Questlove uses this song as an example of J Dilla’s incredible ear. The sample of “Give It To Me Baby” was deemed unsampleable by Quest, until J Dilla was able to do it.
He told Red Bull Music Academy:
"I thought the song was too fast for him to use. There was no drum breaks in it. It was too commercial-sounding. The beat was going to sound like something MC Hammer or Vanilla Ice would’ve used. He took the intro and chopped up the bass so precise and slowed it down. Common instantly said, “I’m making this the second song on my record.” I was like, “What?!”"
Dooinit
Common Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Motherfucker move back, I pursue rap at the pace of a New Jack
Miscellaneous numbers and shoes stack grooves
Rap I deliver for the hungry and underprivileged
Something different from these hollow and grunting niggas
This is business strictly, step to my business is risky
'Specially when you as bitch as Missy
With a four-pounded brainstorm
To make niggas dance in the rain, scared to take a chance in the game
Used to break dance, it's a shame
What money do to a nigga brain
If he lose his soul what did a nigga gain?
"Doin' it, doin' it, I am doin' it, C O double M O to the N"
My train of thought is that of a hustler, or a nigga with his shirt off
Trying to get his work off to customers
I rap with a chip on my shoulder, squeezing Coronas
See shirts that say "We gotta get over"
That juggy shit is over, the war is on
I only want to be a soldier, I'm holding on, to a culture
Focused like Gordon Parks when it's sorta dark
For niggas that's flooded with ice, my thought's the ark
Performing warming arts with some shit for the heart
Don't fuck with radio, ignoring the charts
I could give a fuck what you made in a year, nigga, you wack
A soft nigga on a hard track, in this new rap
Generation I "X" cats like a Muslim
He fell off cause I pushed him
Let his Bentley and his weak crew be his cushion
I catch him on the streets, in front of the bodyguards and rush him
"Doin' it, doin' it, I am doin' it, C O double M O to the N"
You wasn't saying you was a thug before Pac came
Ten years ago you had a high top trying to be like Kane
Then Snoop released and it became a G thing
Claim sets, your city ain't got gangs
Niggas hate you, they ain't paying you no attention
In a circle of fagots, your name is mentioned
With six degrees, I separate MC's, from a business man that's good
From a nigga that was raised or just lived in the hood
From what a nigga says to what's understood
Keep my shit tight like them boys in "The Wood"
Dick is always hard like the "Boyz in the Hood"
Peace to Dug Inf, No I, Sean Lett, the whole Chi
At the crib some cats give me the cold eye
I'm a bitch slap the next one
Let him know the world is my section for taking
You got to reduce aggression
"Doin' it, doin' it, I am doin' it, C O double M O to the N"
In Common's song "Dooinit", he describes his approach to rap as being different from the norm. He refuses to make music solely for profit and instead aims to deliver something meaningful to people in need. He references other artists who constantly release albums with little artistic variation and no deeper message than what is on the surface. Common is not afraid to take chances in his music, even if it means risking his career, while other artists are scared to step out of their comfort zones. The second verse sees Common rapping about his mentality as a hustler, willing to do whatever it takes to succeed in the competitive rap industry. He compares himself to a soldier, fighting for his culture and leaving behind those who are only in it for personal gain. Common then takes a dig at those who have jumped onto the gangsta rap bandwagon for personal gain, back when rap was becoming more mainstream. He points out their lack of authenticity and dedication to the art form.
Overall, Common's message in "Dooinit" highlights his commitment to remaining true to his own creative identity, while challenging the concepts of what it means to be a successful rapper in the modern age.
Line by Line Meaning
Motherfucker move back, I pursue rap at the pace of a New Jack
I'm not slowing down for anyone. I'm pushing forward in my rap career at the same speed as the new kids on the block.
Miscellaneous numbers and shoes stack grooves
I'm all about the rhythm and flow of my music. It's like the different notes and beats coming together to create a masterpiece.
Rap I deliver for the hungry and underprivileged
My music speaks to and represents those who come from a place of struggle and hardship.
Something different from these hollow and grunting niggas
I'm not like other rappers who just make empty and meaningless sounds. My lyrics have depth and substance.
This is business strictly, step to my business is risky
I take my music seriously and those who try to mess with it will face the consequences.
'Specially when you as bitch as Missy
Especially if you're weak and ineffective like Missy Elliott.
Back to back LP's that sound the same, I surround the game
I'm not like other rappers who put out the same sound with every album. I'm dominating the rap scene with my unique style and versatility.
With a four-pounded brainstorm
I'm constantly coming up with new and innovative ideas for my music.
To make niggas dance in the rain, scared to take a chance in the game
My music has the power to move and inspire people, even when they're afraid to take risks in life.
Used to break dance, it's a shame
I used to be a break dancer, but now I'm fully focused on my rap career.
What money do to a nigga brain
Money can change a person's mindset and values.
If he lose his soul what did a nigga gain?
What good is financial success if you lose your moral compass and values in the process?
My train of thought is that of a hustler, or a nigga with his shirt off
I think and work like a hustler, someone who's willing to work hard and take risks to succeed.
Trying to get his work off to customers
I'm trying to get my music out to fans and make a living off of it.
I rap with a chip on my shoulder, squeezing Coronas
I approach my music with a sense of determination and a bit of attitude, while also enjoying the fruits of my labor.
See shirts that say "We gotta get over"
I see people around me who are struggling and want to help them overcome their obstacles.
That juggy shit is over, the war is on
The time for playing around and goofing off is over. It's time to work hard and compete to succeed in the rap industry.
I only want to be a soldier, I'm holding on, to a culture
I see myself as a soldier in the rap game, and I'm committed to preserving the culture and legacy of hip-hop.
Focused like Gordon Parks when it's sorta dark
I'm focused and driven, even in difficult or uncertain situations.
For niggas that's flooded with ice, my thought's the ark
For those who are consumed by material possessions and superficial things, my music is like a life raft that can save them from drowning in their own vanity.
Performing warming arts with some shit for the heart
Through my music, I'm able to connect with people emotionally and provide some warmth and comfort for their hearts.
Don't fuck with radio, ignoring the charts
I'm not interested in making music that conforms to the mainstream or panders to the charts. I'll make the music I want to make, regardless of what people or the industry may say.
I could give a fuck what you made in a year, nigga, you wack
I don't care how much money you make or how successful you are. If your music is trash, it's trash.
A soft nigga on a hard track, in this new rap
There are too many rappers out there who are all talk and no substance, especially in today's new wave of rap music.
Generation I "X" cats like a Muslim
I'm speaking to and representing my generation of rappers, who are united in their beliefs and values like a Muslim community.
He fell off cause I pushed him
If someone falls off (loses their success) in the rap game, it's because I outperformed them.
Let his Bentley and his weak crew be his cushion
He can rely on his fancy car and lame crew to make him feel better about his loss.
You wasn't saying you was a thug before Pac came
Many rappers only started claiming to be tough or gangster after Tupac became popular and mainstreamed that image.
Ten years ago you had a high top trying to be like Kane
Before rappers started copying Tupac's thug persona, they were copying Big Daddy Kane's style and haircuts.
Then Snoop released and it became a G thing
Once Snoop Dogg popularized the 'Gangsta' image and lifestyle, everyone started following suit.
Claim sets, your city ain't got gangs
Many rappers claim to be part of a 'Gang' in their city, but in reality, their city doesn't have any organized gangs.
Niggas hate you, they ain't paying you no attention
If people don't like you or your music, they're not going to support you or give you any attention.
In a circle of fagots, your name is mentioned
If you hang around with people who don't support or believe in your music, your name will still come up in negative conversations.
With six degrees, I separate MC's, from a business man that's good
I have a keen awareness and ability to distinguish between true rappers and businessmen who are just trying to exploit the rap game for money.
From a nigga that was raised or just lived in the hood
I can tell the difference between rappers who truly came from the streets and those who are just fronting or pretending to be from the hood.
From what a nigga says to what's understood
I can distinguish between what someone says and what they really mean or intend.
Keep my shit tight like them boys in "The Wood"
I take my music and my craft seriously, and I work hard to make it the best it can be, like the characters in the movie 'The Wood.'
Dick is always hard like the "Boyz in the Hood"
I'm always hard (meaning tough or resilient) like the characters in the movie 'Boyz in the Hood.'
Peace to Dug Inf, No I, Sean Lett, the whole Chi
Shoutouts to various people and places in Chicago, including Dug Inf, No I, and Sean Lett.
At the crib some cats give me the cold eye
Some people around me may be envious or resentful of my success and give me dirty looks.
I'm a bitch slap the next one
I'm not afraid to confront or stand up to someone who disrespects me or my music.
Let him know the world is my section for taking
I'm determined and confident in my ability to conquer the world with my music and talent.
You got to reduce aggression
People need to calm down and not let their anger or negative feelings get the best of them.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: James Dewitt Yancey, Lonnie Rashid Lynn
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind