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 Off
Classified Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ay Yo I March To The Mic With My Hands Out
Set And Stand Out Cut The Band Out
And Let My Hype Man Out
Take The Mic Stand Now Excite Hands Down
Deleting Competition And Still Stand Proud
Constructive Over Your Head Still Productive
Got You Hanging Off My Words Class Be Seductive
Im Sick Of Everybody In This Rap Game Bitchin
First Off Ill Make A Few Things Clear
Dont Be Yapping In My Ear Bout Some Stupid Shit Ya Hear
Take It From The Source Class No Other
Ill Bring It To Your Face To Keep Your Mind From Getting Cluttered
Second To The People Disrespecting
Taking Me For Granted Cause Im Unsigned Fuck You
Ill Cuss Whoever Wants To Step To This Essence
Now Feel My Presence In Every Sentence A Message
[Chorus]
Ground squad, Round off, Prepare, Crowns off
Found War, Now your, in for, downfall
Want war, got war, want more, got raw
Ground squad, sound soft, nah sound off
[repeat Chorus]
[Verse 2]
That's the bottom line right, now you can see where I be coming from
See what I'll be dealing with, understanding some of them
These people acting dumb to me, and I can't seem to concentrate
Then I got these other people, bitchin like they men-es-trate
That's my third problem never meant to lay it on ya
But life's a funny thing, I'll probley turn and blame it on ya
I need to keep my head straight, can't drink and such
But that's my forth problem, people say I think too much
But for the fifth, it's like this
Looking at the large few still ain't seeing shit
Got me wondering what's the reason for my rhyme
And so fucking tired, when people tell me it's a waste of time
I told ya, this is my life
If anybody's having any doubts you can die twice
One death for my soul, another for yourself
Now do the mathematics, or rewind and try to figure it out
[Chorus]
[Verse 3]
And from one point to another, I'm lifting up my eloquence
And exercise my past days to see what things was relevant
My sixth point, intelligence, no one seems to use it
Wonder if I'm dissing ya I'll tell ya if I do it
Seven deadly sins, plus 9 pedestrians
One squad I represent, defeating us, guess again
It's takes the best of men to overcome the rest of em
Take the lesser men and rebuilt, ain't no questioning
Now who's impressing them, check the truer specimen
Hot like Mexican, take the proper steps to win
Problems next to him, but still will prevail
With a mic in my hand and the skill you should feel
[Chorus x2]
The first verse of Classified's song "Sound Off" demonstrates his confidence as he takes the mic and sets himself apart from the other artists who are "yapping in his ear" about "some stupid shit they hear." He asserts himself as a dominant force in the rap game by deleting the competition and delivering a message in every sentence. He also calls out those who disrespect him and take him for granted just because he is unsigned. Classified makes it clear that he will not be disrespected by anybody, and he will bring it to their face to keep their minds from getting cluttered. He is constructive with his words, but also seductive in his delivery, leaving listeners hanging on his every word.
In the second verse, Classified lays out his struggles with the burdens and distractions that come with his life. He feels like people are acting dumb around him, and he can't concentrate, which he attributes to his "third problem." He acknowledges that he can't drink to deal with his problems and that he thinks too much, according to others. Despite these challenges, he knows that his music is his life, and he will not waste his time on people who doubt him. He challenges listeners to do the math and figure out why he takes his craft so seriously. He also emphasizes the importance of intelligence in the rap game and the need to overcome obstacles to reach success.
Interestingly, Classified emphasizes the importance of the number seven throughout the song. He mentions the "seven deadly sins" and "seven points" he wants to make. Furthermore, the song's title, "Sound Off," contains seven letters. The song's unique structure features a chorus that is repeated twice after each verse, which serves to reinforce the song's message. Additionally, the song's beat is made up of a sample from a song by French jazz musician Martial Solal, titled "New York Herald Tribune." The song was included in Classified's fifth studio album, "Self Explanatory." The chord progression is not available, as the song utilizes a sample as the instrumental backbone.
Line by Line Meaning
Ay Yo I March To The Mic With My Hands Out
I approach the microphone with my hands raised, ready to perform.
Set And Stand Out Cut The Band Out
I want to shine and be unique, so I'm telling the band to stop playing for a moment.
And Let My Hype Man Out
I allow my hype man to take over and pump up the crowd.
Take The Mic Stand Now Excite Hands Down
I take control of the microphone stand and bring the energy level up.
Deleting Competition And Still Stand Proud
I am confident in my abilities and I don't let competition bring me down.
Constructive Over Your Head Still Productive
My lyrics are clever and intelligent, but I'm still making good music and being productive.
Got You Hanging Off My Words Class Be Seductive
My rhymes are so good that people are captivated and can't stop listening.
Ya Had Enough Kid Relax And Listen
I want people to calm down and really “feel” what I'm saying.
Im Sick Of Everybody In This Rap Game Bitchin
I am fed up with rappers who just complain and don't take action.
First Off Ill Make A Few Things Clear
Before I continue, I want to establish a few points.
Dont Be Yapping In My Ear Bout Some Stupid Shit Ya Hear
Don't talk to me about irrelevant or nonsensical things.
Take It From The Source Class No Other
Listen to me directly without any middlemen or third parties.
Ill Bring It To Your Face To Keep Your Mind From Getting Cluttered
I'm going to be very direct and upfront with you to prevent any confusion or misunderstanding.
Second To The People Disrespecting
I have a problem with people who don't show me respect.
Taking Me For Granted Cause Im Unsigned Fuck You
Don't underestimate me just because I'm not signed to a major record label.
Ill Cuss Whoever Wants To Step To This Essence
I'll swear at anyone who tries to challenge me or my music.
Now Feel My Presence In Every Sentence A Message
Everything I say has meaning and is intended to make an impact.
Ground squad, Round off, Prepare, Crowns off
I'm part of a team that's ready to take over, so watch out.
Found War, Now your, in for, downfall
We've started a battle, and our opponents are about to lose.
Want war, got war, want more, got raw
If you're looking for a fight, we're not afraid to bring it, and we'll come out on top.
Ground squad, sound soft, nah sound off
We might seem calm, but we're actually prepared to make a lot of noise and conquer.
That's the bottom line right, now you can see where I be coming from
Here's the main point, so you can understand my perspective.
See what I'll be dealing with, understanding some of them
I'm trying to convey the complexity of my situation and the people I interact with.
These people acting dumb to me, and I can't seem to concentrate
I'm frustrated by others' lack of intelligence and it's affecting my ability to focus.
Then I got these other people, bitchin like they men-es-trate
Other people are complaining and acting like they're on their period (which I find annoying).
That's my third problem never meant to lay it on ya
I'm not trying to burden you, but this is the third issue that's bothering me.
But life's a funny thing, I'll probley turn and blame it on ya
Despite my best efforts, I might still end up blaming you for something that's not even your fault.
I need to keep my head straight, can't drink and such
I have to stay focused and clear-minded, so I can't indulge in drinking or other vices.
But that's my forth problem, people say I think too much
Even though I try to maintain clarity of mind, some people criticize me for overthinking things.
But for the fifth, it's like this
Now, here's my fifth point.
Looking at the large few still ain't seeing shit
Despite the large number of people around me, I don't see anything of value.
Got me wondering what's the reason for my rhyme
I'm starting to doubt the purpose and significance of my music.
And so fucking tired, when people tell me it's a waste of time
I'm exhausted by the constant criticism and negative feedback I receive about my music.
I told ya, this is my life
I'm reminding listeners that my music is a reflection of my life and experiences.
If anybody's having any doubts you can die twice
If anyone doubts the authenticity or impact of my music, they're going to miss out on something important.
One death for my soul, another for yourself
If you don't embrace my music, you're missing out on something that could add value to your life.
Now do the mathematics, or rewind and try to figure it out
If you don't understand the significance of my music, take a moment to think about it (or listen again) and try to figure it out.
And from one point to another, I'm lifting up my eloquence
As I continue to perform, I'm improving my ability to express myself in a powerful and articulate way.
And exercise my past days to see what things was relevant
Reflecting on my past experiences helps me identify what was significant and meaningful.
My sixth point, intelligence, no one seems to use it
I value intelligence and want people to recognize its importance, but I feel like it's not being utilized enough.
Wonder if I'm dissing ya I'll tell ya if I do it
If I'm criticizing someone (intentionally or not), I'll make it clear and won't sugarcoat it.
Seven deadly sins, plus 9 pedestrians
Referencing the seven deadly sins and adding nine pedestrians to convey the breadth and depth of human nature that I'm addressing.
One squad I represent, defeating us, guess again
I'm part of a team and we're strong and confident - if you think you can beat us, you're mistaken.
It's takes the best of men to overcome the rest of em
Only the most skilled and determined people can overcome their opponents.
Take the lesser men and rebuilt, ain't no questioning
With hard work and determination, even those who are considered “lesser” can improve and rebuild.
Now who's impressing them, check the truer specimen
I'm asserting that I'm the most impressive and authentic performer around - just look at the evidence.
Hot like Mexican, take the proper steps to win
I'm on fire (like a hot sauce) and ready to win - it just requires taking the right actions.
Problems next to him, but still will prevail
Even though I'm facing challenges and obstacles, I'm confident I'll come out on top.
With a mic in my hand and the skill you should feel
My music is powerful and impactful, and with a microphone in my hand, you should feel its intensity and emotion.
Contributed by Nicholas E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.