Lecrae - Whatchu Mean Lyrics
Lyrics
Intro
Go Grizz'
Winners Circle
Chorus 1: Lecrae
Whatchu mean? Now, whatchu mean? (whatchu mean?)
I could never slack up, back up on my dream
All these rings got me feelin' like Hakeem
Bustin' moves, had to hit 'em with the screens
Jump away (move away), that's extreme (oh)
See us mobbin', 116 (oh)
Ain't no way I'll ever let you in between
'Cause whatchu sayin' whatchu mean ain't whatchu mean
Verse 1: Lecrae
I was always Pippen with the flow
I support the greatest, give and go
Tried to hit me with the bad vibes, let 'em know
Shake that dust up off my feet before they hit the floor
Focus on the ones I love, yeah, them my folks
People love to talk the talk, but they don't really know
Catch me outside on the field, that's the goal
Goin' for conversion, extra points on the low
All I know is come up winter to the summer
Work on top of work, you know we did a ton of
Movin' lowkey like we diggin' tunnels
Haters, I don't see you, on my Stevie Wonder
Guess it's safe to say I stay in my lane
Always on time, never hesitate
Watch the execution, I'ma demonstrate
Tryna hit me with your regulations
Chorus 2: Aha Gazelle
Whatchu mean? Whatcu mean? (Whatchu mean?)
I could never slack up, back up on my dream (on your dream?)
On my Fresh Prince, got me feelin' like Akeem (like Akeem?)
Or maybe Will Smith, all black like M.I.B. (M.I.B.?)
You can hear me (you can hear me?) down the street (down the street?)
It ain't real if I don't feel it in my spleen (in your spleen?)
Ain't no way I'll ever let you in between (below)
'Cause whatchu sayin' whatchu—
Cool (go ahead)
Uh, here we go
Verse 2: Aha Gazelle
She wanna know how to pronounce my name, I'm like, "It's Aha"
I'm picture perfect, I don't need no Canon like Mariah
I'm makin' movies, I direct like I control the choir
I got it groovy, then they kick me out the church like "hiya"
A rub-a-dub, you ain't the cleanest in the club, I'm flier
Yo' baby momma told me that you not a good supplier
So I'm a father figure to Malik and Anania
I'm not the daddy, oh no, no the Devil is a liar
It's goin' down, but I can guarantee you, baby, we up
At first they couldn't see, now everybody wanna be us
I said I'm not the one, don't make me have to play Vegeta
I got a stripper friend who told me she believe in Jesus
Hold on Aha
I ain't come here to prove nothin'
I been woke before it was cool and before y'all hit the snooze button
The flow's hot, but I'm ice-cold like I'm on the remake of Cool Runnings
The same things that y'all dream about are the same things that I do in public, no discussion
Chorus 1: Lecrae
Whatchu mean? Now, whatchu mean? (Whatchu mean?)
I could never slack up, back up on my dream
All these rings got me feelin' like Hakeem
Bustin' moves, had to hit 'em with the screens
Jump away (move away), that's extreme (oh)
See us mobbin', 116 (oh)
Ain't no way I'll ever let you in between
'Cause whatchu sayin' whatchu mean ain't whatchu mean
Verse 3: Lecrae
2011, put the hammer on 'em
Church Clothes had Don Cannon on me, had No Malice on it
If they say I'm in Illuminati, keep an eye on 'em
Years later, doin' shows now
You can catch me on the road now
Took a couple Grammys home now
No one ever put me on now
I ain't braggin', I ain't flexin' in my song
I'm just tryna talk that real and tryna put my people on
Wanna see me fall, wanna see me gone, know they wrong
Whatchu think I'm on? Whatchu mean? Whatchu really want? (Huh?)
We been out here workin' summer after summer (we workin')
Session after session, boy, we did a ton of (did a ton of)
Movin' lowkey like we diggin' tunnels (diggin' tunnels)
And haters, I don't see you, on my Stevie Wonder (I don't see you, man)
Got your own race, you stay in yo' lane (woo!)
You don't execute, you just hesitate (yeah!)
Watchin' how I play, you gon' miss yo' game (miss yo' game)
You too busy tryna regulate (yeah, yeah, woo!)
Chorus 1: Lecrae
Whatchu mean? Now, whatchu mean? (Whatchu mean?)
I could never slack up, back up on my dream
All these rings got me feelin' like Hakeem
Bustin' moves, had to hit 'em with the screens
Jump away (move away), that's extreme (oh)
See us mobbin', 116 (oh)
Ain't no way I'll ever let you in between
'Cause whatchu sayin' whatchu mean ain't whatchu mean
Video
Lecrae - Whatchu Mean (Audio) ft. Aha Gazelle
Meaning & Inspiration
"Whatchu Mean," a standout track from Lecrae's 2017 album *All Things Work Together*, serves as a powerful declaration of unwavering commitment to a divine calling amidst external doubts and pressures. The song’s central thesis revolves around the recurring question, "Whatchu mean?" a rhetorical challenge to those who question Lecrae's dedication to his faith-driven artistic path. This isn't just about personal ambition; it's a deep-seated conviction rooted in a spiritual foundation, a principle echoed throughout Scripture. The lyrics immediately establish a confident posture, likening his pursuit to Hakeem Olajuwon's masterful basketball plays, symbolizing skill, persistence, and strategic movement towards a goal. This imagery connects to biblical narratives of diligent labor and strategic wisdom, such as Proverbs 21:5, which states, "The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty." Lecrae emphasizes a steadfast refusal to be deterred or sidetracked, asserting that what others perceive or communicate as their meaning is ultimately inconsequential to his unwavering purpose. He paints a picture of relentless effort, comparing his clandestine progress to digging tunnels, a subtle nod to the unseen, foundational work that precedes visible success, mirroring the growth described in 2 Corinthians 4:16: "So we do not lose heart, though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day."
The inclusion of Aha Gazelle on the track provides a complementary perspective, broadening the song's scope while maintaining its core message. Gazelle's verses further elaborate on the experience of being an artist navigating the industry with a distinct identity, referencing figures like Akeem and Will Smith to illustrate a multifaceted approach to life and career, much like the Apostle Paul who adapted his approach to various audiences to spread the Gospel (1 Corinthians 9:22). His lyrics convey a sense of being misunderstood yet divinely guided, asserting his authenticity and resilience against opposition. The reference to being "kicked out of the church" and his role as a "father figure" touches on themes of community, belonging, and responsibility, often explored in parables and teachings on discipleship and service. The declaration of being "woke before it was cool" speaks to an enduring awareness and commitment to truth, predating trends, reminiscent of prophets who spoke inconvenient truths in their eras. His comparison to the characters in *Cool Runnings* highlights overcoming adversity with a unique spirit, a sentiment that aligns with the Christian journey of facing challenges with faith and determination.
Lecrae revisits his own journey in the latter part of the song, reflecting on his past endeavors, like the *Church Clothes* mixtape, and the criticisms he faced. He directly addresses those who doubted his authenticity or his association with the faith, dismissing accusations of hidden agendas and highlighting his consistent dedication and the tangible results of his labor. His assertion that he's not bragging but sharing a real testimony resonates with the biblical call to bear witness and to encourage others, as seen in Hebrews 12:1, which urges believers to "run with endurance the race that is set before us." He underscores the importance of staying in one's own lane, focusing on personal execution rather than getting caught up in the judgments or delays of others, a principle of focused effort that underpins many biblical instructions for effective living and service. The repeated emphasis on "work" and "sessions" underscores a commitment to diligence and continuous improvement, reflecting the diligence commended in Colossians 3:23: "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men." "Whatchu Mean" ultimately stands as an anthem of spiritual fortitude, a testament to the power of unwavering faith in the face of skepticism, and a reminder that true purpose, when divinely ordained, can never be truly deterred.