Classified attended Hants East Rural High in Milford, Nova Scotia. He start… Read Full Bio ↴Classified attended Hants East Rural High in Milford, Nova Scotia. He started his own production label, Half Life Records, and released his first full length LP called Time's Up, Kid in 1995. After years of working on music and sorting through label contracts, Classified produced, recorded and released his ninth album, Trial & Error, and signed a nationwide distribution deal with Toronto-based, URBNET Records. Containing collaborations with up-and-coming Canadian artists like Eternia and DL Incognito, as well as Canadian rap veteran, Maestro, the album was one of the highest selling independent rap albums in Canada in 2004.
In addition to the release of Trial & Error, 2003 and 2004 were busy and evolutionary years for Classified. With the continuous support of VideoFACT, he was able to release two additional music videos for the singles "Just the Way It Is" and "Unexpected". Classified also continued to master his production skills and joined forces with some of Canada's most prominent emcees, including Choclair and Maestro Fresh Wes. He also teamed up with Shady Records recording artist, Royce Da 5'9" and opened for Ludacris, Snoop dogg, Busta Rhymes, The Game, Nelly, MC Grizzly, Captain Capota, Nas, The Black Eyed Peas and Black Moon.

Classified's tenth album, Boy-Cott-In the Industry, was a high point in his career. The album includes guest appearances by Choclair, Royce Da 5'9", Jay Bizzy, J-Bru, A-Wall, Spesh K, and Mic Boyd (Classified's younger brother and fellow MC). He has said he enjoys doing music with other people: "It keeps things exciting and there are tons of talented people in Halifax so you make connections 'cause it's not a huge scene." The album reached #46 on SoundScan's Canadian R&B/Hip-Hop albums chart. The singles "The Maritimes", "5th Element", "No Mistakes", and "Find Out", which is the lead single of his 11th studio album, Hitch Hikin' Music, were all Top 20 hits on MuchMusic and MTV Canada that year. The music video for "No Mistakes" won him an MMVA for MuchVibe Best Rap Video. Boy-Cott-In the Industry also earned Classified a Juno Award nomination for Rap Recording of the Year in 2006.

Riding high off of Boy-Cott-In the Industry, Classified released his eleventh album Hitch Hikin' Music. Produced like previous albums by Classified himself, it is arguably some of Classified's finest work. On "Fall From Paradise", Classified reflects on the difficulty of staying fresh and on top. In the hip-hop meets classic rock song "All About U", featuring singer Chad Hatcher, Classified shows the extent of his growth from his early releases. In "Hip Hop Star", he eschews the current bling-bling culture of popular hip hop to remind people that life is not about trying to impress others. The rest of the album includes guest appearances by Jay Bizzy, Mic Boyd, Jordan Croucher, Preacher K, White Mic and more. Four singles have been released off the album: "Find Out" (which won the 2007 East Coast Music Award for Best Rap/Hip-Hop Single), "Feelin' Fine Remix", "All About U", and "Hard to Be Hip Hop". Hitch Hikin' Music also received a Juno Award nomination for Rap Recording of the Year in 2007.

Classified enlisted the help of fellow Nova Scotia native Joel Roy to beatbox during some of his songs. The actual singles that Roy beatboxed for are unknown but it is believed that he can be heard in the single "The Maritimes".

In early 2009, the hit single "Anybody Listening" brought Classified to mainstream success as it peaked at #52 on the Canadian Hot 100 and the music video received heavy rotation on MuchMusic. Classified's thirteenth studio album, Self Explanatory received highly positive reviews from the critics and debuted on the Canadian Albums Chart at #25 making it Classified's first album on that chart. At the 2009 MuchMusic Video Awards on May 21, 2009, Classified won the MuchVibe "Best Hip-Hop Video of the Year" award for "Anybody Listening" directed by Harv Glazer and produced by Robert Wilson of TwoThreeFiveFilms. Off Self Explanatory, Classified would enjoy more mainstream success in early 2010 with another hit single, "Oh...Canada" peaking at #14 on the Canadian Hot 100 and was certified platinum in digital downloads by the CRIA. Also in early 2010, Classified received three Juno Award nominations, which was for Rap Recording of the Year, Single of the Year, and Video of the Year. In early 2011, "Oh...Canada" received a Juno nomination for "Single of the Year".

On March 22, 2011, Classified released his fourteenth album, though it was only his second major studio album, Handshakes and Middle Fingers. The first single off the album, "That Ain't Classy" reached #45 on the Canadian Hot 100. The album debuted at #7 on the Canadian Albums Chart, making it his highest charting album to date.

Freezin In The Cold
Classified Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Verse 1:]
Now ever since I took my wife's hand for my life span
I feel like I've been spendin' more time with my mic stand and my pipe man
Things are getting heated, almost got a nice tan
Head up in the clouds, I get too high, I got no flight plan
So what's next? Should I keep speakin' my mind?
Keep on, readin the signs, tryin to keep wit the times
They say freedom is blind, and I can't see the future

So I got to make it work, there ain't no plan B for Luke here
I drop beats and spit bars and try to get established man
But I keep gettin barred from every bar establishment
I need to keep it focused like a camera lens
But I handle everything from music to the management
And I must be heaven sent, but I'm sittin at the bottom
I should be at a level 10, so where's my medals man?
They said music will influence the people who listen to it
So I'm tryin to contribute wit what I do, so get into it

[Chorus:]
Now I don't know where I should go
See the same things happen, everything is on hold
So, I need to grow, or take control
I gotta make a move now or I'm freezin in the cold
So now what should I do? I don't know
Write another verse? I don't know
Make another album? I don't know

[Verse 2:]
I know a couple emcees who think they better than me
Well if you can't beat them, sign them and put HalfLife behind them
I played the role of coach, plus the ref and the linesman
Show you what not to do, so you can put your time in
Self made man, no one helped or gave a hand (nope)
Livin month to month, I worked for months to pay the rent
So now I take the reigns, I major, I major made
Ya I talk a lot of shit, a lot of things stay the same
I still break the chains, kids stay in your lane
Learn to listen, stop dissin, burnin bridges, nothin changed
The same motha fuckas who got beef with me
Are the same motha fuckas wanting beats from me
You ?? after, from producer to weak rapper
I speed past ya, and turn pages on each chapter
You beat jacker, give it up and walk away
You make it hard for a kid to love a culture these days

[Chorus:]
Now I don't know where I should go
See the same things happen, everything is on hold
So, I need to grow, or take control
I gotta make a move now or I'm freezin in the cold
So now what should I do? I don't know
Should I make another beat? I don't know
Should I quit smokin weed? I don't know
You think they're ready for it? No
I ain't ready for it. No

[Verse 3:]
A lot of rappers run they mouth, but they run when shit starts
Imitators wit no substance, like armpit farts
And most rappers now a days claim that pimpin's easy
But they girlfriends' look cheaper than Canadian tv
I'm a main character, of course I'll be winning kid
I never had to sell my soul like Bart Simpson did
I go no tour, I'm drinkin liquor til it's tasteless
Half in the bag, like potato sack races
Is that supposed to be the way, make a livin, get paid
Smoke weed, drink liquor everyday, I can't complain
But shit will take it's toll, I know I'll feel it when I'm old
I got direction in my life, but I don't know where to go

[Chorus:]
Now I don't know where I should go
See the same things happen, everything is on hold
So, I need to grow, or take control
I gotta make a move now or I'm freezin in the cold
So now what should I do? I don't know
Get a real job? I don't know
Or maybe go commercial.. I don't know

You think they're ready for it? No
Cause I ain't ready for it. No

Overall Meaning

In "Freezin In The Cold," Classified reflects on his journey as a musician and the struggles he faces in the industry. He begins by acknowledging that since getting married, he has been dedicating more time to his music career. He feels the pressure to succeed and make a name for himself, constantly questioning what his next move should be. Despite facing obstacles and being denied opportunities in the music industry, he remains determined to establish himself and make a positive impact with his music. He recognizes the power of music to influence people and wants to contribute to the art form.

The chorus emphasizes his uncertainty about his future and the decisions he should make. He contemplates whether he should write another verse, make another album, or pursue a different path entirely. He expresses his frustration with the industry and the constant competition among fellow rappers. However, Classified remains resilient and insists on breaking free from the constraints that hold him back. He takes pride in being a self-made artist, working hard to pay his bills and refusing to compromise his integrity. He addresses the criticism he receives, particularly from those who want to collaborate with him but also disrespect his talent. He challenges the current state of rap, where many artists prioritize materialism rather than substance.

In the third verse, he touches on the perception of rappers who talk big but back down when confronted with real challenges. He contrasts those who lack substance with his own approach to music, emphasizing his determination to succeed without selling his soul. Classified recognizes the risks and toll his career choice may have on his well-being but admits he's uncertain about what direction to take in the future.

Overall, "Freezin In The Cold" reflects Classified's struggle as an artist trying to make a mark in the industry while staying true to himself and facing the uncertainties and pressures that come along.

Line by Line Meaning

Now ever since I took my wife's hand for my life span
Since I got married, I've been prioritizing my music career and neglecting other aspects of my life

I feel like I've been spendin' more time with my mic stand and my pipe man
I've been dedicating most of my time to performing and smoking marijuana

Things are getting heated, almost got a nice tan
The pressure and competition are increasing, but I'm not making much progress

Head up in the clouds, I get too high, I got no flight plan
I'm constantly daydreaming and not making concrete plans to achieve success

So what's next? Should I keep speakin' my mind?
I wonder if I should continue expressing my thoughts and opinions through my music

Keep on, readin the signs, tryin to keep wit the times
I try to stay relevant by paying attention to trends and adapting my style

They say freedom is blind, and I can't see the future
People say that being independent and following my passion may lead to uncertainty about my future

So I got to make it work, there ain't no plan B for Luke here
I have to make my music career successful because I have no backup plan

I drop beats and spit bars and try to get established man
I produce music and rap in hopes of becoming well-known and respected

But I keep gettin barred from every bar establishment
I'm consistently denied opportunities to perform at various venues

I need to keep it focused like a camera lens
I should remain dedicated and concentrated like the lens of a camera

But I handle everything from music to the management
I handle all aspects of my music career, including the administrative tasks

And I must be heaven sent, but I'm sittin at the bottom
Although I believe I have talent, I haven't achieved the level of success I desire

I should be at a level 10, so where's my medals man?
I expected to have achieved significant recognition and rewards by now

They said music will influence the people who listen to it
I've been told that my music has the power to impact and shape the listeners

So I'm tryin to contribute wit what I do, so get into it
I'm striving to make a meaningful contribution through my music, so I hope you appreciate it

Now I don't know where I should go
I'm uncertain about which direction to take in my career

See the same things happen, everything is on hold
I keep encountering similar obstacles, and my progress is constantly halted

So, I need to grow, or take control
I must either develop and improve or gain more control over my music career

I gotta make a move now or I'm freezin in the cold
I need to take action soon, or else I'll be left behind and struggle to succeed

Should I make another beat? I don't know
I'm unsure if creating more instrumental tracks is the right choice

Should I quit smokin weed? I don't know
I'm uncertain if giving up marijuana will positively impact my music career

You think they're ready for it? No
I doubt if my audience is ready for the music I want to create

I ain't ready for it. No
I'm not prepared for the potential challenges and expectations that come with success

I know a couple emcees who think they better than me
I am aware of some fellow rappers who believe they are more skilled than me

Well if you can't beat them, sign them and put HalfLife behind them
Instead of competing with these rappers, I should consider signing them to my record label and supporting their careers

I played the role of coach, plus the ref and the linesman
I have taken on multiple roles in guiding and overseeing the careers of other artists

Show you what not to do, so you can put your time in
I aim to be a mentor and teach aspiring artists what mistakes to avoid, so they can invest their time wisely

Self made man, no one helped or gave a hand (nope)
I have achieved success on my own without any assistance or support

Livin month to month, I worked for months to pay the rent
I struggle financially, constantly working hard to earn enough money to cover my monthly expenses

So now I take the reigns, I major, I major made
I'm now taking control and assuming a more prominent position in the industry

Ya I talk a lot of shit, a lot of things stay the same
I may boast and criticize, but many aspects of my life and career remain unchanged

I still break the chains, kids stay in your lane
I continue to challenge the status quo and encourage young artists to find their own path

Learn to listen, stop dissin, burnin bridges, nothin changed
I urge others to be more open-minded, avoid unnecessary conflicts, and not damage their relationships

The same motha fuckas who got beef with me
The individuals who have a conflict with me

Are the same motha fuckas wanting beats from me
Ironically, the people who have a grudge against me still seek my music production skills

You ?? after, from producer to weak rapper
You're trying to ride my success, transitioning from being a producer to a subpar rapper

I speed past ya, and turn pages on each chapter
I surpass and outperform you, progressing and moving forward in my career

You beat jacker, give it up and walk away
You're copying the style and beats of other artists, so you should abandon that approach and find your own path

You make it hard for a kid to love a culture these days
Your actions and behavior make it difficult for young individuals to appreciate and embrace the hip-hop culture

A lot of rappers run they mouth, but they run when shit starts
Many rappers talk boastfully, but when faced with real challenges, they back away

Imitators wit no substance, like armpit farts
These pretenders lack depth and originality, similar to the insignificance of armpit farts

And most rappers now a days claim that pimpin's easy
Many contemporary rappers falsely portray pimping as a simple and glamorous lifestyle

But they girlfriends' look cheaper than Canadian TV
However, the appearance and demeanor of their girlfriends suggest modesty and low quality

I'm a main character, of course I'll be winning kid
I consider myself a prominent figure in the industry, so it's natural for me to achieve success

I never had to sell my soul like Bart Simpson did
Unlike Bart Simpson, who made a pact with the Devil, I have maintained my integrity and artistic authenticity

I go no tour, I'm drinkin liquor til it's tasteless
I haven't embarked on a tour, and instead, I numb my senses with excessive drinking

Half in the bag, like potato sack races
I consume enough alcohol to reach a state of intoxication, resembling the unsteadiness of participants in potato sack races

Is that supposed to be the way, make a livin, get paid
Is this reckless lifestyle, filled with substance abuse, considered the norm to earn a living and make money?

Smoke weed, drink liquor everyday, I can't complain
Despite the potential negative consequences, I indulge in smoking weed and drinking alcohol daily and have no complaints

But shit will take its toll, I know I'll feel it when I'm old
I am aware that this lifestyle will have long-term repercussions, and I will experience the consequences when I'm older

I got direction in my life, but I don't know where to go
Although I have a sense of purpose, I'm still uncertain about the path I should take in my life and career

Get a real job? I don't know
I'm unsure if pursuing a more conventional and stable career is the right choice for me

Or maybe go commercial.. I don't know
I'm uncertain about whether to compromise my artistic integrity and appeal to a more mainstream audience

Cause I ain't ready for it. No
I'm not mentally or emotionally prepared to face the challenges and pressures that come with mainstream success

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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