He was booed off stage at a show celebrating the visit of Nelson Mandela. In 1993 at the very popular show Sting he accused fellow deejay Bounty Killer that the elder artist had stolen his catchphrase, "people dead". This triggered a lyrical battle which continued on the air with each artist counteracting the other's songs. Finally, in 1995, Beenie Man and Bounty Killer settled their differences on the air by actually signing a peace treaty and the two recorded an album together, Guns Out. This was followed by a single, "No Mama No Cry", a rehash of the Bob Marley classic "No Woman No Cry", speaking out against violence and inspired by the murder of Pan Head, another popular Deejay.
Partially as a result of prodding from his producers, Sly and Robbie, Beenie Man soon converted to the Rastafari movement.
In 1994, he was signed by Island Records and released the critically acclaimed album Blessed.
In 1995, Beenie Man released a remix of Barrington Levy's "Under Mi Sensi" in the United Kingdom, and collaborated with Dennis Brown and Triston Palma to release Three Against War and Lt. Stitchie on Mad Cobra Meets Lt. Stitchie & Beenie Man. He took another step up the ladder in 1996, releasing the seminal Maestro, produced by Patrick Roberts and shot him to UK fame. During the period from the mid to late '90s, Beenie Man dominated the Jamaican charts to the extent that he perhaps had a good claim to the crown of "Dancehall King", a title only bestowed previously on Yellowman in the early 1980s.
In 1998, Beenie Man signed to Virgin Records to release albums in the United States. His first American offering was The Doctor (1998). In 2000, Beenie Man teamed up with Arturo Sandoval and Wyclef Jean (The Fugees) to release The Art & Life. During the late 1990s, Beenie Man began his conquest of America with the hits, "Romie", "Who Am I" and "Girls Dem Sugar", which featured American R&B singer, Mya.
In 2002, he had a sizeable hit with a duet with Janet Jackson called "Feel It Boy", but his biggest break in America came in early 2004 with the release of a remix of "Dude", featuring guest vocals by fellow Jamaican Ms. Thing, as well as rhymes by Shawnna.
Compton
Beenie Man Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ona-na-na-na
Guerilla Black where you from
Zagga
I'm strictly business, just like EPMD
I'm B-L-A-C-K from the C-P-T
Where they dip them cigarettes in P-C-P
C-I-B, the magnum toting
Keep my enemies on I-V, once I toast them
Just like my bagels
Have them like Christians over they head smoking halo
Call me Plato, I philosoph-y
By the brick, then divided it up amongst my guys
Then I called Lionel, the prince of the vinyl
Slow up and charge the game like a wild rhino
I know, no one else can do it better
Is you stupid nigga? Get your shit together
Badman
Guerilla Blacks comes from Compton
And Beenie Man is a Jamaican
Sending my message across the nation
'Cause I'm original Badman
Yo, I'm original Badman
And Guerilla Black comes from Compton
And Beenie Man is a Jamaican
'Cause we're original Badman
I like mine all black and like M&M
Not the regular ones, the one that's feminine
Entering my dojo, you lose your mojo
My karate chops in slow-mo
Fuck around and knock the hair up off your chest
My shocks from your brain, threw a fucked up mess
Unless, I put the potato on the end of the barrel
And watch your soul fly with the sparrow
Call me Pharaoh Guerilla, apparels is mink
And sometimes I wear Chinchillas (Zo)
Yes I'm the thriller
Whether I pop Cristal or drink Miller's
Turn wine coolers back to whine chillers
Yes I'm the illest, no one is like me
Naw, that's unlikely
Badman
Guerilla Blacks comes from Compton
And Beenie Man is a Jamaican
Sending my message across the nation
'Cause I'm original Badman
Yo, I'm original Badman
And Guerilla Black comes from Compton
And Beenie Man is a Jamaican
'Cause we're original Badman
Meshach and Abednego
Me Black, wear Fendi clothes
Yes, they're many hoes
Yes, they're many flows
The start of the destruction
Assisted by call of some percussion
To usher in a new millennium
My mind process raps like a Pentium
Anyone, anyhow, and anyway
Niggas get fucked up when the mini spray
Yes he went away with shells stuck up in his back
He fucked up with Black
Got hit up with the Mack
Best to stick to act, don't act nonchalant
Yeah I keep that hardware like I'm DuPont
Badman
Guerilla Blacks comes from Compton
And Beenie Man is a Jamaican
Sending my message across the nation
'Cause I'm original Badman
Yo, I'm original Badman
And Guerilla Black comes from Compton
And Beenie Man is a Jamaican
'Cause we're original Badman
Guerilla Blacks comes from Compton
And Beenie Man is a Jamaican
Sending my message across the nation
'Cause I'm original Badman
Yo, I'm original Badman
And Guerilla Black comes from Compton
And Beenie Man is a Jamaican
'Cause we're original Badman
The lyrics of "Compton" by Beenie Man and Guerilla Black revolve around their identities as original badmen from Compton and Jamaica, respectively. They boast about their skills, street credibility, and ability to command attention with their music.
In the first verse, Beenie Man establishes his business-like approach to the industry, comparing himself to the legendary rap duo EPMD. He proudly represents the CPT (Compton) and references the drug culture, mentioning cigarettes dipped in PCP. He asserts his dominance with wordplay, mentioning magnum guns and toasting enemies, similar to toasting bagels. The line "have them like Christians over their head smoking halo" suggests that Beenie Man's impact on people is so powerful it can invoke a religious experience. He also references Plato and his philosophy, implying his deep thinking and intelligence. Beenie Man then mentions dividing up the "bricks," a nod to drug deals, among his associates and calling on Lionel, a prince of vinyl, highlighting his influence in the music industry.
In the chorus, the message is clear - they are badmen, they come from different backgrounds, and they want to send their message across the nation.
In Guerilla Black's verse, he starts with a playful reference to liking his women black, like M&M's. He emphasizes his skills in martial arts, describing how his karate chops are so powerful they can slow down time. Guerilla Black warns others of his abilities to cause chaos, mentioning putting a potato on the end of a gun barrel and watching souls fly away with sparrows. He boasts about his fashion choices, wearing mink and chinchilla apparel, and his versatility in drinking expensive champagne or inexpensive beer. Guerilla Black asserts his uniqueness and highlights the unlikelihood of anyone else matching his skills.
In the second chorus, they reiterate their badman identities from Compton and Jamaica, emphasizing their originality.
In the final verse, Guerilla Black continues to showcase his lyrical prowess. He references the biblical characters Meshach and Abednego, comparing himself to them and proudly wearing designer clothes. He boasts about his ability to attract women and deliver various flows and styles in his raps. Guerilla Black suggests that his music will bring about a new era and showcases his quick-thinking mind, comparing it to a Pentium processor. He warns that anyone who crosses him will face the consequences, mentioning guns and violence. Ultimately, he advises others to stick to acting and not challenge him, as he's always armed and ready.
Overall, the lyrics of "Compton" express the confidence and skill of Beenie Man and Guerilla Black as original badmen from their respective backgrounds. They showcase their dominance in rap music and assert their unique identities.
Line by Line Meaning
Zagga Zo
An introduction to the song, establishing a catchy phrase
Ona-na-na-na
Adding rhythm and emphasis to the introduction
Guerilla Black where you from
Asking Guerilla Black about his origins and background
Zagga
A repeat of the catchy phrase for emphasis
I'm strictly business, just like EPMD
I am very focused on my career and take it seriously, similar to the group EPMD
I'm B-L-A-C-K from the C-P-T
I am Guerilla Black from Compton, California
Where they dip them cigarettes in P-C-P
In Compton, some people add the drug PCP to their cigarettes
And them broads they believe in me (Zo)
The women in Compton have faith and trust in me
C-I-B, the magnum toting
I am from the Crips gang and carry a Magnum firearm
Keep my enemies on I-V, once I toast them
I keep my enemies incapacitated and unable to retaliate after I confront them
Just like my bagels
Similar to how I prefer my bagels, I like my enemies neutralized
Have them like Christians over they head smoking halo
I have my enemies disoriented and dazed, as if they are seeing a halo after being hit
Call me Plato, I philosoph-y
I consider myself a deep thinker and wise like the philosopher Plato
By the brick, then divided it up amongst my guys
I purchased drugs in bulk, then distributed them among my friends
Then I called Lionel, the prince of the vinyl
I reached out to Lionel, who is known for his DJ skills, particularly with vinyl records
Slow up and charge the game like a wild rhino
I took my time and approached the music industry aggressively, like a charging rhinoceros
I know, no one else can do it better
I am confident that I am the best at what I do
Is you stupid nigga? Get your shit together
Are you foolish? Get your life in order and stop making mistakes
Badman
A reference to himself as a menacing figure
Guerilla Blacks comes from Compton
Acknowledging that he hails from Compton, California
And Beenie Man is a Jamaican
Recognizing that Beenie Man is a famous Jamaican artist
Sending my message across the nation
Spreading his music and thoughts to people throughout the country
'Cause I'm original Badman
Reiterating that he is an authentic and formidable character
Yo, I'm original Badman
Reiterating that he is an authentic and formidable character
I like mine all black and like M&M
I prefer my guns to be all black, similar to the famous rapper Eminem
Not the regular ones, the one that's feminine
I don't like ordinary guns; I prefer a more unique and powerful weapon
Entering my dojo, you lose your mojo
If you enter my space, you will lose your confidence and strength
My karate chops in slow-mo
My physical attacks are so powerful and precise that they can be observed in slow motion
Fuck around and knock the hair up off your chest
I have the ability to physically harm someone, even knocking their hair off their chest
My shocks from your brain, threw a fucked up mess
My actions or words can greatly impact someone's mental state, causing confusion or chaos
Unless, I put the potato on the end of the barrel
Using a silencer on a firearm to muffle the sound of a gunshot
And watch your soul fly with the sparrow
Causing someone's demise and witnessing their spirit depart from their body
Call me Pharaoh Guerilla, apparels is mink
Referring to himself as a powerful ruler, who wears luxurious mink clothing
And sometimes I wear Chinchillas (Zo)
Occasionally, I wear Chinchilla fur, another high-end and expensive material
Yes I'm the thriller
Acknowledging his ability to captivate and entertain people
Whether I pop Cristal or drink Miller's
Whether I indulge in expensive champagne or more common beer like Miller's
Turn wine coolers back to whine chillers
Transforming a drink meant to be refreshing into something that causes annoyance and complaints
Yes I'm the illest, no one is like me
Asserting that he is the most talented and exceptional person in his field
Naw, that's unlikely
Expressing doubt that anyone else can match his abilities
Meshach and Abednego
Referencing two biblical characters known for their unwavering faith
Me Black, wear Fendi clothes
As a person with the name Black, I wear fashionable Fendi clothing
Yes, they're many hoes
Acknowledging that there are many promiscuous women
Yes, they're many flows
Recognizing the varied and diverse styles of music and rap
The start of the destruction
The beginning of chaos or downfall
Assisted by call of some percussion
Aiding in the chaos through the use of rhythmic instruments
To usher in a new millennium
Bringing about a new era or time period
My mind process raps like a Pentium
I have a quick and efficient way of creating and understanding rap lyrics, comparable to the speed of a Pentium processor
Anyone, anyhow, and anyway
In any circumstance or manner, I can handle anyone
Niggas get fucked up when the mini spray
People become severely injured or killed when I use my small firearm
Yes he went away with shells stuck up in his back
Someone was fatally shot and had bullet fragments lodged in their back
He fucked up with Black
This person made a mistake and incurred the wrath of Guerilla Black
Got hit up with the Mack
They were shot with a firearm known as the Mack
Best to stick to act, don't act nonchalant
It would be wise for someone to focus on their acting career and not behave carelessly
Yeah I keep that hardware like I'm DuPont
I possess firearms and weapons like the DuPont company, known for producing various hardware products
Lyrics © THE ROYALTY NETWORK INC., Peermusic Publishing, WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC
Written by: Carlos Broady, Charles N Williamson, Moses Anthony Davis, Winston Delano Riley, CHARLES WILLIAMSON, DELANO WINSTON RILEY, MOSES DAVIS, ANTHONY DAVIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@madtimescoming
I'm strictly business, just like E P M B
I'm B L A C K from the C P T
Were they dip them cigarettes in P C P
And them broads they believe in me
C I B, the magnum totem
Keep my enemies on I V, once I toast 'em, c'mon
Just like my bagels
Have 'em like christians over they head smoking' halo
Call me Plato, I philosophy
Buy the brick, then divided it up amongst my guys
Then I called Lionel, the prince of the vinyl
Slow up and charge the game like a wild rhino
I know, no one else can do it better
Is you stupid? Get your shit together
Badman
Guerilla Black comes from Compton
And Beanie Man is a Jamaican
Sending my message across the nation, c'mon
'Cause I'm original Badman, what
Yo, I'm original Badman
And Guerilla Black comes from Compton
And Beanie Man is a Jamaican
We're from the one original Badman
I like mine all black and like Eminem
Not the regular ones, the one that's feminem
Enternin' my dojo, you lose your mojo
My karate chops in slow mo
Fuck around and knock the hair up off your chest
My shocks turn your brains to a fucked up mess
Unless, I put the potato on the end of the barrel
And watch your soul fly with the sparrow
Call me Pharaoh Guerilla, apparels is mink
And sometimes I wear Chinchillas, yes, I'm the thriller
Whether I pop Crystal or drink Miller's
Turn wine coolers back to wine chillers
Yes I'm the illest, no one is like me
No that's unlikely
Badman
Guerilla Black comes from Compton
And Beanie Man is a Jamaican
Sending my message across the nation
'Cause I'm original Badman, c'mon
Yo, I'm original Badman
And Guerilla Black comes from Compton
And Beanie Man is a Jamaican
'Cause we're from the one original Badman
New Shaq in the Bendigo
Me Black, wear Fendi clothes
Yes, they're many hoes
Yes, they're many flows
The start of the destruction
Assisted by trombones on percussion
Their ushering, a new millennium
My mind process raps like a Pentium
Anyone, anyhow and anyway
Niggas, get fucke] up when the mini sprays
Yes he ran away with shells stuck up in his back
He [fucked] up with Black got hit up with the Mack
Best to stick to act, don't act nonchalant
Yeah I keep that hardware like I'm Dupont, c'mon
Badman
Guerilla Black comes from Compton
And Beanie Man is a Jamaican
Sending my message across the nation
I'm original Badman, c'mon
Yo, I'm original Badman, what
And Guerilla Black comes from Compton
And Beanie Man is a Jamaican
We're [Incomprehensible] original Badman
Guerilla Black comes from Compton
And Beanie Man is a Jamaican
Sending my message across the nation
I'm original Badman
Yo, I'm original Badman
And Guerilla Black comes from Compton
And Beanie Man is a Jamaican
We're from the one original Badman
@makskasio8732
Zagga Zo
Ona-na-na-na
Guerilla Black where you from
Zagga
I'm strictly business, just like EPMD
I'm B-L-A-C-K from the C-P-T
Where they dip them cigarettes in P-C-P
And them broads they believe in me (Zo)
C-I-B, the magnum toting
Keep my enemies on I-V, once I toast them
Just like my bagels
Have them like Christians over they head smoking halo
Call me Plato, I philosoph-y
By the brick, then divided it up amongst my guys
Then I called Lionel, the prince of the vinyl
Slow up and charge the game like a wild rhino
I know, no one else can do it better
Is you stupid nigga? Get your shit together
Badman
Guerilla Blacks comes from Compton
And Beenie Man is a Jamaican
Sending my message across the nation
'Cause I'm original Badman
Yo, I'm original Badman
And Guerilla Black comes from Compton
And Beenie Man is a Jamaican
'Cause we're original Badman
I like mine all black and like M&M
Not the regular ones, the one that's feminine
Entering my dojo, you lose your mojo
My karate chops in slow-mo
Fuck around and knock the hair up off your chest
My shocks from your brain, threw a fucked up mess
Unless, I put the potato on the end of the barrel
And watch your soul fly with the sparrow
Call me Pharaoh Guerilla, apparels is mink
And sometimes I wear Chinchillas (Zo)
Yes I'm the thriller
Whether I pop Cristal or drink Miller's
Turn wine coolers back to whine chillers
Yes I'm the illest, no one is like me
Naw, that's unlikely
Badman
Guerilla Blacks comes from Compton
And Beenie Man is a Jamaican
Sending my message across the nation
'Cause I'm original Badman
Yo, I'm original Badman
And Guerilla Black comes from Compton
And Beenie Man is a Jamaican
'Cause we're original Badman
Meshach and Abednego
Me Black, wear Fendi clothes
Yes, they're many hoes
Yes, they're many flows
The start of the destruction
Assisted by call of some percussion
To usher in a new millennium
My mind process raps like a Pentium
Anyone, anyhow, and anyway
Niggas get fucked up when the mini spray
Yes he went away with shells stuck up in his back
He fucked up with Black
Got hit up with the Mack
Best to stick to act, don't act nonchalant
Yeah I keep that hardware like I'm DuPont
Badman
Guerilla Blacks comes from Compton
And Beenie Man is a Jamaican
Sending my message across the nation
'Cause I'm original Badman
Yo, I'm original Badman
And Guerilla Black comes from Compton
And Beenie Man is a Jamaican
'Cause we're original Badman
Guerilla Blacks comes from Compton
And Beenie Man is a Jamaican
Sending my message across the nation
'Cause I'm original Badman
Yo, I'm original Badman
And Guerilla Black comes from Compton
And Beenie Man is a Jamaican
'Cause we're original Badman
@saiyanswagga9769
Hard as fuck this instrument bruh, still listening in 2022🔥🤟
@lilvictor245
Still poppin in 2022
@logankanekoa4428
This will blow up. JUST WAIT!!!
@francmacal
ah it's 2023 and still a banger, been hearing this since i was a kid, i don't know the title so Shazam helped me.
@sandisoM85
2020, still better than 90% of music out today. Salute all the way from South Africa, Great music right here.
@GD-et3dh
Facts
@ansarkhan3686
😭😭😭😭 salute to those who died for humanity with their spoken words from the heart especially 2pac. So no credit for South Africa credit goes all to biggie and 2 pac no one even worthy these days of rapping
@madtimescoming
I'm strictly business, just like E P M B
I'm B L A C K from the C P T
Were they dip them cigarettes in P C P
And them broads they believe in me
C I B, the magnum totem
Keep my enemies on I V, once I toast 'em, c'mon
Just like my bagels
Have 'em like christians over they head smoking' halo
Call me Plato, I philosophy
Buy the brick, then divided it up amongst my guys
Then I called Lionel, the prince of the vinyl
Slow up and charge the game like a wild rhino
I know, no one else can do it better
Is you stupid? Get your shit together
Badman
Guerilla Black comes from Compton
And Beanie Man is a Jamaican
Sending my message across the nation, c'mon
'Cause I'm original Badman, what
Yo, I'm original Badman
And Guerilla Black comes from Compton
And Beanie Man is a Jamaican
We're from the one original Badman
I like mine all black and like Eminem
Not the regular ones, the one that's feminem
Enternin' my dojo, you lose your mojo
My karate chops in slow mo
Fuck around and knock the hair up off your chest
My shocks turn your brains to a fucked up mess
Unless, I put the potato on the end of the barrel
And watch your soul fly with the sparrow
Call me Pharaoh Guerilla, apparels is mink
And sometimes I wear Chinchillas, yes, I'm the thriller
Whether I pop Crystal or drink Miller's
Turn wine coolers back to wine chillers
Yes I'm the illest, no one is like me
No that's unlikely
Badman
Guerilla Black comes from Compton
And Beanie Man is a Jamaican
Sending my message across the nation
'Cause I'm original Badman, c'mon
Yo, I'm original Badman
And Guerilla Black comes from Compton
And Beanie Man is a Jamaican
'Cause we're from the one original Badman
New Shaq in the Bendigo
Me Black, wear Fendi clothes
Yes, they're many hoes
Yes, they're many flows
The start of the destruction
Assisted by trombones on percussion
Their ushering, a new millennium
My mind process raps like a Pentium
Anyone, anyhow and anyway
Niggas, get fucke] up when the mini sprays
Yes he ran away with shells stuck up in his back
He [fucked] up with Black got hit up with the Mack
Best to stick to act, don't act nonchalant
Yeah I keep that hardware like I'm Dupont, c'mon
Badman
Guerilla Black comes from Compton
And Beanie Man is a Jamaican
Sending my message across the nation
I'm original Badman, c'mon
Yo, I'm original Badman, what
And Guerilla Black comes from Compton
And Beanie Man is a Jamaican
We're [Incomprehensible] original Badman
Guerilla Black comes from Compton
And Beanie Man is a Jamaican
Sending my message across the nation
I'm original Badman
Yo, I'm original Badman
And Guerilla Black comes from Compton
And Beanie Man is a Jamaican
We're from the one original Badman
@michealroebuck683
Fire!!!.
@gregorycampbell6030
He is the biggie smalls of California