Runnin'
2Pac The Notorious B.I.G. Dramacydal Radio & Stretch Lyrics


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Runnin' from the police (Yeah, I know what you mean)
No matter what I do, they got a nigga
Still runnin' from the police
(Put them motherfucking Nike's on tight and get ghost y'all)

I ain't got nuttin' on my mind, but gettin' in some trouble
Licking shots to they block, leavin' bloody blood puddles
For some ridah's delight, now we in a gunfight
I can shoot the gauge pebbles at the devils or die tonight
It's on me, but if I die, bury me a motherfucking G
A open casket on them bastards so they all remember me
With my vest on my chest, my tools and my piece
Thug Life motherfucker, got me runnin' from the police

Nigga, you know that's true
Catch a nigga like K-Dog, chillin' with a crew
Every damn day parlay with my glass of Re
The O.J. and it's all okay
To that fuckin' fake cop, got to play the man
Ran me down the block with my glass in my hand
Damn, I hope it don't spill
Nigga chill, shit is real, cock back my steel

Still runnin' from the police, I gets no sleep
I got you peepin' in my window, while I'm smokin' indo
But I ain't no motherfucking track star, pigs got a jeep
Like Big Malcolm, runnin' through motherfucker's backyards
So I grabs my piece before I flee
And instead of me runnin', these bitches is runnin' from me
Lick shots, hit spots off on my piece
Cause a nigga like Big Malcolm is through runnin' from the police

Now it's war, me trying to sell, runnin' from the punk po-lice
They try to cock me, but them can't gun store
What about they come to hold up me north
Pulled up the park, I left school and let's buck
Look around, look around, punk po-lice
Run as fast as you can, but you can't catch me
Look around, look around, punk police
Me have to blast back, cause they blast at me

Yo I was, schemin' and fiendin' for loots and took the crooked route to
Ghetto fame I felt the pains and now I run the game
The insane brain, cold gettin' fly like a plane
On them suckers with my nigga Biggie Smalls causin' ruckus

Check it, I grew up, a fuckin' screw-up
Got introduced to the game, got a ounce and fuckin' blew up
Choppin' rocks overnight
The nigga Biggie Smalls tryin' to turn into the black Frank White

And we got the workers choppin' rock, Benz by the flock
And we gettin' it, the dirty cop is jealous so they sweatin' it
I'm lettin' off smoke, hope they don't play me for no joke
And provoke the homicide, so just let the drama slide
We keepin' it real, fuck how you feel, Biggie pass the steel
Let's serve these motherfuckers, slugs as a fuckin' meal

We had to grow dreads to change our description
Two cops is on the milk box missin'
Show they toes you know they got stepped on
A fist full of bullets a chest full of Teflon
Run from the police picture that, nigga, I'm too fat
I fuck around and catch a asthma attack
That's why I bust back, it don't phase me
When he drop, take his Glock, and I'm Swayze
Celebrate my escape, sold the Glock, bought some weight
Laid back, I got some money to make, motherfucker

Now it's war, me trying to sell, runnin' from the punk po-lice
They try to cock me, but them can't gun store
What about they come to hold up me north
Pulled up the park, I left school and let's buck
Look around, look around, punk po-lice
Run as fast as you can, but you can't catch me
Look around, look around, punk police
Me have to blast back, cause they blast at me

They got me runnin' from the five-o
Duckin' and dodgin' in my survival
The Benzo and I let off with my nine, ho
I'm movin' swifter than the next nigga, no time for sex
Cause in my mind all I wonder is who's next
Nigga, my homie slipped and now he pays the price
He did a drive-by, sixteen, now he's doin' triple life
Tell me is it me or my upbringin'
I spit that thug shit
Nigga, motherfuck singin'
I hope you got your Timberlands on tight
Cause I ain't givin' up
I'd rather duck these motherfuckers all night
I'm runnin' through the projects, biatch
They'll never catch me
Cause I'm loc'ed and trigger happy on the, sniatch
Don't say you never heard of me, til they murder me
I'm a legend
Do thug niggas go to heaven?
I'm rollin' with the Thoro Headz
We gettin' ghost on them hoes and yo
I got no love for the five-o
I'm runnin' from the police

Now it's war, me trying to sell, runnin' from the punk po-lice
They try to cock me, but them can't gun store
What about they come to hold up me north
Pulled up the park, I left school and let's buck
Look around, look around, punk po-lice
Run as fast as you can, but you can't catch me




Look around, look around, punk police
Me have to blast back, cause they blast at me

Overall Meaning

The song "Runnin'" is a deep and introspective look into the lives of the artists, who are constantly on the run from the police who are trying to drag them back into the cycle of poverty, violence, and abuse. The lyrics describe a sense of helplessness and resignation in the face of institutionalized oppression and the relentlessness of the police. Despite this, the artists refuse to give up and continue to fight, even if it means risking their lives. They speak of their experiences of being profiled, harassed, and victimized by the police, leading them to having to constantly flee. The artists, 2Pac, The Notorious B.I.G, Dramacydal Radio and Stretch, all contribute to the song, each with their own unique take on the topic, making for a powerful and evocative song.


The lyrics of "Runnin'" reflect the bitter experiences of the artists, but they are also notable for their literary and musical allusions. The use of the phrase "got a nigga" echoes the language commonly used by police officers when referring to black criminals. The references to Malcolm X highlight the ongoing struggle for civil rights and freedom. The reference to Biggie Smalls as the "black Frank White" evoke images of the singer from the movie "King of New York", who is a feared drug lord. The use of the word "Thug Life" by 2Pac is a reference to his own personal philosophy, which calls for a life lived on his own terms.


The song showcases the rise of West coast Hip-Hop, in addition to the East coast style of music. Furthermore, it brings to light the unfavorable treatment and struggles that many artists faced, leading them to a life of crime with no end in sight. The song highlights the struggles of the Black community which are faced with continuous profiling and discrimination.


Line by Line Meaning

Runnin' from the police
Trying to evade law enforcement and avoid getting caught or arrested


(Yeah, I know what you mean)
Acknowledging that the listener understands the feeling and experience of running from the police


No matter what I do, they got a nigga
Expressing the feeling of constant surveillance and targeting by the police, regardless of one's actions


Still runnin' from the police
Continuing to evade and escape from law enforcement


(Put them motherfucking Nike's on tight and get ghost y'all)
Advising others to put on their running shoes (symbolized by Nike's) tightly and quickly disappear to avoid capture


I ain't got nuttin' on my mind, but gettin' in some trouble
Having a mindset focused on engaging in rebellious or criminal activities


Licking shots to they block, leavin' bloody blood puddles
Firing bullets at the rival's territory, causing violence and leaving a trail of bloodshed


For some ridah's delight, now we in a gunfight
Engaging in a gun battle for the thrill and satisfaction of being a gangster or outlaw


I can shoot the gauge pebbles at the devils or die tonight
Using a shotgun to shoot small projectiles (pebbles) at adversaries or risking death in the process


It's on me, but if I die, bury me a motherfucking G
Taking responsibility for one's actions and accepting the consequences, even if it leads to death, with a request to be remembered as a gangster (G) in death


A open casket on them bastards so they all remember me
Desiring to have an open casket funeral to ensure that those who opposed or wronged the individual can see their lifeless body and remember the impact they had


With my vest on my chest, my tools and my piece
Wearing a bulletproof vest for protection, carrying weapons, and being prepared for confrontation and violence


Thug Life motherfucker, got me runnin' from the police
Embracing the philosophy of living a rebellious, criminal lifestyle (Thug Life) which leads to constant evasion and avoidance of law enforcement


Nigga, you know that's true
Addressing someone (using the term 'nigga') and emphasizing the truth of the statement that was just made


Catch a nigga like K-Dog, chillin' with a crew
Referring to a person, K-Dog, who was caught by the police while hanging out with friends or gang members


Every damn day parlay with my glass of Re
Engaging in casual or leisurely activities every day, while enjoying an alcoholic beverage (glass of liquor)


The O.J. and it's all okay
Drinking orange juice (O.J.) in combination with alcohol, indicating a carefree and relaxed attitude towards life


To that fuckin' fake cop, got to play the man
Having to confront and outsmart a corrupt or deceitful police officer to protect oneself and maintain control


Ran me down the block with my glass in my hand
Being chased by the police while still holding a glass of alcohol


Damn, I hope it don't spill
Expressing concern about spilling the alcohol while being chased by the police


Nigga chill, shit is real, cock back my steel
Advising someone (using the term 'nigga') to stay calm and composed because the situation is serious, while preparing to use a gun (steel)


Still runnin' from the police, I gets no sleep
Continuing to evade and escape from law enforcement, resulting in lack of rest or peaceful sleep


I got you peepin' in my window, while I'm smokin' indo
Being aware that the police are surveilling or watching from outside the window, while smoking marijuana (indo)


But I ain't no motherfucking track star, pigs got a jeep
Acknowledging that one is not an exceptional runner, as the police have vehicles (jeeps) that can easily chase and apprehend individuals


Like Big Malcolm, runnin' through motherfucker's backyards
Comparing oneself to Malcolm X, who used to run through people's backyards to escape from trouble


So I grabs my piece before I flee
Taking hold of a firearm (piece) before running away to ensure protection and potential deterrence of the police


And instead of me runnin', these bitches is runnin' from me
Reversing roles, now the police are the ones being chased and running away from the individual


Lick shots, hit spots off on my piece
Firing bullets towards the police, hitting and damaging their vehicles or equipment


Cause a nigga like Big Malcolm is through runnin' from the police
Declaring that one, like Malcolm X, will no longer run or evade law enforcement, and instead confront them head-on


Now it's war, me trying to sell, runnin' from the punk po-lice
Engaging in a conflict or battle with law enforcement while also attempting to continue illegal activities, such as selling drugs


They try to cock me, but them can't gun store
Police attempting to provoke or intimidate the individual, but failing to succeed or gain any control over them


What about they come to hold up me north
Considering the possibility of the police raiding or searching the individual's location of operation


Pulled up the park, I left school and let's buck
Arriving at a location, most likely a park, after leaving school and being prepared to engage in violence or a confrontation


Look around, look around, punk po-lice
Observing the surroundings for any signs of law enforcement presence and referring to them disrespectfully


Run as fast as you can, but you can't catch me
Taunting and challenging the police to pursue the individual as they attempt to escape, knowing they won't be able to catch them


Me have to blast back, cause they blast at me
Being forced to retaliate and return fire towards the police as they also shoot at the individual


Yo I was, schemin' and fiendin' for loots and took the crooked route to
Admitting to engaging in schemes or plots to acquire wealth illegally and opting for an unconventional or dishonest path


Ghetto fame I felt the pains and now I run the game
Experiencing the challenges and hardships of the ghetto lifestyle, but now having achieved success and dominance in the criminal world


The insane brain, cold gettin' fly like a plane
Referring to the individual's mentally disturbed mindset and ability to appear stylish and confident like an airplane soaring through the sky


On them suckers with my nigga Biggie Smalls causin' ruckus
Creating chaos and disorder alongside an associate named Biggie Smalls (The Notorious B.I.G.), also known for their involvement in criminal activities


Check it, I grew up, a fuckin' screw-up
Providing an introduction to one's troubled upbringing and admission of past mistakes and missteps


Got introduced to the game, got a ounce and fuckin' blew up
Being introduced to the world of crime and illegal activities, then rapidly achieving success and significant profits


Choppin' rocks overnight
Breaking down and preparing drugs (rocks) for sale in a speedy and efficient manner, usually during the night


The nigga Biggie Smalls tryin' to turn into the black Frank White
Expressing aspirations to emulate Frank White, a fictional crime boss from the film 'King of New York,' and acquire power and influence in the criminal underworld


And we got the workers choppin' rock, Benz by the flock
Having a team of individuals preparing drugs for sale, while driving luxurious and expensive cars (Benz) in large numbers


And we gettin' it, the dirty cop is jealous so they sweatin' it
Continuously acquiring wealth and success, causing corrupt police officers to become envious and anxious about their activities


I'm lettin' off smoke, hope they don't play me for no joke
Discharging gunshots, hoping that the police won't underestimate or mock the individual's capabilities


And provoke the homicide, so just let the drama slide
Attempting to avoid escalating the situation into a deadly confrontation, urging everyone to let the conflicts or tensions subside


We keepin' it real, fuck how you feel, Biggie pass the steel
Remaining true and authentic to their criminal lifestyle, disregarding others' opinions or emotions, while requesting Biggie Smalls to hand over a firearm


Let's serve these motherfuckers, slugs as a fuckin' meal
Delivering bullets (slugs) as a form of retaliation or punishment to their enemies, treating it as a metaphorical meal


We had to grow dreads to change our description
Choosing to grow dreadlocks as a way to alter their appearance and avoid being easily recognized or identified by law enforcement


Two cops is on the milk box missin'
Referring to two police officers who have gone missing and are featured on milk cartons, indicating their unknown whereabouts


Show they toes you know they got stepped on
Revealing their dead bodies to imply that they were killed, likely as a result of crossing or challenging the individual


A fist full of bullets a chest full of Teflon
Carrying a hand holding a large number of bullets, along with a bulletproof vest covering the chest to protect against gunfire


Run from the police picture that, nigga, I'm too fat
Rejecting the idea of fleeing or running away from the police, asserting that the individual is too heavy or significant (symbolized by being 'fat') to be easily caught


I fuck around and catch a asthma attack
Jokingly suggesting that the physical exertion of running could trigger an asthma attack due to the individual's weight or lack of physical fitness


That's why I bust back, it don't phase me
Explaining the reason for retaliating and returning fire towards the police, emphasizing that their attempts to intimidate or harm do not affect or intimidate the individual


When he drop, take his Glock, and I'm Swayze
When the police officer falls or is incapacitated, grabbing their handgun (Glock) and asserting that the individual is calm, cool, and in control like actor Patrick Swayze


Celebrate my escape, sold the Glock, bought some weight
Expressing the feeling of relief and success after evading capture, selling the handgun, and using the money to purchase drugs (weight) in order to continue their criminal activities


Laid back, I got some money to make, motherfucker
Adopting a relaxed and confident demeanor, now having the necessary funds to engage in profit-generating endeavors, emphasizing a disdainful tone towards others


They got me runnin' from the five-o
Being compelled to evade and flee from the police (five-o signifies the police, derived from the television show 'Hawaii Five-O')


Duckin' and dodgin' in my survival
Moving quickly and evasively in order to survive and avoid capture by law enforcement


The Benzo and I let off with my nine, ho
Driving a luxury car (Benzo) and firing a firearm (nine) to defend oneself from the police or other threats


I'm movin' swifter than the next nigga, no time for sex
Moving and acting faster than others, without any distractions or time for engaging in sexual activities


Cause in my mind all I wonder is who's next
Constantly thinking about and anticipating who will be the next person to pose a threat or challenge to the individual


Nigga, my homie slipped and now he pays the price
Referring to a friend or associate who made a mistake and is now facing the consequences or negative outcomes as a result


He did a drive-by, sixteen, now he's doin' triple life
Describing the friend's criminal act of shooting from a vehicle (drive-by), resulting in a prison sentence of three times the normal life term


Tell me is it me or my upbringin'
Questioning whether the individual's behavior and actions are a result of their personal choices or the way they were raised


I spit that thug shit
Expressing that the individual speaks with a demeanor and language associated with a violent or criminal lifestyle


Nigga, motherfuck singin'
Rejecting or dismissing the idea of engaging in pursuits such as singing or expressing oneself in a conventional, non-threatening manner


I hope you got your Timberlands on tight
Advising someone to wear their Timberland boots tightly, implying that they should be prepared to run or face a challenging situation


Cause I ain't givin' up
Asserting that the individual will not surrender or give in to law enforcement or any other threat


I'd rather duck these motherfuckers all night
Preferring to evade and avoid the police continuously throughout the night rather than confront them directly


I'm runnin' through the projects, biatch
Fleeing and moving quickly through low-income neighborhoods (projects), using a derogatory term to refer to someone (biatch) who might question or challenge the individual


They'll never catch me
Expressing confidence and certainty that law enforcement will not be able to apprehend or capture the individual


Cause I'm loc'ed and trigger happy on the, sniatch
Feeling mentally unstable or crazy (loco or loc'ed) and easily provoked to use a firearm (trigger happy) on anyone who poses a threat (sniatch: slang term for a rival or enemy)


Don't say you never heard of me, til they murder me
Demanding recognition and acknowledgment of their existence and reputation, with the expectation that it will only come after their death or killing


I'm a legend
Claiming status as an important and celebrated figure in their community or industry, known for their actions and influence


Do thug niggas go to heaven?
Questioning the destiny or afterlife for individuals who live a life of crime and violence, wondering if they will be rewarded or punished


I'm rollin' with the Thoro Headz
Associating oneself with a group of trustworthy and hardcore individuals, known as the Thoro Headz (probably a reference to loyal friends or gang members)


We gettin' ghost on them hoes and yo
Vanishing or disappearing (getting ghost) from enemies or those who might betray them, and stating it confidently


I got no love for the five-o
Expressing a complete lack of respect, loyalty, or positive feelings towards the police (five-o)


I'm runnin' from the police
Escaping and evading law enforcement, avoiding arrest or capture




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: EDGAR WINTER, CHRISTOPHER WALLACE, OSTEN HARVEY, MARSHALL B III MATHERS, LUIS RESTO, TUPAC AMARU SHAKUR

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

SSG LIGHTY

This is hard . Peace to all of them ☮️ ✌🏾

Art Samsun

Lil Vicious is still good

Ronald Baker

Favorite version 🔥🔥🔥

Tru Lion

That's not a woman... that's Lil' Vicious he was a lil kid at that time.

Art Samsun

2:05

LIKKLE JOJO

3:01 1:29 4:12

gerald lewis

wickest chorus

Julien Navis

You made a remix / remastered ? What did you do ?

2Pac Radio & Remixes

@Julien Navis i believe so. He dropped instrumental tapes back in the days on the forum scenes. Can't remember if others were involved.

Julien Navis

@2Pac Radio & Remixes The result is awesome. One question more. DJ Cvince... what did he do ? he totally remade the instrumentals ?

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