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.
Rap Game
D12 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The hardest nine to five you'll ever have
You can't learn this shit in no history book
You ready to rap, motherfucker?
You ready to sell your soul? Hahaha
The rap game will fuck you up
I'm a disrupted nigga, you made me crazy
Behavin' shadier than Wes Craven
And you ain't even gotta pay me
I take pleasure of laying a nigga down daily
You face me, drunk or sober, you'll faint fast
I'm never fucked up to where I can't whoop your ass
You'll neck'll get snapped with bare hands, fuck music
Is he rappin'? It's cool but fools, just don't confuse it
What happens, these dudes get rude and then I lose it
I'm scandalous, I blow your two kids off the atlas
With a gat that's bigger than Godzilla's back, nigga
You are not real and in fact, you'll feel the effect
Of a crack dealer, y'all president sends me smack
And got a Mack 10 with it, so I ain't gotta rap
But I'm thankful for that, don't mistakin' me, black
Or you'll be stankin' in the back of a fuckin' Cadillac
I'ma get snuffed, 'cause I ain't said enough to pipe down
I'll pipe down when the Wh- H- is wiped out
When I see that little Ch- dyke get sniped out
Lights out, bitch, adios, goodnight
Now put that in your little pipe and bite down
Think for a minute 'cause the hype has died down
That I won't go up in the Oval Office right now
And flip whatever ain't tied down upside down
I'm all for America, fuck the government
Tell that C. Delores Tucker slut to suck a dick
Motherfucker ducked, what the fuck, son of a bitch
Take away my gun, I'm gonna tuck some other shit
Can't tell me shit about the tricks of this trade
Switchblade with a little switch that switch blades
And switch from a six to a sixteen inch blade
Shit's like a samurai sword, a sensai
Shit just don't change to this day
I'm this way, still tell that ut-slay itch-bay
Uck-say my ick-day, 'scuse my ig-pay atin-lay
But uck-fay you ig-pay (50)
This rap game, this rap game (yeah)
I ain't sellin' my soul for this rap game
And I ain't diggin' no hole for this rap game
Man, I'm tellin' you, no, it ain't happening (woo)
This rap game, this rap game
I ain't sellin' my soul for this rap game
I ain't diggin' no hole for this rap game
This rap game, this rap game (yeah)
I bet you'd rather me drink and drown in my own inequity
But fuck that, I'ma rap 'til y'all all get sick of me
And clutch my nutsack and spit all who pick at me
A pitt and rott mix, fuck the dogs you sic on me
I'm sayin' you motherfuckers don't know us, quit playin'
If I'm broke, then I'm breakin' up in the place where you layin'
You know, same shit every nigga done in his life
I lived it, that's why I speak on what I want when I write
So why should I ever fear another man
If he bleed like I bleed, take a piss and he stand?
OK, you win, you can say we can't rap
But no Source never made me not buy an album
When they said it was wack
I walk in the party and just start bustin'
Right after I hear the last verse of "Self Destruction"
This liquor makes me wanna blast the chrome
To let you know The Time without Morris Day and Jerome (nigga)
I'm low down and shifty, quickly call Swifty
To do a drive-by on the tenth speed with 50
Ya feelin' lucky? Squeeze
I catch you outside of Chuck E. Cheese
With your seed, you'll be an unlucky G
My lifestyle is unstable, a partyin' addict
They said no fightin' in the club so I brought me a 'matic
Coughin' and static, I jump niggas, call me a rabbit
Poppin' the tablet and guns to saw you in half with
Believe me, we run this rap shit, fo' sheezy
Make makin' millions look easy (yeah)
Everywhere you turn, you see me, you hear me
Believe me, before you see my pistol in 3-D
No time to call a peace treaty
Dial 911, 'cause you need the
Police to help you, believe me
I snatch the tongue from the sidewalk and piss on the curb
This is absurd, these street niggas twistin' my words
We finally could say goodbye to Hollywood
'Cause Proof and Sean Penn share nothin' in common
The nastiest band with gas in each hand
We never bow down to be a flash in the pan
No remorse, fuck your stature, dog
Nothin' to do with hands when I clap at y'all
I'll put your jaw on the ground with the four and the pound
Then I'm gone outta town 'fore the law come around
So we can battle with raps, we can battle with gats
Matter of fact, we can battle for plaques (this rap game)
I'm too fuckin' retarded
I don't give a fuck about my dick
That's why I'm datin' Lorena Bobbet
My group had an argument, who was the largest
Now they all is dead and I'm rollin' as a solo artist
Plus I made the beats and wrote all the raps
Well, I really didn't, but I did accordin' to this contract
I was thrown in the snow with nowhere to go
Freezin' 20 below, forced to join Bel Biv Devoe
My little girl, she shouldn't listen to these lyrics
That's why I glued her headphones to her ear to make sure she hear it
If rap don't work, I'm startin' a group with Garth Brooks
Hahaha, 50, sing the hook
This rap game, this rap game (yeah)
I ain't sellin' my soul for this rap game
And I ain't diggin' no hole for this rap game
Man, I'm tellin' you, no, it ain't happening (woo)
This rap game, this rap game
I ain't sellin' my soul for this rap game
I ain't diggin' no hole for this rap game
This rap game, this rap game (yeah)
The song "Rap Game" by D12 is a commentary on the cutthroat nature of the rap industry, and the pressures to succeed and maintain authenticity in the face of constant criticism and scrutiny. The song speaks to the idea that success in the rap game often requires a willingness to sell one's soul and make sacrifices in order to climb the ladder of success. The lyrics suggest that this pressure can lead to a distorted sense of self, a willingness to engage in violent behavior, and an overall lack of trust and camaraderie among artists.
The opening lines of the song emphasize the point that the rap game isn't something you can learn from a book or a classroom. It's a grueling, 24/7 hustle that takes its toll on even the most talented and dedicated artists. The song also touches on themes of power, corruption, and the influence of larger political forces on the music industry. At the core of it, however, "Rap Game" is a cautionary tale about the dangers of chasing fame and fortune at all costs.
Line by Line Meaning
The rap game, hip-hop 101
Referring to the music industry and the basics of hip-hop culture
The hardest nine to five you'll ever have
Describing the challenges and demands of being a rapper
You can't learn this shit in no history book
Implying that being a rapper requires practical experience rather than academic knowledge
You ready to rap, motherfucker?
Asking if the listener is prepared for the intense competition and pressure in the rap game
You ready to sell your soul? Hahaha
Questioning if the listener is willing to compromise their principles and integrity in pursuit of success
The rap game will fuck you up
Highlighting the potential negative impact and consequences of being involved in the rap industry
I'm a disrupted nigga, you made me crazy
Expressing feelings of anger and resentment towards others who have contributed to the artist's troubled mindset
You shoulda slayed me as a baby
Suggesting that it would have been better if the artist was killed or prevented from growing up
Behavin' shadier than Wes Craven
Acting in a deceitful and manipulative manner, drawing a comparison to horror film director Wes Craven
And you ain't even gotta pay me
Stating that the artist takes pleasure in causing harm and doesn't require any compensation
I take pleasure of laying a nigga down daily
Deriving satisfaction from defeating or overpowering others on a regular basis
You face me, drunk or sober, you'll faint fast
Asserting that the artist is a formidable opponent and can defeat others regardless of their state of intoxication
I'm never fucked up to where I can't whoop your ass
Asserting that the singer always remains physically capable of defeating others, even when under the influence
You'll neck'll get snapped with bare hands, fuck music
Threatening to cause harm to someone by forcefully breaking their neck while expressing disdain for the music industry
Is he rappin'? It's cool but fools, just don't confuse it
Acknowledging that the singer's skills in rapping are appreciated, but warning against mistaking the facade for their true nature
What happens, these dudes get rude and then I lose it
Explaining that when others become disrespectful, the artist becomes volatile
I'm scandalous, I blow your two kids off the atlas
Boasting about causing harm to someone's children in a violent and destructive manner
With a gat that's bigger than Godzilla's back, nigga
Describing the singer's weapon, emphasizing its size and power
You are not real and in fact, you'll feel the effect
Asserting that the listener is fake and will suffer the consequences of their actions
Of a crack dealer, y'all president sends me smack
Drawing a connection between drug addiction and political corruption, suggesting that the government supports the artist's actions
And got a Mack 10 with it, so I ain't gotta rap
Implying that the artist has access to a powerful firearm and doesn't need to use their rapping skills to intimidate others
But I'm thankful for that, don't mistakin' me, black
Expressing gratitude for the advantages the artist possesses, while cautioning against misjudging their true intentions
Or you'll be stankin' in the back of a fuckin' Cadillac
Threatening severe consequences, including death and disposal of the listener's body in a Cadillac
I'ma get snuffed, 'cause I ain't said enough to pipe down
Anticipating physical violence as a consequence of speaking out and refusing to remain silent
I'll pipe down when the Wh- H- is wiped out
Suggesting that silence will only come when a certain person or situation is eliminated
When I see that little Ch- dyke get sniped out
Expressing a desire to witness harm or death befall a specific individual
Lights out, bitch, adios, goodnight
Using aggressive and derogatory language to bid farewell to someone and imply their impending demise
Now put that in your little pipe and bite down
Challenging the listener to consider and accept the harsh reality being presented
Think for a minute 'cause the hype has died down
Encouraging the listener to reflect and reconsider their perceptions of the current situation because the excitement and buzz have diminished
That I won't go up in the Oval Office right now
Asserting that the singer is daring and bold enough to enter the President's office without hesitation
And flip whatever ain't tied down upside down
Suggesting a desire to cause chaos and disruption by overturning or destabilizing anything that is not securely fixed
I'm all for America, fuck the government
Expressing support for the people and ideals of America while simultaneously denouncing the political establishment
Tell that C. Delores Tucker slut to suck a dick
Using offensive language to insult and demean a specific individual and their opinions
Motherfucker ducked, what the fuck, son of a bitch
Expressing anger and frustration towards someone who avoided or evaded consequences
Take away my gun, I'm gonna tuck some other shit
Asserting that the singer will find alternative ways to protect themselves if their firearm is confiscated
Can't tell me shit about the tricks of this trade
Claiming to have extensive knowledge and experience in the music industry, making them resistant to criticism or advice
Switchblade with a little switch that switch blades
Describing a small switchblade knife with the ability to quickly switch between different blades
And switch from a six to a sixteen-inch blade
Suggesting a preference for using larger and more intimidating weapons
Shit's like a samurai sword, a sensai
Comparing a switchblade to a traditional Japanese sword, emphasizing its effectiveness and precision
Shit just don't change to this day
Acknowledging that some things remain unchanged over time
I'm this way, still tell that ut-slay itch-bay
Asserting that the artist remains true to themselves and will continue to speak freely in their own language
Uck-say my ick-day, 'scuse my ig-pay atin-lay
Apologizing for speaking in pig Latin, a coded language used to confuse or exclude others
But uck-fay you ig-pay (50)
Using pig Latin again to dismiss or insult the listener
I'm too fuckin' retarded
Admitting to being mentally impaired or unintelligent
I don't give a fuck about my dick
Expressing a lack of concern for personal pleasure or gratification
That's why I'm datin' Lorena Bobbet
Jokingly referring to the infamous case of Lorena Bobbitt, who castrated her husband, implying a lack of attachment to one's genitals
My group had an argument, who was the largest
Referencing internal conflicts within the singer's musical group regarding individual importance or influence
Now they all is dead and I'm rollin' as a solo artist
Implying that the other members of the group faced consequences or death, while the artist continues their career as a solo artist
Plus I made the beats and wrote all the raps
Asserting the singer's contributions to the creative process of making music
Well, I really didn't, but I did accordin' to this contract
Admitting that the statement about making beats and writing all the raps is not entirely true, but is presented as such in a contractual agreement
I was thrown in the snow with nowhere to go
Describing a difficult and uncomfortable situation of being abandoned or left without options
Freezin' 20 below, forced to join Bel Biv Devoe
Exaggerating the severity of the cold weather and humorously suggesting being forced to join a music group as a last resort
My little girl, she shouldn't listen to these lyrics
Acknowledging that the artist's explicit lyrics may not be appropriate for young children
That's why I glued her headphones to her ear to make sure she hear it
Taking drastic measures to ensure that the singer's daughter hears the lyrics by securing the headphones to her ears
If rap don't work, I'm startin' a group with Garth Brooks
Humorously suggesting a collaboration with country musician Garth Brooks as an alternative career path if rap music is not successful
Hahaha, 50, sing the hook
Laughing and indicating to 50 Cent to sing the chorus
Believe me, we run this rap shit, fo' sheezy
Asserting dominance and control in the rap industry
Make makin' millions look easy (yeah)
Indicating that the artist is highly successful and makes earning millions appear effortless
Everywhere you turn, you see me, you hear me
Claiming that the singer's influence and presence are pervasive in the music industry
Believe me, before you see my pistol in 3-D
Issuing a warning to believe the artist's power and authority before witnessing it firsthand in a potentially dangerous situation
No time to call a peace treaty
Expressing a lack of interest or willingness to negotiate or resolve conflicts peacefully
Dial 911, 'cause you need the
Suggesting that the listener will require emergency assistance or protection
Police to help you, believe me
Implying that the listener will need law enforcement intervention or protection due to the singer's presence
I snatch the tongue from the sidewalk and piss on the curb
Describing a provocative and disrespectful act of dominance and defiance
This is absurd, these street niggas twistin' my words
Expressing frustration and annoyance at how others manipulate and distort the artist's words and intentions
We finally could say goodbye to Hollywood
Celebrating the idea of leaving behind the superficial and deceptive aspects of the entertainment industry
'Cause Proof and Sean Penn share nothin' in common
Highlighting the stark differences between the singer and established actor Sean Penn, suggesting that they have nothing in common
The nastiest band with gas in each hand
Describing the artist's group as formidable and dangerous, wielding metaphorical weapons
We never bow down to be a flash in the pan
Expressing a refusal to conform to temporary trends or fads in order to achieve lasting success
No remorse, fuck your stature, dog
Rejecting the relevance or importance of someone's social or professional standing, dismissing it as insignificant
Nothin' to do with hands when I clap at y'all
Asserting that physical confrontations are not necessary when the singer can defeat and humiliate others through their music
I'll put your jaw on the ground with the four and the pound
Threatening to physically assault someone, specifically focusing on their face and using a firearm as a symbol of power
Then I'm gone outta town 'fore the law come around
Planning to leave the area before law enforcement arrives, avoiding potential consequences
So we can battle with raps, we can battle with gats
Inviting others to engage in lyrical or physical battles, suggesting that the singer is skilled in both arenas
Matter of fact, we can battle for plaques (this rap game)
Proposing that they compete for accolades and achievements within the rap industry
I'm all for America, fuck the government
Reiterating the artist's support for the American people and disdain for the political establishment
Tell that C. Delores Tucker slut to suck a dick
Repeating the insult towards C. Delores Tucker, expressing a lack of respect or regard for her
Motherfucker ducked, what the fuck, son of a bitch
Repeating the statement of frustration and anger towards someone who avoided or evaded consequences
Take away my gun, I'm gonna tuck some other shit
Reiterating the singer's determination to find alternative ways to protect themselves if their firearm is taken away
Can't tell me shit about the tricks of this trade
Reaffirming the artist's confidence and expertise in navigating the music industry
Switchblade with a little switch that switch blades
Repeating the description of a switchblade knife with interchangeable blades
And switch from a six to a sixteen-inch blade
Repeating the preference for larger and more intimidating blades
Shit's like a samurai sword, a sensai
Reiterating the comparison between a switchblade and a traditional Japanese sword, emphasizing its effectiveness and precision
Shit just don't change to this day
Repeating the idea that some things remain constant
I'm this way, still tell that ut-slay itch-bay
Reasserting the singer's identity and willingness to speak their mind using pig Latin as a coded language
Uck-say my ick-day, 'scuse my ig-pay atin-lay
Repeating the apology for speaking in pig Latin
But uck-fay you ig-pay (50)
Repeating the insult using pig Latin, directed towards the listener
This rap game, this rap game (yeah)
Emphasizing and reiterating the focus on the rap industry
I ain't sellin' my soul for this rap game
Declaring a refusal to compromise one's values or integrity for success in the music industry
And I ain't diggin' no hole for this rap game
Choosing not to engage in destructive or self-sabotaging behaviors for the sake of the rap industry
Man, I'm tellin' you, no, it ain't happening (woo)
Asserting that succumbing to negative influences and compromising oneself will not occur
I bet you'd rather me drink and drown in my own inequity
Suggesting that others would prefer the artist to self-destruct through substance abuse and negative behaviors
But fuck that, I'ma rap 'til y'all all get sick of me
Rejecting the idea of self-destruction and asserting a commitment to continue rapping until others become tired or bored of the artist
And clutch my nutsack and spit all who pick at me
Displaying confidence and defiance by metaphorically protecting oneself and retaliating against those who criticize the artist
A pitt and rott mix, fuck the dogs you sic on me
Expressing a lack of concern or fear for the dogs that might be sent after the singer, comparing themselves to a strong and aggressive breed
I'm sayin' you motherfuckers don't know us, quit playin'
Asserting that others shouldn't pretend to understand or know the artist and their experiences
If I'm broke, then I'm breakin' up in the place where you layin'
Suggesting that if the singer is in a desperate situation, they will resort to robbery or theft, targeting their enemies
You know, same shit every nigga done in his life
Justifying their potential criminal actions as something that many people have done out of necessity or survival
I lived it, that's why I speak on what I want when I write
Asserting that personal experiences inform the singer's lyrics and give them the authority to speak their mind
So why should I ever fear another man
Questioning the need to feel afraid or intimidated by others, indicating a sense of confidence and self-assuredness
If he bleed like I bleed, take a piss and he stand?
Claiming that others, despite their differences or status, are still vulnerable and mortal, just like the artist
OK, you win, you can say we can't rap
Sarcastically conceding to the listener's criticism that the singer and their group cannot rap
But no Source never made me not buy an album
Asserting that negative reviews from The Source, a music magazine, did not deter the singer from supporting artists and buying their albums
When they said it was wack
Refuting claims made by critics that certain albums or songs were of poor quality
I walk in the party and just start bustin'
Describing a violent and aggressive action of entering a party and immediately opening gunfire
Right after I hear the last verse of 'Self Destruction'
Indicating that violence is instigated or inspired by a specific song or situation
This liquor makes me wanna blast the chrome
Attributing the desire to engage in violence to the consumption of alcohol
To let you know The Time without Morris Day and Jerome (nigga)
Threatening to perpetrate violence in order to assert dominance and control, referencing the band The Time without their lead vocalists
I'm low down and shifty, quickly call Swifty
Describing the singer as cunning and unpredictable, referencing a member of their group who is known for their quick reflexes and agility
To do a drive-by on the tenth speed with 50
Requesting assistance from Swifty and 50 Cent to carry out a drive-by shooting on a bicycle
Ya feelin' lucky? Squeeze
Challenging someone to contemplate their chances of survival before the singer opens fire
I catch you outside of Chuck E. Cheese
Threatening to harm or kill someone in a public place, specifically mentioning the family-friendly restaurant Chuck E. Cheese
With your seed, you'll be an unlucky G
Implying that the listener's child will inherit their unfortunate fate and be negatively affected by the artist's actions
My lifestyle is unstable, a partyin' addict
Describing the singer's lifestyle as unpredictable and heavily involved in excessive partying
They said no fightin' in the club so I brought me a 'matic
Violating club rules by carrying a firearm, indicating a disregard for authority
Coughin' and static, I jump niggas, call me a rabbit
Engaging in physical altercations and attacking others aggressively and unexpectedly, comparing oneself to a rabbit known for quick movements
Poppin' the tablet and guns to saw you in half with
Taking drugs and brandishing firearms to showcase a dangerous and reckless lifestyle, threatening violence
Believe me, we run this rap shit, fo' sheezy
Restating the dominance and control that the artist and their group have in the rap industry
Make makin' millions look easy (yeah)
Reiterating the ease with which the singer generates significant wealth and financial success
Everywhere you turn, you see me, you hear me
Repeating the omnipresence of the artist in the music industry and the impact of their music
Believe me, before you see my pistol in 3-D
Repeating the warning to believe and fear the singer before witnessing the power and danger they possess
No time to call a peace treaty
Reiterating the lack of interest or willingness to negotiate or resolve conflicts peacefully
Dial 911, 'cause you need the
Repeating the suggestion that the listener will require emergency assistance or protection
Police to help you, believe me
Reasserting the idea that the listener will need law enforcement intervention or protection due to the artist's presence
I snatch the tongue from the sidewalk and piss on the curb
Repeating the provocative and disrespectful act of dominance and defiance
This is absurd, these street niggas twistin' my words
Reiterating the frustration and annoyance at how others manipulate and distort the artist's words and intentions
We finally could say goodbye to Hollywood
Reiterating the celebratory idea of leaving behind the superficial and deceptive aspects of the entertainment industry
'Cause Proof and Sean Penn share nothin' in common
Reemphasizing the stark differences between the artist and established actor Sean Penn, suggesting that they have nothing in common
The nastiest band with gas in each hand
Repeating the description of the artist's group as formidable and dangerous, wielding metaphorical weapons
We never bow down to be a flash in the pan
Reasserting the determination to avoid conforming to temporary trends or fads for the sake of lasting success
No remorse, fuck your stature, dog
Repeating the dismissal of someone's social or professional standing, considering it insignificant
Nothin' to do with hands when I clap at y'all
Reasserting that physical confrontations are not necessary when the artist can defeat and humiliate others through their music
I'll put your jaw on the ground with the four and the pound
Reiterating the threat to physically assault someone by focusing on their face and using a firearm as a symbol of power
Then I'm gone outta town 'fore the law come around
Reiterating the plan to leave the area before law enforcement arrives, avoiding potential consequences
So we can battle with raps, we can battle with gats
Repeating the invitation to engage in lyrical or physical battles, indicating that the singer is skilled in both arenas
Matter of fact, we can battle for plaques (this rap game)
Reissuing the proposition to compete for accolades and achievements within the rap industry
I'm too fuckin' retarded
Reaffirming the confession of being mentally impaired or unintelligent
I don't give a fuck about my dick
Repeating the lack of concern for personal pleasure or gratification
That's why I'm datin' Lorena Bobbet
Repeating the joking reference to Lorena Bobbitt, implying a lack of attachment to one's genitals
My group had an argument, who was the largest
Reiterating the internal conflicts within the artist's musical group regarding individual importance or influence
Now they all is dead and I'm rollin' as a solo artist
Repeating the claim that the other members of the group faced consequences or death, while the artist continues their career as a solo artist
Plus I made the beats and wrote all the raps
Reasserting the artist's contributions to the creative process of making music
Well, I really didn't, but I did accordin' to this contract
Repeating the admission that the statement about making beats and writing all the raps is not entirely true, but is presented as such in a contractual agreement
I was thrown in the snow with nowhere to go
Reiterating the description of a difficult and uncomfortable situation of being abandoned or left without options
Freezin' 20 below, forced to join Bel Biv Devoe
Repeating the exaggeration of severe cold weather and humorously suggesting being forced to join a music group as a last resort
My little girl, she shouldn't listen to these lyrics
Reasserting that the singer's explicit lyrics may not be appropriate for young children
That's why I glued her headphones to her ear to make sure she hear it
Repeating the drastic measures taken to ensure that the singer's daughter hears the lyrics by securing the headphones to her ears
If rap don't work, I'm startin' a group with Garth Brooks
Repeating the humorous suggestion of collaboration with country musician Garth Brooks as an alternative career path if rap music is not successful
Hahaha, 50, sing the hook
Repeating the laughter and indicating to 50 Cent to sing the chorus
This rap game, this rap game (yeah)
Reemphasizing and reiterating the focus on the rap industry
I ain't sellin' my soul for this rap game
Reasserting a refusal to compromise one's values or integrity for success in the music industry
I ain't diggin' no hole for this rap game
Reiterating the choice not to engage in destructive or self-sabotaging behaviors for the sake of the rap industry
Man, I'm tellin' you, no, it ain't happening (woo)
Reasserting that succumbing to negative influences and compromising oneself will not occur
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Von M Carlisle, De Shaun Dupree Holton, Rufus Johnson, Ondre C Moore, Denaun M Porter
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind