Hey Young World

Slick Rick

About Hey Young World

"Hey Young World" is the third single released from Slick Rick's debut album, The Great Adventures of Slick Rick. It was released 1988 in 1989 as the follow-up to Slick Rick's popular "Children's Story" and was both written and produced by Slick Rick himself. "Hey Young World" did not reach the same level of success as "Children's Story", reaching number 42 on the Hot Black Singles chart and number 17 on the Hot Rap Singles chart. The B-side contained the popular song, "Mona Lisa". The song was referenced in Keri Hilson's song "Knock You Down" by guest rapper Kanye West and also in "Pray" by Jay-Z. A sequel of sorts was created by Macy Gray for her album The Id in form of "Hey Young World (Part 2)." It was sampled by TLC for their single "Creep" and by Queen Latifah for her single Just Another Day.... The song was also covered instrumentally by jazz trumpeter Wallace Roney on his album Mystikal (2005). 


Year:
2014
4:35
76 

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Guess who's back (3X)

Hey young world... the world is yours
Hey young world... the world is yours
Young world young world... the world is yours
Young wo-ah-huh-huh-huh-urld

This rap here... it may cause concern it's
broad and deep... why don't you listen and learn
Love mean happiness... that once was strong
But due to society... even that's turned wrong
Times have changed... and it's cool to look bummy
and be a dumb dummy and disrespect your mummy
Have you forgotten... who put you on this Earth?
Who brought you up right... and who loved you since your birth?
Reward is a brainwashed kid goin wild
Young little girls already have a child
Bad company... hey, now you've been framed
Your parents are hurting... hurting and ashamed
You're ruining yourself... and your mommy can't cope
Hey, little kids don't follow these dopes
Here's a rule for the non cool... your life, don't drool
Don't be a fool like those that don't go to school
Get ahead... and accomplish things
You'll see the wonder and the joy life brings
Don't admire thieves... hey they don't admire you
Their time's limited, hardrocks too
So listen, be strong, scream whoopee-doo
Go for yours, cause dreams come true
And you'll make your mommy proud... so proud of you too
And this is a message... that the Ruler Rick threw
And it's true

"You know, you know what, you know what, you know what?
 We like to party, like to party"
(repeat 3X)

Hey young world, the world is yours
Hey young world

"Yo peep this"

Hey Mr. Bigshot... hey, don't you look fly?
But you don't have a nickle... ohhhh, my my my
You've been fightin again and, you forgot why
Hey kid, walk straight, master your high
Whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy.... because you make your family cry
And all jokes aside, are you in good health?
Hey little boy... now have you really checked yourself?
You're a disgust, you know someone that I can't trust, you'd
steal mom's welfare... and you'd run and buy some dust, and
plus, a must so... bigshot you're not
Your friends are talkin and I'm hearin that your girls are what?
You didn't know?  Go steal and rob
And while you're at it... go get a suit for a j-awhh-ob
You see you're actin like this urge is demandin
c'mon, wake up... have some understandin
Society's a weak excuse for a man
It's time for the brothers... rap is trying to take the stand
Believe it or not, the Lord still shines on you deep
Guides you... and he watched you as you grew, plus
past the age of... a little child, that's true
But folks your age don't act like you do, so
so be mature... and put the point to a halt
And if you're over eighteen... I wish you'd act like an adult
Don't live in a world... of hate hate hate
Pull yourself together... and get yourself straight
Men don't steal... hey, most don't borrow
And if you smoke crack... your kids'll smoke crack tomorrow
So be more mature... and kids do your chores
Make your own money... hey, be proud that's yours
You know why, cause that's a man... that's brains no spite
Stayin out of trouble... when it comes in sight
And a man never loses a fight... in God's sight
Cause righteous laws are overdue
And this is a message that the Ruler Rick threw
And it's true

"You know, you know what, you know what, you know what?
 We like to party, like to party"
(repeat 3X)

Hey young world, the world is yours
Hey young world...

"Yo peep this...
 MC... Ricky... D...
 The Grand Wizzard...
 and his partner...
 and his and his and his partner...
 say what?
 La-Di! Da-Di! La-Di! Da-Di! (repeat 2X)
 La-Di-Da-Di..."

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Slick Rick

Richard Walters (born 14 January 1965), better known by his stage name Slick Rick, is a Grammy-nominated British- American rapper. He has also been known as MC Ricky D and Rick the Ruler. He began his career in late 1983, in the hip hop genre, where he recorded a series of acclaimed recordings such as "La Di Da Di" and "Children's Story". He is known for the use of narrative in his raps and has been called "hip hop's greatest storyteller."” more »

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Written by: Dante Smith, Dennis Coles, Lamont Dorrell, Macy Gray, Ricky Walters

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Release Date
"Hey Young World" by Slick Rick was released in the year 1988, as part of his debut album “The Great Adventures of Slick Rick.”
Popularity
The song is considered a classic of early '90s East Coast Hip Hop, and has been referenced by many artists in their songs, such as Missy Elliott, OutKast, and Kanye West.
Genre
Slick Rick is known for his unique storytelling style, and "Hey Young World" is one of his tracks that exemplifies this. The song falls under the genre of golden age hip hop.
Content
The song's lyrics provide advice to the younger generation, advocating for positive values such as self-respect, education, and avoiding drugs and reckless behavior.
Musical Style
Slick Rick displays his narrative skills over a backdrop of sample-based beats and playful rhythms, fused with a catchy hook that drives the message home.
Music Video
The music video for "Hey Young World" is as captivating as the song itself, containing animations and visuals that add to its appeal.
Samples
The track samples "In The Rain" by The Dramatics and "Love Rollercoaster" by Ohio Players.
Awards and Achievements
While "Hey Young World" didn't win any specific awards, Slick Rick's debut album “The Great Adventures of Slick Rick” was certified platinum.
Positive Influence
The song has been heralded by many for its positive message to young people, demonstrating the influential role Slick Rick played in the conscious rap movement.
Impact on Future Artists
The song and its message have influenced many artists after Slick Rick, including artists such as Kendrick Lamar who strive to deliver social messages through their music.

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