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.
Sound Check
Classified Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ya lets do a quick sound check
Ya just put on that beat I had
Drop that beat, ya
Yes yes y'all, back in the place
It's for the heads y'all, ain't nobody safe
Yes yes y'all, I'm back in the place
I like to welcome ya back, clear your calendar
Let me begin, dusting off the record break
And plug my mic back in
Another record from class, deja vu
Came back to drop cuts like DJ Babu
Jump right into the game of boy cott-in the industry
But now a days I'm Boy Cott-in the industry
I play with my rules, take the wins and losses
Make kids get nauseous, when I begin to talk shit
I'm a loud mouth, I say what I be thinkin'
Figure the different I say it, better the words I'm sayin'
So I'm a break it, got a lot of things to prove
Still trying to show that classified is not a group
Only one man, white boy without a sun tan
One ramp, and rock shows with only one fan
I'm Hip Hop
There ain't another way to put it
A product of the culture and stayin' deep rooted
Raised off the music, rhymes beats and rhythm
Harmony's and Melodies, mixed in to be different
That's what kept me listening, I'm ready to go
So let the confetti blow and get the show on the road
Yes yes y'all, back in the place
It's for the heads y'all, ain't nobody safe
Yes yes y'all, I'm back in the place
It's for the heads y'all, heads y'all, lets go
Heads y'all
"Sound Check" by Classified is a celebration of hip-hop culture and the artist's personal journey within it. The opening lines invite the listener to join in on a quick sound check before jumping into a classic hip-hop beat. Classified then welcomes the listener back and encourages them to clear their calendar, suggesting that they're about to embark on a journey together.
The verse talks about Classified's experience as a hip-hop artist, highlighting his ability to drop cuts and play by his own rules. He references DJ Babu, a member of the influential hip-hop group Dilated Peoples, to show his respect for the history of the genre. He then goes on to talk about his own journey, from boycotting the industry to now playing by his own rules. He prides himself on being a loudmouth and speaking his mind, even if it makes people uncomfortable. Throughout the verse, Classified emphasizes his commitment to hip-hop and being true to himself.
The chorus repeats the phrase "Yes yes y'all, back in the place / It's for the heads y'all, heads y'all." This phrase emphasizes the importance of hip-hop culture and the connection between the artist and his fans. Classified wants to make it clear that his music is for the true fans of hip-hop, those who understand the culture and respect its history. Overall, "Sound Check" is a celebration of hip-hop and the journey of an artist who has stayed committed to the genre from the beginning.
Line by Line Meaning
Check One, Two
Performing a sound test to ensure the equipment is working properly with a simple count.
Ya lets do a quick sound check
Asking to quickly test the sound before the performance.
Ya just put on that beat I had
Requesting to play a specific beat previously discussed.
Drop that beat, ya
Requesting to start the sound check by playing the requested beat.
Yes yes y'all, back in the place
Acknowledgment of being present and ready to perform.
It's for the heads y'all, ain't nobody safe
The performance is geared towards the hip-hop fans, and not all may appreciate it.
I like to welcome ya back, clear your calendar
A friendly welcome to the fans and an invitation to clear their schedule for the upcoming event.
Let me begin, dusting off the record break
Starting the performance by showcasing the DJ skills and presenting a new record break.
And plug my mic back in
Connecting the microphone to the sound system and ensuring it's operational.
Another record from class, deja vu
Playing a new track from the artist that may seem familiar to the fans.
Came back to drop cuts like DJ Babu
Returning with new music and skills like the renowned DJ Babu.
Jump right into the game of boy cott-in the industry
Entering the hip hop industry with a degree of distrust.
But now a days I'm Boy Cott-in the industry
Continuing to express a lack of trust and actively trying to avoid industry norms.
I play with my rules, take the wins and losses
Doing things on his terms and accepting the good and bad outcomes that come with it.
Make kids get nauseous, when I begin to talk shit
Causing discomfort among listeners and challenging sensitive topics through explicit lyrics.
I'm a loud mouth, I say what I be thinkin'
An acknowledgement of his bold personality and tendency to speak his mind.
Figure the different I say it, better the words I'm sayin'
Believing unique delivery style makes the lyrics stronger and more impactful.
So I'm a break it, got a lot of things to prove
Determined to overcome challenges and prove himself as an artist.
Still trying to show that classified is not a group
Asserting his identity as a solo artist despite some misconceptions that he belongs to a group.
Only one man, white boy without a sun tan
Highlighting his unique background as a white person in hip hop, without having a tan like some other artists.
One ramp, and rock shows with only one fan
Starting with humble beginnings by performing to a small audience, but building a fan base over time.
I'm Hip Hop
Identifying as a hip hop artist and, to an extent, embodying it as a lifestyle.
There ain't another way to put it
Expressing his belief that hip hop is an essential part of his identity and cannot be described any other way.
A product of the culture and stayin' deep rooted
Attributing his identity and creativity to the wider culture of hip hop and its values.
Raised off the music, rhymes beats and rhythm
Growing up and finding inspiration in the music style and its elements.
Harmony's and Melodies, mixed in to be different
Finding a unique voice by blending elements of harmony and melody with traditional hip hop sounds.
That's what kept me listening, I'm ready to go
Expressing his love for the genre and readiness to perform for the fans.
So let the confetti blow and get the show on the road
Encouraging the audience to celebrate and ignite the performance.
Heads y'all
A call to attention to the audience to pay attention to the upcoming performance.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind