Hip-Hop
dead prez Lyrics

Uh, uh, uh, 1-2, 1-2
The rapper is testing his mic before beginning the song.

Uh, uh, 1-2, 1-2, uh, uh
Further testing of the mic.

All my dogs, 1-2, 1-2
The rapper is addressing his fans as his dogs, and asking for their attention.

It's bigger than hip-hop, hip-hop, hip-hop, hip
Hip-hop music is more than just beats and lyrics - it's a powerful force of social change and rebellion.

One thing 'bout music when it hit you feel no pain
Although music has the power to inspire and motivate the listener, it can often be misinterpreted or censored by those in power.

White folks say it controls your brain
The mainstream media often portrays hip-hop as a negative influence, particularly on young people and minority groups.

I know better than that, that's game
The rapper is aware of these stereotypes, and knows that they are untrue or exaggerated.

Man, we ready for that
Despite the criticism, the rapper and his fans are prepared to stand up for their music and their community.

Two soldiers, head of the pack
The rapper and his partner are leaders in the hip-hop movement.

Matter fact, who got the gat?
The rapper is asking who possesses a gun or other weapon, as he is prepared to defend himself and his community against oppression.

And where my army at?
The rapper is calling on his fans to stand together as a united force against societal injustices and oppressors.

Rather attack and not react
The rapper would rather take action and fight against oppression, rather than simply responding in anger or frustration.

Back to beats, it don't reflect on how many records get sold
Hip-hop music should not be judged solely on its commercial success, but rather on its cultural and social significance.

On sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll
Hip-hop should not mimic the traditions of rock music, which has often been associated with hedonistic lifestyles and distractions from the real world.

Whether your project's put on hold
The success or failure of an individual artist or project should not detract from the bigger picture of hip-hop as a whole.

In the real world, these just people with ideas
At its core, hip-hop is a form of self-expression that reflects the ideas, aspirations, and experiences of its artists and fans.

They just like me and you when the smoke and cameras disappear
At the end of the day, hip-hop artists and fans are ordinary people with the same desires, fears, and struggles as anyone else.

Again the real world, it's bigger than all these fake ass records
While the mainstream music industry is driven by commercial interests and image over substance, hip-hop remains a powerful and authentic voice for change and empowerment.

When poor folks got the millions and my woman's disrespected
Despite hip-hop's success and contributions to society, many members of the community still face poverty and discrimination, particularly women.

If you check 1-2, my word of advice to you is just relax
Despite the challenges faced by the community, the rapper advises his fans to remain calm and grounded in their convictions.

Just do what you got to do, if that don't work then kick the facts
If peaceful resistance and unity are not enough to address societal problems, the rapper advises his fans to use facts and information as weapons against ignorance and oppression.

If you a fighter, rider, biter, flame-ignitor, crowd-exciter
Hip-hop fans come from all walks of life and have different strengths and talents, but they all contribute to the larger movement.

Or you wanna just get high, then just say it
Hip-hop does not judge or discriminate against individuals who may use drugs or other substances, but encourages honesty and transparency.

But then if you a liar-liar, pants on fire, wolf-crier, agent with a wire
Hip-hop is not accepting of individuals who may compromise or betray the community, or work for those who would oppress or exploit it.

I'm gon' know it when I play it
The rapper has a keen sense of the true intentions and authenticity of other hip-hop artists and fans.

Who shot Biggie Smalls? If we don't get them, they gon' get us all
The murder of hip-hop legend Biggie Smalls is a symbol of violence and oppression against the community, and if those responsible are not held accountable, it could happen again.

I'm down for runnin' up on them crackers in they city hall
The rapper is prepared to physically confront those in power, regardless of the risks or consequences, in order to promote justice and equality.

We ride for y'all, all my dogs stay real
The rapper and his fans are united in a common cause and dedicated to remaining true to themselves and their ideals.

Nigga, don't think these record deals gon' feed your seeds
Hip-hop artists should not rely on the mainstream music industry as a means of survival for themselves or their families.

And pay your bills, because they not
Despite the promises and hype from record labels, many artists do not make any substantial income from their work.

MC's get a little bit of love and think they hot
Some artists become complacent and egotistical after achieving some level of commercial success, and lose sight of the core values of hip-hop.

Talkin' 'bout how much money they got
Many artists prioritize wealth and material possessions over authenticity and social consciousness.

Nigga, all y'all records sound the same
Much of mainstream hip-hop lacks originality and creativity, and simply recycles the same themes and beats over and over again.

I'm sick of that fake thug, R&B-rap scenario, all day on the radio
The rapper and many other fans are tired of the overly commercialized, superficial, and distant style of many mainstream hip-hop artists.

Same scenes in the video, monotonous material
Music videos are often characterized by extravagant sets, scantily clad women, and other highly stereotypical images, taking away from the true art of hip-hop.

Y'all don't here me though
Many in the music industry do not understand or appreciate the true value and culture of hip-hop.

These record labels slang our tapes like dope
The music industry sees consuming and distributing hip-hop music as a profitable business opportunity, rather than a means of cultural expression or social change.

You can be next in line and signed and still be writing rhymes and broke
Even if an artist does become successful and signed to a record label, they may not necessarily enjoy financial stability or creative freedom.

You would rather have a Lexus or justice, a dream or some substance?
Hip-hop fans must make a choice between material wealth and luxury, and social justice, advocacy, and enlightenment.

A Beamer, a necklace, or freedom
Similarly, fans must choose between indulging in symbols of success and status, and fighting for social, political, and economic liberation.

Still a nigga like me don't player-hate, I just stay awake
Despite the challenges and obstacles faced by the hip-hop community, the rapper refuses to become bitter or defeatist, and remains vigilant and aware of societal issues.

This real hip-hop and it don't stop
Hip-hop remains a powerful and authentic force of cultural resistance and expression, as it always has been.

'Til we get the po-po off the block, they call it
Hip-hop communities and artists will continue the fight against oppressive forces, including police brutality and systemic racism, until true justice and equality are achieved.

DP's got that crazy shit, we keep it crunker
The rapper is bragging about his group's unique and edgy style of hip-hop.

John Blaze-in' shit (what?)
The rapper is using slang to describe his music as exciting and innovative.

They call it
The rapper is reiterating the idea that the real hip-hop that they make is often not accepted by the mainstream music industry or society at large.

Fake (fake) records (records)
The song ends with a repetition of the phrase 'fake records', reinforcing the idea that mainstream hip-hop is often contrived and inauthentic, designed solely for profit rather than for artistic or social merit.