop
[ CHORUS: Ces, DCQ ]
Self-actualize and realize, do what you got to do
If you can see it, you can be it, manifest, it's up to you
Everbody self-actualize and realize, do what you got to do
If you can see it, you can be it
If your mind can go there, then why can't you?
If your mind can go there, then why can't you?
If your mind can go there, then why can't you?
[ VERSE 3: DCQ ]
Nowadays heads be makin me mad
Talk a good game but they legs is bad
Yappin at the mouth with the wish I had
Hops, do yourself a favor and get off your ass
You ( ? ) in between
Runnin round town sellin dreams and beans
Screamin word is bond, but what's your word worth?
Before you indict yourself, fool, think first
And if it's my word, then it must be bond
And if it's my word, then it must be bond
And if it's my word, then it must be bond
And the word is, the big you got it goin on
Cause in the ( ? ) we takin down vultures
Peace to all those who represent the culture
To the kings and the queens of the universe
Aiyo, we gotta shine the light, aight?
Aiyo, we gotta shine the light, aight?
Aiyo, we gotta shine the light, aight?
[ CHORUS ]
The song "Manifest Destiny" by Urban Thermo Dynamics is a celebration of self-actualization and realizing one's own potential through hard work and dedication. The opening verse by Ces introduces the group and their unique style, which incorporates elements of hip-hop culture such as nappy hair, braids, and afros, as well as a love for Adidas sneakers and Girbaud jeans. Ces speaks to the power of manifesting one's own destiny, regardless of one's background or social status. He notes that styles manifest from Key West to Budapest, implying that their message is universal and resonates across cultures.
The second verse by Mos Def further emphasizes the importance of making choices and taking decisive action in order to realize success. He encourages listeners to choose their path carefully and to commit fully to their goals. He notes that those who do not live fully or take risks will be left behind. The final verse by DCQ takes a critical look at those who talk a big game but fail to follow through on their promises. She encourages listeners to be true to their word and to maintain integrity in all their dealings.
Line by Line Meaning
You are about to enter
Prepare to enter the world of Urban Thermo Dynamics
the manifestation of a family cipher
This is a unique, family-oriented group with their own style and identity
I'm just here to let you all know
I'm introducing myself and my skills as a rapper
I got the flow and the locks that grow
I am both talented and authentic, embodying the culture and style of hip-hop
Styles manifest from Key West to Budapest
My style is truly global and is appreciated around the world
And if it ain't no, then it must be yes
I only accept success and what's positive; anything else is not worth my time
Cause if they ever try to, they shit is over
I won't tolerate disrespect or dishonesty from music promoters
Half-measure will no abide
There's no room for half-hearted effort or compromise in this rap game
The big you, a name that you can trust
We are a reliable and trustworthy group, with a unique identity
Everbody self-actualize and realize, do what you got to do
Everyone should strive for personal growth and take action towards their goals
If your mind can go there, then why can't you?
Your own thoughts and imagination can help you accomplish great things
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DANTE SMITH, DENARD SMITH, FRANCES NIEVES, JOSEPH KIRKLAND, JOSEPH L KIRKLAND
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Coloramma
[Ces]
You are about to enter
the manifestation of a family cipher
The Urban Thermo Dynamics
is about to hit you right about now
[VERSE 1: Ces]
I'm just here to let you all know
I got the flow and the locks that grow
I love the nappy heads, the braids and afros
Kicks Adidas, jeans Girbaud
This is how we go and this is how we do
This how we be, we are the big U
You don't know me and I don't know you
But if you wanna set it, do what you gotta do
I keep my flow with the one and two
That equals three, first letter C
Second letter e, last joint s
Styles manifest from Key West to Budapest
Nevertheless don't need no S on my chest
"Yo, why Ces?" Cause I'm superblessed
Save all the stress 'fore I clean up the mess
And if it ain't no, then it must be yes
And if it's the bomb, then it must be Ces
And if it's the bomb, then it must be Ces
I got the exposure to keep my composure
I'm meetin quotas from Minnesota to Dakota
Takin no shit from the rap promoter
Cause if they ever try to, they shit is over
Murky mixture, what's goin on?
I leave the party bumpin till the break of dawn
Break of dawn, break ya down
Yo Mister [Name], I like that sound
Put on the weight cause it's more than a pound
So if you want some of what I have
Meet me on [Name] or Fulton Ave
Or Albee Square, a hop from the D
Manifest Destiny, it must be (What?)
Manifest Destiny, it must be (What?)
So check it out
[VERSE 3: Mos Def]
Well if it ain't red, then it must be blue
And if it ain't false, then it must be true
And if it ain't day, then it must be night
And if it ain't left, then it must be right
And if it ain't [?] then it must be hype
And if it ain't loose, then it must be tight
And if it ain't off, then it must be on
If it ain't here, then it must be gone
If the shit ain't proper, then it must be wrong
Whatever don't fit does not belong
Sunrise to sunset, that's dawn to dusk
The big U, a name that you can trust
The big U, a name that you can trust
The big U, a name that you can trust
Lay around on the middle ground, kid, you could die
It's game time, son, you better choose yo side
Half-measure will no abide
If you ain't all the way live, then step aside
The deep Medina Green is where I reside
And it's about time that this Brooklynite
Took the mic and made the world get hype
You wanna be hardcore, try livin right
Man, niggas be puttin up a hell of a fight
Many times I stumble off the righteous path
But [?] on my ass
But I promise on high plains I take the rocks
I got the [?], I will not be stopped
I gotta manifest des', what ock, you think not?
The verbal juggernauts will make a party lick shot
I tread a road more narrow than a [?]
Comin from the bottom, so I'm risin to the top
What, and you don't stop
[CHORUS: Ces, DCQ]
Self-actualize and realize, do what you got to do
If you can see it, you can be it, manifest, it's up to you
Everbody self-actualize and realize, do what you got to do
If you can see it, you can be it
If your mind can go there, then why can't you?
If your mind can go there, then why can't you?
If your mind can go there, then why can't you?
[VERSE 3: DCQ]
Nowadays heads be makin me mad
Talk a good game but they legs is bad
Yappin at the mouth with the wish I had
Hops, do yourself a favor and get off your ass
You [?] in between
Runnin round town sellin dreams and beans
Screamin word is bond, but what's your word worth?
Before you indict yourself, fool, think first
And if it's my word, then it must be bond
And if it's my word, then it must be bond
And if it's my word, then it must be bond
And the word is, the big U got it goin on
Cause in the [?] we takin down vultures
Peace to all those who represent the culture
To the kings and the queens of the universe
Aiyo, we gotta shine the light, aight?
Aiyo, we gotta shine the light, aight?
Aiyo, we gotta shine the light, aight?
Bobby Digital
Met dcq and got a signed copy of this cd! Truly blessed , “ if you wanna be hardcore try livin right !” Mos kick in knowledge on these young heads and they don’t got the patience to decipher they just like that mumble shit these days . One love
Coloramma
[Ces]
You are about to enter
the manifestation of a family cipher
The Urban Thermo Dynamics
is about to hit you right about now
[VERSE 1: Ces]
I'm just here to let you all know
I got the flow and the locks that grow
I love the nappy heads, the braids and afros
Kicks Adidas, jeans Girbaud
This is how we go and this is how we do
This how we be, we are the big U
You don't know me and I don't know you
But if you wanna set it, do what you gotta do
I keep my flow with the one and two
That equals three, first letter C
Second letter e, last joint s
Styles manifest from Key West to Budapest
Nevertheless don't need no S on my chest
"Yo, why Ces?" Cause I'm superblessed
Save all the stress 'fore I clean up the mess
And if it ain't no, then it must be yes
And if it's the bomb, then it must be Ces
And if it's the bomb, then it must be Ces
I got the exposure to keep my composure
I'm meetin quotas from Minnesota to Dakota
Takin no shit from the rap promoter
Cause if they ever try to, they shit is over
Murky mixture, what's goin on?
I leave the party bumpin till the break of dawn
Break of dawn, break ya down
Yo Mister [Name], I like that sound
Put on the weight cause it's more than a pound
So if you want some of what I have
Meet me on [Name] or Fulton Ave
Or Albee Square, a hop from the D
Manifest Destiny, it must be (What?)
Manifest Destiny, it must be (What?)
So check it out
[VERSE 3: Mos Def]
Well if it ain't red, then it must be blue
And if it ain't false, then it must be true
And if it ain't day, then it must be night
And if it ain't left, then it must be right
And if it ain't [?] then it must be hype
And if it ain't loose, then it must be tight
And if it ain't off, then it must be on
If it ain't here, then it must be gone
If the shit ain't proper, then it must be wrong
Whatever don't fit does not belong
Sunrise to sunset, that's dawn to dusk
The big U, a name that you can trust
The big U, a name that you can trust
The big U, a name that you can trust
Lay around on the middle ground, kid, you could die
It's game time, son, you better choose yo side
Half-measure will no abide
If you ain't all the way live, then step aside
The deep Medina Green is where I reside
And it's about time that this Brooklynite
Took the mic and made the world get hype
You wanna be hardcore, try livin right
Man, niggas be puttin up a hell of a fight
Many times I stumble off the righteous path
But [?] on my ass
But I promise on high plains I take the rocks
I got the [?], I will not be stopped
I gotta manifest des', what ock, you think not?
The verbal juggernauts will make a party lick shot
I tread a road more narrow than a [?]
Comin from the bottom, so I'm risin to the top
What, and you don't stop
[CHORUS: Ces, DCQ]
Self-actualize and realize, do what you got to do
If you can see it, you can be it, manifest, it's up to you
Everbody self-actualize and realize, do what you got to do
If you can see it, you can be it
If your mind can go there, then why can't you?
If your mind can go there, then why can't you?
If your mind can go there, then why can't you?
[VERSE 3: DCQ]
Nowadays heads be makin me mad
Talk a good game but they legs is bad
Yappin at the mouth with the wish I had
Hops, do yourself a favor and get off your ass
You [?] in between
Runnin round town sellin dreams and beans
Screamin word is bond, but what's your word worth?
Before you indict yourself, fool, think first
And if it's my word, then it must be bond
And if it's my word, then it must be bond
And if it's my word, then it must be bond
And the word is, the big U got it goin on
Cause in the [?] we takin down vultures
Peace to all those who represent the culture
To the kings and the queens of the universe
Aiyo, we gotta shine the light, aight?
Aiyo, we gotta shine the light, aight?
Aiyo, we gotta shine the light, aight?
👑YeshuaTheOnlyWay👑
Damn been looking for this for years🔥🔥🔥
Jack Gillespie
Flinging a positive message in hip hop is so rare these days. You need to go back for the good shit.
Alex Charles
Wish they still made hip hop like this
ahrens07
Mos Def killin it
DnL
Underrated!
Jahred Lee
Peace to Daimond D!
blA aka BruceLovestheAlmighty
I haven't heard that song since way back back back back in the days on the radio show. I've been trying to find that song since back then and I haven't been able to I thought it was a group called The brooklynites I finally found the song turns out Mos Def was in it
Duke Wolf
Classic🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙