9th Wonder is a hip hop producer from Raleigh, North Carolina, U.S.. He began his career as the main producer for the hip-hop group Little Brother, and has also worked with the likes of Mary J. Blige, Jay-Z, Murs, and Destiny's Child. As part of Little Brother he gained widespread recognition and critical acclaim. He has since left Little Brother. 9th Wonder stated that as long as both Phonte and Big Pooh welcomed a reunion somewhere down the line, he would be completely open to the idea.
The duo released two albums. The first one, Chemistry in 2005 and the sophomore album titled The Formula in 2008.
Chemistry 101
9th Wonder & Buckshot Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A fifth of some 9th Wonder for the DJ to cut
As he spin it when it comes to the formula
They saw me cause I (?) hot shit
All that fame shit ain't shit
Same shit as the last niggas who spit past hits, bastard
Who ain't have a father figure
So you was raised like a bitch on some "don't bother a nigga"
Music got my people like "nah, I can't take this shit"
Never the mess, call me the stress reliever
I'm glad to be a nigga in my position, you tryin' to see us
Cause now, you like "wow
Can I be down with Duckdown & Bucktown, I'm kinda stuck now, help me out"
Nope, it's too late for you, make sure you
Keep makin' them records 'till the day you spoil
Me, I'm straight, I'm here on the map
My little brother is strapped
My big dogs got my back
On the ultimate, this is Buck-shot
When I come with the shit
This is for you, this is for you, you, and you and you right there
See we back on the map
Buckshot, Little Brother is strapped
New York, to North Ca', all across the map
Recognize that the boss is back
Fuck that, whoa, yeah, uh
Boot Camp, BCC, Justus League, another one!
You know how we do it
Yeah, this album right here is for all you MC's and you producers out there
The lyrics of Chemistry 101 by 9th Wonder & Buckshot showcase the perfect blend of underground hip-hop and production genius. The opening lines of the song portray hip-hop as a science, with the mixing of ingredients like a pound of underground, a cup of Buck, and a fifth of some 9th Wonder for the DJ to cut, forming the perfect formula for the hot shit.
Buckshot then establishes himself as a unique artist who has grown up without a father figure, leading him to raise himself and become independent. In contrast, he labels other famous artists as 'bastards' who have achieved fame without any struggle or hardship. The lyrics convey that he is Neo, representing his people in a world where music is becoming more commercialized and losing its meaning.
As the song progresses, Buckshot highlights his loyalty to his crew- Boot Camp Clik and the Justus League, who have his back, and he recognizes that the boss is back. The track encourages other upcoming musicians to keep making records and not give up, as the ultimate goal is to leave a mark on the map and make a difference.
Overall, Chemistry 101's lyrics send a message that music is not just about fame, but it is also about preserving the roots of hip-hop and being loyal to the craft.
Line by Line Meaning
Mix a pound of underground, a cup of Buck
Combining Buckshot's underground hip-hop style with 9th Wonder's distinct production style
A fifth of some 9th Wonder for the DJ to cut
Giving the DJ some 9th Wonder beats to scratch and mix
As he spin it when it comes to the formula
When the DJ mixes the two styles together, it produces a unique formula
They saw me cause I (?) hot shit
Buckshot's talent and skill caught people's attention
All that fame shit ain't shit
Fame isn't important when compared to creating good music
Same shit as the last niggas who spit past hits, bastard
Many artists try to copy the style of past successful artists, but they're not original
Who ain't have a father figure
Many artists didn't have a strong father figure in their life
So you was raised like a bitch on some 'don't bother a nigga'
Without a strong father figure, some people feel vulnerable and adopt a defensive attitude
Me, I'm the Neo for my people on this Matrix shit
Buckshot sees himself as a leader or savior figure to his fans in the music industry that can be seen as a corrupt system
Music got my people like 'nah, I can't take this shit'
Sometimes music or the music industry can be challenging, and Buckshot recognizes that not everyone can handle it
Never the mess, call me the stress reliever
Despite the challenges of the music industry, Buckshot aims to relieve stress and provide a positive impact on his listeners
I'm glad to be a nigga in my position, you tryin' to see us
Buckshot is grateful for his position in the music industry and recognizes that many people aspire to be in his shoes
Cause now, you like 'wow
Buckshot recognizes that his fame can have a powerful impact on people
Can I be down with Duckdown & Bucktown, I'm kinda stuck now, help me out'
Buckshot recognizes that his fans may look to him for guidance or opportunities in the music industry
Nope, it's too late for you, make sure you
Buckshot dismisses the idea of helping people who have missed their opportunity
Keep makin' them records 'till the day you spoil
Despite not being able to help everyone, Buckshot encourages artists to keep making music for as long as they can
Me, I'm straight, I'm here on the map
Buckshot is satisfied with his current position in the music industry and feels that he has made his mark
My little brother is strapped
Buckshot may have protection from his younger brother
My big dogs got my back
Buckshot has support and protection from others in the music industry
On the ultimate, this is Buck-shot
Buckshot is at the top of his game
When I come with the shit
Buckshot is confident in his abilities to create great music
This is for you, this is for you, you, and you and you right there
Buckshot's music is for everyone and he acknowledges his fans
See we back on the map
Buckshot's music is once again relevant and popular
Buckshot, Little Brother is strapped
Once again, Buckshot mentions that his brother may be providing protection
New York, to North Ca', all across the map
Buckshot's music has a wide reach and influence across the United States
Recognize that the boss is back
Buckshot is the leader and boss of the music industry
Fuck that, whoa, yeah, uh
Buckshot is confident and doesn't care about what others think
Boot Camp, BCC, Justus League, another one!
Buckshot acknowledges and shouts out his music group and affiliated groups
You know how we do it
Buckshot and his group have a unique and distinctive style
Yeah, this album right here is for all you MC's and you producers out there
Buckshot's album is intended for other artists and producers in the music industry
Contributed by Cole K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.