[Verse 1]
EPMD with your def rap
You started turning out the parties
When you took a little Zapp
Now, when the overweight motha
Took a piece of my creation
The people grown heady to the new sensation
Now Daddy-O, B.D.P. and King Tee too
They know that grabbin' a piece of Zapp is the thing to do
Grab on, grab on, but just say thank you!

[Chorus]
I play the talkbox
I play the talkbox, ooh
I play the talkbox, baby
I play the talkbox, ooh

[Verse 2]
All romancers, chancers and prancers
Keep stealin' my music, 'cause I've got the answer
Now, I'm about music and I'm about dancin'
I'm a funk enhancer, yes, a rebel freelancer

[Chorus]
I play the talkbox (well, I'm often imitated but never duplicated)
I play the talkbox (I'm in full effect, coming cold correct)
I play the talkbox (on a roll with soul, for the young and the old)
I play the talkbox (kicking bass for your speakers nationwide)
[Verse 3]
Now, there's no place I don't play
And there's no place that I won't go
Oh yes, I'm known from the city
To the faraway jungle (jungle, jungle...)
Now, I'm as funky as a player, and black as a crow
And oh yes, they play my music on the radio
So if in order to deal, your plan causes you to steal
You might as well be stealin' from the man who's real

[Chorus]
I play the talkbox (well, I'm often imitated but never duplicated)
I play the talkbox (I'm in full effect, coming cold correct)
I play the talkbox (on a roll with soul, for the young and the old)
I play the talkbox (kicking bass for your speakers nationwide)
I play the talkbox

[Verse 4]
Pay attention, all you rappers
If you really wanna copy the Zappers
You know it ain't about you, and it ain't about me
It's all about being who you ought to be
Stand up tall and make your message clear
Don't bring no dope to me
Don't be too mean, keep your rap clean
But on the other hand, say (say it, boy)
Damn the pusher, damn the pusher
Damn the pusher man (say it loud)
Damn the pusher, damn the pusher
Damn the pusher man
So if you follow that lead, it's alright with me
If you use my music too
'Cause I'm all about music
And I can make enough for me and you, too
Say it loud!
[Chorus]
I play the talkbox (well, I'm often imitated but never duplicated)
I play the talkbox (I'm in full effect, coming cold correct)
I play the talkbox (on a roll with soul, for the young and the old)
I play the talkbox (kicking bass for your speakers nationwide)
I, I, I–I–I...

[Verse 1]
EPMD with your def rap
You started turning out the parties
When you took a little Zapp
Now, when the overweight motha
Took a piece of my creation
The people grown heady to the new sensation
Now Daddy-O, B.D.P. and King Tee too
They know that grabbin' a piece of Zapp is the thing to do
Grab on, grab on, but just say thank you!

[Outro]
I play the talkbox (baby)
I play the talkbox
I wanna play (woo!)
I just wanna play for you...
I wanna play, woo...
I wanna play, ooh...