Tha Bullshit
Jeru the Damaja Lyrics
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Children of all ages
It's me, Jeru the Damaja
And I'm here to present to you today
The bullshit
Yes, this is the bullshit, the extreme bullshit
The absolute bullshit
This is the bullshit of bullshit
This bullshit is so bullshit, I NEVER wanna hear this bullshit
on the radio
Or in my children's ears, cause it's bullshit
You know? So, as we talk about the bullshit
and what bullshit is
I'ma drop the bullshit on you right now
You know, the bullshit goes like this
Jump up in my Rolls Royce, top choice
Make em holler, everything I do is for a dollar
Fuck being civilized, I got dollar signs in my eyes
One day I'll fall, but for now I'll rise
Trust me, as the stink stuff, fries up
I'm cookin up I used to spend the nights in spots run up
buck buck but now I'm all growed up and blowed up
And believe me, baby paw, I got it all sewed up
And the loot is in big bags and all stored up
And the niggaz I used to run with is all locked up
But, I'll keep bubblin, got em on the corners
like court jesters jugglin, avoid the late night mugging
Because stick up kids be bugging
I paid my dues so I'm on some exotic island
Smilin, sun shinin all off my diamonds
Sippin on martinis bad hookers in bikinis
A airplane load of exotic work from Tahiti
Plus a squad of killer bitches that all carry uzis
I got a lot so if it gets too hot
Jump in the billion dollar jet, or the million dollar yacht
Got the Teflon vest, in case they knock me out the box
Oh no, I think I hear gunshots...
*rat-atat-atat-tat*
Huh huh ahh, huh, whew!
Damn, shit was just a dream, whew
Whoa damn
That's a scary motherfucking dream, that was bullshit!
I'd never say no bullshit like that, whoa!
Glad I don't live none of that bullshit
That shit is absolutely bullshit, oh...
In "Tha Bullshit," Jeru the Damaja presents a scathing critique of the rap game, calling out the materialism and greed that he sees as pervasive in the industry. The opening lines set the tone for the song, as Jeru introduces himself as the purveyor of truth and the enemy of bullshit. He then launches into a vivid description of a rapper who is completely consumed by money, using his Rolls Royce, diamond-encrusted jewelry, and exotic vacations as proof of his success. Jeru contrasts this with his own more grounded approach to life, expressing his relief that he's not "living that bullshit."
Throughout the song, Jeru uses clever wordplay and vivid imagery to convey his message. He paints a picture of a rap industry that values material possessions over talent and substance, where rappers are willing to compromise their values and beliefs for the chance to make a quick buck. By the end of the song, Jeru seems almost relieved that the whole thing was just a dream, suggesting that he's not willing to compromise his own values to achieve success in the industry.
Overall, "Tha Bullshit" is a powerful and thought-provoking critique of the rap industry, as well as a statement of Jeru's own artistic integrity and commitment to authenticity.
Line by Line Meaning
Ladies and gentlemen
Addressing the audience to get their attention.
Children of all ages
Including the children in the audience.
It's me, Jeru the Damaja
Introducing himself as the singer.
And I'm here to present to you today
Explaining his purpose for being there.
The bullshit
Referring to a concept he wants to discuss.
Yes, this is the bullshit, the extreme bullshit
Emphasizing the significance of the concept he wants to discuss.
The absolute bullshit
Emphasizing the extreme nature of the concept.
This is the bullshit of bullshit
Stating that this is the most extreme version of what he wants to discuss.
This bullshit is so bullshit, I NEVER wanna hear this bullshit on the radio
Strongly expressing his dislike for the concept he wants to discuss.
Or in my children's ears, cause it's bullshit
Expressing that he does not want his children exposed to the concept.
You know? So, as we talk about the bullshit and what bullshit is
Continuing to emphasize his topic.
I'ma drop the bullshit on you right now
Indicating that he is going to explain the concept he wants to discuss.
Jump up in my Rolls Royce, top choice
Describing a luxurious car.
Make em holler, everything I do is for a dollar
Boasting about his wealth and how it motivates him.
Fuck being civilized, I got dollar signs in my eyes
Stating that he prioritizes wealth over being civilized.
One day I'll fall, but for now I'll rise
Acknowledging that he may not always be successful.
Trust me, as the stink stuff, fries up
Asserting that he is trustworthy.
I'm cookin up I used to spend the nights in spots run up
Explaining that he used to be involved in criminal activities, but no longer is.
Buck buck but now I'm all growed up and blowed up
Describing how he has matured and become successful.
And believe me, baby paw, I got it all sewed up
Confidently stating that he has everything under control.
And the loot is in big bags and all stored up
Boasting that he has a lot of money and has it secured.
And the niggaz I used to run with is all locked up
Acknowledging that his former associates have been imprisoned.
But, I'll keep bubblin, got em on the corners like court jesters jugglin
Asserting that he is still successful and has others working for him.
Avoid the late night mugging, because stick up kids be bugging
Suggesting that he is cautious because of potential danger.
I paid my dues so I'm on some exotic island
Stating that he has earned his success and can now enjoy luxurious travel.
Smilin, sun shinin all off my diamonds
Enjoying his wealth and expensive belongings.
Sippin on martinis bad hookers in bikinis
Indicating a lifestyle of drinking and objectifying women.
A airplane load of exotic work from Tahiti
Possibly referring to drugs that he has amassed.
Plus a squad of killer bitches that all carry uzis
Referencing women that he associates with, possibly in a violent context.
I got a lot so if it gets too hot
Indicating that he has many resources.
Jump in the billion dollar jet, or the million dollar yacht
Listing his extravagant possessions.
Got the Teflon vest, in case they knock me out the box
Possibly suggesting that he is prepared for danger or violence.
Oh no, I think I hear gunshots... *rat-atat-atat-tat*
Ending the extremely boastful content with the sound of gunshots, implying danger or violence.
Huh huh ahh, huh, whew!
Reacting to the violent sound with relief.
Damn, shit was just a dream, whew
Realizing that the previous content was imagined and not reality.
Whoa damn
Expressing shock at the previous content.
That's a scary motherfucking dream, that was bullshit!
Reflecting on the negative aspects of the dream and how unpleasant it was.
I'd never say no bullshit like that, whoa!
Denying that he really believes the extreme content from the dream.
Glad I don't live none of that bullshit
Expressing relief that his reality is much more positive.
That shit is absolutely bullshit, oh...
Reiterating his dislike for the content that was in the dream.
Contributed by Brody I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.