Kenny Rogers
Wyclef Jean Lyrics

Yo I'm happy to be in the south
Wyclef expresses his joy at being in the southern US

To set off my tour in the countryside
He is beginning a tour in rural areas

But who better to set it off for me than this man right here
He introduces Kenny Rogers to perform with him

Yo this Kenny Rogers chillin on the country side
Wyclef describes Kenny Rogers relaxing in a rural setting

You got to know when to hold 'em (yeah, yeah!)
Wyclef references the importance of strategic decision-making

Know when to fold 'em (DJ's, DJ's!)
He suggests DJs should recognize when music is not working

Know when to walk away (hip-hop, hip-hop!)
He reminds audiences to preserve hip-hop culture and know when to disengage

Know when to run (Yeah, yeah!)
Knowing when to escape is just as important

You got to count your dubplates (ghetto, ghetto)
Wyclef tells aspiring DJs from underserved communities to be aware of their resources

Before you touch the turntables (all hoods!)
He stresses the importance of preparation before performing

Cause if you run out of big tunes That means your sound is done (y'all ready?)
If you do not have enough music to keep the show going, you will disappoint the audience

Get the hell up! 'Clef said, get the hell up!
Wyclef commands the audience to get hyped

Now throw your hands in the sky Brooklyn in the back shootin' craps, y'all, wassup?
He invites the crowd to celebrate and acknowledges Brooklyn's contribution to hip-hop

Ladies, lookin' hot and pretty Doin' your thing in the club, house of Diddy
Wyclef addresses the female audience members who are enjoying themselves at a Diddy-owned establishment

(Worldwide) the gritty committee pity the fool that Act in the midst of the calm, the witty
He warns others not to be foolish in the presence of clever individuals

(You got to know when to hold 'em) y'all know the name!
He references Kenny Rogers' famous song and acknowledges its legacy

Same assassin from before, but the beat just changed a little
Wyclef boasts of his prowess as a musician

Riddle me this, though, who flip flows That got women in they thongs gettin' it on but not Sisqo?
He asks who can create music that has strong sexual appeal without being vulgar like Sisqo

Select your squad team and ya ain't They know my flow muy caliente, fuego
He is confident in his own abilities and reminds listeners to choose their allies carefully

No disrespect to soundbwoys, but you better step away from me Easily defeat measly MCs and tease you
Wyclef warns other musicians to be careful challenging him

Ease back, squeeze two in your wig and breeze through
He threatens retaliation against opponents

Come on, come on (get the hell up!) Soundbwoys ('clef said, get the hell up!) (Now throw your hands in the sky)
He reiterates his command to the audience to get excited and calls out to other musicians in the audience

Yo, this combination gon' bust from Brooklyn to shanghai Feel the boogie-boogie, Henny got me tipsy-tipsy
He expresses his confidence that the collaboration between himself and Kenny Rogers will be successful and acknowledges his own enjoyment of alcohol

Kenny rogers and Pharoahe Monch? No way, this can't be 48 tracks, country meets rap
He acknowledges the unusual pairing of artists and describes their fusion of genres

Put this on full blast, I'm about to break all formats My destiny is to lead while y'all follow
He is confident in his ability to innovate and make bold choices

This is showtime and I'm live at the Apollo
He references the historic Apollo Theater and recognizes the significance of performing there