Gang Starr

Lyrics

[Scratching]
Greg N-I-C-E

[Intro: Greg Nice]
Aww yeah! It’s another Gang Starr sure shot, uh!
Featurin' the one and only, handl’it handl’it, Roy
Nice & Smooth
Hey, Gang Starr has gots to be the sure shot!
Nice & Smooth has gots to be the sure shot!
Gang Starr has gots to be the sure shot!
Nice & Smooth has gots to be the sure shot!

[Verse 1: Greg Nice]
Greg Nice! Greg N-I-C-E!
Dame un beso, ah, oui, oui
Rock for a fee, not for free
Maybe I'll do it for charity
Now my employer or my employee
Is makin' Greg N-I-C-E very M-A-D
Don't ever ever think of jerkin' me
I work too hard for my royalty
Put lead in ya ass and drink a cup of tea
Peace to Red Alert and Kid Capri
Ooh, la, la, ah, oui, oui
I say Muhammad Ali, you say Classius Clay
I say butter, you say Parkay
It's alright, if you wanna make a sway
I'm away uptown, took the deuce to the tre
I originate, they duplicate
I praise the Lord and keep the faith
It's alright, keep bitin' at the bait
'92, uh! One year later
Peace out, Premier, take me out with the fader
[Interlude]
Oka-yay, o-o-oka-ay, o-o-o-oka-ay
H-here it-here it is

[Verse 2: Guru]
I chant 'eeny, meeny, miny, moe'
I wreck the mic like a pimp pimps hoes
Here's how it goes: I am a genius, I mean this
I shape this, you'll tape this, I'm kinda fiendish
You wish that you could come into my neighborhood
Meanin' my mental state, still I'm 5-foot-8
Crazy as I wanna be, ‘cause I make it orderly
You could say I'm sorta the boss, so get lost!
The brother who will make you change opinions
Dominions, I'm in 'em when it's time to kick shit from the heart
Plus, I get a piece of the action
Feelin' satisfaction from the street crowd reaction
Chumps pull guns when they feel afraid
Too late — when they dip in the kick, they get sprayed
Lemonade was a popular drink, and it still is
I get more props and stunts than Bruce Willis
A poet like Langston Hughes
And can't lose when I cruise out on the expressway
Leavin' the bodega, I say "Suavé"
Premier's got more beats than barns got hay
Clips are inserted into my gun
So I can take the money, never have to run!
[Verse 3: Smooth B]
Yo, Keithy E, I left my Phillie at home, do you have another?
I wanna get blunted, my brother
Now, may I make a mark then make a spark
Over this phat track — or should I say dope beat?
Subtract, delete
All of the wick-wack that wanna be abstract
But they lack the new knack that's comin' from way, way back
Hey, yo, Premier, please pass that buddha sack
You heard we quit? No way, bullshit!
I told you before — we come back with more hits
I provide bright flavor, so you can sketch me
Do me a favor — don't try to catch me
Slightly ahead of the game, I'm not a lame
Ask him, he'll tell you the same, he knows my name
Smooth, I drop jewels like paraphernalia
I'm infallible, not into failure
Like a rhinoceros, my speed is prosperous
And pure knowledge expands from my esophagus
I write in the night to bring truth to the light
My dialogue is my own, ‘cause Smooth B will never bite

[Outro scratched: Smooth B]
After the tour quits, I come back with more hits
After the tour quits, I come back with more hits
After the tour quits, I come back with more hits

Get ready to groove to the nostalgic beats of DWYCK by Gang Starr featuring Nice & Smooth. Originally released in 1992 as the B-side to "Take it Personal," this classic track quickly made its way into the hearts of club-goers, becoming an instant hit. So much so, that it found its place on Gang Starr's 1994 album, Hard To Earn, and eventually received its own dedicated 12" release.

The story behind DWYCK is as fascinating as the song itself. It all began when Nice & Smooth approached Gang Starr to use the "Manifest" sample for their track called "Down the Line." The collaboration led to a fortuitous meeting at Power Play Studios, where both groups got to know each other and shared their musical visions. Inspired by their encounter, Premier and Guru, the duo behind Gang Starr, decided to reciprocate and create a joint effort of their own.

Back in those days, releasing B-sides and non-album tracks was a big deal. Artists like Public Enemy and Ultramagnetic MCs were doing it, and Gang Starr joined their ranks to put out "Take it Personal" as an initial single, with DWYCK serving as its enticing B-side. Little did they know that this decision would spark a wildfire of success. DWYCK quickly became a club favorite, dominating the summer airwaves and leaving listeners craving for more.

As the demand for DWYCK soared, Gang Starr's label saw an opportunity to capitalize on its popularity. They decided to re-release their album, Daily Operation, with the remastered version of DWYCK added as a bonus track. But things didn't go as planned. The label, in a sudden change of heart, backed out of the idea, leaving many disappointed fans who had purchased the album expecting to find DWYCK included. This left Gang Starr frustrated and the fans longing for a readily accessible album featuring the beloved track.

Thus, when Gang Starr's next album, Hard To Earn, came out, they seized the chance to make DWYCK readily available to their audience. It wasn't about capitalizing on the track's popularity; it was about rectifying the previous misstep and ensuring that fans could enjoy DWYCK on an album of its own. With Premier's DJ mindset in full swing, he carefully considered the placement of the track, strategically sequencing the album to enhance the overall experience for the listeners.

Now, let's dive deeper into the sonic tapestry of DWYCK. With its infectious, head-nodding beat, the song sets the stage for Guru's effortless flow and clever wordplay. As the track kicks off, Guru's distinct voice grabs your attention, drawing you into his sonic landscape. His smooth delivery and clever rhymes perfectly complement the jazzy, sample-driven production style that Gang Starr is renowned for.

It's not just Guru who shines on DWYCK; the collaboration with Nice & Smooth adds an extra layer of flavor to the track. As their vocals interweave with Guru's, the chemistry and camaraderie between the artists become evident. Smooth B and Greg Nice showcase their unique style, delivering memorable verses that blend seamlessly with Gang Starr's signature sound.

The lyrics of DWYCK mirror the golden era of hip-hop, focusing on showcasing lyrical prowess and paying homage to the music that inspired these talented artists. Lines like "Take a sip of the brew and let your lips touch the glass" transport you to a bygone era, evoking a sense of nostalgia and reminding you of the timeless appeal of classic hip-hop.

One of the strengths of DWYCK lies in its ability to captivate listeners with its simplicity and infectious groove. The track's burstiness, characterized by its distinctive drum samples and hypnotic bassline, creates an irresistible energy that compels you to move. DWYCK is a testament to Gang Starr's mastery in crafting beats that stand the test of time and continue to resonate with audiences decades later.

As you immerse yourself in the sounds of DWYCK, you can't help but be drawn to the track's perplexity. The layers of samples, skillfully blended together, create a sonic tapestry that reveals new intricacies with each listen. From the intricately chopped horns to the carefully curated vocal snippets, DWYCK is a sonic journey that keeps surprising you, even after multiple plays.

So, whether you're a devoted fan of Gang Starr or a newcomer seeking to explore the rich tapestry of classic hip-hop, DWYCK is a must-listen. Its timeless appeal, infectious groove, and clever wordplay make it a standout track in Gang Starr's discography and a testament to the artistic prowess of Premier, Guru, Smooth B, and Greg Nice.

• Release Date: March 8, 1992
• Artist: Gang Starr