n
called. Lyrics


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"Hey sucka nigga, whoever you are"
"Hey sucka nigga, hey sucka nigga
Whoever you are, whoever you are"

I be hating sucka MC's, and the sucka niggas
Posing like they hard when we know they damn card
What you figure, rhyme-wise, I do the figure eight
So concisely, musically we are the herb so sit back
And light me, inhale
My style is kinda fat reminiscent of a whale
Young girls desires for the females dreams
I be the Abstract Poetic representing from Queens
Socially I'm not a name, black and white got game
If you came to the jam, well I'm glad you came
See, nigga first was used back in the Deep South
Falling out between the dome of the white man's mouth
It means that we will never grow, you know the word dummy
Other niggas in the community think it's crummy
But I don't, neither does the youth cause we
Em-brace adversity it goes right with the race
And being that we use it as a term of endearment
Niggas start to bug to the dome is where the fear went
Now the little shorties say it all of the time
And a whole bunch of niggas throw the word in they rhyme
Yo I start to flinch, as I try not to say it
But my lips is like the oowop as I start to spray it
My lips is like a oowop as I start to spray it
My lips is like a oowop as I start to spray the

Sucka nigga, nigga nigga
I throw the sucka in the front for the ones that front
The sucka niggas, nigga nigga
I throw the sucka in the front for the ones that front
The sucka niggas, nigga nigga
I throw the sucka in the front for the ones that front
It's the neo-nigga of the nineties, c'mon

I be hating sucka MC's, and the sucka niggas
Posing like they hard when we know they damn card
What you figure, rhyme-wise, I do the figure eight
So concisely, musically we are the herb so sit back
And light me inhale
My style is kinda fat reminiscent of a whale
Young girls desires for the females dreams
I be the Abstract Poetic representing from Queens
Socially I'm not a name, black and white got game
If you came to the jam well I'm glad you came
See, nigga first was used down in the Deep South
Falling out between the dome of the white man's mouth
It means that we will never grow, you know the word dummy
Other niggas in the community think it's crummy
But I don't, neither does the youth cause we
Em-brace adversity it goes right with the race
Yo I start to flinch, as I try not to say it
But my lips is like the oowop as I start to spray it
My lips is like a oowop as I start to spray it
My lips is like a oowop, yo you know the rest

The sucka niggas, niggas niggas
I throw the sucka in the front for the ones that front
The sucka niggas, nigga nigga
I throw the suckas in the front for the ones that front
The sucka niggas, nigga nigga
I throw the sucka in the front for the ones that front




Sucka niggas, nigga nigga
Hey yo Shaheed, take us the fuck outta here

Overall Meaning

The song "N" by A Tribe Called Quest is a commentary on racial slurs, specifically the use and evolution of the word "nigga" within the Black community. The lyrics begin with the repeated phrase "Hey sucka nigga" directed towards anyone who would misuse the word or try to act tough using it. The verses are delivered by Q-Tip, who expresses his disdain for "sucka MC's" and "sucka niggas" who pretend to be hard but are really just posers. He cleverly rhymes "figure eight" with "concisely" and describes his style as "reminiscent of a whale." He also portrays himself as a representative of Queens, socially aware and not afraid to use the controversial word.


The chorus features the phrase "Sucka nigga" repeated as a way of throwing the term back in the face of those who would misuse it. Q-Tip explains that the term "nigga" originated in the Deep South as a derogatory slur used by white people towards black people, but over time it has been re-appropriated and used as a term of endearment within the Black community. He acknowledges that some people dislike the word and think it's "crummy," but he and many others see it as a way to embrace adversity and take power back from those who tried to oppress them.


Line by Line Meaning

Hey sucka nigga, whoever you are
Addressing someone who is pretending to be hard, but is actually weak and insecure.


I be hating sucka MC's, and the sucka niggas
Disliking those who claim to be skilled but actually are not and those who act tough but are really weak.


Posing like they hard when we know they damn card
Acting tough when everyone knows they are not really capable of it.


What you figure, rhyme-wise, I do the figure eight
Boasting about his impressive rhyming skills which are complex and intricate, like a figure eight.


So concisely, musically we are the herb so sit back
Describing his and his group's musical style as unique and enjoyable, and advising listeners to relax and enjoy.


And light me, inhale
Using wordplay, he references smoking and asks listeners to pay attention to his lyrics and style.


My style is kinda fat reminiscent of a whale
Expressing pride in his unique and impressive rap style, which is fat or impressive like a large whale.


Young girls desires for the females dreams
Acknowledging that young girls have aspirations and dreams, and that his music can inspire and encourage them.


I be the Abstract Poetic representing from Queens
Introducing himself as an artist named Abstract Poetic from Queens, New York.


Socially I'm not a name, black and white got game
Saying that he may not be famous or popular in social circles, but he and his group are skilled and respected by people of all races.


If you came to the jam, well I'm glad you came
Welcoming listeners to his performance and expressing gratitude for their attendance.


See, nigga first was used back in the Deep South
Explaining the origin of the term 'nigga,' which was first used as an insult by white people in the Southern United States.


Falling out between the dome of the white man's mouth
Further elaborating that the term originated in disputes between white people and black people.


It means that we will never grow, you know the word dummy
Suggesting that use of the term 'nigga' holds people back and that everyone should be mindful of its negative implications.


Other niggas in the community think it's crummy
Acknowledging that some people within the black community dislike the term 'nigga'.


But I don't, neither does the youth cause we
Explaining that he and many young people embrace the term 'nigga' and see it as a term of endearment.


Em-brace adversity it goes right with the race
Encouraging listeners to embrace challenges and obstacles because they are a natural part of the black experience.


Now the little shorties say it all of the time
Noticing that young children commonly use the term 'nigga'.


And a whole bunch of niggas throw the word in they rhyme
Noticing that many rappers incorporate the term 'nigga' into their music.


Yo I start to flinch, as I try not to say it
Admitting that he himself struggles with using the term 'nigga' despite his earlier claims.


But my lips is like the oowop as I start to spray it
Despite his reservations, he finds himself using the term 'nigga' easily and naturally.


The sucka niggas, niggas niggas
Referring to those who are fake and weak, and who are contrasted with true rappers.


It's the neo-nigga of the nineties, c'mon
Describing himself and his music as a new, modern form of 'nigga'-related art.


Hey yo Shaheed, take us the fuck outta here
Directing the music producer to end the song and move on to the next thing.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Ali Shaheed Jones-Muhammad, Freddie Hubbard, Kamaal Ibn John Fareed, Malk Izaak Taylor

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Beverly Kelly

I will simply tell you this, stand tall and proud. Neither require now expect validation from some people of the caucasian race, because hatred is so deeply instilled into some people, one would literally have to destroy the person to remove it. Oh, and the "n" word is a reference to someone's degree of ignorance. So I can safely say that the woman who called you that is, in fact, that very word. I don't care what color her skin was, her mindset and actions state something other. You are a beautiful person, so don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

climber

You are an inspiration stay strong sista

Zaroku

When I was in 2nd grade we went to recess and I tried to play with a group of kids but a white girl came up and said “you can’t play jump rope with us because you’re black”. At the time I didn’t know how severe it was. I just sat and watched them play and was sad until my teacher came up and asked why I wasn’t playing with the other kids. I told her why and she went blue. Took us both to the office and our parents were called. It was a big deal. Now I look back on it and it’s sad how racism is implanted into people at a young age. A lot of white people were taught to hate and had no control of what their parents or grandparents put into their minds. That’s why I can’t really hate them for it. Hopefully this all will end soon so my children don’t have to experience the same thing.

The Last Day Breathing In Eternal Snow

Sadly racism will never end. Even if you changed a majority you won't be able to change all. They get off on the privilege that they have. It's disgusting how white people behave. I am a black goth and metalhead guy, and I try not to deal with people. I ignore everyone, and just drown them out with my music. It usually helps. I relax at a huge peaceful cemetery, and it's so beautiful there. You should watch this documentary on this black guy who watched the kkk burn a cross, and at the end of the day he managed to convert 200 kkk members to become anti-racist.

The Last Day Breathing In Eternal Snow

В К Same with white people, but I said how I feel. I don't feel like going back and forth.

green beans

В К im sorry what? Racist don't go off of your personality, if that was the case racism would have ended a long time ago

green beans

В К yes it is.

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Inner Thoughts

My kids are mixed raised (Black/Mexican) as a ex gangmember I thought them to always have thick skin, and just walk away from the verbal and only defend yourself from the physical, this is important for my baby girl because she's studying to become a cop.

blacknosugarnocream

Yeah... that's worked out really well so far. The stress induced by wearing that thicker skin has led to black people dying younger. But it's all worth it if you do not have to directly confront bigots and assert your right to be free of racial epithets in public spaces. Sure... sure.

1 More Replies...

SmokeyQV

When I was 9 or 8 I was called the n word in finnish my dad is african and mom from finland I'm brown but I saw the reality of the world back then cruel world.

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