Song Meaning

Kery James reasserts his enduring presence in the rap game, declaring "Je suis encore là" (I am still here) with a defiant, hardcore, and thoughtful tone. He positions himself as a lasting force, aiming to "graver l'histoire" (engrave history) like legends Tupac and Biggie, but crucially, to do so "sans se faire descendre par ceux qui t'envient" (without being taken down by those who envy you). This ambition is framed as a shared pact with his "thugs," extending from L.A. to Paris, highlighting a global, street-level solidarity. The repeated emphasis on his longevity, rapping "depuis 92" and "15 ans après j'suis encore là," underscores a career built on substance over fleeting trends, even when "y avait pas de flouz" (there was no cash). The core tension lies between Kery James's unwavering commitment to his artistic mission and the commercial realities of the music industry. He acknowledges he's "pas encore dans le rap qui rapporte" (not yet in the rap that pays) but finds fulfillment in being "dans le rap qui apporte" (in the rap that brings something). This dedication is tied to a deep sense of social responsibility, expressing love for the "banlieue" (suburbs) and a desire to remain "dans le camp des démunis" (on the side of the underprivileged). His mission is explicitly linked to "l'éducation, l'élévation par l'instruction" and "la révolution par l'évolution," suggesting a belief in systemic change through knowledge and personal growth, rather than mere material success. The most striking craft element is the persistent repetition of "encore" (still/again), which acts as a powerful anchor throughout the track. This word, the title itself, reinforces Kery James's resilience, his continued relevance, and his ongoing dedication to his principles and his community. It's a declaration of permanence, a refusal to fade away, and a promise that his message, even over a "gros son" (heavy beat), remains constant. The refrain, with its "You don't wanna brawl with us" and "Everybody knows his name," serves as a confident assertion of his established identity and the respect he commands, solidifying the idea that he is a force that endures and commands recognition. Ultimately, the lyrics resonate because they articulate a powerful narrative of artistic integrity and social consciousness persisting against the odds. Kery James isn't just rapping about being here; he's rapping about *why* he's still here and what that continued presence means. The contrast between his desire to be a legend and his commitment to the marginalized, coupled with the insistent "encore," creates a compelling portrait of an artist who prioritizes impact and legacy over fleeting fame, grounding his enduring presence in a mission that transcends personal gain.

Kery James & Chauncey “Black” Hannibal - Rap, France

Encore

2 Plays

Duration: 3:38

[Intro] Yeah, Kery James Chauncey Black Collabo' Encore ! [Couplet 1 - Kery James] Je suis encore l�, my nigga Hardcore et r�fl�chi sur un son qui a quelque chose de gangsta Je compte durer comme D.R.E Je m'en vais graver l'histoire comme 2Pac, B.I.G �tre une l�gende en vie Sans se faire descendre par ceux qui t'envient C'est le pari que font mes thugs, de L.A � Paris Ma voix s'impose comme celle de Barry Mon ton est grave, comme mon �poque Grave, m�me en major mon son est brave J'rappe depuis 92, depuis l'�poque des loose J'rappais m�me quand y avait pas de flouz' 15 ans apr�s j'suis encore l� Jusqu'au 9-3 tout le monde est cor-da Voila encore un nouvel album, un nouvel albombe Une super production, une grosse bombe [Refrain Chauncey Black] You don't wanna brawl with us You don't wanna brawl with us Everybody knows his name His name is Kery James He will never change (Encore) You don't wanna brawl with us You don't wanna brawl with us Everybody knows his name (Kery James) And we're here together, forever [Couplet 2 - Kery James] J'ai de l'amour pour la banlieue, fais-le savoir en hauts lieux M�me blind� je serai jamais comme eux Tant que, je serai vivant, je serai encore dans le camp des d�munis J'r�ve encore de nous voir unis M�me si, je suis pas encore dans le rap qui rapporte Tant pis, tant que j'suis encore dans le rap qui apporte Je suis encore pour l'�ducation, l'�l�vation par l'instruction Je suis encore sur une mission Je suis encore pour la r�volution par l'�volution Mon message ne change pas m�me sur du gros son Je suis encore puissant, puisant mon inspiration Dans les yeux des exclus de la Nation Comme j'ai encore le sens du partage J'rappe encore pour ceux qu'attendent le jour du paquetage M�me plein de fric, tant que mes fr�res m�nent une vie tragique Je serai encore Kery James le m�lancolique [Refrain] You don't wanna brawl with us You don't wanna brawl with us Everybody knows his name His name is Kery James He will never change (Encore) You don't wanna brawl with us You don't wanna brawl with us Everybody knows his name (Kery James) And we're here together, forever [Couplet 3 - Chauncey Black] One thing about us You don't wanna ever try to pound us Don't want to ever out-cost us You better ask around When the king's in town If I only oughtta just don't know me Kery James, and Killer Meter on the track too Encore! [Refrain] You don't wanna brawl with us You don't wanna brawl with us Everybody knows his name His name is Kery James He will never change (Encore) You don't wanna brawl with us You don't wanna brawl with us Everybody knows his name (Kery James) And we're here together, forever [Outro] Paris a le bras lev�, ils savent qui est le vrai C'est pour �a qu'ils en veulent... encore ! New-York a le bras lev�, ils savent qui est le vrai C'est pour �a qu'ils en veulent... encore ! Le 9-4 a le bras lev�, ils savent qui est le vrai C'est pour �a qu'ils en veulent... encore ! L.A a le bras lev�, ils savent qui est le vrai C'est pour �a qu'ils en veulent... encore !

Credits

Writers: Chauncey “Black” Hannibal
Kery James

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