Cantaloop 2004: Soul Mix
Us3 Lyrics

Groovy groovy jazzy funky
The music is a combination of jazz, funk, and has a groovy beat.

Bounce bounce dance
The beat is energetic and encourages dancing.

As we take you on a ride to '93 (come on), '94 Stateside
The song takes the listener on a musical journey back to the years 1993 and 1994 in the US.

Right now I MC
The rapper is currently in control and leading the song as the MC.

Now rap's pop, chart determines what gets hot
The rapper acknowledges that rap has become popular and the charts dictate what music is considered popular.

Over the years I still love when this beat drops
The rapper still enjoys the same beat over the years and it remains a classic.

I show and prove, I stick and move
The rapper proves and demonstrates his skills and moves on the mic.

Bout a poem's recital, a Herbie Hancock groove
The song infuses poetry with the music of jazz musician Herbie Hancock.

Hancock's my block (true)
Hancock's music has a significant influence on the rapper's style and sound.

Brooklyn, London, Asia, through African trade routes
The rapper acknowledges the influence of African music on global music, highlighting the trade routes between Africa and other parts of the world.

Us3 usher me through
The band, Us3, guides the rapper through the creation of the song.

Brace yourself Us3 takes ya...
The band Us3 is preparing to take the listener on a musical journey.

Fantasia
The song creates an imaginative, dream-like state or a fantasy for the listener to escape into.

Feel the be-bop, jazz and hip-hop
The song fuses different musical genres, such as be-bop, jazz, and hip-hop, to create a unique sound.

Now we got black rock, neo-soul, it don't stop
The song acknowledges the evolution of music by incorporating new genres like black rock and neo-soul into the mix.

If you don't know the roots of the tree You don't know the branch, where the fruit will be
Without understanding the foundation and origins of a particular music genre, it's impossible to appreciate where the genre is going and what new sounds might develop.

And if I speak from my soul my lawn shows potholes On Cantaloupe Island got my speech on parole
Being true to oneself and speaking from a place of honesty and authenticity will reveal any imperfections, just like potholes on a lawn. The rapper is inspired by the jazz standard Cantaloupe Island and is giving tribute to it.

Can't arrest my development, Reg is in control Mr Wyns if you're nasty, flash me girl, Oh!
The rapper is in control of his own artistic growth and can't be hindered by anyone else. He gives a shoutout to Mr Wyns and acknowledges any lusty ladies in the room.

Back to the fact my habitat is in the wax Embedded needle in the groove, call me a poet
The rapper's natural environment is in the recording studio, where recording music onto a wax record was common. He compares himself to a poet as his lyrics are similar in style to poetry.

Poem's steady growin', flowin' showin' sights and sounds Soothe in the groove in fantasia I found
The poem is constantly developing and improving, and the groove of the music is soothing and takes the listener on a journey.

Hip-hop has toured, globally has soared To an infinite height Beyond the realm of the hardcore Here we go Us3 takes ya...
Hip-hop music has become a popular and influential genre around the world and has transcended its roots in the hardcore community. Us3 is taking the listener on a musical journey.

From jumpin' in the jam On US walls you stand Culture intersects In England they still dance Cuba and Japan where they love the mic master Of the ceremonies speaking words like a pastor
Music and culture intersect in different parts of the world, but the universal love of the art form brings people together. The MC is admired globally, and his words are considered powerful and meaningful.

Capitalism stuck Still rockin' Nike, Diesel and Evisu A star I might be
The MC acknowledges the influence of capitalism on the music industry but still values his style and brands he wears like Nike, Diesel, and Evisu. He recognizes that he has the potential to become a star.

Scribble words like scrabble on the mic I never babble My life is like the words (fit it) into my puzzle
The rapper chooses his words carefully like playing a game of Scrabble, and his lyrics reflect his life experiences as pieces in a puzzle.

Yes yes yes, Reggiment's next Get with the flow Us3, we're blessed Resist this vibe from here to Asia... Fantasia
The next thing that's coming is the rapper's music. He urges the listener to get into the groove and experience the blessed feeling of the music. The song's vibe will be felt far and wide, even in Asia. The song creates an imaginative, dream-like state or a fantasy for the listener to escape into.