Work by Gang Starr Lyrics Meaning – The Guiding Philosophy of Hustle and Triumph
Lyrics
Uh
(Boy, what is it you want to do when you grow up?)
Ayo I’m gonna be on ti-dop, that’s all my eyes can see
Victory is mine, yeah surprisingly
I’ve been laying, waiting for your next mistake
I put in work, and watch my status escalate
Now I’ma start collectin’ props, connectin’ plots
Networkin’ like a conference, ’cause the nonsense is yet to stop
Jakes shake me down, haters wanna take me down
Break me down, clap all they heard was the sound
Yo I scoped it out, I took your weak dream and choked it out
Your bitch don’t really got no ass, she just poked it out
On the d-low, I’m sayin’, you versus me yo
We can do this shit right here, in front of your people
See time is money kid, and BS walks
And to me, it’s funny kid when you meat heads talk
I see Feds stalk, they wanna dig up the dirt son
Is it me they hawk, ’cause I be puttin’ in work, son?
gonna be on ti-dop, that’s all my eyes can see
Victory is mine, yeah surprisingly
I’ve been laying, waiting for your next mistake
I put in work, and watch my status escalate
You cornballs get stonewalled, blackballed, I own y’all
The veteran, runnin’ my plan I’m the better man
Crazy raw, doin’ my job like the mob
Blazin’ y’all, and disappearin’ in the fog
Or a mist, and chicks can’t resist what I kick
They be beggin’ for attention or some more of the dillznick
Word up baby, someone may have to get hurt up baby
Shit is mad shady, but I got to get the gravy
Platinum respect like the force of a TEC
Keep you hittin’ the deck, feelin’ heat in your chest
Bangin’ your thoughts with the hot onslaught
A kid got shot on the spot for goin’ where he should not
Viciously, I make history, instantly
Those other lame ass loser ass niggas, they can’t fuck with me
I’m doin’ my thing now, to lamp later on
Paid in the shade, with some fly gators on
But now I’m grimy as they get, mud on my pants and shirt
I bet you niggas out here know, I be puttin’ in work
I’m gonna be on ti-dop, that’s all my eyes can see
Victory is mine, yeah surprisingly
I’ve been laying, waiting for your next mistake
I put in work, and watch my status escalate
(For the qualified pros, in this business of rap)
(For the qualified pros, in this business of rap)
(For the qualified pros, in this business of rap)
(Are you working? What kind of work do you do?)
(Boy, what is it you want to do when you grow up?)
Gang Starr’s ‘Work’ is not just a track; it’s a seminar on hustle, a playbook of street-smart wisdom. Guru’s lyrical delivery on this timeless anthem injects the essence of hustle into the veins of anyone who tunes in. The track seeped into the souls of those striving for success against all odds, becoming an underground blueprint for victory through persistent grind.
But beneath the hard-hitting beats and no-nonsense rhymes lies a layered narrative of the struggles against systemic adversities, personal growth, and the relentless pursuit of goals. Let’s dissect this raw, cunning, and driven landscape that ‘Work’ lays out for listeners who are tuned into its frequency.
Victory Through Visibility: Seeing Is Achieving
The opening lines of ‘Work’ encapsulate the law of attraction with streetwise flair. ‘I’m gonna be on ti-dop, that’s all my eyes can see,’ declares an unwavering belief in the power of visualization as a tool for achievement. Guru’s eyes don’t just envisage success; they are fixated on the pinnacle of triumph – ti-dop representing the top, a place where he both anticipates and manifests his victory.
In an industry rife with competition and fleeting moments of fame, Guru understands that keeping one’s eyes on the prize isn’t just motivational rhetoric—it’s a survival tactic. The relentless focus on the end goal enables him to prepare for the inevitable challenges. ‘I’ve been laying, waiting for your next mistake,’ he says, showcasing a strategic mindset ready to capitalize on any slip-up.
The Secret Sauce: Strategy over Strength
‘Networkin’ like a conference,’ Guru implies that success requires more than raw talent; it demands strategic connections. ‘Work’ deciphers the industry’s network as not merely a series of handshakes but an intricate chess game where each move determines the next opportunity. This metaphorical conference of life is about more than just showing up; it’s about making the right moves, with the right people, at the right time.
Moreover, ‘Connectin’ plots’ poetically underlines the importance of planning. Guru doesn’t just ride the wave of success; he architects it. He’s not just participating in the rap game; he’s actively shaping the narrative, ensuring his influence and control against the chaos of an industry known for its volatility.
The Struggle with Adversaries and Authority
Interactions with ‘Jakes’—a slang term for police—and haters are constant hurdles in Guru’s path to success. ‘Jakes shake me down, haters wanna take me down,’ he observes, highlighting that respect in this game doesn’t shield one completely from opposition. These lines represent the perpetual vigilance required to not only succeed but also to maintain success in the face of jealousy and systemic barriers.
Despite the obstacles, Guru’s resilience is evident. Whether it’s law enforcement or rivals, his reaction is the same: ‘I be puttin’ in work, son.’ Guru boils down his defense and offense to one thing—hard work. This pragmatic mantra is not only a shield against external forces but also an engine that propels him forward.
Lyrical Slinging and the Art of Invisible Influence
Guru doesn’t just spit verses; he’s ‘Blazin’ y’all, and disappearin’ in the fog.’ Here lies the hidden meaning, the art of influence without the need for perpetual presence. His work—lyrics, flow, and beats—creates an impact that lingers even when he’s physically absent. The lines play on the notion of an artist’s ability to affect change through his art, to exist powerfully in the background while orchestrating movements in the fore.
‘Disappearin’ in the fog’ could also be viewed as a metaphor for the subtle approach to power. True power, Guru suggests, is not always about wielding control under the spotlight but knowing when to let your work do the talking, becoming a pervasive force without the necessity for recognition at every turn.
The Most Memorable Lines: A Call to Action
Perhaps the most resonant takeaway from ‘Work’ is Guru’s repeated affirmation, ‘Victory is mine, surprisingly.’ This isn’t just braggadocio; it’s an audacious claim of ownership over success that many may not have expected him to achieve. It’s a testament to the underdog spirit and a battle cry for those dismissed and undermined by their peers or the system.
These words vibrate with the frequency of earned success—against the odds and beyond the surprise of skeptics. For Guru and listeners alike, these are not mere words. They are an incantation, a self-fulfilling prophecy, infusing anyone within earshot with the unstoppable energy to go out and claim their victory with the most powerful tool they have: their work.
