Gang Starr was an influential hip-hop duo that consisted of MC Guru and DJ Premier. Although they are not as popular has mainstream artists, they are regarded as one of the best groups by underground and alternative hip-hop fans. DJ Premier is still a successful DJ/Producer, but Guru passed away on April 19, 2010. In “Moment of Truth” Guru explains that everybody has problems and all good and bad people suffer in the world. Despite this unfairness, the hardships in life can make us stronger.
No matter what we face
We must face the moment of truth baby
Pronunciation: Reductions
In English, it is common to pronounce two words as one word. It is possible to contract or reduce two words into one.
In this lesson, we will learn more about gotta, wanna, I’mma, gonna and ’cause.
They say it’s lonely at the top in whatever you do
You always gotta watch motherfuckers around you
Nobody’s invincible. No plan is foolproof
We all must meet our moment of truthSometimes you gotta dig deep, when problems come near
Don’t fear things get severe for everybody everywhereBut I can’t jeopardize, what I have done up to this point
So I’mma get more guys, to help me run the whole joint
Cultivate, multiply, motivate, or else we’ll die
You know I be the master of the who, what, where and why
See when you’re shining, some chumps’ll wanna dull you
Always selfish jealous punks will wanna pull you
Down, just like some shellfish in a bucket
‘Cause they love it, to see your ass squirm like a worm
But just as you’ll receive what is coming to you
Everybody else is gonna get theirs too
I ain’t no saint, therefore I cannot dispute
That everyone must meet their moment of truthI’m ready to lose my mind but instead I use my mind
I put down the knife, and take the bullets out my nine
My only crime, was that I’m too damn kind
And now some scandalous motherfuckers wanna take what’s mine
Meaning
- gotta /gÉtÉ/ – got to, have to. Use it for requirements, suggestions or obligations. You gotta listen to Guru. He’s off the hook!
- wanna /wÉnÉ/ – want to. What do you wanna listen to? Do you wanna listen to 2Pac or Biggie?
- I’mma /ÉimÉ/ – I am going to. Use it for future plans. I’mma study English with hip-hop today.
- gonna /gÉnÉ/ – going to. Just like I’mma, use it for future plans. When are you gonna visit the Hip-Hop Museum?
- ’cause /kÉz/ – short for because.
Discussion Questions
Do you agree with Guru – does everyone have problems? When you have a problem, how do you deal with it? Is it difficult being successful? Do you think successful people make others angry or jealous? Please write your comments below!