EPMD is an American hip hop group from Brentwood, New York. The group’s name is an acronym for “Erick and Parrish Making Dollars”, referencing its members, emcees Erick Sermon (“E” aka E Double) and Parrish J Smith (“PMD” aka Parrish Mic Doc). Strictly Business is their debut album, and it was released on August 30, 1988. “You Gots to Chill” is an adamant declaration of EPMDs total dominance. Erick and Parrish are so much better at music, ladykilling, and moneymaking than the next comer, it would be foolish to even think about competing. Confident sentiments for a group just putting out its debut album, but the song did reach #22 on the U.S. R&B charts, and Strictly Business went gold in a matter of months (taken verbatim from Wikipedia and Rap Genius).
But every now and then, a sucker MC gets courageous
and like an epidemic it becomes contagious.
But never the least, they all R.I.P.
For all those unaware, it means Rest In Peace.
Grammar: Have Got To
So if you’re thinking about battling, you better come prepared.
Come with your shield and your armor geared.
You gots to chill.
Use have got to for necessities or obligations. Use have got to for present and future obligations, and use had to for the past.
Subject + have got to + base verb
- Ive got to study for my test tonight. I cannot go out with you.
- Youve got to listen to this album tomorrow. It is incredible!
- He had to leave the meeting early. He did not want to miss his flight.
Negative sentences and questions do not use have got to. Instead, they use have to.
Subject + doesnt/dont/didnt + have to + base verb.
Does/Do/Did + subject + have to + base verb?
- I dont have to study tomorrow. Im free and available.
- You dont have to listen to the album now, but check it out over the weekend.
- He didnt have to leave the meeting early.
- Do you have to meet your friend at the airport?
Informal Grammar
There are at least two informal ways to say have got to.
GOT TO
- I got to study tonight, so I cant hang out with you. I have a very important test tomorrow morning.
- You got to listen to this song. Its amazing!
Many people pronounce this expression like gotta /ËÉ¡ÉËtÉ/.
GOTS TO
- I gots to pick up my friend at the airport.
- You gots to relax because you’re making me nervous!
Although most people consider gots to as very “bad” English, it is actually quite common in many communities, especially in low-income areas and neighborhoods in the United States.
Vocabulary
- get down (in. phrasal verb) – In this song, it means to have a good time, especially at a party. I’ve had such a long week, and I’m ready to get down at the bar later.
- new jack (noun) – a rookie; somebody who is inexperienced at doing something. These new jacks are so cocky!
- sweat somebody/something (verb) – to be worried about something. If you are worried and nervous, you might begin to sweat. I’ve been studying for the TOEFL for several months, so I’m not sweating it anymore.
- def (adjective) – in the 1980s and 1990s, this slang word meant cool, very good, excellent, dope, etc. Currently, this word is short for “definitely.” Can you come to the party tonight? It’s going to be def!
- rep (noun) – a slang word that is short for “reputation.” My rep is very important to me, and I will do anything to preserve it.
- diss (verb and noun) – to disrespect somebody; a disrespectful comment about somebody. The employees diss the boss all day long. Sometimes they post their disses on a private Facebook group page.
- bite (verb) – In the context of the song, it means to steal, especially lyrics. These biting MCs are not very creative or original!
Writing Task
Answer the questions below:
- What have you got to do today?
- What have you got to do this week?
- What have you got to do this month?
- What have you got to do this year?
- What have you go to do before you do?