Rap Game
D12 Lyrics


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The rap game, hip-hop 101
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
You shoulda slayed me as a baby
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)

Overall Meaning

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
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