Known for its Afrocentrism and militant activism (they were members of Blackwatch), X-Clan soon gained legendary fame among young African-American hip-hop listeners for the political and cultural messages its music espoused, though commercial success was sporadic. Its debut was To the East, Blackwards (1990), followed by Xodus (1992), and a temporary break-up. Both albums peaked at #11 on Billboard's Top R&B/Hip Hop Charts in the United States. X-Clan is still considered the premier "conscious rap" group of the 80s/90s.
Other artists who were affiliated with X-Clan and Blackwatch include Queen Mother Rage, Linque (known as Isis at the time) and YZ. X-Clan's affiliates saw a string of releases throughout the early 1990s: Professor X released a solo album titled Years of the 9, on the Blackhand Side in 1991 and a second solo album titled Puss N' Boots: The Struggle Continues in 1993; Queen Mother Rage released Vanglorious Law in 1991; Isis released Rebel Soul in 1990; and YZ released his debut, Sons of The Father (noted for the song "Thinking of a Master Plan") in 1989, followed by The Ghetto's Been Good To Me (which included his modest hit "Return of The Holy One") in 1993. It should be noted that YZ became affiliated with the group after releasing his first album, and Isis is also the MC known as Linque Ayoung and, at one point, was a member of the Wu-Tang Clan-affiliated group Deadly Venoms.
In 1994 Brother J formed a new group, Dark Sun Riders, that released the full length Seeds of Evolution in 1996. In 1995, long-time group member Sugar Shaft died from complications related to AIDS. X-Clan reformed in the late 1990s but did not release any new material. Brother J assembled a new team that he calls X Clan Millennium Cipher and released a vinyl single for "The One/Blackwards Row" in 2004. New Members are: Grand Verbalizer Funkin' Lesson Brother J, Master China, Kumu, "Ultraman" Ra Hanna, ACL, Lord Cza, Dj Fat Jack. Professor X died of complications from spinal meningitis on March 17, 2006. A new X-Clan album, titled Return From Mecca (originally titled The Trinity) is scheduled for release on October 31st 2006, and is to feature Chali 2na, RBX and others.
X Clan
Suburban Noize Records
Respect
X-Clan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Fuck ya'll niggaz is talkin' bout? (clack clack-cla-clack clack)
Crunchy chump motherfuckas, ya'll niggaz is all pussy
That's my word, ya'll know how the realest niggaz is
Don't let me tell ya'll again, bitch, straight up
I put all this right there, on niggaz in H.T.M.'s son
Aiyo, aiyo, aiyo
All magazines lit, fly life we live
The lingo is to let, ya'll niggaz know, how niggaz rep
I'm set, lightin' the purple in a new jet
Triflin' work, let's murder everything that move on the set
[Method Man]
Goin' back to basics, shit you catch case with
Style laced with, arsonic, before you taste it
Rap matrix, gemini's is two faced it, I heard Rob Based it
"Bad boys" retire out the game just like Mase did
Dish it out and take it
To where I'm bout to go and everybody ain't gon' make it
[Raekwon]
Blow shipments out the rap shit, clap shit
Most of us attack shit, mean Benz, ballin' wit the bad chick
Take over, quick fast, violate, slap shit
And every borough, state, town, prison, map shit
Makeover hoes that blow, they attract dick
Shine on my jims, glow, on the low, slap dick
To every mean queen clean, keep it black chick
My motto, CREAM, green bottle of the phat shit
[Chorus: x 2]
[Interlude: Allah Mathematics scratched samples up (Cappadonna)]
"Brothers respect mine!" - Raekwon
(Uh, uh, what, for real nigga, step the fuck off?)
[Cappadonna]
Ah-yo, Ice Cream, real niggaz in whips
Fur coats, Gucci boots and shit, fly honey dip
Streets and clips is what we live for, rub on the floor
Ox in the jaw, rockin' the four, rugged and raw
Righteous and more, we the gliders, the outsiders
Killa Bee hivers, the big boy drivers
The conivers, the four fivers, survivors
We the livest and carry the heaters, coke is in the meters
Six to eight seaters, circle the mind readers
Pumas, Nikes, and Adidas, hip hop achievers
Love hood rats and love divas, love money, love sex
Love vets, love weed and love wrecks
[Method Man]
All in together now, follow me the Method
Raw individual, the enemy you slept with
No love here, no tender, love and care
But M.C.'s, I'm starvin', niggaz best before
For consumption, for wack assumption
You can catch a bad one or somethin'
From shotgun, you know I'm pza-pza-pumpin'
Jumpin', thumpin', get crunk and
Drunk inside the function
+Uncontrolled+ with the +Substance+
+Beneath the Surface+ there's +Redemption+
For Bobby Digital +Supreme Clientele+ convention, +Nigga Please+
Immobilarity they can't breath til they +Blackout!+
I used to write and smoke L's in the crackhouse
Pull your wig like a potato then I mash out
Check your ego at the door
Better wipe your feet before you step me, or it's yourz!
[Chorus: x 2]
The X-Clan's song "Respect" features a range of guest stars, including Raekwon, Method Man, and Cappadonna, each of whom brings a distinctive style to the song. The lyrics are primarily concerned with the braggadocio and swagger of each rapper, as they declare their own importance and dominance in the rap game. The chorus revolves around the idea that each rapper is living the "fly life," with all the requisite trappings: designer clothes, private jets, and plenty of weed. However, the verse lyrics reveal a darker side to this lifestyle, with numerous mentions of violence, drug dealing, and sexual conquests. Together, the song paints a complex portrait of the hip-hop industry and the men who inhabit it.
Interestingly, "Respect" was released in 2000, long after the heyday of X-Clan's 1980s and early 1990s success. The group was one of the earliest to bring Afrocentric themes to mainstream hip-hop, with songs like "Funkin' Lesson" and "Grand Verbalizer, What Time Is It?" Unfortunately, the group's popularity began to wane in the mid-1990s, due in part to internal tensions and disagreements about the group's direction. "Respect" was one of the few songs in which X-Clan collaborated with members of the Wu-Tang Clan, who were among the most successful and influential rap groups of the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Line by Line Meaning
Fuck ya'll niggaz is talkin' bout? (clack clack-cla-clack clack)
What are you all talking about? I'm not afraid to let off some shots if necessary.
Crunchy chump motherfuckas, ya'll niggaz is all pussy
You cowards are nothing but weak and insignificant.
That's my word, ya'll know how the realest niggaz is
Believe me, I am one of the most authentic and genuine individuals you will ever come across.
Don't let me tell ya'll again, bitch, straight up
I won't hesitate to speak up again if I need to. Don't test me.
All magazines lit, fly life we live
We are living a luxurious and extravagant lifestyle, as showcased in magazines.
The lingo is to let, ya'll niggaz know, how niggaz rep
Our language serves to communicate the way we represent ourselves as black men.
I'm set, lightin' the purple in a new jet
I am content with my situation, smoking weed in my private plane.
Triflin' work, let's murder everything that move on the set
We're looking for trouble and are willing to retaliate against anyone who crosses us.
Goin' back to basics, shit you catch case with
We're reverting to a simpler approach, but still engaging in illegal activities that could land us in jail.
Style laced with, arsonic, before you taste it
Our style is blended with harmful intentions, and you'll experience it before you even know what hit you.
Rap matrix, gemini's is two faced it, I heard Rob Based it
The world of rap is a complex world, filled with two-faced individuals who may not reveal their true intentions. Robert Basehart was known for retiring early from the rap game.
"Bad boys" retire out the game just like Mase did
Even the ones who were once known as the "bad boys" of rap, like Mase, eventually retire from the game.
Dish it out and take it
We're willing to both give and receive whatever others bring our way, whether it's good or bad.
To where I'm bout to go and everybody ain't gon' make it
I'm heading towards a destination that not everyone will make it to, but I am determined to get there.
Blow shipments out the rap shit, clap shit
We are taking over the rap game and making a lot of money off of it, and we're not afraid to resort to violence if necessary.
Most of us attack shit, mean Benz, ballin' wit the bad chick
We are aggressive in our approach and have expensive lifestyles, complete with luxury cars and attractive women.
Take over, quick fast, violate, slap shit
We are quick to take control of a situation and won't hesitate to use physical force if someone disrespects us.
And every borough, state, town, prison, map shit
We have a strong presence in every location, from cities to prisons all around the country.
Makeover hoes that blow, they attract dick
We have the power to transform promiscuous women into desirable sexual partners for men.
Shine on my jims, glow, on the low, slap dick
Our jewelry is dazzling and impressive, shining bright even in dark places. We are also able to handle ourselves well in dangerous situations.
To every mean queen clean, keep it black chick
We respect and appreciate black women who are strong and independent, and encourage them to stay true to their roots.
My motto, CREAM, green bottle of the phat shit
My motto in life is to get Cash Rules Everything Around Me, and indulge myself in luxury items like expensive alcohol.
"Brothers respect mine!" - Raekwon
I demand that others respect me and everything that I represent as a black man.
(Uh, uh, what, for real nigga, step the fuck off?)
I am warning others to not mess with me and to back off if they know what's good for them.
Ah-yo, Ice Cream, real niggaz in whips
We are a group of real men who have luxury vehicles and enjoy the finer things in life, like ice cream.
Fur coats, Gucci boots and shit, fly honey dip
We also have expensive clothing and attractive women to complete our luxurious lifestyle.
Streets and clips is what we live for, rub on the floor
Our lives revolve around dangerous street activities and firearms, and we're not afraid to get down on the ground and take what we want.
Ox in the jaw, rockin' the four, rugged and raw
We're capable of delivering a knockout blow to anyone who crosses us, and we're tough and gritty in the process.
Righteous and more, we the gliders, the outsiders
We are righteous in our ways, yet we stand out and are different from the norm.
Killa Bee hivers, the big boy drivers
We move together as a group, with killer instincts like bees and a confidence similar to that of experienced drivers.
The conivers, the four fivers, survivors
We are clever and strategic, with access to .45 caliber guns that help us survive in dangerous situations.
We the livest and carry the heaters, coke is in the meters
We are the most vibrant and exciting people around, and always carry guns for protection. We also have access to cocaine.
Six to eight seaters, circle the mind readers
We have large vehicles to transport us and our entourage, and can easily predict what others are thinking.
Pumas, Nikes, and Adidas, hip hop achievers
We are successful in the hip hop industry and have access to different types of shoes.
Love hood rats and love divas, love money, love sex
We are attracted to both low-class and high-class women, and enjoy indulging in luxurious activities that cost money, like sex.
Love vets, love weed and love wrecks
We have a strong appreciation for military veterans, marijuana, and engaging in dangerous activities like car crashes.
All in together now, follow me the Method
All of us are working together and following the lead of Method Man.
Raw individual, the enemy you slept with
I am a unique and raw individual, and anyone who underestimates or disregards me is making a grave mistake.
No love here, no tender, love and care
There is no love or care in our circle, only strength and power.
But M.C.'s, I'm starvin', niggaz best before
I am hungry for success in the world of MCs, and others should beware because I am coming for them.
For consumption, for wack assumption
Others will be consumed and eliminated if they make incorrect or wack assumptions about my abilities or intentions.
You can catch a bad one or somethin'
If you're not careful, you might end up receiving physical harm or retaliation.
From shotgun, you know I'm pza-pza-pumpin'
I am armed with a shotgun and ready to use it if necessary.
Jumpin', thumpin', get crunk and
We are energetic, lively, and ready to party.
Drunk inside the function
We are heavily intoxicated and having a good time at the party.
+Uncontrolled+ with the +Substance+
We are acting out of control due to the substance we have consumed.
+Beneath the Surface+ there's +Redemption+
There is a deeper side to us, and we have the potential for redemption.
For Bobby Digital +Supreme Clientele+ convention, +Nigga Please+
We are fans of Bobby Digital and his albums Supreme Clientele and Nigga Please.
Immobilarity they can't breath til they +Blackout!+
People are so in love with Immobilarity that they can't catch their breath until they pass out.
I used to write and smoke L's in the crackhouse
I have a rough past, where I used to be involved with drugs and drug addicts in the crackhouse.
Pull your wig like a potato then I mash out
I am capable of physically attacking someone by pulling their hair, and then making a quick escape.
Check your ego at the door
Don't come in here with a big ego, because it won't be tolerated.
Better wipe your feet before you step me, or it's yourz!
Respect me and my space, or be prepared to face the consequences.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Downtown Music Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CLIFFORD SMITH, COREY WOODS, DAVID PORTER, DENNIS D. COLES, GARY E. GRICE, ISAAC HAYES, JASON S. HUNTER, LAMONT JODY HAWKINS, PETER O. PHILLIPS, ROBERT F. DIGGS, RUSSELL T. JONES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Emprezz empierezz
on Weapon X
Hotep as a fool, I want to know, I am on this planet and my seed has to grow. / I am over flabbergasted, and like made out of makeup and plastic, we sought beyond the races, contributed to many faces and traces. We run as original, the races.
Emprezz empierezz
on Weapon X
Apdta ous , the thing is to be all black, all black power, yet they show no deeds, left me with no seeds, and drawing to attention, that we all want to live, like an ideatation, the blacks rule the nations, and said why settle for just anything, nor anybody, and a nobody wants to turn into a somebody.