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.
Trouble
Classified Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Troubleeeee)
("Hypocritical")
(Troubleeeee)
They say my beats are (troubleeeee)
"Hyp-hyp-hypocritical"
(Troubleeeee)
It's got to be (troubleeee)
(Troubleeeee)
("Hyp-hyp-hypocritical")
[Verse 1 - Classified]
Yeah, now I'll admit it, I'm a hypocrite (yeah)
Tryin to get a grip (what?), let me flip the script (ha)
I'm seein things a little different (uh), I was the one to never hit a spliff
Now it's like everytime it's lit, I need to get a bit
I go on fishing trips (yeah), but hate fish and chips (what?)
Never handle business but always busy in the midst of it (ha)
Shit I'm a animal but tamer than a house cat
Cheese don't concern me but I'm caught up in this mouse trap
Still unsure what I stand for (uh)
I'm just a man torn, walkin blind, caught up in a sandstorm (ha)
I always say that I'm a one man band
But I got more guys on stage than you can count on one hand
Damn I'm confusin, roll up the hydro
I hate cigarettes but I'm addicted to tobacco (troubleeeee)
Won't break the bank but I'll break some bread
And I don't want to lose my hair but then I shave my head
[Chorus - Classified]
Whether wrong or right, I'm a give you what you need
'Cause my whole life, I had to keep up to the beat
So I hold tight, I got to get in where I fit in
Hit 'em with the rhythm and when the beat goes on it's - (troubleeeee)
And when the beat goes on
And when the beat goes on it's - (troubleeeee)
("Hypocrit")
And when the beat goes on
("Hypocritical")
[Verse 2 - Classified]
Uh, yeah, now I don't do what I used but do things I never did
Still got my values but switched up my etiquette
This industry don't come with benefits
That's why I'm savin for a rainy day and tryin to stay ahead of it
I freeze time when I reach mine
And each line (yeah) is universal like a peace sign, so keep tryin (keep tryin)
I ain't a fighter but I love pretendin (uh huh)
Don't get it twisted bud I ain't a bitch, I ain't surrenderin (nope)
I ain't your everyday rapper with a love for foreign whips (yeah)
At the club scorin chicks (yeah), it ain't a skill I was born with (nope)
I usually stay at home payin off these mortgages
Watch a couple porn flicks, eatin bags of corn chips (ha)
[Chorus - Classified]
Whether wrong or right, I'm a give you what you need
'Cause my whole life, I had to keep up to the beat
So I hold tight, I got to get in where I fit in
Hit 'em with the rhythm and when the beat goes on it's - (troubleeeee)
And when the beat goes on
And when the beat goes on it's - (troubleeeee)
("Hypocritical")
[Verse 3 - Classified]
Yeah, now take a minute (uh huh) and take a listen (yeah)
From Enfield straight spittin, originate from Great Britain
Proud +Martimer+, drinkin in my neighbor's kitchen
Empty out the fridge, usually we overstay our visit
Used to think I didn't care what people said
'Til I double checked message boards before I went to bed and
I always said this fame won't go to my head then
I catch myself thinkin I'm that Dude like Devin
Shit, I know I'm goin to grow
'Cause it a love/hate relationship, some things will come and go (troubleeeee)
But yo, I learned to live, live and learn (yeah)
We all hypocritical, as far as I'm concerned
[Chorus - Classified]
Whether wrong or right, I'm a give you what you need
'Cause my whole life, I had to keep up to the beat
So I hold tight, I got to get in where I fit in
Hit 'em with the rhythm and when the beat goes on it's - (troubleeeee)
And when the beat goes on ("hypocrit")
And when the beat goes on it's - (troubleeeee)
And when the beat goes on ("hypocrit-hyp")
It's got to be (troubleeeee)
("Hyp-hyp-hypocritical")
("Hyp-hyp-hypocrit")
(Troubleeeee)
("Hypocritical")
It's got to be (troubleeeee)
(Troubleeeee)
The song "Trouble" by Classified is a introspective exploration of the artist's own perceived contradictions and conflicting values. The main theme of the song is hypocrisy, and Classified uses his personal experiences and struggles to convey this idea. He admits to being a hypocrite and feeling conflicted about his values and actions. He expresses his desire to be true to himself but admits to feeling lost and uncertain. The chorus, with its repetition of the word "trouble" and "hypocritical," adds to the urgency and emotional turmoil of the song.
In the first verse, Classified talks about his conflicting habits and interests. He talks about smoking weed but disliking fish and chips, being busy but not handling business, being addicted to tobacco but hating cigarettes. He also talks about his uncertainty and confusion about his values and actions. The second verse follows this theme, and he talks about switching up his etiquette and staying true to his values. He also talks about his love for music and his dedication to his craft.
The last verse talks about Classified's struggle with fame and his desire to stay grounded. He talks about his love for his hometown of Enfield and how it grounds him. He also admits to checking message boards and being too invested in his online image. The song ends with the repetition of "trouble" and "hypocritical," emphasizing the tension and conflict present in the song.
Overall, "Trouble" by Classified is a thoughtful examination of personal values, contradictions, and the struggle to be true to oneself. It's a relatable song that many people can relate to, and it's an excellent example of Classified's introspective lyrics and thoughtful storytelling.
Line by Line Meaning
(Troubleeeee)
There's trouble brewing
"Hypocritical"
The theme of the song is about being hypocritical
They say my beats are (troubleeeee)
The artist is acknowledging that some people think his music is controversial
"Hyp-hyp-hypocritical"
Repeating the theme of the song
Yeah, now I'll admit it, I'm a hypocrite (yeah)
The artist is admitting to being hypocritical
Tryin to get a grip (what?), let me flip the script (ha)
The artist is trying to improve his behavior and change his ways
I'm seein things a little different (uh), I was the one to never hit a spliff
The artist is changing his stance on using drugs and now smokes marijuana
Now it's like everytime it's lit, I need to get a bit
The artist has become addicted to marijuana
I go on fishing trips (yeah), but hate fish and chips (what?)
The artist enjoys fishing but dislikes fish and chips
Never handle business but always busy in the midst of it (ha)
The artist is always busy but fails to handle important matters
Shit I'm a animal but tamer than a house cat
The artist is wild but not as wild as he appears
Cheese don't concern me but I'm caught up in this mouse trap
The artist is in a situation that he can't escape from
Still unsure what I stand for (uh)
The artist is uncertain of his values and beliefs
I'm just a man torn, walkin blind, caught up in a sandstorm (ha)
The artist is lost and confused in a difficult situation
I always say that I'm a one man band
The artist claims to work alone
But I got more guys on stage than you can count on one hand
The artist actually has a team that he works with
Damn I'm confusin, roll up the hydro
The artist is confusing to himself and others and needs to smoke marijuana
I hate cigarettes but I'm addicted to tobacco (troubleeeee)
The artist dislikes cigarettes but has become addicted to tobacco
Won't break the bank but I'll break some bread
The artist won't spend a lot of money but will give generously
And I don't want to lose my hair but then I shave my head
The artist wants to keep his hair but shaves it anyway
Whether wrong or right, I'm a give you what you need
The artist will provide what people want regardless of whether it's good or bad
'Cause my whole life, I had to keep up to the beat
The artist has always felt the need to keep up with trends
So I hold tight, I got to get in where I fit in
The artist will adapt to changing circumstances to stay relevant
Hit 'em with the rhythm and when the beat goes on it's - (troubleeeee)
The artist will continue to create music that may cause controversy
Uh, yeah, now I don't do what I used but do things I never did
The artist has changed his behavior and adopted new habits
Still got my values but switched up my etiquette
The artist still maintains his values but has changed his approach to things
This industry don't come with benefits
The music industry is challenging and doesn't provide many perks
That's why I'm savin for a rainy day and tryin to stay ahead of it
The artist is being financially cautious and planning for the future
I freeze time when I reach mine
The artist enjoys moments of success and savors them
And each line (yeah) is universal like a peace sign, so keep tryin (keep tryin)
The artist's music reaches a broad audience and encourages people to keep trying
I ain't a fighter but I love pretendin (uh huh)
The artist doesn't like confrontation but enjoys playing the part of a fighter
Don't get it twisted bud I ain't a bitch, I ain't surrenderin (nope)
The artist won't back down from a challenge
I ain't your everyday rapper with a love for foreign whips (yeah)
The artist is not like other rappers who flaunt their wealth and love luxury cars
At the club scorin chicks (yeah), it ain't a skill I was born with (nope)
The artist doesn't excel at picking up women at clubs
I usually stay at home payin off these mortgages
The artist is responsible and focused on paying off his debts
Watch a couple porn flicks, eatin bags of corn chips (ha)
The artist enjoys simple pleasures like watching porn and eating chips
Yeah, now take a minute (uh huh) and take a listen (yeah)
The artist wants his listeners to pay attention and listen carefully
From Enfield straight spittin, originate from Great Britain
The artist is from Enfield and represents Great Britain
Proud +Martimer+, drinkin in my neighbor's kitchen
The artist is proud of his background and enjoys spending time with friends and neighbors
Empty out the fridge, usually we overstay our visit
The artist and his friends are comfortable in each other's company and often hang out for too long
Used to think I didn't care what people said
The artist used to believe that he didn't care about other people's opinions
'Til I double checked message boards before I went to bed and
The artist is now more cautious and looks for feedback
I always said this fame won't go to my head then
The artist has always maintained that he won't let fame change him
I catch myself thinkin I'm that Dude like Devin
The artist sometimes lets his ego get the best of him
Shit, I know I'm goin to grow
The artist is aware that he still has room for growth
'Cause it a love/hate relationship, some things will come and go (troubleeeee)
The artist knows that the music industry can be difficult and unpredictable
But yo, I learned to live, live and learn (yeah)
The artist has learned to adapt and grow from his experiences
We all hypocritical, as far as I'm concerned
The artist believes that everyone is hypocritical to some extent
"hypocrit"
Repeating the theme of the song
It's got to be (troubleeeee)
The artist acknowledges that his behavior may cause trouble
"Hyp-hyp-hypocrit"
Repeating the theme of the song
Contributed by Evan L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Revamped Outdoors
Can't believe this song only has 148k views almost ten years later, such a great track.
Revamped Outdoors
Yup...still great.
Jared Hansman
Glad to see your finally making videos! I'd really like to see one for "Questions", and for "It's all about you". Lot's of good stuff man. First heard you in like 2000.....
lostsnowbord3r
This song is what rap was ment to be
andrew lorondeau
first time i ever heard this song, and now i can't stop listening to it XD im addicted
OfficialLazyBeatz
i dont know whats wrong with everyone else but i LOVE this video! dont hate on it just cuz its unusual, creativitiy is exactly what we need at a time like this! most artists come out with the same old music videos, nothin new...keep doin ur thing CLASS!
Rusty Schwimmer
I love this song.
yung corncob
i remember listening to this guy along time agohe was awesome when i first heard him singing or rapping
Casi Vincent
I always loved this one. :)
John Blobaum
from kansas city been a class fan since my days living in moncton real hip hop and beat maker with no where near the respect he deserves