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[Verse 1] I'm rhymin' and designin', also creatin' The dope def rhyme that is always being taken By a sucker MC that wants to be like me No trait of originality But yo, I am not one to down another So like I said before, just go for yours, sucker I'm gonna take the time to drop a dope line Or maybe even two, for you and your crew So you can start shakin' and movin' all around To the Lyte Thee MC and the King Of Chill sound It's new and improved like a freshly cut diamond Perfect timin', like a gem it's shinin' Or better yet a ruby, somewhat like a sapphire This jam you are forced to admire Stop, stop Look, look Listen [Verse 2] Wanna battle me? Now that's strange behavior Drink and drive, yeah, you're probably safer Cause when I start, I never give slack You feel like a 'kick me' sign was pinned to your back Yes I'm the super-duper with the roper-doper Got the clean drawers on, yeah, I hope ya Do, because I'm gonna strip you of your peace of mind Now your piece is mine, damn, that's unkind Come on, admit it, the Lyte is too fly The rhymes that I say you can't deny Because 100% is what I give it (Say what?) I haunt the house with the hip-hop spirit I tear it, repair it Like a hand-me-down make you wear it Save all your crocodile tears, grin and bear it And with all your other brothers you're gonna share it You hear me, junior? 'Cause soon you'll Be a grown man with the mic in your hand And understand biting's not part of the plan That's wrong, I thought I taught you better than that But that's what you get from a stabber in the back Stop, stop Look, look Listen [Verse 3] M.C. - Master of Creativity Rappin' is the activity Rhyme is the sport, let it be taught That Lyte Thee MC is takin no shorts In '88 I was great, but '89 is my time Stop, look, and listen - to the right rhyme K-Rock the DJ throws the cuts my way Put 'em on the reel-to-reel and let them play Leg 1 and Leg 2, they do the jumpin' The dancin', the pumpin', always up to somethin But when it comes to the rap category MC Lyte headlines the story (Extra, extra, read all about it) (Comin out fresh and flier than we did before) (Listen up everybody)
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Meaning of "Stop, Look, Listen" by MC Lyte
This track opens with a bold declaration of lyrical prowess, positioning the narrator as an original creator constantly under threat from "sucker MCs" who lack "originality." Despite this competitive edge, there's a surprising undercurrent of encouragement, with the narrator advising others to "go for yours." The sound is presented as a "freshly cut diamond" or a "ruby," something inherently valuable and demanding admiration, setting a high bar for the music itself. The central tension arises from the narrator's dominance in the rap game versus the perceived lack of skill in their rivals. The lyrics paint a picture of a battle where the narrator "never give slack," leaving opponents feeling like they have a "'kick me' sign" on their back. This aggressive stance is softened only slightly by the eventual plea for originality, suggesting a frustration with imitators rather than a pure desire to crush competition. The repeated refrain of "Stop, stop / Look, look / Listen" acts as a deliberate pause, a command to absorb the lyrical content and the musical delivery. It’s a moment of emphasis, drawing attention to the craft and the message. This directive is particularly potent when paired with the later line, "understand biting's not part of the plan," directly addressing the issue of originality that kicked off the track. What makes these lyrics hit so hard is the unapologetic confidence combined with a clear, albeit tough-love, message about artistic integrity. The narrator isn't just boasting; they're laying down a blueprint for how to approach the craft, demanding attention and respect while simultaneously calling out those who would steal ideas. The structure, with its sharp verses punctuated by the insistent command to "Stop, look, listen," creates a powerful, memorable statement on authenticity in hip-hop.
This AI-assisted editorial analysis was reviewed, improved, and approved by the LyricsWeb editorial team.
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Credits
- Writers
- MC Lyte