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.
I Only Say It Cause It's True
Classified Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Let's go nigga, let's go
You know what it is man (c'mon love let's go)
No love for crow dads, them wheels is old mags
Factory joints, I sit back in gold glasses
Count mine out on the grind, slow motion
Blunts lit, guns is big, strong noses
Got my knife out, chopping through duffle bags of haze
Pack the money, talking shit, watching Netflix, vibin'
My bitch is a Grecian, four five beside me
You know the drawer full of that cocaine
Ten thousand square feet of lab, I live with a cold flame
Her nickname is Cashis, her ass is Jurassic (what else?)
Black cards, wet clit, she classy (that's right)
Know we from where the drugs be flown in
It's like Medellín here, you might get left in the cold wind
Bloodline is gangster, you niggas is wanksters
We kill for real, keep it moving and drink piss
I could never hate a man for being himself
I wish you nothing but the best in sickness and health
Through the battles and the travels and everything else
I call it how I see it, yeah
Best believe I always say it 'cause it's true
(It's all real) no need to sugar coat it
We only say it 'cause it's true
(Live good, eat well)
(Classified what up?)
Yeah, aha
Don't care whose eyes are on me, I'll air all my dirty laundry
I try to keep it classy, they try to say it's raunchy
They call me bald honky, eye brows like Sean Connery
But either way I get that thumbs up like Fonzie (aye)
All the way across seas, to the Long Beach palm trees
To the New York concrete, there ain't a place beyond reach
I planted seeds and my crop finally started sproutin'
I learn the art of rap, you learn the art of chokin'
You'll never see this artist frozen like the Arctic Ocean
With every rhyme I've spoken, I put my heart and soul in
I'm too intelligent to say you fin to dumb it down
They tryna shut me up but every show I shut it down
How's that work, I go all out, I'm all in
In the jungle, late night
burning my stripes, diggin' my claws in (what you sayin'?)
I'm a tiger that's been brought up in a lion's den
But I'm still a product of my environment
I could never hate a man for being himself (nah)
I wish you nothing but the best in sickness and health
Through the battles and the travels and everything else
I call it how I see it, yeah
Best believe I always say it 'cause it's true
(It's all real) no need to sugar coat it
We only say it 'cause it's true
(Live good, eat well)
Kuniva what's up?
They said D12 was a joke until we reached a million
Did it two more times, they sick we in the building
Can't stop momentum, no matter what you'll be kill 'em
Love to ODB, D12 is for the children (yes sir)
Can't knock 'cause Kuniva's only speaking the doctrine
From the prophet's point of view
That'll only strengthen your conscience
Still enjoy when the bad chicks in my boxers
And hit the king off with some monster, that is proper
Can't snap out of my ghetto ways
A product of my environment, Fords and Chevrolets
And still manage to get caught up where the metal sprays
Cemetery where cold bodies and rose petals lay
It's all the same, worldwide, so the Henny gets swallowed
Back with the chaser, holler back with your paper
That's the only way they gonna hear ya, better yet, fear ya
Real recognize real and class is looking real familiar
Know this your brother right here
Raekwon the chef nigga (for sho)
It's all real
Make it happen, you heard?
One hunnid (yes sir)
I could never hate a man for being himself
I wish you nothing but the best through sickness and health
Through the battles and the travels and everything else
I call it how I see it, yeah
Best believe I always say it 'cause it's true
No need to sugar coat it
We only say it 'cause it's true
The song "I Only Say It Cause It's True" by Classified is a collaboration piece which includes verses from Kuniva of D12 and Raekwon the Chef. The lyrics of the song primarily focus on the realities of life in the ghetto and the struggles and hardships faced by people living in such environments. The message of the song is clear, and the lyrics reflect the songwriter's advocacy to insert a dose of reality into his music.
The first verse of the song focuses on the harsh realities of living in the ghetto. The lyrics talk about drugs, guns and the dangers of a life on the streets. It highlights the rapper's ties to a world filled with drug dealers and violent predators. The second verse of the song is more introspective, as it talks about the challenges faced by aspiring rappers. The lyrics address the challenges of being an artist coming from a tough environment where opportunities are limited, and your surroundings are out to bring you down.
The chorus of the song is the culmination of the message embodied in the song. It talks about how the artist cannot judge others for being who they are and that despite the hardships, they still strive to achieve their dreams. It is a triumphant message of hope for people struggling in difficult situations, and it encourages others to speak the truth despite the threat of consequences.
Line by Line Meaning
No love for crow dads, them wheels is old mags
I don't have any affection for outdated, inferior car rims.
Factory joints, I sit back in gold glasses
I relax in my luxury glasses, while smoking pre-rolled joints.
Count mine out on the grind, slow motion
I meticulously count my money earned through hard work, taking my time to savor each moment.
Blunts lit, guns is big, strong noses
I am smoking marijuana and carrying large guns with my confident demeanor.
Drinking Don Julio, playing spades
I am drinking Don Julio tequila and playing the card game Spades with friends.
Got my knife out, chopping through duffle bags of haze
I am cutting through bags of marijuana with a knife.
Pack the money, talking shit, watching Netflix, vibin'
I am counting my money, chatting with friends, watching Netflix, and relaxing.
My bitch is a Grecian, four five beside me
My female companion is Greek, and I am carrying a .45 caliber gun with me.
You know the drawer full of that cocaine
I have a stash of cocaine in a drawer.
Ten thousand square feet of lab, I live with a cold flame
I live in a large laboratory with a cold, calculating personality.
Her nickname is Cashis, her ass is Jurassic (what else?)
My partner's nickname is Cashis and she has a large, curvy butt.
Black cards, wet clit, she classy (that's right)
She has a high-end credit card and is sexually appealing while still maintaining sophistication.
Know we from where the drugs be flown in
We are from an area where drugs are brought in from outside sources.
It's like Medellín here, you might get left in the cold wind
Our surroundings are reminiscent of the dangerous, drug-filled city of Medellín, and you may get left behind if you can't keep up.
Bloodline is gangster, you niggas is wanksters
Our family heritage is filled with criminal activity, while your authenticity is questioned.
We kill for real, keep it moving and drink piss
We have a reputation for truly killing people, and we continue on with our business without any hesitation or remorse.
I could never hate a man for being himself
I would never despise someone simply for being true to themselves.
I wish you nothing but the best in sickness and health
I desire your ultimate good health and prosperity, no matter the circumstance.
Through the battles and the travels and everything else
Through strife and adventure and all other experiences in life.
I call it how I see it, yeah
I speak my mind honestly, straightforwardly.
Best believe I always say it 'cause it's true
Trust me, I will only ever speak the truth.
(It's all real) no need to sugar coat it
Everything I say is authentic and true, there's no point in sugarcoating it.
We only say it 'cause it's true
We only ever speak the truth.
(Live good, eat well)
May you live a prosperous, content life with good nutrition.
Don't care whose eyes are on me, I'll air all my dirty laundry
I am not worried about others watching me, I have no problem sharing my personal issues with others.
I try to keep it classy, they try to say it's raunchy
I attempt to maintain sophistication, but others may view my behavior as indecent.
They call me bald honky, eye brows like Sean Connery
People refer to me as a bald, white man with thick eyebrows like Sean Connery.
But either way I get that thumbs up like Fonzie (aye)
Regardless, I remain confident and get positive recognition like Fonzie from the television show Happy Days.
All the way across seas, to the Long Beach palm trees
From afar, across many oceans to the palm trees of Long Beach, California.
To the New York concrete, there ain't a place beyond reach
No matter where, even in the concrete jungle of New York, I am capable of reaching it.
I planted seeds and my crop finally started sproutin'
I have sown the seed of my efforts and they are beginning to bring forth results.
I learn the art of rap, you learn the art of chokin'
I have honed my skill for rapping, while others struggle to keep up.
You'll never see this artist frozen like the Arctic Ocean
I will not be held back, frozen in a place of inactivity like the frozen ocean.
With every rhyme I've spoken, I put my heart and soul in
I have invested my heart and soul into every word of my lyrics.
I'm too intelligent to say you fin to dumb it down
I am too authentic and intelligent to dumb down my content for others.
They tryna shut me up but every show I shut it down
Despite others trying to silence me, I always steal the show with my performance.
How's that work, I go all out, I'm all in
That's just how it works, I am fully committed and give my all to everything I do.
In the jungle, late night
In the rough, dangerous territory at night.
burning my stripes, diggin' my claws in (what you sayin'?)
I am fighting hard and pushing my limits, despite the consequences.
I'm a tiger that's been brought up in a lion's den
I have been raised in a harsh, difficult environment and have learned to be aggressive and powerful.
But I'm still a product of my environment
Despite growing and becoming strong, I am still a reflection of the environment that has shaped me.
They said D12 was a joke until we reached a million
We were not taken seriously as a group until we sold a million records.
Did it two more times, they sick we in the building
We repeated our success two more times and others envy our position of success.
Can't stop momentum, no matter what you'll be kill 'em
Once momentum is gained, it's unstoppable and I am confident in my ability to succeed.
Love to ODB, D12 is for the children (yes sir)
I pay homage to Ol' Dirty Bastard and D12 creates music for our younger fans.
Can't knock 'cause Kuniva's only speaking the doctrine
You can't dispute what Kuniva says, he is speaking the truth.
From the prophet's point of view
From the perspective of someone who possesses great wisdom and knowledge.
That'll only strengthen your conscience
His words will only make you more aware of what's right and wrong.
Still enjoy when the bad chicks in my boxers
I still appreciate having beautiful women in my bed.
And hit the king off with some monster, that is proper
I am pleasing the leader with amazing music, which is proper.
Can't snap out of my ghetto ways
I cannot break out of my upbringing in poor, urban neighborhoods.
A product of my environment, Fords and Chevrolets
My experiences have made me a reflection of my environment, driving old Ford and Chevrolet cars.
And still manage to get caught up where the metal sprays
I am still involved in dangerous situations where gunfire erupts, despite my efforts to move beyond it all.
Cemetery where cold bodies and rose petals lay
A place where bodies are buried and only cold remains and dead flowers can be found.
It's all the same, worldwide, so the Henny gets swallowed
Countries and regions are all the same when it comes to drinking Hennessy cognac.
Back with the chaser, holler back with your paper
I will reply with my vocals, and you will respond with money.
That's the only way they gonna hear ya, better yet, fear ya
The only way to be heard is by showing strength and creating fear in others.
Real recognize real and class is looking real familiar
Authenticity identifies with authenticity, and I can recognize the attainments of true class.
Know this your brother right here
Keep in mind that I am your brother in this journey.
Raekwon the chef nigga (for sho)
The artist Raekwon is being recognized.
(It's all real)
Everything is authentic.
Make it happen, you heard?
Let's achieve our goals together, heard?
One hunnid (yes sir)
One hundred percent authentic (yes, sir).
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Cory Woods, David Christensen, Jake Boyd, Luke Boyd, Mike Boyd Jr, Von Carlisle, Mark Pellizzer
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind