MC's Act Like They Don't Know
KRS-One
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Clap your hands everybody, if you got what it takes 'Cause I'm KRS and I'm on the mic, and Premier's on The Breaks If you don't know me by now I doubt you'll ever know me I never won a Grammy, I won't win a Tony But I'm not the only MC keepin' it real When I grab the mic to smash a rapper, girls go "Illlll!" Check the time as I rhyme, it's 1995 Whenever I arrive the party gets liver Flow with the master rhymer, that's to leave behind The video rapper, you know, the chart climber Clapper, down goes another rapper Onto another matter, punch up the data, Blastmaster Knowledge Reigns Supreme Over Nearly Everybody Call up KRS, I'm guaranteed to rip a party Flat top, braids, bald heads or natty dread There once was a story about a man named Jed But now Jed is dead, all his kids instead Want to kick rhymes off the top of they head Word, what go around come around I figure Now we got white kids callin' themselves niggas The tables turned as the crosses burned Remember You Must Learn About the styles I flip and how wild I get I go on like a space age rocket ship You could be a mack, a pimp, hustler or player But make sure live you is a dope rhyme sayer This is what you waited all year for The hardcore, that's what KRS is here for Big up Grand Wizard Theodore, gettin' ill If you see then ya saw I'm in your grill with mad skill MC's can only battle with rhymes that got punchlines Let's battle to see who headlines Instead of flow for flow let's go show for show Toe for toe, yo, you better act like you know Too many MC's take that word 'emcee' lightly They can't Move a Crowd, not even slightly It might be the fact that they express wackness Let me show ya whose ass is the blackest I flip a script a little bit, you ride the tip and shit Too sick to get with it, admit you bit, your style is counterfeit Now tone it down a bit My title you will never get, I'm too intelligent I'll send your family my sentiments, my style is toxic When I rock and shock and hip hop it unlock your head, I knock it It split quick from the lyric Direct hit, perfect fit, you can't get with it Some MC's don't like the KRS but they must respect him 'Cause they know this kid gets all up in they rectum Slappin' and selectin' em, checkin' em, disrespectin' em Just deckin' em, deckin' em, deck-in' em Who in their right mind can mimic a style like mine? I design rhyme and get mine all the time MC's standin' on the sidelines, always dissin' When I roll up and rush their crew they start bitchin' I don't burn, I don't freeze, yet some MC's Believe they could tangle with the likes of these Cross your t's and dot your i's whenever I arrive Wide, magnified, live like the ocean tide You dope, you lied, I reside like artefacts On the wrong side of the tracks, electrified Comin' around the mountain, you run and hide Hopin' your defence mechanism can divert my heat-seeking lyricism As I spark mad iszm The 1996 lyrical style's what I give 'em
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Written by: Christopher Martin, Lawrence Parker
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
11 facts about this song
Release Date"MC's Act Like They Don't Know" is a single by KRS-One from his eponymous album, which was released in 1995.
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Record LabelThe tune was published under the label "Jive/RCA Records". KRS-One has been affiliated with this US-based label for several years throughout his career.
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ProductionThe track was produced by DJ Premier. The song is recognized for its distinct instrumentation that blends a piano and saxophone, elements of jazz with a hard-hitting hip-hop beat.
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Song ThemeThe song is about how rappers have started moving away from the roots of hip-hop music and culture and instead adopting more commercial and superficial methods and themes. KRS-One is essentially encouraging these artists to remember and respect the origins of the genre.
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Music Videography** A music video for the song was also released, which was directed by Brian Luvar.
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Critical AcclaimOver the years, "MC's Act Like They Don't Know" has been generally well-received by critics and is recognized as one of KRS-One's best songs. It is widely appreciated for its insightful lyrics and memorable beats.
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SamplesThe song samples "Yesterdays" by Clifford Brown, a renowned American jazz trumpet player.
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LegacyThe track is considered one of the best works of its period in the genre of hip-hop/rap, and it has been a source of inspiration for many young artists and music lovers.
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Chart PerformanceDespite being a fan favorite, the track didn't perform remarkably well on the Billboard charts. It peaked at no. 57 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and no.15 on the Hot Rap Songs charts.
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Live PerformancesKRS-One often includes "MC's Act Like They Don't Know" in his setlist during live performances, turning it into an anthem of sorts for his concerts.
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Societal ImpactThe song continues to be relevant and is used in discussions about the evolution of rap and hip-hop culture. It carries KRS-One's message encouraging the respect of hip-hop history and the recognition of its roots.
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Citation
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