Burn, Hollywood, burn, I smell a riot goin’ on,
First they’re guilty, now they’re gone!
Chuck D., “Burn, Hollywood, Burn,” from Public Enemy’s Fear of a Black Planet, 1990
Tag: new york
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Nowadays, the game is all bugged out,
Phony, like back when Hammer tried to come thugged out.MF Doom, “Foolish,“ from MF Grimm’s Downfall of Ibliys: A Ghetto Opera, 2002 -
If you love someone, you should say it often,
You never know when they’ll be layin’ in a coffin.
Wake up, it’s important that you know that
No one on Earth is promised tomorrow.MC Lyte, “Poor Georgie,” Act Like You Know, 1991 -
Lyrically, I’m supposed to represent;
I’m not only the client, I’m the player president.The Notorious B.I.G., “One More Chance (Remix),” 12", 1995 -
I’m only trying to show you how black niggas live,
But you don’t want your little ones acting like this.
Lil Amy told Becky, Becky told Jenny,
And now they all know the skinny.
Lil Joey got his durag on,
Driving down the street blasting Tupac’s song.Jay-Z, “Hell Yeah (Pimp the System) (Remix)”, from Revolutionary But Gangsta, 2004 -
Feds still lurking,
They see I’m still putting work in.
Cause somewhere in America…
Miley Cyrus is still twerkin’.Jay-Z, “Somewhere In America,” Magna Carta Holy Grail, 2013 -
It’s the principle of it, I get a rush when I bust
Some dope lines oral, that maybe somebody’ll quote.
That’s what I consider real in this field of music,
Instead of puttin’ brain cells to work, they abuse it.
Non-conceptual, non-exceptional,
Everybody’s either crime-related or sexual.
For those who pose lyrical, but really ain’t true, I feel:
Their time’s limited, hard rocks too.O.C., “Time’s Up,” Word…Life, 1994 -
I drop styles on ears…the public bite ‘em.
Not many went to school, so the dummies wouldn’t write ’em.
They say, “Yo Keith! You’re Kool, you usin’ big words!”
I went to college, I’m even more stupid, herb.Kool Keith, “Raise It Up,” from Ultramagnetic M.C.’s The Four Horsemen, 1993 -
They claim we’re products from the bottom of Hell,
But the black is back, and it’s bound to sell.
Picture us coolin’ out on the Fourth of July…
And if you heard we were celebratin’, that’s a worldwide lie.Flavor Flav, “Louder than a Bomb,” from Public Enemy’s It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back, 1988 -
My heart is ‘We Are the World,’ my penis is P.E.
But my balls are Avatar, you could see ’em in 3D.Pharoahe Monch, “Let U Live,” from Consequence’s Movies on Demand, 2010 -
Everything will eventually come to an end,
So try to savor the moment, cause time flies, don’t it?
The beauty of life, you gotta make it last for the better,
Cause nothin’ lasts forever.Nas, “Nothing Lasts Forever,” The Lost Tapes, 2002 -
I know you think my life is good ‘cause my diamond piece,
But my life been good since I started finding peace.Nas, “Loco-Motive,” Life Is Good, 2012 -
Raise your right palm: We do solemnly swear
To stack more dough more calmly this year.MF Doom, “Get ‘Er Done,” from Jake One’s White Van Music, 2008 -
…About those other Jennys I reckoned with
Lost them all like a homework excuse.
This time the Magic Number is Two,
‘Cause it takes two, not three, to seduce.Dove, “Eye Know,” from De La Soul’s 3 Feet High and Rising, 1989 -
Comin’ from the school of hard knocks,
Some perpetrate…they drink Clorox.
Attack the black, cause I know they lack exact
The cold facts, and still they try to Xerox.Chuck D., “Don’t Believe the Hype,” from Public Enemy’s It Takes a Nation of Million’s To Hold Us Back, 1988 -
I’ll have you weak in the knees that you could hardly speak,
Or we could do like Uncle L and swing an ep in my Jeep.Q-Tip, “Electric Relaxation,” from A Tribe Called Quest’s Midnight Marauders, 1993 -
We fight every night, now that’s not kosher.
I reminisce with bliss of when we was closer,
And wake up to be greeted by an argument again,
…You act like you’re ten.
So immature, I try to concentrate on a cure,
And keep lookin’ at the front door.Large Professor, “Looking at the Front Door,” from Main Source’s Breaking Atoms, 1991 -
You dudes is noodles, I got more ziti to bake.
You dudes is cake, I keep two biscuits on the waist.
Razor blades under the tongue, I will eat your face,
Appetite for destruction, I am starvin’ today.
Got a money hungry lawyer that’ll eat the case,
And that’s just food for thought, don’t let it go to waste.Jay-Z, “U Don’t Know (Remix),” The Blueprint 2: The Gift & The Curse, 2002 -
You and your friends…always together,
No time for the B-I-G, so I’m O-U-T.
The sex was great, but the headaches I can’t take.
I think I made a very big mistake.Notorious B.I.G., “Buddy X (Remix),” from Neneh Cherry’s Homebrew, 1992 -
It’s been a long time…I shouldn’t have left you
Without a strong rhyme to step to.Rakim, “I Know You Got Soul,” from Eric B. and Rakim’s Paid In Full, 1987 -
It’s a beautiful day, and everybody’s feelin’ wonderful,
The ladies is out, lookin’ fly, dressed comfortable.
I love to wake up, and feel the breeze through my window,
Slip on fatigues, grab a dutch, and roll some indo.Dead Prez, “Happiness,” Let’s Get Free, 2000 -
I go to Queens for queens to get the crew from Brooklyn,
Make money in Manhattan and never been tooken.
Go Uptown and the Bronx to boogie down,
Get strong on the Island, recoup, and lay around.Rakim, “Juice (Know the Ledge),” from Eric B. & Rakim’s Don’t Sweat the Technique, 1992 -
The last batter to hit, blast shattered your hip,
Smash any splitter or fastball—that’ll be it.Pharoahe Monch, “The Next Shit,” Internal Affairs, 1999 -
The rap era’s outta control,
Brothers’ sellin their soul to go gold…
Going, going, gone, another rapper sold!Parrish Smith, “Crossover,” EPMD’s Business Never Personal, 1993 -
I’m goin’ out first class, ain’t goin’ out coach.
MCA, “The Sounds of Science,” from Beastie Boys’ Paul’s Boutique, 1989. Remembering Adam Yauch, who passed away a year ago today. Rest in Peace, MCA. -
Super-cali-fragalistic-expiali-docious,
Docious-ali-expi-fragalistic-cali-super.
Cancun…catch me in the room, eatin’ grouper.Ghostface Killah, “Buck 50,” Supreme Clientele, 1999 -
Food for thought, eat my words with your mind:
Emcees are grapes, and grapes are crushed to wine.MF Grimm, “Do It for the Kids,” 12", 1998 -
It ain’t where you’re from, it’s where you’re at.
Rakim, “I Know You Got Soul,” from Eric B. and Rakim’s Paid In Full, 1987 -
CIA, FBI, all they tell us is lies.
And when I say it, they get alarmed…
‘Cause I’m louder than a bomb.Chuck D., “Louder Than a Bomb,” from Public Enemy’s It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back, 1988 -
Inhale deep like the words of my breath,
I never sleep, cause sleep is the cousin of death.Nas, “New York State of Mind,” Illmatic, 1994 -
Step to this and get shanked up,
I knocked out so many teeth, the tooth fairy went bankrupt.Big L, “Let ‘Em Have it L,” Lifestyles Ov Da Poor and Dangerous, 1995 -
Cloned chickens walking around without heads,
The food is contaminated, the water got lead in it.
Population control, make the babies sick,
All these RFID chips, RU-486…
This is a war against consciousness,
Controlling your soul, sort of a psychological dictatorship.
And we are on the front lines,
Guilty as charged if intellect is a crime.Pharoahe Monch, “W.A.R.,” W.A.R. (We Are Renegades), 2011 -
I’m your idol, the highest title, Numero Uno,
I’m not a Puerto Rican, but I’m speakin so that you know,
And understand, I got the gift of speech,
And it’s a blessin, so listen to the lesson I preach…Special Ed, “I Got it Made,” Youngest in Charge, 1989 -
Peace before everything, God before anything,
Love before anything, real before everything,
Home before any place, shoot before anything,
Style and state radiate, Love Power slay the hate.Mos Def, “Priority,” The Ecstatic, 20092009, east coast, God, hate, hip-hop, love, mos def, new york, peace, Rap Quote, real, The Ecstatic, yasiin bey -
Every coast gotta know, I’m the most with the flow,
No joke I’m a pro, I’m like The Pope on the low.AZ, “I Am the Truth,” The Format, 2006. Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was elected as the 266th pope of the Catholic Church yesterday. -
…The greatest rapper of all time died on March 9th.
God bless his soul, rest in peace, kid.
It’s because of him now at least I know what beef is.Canibus, “Second Round K.O.,” Can-I-Bus, 1998. RIP Christopher George Latore Wallace, best known as The Notorious B.I.G., born May 21, 1972, died March 9, 1997 at the age of 24. -
You stackin cheddar cause you working at the burger place.
Inspectah Deck, “It’s Raw,” CZARFACE, 2013 -
What is the meaning of C.R.I.M.E.?
Is it Criminals Robbin’ Innocent Muthafuckaz Everytime?GZA, “I Gotcha Back,” Liquid Swords, 1995 -
You can tell by the rhyme it’s my time to shine;
Let’s eat, motherfucker, I don’t dine on swine.
I don’t beef with turkeys, I told you the God’ll fold you,
Hard to digest: I suggest that you take tofu.Sean Price, “Like You,” Jesus Price Superstar, 2007 -
The business of beauty isn’t a natural model;
It’s built to be the opposite of the cultures we topple.
These magazines got you caught in a hustle,
Cause when you starve yourself, your body doesn’t burn fat, it burns muscles.Immortal Technique, “Natural Beauty,” The Martyr, 2011 -
Mix me with violence, blend me with peace,
Combine me with hate, and I can’t face defeat.Diddy, “Someone To Love Me,” from Diddy-Dirty Money’s Last Train to Paris, 2011 -
Music business hates me cause the industry ain’t make me,
Hustlers and boosters embrace me and the music I be makin.
I dumbed down for my audience to double my dollars…
They criticized me for it, yet they all yell ‘HOLLA!’
If skills sold, truth be told, I’d probably be, lyrically, Talib Kweli.
Truthfully I wanna rhyme like Common Sense,
But I did five mil…I ain’t been rhymin like Common since.Jay-Z, “Moment of Clarity,” The Black Album, 2003 -
Why give you the cure when the disease makes money?
Talib Kweli, “The Traveller,” from J.Period’s Rage Is Back mixtape, 2013 -
Real, rough and rugged, shine like a gold nugget,
Every time I pick up the microphone, I drug it.Jeru The Damaja, “Come Clean,” The Sun Rises in the East, 1994 -
Fuck Compton.
Tim Dog, “Fuck Compton,” Penicillin on Wax, 1991. The Bronx rapper Tim Dog died today from a seizure following a lengthy battle with diabetes, reports The Source. He was 46. Rest in Power, Timothy Blair (1967-2013). -
Consider youself lucky, that’s what friends say.
Cause I leave more heads touched, son, than Ash Wednesday.J-Treds, “Praise Due,” 12", 1998 -
…Shorty’s laugh was cold-blooded as he spoke so foul,
Only twelve tryin to tell me that he liked my style.
Then I rose, wiping the blunt’s ash from my clothes,
Then froze, only to blow the herb smoke through my nose.Nas, “One Love,” Illmatic, 1994 -
What’s when you rap and don’t appreciate the art?
What’s when you sell out just to get a start?
What’s when you make bullshit just for the charts?
What’s when you rap, but it’s not from the heart?
What’s when you’re hardcore, then you turn pop?
When you steal ideas to get props?
When you sell out to be on top?
What’s when you front like you’re hard, but you’re not?
That’s a gimmick.Lord Finesse, “No Gimmicks,’ The Awakening, 1996 -
Love and hate, black and white,
Right or wrong, who is right?
Some smoke joints to anoint their brain
To the vanishing point…so they won’t go insane.Pharoahe Monch, “Walk Into The Sun,” from Organized Konfusion, 1991 -
Remember when friends was friends, and LL had a Benz?
And cell phones and beepers was the new trends?
When Koch was the Mayor and Reagan was the Pres?Biz Markie, “Turn Back the Hands of Time,” from Weekend Warrior, 2003. Rest in peace to the three-term mayor of New York city, who passed away this morning at the age of 88. -
Some of you been trying to write rhymes for years,
But weak ideas irritate my ears.
Is this the best that you can make?
Cause if not, and you got more…I’ll wait.Rakim, “Move the Crowd,” from Eric B. and Rakim’s Paid in Full, 1987 -
I’m givin’ more flat lines to niggas than loose-leaf.
Kool G. Rap, “Go For Your Guns,” from Kool G. Rap and DJ Polo’s Live and Let Die, 1992 -
My sense of self and my mental health
Is much more powerful than any hint of wealth.Guru, “Peace of Mine,” from Gang Starr’s The Ownerz, 2003 -
Now I’m not the type that gets upset,
Try to disrespect folks just to earn respect.
But learn this fact: whether white or black,
I can’t be conquered in my style of rap.
For jealousy and envy are dumb ones’ tools,
So Ricky says nothing, he keeps his cool.
Revenge is not a mission that the Ruler’s on,
Just forgiveness required for the wrong that’s done.Slick Rick, “The Ruler’s Back,” The Great Adventures of Slick Rick, 1988 -
Why is the sky blue? Why is water wet?
Why did Judas rat to the Romans while Jesus slept?Ghostface Killah, “4th Chamber,” from GZA’s Liquid Swords, 1995 -
You got game like me? I doubt it.
They say pimping ain’t easy…what’s so hard about it?A.G., “Fat for the 90’s,” from Lord Finesse’s Return of the Funky Man, 1992 -
I thought I’d probably die in prison, expensive taste in women,
Ain’t have no pot to piss in, now my kitchen full of dishes.
Nose bloody from that sniffin’, your heroin addiction
Trigger finger itchin’, fuck parental supervision…
Purple sippin’, finger twistin’, teeth glisten like it’s Memphis
A bunch of hypocritic Christians, the land of no religion.A$AP Rocky, “LongLiveA$AP,” LongLiveA$AP, 2013 -
Hard times spreading just like the flu,
Watch out homeboy, don’t let it catch you.Run-D.M.C., “Hard Times," Run-D.M.C. 1984. Visit the Flu Trends map on Google for more information on how the flu is impacting your community. Theme song: Beatnuts "No Escapin’ This”. -
For 9-6, the only MC with a flu.
Yeah, I rhyme sick, I be what you tryin’ to do.Jay-Z, “Brooklyn’s Finest,” Reasonable Doubt, 1996. Visit the Flu Trends map on Google for more information on how the flu is impacting your community. Theme song: Beatnuts “No Escapin’ This”. -
Take a look at the police and how they treat you,
Take a look at these corporations that cheat you.
Democrats and Republicans are all see-through.
Now we votin for the lesser of two evils…
Man, don’t let ‘em deceive you.
This is an autocracy, not a democracy,
But to call this a democracy without mock interest
In the laws of society? That’s called hypocrisy.KRS-One, “Pick It Up,” Maximum Strength, 2008 -
Niggas is too scared to hustle, but too cool to work,
So they walk around broke like a motherfuckin jerk.Meyhem Lauren, “Brand Name Marijuana,” Mandatory Brunch Meetings, 2012 -
Party’s over, tell the rest of the crew.
Mobb Deep, “Party Over,” The Infamous, 1995 -
Just because no one can understand how you speak,
Don’t necessarily mean that what you be sayin is deep.Talib Kweli, “Good Mourning,” from Reflection Eternal’s Train of Thought, 2000 -
Even when I say nothing, it’s a beautiful use of negative space.
El-P, “The Fire In Which You Burn,” from Company Flow’s Funcrusher Plus, 1997 -
New York, New York is where we live and we’re thorough,
Never taking shorts, ‘cause Brooklyn’s the borough.
Peace to Uptown, to Queens and The Bronx,
Long Island and Jersey get as fly as they want.
But I must tell you, where we rest is no joke…
So let me break it down to sections for you slow pokes:
Fort Greene, Bed-Stuy, Flatbush, Brownsville,
Crown Heights and East New York will be down till,
Medina takes respect for the styles we bring,
‘Cause in Brooklyn we be into our own thing.Guru, “The Place Where We Dwell,” from Gang Starr’s Daily Operation, 1992 -
My radio’s loud like a fire alarm:
The floor vibrates, the walls cave in,
The bass makes my eardrums seem thin.
Def sounds in my ride, yes the front and back…
You would think it was a party, not a Cadillac!LL Cool J, “I Can’t Live Without My Radio,” Radio, 1985 -
I throw raps that attack like the Japs on Pearl Harbor.
MC’s be out like bank robbers,
Fleeing the scene, to be a sole survivor;
DJ…the getaway driver.GZA, “Living In the World Today,” Liquid Swords, 1995. Pearl Harbor Harbor dead remembered on 71st anniversary. -
The purpose of life is a life with a purpose;
So I’d rather die for a cause than live a life that is worthless.Immortal Technique, “The Martyr,” The Martyr, 2011 -
Breathe in…inhale vapors from bright stars that shine,
Breathe out…weed smoke retrace the skyline.Mos Def, “Respiration,” from Mos Def and Talib Kweli Are Black Star, 1998 -
Age ain’t nothing but a number, that’s what Chi-Ali said.
OK, then why don’t you get that through the judge’s head?Biz Markie, “Young Girl Bluez,” All Samples Cleared!, 1993 -
We were at the same table when the chips were checked,
A gamblin’ rebel who inspects the deck.
Just when you thought we would fold our hand,
Against all odds, we raised the bet like we changed the plans.
It was live on air, but in between station breaks,
I was holdin a pair and just made the table stakes.
Split the demos, put insurance on tapes,
A safeguard against the crusaders in capes.
If I double-down, they say the Gods are sharks;
If we win against the house, they thought the cards was marked.
We draw hit after hit from a royal flush menu,
While the dealer promoted the full house venue.
A spade in the club with the heart to wear diamonds,
The high roller who got credit upon signin’.
They look puzzled when I shuffle, most of ‘em stunned by the hustle,
Recourse of bluff game’s your muscle.GZA, “Back in the Game,” from Wu-Tang Clan’s Iron Flag, 2001 -
City lights shine bright on my complexion,
Self-reflection…red hairs flashing at the intersection.
Life is a green light, one star, no script,
Supporting actors…fresh peaches, no pit.Action Bronson, “Randy The Musical,” Rare Chandeliers, 2012 -
I know the game, it’s old and lame:
You’re holdin’ a flame for my name and my fame.
Livin’ like Givens schemin’ on Tyson,
But she got lucky ‘cause he was a nice one.
But I ain’t nice and I don’t play that,
If it ain’t tax, I don’t pay that.Kool Moe Dee, “They Want Money,” Knowledge Is King, 1989 -
Put a quarter in your ass, ‘cause ya played yourself.
Big Daddy Kane, “The Symphony,” from Marley Marl’s In Control, Vol. 1, 1988 -
I get atomic, hypo-galactical…
Word to mom, I’m in my own world.
Galaxy rays? Powerful.Kool Keith, “Raise It Up,” from Ultramagnetic M.C.’s The Four Horsemen, 1993 -
Y’all mythological niggas is comical,
The astronomical is comin’ thru like tha flu bombin’ you…
And embalmin’ in your crew, too.
With the musical, mystical, magical, you know how I do.Keith Murray, “The Most Beautifullest Thing In This World," The Most Beautifullest Thing In This World, 1994 -
It’s weak to speak and blame somebody else
…When you destroy yourself.Chuck D., “Welcome to the Terrordome,” from Public Enemy’s Fear of a Black Planet, 1990 -
Everything has a price…
No matter if it’s fortune, fame or your life.
I understood later that it’s all about paper,
Everything has a fee in the land of the free.O.C., “Land of the Free,” from Show & A.G.’s Live Hard, 2007 -
Ghostface, catch the blast of a hype verse,
My glock bursts, leave in a hearse, I did worse.
I come rough, tough like an elephant tusk,
Ya head rush, fly like Egyptian musk.Ghostface Killah, “Bring Da Ruckus,” from Wu-Tang Clan’s Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), 1993 -
The God’s tropical…ladies call me ‘Black Fruit Punch.’
Ghostface Killah, “Ice Water,” from Raekwon’s Only Built 4 Cuban Linx, 1995 -
38-24-37…
You and me, hun, we’re a match made in heaven.
I like to kiss ya where some brothers won’t…
I like to tell ya things some brothers don’t.Q-Tip, “Bonita Applebum,” from A Tribe Called Quest’s People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm, 1990 -
You’re too light to fight, plus you’re too thin to win.
Who ya gonna call when I break your glass chin?Tek, “Wrektime,” from Smif-N-Wessun’s Dah Shinin’, 1993 -
We were beginners in the hood as 5 Percenters,
But somethin’ must’ve got in us, cause all of us turned to sinners.AZ, “Life’s a Bitch,” from Nas’ Illmatic, 1994 -
Hip-Hop got turned into Hit Pop,
The second a record was number one on the pop charts.
But don’t skip on the heart, it gotta start in the ghetto,
Let no one forget about the hard part.MC Serch, “Pop Goes the Weasel,” from 3rd Bass’ Derelicts of Dialect, 1994 -
There’s a million ways to live on this thing called a planet,
I’mma live everyday, I ain’t takin’ nothing for granted.Sadat X, “The Next Spot,” from High School High soundtrack, 1996 -
It’s been a long time, I shouldn’t have left you
Without a strong rhyme to step to.
Think of how many weak shows you slept through…
Time’s up, I’m sorry I kept you.Rakim, “I Know You Got Soul,” from Eric B. & Rakim’s Paid In Full, 1987 -
Fuck a stray bullet, I take aim when the gun draws,
For everlasting fame, I will maim those who change the gun laws.
Cause post-traumatic stress disorder, ask any vet I’ve worked with.
My purpose? Catching bodies like safety nets at the circus.Pharoahe Monch, “Damage,” from PTSD, 2012 -
I bumped into Loon, he like ‘Well, As Salaam-Alaikum.’
You know I ain’t Muslim, my nigga, I’m about my bacon!Ma$e, “Higher,” from Kanye West Presents G.O.O.D. Music: Cruel Summer, 20122012, cruel summer, east coast, Harlem, hip-hop, humor, kanye west, Loon, ma$e, new york, Rap Quote, Religion -
I scored 1.1 on my SAT,
And still push a whip with a right and left AC.Redman, “Blackout,” from Method Man and Redman’s Blackout!, 1999 -
Yo, it’s 1 universal law but 2 sides to every story,
3 strikes and you be in for life, mandatory.
4 MC’s murdered in the last 4 years,
I ain’t tryin to be the 5th one, the Millennium is here.
Yo, it’s 6 million ways to die, from the 7 deadly thrills,
8-year olds gettin’ found with 9 mill’s.
It’s 10 P.M., where your seeds at? What’s the deal?Mos Def, “Mathematics,” from Black on Both Sides, 1999 -
I judge wisely…as if nothin ever surprise me,
Loungin, between two pillars of ivory.
I’m lively, my dome piece is like buildin stones in Greece.
My poems are deep, from ancient thrones I speak.Killah Priest, “4th Chamber,” from Genius/GZA’s Liquid Swords, 1995 -
Now what Clan you know with lines this ill?
Bust shots at Big Ben, like we got time to kill.Method Man, “Protect Ya Neck (The Jump Off),” from Wu-Tang Clan’s The W, 2000 -
They use the simple back and forth, the same, old rhythm
That a baby can pick up, and join, right with ‘em.
But their rhymes are pathetic, they think they copacetic
Using nursery terms, at least not poetic…Kool Keith, “Ego Trippin,” from Ultramagnetic MC’s Critical Beatdown, 1988 -
Putting styles on lock, and making beats by the bundle,
Scooping more props than Bryant Gumbel…and staying humble.Pete Rock, “Escape,” from Pete Rock & CL Smooth’s The Main Ingredient, 1994 -
These niggaz ain’t thugs, the real thugs is the government.
Don’t matter if you Independent, Democrat or Republican,
Niggaz politickin’ the street, get into beef,
Start blastin’…now a new cat is executive chief.Talib Kweli, “Ghetto Afterlife,” from Reflection Eternal’s Train of Thought, 2000 -
You’re mad cause my style you’re admiring…
Don’t be mad, UPS is hiring.The Notorious B.I.G., “Flava In Ya Ear (Remix),” 12", 1994