Foxxx released his first LP, Freddie Foxxx Is Here in (1989) through MCA Records. He soon parted ways with the label and became a member of Queen Latifah's Flavor Unit establishment. In 1993, Foxxx was preparing to release his sophomore LP, Crazy Like A Foxxx, through Epic Records when the label unexpectedly decided to shelve it. Leader of the badest motorcycle gang krupt mob.
Foxxx then began to be known more for his cameos on songs by Boogie Down Productions, Naughty By Nature, M.O.P., Missin Linx and, most notably, his appearance on Gang Starr's The Militia from their Moment Of Truth album (1998). The song was issued as a single, building a buzz for Foxxx and helping him to prep for his next full-length release.
This time around he applied the lessons he'd learnt from previous experiences with major record labels, and went the independent route. His album, Industry Shakedown would become the best-selling independently released album of 2000. The LP featured production from hip hop heavyweights DJ Premier, Pete Rock and The Alchemist. The members of M.O.P. provided the albums only cameo.
After the success of Industry Shakedown, Foxxx once again moved labels from Landspeed Records to BBE Records and released his third official album, Konexion (2003). A less commercially successful affair, the album was nevertheless faithful to its predecessor in terms of style and content and featured contributions from frequent collaborator DJ Premier, DJ Clark Kent and Foxxx himself under the alias of Hidden Agenda.
Foxxx was shouted out at the end of Tupac Shakur's classic diss song "Hit 'Em Up" (video version).
Foxxx made significant contributions to the WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW 2006 soundtrack. He contributed two songs, and made a guest appearance on another song. He also produced all of the hip hop songs under his alias.
In 2006, he released a mixtape called Street Triumph, in anticipation of his fifth album, Amerikkan Black Man.
The Mastas
Bumpy Knuckles Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
This shit is way out of control...
So you do yourself, an injustice, to judge me by yesterday, when I have moved on..."
[Billy Danze:]
Since it's a brand new year, I got a brand new attitude
And a brand new way to come at a dude (Salute!)
You remember the staff, that mastered the fine art
If you don't know me then don't act like you do
And if you plan to blow me, you bet' not act like you want to
(Criminal instincts!) I still got it
If a thick bitch try to throw a pick, I'll still spot it
(Glory and all) Foxxx, I'm a survivor
I raise hell with a .25, to show you I'm live
Cousin, I put my hand on the good book, and overlook
The deepest crew, and split a motherfuckin throat
(It's the "Murder He Wrote") I stick to the plan,
I'm close to my fam, and I'm a very emotional man
I told you that Danze, was out of control
You know he's the masta!
"People! People!
I am not now, what I was yesterday... And I am not now what I shall be tomorrow...
This shit is way out of control...
So you do yourself, an injustice, to judge me by yesterday, when I have moved on..."
[Lil' Fame:]
C'mon! When the last time you seen a nigga that blast rhymes
On some rap, fill and bust the gat quick, fuck that shit
I'm the nigga you love to hate, the thug that wait
Fo' yo' ass in the bushes with the AK-e
First I call yo' name, whisperin'
Then I lift yo' ass and have a snub-nose whistlin'
You can think shit's sweet 'cause I rap
I still split a nigga head like a cantaloupe
(Bitch!) and I'm dope
'Cause I master the shit, plaster the shit
A true hip-hop nigga, the last of the shit
Lil' Fame, B-K born, been doin this
Since the days of B-D-K, and TJ Swan
Nigga you choose, when I do 'em boom so bash and bruise
And confuse 'em, wait a minute did I lose 'em?
I'ma put it down baby, fuck these kids
I will splash 'em and ask 'em who the fuck I is?
The masta!
"People! People!
I am not now, what I was yesterday... And I am not now what I shall be tomorrow...
This shit is way out of control...
So you do yourself, an injustice, to judge me by yesterday, when I have moved on..."
[Freddie Foxxx:]
That's right...
My heart is colder than icicles in Poland
Niggaz hate to see when Bumpy get mad, what I be holdin'
Try to shit on me I won't hesitate, blow out your colon
Never registered a gun that I had, I like them hot and stolen
And I don't leave no spares like I was bowlin'
Strike a nigga chest, right in the pocket like Ryan Nolan
And I'll run you down, stomp yo' ass, and leave you swollen
Pick up your cash, take all your burners and keep it rollin'
Triple X raised, Bumpy, I be John Blaze
That venom shit that I've been spittin' from, back in the days
Smashin' MC's, countin the ways, you want it?
Blowin' rappers up in bunches like, rap bouquets
I'm such a real nigga I take it to Blaze
And tell 'em make it "51 Greatest Niggaz of All Time"
Or I shoot up the page
I'm still the nicest nigga, fuck my age
Hand to hand I whup yo' motherfuckin ass, live on stage
I never claim to be, somethin' I'm not
I'm a thug, and I die with it, like it or not
All the real niggaz wild with me, feel my rhyme
Now who bald-head rules in ninety-nine?
[F:]
Who keep the real shit bangin in ya?
[M:]
The masta!
[F:]
Who take a block and start swangin with ya?
[M:]
The masta!
[F:]
Who still mic ready, send it to ya?
[M:]
The masta!
[F:]
Knuckle game tight, black and blue ya
[M:]
The masta!
"We need real niggaz to bring it back... So this is what it comes down to huh?"
"I am not now, what I was yesterday... And I am not now what I shall be tomorrow..."
"I mean, this shit is way out of control"
"... So you do yourself, an injustice, to judge me by yesterday, when I have moved on..."
"We need real niggaz to bring it back... So this is what it comes down to huh?"
"I am not now, what I was yesterday... And I am not now what I shall be tomorrow.."
"I mean, this shit is way out of control"
"... So you do yourself, an injustice, to judge me by yesterday, when I have moved on..."
"We need real niggaz to bring it back."
The lyrics of The Mastas by Bumpy Knuckles, featuring Billy Danze, Lil’ Fame, and Freddie Foxxx, primarily discuss how the artists have grown and changed over time, refusing to be judged by their past actions. The song opens with Billy Danze taking on a new attitude, insisting that people judge him based on who he is now rather than who he was in the past. Lil’ Fame follows this up with a stark reminder that he is still a talented rapper and a dangerous man who should not be underestimated. Finally, Freddie Foxxx asserts himself as a true “thug,” unapologetic about his violent tendencies and unwillingness to conform.
The overarching theme of the song is growth and change, with each artist accepting their past but refusing to let it define them. They explain that it is unfair to judge them based on past mistakes or successes because they are constantly evolving and improving. This defiance is reflected in the repeated lines “I am not now, what I was yesterday… And I am not now what I shall be tomorrow… This shit is way out of control… So you do yourself, an injustice, to judge me by yesterday, when I have moved on…”
Overall, The Mastas is an anthem for those who are unafraid to evolve and reinvent themselves. The artists urge their listeners to embrace growth and never let their past define them.
Line by Line Meaning
I am not now, what I was yesterday... And I am not now what I shall be tomorrow...
I have changed and evolved over time, and will continue to do so in the future.
This shit is way out of control
The current situation is chaotic and difficult to manage.
So you do yourself, an injustice, to judge me by yesterday, when I have moved on...
It is unfair to judge me based on my past actions when I have since changed and grown.
Since it's a brand new year, I got a brand new attitude
With the start of a new year, I have a fresh perspective and mindset.
If you don't know me then don't act like you do
Don't pretend to understand me if you are not familiar with who I am.
I still got it
I am still skilled and capable.
Foxxx, I'm a survivor
I have overcome challenges and continue to persevere.
I raise hell with a .25, to show you I'm live
I am willing to be reckless and take risks to prove that I am alive and present in the moment.
I stick to the plan
I am committed to following through with my objectives and goals.
When the last time you seen a nigga that blast rhymes
When was the last time you witnessed someone deliver lyrics with such force and intensity?
I'm the nigga you love to hate, the thug that wait
I am the person that many people dislike, but they can't help but acknowledge my toughness and street smarts.
First I call yo' name, whisperin', then I lift yo' ass and have a snub-nose whistlin'
I will lull you into a false sense of security before attacking you violently.
I still split a nigga head like a cantaloupe
I am still capable of causing significant harm to my enemies.
Triple X raised, Bumpy, I be John Blaze
I have a reputation for being ferocious and uncontrollable, much like the X-Men character 'John Blaze.'
All the real niggaz wild with me, feel my rhyme
Those who are true to the hip hop culture can relate to and appreciate my lyrics.
Who keep the real shit bangin in ya?
Who is the one keeping the authentic hip hop alive within you?
Who take a block and start swangin with ya?
Who is the one that will stick by your side through difficult times, even in the most dangerous neighborhoods?
Who still mic ready, send it to ya?
Who is always prepared to grab the mic and deliver a compelling performance?
Knuckle game tight, black and blue ya
My fighting skills are unmatched and I will leave my opponents bruised and battered.
We need real niggaz to bring it back.
We need genuine and authentic individuals to revive the true essence of hip hop culture.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jamie McMahon
I love the raw hard street vibe and rugged delivery of Foxxx and MOP on this track, and the quote is the icing on the harcore street cake!!
Double R's Music Boulevard
Mr. 3rd verse does it again! Lol...nobody can close the show like bumpy knuckles!!!
MrMorningside125
one of the the top 20 hip hop albums of alltime. Beats and Ryhmes were ridiculous. Peace to bumpy Knuckles...Industry Shakedown!!!!!1
Tripp 2136
And it’s sad niggas don’t even know.. Fox and M.O.P Killt this shit hands down one of the toughest joints to hit the streets..!!
Danexman Uno
I'm about to go bump this joint in the whip. Perfect album for my outta town trip today, I'm in the mood for some BUMPYYYY!!!
bookieplow
Bumpy produced the beat himself
Anthony Mcmillan
The perfect hip hop pairing 👍! M.O.P and the 🦊! Pure catastrophe !
Mobalístiko
two things....you´re late or you are very young , anyway , freddie foxxx is a bomb !
SuperXavier30
Love and use this quote often…"I am not now what I was yesterday, and I am not now what I shall be tomorrow. So you do yourself an injustice to judge me by yesterday, when I have moved on"!!!! Corey Lyles. People please prove to me and others were not just a bunch head nodders, I’ve found out who’s quote is used to great affect on this awesome track, but the question is “Who is, or was Corey Lyles”?
Jamie McMahon
I've been accustomed to using this quote when management fucks with me at work! Gets'em every time!!