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.
Unpredictable
Classified Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Underrated too much but critics I don't follow that
You can't even dream of looking through my eyes
And be compared to the same guy
Now open up your reservoir, all and all, Draining body fluids
Now watch me do it, or complicate the situation, screw it
Cause how the fuck you gonna play this game
You took it far enough my turn erasing names
I'll make an MC flips backwards, even let you rap first
Blow away your format, how can you ignore that
Shit, your rap style expired long ago
Now you falling off plus your peoples like domino
Here we go again
Classified saying same shit that he did back when
Well I'm pissed off and ain't getting no better
Seeing weak mc's on TV that's the reason that I'm fed up
[Chorus (2 times)]
Who be, I be, Class
Verbal drug pusher
why'all can check his pulse through your subwoofer, and
Who me, what you
Heart beat provider
Motivate myself to keep the rest of why'all inspired
How's a ritual like this, treated pitiful and shit
Looking for these individuals to verbally commit
Take some action on your words, like speaking from the heart
Talk about experience but never played the part
Got some smart shit to say, don't ya
Rappers entering this game biting like a vulture and saying fuck the culture
Talking image like that's how you portrayed
While this cross eyed rapper dudes, reflecting off my attitude
Now drop the eloquence I never had it in me
And never seen no christyle ever in my city
So pop the great white and let's have a drink or two
Shit, I'm wasted on half a pint of vodka ain't you
Damn, I guess that means I'm pussy
Never had no pressure in my life to push me
Staying focused on the topic at hand
To battle back from any mc or man, now that's that true shit
[Chorus (2 times)]
I'm so sick with this microphone I feel ill
Like I got 30 different people wanting shit like I was retail
I'm done giving favors give back the pad and pencils
Perform accapella getting no more instrumentals
Fuck potential son
Cause you ain't got the heart or drive
You can talk what you want I'll emerge with a darker side
My marker glides covers wide spread
Plus reflect life on paper, the verbal vibrator
Bringing pleasure to these ears of these hip hop heads
Now fuck it Class bring it to everyone who is not dead
Shit you killing me, now forget the credibility
Let's compare stability, and willingly, lyrical ability
Production wise, I can't be touched (I can't be touched)
And on the microphone I ain't the dopest, but still dope as fuck
Conceited, and cocky, I call this confidence
Inner self compliments with no equivalents, Now
[Chorus (2 times)]
In Classified's song "Unpredictable," the artist raps about his frustration with the current state of the rap industry. He believes that many of the popular artists are weak and uninspired, and he is tired of seeing them on television. Classified notes that he is underrated by critics but does not follow their opinions. He is confident in his rap abilities and challenges other MCs to try and compare to him. He pledges to erase their names and flip them backwards with his skill. He encourages others to take action on their words and speak from the heart, rather than just talking about their experiences without really living them.
Throughout the song, Classified boasts about his flexibility as an artist, both in his ability to rap and produce music. He feels that he cannot be touched production-wise and, though he might not be the dopest MC, he is still "dope as f***." He is confident and self-assured, reflecting on his lyrical ability and unique style while calling out the lack of authenticity and creativity he sees in the industry.
Line by Line Meaning
When I react on tracks I make necks snap with raw rap
I have an incredible impact on listeners when I perform with raw, powerful lyrics.
Underrated too much but critics I don't follow that
While some may overlook my talent, I don't focus on negative criticism and instead stay true to my own style.
You can't even dream of looking through my eyes
My unique perspective and experience cannot be easily replicated or understood by others.
And be compared to the same guy
Comparing me to others in the industry would be unfair and not a true reflection of my individual talent.
Now open up your reservoir, all and all, Draining body fluids
Get ready for an intense performance that will leave you emotionally drained.
Now watch me do it, or complicate the situation, screw it
Either pay attention and appreciate my skills or ignore me entirely.
Cause how the fuck you gonna play this game
Why even attempt to compete with me in the rap game?
You took it far enough my turn erasing names
It's time for me to step up and take control, leaving my mark on the industry.
I'll make an MC flips backwards, even let you rap first
I am so confident in my abilities that I can even give my opponent the advantage by letting them perform first.
Blow away your format, how can you ignore that
I will break away from common styles and trends, forcing others to take notice of my unique sound.
Shit, your rap style expired long ago
Other rappers may be past their prime and need to catch up to my fresh style.
Now you falling off plus your peoples like domino
Others in the industry are declining in popularity, and their supporters are also starting to leave.
Here we go again
I am repeating myself, calling out the same issues in the industry that have always existed.
Classified saying same shit that he did back when
My message and style has remained consistent over time.
Well I'm pissed off and ain't getting no better
I am frustrated with the state of the rap industry.
Seeing weak mc's on TV that's the reason that I'm fed up
I am tired of seeing subpar rappers receive attention and popularity on television.
Who be, I be, Class
I am Class, and my talent and style are unmatched.
Verbal drug pusher
My lyrics and performances have a powerful impact on listeners, similar to the way drugs can affect the body.
why'all can check his pulse through your subwoofer, and
My music is so intense that you can feel it in your body, as if your heart is beating to the rhythm through the subwoofers.
Who me, what you
Who are you asking about? It's me, Class.
Heart beat provider
My music and lyrics provide inspiration and motivation to listeners.
Motivate myself to keep the rest of why'all inspired
I am driven by my own motivation to inspire others and produce impressive work.
How's a ritual like this, treated pitiful and shit
The rap game is often seen as unimportant and trivial.
Looking for these individuals to verbally commit
I am searching for other talented rappers to face in competition, who can truly commit to the craft.
Take some action on your words, like speaking from the heart
I expect others to back up their words with true emotions and genuine talent.
Talk about experience but never played the part
Some rappers may brag about their experiences, but lack the true skill and talent to back it up.
Got some smart shit to say, don't ya
I know I have some intelligent and thought-provoking lyrics.
Rappers entering this game biting like a vulture and saying fuck the culture
Many new rappers are simply copying old styles, without any respect or understanding for the true culture of rap.
Talking image like that's how you portrayed
Some rappers focus too much on their public image, rather than their actual talent and work.
While this cross eyed rapper dudes, reflecting off my attitude
I am confident and sure-footed, while other rappers may appear clumsy and unfocused.
Now drop the eloquence I never had it in me
I don't have to try and sound fancy, my talent speaks for itself.
And never seen no christyle ever in my city
I have never encountered a rapper with my unique style in my hometown.
So pop the great white and let's have a drink or two
Let's relax together and have a good time.
Shit, I'm wasted on half a pint of vodka ain't you
I am a bit drunk, are you?
Damn, I guess that means I'm pussy
Being drunk doesn't make me soft or weak.
Never had no pressure in my life to push me
I have never been held back or pressured in my life.
Staying focused on the topic at hand
I stay on message and true to myself, even with distractions and pressures around me.
To battle back from any mc or man, now that's that true shit
I am always ready to compete and face new challenges, with true talent and skill.
I'm so sick with this microphone I feel ill
I am so talented and powerful on the microphone, it's almost overwhelming.
Like I got 30 different people wanting shit like I was retail
I have many fans and listeners who are eager for my work, similar to a popular retail store.
I'm done giving favors give back the pad and pencils
I am no longer helping others, it's time for me to focus on my own work.
Perform accapella getting no more instrumentals
I can perform without musical accompaniment, my voice and lyrics are powerful enough on their own.
Fuck potential son
Talent and potential means nothing without hard work and dedication.
Cause you ain't got the heart or drive
Some rappers may have potential, but lack the true passion and determination to succeed.
You can talk what you want I'll emerge with a darker side
Others may speak poorly of me, but I will continue to produce impressive and powerful work.
My marker glides covers wide spread
My pen and mind are constantly creating and writing powerful lyrics that spread far and wide.
Plus reflect life on paper, the verbal vibrator
My lyrics are not only powerful and impactful, but also reflect the true nature of life.
Bringing pleasure to these ears of these hip hop heads
My music and lyrics bring joy and satisfaction to many devoted hip hop fans.
Now fuck it Class bring it to everyone who is not dead
I will continue to produce impressive and powerful music for anyone who will listen.
Shit you killing me, now forget the credibility
Some rappers may try to tear me down, but I will continue to produce impressive work regardless of their criticisms.
Let's compare stability, and willingly, lyrical ability
Let's compare the true skill and talent of all rappers, and see who truly stands out.
Production wise, I can't be touched (I can't be touched)
My production skills are unparalleled, it's impossible to match my skills in that regard.
And on the microphone I ain't the dopest, but still dope as fuck
While I may not be the best on the microphone, I am still incredibly talented and impressive.
Conceited, and cocky, I call this confidence
I am confident in my talent and abilities, but not to a fault.
Inner self compliments with no equivalents, Now
I praise myself and my own work, as there is no other artist who compares to my unique style and talent.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DERRICK BAKER, CHRISTOPHER BRIDGES, CHRISTOPHER BRIAN BRIDGES, DOUG EDWARDS, HAROLD SPENCER JR LILLY, HAROLD LILLY JR, DAVID RICHARDSON, JAMES SCHEFFER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Indigenou§
People dont know how much I truly enjoy this. No skipping Class for this girl🙂😉
Cody Milne
Before everyone knew class. This is sick.
mdkupinhere
Damn this is a good track!!
Surge Álvarez
Wow, I remember hearing this song on The Summit compilation Rap Politix and thinking "this guy is gonna be big!"
Nicholas Alexander
Hey look my arrogance is embarrassing as all of we but we blame each other over (it - structure word) it it it it it hint hint
Cody Sherwood
Damn Class, i know you hate most of your own shit but you didn't have to dislike this..
Trent Telenko
i used to listen to this song when i was pushing in school! good days chea
Josh Spencer
This is my new work out song, 2020 btw
Eric B
My homie showed me this joint around 2001... R.I.P John
StoneAgeBeatMaker651
Hey man, Do you know how I can get my hands on this album?