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Posts: 87

Governor

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Q: "Turn on the lights" what does it mean?

Well, I was listening to Power 105.1 NYC hip-hop radio today and this rapper guy kept saying "Turn on the lights" over and over again. When the radio producer asked him how he developed his lyrics, the guy babbled for 5 minutes about nonsense, some of which incorporated Al Greene and Marvin Gaye, which made his BS apparent. Nevertheless, every other phrase the guy said was "Turn on the light."

 

i.e.: Producer: What do you think about that new Ciara song?

        Rapper: Ai't it's hot n' burnin up da charts, turn on the lights!

 

I got one of my master degrees in NYC a couple years ago, but this lingo is beyond me. Anyone know what it means? That expression has become stuck in my head for some reason. Do you think the guy has bad eyesight or what? I must be getting old. 

9 years 50 weeks ago in  General  - Other cities

 
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Posts: 1718

Emperor

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What made you think a forum for foreigners in China was the best place to ask this question?

Vallyntin:

Considering all the shit people talk about on this forum, I didn't really think anyone would notice. This board is about as good for learning about China as it is for learning string theory. If you don't see that with your 780 posts, let me come on over and hit you in the head with a tack hammer. surprise

9 years 50 weeks ago
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icnif77:

I think both of you should work on your English more. surpriseI can tell, you're non-naive speakers!

9 years 50 weeks ago
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Vallyntin:

Funny fact, although I'm a born and raised yank', my 1st language was German and my 2nd language was Gaelic. So in some respects you are correct. Growing up, English was rarely ever spoken. If I were to hurt my toe, bump my head, etc.. you would hear me innately express myself in German or Gaelic. Primary school was very confusing!  On the up-side, every time the teach pissed me off I could take them on a verbal tirade that was incomprehensible (your word) to them.

9 years 50 weeks ago
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icnif77:

I'm kidding! My E. is incompreh. Is it true, Irish don't greet with 'Good morning'?

 

Some Cetic's fans told me in Fl, Irish say: 'No surrender', instead? Now, be serious for a moment!

 

 

O2.o2,o2

9 years 50 weeks ago
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xunliang:

The fact that some people are dragging the quality of this part of the website down doesn't mean you should join them.

9 years 50 weeks ago
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9 years 50 weeks ago
 
Posts: 2531

Emperor

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Well, judging by how it is used... I would say the rapper is saying:

 

"Turn on the lights." is equal to the phrase "ya heard" or "now you know!"

 

Basically, you aren't in the dark anymore, you have been enlightened and updated. 

 

That's my best guess. 

Vallyntin:

See, that's what I thought it meant, but you articulated it so well, thank you! 

9 years 50 weeks ago
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9 years 50 weeks ago
 
Posts: 448

Shifu

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You've been enlightened.

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9 years 50 weeks ago
 
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"Turn on the lights" is an encrypted piece of advice especially aimed at Chinese drivers on the road at night.

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9 years 50 weeks ago
 
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Was the rapper named Future? He has a single called turn on the lights. Also remixed by lil wayne.

Vallyntin:

His name was Rico Love. I checked to see what he looked like online, the deparity of his spoken voice and the way he looks is shocking. He sounded somewhat suave on-air, like Miguel, but he looked nothing of the sort. Other than that useless bit of information, I know nothing about the guy.

9 years 50 weeks ago
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Answer of the DayMORE >>
A:  "... through ..."?  Only "through" comes to mind is "S
A: "... through ..."?  Only "through" comes to mind is "Shenzhen agent can connect you with an employer, who's authorized to hire waigouren ... and can sponsor Z visa." It's not like every 10th person you meet in Shenzhen's hood can sponsor work visa ...  The only way to change from student to labourer visa is just a regular way by: 1. Finding an employer, who'll apply for an Invitation letter; 2. Exit China and apply for Z visa in your home country's Chinese embassy; 3. Enter China in 30-days after Z visa was stamped into your travelling instrument ...As I am aware, you won't be able to switch to Working permit by remaining in China....,so make ready for a return to your home .... -- icnif77