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.
Put It All In Perspective
Classified Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah
Listen
Emcees don't sleep, wake up check the schedule
Class on the mic, turn me up another decible
Some think i make money copein through a festival
Some think i'm dope, and they put me on a pedistal
Some say i'm cocky though, and tell me that my head is full
And i don't know you man, sorry my attention's short
Shouldn't pay attention, to a stupid message board
I take it all for what it's worth, you can rest ashore
And i don't fall for stupid shit, like sex wit whores
I'm on the road to rock shows, and get paid
I play hard to get, so i'm hard to get played
I stay out the clubs, cause i don't need the static
It's hot enough in here, so i stay out of the attic
I don't rap wit rappers, so all yall fuck off
You aint scared of nothin, so drop all the tough talk
[chorus x2]
I got somethin to say, so let me get into it
No time for wastin, i aint tryin to be a nuesence
No way, i'm tryin to make a point so respect it
(i'm holdin it down, and put it all in perspective)
[verse 2]
Yeah
And when my tongue twist, i run this dumb shit
Hit hard like drum sticks, on drum kits, pump this
Play this in the streets, for the heads, or the club for the drunk chicks
(yeah) beats bang, plus i spit till my gums split
You mighta knew me from the hey now song
And i dropped maritimes, another played out song
But the real heads know this, Class is the man
What these fake heads think, i'm a flash in the pan
(listen) i was spittin before you existed
Shit kid, i was enlisted before you showed interest
Before you knew how to use furry hoops, or had a clue of master beats, and the rubix cube too
I don't handle biz, when i'm smokin my green
If you call when i'm high, then you get my machine
And any person know kid, it's just how i do it
So don't inturupt, when i'm tryna do my music
[chorus]
I got somethin to say, so let me get into it
No time for wastin, i aint tryin to be a nuesence
No way, i'm tryin to make a point so respect it
(i'm holdin it down, and put it all in perspective x5)
[verse 3]
(whoo!) and i was raised by my parents, to speak wit manners
Growin up fairytale, like believin in santa
Got excited over small things, like treats from grandma
Same thing now, except it's weed from the manager
Love mary jane, shit i think it's awsome
It's wierd how pot heads like to brag about their problems
Now i got people tryin to say i do coke
Well i never put a motherfuckin thing in my nose, okay
Do you, but it's not for me, fuck it's all i got, i keep my nostrils clean
You could quit with the cost of the talkin and all that
Worry bout yourself, not me, now fall back
[chorus]
I got somethin to say, so let me get into it
No time for wastin, i aint tryin to be a nuesence
No way, i'm tryin to make a point so respect it
(i'm holdin it down and put it all in perspective)
I got somethin to say, so let me get into it
No time for wastin, i aint tryin to be a nuesence
No way, i'm tryin to make a point so respect it
(i'm holdin it down and put it all in perspective x5)
In "Put It All In Perspective," Classified takes pride in himself as an emcee and refuses to let anyone bring him down. He starts by addressing the rumors about his earnings and his reputation. Some say he makes money by performing at festivals while others put him on a pedestal because of his talent. However, these compliments come with accusations of being cocky, but he refuses to let anyone's opinion bring him down. He advises listeners not to pay attention to anonymous online messages and assures them that he doesn't fall for meaningless things like casual sex with strangers. He stays focused on his music and avoids the drama that comes with the club scene.
In the second verse, he emphasizes his longevity in the music scene and how he's been in the game way before some of his haters even knew it existed. His love for music started early in his life, and his parents raised him with manners and a strong sense of self. He expresses his love for marijuana, but he doesn't like the fact that it is sometimes associated with negativity. Shifts in conversation then surround rumors about his drug use, which he vehemently denies. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on oneself instead of worrying about others' business, urging people to fall back.
The song's main message is about self-respect, and it encourages people to focus on what truly matters instead of listening to gossip and rumors. Classified is an advocate for self-love and believing in oneself, and he encourages listeners to trust their instincts and pursue their passions.
Line by Line Meaning
Emcees don't sleep, wake up check the schedule
As a rapper, I'm always busy and have a tightly-packed schedule.
Class on the mic, turn me up another decible
My rap skills are impressive, and I demand your attention.
Some think i make money copein through a festival
People assume I make money from performing at festivals, but that's not the only way I earn a living.
Some think i'm dope, and they put me on a pedestal
Some people think I'm talented and treat me like a superstar.
Some say i'm cocky though, and tell me that my head is full
Some criticize me for being arrogant and full of myself, but I don't let it bother me.
But i don't need 'em though, cause that's what real friends are for
I don't care about the haters because my true friends support and encourage me.
And i don't know you man, sorry my attention's short
I can't give everyone my full attention, especially those who are negative or irrelevant to my career.
Shouldn't pay attention, to a stupid message board
I don't waste time reading negative comments on social media or message boards.
I take it all for what it's worth, you can rest ashore
I take criticism and praise in stride, and don't let it affect my confidence.
And i don't fall for stupid shit, like sex wit whores
I don't engage in behavior that would harm my reputation, like having sex with promiscuous women.
I'm on the road to rock shows, and get paid
I'm focused on touring and making money through my performances.
I play hard to get, so i'm hard to get played
I don't let people take advantage of me, and am selective with who I work with.
I stay out the clubs, cause i don't need the static
I avoid going to nightclubs because I want to focus on my music career and avoid any drama or trouble.
It's hot enough in here, so i stay out of the attic
I don't need to get involved in drama or beef with other rappers.
I don't rap wit rappers, so all yall fuck off
I don't collaborate with other rappers because I want to focus on my own career and style.
You aint scared of nothin, so drop all the tough talk
Don't act tough or aggressive around me because I won't be intimidated.
And when my tongue twist, i run this dumb shit
When I rap fast and with complex lyrics, I dominate and impress.
Hit hard like drum sticks, on drum kits, pump this
My rap beats are powerful and intense, like hitting a drum set with drum sticks.
Play this in the streets, for the heads, or the club for the drunk chicks
My music can be enjoyed by both hardcore rap fans and partygoers at clubs.
You mighta knew me from the hey now song
Some people might recognize me from my popular song 'Hey Now'.
And i dropped maritimes, another played out song
I don't want to be known only for my past hits, so I continue to create new music and evolve my sound.
But the real heads know this, Class is the man
True fans of my music recognize my skills and talent as a rapper.
What these fake heads think, i'm a flash in the pan
Some people doubt my longevity or dismiss me as a one-hit wonder, but I know I have more to offer.
Shit kid, i was enlisted before you showed interest
I've been rapping for a long time and was passionate about it before it became popular or trendy.
Before you knew how to use furry hoops, or had a clue of master beats, and the rubix cube too
I was creating music and honing my skills before you even knew how to use basic toys or technology.
I don't handle biz, when i'm smokin my green
I don't handle business or make important decisions when I'm under the influence of marijuana.
If you call when i'm high, then you get my machine
If you try to reach me while I'm high, you'll have to leave a message because I won't answer.
And any person know kid, it's just how i do it
It's common knowledge among my friends and colleagues that I prioritize my music career over everything else.
So don't inturupt, when i'm tryna do my music
Please don't interfere or distract me while I'm working on creating music.
Love mary jane, shit i think it's awsome
I enjoy smoking marijuana and think it's a great substance.
It's wierd how pot heads like to brag about their problems
I find it odd that some marijuana users like to boast about their personal issues or financial struggles.
Now i got people tryin to say i do coke
Some people have accused me of using cocaine, which I deny and find insulting.
Well i never put a motherfuckin thing in my nose, okay
I categorically deny ever using cocaine or putting anything in my nose.
Do you, but it's not for me, fuck it's all i got, i keep my nostrils clean
If you want to do cocaine, that's your choice, but I don't want anything to do with it and I value keeping my nose clean and healthy.
You could quit with the cost of the talkin and all that
Stop spreading rumors or making false accusations and stick to the facts.
Worry bout yourself, not me, now fall back
Focus on your own life and problems instead of trying to bring me down or create drama.
Contributed by Bentley B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Jeff Leach
the beat just gets u hyped, class is amazing
Nick Gauthier
class is a poet!
jschafz
THIS BEAT IS LIKE A COMBINATION OF FERGIE AND JESUS.
ryan bomok
2021 still bumpin CLASS BABY
jdf 123
who ever this guy is hes fuckin awsome man i cant stop listen to it
Otis in the OCG
ive been listining 2 this guy sice like when he started makin cds
Sawyer White
still bumpin' in 2015
FUNERAL SERVICE
Mic Boyd is back! he is featured in newcomer, myniakals track, The Interlude check it out!
M jp
Fall in paradise, Highschool behaviour, are some of his sickest.
tigerwho88
class did it again