When I B On Tha Mic by Rakim Lyrics Meaning – Unraveling the Lyricism of a Hip-Hop Luminary
Lyrics
(Hardcore…real ill niggas)
(I’m internationally known)
(When I be on the mic)
(Hardcore…real ill niggas)
(I’m internationally known, yo)
(Hardcore…real ill niggas)
(I’m internationally known)
(When I be on the mic)
(Hardcore…real ill niggas)
(So all hail the honorable)
It’s to my real ill niggas, heavyweight hitters
Dough getters, fifty ways to make figures
My niggas, that come on the spot to feel sisters
Like they hear real spitters and kids on the zigga-ziggas
When it’s ugly, then the club is lovely
Thugs be sipping Henessey and bubbly
To my comrades that keep it flaming hot
On dangerous blocks, claiming spots
Where the goal is to be one of the top-ranked soldiers
Forty-five holders, one of the high rollers
Get respect in the hood, credit is good
Knock it down lumberjack style, baby, extra wood
Rock it all night long, the bang-a-thon baby
Keep hanging on, we like it with the lights on
Don’t have to blow twenty thou’ to get to know honey’s style
Show her the town, steal her heart, no money down
(Hook)
How about some hardcore, yeah we like it raw for sure
Broads on the floor, wall to wall
There’s more at the door, players ball to score
‘Cause this right here is for all of y’all
Rakim and Primo, yo I got what you need bro
You go see a show, smoke an L, mean yo
And deejays play hits with hard bass kicks
And then they display tricks like The Matrix
Make the record fly undetected by the naked eye
So just feel the vibe ’cause your ears never lie
Nowadays deejays bags of tricks, graphic
On some behind the back shit, catch it and scratch it
Classic, this kid got his craft mastered
Hands is mad quick like he mix with magic
Spin it back and forth and grab it, and know just where it is…
There it is
(Hook)
To my elite peeps with the murderous mystiques
I hit the streets with beats and they critique for weeks
They be like “How that kid Ra reach the peak?”
Pull out the heat and use my technique to speak
It’s dangerous, sit calm and explain to kids
What part of the game this is and foreign languages
They hold Ra’s events in different continents
Put my lyrical contents in monuments
In ghetto garments, I rock a towel like a pharaoh
Mind travel, design style like apparel
My fashions last long as a lifetime
Cause I can see the future when the god write rhymes
They’re mad cause I managed to reign so long
Like their chance to get money done came and gone
This is strictly for my listeners on the corners at night
And the sisters that be keeping this right, when I be on the mic
(Hook)
Rakim, the lyricist half of the trailblazing duo Eric B. & Rakim, has crafted some of the most intricate verses in rap history, setting benchmarks for generations of MCs. ‘When I B On Tha Mic,’ standing as a testament to his greatness, is a track that not only encapsulates Rakim’s prowess as an emcee but also paints a vivid picture of the atmosphere he dominates.
Layered with DJ Premier’s sharp cuts and a beat as gritty as the New York streets from which it was birthed, this classic anthem continues to resonate with hip-hop aficionados, serving as a timeless tribute to the authentic and raw essence of the underground rap scene. Diving into its lyrics reveals not just Rakim’s personal philosophy, but also a broader commentary on the art of emceeing.
Defining Realness in the Rap Game
The constant refrain of ‘Hardcore…real ill niggas’ isn’t just a catchy hook; it’s Rakim’s shout-out to the authentic voices in hip-hop – the heavy hitters and ‘dough getters’ who resonate with listeners in clubs and on street corners. It’s a celebration of the raw talent that makes an artist noteworthy and a depiction of the lifestyle that many rappers both lived and lyricized.
The phrase ‘Internationally known, when I be on the mic’ showcases Rakim’s recognition that true skill transcends regional boundaries, reaching fans across the globe. It’s a nod to his own legacy as a pioneering force in HIP-HOP, whose technique has been studied and idolized by artists everywhere.
The Exquisite Craft of DJ Premier
Rakim pays homage to the artistry of turntablists, particularly DJ Premier, whose ‘hands is mad quick like he mix with magic.’ These lines reveal an appreciation for the DJs who influence the vibe of a track with their dexterity, transforming the experience of a song into an auditory spectacle that feels almost tangible.
The symbiosis between the DJ and the emcee is crucial in Rakim’s universe. As he paints an image of Premier ‘spinning back and forth and grabbing’ records, it’s a bow to the old school where rap battles and the DJ’s skill were as critical as the lyricist’s.
Peeling Back the Lavish Facade of Hip-Hop Culture
While Rakim’s verses acknowledge the flash and glamour associated with the hip-hop lifestyle, he’s keen on pointing out that authenticity isn’t about ‘blowing twenty thou’ to impress. His approach to relationships and respect in the scene is grounded and real, which he details vividly through the lens of a night out, bringing in themes of luxury with a sense of restraint.
He challenges the superficial elements of the rap scene, arguing that genuine connections and talent should dominate over materialism. The wisdom in these bars pushes the listener to reflect on the essence of success and fame within the hip-hop world.
The Hidden Meaning: A Philosopher in Rhyme
Rakim isn’t merely rapping; he’s preaching from the pulpit of experience. ‘To my elite peeps with the murderous mystiques’—his lines speak to those navigating the complexities and dangers of urban life, seeking meaning and escape through music. He infuses his lyrics with a sense of responsibility, pushing listeners to unravel the deeper ‘part of the game.’
His reference to leaving his ‘lyrical contents in monuments’ suggests that his words aren’t transient—they’re etched in history, enduring as artifacts of culture. Rakim sees his influence as one not to be taken lightly; it’s as significant and permanent as monuments in the landscape of hip-hop.
Deciphering Memorable Lines and Unearthed Treasures
Rakim’s mastery lies in his ability to weave intricate storytelling with a lesson. ‘I can see the future when the god write rhymes,’ he proclaims, asserting his visionary status. It’s not just braggadocio; it’s a profound statement of his impact on the genre and on those who would follow in his footsteps.
Moreover, his acknowledgment of female fans, ‘the sisters that be keeping this right,’ highlights an often overlooked aspect of his audience. Rakim’s understanding of his impact goes beyond gender, reaching out to any and all who find guidance and affirmation in his words.
