9th was then tapped to produce a track on Jay-Z's Black Album, which became his first major label placement. From there, 9th Wonder produced 3 songs for the R&B Super group Destiny's Child on the album "Destiny Fulfilled ("Girl", "Is She the Reason", "Game Over"), won a Grammy with Mary J. Blige for her album The BreakThrough ("Good Woman Down"), Erykah Badu's "Honey", and "20 Feet Tall" on the album New Amerykah 1 and 2, Ludacris' "Do the Right Thang", a song featuring Common and Spike Lee, and most recently David Banner on the album Death of a Popstar. 9th will also be working with Drake for the second time on his sophomore album release. 9th also has 3 albums with Murs, an Emcee that hails from MidCity, CA, in which all three albums have received critical acclaim.
9th was chosen by Aaron McGruder to score music for the critically acclaimed series "The Boondocks". He has endorsed companies such as M-Audio Electronics, FL Studio, LRG Clothing Company, and Creative Recreation Shoe Company. 9th Wonder was one of 12 individuals selected by The Pepsi Corporation for the African American Calender, "The First Of Many". 9th has also worked on an album with Hollywood actor Idris Elba.
He is the president, founder and CEO of It's a Wonderful World Music Group, which focuses on catering to the 28 to 40 year old demographic of hip-hop music lovers, 9th Wonder hosts a radio show along with Kyle Santillian on Soul 104.5 FM in Fayetteville, NC called "TRUE SCHOOL RADIO" playing the first 24 years of hip-hop, along with 80's R&B, and New Jack Swing.
9th Wonder and six other individuals founded the True School Corporation in 2006 to celebrate the music, culture, and film of 70's babies and The Spike Lee Era. In the United States there are millions of Black Americans between the ages of 28-40 that grew up in a time where hip-hop was diverse, informative, and soulful. These same individuals have gone on to become doctors, lawyers, accountants, dentists, etc., and still have a love of what hip-hop used to be. The media has demonized hip-Hop in the last 10 years; so many Black Americans tend to shy away from the picture that the media has created for hip-hop. True School has changed the minds of the generation before us (50's and 60's babies) and let them know that emcees such as Chuck D, Rakim, KRS-One, The Native Tongues, Outkast, and countless other has had much of an effect on our lives as our teachers and educators.
9th believes in the preservation of Black Music throughout all its divisions (jazz, gospel, funk, soul, afrobeat, hip-hop), and its connections to music enthnocology and the African diaspora. 9th was recently appointed the National Ambassador For Hip-Hop Relations and Culture for the NAACP by Ben Jealous, President of The NAACP, where he leads a board of PhD's, Hip-Hop Artists, and Juris Doctorates. 9th was recently interviewed by Neill McNeill of FOX 8 News in The Piedmont, NC, for a segment entitled "NewsMaker", to showcase North Carolinians who are making a difference in the community. 9th Wonder is also a member of the Zulu Nation, a hip-hop peace organization started by Afrika Bambaataa in 1973.
9th was appointed Artist in Residence by former North Carolina Central University Chancellor James Ammons (now President of Florida A&M University) in the fall of 2006. An Artist in Residence is someone involved heavily in the music industry to conduct a course or seminar of a particular subject. He was approached by Dr. Kawachi Clemons, PhD of Education, to develop a course called "Hip Hop in Context, 1973-1997, a study of the development and cultural history of Hip-Hop starting with James Brown in the late 1960's, going all the way to death of The Notorious B.I.G. in 1997. He is now currently an Adjunct Professor at Duke University while still traveling the country lecturing at different universities.
"You have to see one to be one." Hip-Hop is now making its 20yr generational turn, and there are a new breed of artists who are children of the first hip-hop generation, that have studied that generation's sound, look, and feel. "If the younger generation. . . " he continues. With President Barack Obama's message, and the new movement of hip-hop hipsters. . . "Along with several colleagues, I plan to have Summits, Festivals, and lecture panel series throughout the year, to show kids the true manifestation of the hip-hop culture and lifestyles," 9th says.
"Hip-Hop is the voice of at least 2 generations. At one time, it was the POSITIVE voice, as stated earlier. Chuck D was the black history teacher I never had, along with countless other black Americans my age. It can be that again, but with the right voices and the right players. As the late Curtis Mayfield said, "We must educate and Well as Entertain."
Ghetto
9th Wonder Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
So I start looking out the window
I see gun store, gun store, liquor store, gun store
Where the fuck are you taking me?
We bout to twist it up
We bout to lift it up
We never givin' up
Find solidarity
We got our leaders too but where they lead us to?
Do they leave us or they see it through?
Yeah we packin' precious metals
Our shit is next level
We raise the threat level (?)
Every ghetto, every city, like (?)
They way too used to the mis (?)
How to concentrate, how to sit still
Murder rate permanent place in the top 10
We live here, these hipsters drop in
You hear them barrels cockin'
They say consciousness mean we ain't rugged
Until you get beat within an inch of it
Self made dudes don't get discovered
They actin' like you owe 'em somethin'
Homie I don't owe you nothin'
Fuck your beef
It's way too early in the mornin' for the hate
You ain't brush your teeth yet Nigga
And your toast ain't buttered
A perfect storm and the coast is flooded
First discovered and my flow got
A (?) stuttered
I'm good walkin' in every ghetto around the world
The hood often embrace ya when you profound with words
I say the shit they relate to, I keep it down to Earth
Other rappers sound like they hate you, them niggas sound absurd
So when they walk through the ghetto, they get their chain snatched
They gotta talk to the ghetto to get their chain back
It's like an open air prison and it remain packed
Nothin' but straight facts
Any vibe for the people by the people
Ya-ya, giddy up
Who got the juice now?
Snatch it out your kitty's (?)
Gave us watered down
This one for Basquiat
They be brushin' with death, uh
Is this the art of war for cops?
We double-dutchin' duckin' shots
Every home ain't got a Pops
Every man ain't sellin' rocks
A different will to win here
Different from switchin' cars
They pray that we switch our bars
To a fiend from a metaphor
Worldstar, Worldstar
Lotta love and this life hard
Got us prayin' like "oh God"
Illegally thievery think (?) easily
Frustrated we hate it
That's why we scream out nigga we made it
It's an odd future they ain't know we was all some creators
Somethin' from nothin'
Was told Kings walk and man you frontin'
For the people and by the people but them over money
I'm on my Viola Davis here, workin' for justice
How you get away with murder?
Be a cop and just kill us
How we supposed to not catch feelin's?
Innocent lives, boy we got kids in these buildin's
I'm on my Viola Davis, it's what you call a defense
For all the drama they gave us
I'm spittin' Shonda Rhimes with
Too high for you like ganja
And (?) with
You still blacker than Hamptons
Still black and be rich
Spread lovin' just the Brooklyn way, it's universal
360 and the nine lives, woah
The song "Every Ghetto" is a collaboration between 9th Wonder and Talib Kweli that explores the harsh realities of living in the ghetto and the resilience of the people who inhabit it. The opening lines set the scene for the rest of the song: seeing gun stores and liquor stores out the window suggests a dangerous and oppressive environment. The refrain "We bout to twist it up, We bout to lift it up, We never givin' up" offers a glimmer of hope in the face of this bleak reality, with the theme of solidarity running throughout the song. Kweli questions the leadership in the ghetto, asking where they are leading people to and whether they actually follow through on their promises. Precious metals are mentioned, which could suggest a sense of resourcefulness and self-sufficiency among those living in the ghetto, but the line "Our shit is next level, We raise the threat level" also implies a certain level of danger and defiance.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah man
The singer is acknowledging the conversation and is prepared to listen.
So I start looking out the window
The singer is navigating through a neighborhood, paying keen attention to their surroundings.
I see gun store, gun store, liquor store, gun store
The singer sees a pattern in the shops in the neighborhood.
Where the fuck are you taking me?
The artist is questioning the destination of the person taking them through the neighborhood.
We bout to twist it up
The artist is about to change the current state or situation.
We bout to lift it up
The singer is about to make the current situation better or more positive.
We never givin' up
The singer and their community are determined and steadfast in their efforts to overcome challenges.
The startin' salary, it's hard reality
The beginning wages for many people in the neighborhood are a harsh truth.
Find solidarity
The artist urges the community to come together in support of each other.
We got our leaders too but where they lead us to?
The community has its leaders, but the artist questions their effectiveness in leading them to progress.
Do they leave us or they see it through?
The singer is questioning whether their leaders actually follow through with their promises or abandon them.
Yeah we packin' precious metals
The artist is suggesting that the community carries valuable items for protection from danger.
Our shit is next level
The community is innovative and advanced in its strategies and efforts to succeed.
We raise the threat level (?)
The community's success and progress serves as a threat to those who wish to oppress them.
Every ghetto, every city, like (?)
The issues present in this community are shared by many other similar neighborhoods across the world.
They way too used to the mis (?)
The negative aspects of the neighborhood have become normalized and expected.
How to concentrate, how to sit still
The artist is posing a challenge to those who live in the neighborhood, urging them to focus and remain patient.
Murder rate permanent place in the top 10
The community is plagued by a high level of violence and death.
We live here, these hipsters drop in
The singer and their community is a permanent resident in the neighborhood, while outsiders only visit temporarily.
You hear them barrels cockin'
The imminent threat of danger is present in the community.
They say consciousness mean we ain't rugged
The artist suggests that some believe being aware or woke means they are not tough or strong.
Until you get beat within an inch of it
The artist is implying that the true test of strength and dedication comes when facing extreme hardship or adversity.
Self made dudes don't get discovered
Those who work hard and build success for themselves are not always found by others or given opportunities.
They actin' like you owe 'em somethin'
Others feel entitled to success or rewards without putting in the necessary work or effort.
Homie I don't owe you nothin'
The singer is asserting their independence and self-sufficiency.
Fuck your beef
The singer is dismissing any petty issues or conflicts.
It's way too early in the mornin' for the hate
The singer is suggesting that it is too early in the day to engage in negativity or conflict.
You ain't brush your teeth yet Nigga
The artist is pointing out the lack of basic hygiene in some community members.
And your toast ain't buttered
The artist is pointing out the lack of basic resources or preparation for the day.
A perfect storm and the coast is flooded
The community is pushed to its limits by external and internal factors.
First discovered and my flow got
The singer was among the first to gain prominence for their musical abilities.
A (?) stuttered
The artist's early work had technical mistakes or flaws in delivery.
I'm good walkin' in every ghetto around the world
The artist is comfortable and confident moving through any disadvantaged community in the world.
The hood often embrace ya when you profound with words
The community admires and respects those who use their words to represent them well.
I say the shit they relate to, I keep it down to Earth
The singer creates music and content that the community can connect with and understand.
Other rappers sound like they hate you, them niggas sound absurd
The artist believes other musicians who do not represent their community well are ridiculous and insincere.
So when they walk through the ghetto, they get their chain snatched
Those who do not show respect or loyalty to the community are subject to theft or extortion.
They gotta talk to the ghetto to get their chain back
Those who act disrespectfully or inappropriately must make amends with the community to regain their status.
It's like an open air prison and it remain packed
The community feels trapped and confined in their neighborhood, unable to escape the cycle of poverty and violence.
Nothin' but straight facts
The artist is presenting only the truth without exaggeration or falsification.
Any vibe for the people by the people
The community-made music is created to represent and uplift them.
Ya-ya, giddy up
The singer is encouraging a lively and upbeat tone in the music.
Who got the juice now?
The singer is asking who has the power or opportunity currently.
Snatch it out your kitty's (?)
The artist is threatening to take something valuable from another person.
Gave us watered down
Those in power gave the community a less valuable or diluted version of something.
This one for Basquiat
The artist is honoring the late artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, who was known for his social commentary through his art.
They be brushin' with death, uh
Those in the community are constantly facing danger and death.
Is this the art of war for cops?
The artist is questioning whether police officers are trained to use war tactics in managing the community.
We double-dutchin' duckin' shots
The community members must constantly dodge danger and violence.
Every home ain't got a Pops
Many households in the community lack a father figure.
Every man ain't sellin' rocks
Not every man in the community is involved in the drug trade or criminal activity.
A different will to win here
The community has a unique level of determination and ambition to overcome challenges and succeed.
Different from switchin' cars
Unlike others who are focused on acquiring material possessions, the community is focused on personal growth and progress.
They pray that we switch our bars
Those in power may hope that the community changes its message or tone in its music and art.
To a fiend from a metaphor
Those in power may wish that the community's art changes from being uplifting and positive to perpetuating the drug culture and violence they face.
Worldstar, Worldstar
The artist is referencing the website WorldStarHipHop, known for showcasing raw and unfiltered content from the inner city.
Lotta love and this life hard
Despite the difficulties faced in the community, there is still love and support for each other.
Got us prayin' like "oh God"
The artist and community members are constantly seeking divine protection and guidance in their lives.
Illegally thievery think (?) easily
Those in power are quick to label the community as criminals and thieves, even if they are not engaged in such activities.
Frustrated we hate it
The community members are fed up with their current state and lack of progress.
That's why we scream out nigga we made it
Despite the difficulties, the community members celebrate their accomplishments and successes.
It's an odd future they ain't know we was all some creators
The singer is referencing the collective Odd Future, suggesting that the group was not initially seen as talented creators.
Somethin' from nothin'
The community was able to build something valuable and important despite starting from a disadvantaged position.
Was told Kings walk and man you frontin'
The artist was given advice to carry themselves with dignity and respect, but others in the community do not always follow this advice.
For the people and by the people but them over money
Those in power often prioritize financial gain over serving and supporting the community.
I'm on my Viola Davis here, workin' for justice
The singer is invoking actress Viola Davis, known for taking on complex and meaningful roles, to suggest that they are also working toward justice and positive change.
How you get away with murder?
The singer is referencing the title of a popular TV show and questioning how some crimes against the community go unpunished.
Be a cop and just kill us
The artist is suggesting that police officers are sometimes responsible for killing members of the community without consequence.
How we supposed to not catch feelin's?
The artist is acknowledging how emotionally charged and difficult it can be to experience such injustices and violence.
Innocent lives, boy we got kids in these buildin's
The artist is emphasizing the importance of protecting innocent community members, especially the youth.
I'm on my Viola Davis, it's what you call a defense
The singer is using the reference to Viola Davis again to suggest that their actions and words are a form of defense or advocacy for their community.
For all the drama they gave us
Those in power have created turmoil and difficulty for the community.
I'm spittin' Shonda Rhimes with
The singer is referencing writer and producer Shonda Rhimes, known for creating impactful and groundbreaking TV shows, to suggest that their words and ideas are similarly impactful.
Too high for you like ganja
The singer is suggesting that they and their community members are intellectually and metaphorically elevated, beyond the understanding of those who do not live in similar conditions.
And (?) with
This line is difficult to interpret without more context.
You still blacker than Hamptons
The artist is suggesting that despite being from a disadvantaged community, they and their community members are still more authentic and representative of the black experience than wealthy, white communities like the Hamptons.
Still black and be rich
The artist is suggesting that it is possible to be successful and black.
Spread lovin' just the Brooklyn way, it's universal
The community practices and promotes love above all else, and this attitude can benefit people everywhere.
360 and the nine lives, woah
The singer suggests that their community members have faced danger and survived many times, just like a cat with nine lives.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: MARIANNA EVANS, TALIB KWELI GREENE, TONY LOUIS COTTRELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind