Supplier
Freddie Gibbs & Madlib Lyrics
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Yeah, the thing that i was taught that "Only The Strong Survives"
You know meaning with, meaning that whether you had to, you know
Scrape, bait, or whatever you had to do, man
The thing was to get it, it really didn't matter what the means was
Or how you had to go and get it
That'd mean you had to, step on 10 people to get a dollar
Tthen you step on 10 people
And you know that this is what I'd heard constantly, "Only The Strong Survive"
The lyrics of Freddie Gibbs & Madlib's song "Supplier" express the harsh reality of drug dealing and the destruction it brings to the black and Mexican communities in America. The opening line, "They're supplying dope to the black and Mexican communities," highlights the role of drug dealers in fueling addiction and violence in these communities. The following lines, "Only The Strong Survives, meaning that whether you had to, you know, scrape, bait, or whatever you had to do," suggest that some people turn to drug dealing as a means of survival, but at a great cost to themselves and those around them.
The reference to stepping on ten people to get a dollar is a metaphor for the ruthless nature of the drug trade, where people will do anything to make a profit, regardless of the harm it causes to others. The repeated mantra of "Only The Strong Survive" reflects the bleak outlook of those caught in the cycle of poverty and addiction, where survival often seems more important than moral or ethical considerations.
Overall, "Supplier" is a powerful commentary on the social and economic factors that contribute to drug use and addiction in disadvantaged communities. It highlights the damage caused by drug dealers and the limited choices available to those struggling to get by in a society that often overlooks their needs.
Line by Line Meaning
They're supplying dope to the black and mexican communities
The people in power are providing drugs to certain communities, specifically the Black and Mexican communities
Yeah, the thing that i was taught that "Only The Strong Survives"
I was taught that in order to succeed in life, you have to be strong and willing to do whatever it takes
You know meaning with, meaning that whether you had to, you know
This means that no matter what, you have to do what it takes to survive, even if it means resorting to illegal activities
Scrape, bait, or whatever you had to do, man
This line suggests that people are willing to do whatever it takes to make money, even if it means resorting to low-level or illegal activities
The thing was to get it, it really didn't matter what the means was
In the pursuit of money, the people involved don't care about the methods used or who they may hurt in the process
Or how you had to go and get it
There is little regard for ethical or moral considerations when it comes to making money
That'd mean you had to, step on 10 people to get a dollar
In order to make a dollar, some people are willing to hurt others by stepping on them or exploiting them in some way
Then you step on 10 people
This line emphasizes the callousness of those involved in the drug trade, suggesting that they view people as objects to be used and discarded
And you know that this is what I'd heard constantly, "Only The Strong Survive"
The artist has internalized the message that in order to make it in this world, you have to be ruthless and prioritize your own interests above anyone else's
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@CriptoniteG
Those drums are so perfect. Amazing way to open up an album.
@elizabethmcnabb972
the Gaturs
@sicckko
killed it
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7Z_AXlfgBk
@t.s.9897
"They're supplying dope to the Black and Mexican communities..."
This track always gets me SO pumped for the rest of the album. Fucking legendary transition into Scarface; Blo---Blood Gushin'...
God damn.
@Themingemoblie
I think I hear a siren......
@t.s.9897
Scrooge McFuck POINT BLANK!
@gedbeat15
"Down for a motherfuckin' 187 nigga?"
@gedbeat15
The first 2 tracks remind me of the beginning of "Sweet Sweetback's Badasss Song" when Sweetback is running from the cops.
@carlin843
One of the greatest hip-hop openings ever.
@Kooliow12
Zebra print on the Album, Bongo instrumental on the first track.... lol its like opening a book