De La Soul - The Future Lyrics

(The future) we are singing
You this message
Through our music
Reaching for a, brave and brighter, new tomorrow
Is the future
We must make it, safe and happy, for the children
Or, or, they will be lost
Or, or, they will be lost

Ayo I jump back, put the aim on my shot
It's mandatory, handle glory over with the rock
I'm not a rough guy but a tough guy to beat over drums
No son to this, I'm a rhyme bastard
Some mastered the art of cash, but not the part that lasts
And disappear after doin' two albums
We're not your normal team and we still do ours to fit
Hope inside this, don't define it's
Quits for those who oppose the new
Playin' they've outgrown rap, like a size 5 shoe
Oh they all neo now, alternative touch
Were surprised, no demise for us
We on the rise to bust big, how you fig' we couldn't
Never run out of verbs for you to sip, I told you we wouldn't
I never popped Crist' or popped fists, girl named Chrissie
Was the first, which made it even worse not to miss me

Or, or, they will be lost (the future)
Or, or, they will be lost (the future)

So do you understand it now? Well try standin' over
Seven box sets, reppin' sixteen years
This rap career ain't work, it's the life in-between
Bedtime 'til the next said time and date
Know the name and salute them dudes
Put the nutrient in rap when they cook them foods
Gotta be like eighteen million heads served
Shit, imagine if there wasn't no us huh?

So I'd like to take the time to shout out the JB's
Next on my list is A Tribe Called Quest
Latifah my Queen, Monie Love, Dres and Mr. Lawnge
Chi-Ali, on your head God bless
Never ring chasin', the permanent tat
In this rap shit, y'all are just temporary lick-ons
Fadin' in the days to come
While the name De La and the legacy built lives on

We are singing (sing it out now)
You this message (sendin' you a message y'all)
Through our music (through the music)
Reaching for a, brave and brighter, new tomorrow (another day y'all)
Is the future, is the future, the future
We must make it, safe and happy, for the children
You little brats