Diggin' in the Crates Crew, also known as D.I.T.C., is a New York-based hip… Read Full Bio ↴Diggin' in the Crates Crew, also known as D.I.T.C., is a New York-based hip-hop collective, deriving its name from the art of seeking out records to sample for production founded in The Bronx, New York City in 1990 and as of 2011, a defunct group. With their dedication to hip-hop purity, members Showbiz & A.G. (Andre the Giant), Diamond D, Lord Finesse, Fat Joe, O.C., Buckwild, and the late Big L have at least one classic album under their belts. Although they never reached the success of their multi-platinum peers, individually they became successful by maintaining their integrity and earning major respect within the rap community.

Lord Finesse (born Robert Hall) is a legendary MC-turned-producer who has produced tracks for Notorious B.I.G. (1997's Ready to Die) and Dr. Dre (1999's Chronic). As a young cocky MC, he would travel to any borough in New York to battle their best rapper and win. He shopped his demo to various record labels and eventually dropped the first of several records, his 1990 classic Funky Technician. The record had a few tracks produced by his good friend Diamond (formerly Diamond D), a former member of the rap group Ultimate Force. One of the oldest members in the D.I.T.C. crew, Diamond got his first whiff of hip-hop DJing for Jazzy Jay of the Zulu Nation in 1979. In the mid-'80s, he was turntable scratching at late-night park parties, often competing with area top DJs (Showbiz was once his nemesis.) In 1992, this DJ, then a producer, showcased New York City's underground talent and his rap skills on his classic debut Stunts, Blunts & Hip-Hop.

Bronx native Fat Joe became the first Latino rapper in New York to secure a solo deal with a major label with his 1993 debut Representin'. In 1998, his Don Cartagena release went gold (500,000 copies sold). Showbiz & A.G. were the first to adopt the do-it-yourself attitude by releasing their 1992 debut EP, Can I Get a Soul Clap, practically out of the trunk of their cars. Showbiz, a name he stolen from an old Richard Pryor record, pioneered taking an instrumental and looping voices over it. His partner A.G. was known as the Bronx's "punchline" rapper. Through the mid-'90s, he was a prolific producer, producing tracks for primarily underground rap acts. In 1999, A.G. restarted his rap career with his solo CD Dirty Version.

Meanwhile, another Bronx native named Buckwild, who once started out as Lord Finesse's apprentice in his production company, started producing tracks around 1994. He later delivered melodic beats for rap heavyweights like Fat Joe, Notorious B.I.G., Big L, Mic Geronimo, and Big Pun. But it was his first at-bat, producing tracks for O.C.'s Word Life in 1994, that established him as a vital producer in the underground rap scene. O.C., one of hip-hop's most energetic lyricists, was an up-and-coming MC before Word Life. After the album's release, he made numerous guest appearances on other D.I.T.C. members' records while maintaining a low profile.

The final member of D.I.T.C. was Big L, a lyrically ferocious MC with raps deadlier than a snakebite and mannerisms cooler than the uptown pimp he claimed to be on records. Calling himself the flamboyant (meaning "rich") MC, he dropped his classic 1994 record Lifestylez ov da Poor and Dangerous on Columbia. He was gearing up for a comeback, with a second CD due for release on Rawkus, when he was slain on February 15, 1999. The crew came together later that year for a memorial concert at Trammps in New York (anthologized by a series of CD releases), and recorded a self-titled group record in 2000. In 2011 it was reported by Showbiz that the group will no longer release any new material due to musical differences

Way of Life
D.I.T.C. Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Diggin In The Crates 9 9
Yeah yeah
Still Diggin y'all
Yeah yeah yo yo
There's only one way for me to explain the key to this game
Is longev keep it the same
The seeds'll remain only if they bringin the pain
Hip hop don't stop like the heat in my vein

The streets know my name Don Carta bomb harder
My persona is honored in the Bronx as my alma matter
I'm smarter than the average Joe, packin a flow
That's stackin the dough, let's bring the chips in the bag and let's go
It's Fat Joe, I'ma set it straight
If you do your hist I exist through Diggin In The Crates
I'm bringin in the ace, had to stay up late
Playin the corners but never seen a day upstate
Until the day I escape or see Tone at the pearly gates
I continue to runch it even after the computer breaks
You know the rates, fifty-thou for every verse that's foul
And I bring rhymes to life like the birth of a child

"Verbal assualt"
"Blow out your tweeters"

Check it, my whole crew holdin
We all got cars wit extra features
It's a bunch of y'all, one got dough, the rest is leeches
You probably mad 'cause I be sexin divas
I should pull this pistol out and make you touch your sneakers
I'm on some cool out shit, but I will pull this tool out quick
And put some holes in your new outfit
You frontin hard 'cause your whip a Range
But it's a 4.0, you nerd nigga, you heard Jigga now get your change
You ain't a willy you a small solider, give it up son it's all over
And you never sold a, pound a cane
You a clown wit fame, goin down the drain
All yo' shit sound the same
I'ma shine pop-o, 'cause when you got dough your rocks glow
L got a hot flow that rap coppo
I'm Uptown smoothest, first album left you clowns clueless
Sayin I'm wack, you niggas sound foolish
Niggas hate to see L bubble, they'd rather see L struggle
'Cause what they sell, I'ma sell double

You want to see rocks, then look at L's wrist
If you see me in the club drinkin Mo' that means they don't see Cris, what

Overall Meaning

In “Way Of Life,” D.I.T.C. delivers a hard-hitting rap about the key to success in the music industry, and how they continue to maintain their dominance. The lyrics stress the importance of authenticity and longevity, calling out those who rely on gimmicks and trends to make a name for themselves. The verses are packed with vivid imagery and expert wordplay, as the MCs brag about their skills and accomplishments, while simultaneously putting their competitors in their place. The chorus repeats the phrase “diggin in the crates,” which is a nod to the group's name and their focus on sample-based production.

The first verse is delivered by Fat Joe, who sets the tone for the track with his confident flow and clever rhymes. He references his roots in the Bronx and his affiliation with D.I.T.C., and boasts about his ability to make money through his music. The second verse is performed by Lord Finesse, who comes in with a more aggressive delivery and a barrage of insults aimed at other rappers. He calls out those who fake their wealth and success, and challenges them to a battle of skills and authenticity. The final verse belongs to O.C., who delivers a more introspective and reflective set of lyrics. He speaks on the struggles of being an MC and the sacrifices he's made for his craft, while also celebrating his achievements and his status as a respected veteran.

Overall, "Way Of Life" is a testament to the power and impact of D.I.T.C.'s collective talent, as well as their unwavering dedication to the art of hip hop.

Line by Line Meaning

Diggin In The Crates 9 9
Acknowledging the group's origins in 1990s hip-hop and their continued relevance to the genre.

Yeah yeah
Expressing excitement and enthusiasm for what's to come.

Still Diggin y'all
Asserting that the group is still deeply involved in and committed to hip-hop music.

Yeah yeah yo yo
Continuing to express excitement and enthusiasm for the music and their work.

There's only one way for me to explain the key to this game
Asserting that there is a singular path to success in the hip-hop industry.

Is longev keep it the same
Stating that longevity in the industry comes from consistency and staying true to oneself.

The seeds'll remain only if they bringin the pain
Suggesting that only those who consistently produce quality work will have lasting success in hip-hop.

Hip hop don't stop like the heat in my vein
Comparing the energy and endlessness of hip-hop to the constant physicality of the rapper's own body.

The streets know my name Don Carta bomb harder
Asserting the rapper's fame and influence in the streets, and his own powerful impact.

My persona is honored in the Bronx as my alma matter
Suggesting that the rapper is respected and revered in his hometown of the Bronx.

I'm smarter than the average Joe, packin a flow
Boasting about the rapper's intelligence and skill as a wordsmith.

That's stackin the dough, let's bring the chips in the bag and let's go
Referring to the rapper's financial success and urging others to join him in capitalizing on their talents.

It's Fat Joe, I'ma set it straight
Identifying the rapper and establishing his authority.

If you do your hist I exist through Diggin In The Crates
Asserting the rapper's contributions to the genre and his place in hip-hop history.

I'm bringin in the ace, had to stay up late
Suggesting that the rapper is working hard behind the scenes to produce quality work.

Playin the corners but never seen a day upstate
Suggesting that the rapper has stayed out of legal trouble and is therefore able to focus on his craft.

Until the day I escape or see Tone at the pearly gates
Referring to a desire to see a late friend and fellow rapper after death.

I continue to runch it even after the computer breaks
Insisting that the rapper will continue to create music regardless of any obstacles or setbacks.

You know the rates, fifty-thou for every verse that's foul
Asserting the rapper's worth and the value of his work, even when providing edgier or more controversial lyrics.

And I bring rhymes to life like the birth of a child
Comparing the creative process to giving birth and suggesting that the rapper's work is his own offspring.

"Verbal assualt"
A call to action, urging the listener to prepare for the intensity of the rhymes to come.

"Blow out your tweeters"
Bringing even more intensity to the listener's experience, while also perhaps referencing the sound quality of the recording itself.

Check it, my whole crew holdin
Introducing the rapper's broader group.

We all got cars wit extra features
Suggesting that the group is successful and able to indulge in luxury items.

It's a bunch of y'all, one got dough, the rest is leeches
Suggesting that there are others in the industry who may not have truly earned their success, and instead rely on those around them.

You probably mad 'cause I be sexin divas
Boasting about the rapper's sexual conquests.

I should pull this pistol out and make you touch your sneakers
Threatening violence against those who underestimate the rapper or disrespect him.

I'm on some cool out shit, but I will pull this tool out quick And put some holes in your new outfit
Asserting the rapper's preference for peace, but warning that he is still willing and able to defend himself if necessary.

You frontin hard 'cause your whip a Range
Calling out those who try to appear more successful than they truly are.

But it's a 4.0, you nerd nigga, you heard Jigga now get your change
Insulting the perceived intelligence of those who are pretending to be wealthy or successful, while encouraging them to focus on their education instead.

You ain't a willy you a small solider, give it up son it's all over
Asserting that those who are not truly successful in the industry should give up and move on.

And you never sold a, pound a cane
Calling out those who pretend to have been involved in drug trade or trafficking.

You a clown wit fame, goin down the drain
Insulting those who are famous but have not truly earned that fame, while suggesting that their careers are essentially over.

All yo' shit sound the same
Critiquing the lack of originality in some other artists' work.

I'ma shine pop-o, 'cause when you got dough your rocks glow
Boasting about the rapper's success and financial independence.

L got a hot flow that rap coppo
Suggesting that the rapper's rhymes are of the highest quality and could be considered the leader of the genre.

I'm Uptown smoothest, first album left you clowns clueless
Boasting about the rapper's smooth and polished style, as well as the success of his first album.

Sayin I'm wack, you niggas sound foolish
Dismissing critics who do not appreciate the rapper's work.

Niggas hate to see L bubble, they'd rather see L struggle
Suggesting that others do not want to see the rapper succeed and may even try to undermine his efforts.

'Cause what they sell, I'ma sell double
Asserting the rapper's ability to not only match but exceed the success of his critics and competitors.

You want to see rocks, then look at L's wrist
Boasting about the value and impressiveness of the rapper's jewelry and overall success.

If you see me in the club drinkin Mo' that means they don't see Cris
Suggesting that the rapper prefers a particular luxury alcohol, and also that his overall success makes him hard to miss in public settings.

Lyrics © JELLYBEAN MUSIC GROUP, Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JOSEPH CARTAGENA, LAMONT COLEMAN, RODNEY LEMAY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS