The Meaning Behind The Song: Ready or Not by Fugees

The Fugees released “Ready or Not” in 1996 as the second single from their album “The Score.” The song, which samples The Delfonics’ “Ready or Not Here I Come (Can’t Hide from Love),” was a commercial and critical success, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

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The lyrics of “Ready or Not” tell a story of struggle and survival, with references to the group’s Haitian heritage, violence, and the challenges faced by young people in urban environments. The song also speaks to the group’s determination to succeed and their belief in the power of music to bring people together.

Verse 1

The first verse of “Ready or Not” sets the stage for the song’s themes of survival and perseverance. The lyrics speak to the violence and poverty that are prevalent in many urban environments, and the difficulties faced by young people growing up in these environments.

“Lauryn Hill:

Ready or not, here I come, you can’t hide
Gonna find you and take it slowly
Ready or not, here I come, you can’t hide
Gonna find you and make you want me”

The “you” in these lyrics could refer to anyone facing these challenges, but Hill’s delivery suggests that the message is directed at a young woman. The next lines continue this theme:

“Wyclef Jean:

Now that I escape, sleepwalker awake
Those who could relate know the world ain’t cake
Jail bars ain’t golden gates
Those who fake, they break
When they meet their 400-pound mate”

Jean’s lyrics convey the idea that survival in this environment is difficult, but not impossible. “Escape” implies that he has overcome some obstacle, but the rest of the verse suggests that he is still surrounded by danger.

Chorus

The chorus of “Ready or Not” draws on the sample from The Delfonics’ song, with Hill singing:

“Ready or not, here I come, you can’t hide
Gonna find you and make you love me”

These lyrics reflect a desire to be seen and heard, and a belief in the power of music to bring people together. Hill’s delivery is confident and assertive, signaling that she is ready to take on any challenge that comes her way.

Verse 2

The second verse of “Ready or Not” continues the theme of survival and perseverance, but this time with a focus on the group’s Haitian heritage.

“Lauryn Hill:

I play my enemies like a game of chess
Where I rest, no stress
If you don’t smoke sess, lest
I must confess, my destiny’s manifest”

Hill’s lyrics suggest that she is using her intelligence and strategic thinking to overcome any obstacles that come her way. The reference to “smoke sess” is a nod to the drug use that is often associated with urban environments, but Hill’s choice not to partake suggests that she is taking a different path.

“Wyclef Jean:

There’s no need to stress, the microphone snatcher
Wu-Tang slasher, style evolvin’
Bulletproof glass, Wu-Tang Clan’ll keep it stash
Unbreakable, shatterproof glass”

Jean’s lyrics continue the theme of survival, but also introduce a new element: the group’s belief in the power of music to protect and uplift them. The references to the Wu-Tang Clan and “bulletproof glass” suggest that the Fugees see themselves as part of a larger community of artists who are taking on these challenges together.

Chorus

The chorus of “Ready or Not” is repeated again, with Hill singing:

“Ready or not, here I come, you can’t hide
Gonna find you and make you love me”

This time, however, the lyrics are followed by a spoken-word interlude from a member of the group. This interlude adds another layer of meaning to the song, suggesting that the struggle for survival is not just a personal one, but also a political one.

Frequently Asked Questions

What inspired the lyrics of “Ready or Not”?

The lyrics of “Ready or Not” were inspired by the group’s experiences growing up in urban environments, as well as their Haitian heritage. The song speaks to the challenges faced by young people in these environments, including violence, poverty, and limited opportunities.

Why did the Fugees choose to sample The Delfonics’ song “Ready or Not Here I Come (Can’t Hide from Love)”?

The Fugees chose to sample The Delfonics’ song because they were fans of the group and saw a connection between the themes of the two songs. The sample lends a nostalgic element to “Ready or Not” and also helps to emphasize the group’s belief in the power of music to bring people together.

What impact did “Ready or Not” have on the Fugees’ career?

“Ready or Not” was a commercial and critical success, helping to launch the Fugees into mainstream popularity. The song reached the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and helped to solidify the group’s reputation as one of the most innovative and socially conscious acts in hip hop.

What other songs from “The Score” are worth listening to?

In addition to “Ready or Not,” “The Score” includes several other standout tracks, including “Killing Me Softly With His Song,” “Fu-Gee-La,” and “No Woman, No Cry.” The album as a whole is regarded as a classic in the hip hop genre and is well worth a listen.

What role did each member of the Fugees play in the creation of “Ready or Not”?

Lauryn Hill provided the lead vocals for the song and is credited with writing the lyrics. Wyclef Jean produced the track and contributed some of the lyrics as well. Pras Michel, the third member of the group, also provided some vocals on the song.

What is the political message behind the spoken-word interlude in “Ready or Not”?

The spoken-word interlude in “Ready or Not” is a critique of the media and its portrayal of black people. The speaker notes that mainstream media often portrays black people as criminals or victims, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and contributing to racism and inequality.

Did the Fugees collaborate with any other artists on “The Score”?

In addition to their use of samples, the Fugees also collaborated with several other artists on “The Score.” Notable guests on the album include John Forté, Omega, and Diamond D.

What other albums from the Fugees are worth checking out?

In addition to “The Score,” the Fugees released two other albums: “Blunted on Reality” and “The Carnival.” “The Carnival” in particular is regarded as a classic, featuring innovative production and socially conscious lyrics that are similar in tone to “The Score.”

What impact did the Fugees have on the hip hop genre?

The Fugees are regarded as pioneers in the hip hop genre, both for their innovative use of sampling and their socially conscious lyrics. The group helped to elevate hip hop as an art form and paved the way for other artists who sought to use music as a means of social commentary.

What happened to the Fugees after “The Score”?

After the release of “The Score,” the Fugees experienced some tension and disagreements over the direction of the group. Lauryn Hill went on to release a critically acclaimed solo album, “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill,” while Wyclef Jean and Pras Michel continued to work on their own projects.

Did the Fugees ever reunite after their initial breakup?

The Fugees did reunite briefly in the early 2000s, performing a few live shows and releasing a new single, “Take It Easy.” However, the reunion was short-lived and the group has not performed together since.

What legacy has “Ready or Not” left behind?

“Ready or Not” is regarded as a classic in the hip hop canon, representing a high point in the Fugees’ career and in the genre as a whole. The song’s socially conscious lyrics, creative use of sampling, and powerful vocal performances continue to inspire new generations of hip hop artists.

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