from Rolling Stone

Recorded in the month before his 2001 trial, I, John seems to be one of those rare albums that make the most of personal crisis. Forte knew he was leaving a testament, and the result should convince any fair-minded listener that whatever his business endeavors, this was a man of spiritual resources and musical gifts.

Songs of bitterness about his dead father and his false friends, songs of acceptance about his existential confusion and his dreadful fate. Parting songs, reconciliation songs, songs of unbearable nostalgia. "I don't want to be famous. I want to be free and in love," he says. A good thing to figure out under any circumstances. (RS 894 - April 25, 2002)

 

What A Difference

featuring Dinah Washington

I did the money thing Pa!
Like back in the Score
Who caught feelings when they heard John don't rap no more?
I've evolved to better things
I want homes instead of rings
I want sons with siblings who don't know what nigger means
I earned mine and went through it trying to make mine
And now I look at the game and absolutely hate rhyming
"Man, what is you talking, what's them things you're glamorizing"
Fed time make you hard? Look, God
I've seen it first hand like it was destined from the first strand
I bounced back and then immersed, man!
You see the only thing I'll ever miss is kisses from Mom
I don't club no more
Ain't no twisting my arm
I smoke a cigarrette, drink beer and write a new song
So that my spirit's here even if I'm gone and she said

Lord what a difference a day makes
What a difference a day makes
Lord what a difference a day makes
What a difference a day makes

I got enticed with the paper bags of cash and coins
And when it all came down I surpassed the storm
Remember fam none of you, forget I'm one of you
Love is love til this tiny planet stops to spin
So when we all come home, we gon' do it again
The soils fertile time to plant it
Jump them hurdles dammit
So high in fact it's hard to decipher where you landed
Was a product of mix breed
Center court, front row, hoping that the Knicks lead
Then it's back to work
When it comes to friendship, trust factors first
No matter how many tours, I never lack the thirst
It was good back to worse, worse to good
I broke a mirror last year, I think the curse has stood
But I gotta thank ya'
We sing now and the streets still say
That's gansta, gansta, gansta, gansta
What a difference a day makes.

 

Harmonize

featuring Robyn Springer

Call it class on a school day, make sure not to miss this education
Hey, now!
Lover love, love don't play like it used to
Lover love, love don't stay like she used to
This was the we harmonized
This was the we harmonized
I don't know how it broke from that
I just know that won't come back
I'll more than disagree, if you say that you will miss me

This was the we harmonized
This was the we harmonized

It's time to start anew cause I'm no longer part of you
If it's clear to me, it's clear to you
It's what we have to do
Since we realize that neither of us is surprised
Think of me when you sing in key
The way we harmonized

I went to school on Monday
Made sure not to miss my education
Hey, now!
Lover love, love don't play like it used to
Lover love, love don't stay like she used to

This was the we harmonized
This was the we harmonized

I'm not sure when I strayed from him
Maybe he had too much fun then
And if it all wasn't meant to be
You don't need to remember me

This was the we harmonized
This was the we harmonized

It's time to start anew cause I'm no longer part of you
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
This was the we harmonized
This was the we harmonized
It's time to start anew 'cause I'm no longer part of you
If she ain't domestic I import it and she flies home to get it
The finest stock, "Ak" and buys her own ticket
Never long talk, just a snippet
I do such
That's the problem with y'all rappers. Y'all talk too much
I'm Kingfish and all their powers have been relinquished
I laugh at them 'cause of half of them don't speak English
Whether New York or the Marina, Black or Latina
She gains wifey status when I bring her through Medina
Playing "ring-around-the-rosey", she wants ring around the wedding finger
That's dead, lord. You sing the song, I play chords
We had a thang, Ma! Plus, I loved the way we sang, Ma!
Now we got to go and change, ah!

That was the we harmonized
That was the we harmonized

 

What You're Used To

7AM started the day in contemplation
The morning rush allowed for me to pass the station
She was in her own world
I was a simple man, talking to a simple girl
With stars in her eyes. Advancing through and through
I assumed I wasn't the man she was used to

What she was used to
What she was used to
What she was used to
What she was used to

Can I offer my services for coffee
Although I knew she knew me hardly
I guess my T-shirt didn't speak loud enough
I guess my jeans were a little too rough

Than she was used to
What she was used to

I appreciate the finer things too
But what can you expect for me to bring to you?
I've simplified my existence
While you may dream for something different

Than what you're used to
What you're used to

Can I offer my services for coffee
If pretenses are all I've got
Then I'm what you're not
If pretenses are all you see
Then you don't belong with me
I'm not used to that, not where my head is at
I've given up on that lady
If it helps at all, then maybe

Could you get used to that?
Could you get used to that?
Could you get used to that?
Could you get used to that?

I'll take you for a cup of coffee
Since you know me more than hardly
I guess my T-shirts speak loud enough
I guess my jeans aren't really too rough

Could you get used to that?
Could you get used to that?
Could you get used to that?
Could you get used to that?

 

Trouble Again

featuring Tricky

Got your plane tickets?
I travel the world. Teach boys and school those girls
I do songs with only fam, y'all can pass referrals
The life I live in will have will have everybody with ears
Sing along to "What A Difference A Day Makes"

I, John remember Vegas putting 5 on
Down to a few noticed that my guys gone
Either locked away or boxed away
Put the past on hold long as we got today

"Took a little trip to Scandinavia"
Took a little trip to East India
Took a little trip to West Africa
Took a little trip to Jamaica

Trouble again
There was trouble again
Trouble again
There was trouble again

Most music makes me sickly, situation sticky
Call cross the water to touch my man, Tricky
Drink up! Smoke a stoag and we all link up
Heard the words in the paper, now what will they think up?
They had me locked, timing
I came home and started singing 'cause I stopped rhyming
I'm disgusted with rap!
A new album, new crew, new friends, that's that
I pass the baton, my arms reach longer than that

Took a little trip to Long Island Sound
Took a little trip to England Town
Took a little trip to the pitcher's mound
Took a little trip to Spanish Town

Trouble again
Tricky!
Who likes it chunky? Who was a little monkey?
Who sniffs coke? Who's half broke?
Who lied? Who am I?
Who wants a sinner coming 'round for dinner?
Use effects. Who used to pay for sex?
Need your bong. Who will stay calm?
Help it spill. Who'd you kill?
Who'd you kill?

Took a little trip to a ghetto land
Took a little trip to Ireland
Took a little trip to New Zealand
Took a little trip to Maryland

Trouble again
Lean on it
Lean on it
Lean on it
Lean on it
Took a little trip where me naw fit it in
So I took a little back to Brooklyn
The place on
Earth me break bread with men
Everybody dash when police come in!
Trouble again

Took a little trip to Israel
Took a little trip to Bristol
Took a little trip to Palestine
Took a little trip to Vietnam

Trouble again
Who won the chicken?
It's f***** finger lickin'?
I be the baller, wishin I was taller
Yeah, you making me regret
Yeah, you just won't
Trouble again
Took a little trip (repeat and fade)

 

All The Pretty People

Nothing mattered but the posters and the magazines
We gossiped of what took place behind the scenes
Your photographs left us in awe
If only I could stand next to a star
We pretended we were you for fun
Back then we envied everyone
Just a taste of. Just a taste of
What it would be like to be in your shoes

It's easy to see who made us not so equal
The TVs told us who were the pretty people
Who am I? What am I?
And where do we classify in your stories?

We live through all of you
The movies and your music too
You gave us a voice when we had none
Don't take for granted those seeds you've planted
Your beauty's surely welcomed here today

It's easy to see who made us not so equal
The TVs told who were the pretty people
Who am I? What am I?
And where do we classify in your stories?

In a needy galaxy, to escape reality
You made the world go around
People to dream of, to redeem love
We made you beautiful to make the tough times suitable

It's easy to see who made us not so equal
The TVs told us who were the pretty people
Who am I? What am I?
And where do we classify in your stories?

Will the pretty people include us too?
All the pretty people
It's easy to see who made us not so equal
The TVs told us who were the pretty people
Who am I? What am I?
And where do we classify in your stories?

 

Take Time, Slow Down

Slow down!
Can't rush this
Slow down!
Can't rush it

I got a song to make so when the morning breaks
I create a little ditty sitting by the lake
Put her name in a song and took her on a date
Had to wait two months, thats how long it takes

So we flew to Jamaica to vibe with the Natty
Went up in the cliffs and vibed to Bob Marley
Soothe that hottie to move that hottie
Groove that body to move somebody

C'mon Take time, slow down, hold on
We've only known each other so long
Take time slow down hold on
We've only known each other so long

Took her to the beach and gave a short speech
You're running with me no need to play keeps
Woke up that morning to watch you stay asleep
It is what it is, don't make it too deep
It is what it is, it's only 8 weeks
Don't think too much of what it might be
Be sure you wanna deal with a man like me
When you're not sure of what I might be

Take time, slow down, hold on
We've only known each other so long
Take time slow down hold on
We've only known each other so long

Sung a tune in her ear to let the song ring
She smiled when she heard the fact that John sings
Met her that night under the awning
Show respect to the club but never a long thing
It was real obvious what she was wanting
Gave her jewlery but not the wrong ring
It's too soon to go with I know you want me to commit

Take time, slow down, hold on
We've only known each other so long
Take time slow down hold on
We've only known each other so long

 

Beware

featuring Jeni Fujita and Luca

Feel the breeze in the morning, summer wind goes passing
Dinner bell make I man hungry
Go pick melon
Tell Lady friend, John is on the way
Sun looks bright now, beware of heat stroke
Check the farm and see if them crops grow
Call the Lady across the water
England rain fell once again

Beware!
Informer walk amongst us
Take care!
Them chat 'bout most of us
Beware!
Informer walk amongst us
Take care!
Them chat 'bout all of us

Gun shot fire in the club tonight
Make sure Mommy stays awake
Party always every day
Spending what we live by, hey

Beware!
Informer walk amongst us
Take care!
Them chat 'bout most of us
Beware!
Informer walk amongst us
Take care!
Them chat 'bout all of us

I got sons to make, daughters to make
What! It's my mistake?
Me and shorty, we don't speak too tough
'Cause them people on that like to peek through stuff
I got a fam in a town where you don't get down there you obsolete I rocks the beat, over two step
Watch your walk and what you rep Man, these walls got ears
Forget 10 years, I'm off to trial
Suited up and smiled
And if i'm gone, let the songs that I write walk the miles

Beware!
Informer walk amongst us
Take care!
Them chat 'bout most of us
Beware!
Informer walk amongst us
Take care!
Them chat 'bout all of us

Gun shot fire
City Burn love don't travel like it used to
Bad man turn soft under pressure
We spring clean all snakes today

Beware!
Informer walk amongst us
Take care!
Them chat 'bout most of us
Beware!
Informer walk amongst us
Take care!
Them chat 'bout all of us (ad lib fade out)

 

Been There, Done That

featuring Carly Simon

Woo hah!
Gotta story? Tell me about it!
Ooh Momma Baby, that lady's bound to leave me
The clouds are darkening and the boat dont feel so easy
The water's choppy and its getting kind a breezy
Theres a storm thats brewing and I dont think that she needs me

Honey, I been there done that
Let me show you where the sun's at
If nothing else is true
Those close to you will always come back (repeat)

I had a bunch of friends who used to love to party
When them dark days hit, I suddenly lost everybody
No more phone calls
No more emails
No more plane rides accompanied by fancy females

Honey, I been there done that
Let me show you where the sun's at
If nothing else is true
Those close to you will always come back (repeat)

Introducing Mamma C!
While you're making gold
And staying oh so busy
I'm laying low and playing with your shadow
But do not underestimate me
Ppeople have before and ended up looking so silly!

Honey, I been there done that
Let me show you where the sun's at
If nothing else is true
Those close to you will always come back (repeat fade out)

 

How Could I?

featuring Esthero

I often pondered at night as to how well she knew me
I turned to ask her that and she looked right through me
"The nerve of you to ask me that"
Was all she softly breathed
I kissed her hands and held them tight as we fell back to sleep

How. How could I
In all reality imagine a life without you?
How. How could I
Ever put to simple words what you amount to?

I read my horoscope just for fun
And apparently I'm having doubts about us
I laughed it off and put the water on for the tea
And I knew when you arose that morn this was where I ought to be

How. How could I
In all reality imagine a world without you?
How. How could I
Ever put to simple words what you amount to?

I've watched the grayest skies suddenly turn blue
Like you and me, I've wondered if I deserved you
My faults may be easily seen by me
How could someone so lovely, love unconditionally?

How. How could I
In all reality imagine life without you?
How. How could I
Ever put to simple words what you amount to?

Let's put the world aside, there's nothing left to say
Together we grow stronger, even more than yesterday
I'll take you next to me above anything at all
It all will make sense if we listen to our hearts

How. How could I
In all reality imagine a world without you?
How. How could I
Ever put to simple words what you amount to?

Let's pretend that we're not
Afraid to strengthen what we've got
Will you consider the possibilities
Of spending the rest of your life with me?
I do. I do. I do. I do.

How. How could I
In all reality imagine a life without you?
How. How could I
Ever put to simple words what you amount to? (repeat fade out)

 

Out Of Bed

Rise and shine
Start the day right

Got out of bed this morning because of you
I got out of bed this morning because of you
Yes, I am so taken away with you
Last night you were so far away
Did you hear me calling?
Could you hear me calling you?

(I am)
Got out of bed this morning just because of you
I dreamt of a far away place not too long ago
There were children laughing in the sun and holding palms
As you quietly stood next to me, arm in arm

Got out of bed this morning because of you
I got out of bed this morning just because of you

 

Hungry

featuring Ben Taylor

What the hell make that green grass grow?
I spilled milk, I got to clean that flo'
Monopoly tryin' to lean pass "Go"
Tell my Homies that I seen that Bro
A traitor ain't what he seemed as so
Noddin' yes, when he really means, "No"
This lifestyle ain't what the magazines show
We did it dirty, now we keep it clean though

Careful what you say, no more words for wasting
Identities mistaken. Want to see your freedom taken
Just to set the record straight, your defense has clearly proved your case
Although a deal might look good now, considered what you're facing

My auntie Pam down in New Orleans
She told me. Told me money never grew on trees
They printed a few "2s" but passed on the "3s"
So when the plaque hits the planet with mass disease
I ask, 'who's on top and who's last to leave?"
Used to be only concerned with what Master need
Now we all teach babies that they have to read
"Mamma Life" only feed who she has to feed
(c'mon)

Careful what you say, no more words for wasting
Identities mistaken. Want to see your freedom taken
Just to set the record straight, your defense has clearly proved your case
Although a deal might look good now, considered what you're facing

I'm feelin' hungry
Took everything from me
Looked up at the stars and ask them what the Suns say
They whispered softly, "It really doesn't matter to you"

Do believe, Star those pretty trees are expendable, Pa
Just like you are and what your needs are
It's 10 o'clock! Uh.
Do you know where your little seeds are?
Welcome to the most pretentious show ever
And the nominees are
Those little things that matter to you
Those little things that matter to you

I'm feelin' hungry
Took everything from me
Looked up at the stars and ask them what the Suns say
They whispered softly, "It really doesn't matter to you"

Careful what you say, no more words for wasting
Identities mistaken. Want to see your freedom taken
Just to set the record straight, your defense has clearly proved your case
Although a deal might look good now, considered what you're facing.

I'm feelin' hungry..I'm feelin' hungry..I'm feelin' hungry (fade out)

 

Dearest Father

Oh, Dad. Pa Pa
Oh, Dad. Pa Pa
Back in 75, Daddy left 6 months back in 75
Daddy left 6 months back in 75
Daddy left 6 months back in 75
Daddy left 6 months back in 75
Haven't seen his ass once since 75
Drove off in a Caddy doin' 75
Crashed into a tree movin' 75
I'm not really sure if he ever survived
Or if God let him slide and let heaven abide
If He saw it in His eyes he was better alive
Either way, regarding us he would never provide

Oh Dearest father, a quick note for today
Just so you know, me and mom are okay
Your son's a man now with plenty of things to do
Please don't take it the wrong way
But no thanks to you

From what I hear he was fond of chess
And like people, he played with pawns the best
How ironic, I'm a fan as well
But don't read into what the song suggests
I keep a picture of you and Mom
On your way wedding day with your blue tux on
That one that looked like you spent two bucks on
You left for cigarettes, but took too long

Oh Dearest father, a quick note for today
Just so you know, me and mom are okay
Your son's a man now with plenty of things to do
Please don't take it the wrong way
But no thanks to you

How can we not show love regardless?
Although more than half of my friends are fatherless
The most upsetting thing easily
Was having to have my uncle play catch with me

So Dearest Daddy, wherever you may be
Know that my dearest Mommy
Took exceptional care of me
And was as intergral part of who I'd be

Oh Dearest father, a quick note for today
Just so you know, me and mom are okay
Your son's a man now with plenty of things to do
Please don't take it the wrong way
But no thanks to you

 

Lady

I said, "Lady let's move outta here"
I said, "Lady we gotta move out of here"

My cigarette smoke has long since dissolved
Nothing to hide behind, no one to give applause
Now I'm humbled once again
I'm humbled once again
Although this time may seem like the worst
At least we can say "We did it first '

I said, "Lady let's move outta here"
I said, "Lady we gotta move out of here"

I can't fuss over what your Daddy say
Whose life is it anyway?
Can't let your friends get you down, girl
It's me and you against the world

I said, "Lady let's move outta here"
I said, "Lady we gotta move out of here"