Fugees

Lyrics

[Intro: Wyclef Jean]
One, two, I'm bout to set this off!
Like this, hip-hoppers, check it

[Chorus: Wyclef Jean]
Another MC lose his life tonight, Lord
I beg that you pray to Jesus Christ, why
Oh Lord, father don't let him bury me, woah

[Verse 1: Wyclef Jean]
I haunt MCs like Mephistopheles, bringing swords of Damocles
Secret service keep a close watch as if my name was Kennedy
Abstract raps simple with a street format
Gaze into the sky and measure planets by parallax
Check out the retrograde motion, kill the notion
Of biting and recycling and calling it your own creation
I feel like Rockwell, somebody's watching me
I got no privacy whether on land or at sea
And for you biting zealots, your raps are cacophonic
Hypocrite, critic, but deep inside you wish you had the pop hit
It hurts, don't it?
A refugee come to your turf, and take over the earth
[Interlude: Lauryn Hill]
See, my rhymes are the type of fly rhymes
That can only get down with my crew
And if you try, to take lines or bite rhymes
We'll show you how The Refugees do
[Verse 2: Lauryn Hill]
Yeah, yeah behold, as my odes, manifold on your rhymes
Two MCs can't occupy the same space at the same time
It's against the laws of physics
So weep as your sweet dreams break up like Eurythmics
Rap rejects, my tape deck, ejects projectile
Whether Jew or Gentile, I rank top percentile
Many styles, more powerful than gamma rays
My grammar pays like Carlos Santana plays "Black Magic Woman"
So while you fuming, I'm consuming mango juice under Polaris
You just embarrassed 'cause it's your last tango in Paris
And even after all my logic and my theory
I add a "motherfucker" so you ignant niggas hear me
Crew remember take notes, as I sow my rap oats
And for you biting zealots, here's a quote

[Chorus: Wyclef Jean]
Another MC lose his life tonight, Oh
I beg that you pray to Jesus Christ, why
Oh Lord, father don't let him bury we, I

[Verse 3: Wyclef Jean]
You can try but you can't divide the tribe
These cats can't rap, Mr. Author, I feel no vibe
The magazine says the girl should have went solo
The guys should stop rapping, vanish like Menudo
Took it to the heart, but every actor plays his part
As long as someone was listening, I knew it was a start
For me to get my chance, grab my pen and revamp
Do a cameo while everybody do the dance
Quick now, 'cause you running out of luck-a
Playing Mr. Big, I'm gonna get you sucka
While you munching at your luncheon
I'll be planning your assassination, then hit you like the Dutchman
[Verse 4: Pras]
I compress sound sets with my rap DBX
Then drop vocals on my 456 Ampex
Bring terror to the shop of horror
As she cry, "mi amor," the phantom dies in the opera
And to the youngins who carry gadgets
And kill six days a week, then rest on the Sabbath (Hold up, hold up)
Violence ain't necessary, unless you provoke me
Then get buried like the great Mussolini
And for you biting zealots, your rap styles are relics
No matter who you damage, you're still a false prophet

[Chorus: Wyclef Jean]
Ayy, another MC lose his life tonight, Lord
I beg that you pray to Jesus Christ, why
Oh Lord, father don't let him bury me, yeah

[Outro]
Yo what the fuck going on man?
Yo kid, we can't let these cops come around here
5-O come here and just do whatever want, rob, joke, or steal from people, shoot us down
We gotta do something about this man
I was with Floyd the other day
You know Floyd the cop, he just get a hard on from just shooting niggas

Sometimes songs come along that are more than just a catchy melody or memorable chorus. They're a reflection of the artists who created them, as well as the era in which they were released. "Zealots" by Fugees is a prime example of such a song. This classic single is not only a showcase of the impressive lyrical prowess of Wyclef, Lauryn, and Pras, but it's also a nod to the vast amount of knowledge that the trio possessed, full of obscure references and metaphors that demonstrate their impressive intellect.

Off of Fugees' album "The Score", "Zealots" has become one of the most beloved songs in hip hop history. Despite attempts to critique and discredit the song, it has stood the test of time and remains one of the group's most iconic tracks.

About Zealots

When dissecting "Zealots," it's important to start with its most defining feature, the lyrics. Wyclef, Lauryn, and Pras weave a tapestry of obscure references and metaphors throughout the song, leaving their audience with a dizzying array of intellectual clues to untangle. While some feel that the trio's attempts to come across as intellectual may have been overdone, there's no denying the impressive wit and creativity that went into crafting the lyrics for this song.

One of the most notable aspects of "Zealots" is the team's vast array of cultural references, which range from Greek mythology to classic rock icons like Jimi Hendrix. By blending these disparate elements together, Fugees created a song that was both unique and unmistakably theirs. The way in which the group so seamlessly blended all of these obscure references together is a testament to their unparalleled artistic vision.

While the impressive lyrics alone are worth studying, "Zealots" has another defining characteristic: its use of sampling. The song samples The Flamingos' “I Only Have Eyes For You,” which was initially released in 1959. The band's use of the sample is particularly noteworthy because it demonstrates the trio's willingness to look beyond the confines of contemporary hip hop to find inspiration.

Another defining quality of "Zealots" is the sheer technical skill demonstrated by the members of Fugees. Their rhyming patterns, delivery, and flow are all top-notch, and they continually push the boundaries of what is possible within the genre. The members of Fugees operate as a cohesive unit, and their mutual talents only amplify the impact of their music.

Part of what makes "Zealots" so special is the larger context surrounding its release. The year was 1996, and hip hop was in a state of flux. Mainstream rap was only beginning to emerge from the West Coast's stranglehold on the scene. The East Coast was in the midst of an internal battle between Bad Boy Records and Death Row. Meanwhile, alternative hip hop was on the rise, helping to bring a fresh sound to the genre that would challenge preconceptions about what was possible within hip hop.

In the midst of all of this, Fugees released their second album, "The Score." The album went on to be a critical and commercial success, and "Zealots" played no small part in that. The song was a breath of fresh air that came along at precisely the right time. It proved that hip hop could be serious, thought-provoking, and intellectually engaging all at once.

In closing, "Zealots" is a song that continues to be celebrated decades after its initial release, and with good reason. Between the group's impressive lyrical abilities and the song's larger cultural significance within hip hop history, it's destined to remain a classic for years to come.

• Release Date: February 13, 1996
• Artist: Fugees