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.
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.
It's Hard to Understand
Classified Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴
The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows
It's a very mean and nasty place
And I don't care how tough you are
It will beat you to your knees
And keep you there permanently if you let it
I met this kid a couple years ago who was nine at the time
A fan of my music, recited it line after line
He said his brother took a bullet from a nine to his spine
And his parents are heartbroken
Can't stop crying' since he died
Mistaken identity, wrong place and time
But nobody came forth, everyone blind to the crime
He was playing' basketball right in front of the 'rise
But nobody seen nothin'? Man, it's a sign of the times
And its disgustin'
But this nine-year-old's out for justice
Like, "Fuck this, I gotta do something for my older brother"
He asked if I could help and I said, "Anything you need"
Said he needs to know what happened
So his brother could rest in peace
He wanted me to make a video asking for support
If anybody knows something, don't be scared to come forward
So I did it
And people tried to label that as snitching?
Like, really? What the fuck am I missing here?
This boy lost his brother, now an innocent kid isn't here
I'm just trying to help, is that wrong? Man this isn't fair
If that was your brother, or your kid, would you give a shit?
I know I ain't a snitch, but are you sure you ain't a hypocrite?
It's hard to understand
Life can be a trip, enjoy it when it's good
Just get through it when it's bad
'Cause life can be a bitch
But life can be a gift
Life can be a trip, enjoy it when it's good
Just get through it when it's bad
'Cause life can be a bitch
But life can be a gift
So slow it down, 'cause life can be too quick
(Oh baby)
Last year, I went to the hospital for sick kids
My cousin worked there, said they'd appreciate the visit
"Just a couple minutes, come say hi, take some pictures"
"Sign some autographs for the brothers, the mothers and sisters"
Not a problem, I even did a song or two
Looking at these kids like, "I wish I was as strong as you"
Smiles on their face, tubes hanging from their ears
Trying to take the walk of life, but confined to wheelchairs
It's unbelievable
Then I met Simon, this other kid
He missed my performance, he was too sick to get out of bed
I was nervous at first, and couldn't comprehend
How a child who's so sick could be so happy and content
He said he was a huge fan of me and Billy Talent
Told him I just met those guys last week, they were real cool
He liked that
Fifteen-year-old with leukemia trying to fight back
But he wasn't complaining about where his life's at
We talked for a while, 'til the nurse made her rounds
She said I had to leave, I said goodbye and gave him pounds
We complain about life and now I know it ain't necessary
And I'm reminded over time I read Simon's obituary
It's hard to understand
Life can be a trip, enjoy it when it's good
Just get through it when it's bad
'Cause life can be a bitch
But life can be a gift
Life can be a trip, enjoy it when it's good
Just get through it when it's bad
'Cause life can be a bitch
But life can be a gift
So slow it down, 'cause life can be too quick
Nobody, is gonna hit as hard as life
It ain't about how hard you hit
It's about how hard you can get hit
And keep movin' forward
How much you can take
And keep moving' forward
It's a very mean and nasty place
And I don't care how tough you are
It will beat you to your knees
And keep you there permanently if you let it
I met this kid a couple years ago who was nine at the time
A fan of my music, recited it line after line
And his parents are heartbroken
Can't stop crying' since he died
Mistaken identity, wrong place and time
But nobody came forth, everyone blind to the crime
He was playing' basketball right in front of the 'rise
But nobody seen nothin'? Man, it's a sign of the times
And its disgustin'
But this nine-year-old's out for justice
Like, "Fuck this, I gotta do something for my older brother"
He asked if I could help and I said, "Anything you need"
Said he needs to know what happened
So his brother could rest in peace
He wanted me to make a video asking for support
If anybody knows something, don't be scared to come forward
So I did it
And people tried to label that as snitching?
Like, really? What the fuck am I missing here?
This boy lost his brother, now an innocent kid isn't here
I'm just trying to help, is that wrong? Man this isn't fair
If that was your brother, or your kid, would you give a shit?
I know I ain't a snitch, but are you sure you ain't a hypocrite?
It's hard to understand
Life can be a trip, enjoy it when it's good
Just get through it when it's bad
'Cause life can be a bitch
But life can be a gift
Life can be a trip, enjoy it when it's good
Just get through it when it's bad
'Cause life can be a bitch
But life can be a gift
So slow it down, 'cause life can be too quick
(Oh baby)
Last year, I went to the hospital for sick kids
My cousin worked there, said they'd appreciate the visit
"Just a couple minutes, come say hi, take some pictures"
"Sign some autographs for the brothers, the mothers and sisters"
Not a problem, I even did a song or two
Looking at these kids like, "I wish I was as strong as you"
Smiles on their face, tubes hanging from their ears
Trying to take the walk of life, but confined to wheelchairs
It's unbelievable
Then I met Simon, this other kid
He missed my performance, he was too sick to get out of bed
I was nervous at first, and couldn't comprehend
How a child who's so sick could be so happy and content
He said he was a huge fan of me and Billy Talent
Told him I just met those guys last week, they were real cool
He liked that
Fifteen-year-old with leukemia trying to fight back
But he wasn't complaining about where his life's at
We talked for a while, 'til the nurse made her rounds
She said I had to leave, I said goodbye and gave him pounds
We complain about life and now I know it ain't necessary
And I'm reminded over time I read Simon's obituary
It's hard to understand
Life can be a trip, enjoy it when it's good
Just get through it when it's bad
'Cause life can be a bitch
But life can be a gift
Life can be a trip, enjoy it when it's good
Just get through it when it's bad
'Cause life can be a bitch
But life can be a gift
So slow it down, 'cause life can be too quick
Nobody, is gonna hit as hard as life
It ain't about how hard you hit
It's about how hard you can get hit
And keep movin' forward
How much you can take
And keep moving' forward
The lyrics of Classified's song "It's Hard to Understand" paint a stark picture of the harsh realities of life, emphasizing the struggles and hardships that one can face. The opening lines set the tone, highlighting the world as a cruel and unforgiving place that can knock you down and keep you there if you allow it to. This serves as a powerful introduction to the themes of resilience and perseverance that run throughout the song.
The narrative then shifts to a poignant encounter with a young boy who has lost his brother to a senseless act of violence. The boy reaches out to Classified for help in uncovering the truth about his brother's death, demonstrating a profound sense of justice and love for his sibling. The lyrics delve into the complexities of morality and loyalty, questioning societal perceptions of snitching versus doing what is right in the face of tragedy and injustice.
The song further explores the juxtaposition of life's joys and sorrows through Classified's visit to a hospital for sick children. The heartbreaking yet inspiring anecdotes of interactions with young patients fighting serious illnesses bring to light the fragility of life and the resilience of the human spirit. The mention of Simon, a brave teenager battling leukemia with a positive attitude and love for music, adds a personal touch to the storytelling, culminating in a heart-wrenching realization upon learning of his passing.
The repeated chorus serves as a reflective refrain, underscoring the unpredictability of life's journey and the importance of cherishing moments of happiness while navigating through challenges. The closing lines echo a sentiment of endurance and perseverance in the face of adversity, drawing on the analogy of life's struggles to being hit hard but choosing to keep moving forward. Overall, Classified's lyrics in "It's Hard to Understand" offer a profound exploration of life's complexities, urging listeners to find strength in the midst of difficulties and appreciate the precious gift that life is.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Luke Donald Boyd, Robert James Wendell Mullan
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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LoNgDoNgSiLvEr
People don't have to believe me but the young man Simon he's rapping about was my best friend since day one I can still remember the day I had went to see him at the I.W.K I was one of his only friends to go and see him it was the hardest day I've ever had in my whole entire life. I remember the day I woke up to hear the news that Simon had passed away I cried for days. Gone but never forgotten love you Simon hold a place for me buddy <3
greenthumb 94
Stay strong brother!!!
Sufal Deb
got goosebumps just watching damn.. class does it again
Michael Washuck
Still got em. Real talk hits home harder
Shawn Michael Hartwell
Classified is tight. I like to see canadian rappers make a name for themselves. This is the type of music we need.....life can be a gift.
scottsmyth87
I've seen this video close to 100x and I still stand behind the statement I made when I first heard it. This is one of the realest, most heartfelt songs ever written. Thank you, Class.
Fadedragontear
Truly inspiring. It's so easy to lose perspective by getting caught up in our own day to day struggles.
KillaBeezAttack
Classified the most underrated ARTIST EVER! Thank you for your music.
Josh Driscoll Beats
Classified never disappoints!
fast as FAWK
Man this shit has meaning and hits so hard, I've been listening to class since I was a kid, man this should more popular, life lessons in his music and just is awesome , I always think of this music as a thought in my head man it's the truth, never take life for granted 🙏🏼 sometimes I forget and kick back and listen and it makes you really double look your life