D12 (aka The Dirty Dozen and D-Twizzy) was initially formed in 1991 by Proo… Read Full Bio ↴D12 (aka The Dirty Dozen and D-Twizzy) was initially formed in 1991 by Proof who invited local Detroit rappers such as Bizarre, Eminem and other members who would leave the crew before it achieved success including Eye Kyu, Killa Hawk and Fuzz. The group was a loose collective in the vein of Wu-Tang Clan. Several members began making names for themselves in hip hop during the late 1990s. Bizarre was named Inner City Entertainment's "Flava of the Week" and Proof won a free-styling competition run by The Source in 1998.
However, it was as a solo artist that D12 member Eminem found success. All of the members of D12 have aliases and Eminem chose Slim Shady as his. Eminem was formerly in a group called Soul Intent along with Proof before leaving and forming with D12.
Eminem's success persuaded Proof to establish D12 on a more permanent basis in early 1999. Bizarre, Eminem, Kon Artis, Bugz, and Kuniva were recruited to join the group. Kuniva and Kon Artis were previously part of Da Brigade. However, Bugz passed away in Detroit on May 21, 1999 because of a gun incident at a picnic that turned into a shooting, leading to Kuniva proposing Swift take Bugz's place. Each of the members of the crew wears a tattoo of Bugz's name in his honor. The tracks Good Die Young and Bugz 97 (the latter of which features an appearance from Bugz) on D12 World are also in his memory.
The six members of D12 signed a contract with Eminem's Shady Records and Interscope in 2000. The fact that D12 rose to prominence after Eminem led many people to assume that the other members had less significance in the group - this would be the concept of the group's 2004 hit single My Band. They also made the song to adress the common using of Eminem featuring D12.
Despite Eminem's prominence in the music industry, D12 insists that there is no frontman in the group and that Eminem is just another member. In spite of this, D12 recently began to tour as a separate entity to Eminem, a controversial move that could lead to confusion among concert-goers who may believe they are paying to see Eminem as well as the other five performers.
Sadly, early morning on April 11, 2006, Proof was shot and killed at a Detroit-area nightclub. Proof, real name DeShaun Holton, was 32 years old. Proof was also one of Eminem's best friends and will be missed by fans and friends.
History
Early career and The Underground EP (1996–1998)
In 1997, they released their debut extended play, The Underground EP, which was recorded between 1996 and 1997. In 1997 and 1998, its members began establishing reputations locally. Bizarre was named Inner City Entertainment's "Flava of the Week" and went on to release an album, Attack of the Weirdos. Along with Eminem, Rah Digga and Young Zee, he became an honorary member of The Outsidaz. Proof won a freestyling competition run by The Source. In 1999, Bugz released These Streets EP, and made several appearances on other rappers' songs.
Around the time of Eminem's first record deal, Proof attempted to revive D12. He managed to recruit local Detroit hip hop duo Da Brigade, composed of Kuniva, a local MC, and Mr. Porter, a longtime friend of Eminem and Proof. At the time, Porter was the group's producer (he later produced Eminem's first album, Infinite), but Kuniva persuaded him to join the group as an artist. Later the group was joined by Bugz, and Bugz introduced his longtime friend Swift, who at the time was a member of rap duo Da Rabeez.
Death of Bugz (1999)
On May 21, 1999, Bugz was shot and killed at a picnic. One of his final acts had been a request that Swift join the group. Eminem volunteered to replace Bugz; this led to him rejoining the group. Mr. Obnoxious, his first solo album, was released in February 2000 after his death. D12's first album, Devil's Night, is dedicated to him.
Devil's Night, D12 World and appearances without Eminem (2000–2005)
Their debut album, Devil's Night, referring to the tradition of setting unoccupied buildings on fire the night before Halloween, was released in June 2001. It debuted at number one on the U.S. and number two on the UK chart, also reaching the top of the Canadian charts. Devil's Night went on to sell four million albums worldwide and two million in the U.S. In 2021, the album was rereleased digitally as an expanded edition to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of its release which featured three bonus tracks, an unreleased freestyle, the a cappella version of "Shit On You" and the instrumentals to "Shit On You", "Purple Pills", "Fight Music" and "Blow My Buzz".
In August 2001, D12 and Esham were kicked off the Warped Tour after members of the group physically attacked Esham over the lyrics of his song "Chemical Imbalance", which contained a reference to Eminem's daughter. Eminem was not present during the tour. D12 World was released on April 27, 2004, featuring production by Dr. Dre, Eminem, Porter and Kanye West, and guest appearances by Obie Trice on the track "Loyalty" and B-Real of Cypress Hill on the track "American Psycho II". It debuted at the top of the U.S., UK, and Australian albums charts, and at number two in Germany—selling over half a million records in its first week of release in the U.S. alone. "My Band", the album's first single, also reached number one in Australia, New Zealand and the U.S. rhythmic top forty, the top five in the UK[9] and Germany, and the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100.
D12 was eclipsed by Eminem's success, touring without him to promote their second album while he recorded Encore. D12 members Bizarre and Proof managed mildly successful solo careers with the releases of Hannicap Circus and Searching for Jerry Garcia in 2005. D12 performed live, without Eminem, at the House of Blues in Chicago to promote both albums. That concert was released on DVD in 2005 as D12: Live in Chicago. D12, without Eminem, performed on the track "She-Devil" of Tech N9ne's 2002 album Absolute Power. They recorded "Hit Me with Your Best Shot" for Eminem's album Recovery but the song wasn't included on the album. It was eventually included on an Eminem mixtape Straight from the Lab Part 2 in 2011.
Death of Proof and Eminem Presents: The Re-Up (2006)
On April 11, 2006, Proof "pistol-whipped an unarmed man and shot him in the head", and was in turn fatally shot by the man's cousin. On December 5, 2006, Shady Records released Eminem Presents: The Re-Up which featured performances by Eminem, D12, 50 Cent, Obie Trice, Stat Quo, Bobby Creekwater and Cashis while affiliated artists such as Lloyd Banks, Akon and Nate Dogg, made guest appearances. Some tracks were collaborative performances from D12 members, such as "Murder" by Bizarre and Kuniva and "Whatever You Want" by Swifty McVay and Mr. Porter. The track "Trapped" by Proof included an intro by Eminem paying his final respects saying, "Big Proof, rest in peace dudey we love you. We just wanna keep making you proud."
Member changes, hiatus, mixtapes and comeback (2007–2013)
After four years of inactivity D12 released a new mixtape Return of the Dozen Vol. 1 (2008), without Eminem who was working on his solo album Relapse. There were solo performances by D12 members such as Kuniva's "If You Want It", similar to Eminem's solo performance "Girls" on Devil's Night. The mixtape Return of the Dozen Vol. 2 (2011) followed three years later. It featured Fuzz Scoota, an original member of D12 who left in 1999. Eminem performed on one track. Because Eminem was on tour promoting Recovery with Mr. Porter his hype man D12 had only four active members, Bizarre, Kuniva, Fuzz and Swift.[citation needed] D12 performed at the Kanrocksas Music Festival on August 5, 2011. The track, "Outro", off the Return of the Dozen Vol. 2 mixtape, had a music video released on September 1, 2011, though the video did not feature either Eminem or Mr. Porter. The group also stated intentions to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the release of the Devils Night album, though the celebration was held on the actual Devil's Night on October 30 in Saint Andrew's Hall in Detroit, Michigan, even though the album was released months earlier on June 19, 2001. In 2012 Bizarre left D12, citing creative differences, and Mr. Porter left to pursue a solo career, leaving D12 with four members. Asked about the group's status in 2012, Kuniva replied that it's "not over, we're still coming. However, when Mr. Porter was asked in 2013 about a possible new D12 album he responded "Not happening bro sorry".
Bizarre and Kon Artis rejoin, Shady XV, unreleased third studio album and The Devil's Night Mixtape (2014–2015)
In January 2014, Mark Bass of the Bass Brothers confirmed that D12 had been recently recording at the F.B.T. studio and he had been mixing their recorded material. He also confirmed that Eminem was featured on at least three songs that had been completed. February 2014, Bizarre confirmed that he was back in the group and that D12 would be releasing their third studio album during 2014. On August 25, 2014, a press release on Eminem's official website also revealed D12 to be featured on the label's upcoming 2-disc compilation album, titled Shady XV. The album, released on November 24, 2014, featured one greatest hits disc and one disc with new material from a variety of Shady Records recording artists including D12. The new D12 song was entitled "Bane", which features the return of Kon Artis and was also produced by him. The song did not feature Eminem or returning member Fuzz Scoota.
On August 18, 2015, D12 confirmed on Tim Westwood TV that they had already recorded a large number of songs for the album and will release it "when the time is right."[25] On October 1, 2015, it was announced that D12 would be releasing a new mixtape, The Devil's Night Mixtape was released on October 30, 2015, and it featured Lazarus, King Gordy, Royce da 5'9", Bizarre, Swifty McVay, Kuniva and Mr. Porter. It also included a freestyle by Eminem for its introduction although he wasn't present on any other tracks throughout the whole mixtape. It was hosted by DJ Whoo Kid.
Solo careers, collaborative works and breakup (2017–2018)
In 2017, D12 had been focusing on their respective solo careers. On February 17, Swifty McVay released his debut album Grey Blood. Bizarre released his new mixtape Tweek Sity 2,in addition to working on collaborations with other artists such as Riff Raff, King Gordy and Qom Qazamah respectively. Swifty McVay and Kuniva are currently working on their collaboration album, titled My Brother's Keeper. On August 31, 2018, Eminem released a song titled "Stepping Stone" on his album Kamikaze. On it, Eminem announced that D12 was officially broken up due to the death of Proof.
However, it was as a solo artist that D12 member Eminem found success. All of the members of D12 have aliases and Eminem chose Slim Shady as his. Eminem was formerly in a group called Soul Intent along with Proof before leaving and forming with D12.
Eminem's success persuaded Proof to establish D12 on a more permanent basis in early 1999. Bizarre, Eminem, Kon Artis, Bugz, and Kuniva were recruited to join the group. Kuniva and Kon Artis were previously part of Da Brigade. However, Bugz passed away in Detroit on May 21, 1999 because of a gun incident at a picnic that turned into a shooting, leading to Kuniva proposing Swift take Bugz's place. Each of the members of the crew wears a tattoo of Bugz's name in his honor. The tracks Good Die Young and Bugz 97 (the latter of which features an appearance from Bugz) on D12 World are also in his memory.
The six members of D12 signed a contract with Eminem's Shady Records and Interscope in 2000. The fact that D12 rose to prominence after Eminem led many people to assume that the other members had less significance in the group - this would be the concept of the group's 2004 hit single My Band. They also made the song to adress the common using of Eminem featuring D12.
Despite Eminem's prominence in the music industry, D12 insists that there is no frontman in the group and that Eminem is just another member. In spite of this, D12 recently began to tour as a separate entity to Eminem, a controversial move that could lead to confusion among concert-goers who may believe they are paying to see Eminem as well as the other five performers.
Sadly, early morning on April 11, 2006, Proof was shot and killed at a Detroit-area nightclub. Proof, real name DeShaun Holton, was 32 years old. Proof was also one of Eminem's best friends and will be missed by fans and friends.
History
Early career and The Underground EP (1996–1998)
In 1997, they released their debut extended play, The Underground EP, which was recorded between 1996 and 1997. In 1997 and 1998, its members began establishing reputations locally. Bizarre was named Inner City Entertainment's "Flava of the Week" and went on to release an album, Attack of the Weirdos. Along with Eminem, Rah Digga and Young Zee, he became an honorary member of The Outsidaz. Proof won a freestyling competition run by The Source. In 1999, Bugz released These Streets EP, and made several appearances on other rappers' songs.
Around the time of Eminem's first record deal, Proof attempted to revive D12. He managed to recruit local Detroit hip hop duo Da Brigade, composed of Kuniva, a local MC, and Mr. Porter, a longtime friend of Eminem and Proof. At the time, Porter was the group's producer (he later produced Eminem's first album, Infinite), but Kuniva persuaded him to join the group as an artist. Later the group was joined by Bugz, and Bugz introduced his longtime friend Swift, who at the time was a member of rap duo Da Rabeez.
Death of Bugz (1999)
On May 21, 1999, Bugz was shot and killed at a picnic. One of his final acts had been a request that Swift join the group. Eminem volunteered to replace Bugz; this led to him rejoining the group. Mr. Obnoxious, his first solo album, was released in February 2000 after his death. D12's first album, Devil's Night, is dedicated to him.
Devil's Night, D12 World and appearances without Eminem (2000–2005)
Their debut album, Devil's Night, referring to the tradition of setting unoccupied buildings on fire the night before Halloween, was released in June 2001. It debuted at number one on the U.S. and number two on the UK chart, also reaching the top of the Canadian charts. Devil's Night went on to sell four million albums worldwide and two million in the U.S. In 2021, the album was rereleased digitally as an expanded edition to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of its release which featured three bonus tracks, an unreleased freestyle, the a cappella version of "Shit On You" and the instrumentals to "Shit On You", "Purple Pills", "Fight Music" and "Blow My Buzz".
In August 2001, D12 and Esham were kicked off the Warped Tour after members of the group physically attacked Esham over the lyrics of his song "Chemical Imbalance", which contained a reference to Eminem's daughter. Eminem was not present during the tour. D12 World was released on April 27, 2004, featuring production by Dr. Dre, Eminem, Porter and Kanye West, and guest appearances by Obie Trice on the track "Loyalty" and B-Real of Cypress Hill on the track "American Psycho II". It debuted at the top of the U.S., UK, and Australian albums charts, and at number two in Germany—selling over half a million records in its first week of release in the U.S. alone. "My Band", the album's first single, also reached number one in Australia, New Zealand and the U.S. rhythmic top forty, the top five in the UK[9] and Germany, and the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100.
D12 was eclipsed by Eminem's success, touring without him to promote their second album while he recorded Encore. D12 members Bizarre and Proof managed mildly successful solo careers with the releases of Hannicap Circus and Searching for Jerry Garcia in 2005. D12 performed live, without Eminem, at the House of Blues in Chicago to promote both albums. That concert was released on DVD in 2005 as D12: Live in Chicago. D12, without Eminem, performed on the track "She-Devil" of Tech N9ne's 2002 album Absolute Power. They recorded "Hit Me with Your Best Shot" for Eminem's album Recovery but the song wasn't included on the album. It was eventually included on an Eminem mixtape Straight from the Lab Part 2 in 2011.
Death of Proof and Eminem Presents: The Re-Up (2006)
On April 11, 2006, Proof "pistol-whipped an unarmed man and shot him in the head", and was in turn fatally shot by the man's cousin. On December 5, 2006, Shady Records released Eminem Presents: The Re-Up which featured performances by Eminem, D12, 50 Cent, Obie Trice, Stat Quo, Bobby Creekwater and Cashis while affiliated artists such as Lloyd Banks, Akon and Nate Dogg, made guest appearances. Some tracks were collaborative performances from D12 members, such as "Murder" by Bizarre and Kuniva and "Whatever You Want" by Swifty McVay and Mr. Porter. The track "Trapped" by Proof included an intro by Eminem paying his final respects saying, "Big Proof, rest in peace dudey we love you. We just wanna keep making you proud."
Member changes, hiatus, mixtapes and comeback (2007–2013)
After four years of inactivity D12 released a new mixtape Return of the Dozen Vol. 1 (2008), without Eminem who was working on his solo album Relapse. There were solo performances by D12 members such as Kuniva's "If You Want It", similar to Eminem's solo performance "Girls" on Devil's Night. The mixtape Return of the Dozen Vol. 2 (2011) followed three years later. It featured Fuzz Scoota, an original member of D12 who left in 1999. Eminem performed on one track. Because Eminem was on tour promoting Recovery with Mr. Porter his hype man D12 had only four active members, Bizarre, Kuniva, Fuzz and Swift.[citation needed] D12 performed at the Kanrocksas Music Festival on August 5, 2011. The track, "Outro", off the Return of the Dozen Vol. 2 mixtape, had a music video released on September 1, 2011, though the video did not feature either Eminem or Mr. Porter. The group also stated intentions to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the release of the Devils Night album, though the celebration was held on the actual Devil's Night on October 30 in Saint Andrew's Hall in Detroit, Michigan, even though the album was released months earlier on June 19, 2001. In 2012 Bizarre left D12, citing creative differences, and Mr. Porter left to pursue a solo career, leaving D12 with four members. Asked about the group's status in 2012, Kuniva replied that it's "not over, we're still coming. However, when Mr. Porter was asked in 2013 about a possible new D12 album he responded "Not happening bro sorry".
Bizarre and Kon Artis rejoin, Shady XV, unreleased third studio album and The Devil's Night Mixtape (2014–2015)
In January 2014, Mark Bass of the Bass Brothers confirmed that D12 had been recently recording at the F.B.T. studio and he had been mixing their recorded material. He also confirmed that Eminem was featured on at least three songs that had been completed. February 2014, Bizarre confirmed that he was back in the group and that D12 would be releasing their third studio album during 2014. On August 25, 2014, a press release on Eminem's official website also revealed D12 to be featured on the label's upcoming 2-disc compilation album, titled Shady XV. The album, released on November 24, 2014, featured one greatest hits disc and one disc with new material from a variety of Shady Records recording artists including D12. The new D12 song was entitled "Bane", which features the return of Kon Artis and was also produced by him. The song did not feature Eminem or returning member Fuzz Scoota.
On August 18, 2015, D12 confirmed on Tim Westwood TV that they had already recorded a large number of songs for the album and will release it "when the time is right."[25] On October 1, 2015, it was announced that D12 would be releasing a new mixtape, The Devil's Night Mixtape was released on October 30, 2015, and it featured Lazarus, King Gordy, Royce da 5'9", Bizarre, Swifty McVay, Kuniva and Mr. Porter. It also included a freestyle by Eminem for its introduction although he wasn't present on any other tracks throughout the whole mixtape. It was hosted by DJ Whoo Kid.
Solo careers, collaborative works and breakup (2017–2018)
In 2017, D12 had been focusing on their respective solo careers. On February 17, Swifty McVay released his debut album Grey Blood. Bizarre released his new mixtape Tweek Sity 2,in addition to working on collaborations with other artists such as Riff Raff, King Gordy and Qom Qazamah respectively. Swifty McVay and Kuniva are currently working on their collaboration album, titled My Brother's Keeper. On August 31, 2018, Eminem released a song titled "Stepping Stone" on his album Kamikaze. On it, Eminem announced that D12 was officially broken up due to the death of Proof.
Instigator
D12 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm an instigator
I'm an instigator
Nigga, can't you see?
I'm an instigator
Ain't nobody worse than me
I'm an instigator
I be the first to beef
First to squeeze
Take heed to the words I speak
I'm an instigator
Nigga, can't you see?
I'm an instigator
Ain't nobody worse than me
I'm an instigator
I be the first to beef
First to squeeze
'Til it hurts to breathe
Fuck with me
I love getting shit started
I instigate a peace talk into a beef talk
Until police need chalk to chalk you up
Have bitches walking up
Smacking you in your face, screaming that you talk too much
Tell women you said you fucked 'em
Tell the hardest nigga you said you snuck him
Ran his pockets and stuck him
'Til they gather in front of your crib
Guns and long clips
Laughing when they shoot at you over the wrong shit
I lock down your block with lies
It's so believable
You run and grab your shotguns, Glocks, and nines
Walking blind, incite fights until they erupt
Instigate my own death 'cause killing you ain't enough
I don't give a fuck if we beefing or not
I squeeze first
I'ma heat up your spot
I'm a nigga that breathe dirt
On these streets everyday
Snatching nigga's yay
How you bitches needing work?
You can get it from McVay
I'm despiteful
I tie a ho
A maniacal vile animal
Liable to leave you strapped with your Bible
I'm psycho
My bullets won't fly by you
You want to kill me?
You got the right to
Ain't gotta wait 'til night to snipe you
If I don't like you
You getting hit in broad day light with a white rifle
In front of your window I'm looking right through
I love when I see a nigga get stuck
I'm an instigator
Nigga, can't you see?
I'm an instigator
Ain't nobody worse than me
I'm an instigator
I be the first to beef
First to squeeze
Take heed to the words I speak
I'm an instigator
Nigga, can't you see?
I'm an instigator
Ain't nobody worse than me
I'm an instigator
I be the first to beef
First to squeeze
'Til it hurts to breathe
Fuck with me
I'm an instigator
Drama tends to follow me, I know
I probably owe all of my friends apologies
Lie to every bitch just to get her to swallow me
Get a lobotomy
Nigga, this one's to my artery
Guns are a part of me, I pack more than pottery
I ought to be jailed for depicted mockery
Egg on fights to plot on the niggas that shot at me
I don't twist the truth
I just make it gothic, see?
I'm nothing but a liar
With a big ass mouth, dick, and fists
Big enough to knock your bitch ass out
Got no reason to tell you the truth
But to be honest with you
I rap with him
But I don't like Proof
Nigga fuck you
Me and Swift got plans to jump you
Type of nigga to shake your hand and stomp you (I'm an instigator)
Convinced a tenth grader
To run up inside his classroom and leave the kids
Bitch, straight up
This is the season for squeezing off triggers
On niggas for no reason
Either jump or quit running your mouth
Pull a gun out
Better use it 'til the bullets run out
I'm an instigator
Nigga, can't you see?
I'm an instigator
Ain't nobody worse than me
I'm an instigator
I be the first to beef
First to squeeze
Take heed to the words I speak
I'm an instigator
Nigga, can't you see?
I'm an instigator
Ain't nobody worse than me
I'm an instigator
I be the first to beef
First to squeeze
'Til it hurts to breathe
Fuck with me
I throw a brick at your crib
Having you standing on the porch screaming (look what you did)
I ain't feeling no remorse
Nigga, just pick up the kids
Swift got first dibs with these cherry hot slugs
That'll barbecue your ribs
I'm preparing death beds
Quick to bust lead
While I'm staring at the feds
Tearing off their legs
Once you drop dead
They'll be swearing it's a plague
I'm sicker than a coke Rastafarian with dreads
You could shake if you move
Ditch with no clue
Dopest shit on your tapes was your skits and interludes
And once I finish you
They wouldn't put it in the news
I'm nuts so you hoes ain't got the guts to interview
I'm an instigator
Nigga, can't you see?
I'm an instigator
Ain't nobody worse than me
I'm an instigator
I be the first to beef
First to squeeze
Take heed to the words I speak
I'm an instigator
Nigga, can't you see?
I'm an instigator
Ain't nobody worse than me
I'm an instigator
I be the first to beef
First to squeeze
'Til it hurts to breathe
Fuck with me
I'm an instigator
I'm an instigator
I'm an instigator
I'm an instigator
I'm an instigator
I'm an instigator
I'm an instigator
I'm an instigator
I'm an instigator
I'm an instigator
I'm an instigator
Nigga, can't you see?
I'm an instigator
Ain't nobody worse than me
I'm an instigator
I be the first to beef
Take heed to the words I speak
I'm an instigator
Nigga, can't you see?
I'm an instigator
Ain't nobody worse than me
I'm an instigator
I be the first to beef
First to squeeze
'Til it hurts to breathe
Fuck with me
I love getting shit started
I instigate a peace talk into a beef talk
Until police need chalk to chalk you up
Have bitches walking up
Smacking you in your face, screaming that you talk too much
Tell women you said you fucked 'em
Tell the hardest nigga you said you snuck him
Ran his pockets and stuck him
'Til they gather in front of your crib
Guns and long clips
Laughing when they shoot at you over the wrong shit
I lock down your block with lies
It's so believable
You run and grab your shotguns, Glocks, and nines
Walking blind, incite fights until they erupt
Instigate my own death 'cause killing you ain't enough
I don't give a fuck if we beefing or not
I squeeze first
I'ma heat up your spot
I'm a nigga that breathe dirt
On these streets everyday
Snatching nigga's yay
How you bitches needing work?
You can get it from McVay
I'm despiteful
I tie a ho
A maniacal vile animal
Liable to leave you strapped with your Bible
I'm psycho
My bullets won't fly by you
You want to kill me?
You got the right to
Ain't gotta wait 'til night to snipe you
If I don't like you
You getting hit in broad day light with a white rifle
In front of your window I'm looking right through
I love when I see a nigga get stuck
I'm an instigator
Nigga, can't you see?
I'm an instigator
Ain't nobody worse than me
I'm an instigator
I be the first to beef
First to squeeze
Take heed to the words I speak
I'm an instigator
Nigga, can't you see?
I'm an instigator
Ain't nobody worse than me
I'm an instigator
I be the first to beef
First to squeeze
'Til it hurts to breathe
Fuck with me
I'm an instigator
Drama tends to follow me, I know
I probably owe all of my friends apologies
Lie to every bitch just to get her to swallow me
Get a lobotomy
Nigga, this one's to my artery
Guns are a part of me, I pack more than pottery
I ought to be jailed for depicted mockery
Egg on fights to plot on the niggas that shot at me
I don't twist the truth
I just make it gothic, see?
I'm nothing but a liar
With a big ass mouth, dick, and fists
Big enough to knock your bitch ass out
Got no reason to tell you the truth
But to be honest with you
I rap with him
But I don't like Proof
Nigga fuck you
Me and Swift got plans to jump you
Type of nigga to shake your hand and stomp you (I'm an instigator)
Convinced a tenth grader
To run up inside his classroom and leave the kids
Bitch, straight up
This is the season for squeezing off triggers
On niggas for no reason
Either jump or quit running your mouth
Pull a gun out
Better use it 'til the bullets run out
I'm an instigator
Nigga, can't you see?
I'm an instigator
Ain't nobody worse than me
I'm an instigator
I be the first to beef
First to squeeze
Take heed to the words I speak
I'm an instigator
Nigga, can't you see?
I'm an instigator
Ain't nobody worse than me
I'm an instigator
I be the first to beef
First to squeeze
'Til it hurts to breathe
Fuck with me
I throw a brick at your crib
Having you standing on the porch screaming (look what you did)
I ain't feeling no remorse
Nigga, just pick up the kids
Swift got first dibs with these cherry hot slugs
That'll barbecue your ribs
I'm preparing death beds
Quick to bust lead
While I'm staring at the feds
Tearing off their legs
Once you drop dead
They'll be swearing it's a plague
I'm sicker than a coke Rastafarian with dreads
You could shake if you move
Ditch with no clue
Dopest shit on your tapes was your skits and interludes
And once I finish you
They wouldn't put it in the news
I'm nuts so you hoes ain't got the guts to interview
I'm an instigator
Nigga, can't you see?
I'm an instigator
Ain't nobody worse than me
I'm an instigator
I be the first to beef
First to squeeze
Take heed to the words I speak
I'm an instigator
Nigga, can't you see?
I'm an instigator
Ain't nobody worse than me
I'm an instigator
I be the first to beef
First to squeeze
'Til it hurts to breathe
Fuck with me
I'm an instigator
I'm an instigator
I'm an instigator
I'm an instigator
I'm an instigator
I'm an instigator
I'm an instigator
I'm an instigator
I'm an instigator
I'm an instigator
The song "Instigator" by D12 is a classic example of the group's hardcore, provocative lyrics. The song is essentially a bragging anthem, with each member taking turns to boast about their ability to start beef and incite violence. The chorus, "I'm an instigator, ain't nobody worse than me," sums up the attitude of the track.
The verses are filled with violent imagery, with talk of guns, bullets, and death. The lyricist seems to revel in their ability to manipulate situations and cause chaos, even taking pleasure in seeing others suffer the consequences. The verse that stands out the most is probably the one where the rapper claims to have convinced a tenth-grader to bring a gun to school and shoot up his classmates.
Overall, the song is disturbing and unsettling, but it also serves as a commentary on the glorification of violence in hip-hop culture. The members of D12 are clearly aware of the negative impact that their lyrics can have, but they also seem to revel in it, which is a common theme in their music.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm an instigator
I love getting shit started
Nigga, can't you see?
I want everyone to know that I am the instigator
Ain't nobody worse than me
No one is better at instigating trouble than I am
I be the first to beef
I start the fights, always
First to squeeze
I'm the first to pull out a gun and shoot
Take heed to the words I speak
Listen carefully, I'm about to start some trouble
'Til it hurts to breathe
I'll keep causing chaos and destruction until someone makes it stop
Fuck with me
Challenge me and you'll regret it
I love when I see a nigga get stuck
I enjoy seeing someone get hurt or killed
Drama tends to follow me, I know
I'm aware that I cause a lot of trouble
I probably owe all of my friends apologies
I'm not a good friend and I've done wrong to many people
Lie to every bitch just to get her to swallow me
I manipulate women for my own pleasure
Guns are a part of me, I pack more than pottery
I always carry weapons and I have a lot of them
Pull a gun out, better use it 'til the bullets run out
If I pull out a gun, I'm going to shoot until the ammo is gone
I'm sicker than a coke Rastafarian with dreads
I'm mentally unstable and unpredictable
You could shake if you move, ditch with no clue
If you cross me, you won't be safe anywhere
I'm an instigator
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Denaun M. Porter, Deshaun Dupree Holton, Jeffrey Irwin Bass, Marshall B. Mathers, Ondre C. Moore, Von M. Carlisle
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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