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.

That's What I Do
Classified Lyrics

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(That's what I do)
Yeah, uh
Feelin' kinda famous, yeah (that's what I do)

I'm feelin' kinda famous in my hometown
People hold me up, 'cause I hold 'em down
I never moved away from my family
And got the same friends since elementary

You know the name and the style
But don't know what I have
'Cause in my circle of friends
The ones who posted and bragged
Ended up insecure, jealous of what others had
Glad I was raised a little different by my mother and dad
You know what I mean? (That's what I do)
I was a skater and a jock
Always showing off
My role models were Wayne Gretzky and Tony Hawk
A C student, I was average at best
'Til I found hip-hop and put my attitude in check
Then I found my identity
stopped caring 'bout what anybody said to me
A lot of people make music to make you go forget about life
I make mine to hopefully help you out and deal with it right
That's what I do (that's what I do)

You know it's all been done before (that's what I do)
You know it's all been done before (that's what I did)
How many times I got to tell ya?
(That's what I did)
I'm doin' this with or without cha
(That's what I do)
I went through all of it and back again
(That's what I do)
That's what I do, no need to ask again (that's what I did)

And I ain't playing by the books I don't know how
I write my own story as it goes down
And you can either love me or hate me
No one cares about the ones who play it safely (that's what I do)
Even my manager parties more than I do
I usually leave the party by two
Go get high and hit the drive through
I feelin' kinda old for this shit
But the kid inside of me don't know when to quit (that's what I do)
Huh, I bring the weed to the party 'cause I'm courteous
I started burnin' it, 'cause I was curious
Now marijuana's my reality
But never touch the harder stuff
'cause my addictive personality (that's what I did)
I know my limits, what I can and what I can't do
I understand myself so I don't underhand my health
It's sheer determination and true grit, face it
Don't follow any path, blaze it
That's what I do (that's what I do)

You know it's all been done before (that's what I do)
You know it's all been done before (that's what I did)
How many times I got to tell ya?
(That's what I did)
I'm doin' this with or without cha
(That's what I do)
I went through all of it and back again
(That's what I do)
That's what I do, no need to ask again (that's what I did)

Yeah and it's true (that's what I did)
I'm thinkin' about this music every day and night
I'm just passionate about the way I write
But every now and then I need to take a break from this
'Cause I can't even raise my kid or take a shit
Without attempted to create a hit (that's what I did)
My lifestyle ain't change since nineteen
And I'm still at the liquor store gettin' ID'd
With the same crew
J-brew, IV and Mike B
Us losing touch highly unlikely (that's what I do)
Ask the wrong person I'ma has-been and done with
Ask the right person I'm a legend who runs shit
You either gonna love this or dump this
But all I can do is keep it a hundred
That's what I did (that's what I did)

How many times I got to tell ya?
(That's what I did)
I'm doin' this with or without cha
(That's what I do)
I went through all of it and back again
(That's what I do)
That's what I do, no need to ask again
(That's what I did)

We know it's all been done before (that's what I do)
We know it's all been done before (that's what I did)

That's what I do

That's what I do
That's what I do

Overall Meaning

In the song "That's What I Do" by Classified, the artist reflects on his roots and the journey that has led him to where he is now. He talks about feeling famous in his hometown, where he has stayed close to his family and maintained friendships from his childhood. Classified emphasizes the importance of being raised with values that keep him grounded and humble, contrasting himself with those who seek validation through material possessions and social media bragging. He credits his parents for instilling in him the strength to stay true to himself and not be swayed by external pressures.

The lyrics also touch upon Classified's multifaceted identity, from being a skater and a jock to finding his passion for hip-hop, which helped him find his voice and purpose. He acknowledges that his music is not just about escapism but also about addressing real-life struggles and offering support to listeners dealing with their own challenges. Through his music, he aims to provide a different kind of solace and empowerment, encouraging listeners to confront their issues head-on rather than avoiding them.

Classified acknowledges the cyclical nature of life and creativity, recognizing that much of what he does has been done before but asserts his dedication to continue pushing boundaries and staying true to his vision. He chooses to forge his own path rather than conforming to conventional standards, emphasizing the importance of personal authenticity and self-awareness. Despite the pressures and temptations that come with the music industry, he remains steadfast in his commitment to his craft and his values, navigating the highs and lows with resilience and integrity.

Overall, "That's What I Do" is a self-reflective anthem that celebrates Classified's unwavering dedication to his artistry, his refusal to conform to norms, and his commitment to staying true to himself. The song serves as a testament to his authenticity, resilience, and passion, showcasing the depth and complexity of his journey as an artist and individual.

Line by Line Meaning

Feelin' kinda famous, yeah (that's what I do)
Feeling a sense of recognition and respect in my hometown, which is a result of staying loyal to my roots and remaining close to my family and childhood friends.

You know what I mean? (That's what I do)
I found my true self and confidence through hip-hop, allowing me to disregard others' opinions and focus on making music that genuinely speaks to people.

You know it's all been done before (that's what I do)
Acknowledging that creativity is not about being entirely original, but rather putting your unique perspective and experiences into your work.

I bring the weed to the party 'cause I'm courteous
I offer cannabis at gatherings as a way to be considerate, stemming from my openness to new experiences and curiosity.

That's what I did
Reflecting on past mistakes and acknowledging personal growth and learning from those experiences.

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Luke Boyd, Michael Reid Boyd, Mike Joseph Boyd, Theodore T. Robinson

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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