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Time's Up ā€” O.C. Lyrics


Soundtrack: Rob Peace

Time's Up Song Lyrics


[Intro]
Ayo, Storm, time's up
Time's up

[Verse 1]
You lack the minerals and vitamins, irons and the niacin
f**k who did I offend, rappers, sit back, Iā€™m 'bout to begin
Bout foul talk you squawk, never even walked the walk
More less destined to get tested, never been arrested
My album will manifest many things that I saw, did, or heard about
All told firsthand, never word of mouth
Whatā€™s in the future for the fusion in the changer?
Rappers are in danger, who will use wits to be a remainder?
When the missile is aimed to blow you out of the frame
Some will keep their limbs and some will be maimed
The same suckers with the gab about killer instincts
Will turn b**ch and knowin' damn well they lack in this division
The connoisseur crackin' your head with a four-by-four
Realize, sucker, Iā€™ll be the comin' like Noah
Always simmer you down, perpetratin' faƧade and what you consider an image
To me, this is just a scrimmage
Iā€™m feel Iā€™m stone, not ā€˜cause I bop or wear my cap cocked
The more emotion I put into it, the harder I rock
Those who pose lyrical but really ainā€™t true, I feel
(Their timeā€™s limited, hard rocksā€™ too)
[Scratching]
ā€œTheir timeā€™s limited, hard rocksā€™ tooā€

[Verse 2]
Speakin' in tongues about what you did but you never done it
Admit it, you bit it ā€˜cause the next man gained platinum behind it
I find it ironic, so I researched and an*lyzed
Most write about stuff they fantasize
Iā€™m fed up with the bull on this focus of weed and clips
And Glock's gettin' cocked, and wax not bein' flipped
Itā€™s the same old same old, just strainin' from the an*l
The content is not complexed or vexed
So why you pushin' it? Why you lyin' for? I know where you live
I know your folks, you was a sucker as a kid
Your personaā€™s drama that you acquired in high school in acting class
Your whole aura is Plexiglass
Whatā€™s-her-face told me you shot this kid last week in the park
Thatā€™s a lie, you was in church wit' your moms
See, I know, yo, slow your roll, give a ā€œgood to goā€
Guys be lackin' in this thing called ā€œrappin' just for doughā€
Of course, we got to pay rent, so money connects, but uh
Iā€™d rather be broke and have a whole lot of respect
Itā€™s the principle of it, I get a rush when I bust some dope lines I wrote
That maybe somebodyā€™ll quote
Thatā€™s what I consider real in this field of music
Instead of puttin' brain cells to work, they abuse it
Non-conceptual, non-exceptional
Everybodyā€™s either crime-related or sexual
Iā€™m here to make a difference, besides all the riffin'
To traps Iā€™m not stickin', rappers, stop flippin'
For those who pose lyrical but really ainā€™t true, I feel
(Their timeā€™s limited, hardrocksā€™ too)
[Scratching]
ā€œTheir timeā€™s limited, hardrocksā€™ tooā€


Track Listing


November, 24th 2024

Song Details and Overview




  • Featuring Artist: O.C.

  • Producer: Buckwild

  • Writer(s): Buckwild, O.C.

  • Release Date: October 18, 1994

  • Album: Word...Life (Deluxe Edition)

  • Musical Genre: Rap, Conscious Hip-Hop

  • Language: English

  • Mood: Critical, Introspective, Direct



Exploring the Meaning of Timeā€™s Up



Timeā€™s Up is a scathing critique of inauthenticity in hip-hop and beyond. O.C. calls out rappers who glorify fabricated lifestyles, particularly those boasting about criminality or wealth they never experienced. The track emphasizes integrity in artistry, condemning superficiality and promoting authenticity.

Central Themes



  • Authenticity in Hip-Hop: O.C. denounces artists who fabricate their personas, stressing the importance of staying true to oneā€™s experiences.

  • Criticism of Materialism: The song critiques the focus on money and material gain in the music industry.

  • Integrity as a Creative Principle: O.C. values respect and creativity over commercial success, advocating for meaningful art.



Song Composition and Performance


The song features a timeless beat with a drum loop sampled from Les DeMerleā€™s ā€œA Day in the Lifeā€ and vocal elements from Slick Rickā€™s ā€œHey Young World.ā€ O.C.ā€™s delivery is sharp and deliberate, allowing the weight of his words to resonate. The sparse but hard-hitting production enhances the lyrical focus, creating a track that feels both critical and reflective.

Meaning and Annotations



  • Verse 1: O.C. begins by exposing the lack of substance in other rappers, contrasting their "image" with his lived experiences. He asserts his authority as a genuine voice in hip-hop.

  • Verse 2: The second verse deepens the critique, accusing artists of promoting unrealistic fantasies and prioritizing money over artistic integrity. O.C. underscores his commitment to creating meaningful work.

  • Scratched Hook: The repeated line, "Their timeā€™s limited, hard rocksā€™ too," emphasizes the fleeting relevance of inauthentic artists.



Similar Songs



Timeā€™s Up stands alongside other hip-hop tracks that call for accountability and authenticity in the genre. Comparable songs include:


  • The Blast by Talib Kweli ā€“ A celebration of lyrical prowess and artistic honesty.

  • What They Do by The Roots ā€“ Critiques materialism and conformity in hip-hop.

  • New York State of Mind by Nas ā€“ Offers an unfiltered portrayal of life in the city, grounded in reality.

  • Moment of Truth by Gang Starr ā€“ Reflects on self-awareness and staying true to oneā€™s values.

  • I Used to Love H.E.R. by Common ā€“ An allegorical critique of hip-hopā€™s commercialization.



Chart Performance and Legacy



Though not a massive commercial hit, Timeā€™s Up solidified O.C.ā€™s reputation as one of the sharpest lyricists in the golden age of hip-hop. The track has been widely sampled and referenced in subsequent years, becoming a hallmark of conscious rap. It remains a favorite among hip-hop purists and a testament to the value of authenticity in music.

Quotes




"Admit it, you bit it, 'cause the next man gained platinum behind it."

O.C. critiques the lack of originality in the rap game.


"Iā€™d rather be broke and have a whole lot of respect."

A bold declaration of prioritizing integrity over material success.

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