Step In The Arena

[guru]
You puny protozoa, you're so minute you didn't know the
Gang has been watchin but instead of just squashin you
I'm scoopin you up out of the muck you wallow in
Like a cheif chemist, other scientists are followin
Plannin to examine you, on a petrie dish
Sticking you and frickin you, just a teenie bit
I'm clever, with science, but never relyin
On false words from cowards who forever be tryin
Insistin they come off, i let 'em get some off
Then come back wit drum tracks, their ears could get numb off
Blockbustin, like makin love, i'll never stop thrustin
Into your system, so just listen
I'm like a neurosurgeon, operatin wit a purer version
I write prescriptions, of words that fit in
The thought gets prescribed, as i kick it live
Cause it's more that a style, it's conceptual genius
My effect on the scene is, to project that i mean this
You deadbeat, wait until you see my next feat
I get respect for the rep when i speak
Check the technique

[dj premier cuts]
"check the technique.." (3x)
"check the technique and see if you can follow it"

[guru]
I'm rushin you like a defensive end as i recommend
That you comprehend, i could stomp you in
A battle, contest, or war, what will occur
Will be the forfeiture, of your immature
Insecure for sure, meek, weak visions of grandeur
To rudely awaken you, and then'll be breakin you
Taxin without askin and trackin and snakin you
Makin you succumb to the drums of gangstarr
By far we are, truly gifted ones son
But if you were to speculate or estimate us losin
You'll be dyin, tryin to face the fate of your delusions
Cause miscalculation, is all you're statin
So i'm chumpin, puntin punks just like footballs
Cause i wanna put y'all, back in the messhall
To clean up the slop, and stop all the bullcrap
Your rap's crazy wack, so don't try to pull that
You're lackin the vernacular, i'm slappin ya and cappin ya
And closin your jaw, cause you can't mess with gangstarr
The guru and premier always dope with the blessed beats
Dance your ass off hobbes, check the technique

[dj premier cuts]
"check the technique.." (4x)

[guru]
"bon voyage", "sayanora", "arriva derci"
Your ass gets busted doodoo mustard, you tried to work me
You irked me - because you copy and falsify
And i don't care how many step up, cause you all can try
To wish and fish for a style, here's a fishin rod
These rhymes are hittin hard, constantly i'm gettin large
Inevitably, i readily kick a slew
Of lyrics so deep, so don't sleep, but just peep me
Puttin methods on records and spinning for each millisecond
33 rpm's displays the art of men
And as my rhymin builds you see my time it's chill
..and then i look upon weak ones
I'm teachin each one so they become redone
Essays are relayed to twist you up like french braids
Or tied up like corn braids, cause i got a strong way
Force like police raids to never be delayed
I once was the least paid but i made the grade
Cause this ain't a slave sale and i ain't the same stale
Rapper, no, i'm not a phony microphonist wit no blaster
No type of real appeal or real - talent
And it makes me violent man
To see all of these peewee bee mc wannabees
Makin g's for some dumb companies
And lots of money but no idea what is rap and what is dope
So check out what the guru wrote
Cause i will prevail, give you tales as i unveil
Have enough braincells so i can stay paid well
Now i'm in the driver's seat, and rockin the liver beats
Bouncin and boomin and blastin you to the next seat
Shiek and unique with lots of kick like a cleat
Check the technique

(.. chief unique technique..)
(.. chief unique technique..)

[dj premier cuts]
"check the technique.." (3x)
"check the technique and see if you can follow it"

"now what you hear is not a test" --> sugarhill gang
(cut up 4x by dj premier)

[guru]
Well goodness gracious, let me just take this
Time out to pull a rhyme out, and update this
For you and yours, simply because
Some mc's have luck but suck
So i pluck em like feathers on the back of a chicken
Cause i'm mad like a pit when my man says, "sick 'em"
Positive is the mindstate, but it could still mean that
I will kick a ill, malicious like mean rap
Suckers they forced me, to knock em all out and
They think they know things, like what i'm about and
They try to analyze criticize scandalize
The outcome is death, don't ask me to sympathize
Realize, that i'm not to be played with
I'll flip so fast, you won't know i'm the same kid
I'm tired and fed, with all the weak stuff said
All the phony-baloney, that went out like pro-keds
You've got no leads, so you shoot blanks
It's me the crowd thanks as i step to the top ranks
Bankin my money, and investin it wisely
Snatchin up chumps when they try to sneak by me
I'm the dominant one, call me the prominant one
And as i'm speakin i'll be bombin the dumb
Deaf and blind cause i was born with a sharp mind
Eatin mc's with ease like it's lunchtime
Or crunchtime, when they get done without warning
I'll bust that butt from nighttime til morning
Your song's boring, and so i'm scoring
Much points cause when it's time to throw joints
I cause havoc, the mic i grab is like savage
I invade the stage, and make you get off
The force is like a three-eight, blowin your head off
And that's just in case you might be wearin a vest
Cause you're simply a pest in this mess i suggest you
"take a rest"

"if this meaning doesn't manifest, put it to rest" --> krs-one
(dj premier cuts 2x)

[guru]
Don't ever sleep son, peep one or two of these lines here
Arranged by a great brain, delivering rhymes clear
And concise with a nice dope voice and
Killin the fakes like a taste of some poison
Punks are thinkin they're alla that, their voices are all flat
They're findin their names, in a wack rapper's almanac
Me follow that hollow crap, no way jose
I'll seek out a better sound, to somethin premier plays
Days will go by, and soon you'll know why
Mc's like me will rise like the enterprise
Starship, headin straight for the target
Destination, a place where no perpetration
Is permitted, the guru is with it to explain
How some mc's are scared to ride on a four train
Or any other train in the city, for that matter
Playin a role that they stole like a batter
But i know they ain't so i'll paint the real picture
My vocals go solo and like a bolo i'll hitcha
Square in your face i'll crack your ribs and your chest
Cause you thought your off-brand jam was the best
You fessed cause you guessed people would be impressed
I'm gonna bust that bubble on the double "take a rest"

(dj premier cuts "take a rest" for the chorus)

[guru]
Sit back and reflect, ponder and chill out
Rhymes like daggers make blood spill out
But you can't blame me, for bringin disaster
With all these ducks, claimin that they're the masters
Only thing they mastered, is how to get wacker
As i roll uphill, they roll downhill faster
Now they're wondering how they lost their touch
Wanna buy my rhymes but mine cost too much
I'm the innovative one, call me the creative one
And i won't stop til the job is done
All the slobs just run when i come to get some
Cause they know better, than to challenge this go-getter
They get bust you can trust cause i won't let a
Booty-ass rapper get wins against me?
I guarantee that i won't act friendly
Cause crabs have a nerve and deserve to get whipped on
Their girls get kissed on, while they get flipped on
I slaughter and slay, or slap em up quick
Cause the lyrics they kick make me seriously sick
No substance, no value, but nevertheless
They're gettin daytime play but i still say they should "take a rest"

(dj premier cuts "take a rest" for four bars, then song fades)

The meaning of the name gangstarr, well i'll tell ya
It means i find my mind can excel to
A greater type of thought, brought by the things that i've been taught
In relation to things that i rebel to divine and combine
With a sense of confidence
Accomplishments, are achieved off lots of gifts
But slopiness, i could never tolerate it
Not the guru nor premier you don't know how long we've waited
While other groups have faded, just like haircuts
We use sheer guts to open the earducts of your brain
To expose every vain
Cause you sound plain, insane, and mundane, it's a shame
You've got no beats, so you get no seats
At this table, you ain't stable with the mic cable
Kane and able, jealous brothers
And i knew some girls who were overzealous lovers
But back to the act of developing the gangstarr track
It means that nothing can be wack
The music is picked right, the mic is gripped tight
The lyrics i kick right to a beat like kryptonite power
Not withstood by any mortal or immortal
To make you get on the floor til
Another dope jam we slam with precision
Bringing beams of light, like the colors in a prism
Or reflections, through a spectrum
And all the soft silly suckers i'ma wet them
In other words destroy boy, and then claim my fame...
This is the meaning of the name

(dj premier cuts "what does it all mean?")

[guru]
Gangstarr, it means a lot to me
It means i'm free to bust rhymes sporadically
Gang represents my boys or a posse
So just back up off me
And the starr symbolizes the power
Making the suckers and weak brothers cower
We got strong, intelligent minds with a street sense
Crazy offense, and stupid defense
Now, have i made myself clear?
Or do i have to call on dj premier?
For he and i make up the songs that you long for
Meanwhile ducks just knock on the wrong door
Waiting for a call or for the doors to open
Cause they're hoping, that they'll get chosen
But to be chosen is a divine gift
You better get a job quick
See you can't rhyme and all your beats are weak
You oughta take a peak and check out the technique
Seek, and you shall find
Gangstarr stands for mastermind
Simple and plain and yo this ain't no game lame...
This is the meaning of the name

(dj premier cuts "what does it all mean?")

(dj premier cuts "intelligent but not yet equivalent" --> krs-one)

[guru]
Tell me, do you have a clue of what to do
Can you groove to this smooth tune, you must presume
It's important, for you to follow this creation
And hey son, life is more than having fun
So run and get some help with the problems that you face
Take a taste of the bass put your perspective in place
Get real, deep, so you can keep involved
Revolve and solve, so you can make the calls
Like a supervisor he who is wiser than the others
Cause they need someone to advise them to discover
Things that they don't know so the papers i will check
Then they'll start to grow to this form of intellect

(dj premier cuts "individual with intellect" --> unknown)

[guru]
When the road is too steep, do you have the stamina
First album took us two weeks, since then we have been plannin
An exclusive attraction, produce it to your satisfaction
Those of you lackin, we will put you back in your slime
So you can think and get a grip of
Yourself by yourself, and then you'll get a sip of
A gift that's equipped with the script that shocks
You can take a walk ?on god?
With your mouth wide open, hoping you can find a
Way to display similar actions in a kind of mockery
Cause you don't realize the cost to be
Creative genius please, i'm too clean to play
Glance per chance, watch gangstarr perfect
And dance your pants like champs, to this form of intellect

(dj premier cuts "man with intellect" --> lord finesse)

Valuable solutions, we invent here
Break and remake the cupcakes to show we've been sent here
To serve you, so swallow this and bite it
And why bring, ignorance when we're inviting
You to get advancement, while you're on the dance tip
And don't you know the transcript will make you shake hips
Or chill at will, and with skill, you'll learn some etiquette
Better get the subject or be last at the predicate
And get a set, of headphones and speakers
As lyrical lessons manifest, i will keep you
Abrest of the best, in this rap mess
Oversaturated market, full of wackness
I'm gifted unlimited, rhymes universal
The guru, nursing you with a verse spilled
Don't choke, and don't turn blue in a frenzy
Premier's severe, on the steel wheels he lends me
Spontaneous cuts, but not mainly just that
It's the scratching format, exact with maddening accuracy
Craftily, on the side or in back of me
Nastily, as if his name was dick dastardly
Original so get it yo the gang gets respect
The chain and the star is a symbol, of this form of intellect

(dj premier cuts "intelligent but not yet equivalent" to the end)

So many things will happen that one can't explain
You find yourself saying "who me", time and again
They say what goes around, comes around
Ahun, so think about it while you're messing up clown
A mother's love and a father's concern
Here is the reason you should listen and learn
'cause quick schemes and fast living can kill ya
I know how the excitement and danger can thrill ya
But take it from somebody who knows
'cause after all the highs, you're gonna feel all the lows
This is why knowledge of self is essential
'cause if you don't have it, you may simply go mental
See, life is not a thing to be toyed wit
'cause every second, another dream is destroyed wit
The systematic plan devised to erase us
And straight to hell is where they're trying to take us
But never fold and hold back your fears
Have a strong mind and try to say your prayers

(dj premier scratches "at this time i have the honor to present to you")

[guru]
Parahraphs, portraying my viewpoint
So stay attentive, cause this is a new joint
From the g-a-n-g with the info
Lyrical elements emerge from the intro
Forming a poetic mass over pathetic trash
Other writers are outclassed
Surpassed by the words and the wit
Rhymes fit and hit cause that's how we designed it
Page for page, we are the new age
Dope in the videos and dope when we're on stage
Commanding respect with my ink pen while suckers are sinking
As i'm keeping them thinking
Narrating phrases of value, and i can see now you
Relate to what i create
From back in the days of my youth, i've looked for the truth
And yo my rhymes are the real proof
New heights and new realms have been reached
By use of my speech along with one of premier's beats
So listen and we'll show you the best way
And then sway, as i read my s-a

(dj premier cuts and scratches again)

[guru]
Worshipful words giving insight, so just be observant
So you can get this right
My oratory gift is abundant, so dazzling to minds
That you should come get
A glimpse of the one who puts wimps out of work
The script is a mess and they dress like they're jerks
Beyond them, is where i'll be dwellin
The guru will tell em, why their records ain't sellin
Placin my fingers on the tool, i runaway all fools
When i'm dispersin a verse
Think of an enjoyable moment, then boogie your body
Cause this party i own it
The origin of this is on paper
Vibes will ascend from my mind to each line
I go with the flow as i show expertise
The powers increase as my voice hits the streets
Then gripping your soul with authority
I pour these rhymes in a cup so drink up
And then i might bring another round
Watch the sound pound from the floor to the ground
And keep aware, cause we'll show you the best way
And then sway, as i read my s-a

Verse 1

[scratch: telephone ringing]

"who's this? juanita? fatima? solika? oh, it's freda?
Look, i have a question, just what is it that you need
A man, a lover, maybe someone to talk to?
Or could it be you're schemin'? oh, not you!
Well listen, i got this phone installed for business
And who gave you our number? seriously, what is this?
The new fad? now you wanna kick it to a rapper,
Dj or dancer? well i don't have the
Time for no stunts, no hookers and no games
Our name and our fame is for the long way we came
The struggle, the hassle, the hustle, the fight
And you're asking me if you can see me tonight?
Don't you know the guru's not the type to be out skeezin'
The reason is because i do believe in
Havin' the right to choose the one i want
And, if i had a girl, why would i front?
You're only gonna get your feelings hurt, miss
And truthfully i really don't wanna have to diss
My music means everything to me, it's my life
So make like a camper, and go take a hike
You can't mess with my mind, and don't tie up my line
You called yesterday, so what you want this time?"

Verse 2

"a-yo premier (yeah?) who's that knockin' at the door?
(yo man, it's vicky) vicky? are you sure?
The one from down the block who was actin' all hot
She stops me all the time and says she likes me a lot?
How does she know where we live, i didn't tell her
And word is bond, duke, i'm not the fella
No matter what i say this young lady's persistent
For instance, she watches me from a distance
And if i walk by and i forget to say hi
She pushes up on me and rubs me with her thigh
I told her i was taken, but she doesn't care
A-yo, do me a favour, tell her i'm not here
Forget it, i think she heard my voice already
You can let her in, but i'm tryna cook spaghetti
Oh, hello, how you doin'? who me? i'm fine
I don't mean to be rude, but...what you want this time?"

Intro

"knowledge is power, and knowledge can be the difference between life
Or death...you should know the truth and the truth shall set you
Free."

Verse 1

I was raised like a muslim
Prayin' to the east
Nature of my life relates rhymes i release
Like a cannon
Cuz i been plannin' to be rammin' what i wrote
Straight on a plate down your throat
So digest as i suggest we take a good look
At who's who while i'm readin' from my good book
And let's dig into every nook and every cranny
Set your mind free as i slam these thoughts
And just like a jammy goes pow [fx: gunshots]
You're gonna see what i'm sayin' now
You can't be sleepin'
Cuz things are gettin' crazy
You better stop being lazy
There's many people frontin'
And many brothers droppin'
All because of dumb things, let me tell you somethin'
I've been through so much that i'm such
A maniac, but i still act out of faith
That we can get the shit together so i break
On fools with no rhymes skills messin' up the flow
And people with no sense who be movin' much too slow
And so, you will know the meaning of the gang starr
Guru with the mic and premier raise the anchor
Swiftly, as we embark on a journey
I had to get an attorney
I needed someone to defend my position
Decisions i made, cuz now it's time to get paid
And ladies, these rhymes are like the keys to a dope car
Maybe a lexus or a jaguar
Still, all of that is just material
So won't you dig the scenario
And just imagine if each one is teachin' one
We'll come together so that we become
A strong force, then we can stay on course
Find your direction through introspection
And for my people out there i got a question
Can we be the sole controllers of our fate?
Now who's gonna take the weight?

Verse 2

The weight of the world is heavy on my mind
So as my feelings unwind i find
That some try to be down just cuz it's trendy
Others fall victim to envy
But i'll take the road less travelled
So i can see all my hopes and my dreams unravel
Relievin' your stress, expressin' my interest
In the situation that you're facin'
That's why i'm down with the nation
Spirituality supports reality
We gotta fight with the right mentality
So we can gain what is rightfully ours
This is the meaning of the chain and the star
Land is power, so gimme forty acres
Let's see how far i can take ya
Original invincible
That's how i'm lookin' at it
I use my rhymes like a glock automatic
Any means necessary, i'm goin' all out
Before the rains bring the nuclear fallout
So let me ask you, is it too late?
Ayo, who's gonna take the weight?