The song was released on January 15, 1991, under the label Profile Records. It debuted and peaked at number 16 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, becoming DJ Quik’s second-highest charting song behind “Tonite”
Born and Raised in Compton
DJ Quik Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Now everybody wants to know the truth about a brother named Quik
I come from a school of the sly, wicked and the slick
A lot of people already know exactly where it's at
'Cause it's the home of the jackers and the crack
(Compton) Yeah, that's the name of the hometown
I'm throwing down in the town where my name is all around
But I ain't doing nothing but (claiming my city)
See, my lyrics I'm doubling up and proving to suckers that I can throw 'em
I'm passing a natural ten or four or six or eight before I go
Yes, I'm definitely freestyling, all the while still profiling
Never a trickster, DJ Quikster steals the show
So now that's how I'm living, I do as I please, you see
A younger brother that's up on reality
'Cause everybody knows you have to be stomping
If you're born and raised in Compton
(Born and raised)
(Born and raised)
(I was born and raised in Compton)
(Born and raised)
(Born and raised)
(Where you from, fool?)
(Compton)
Now Compton is the place where the homeboys chill, you see
But then I found that it wasn't no place for me
'Cause way back in the day somebody musta wanted me to quit
Because they broke in my house and cold stole my shit
They musta thought that I was gonna play the punk role
Just because my equipment got stole
But I ain't going out like no sucker-ass clown
They found they couldn't keep a dope nigga down
So here's some bass in your face, motherfucker silly sucker-
Ass clocker, now you're ducking, 'cause you can't stop a brother
Like the Quiksta, because I'm true to the game
You're lame, and things ain't gon' never be the same
'Cause a nigga like the Quik is taking over
I really don't think I should have to explain it
Oh yeah, I'm a dog, but my name ain't Rover
And I'm the kinda nigga that's feeling no pain
Sometimes I have to wear a bulletproof vest
Because I got the CPT sign written across my chest
A funky dope brother never ceases to impress
My name is DJ Quik, so you can fuck the rest
I'm coming like this, and I'm coming directly
'Cause suckers get dain-bramaged if I'm doing damage quite effectively
Rhyming is a battle zone, and suckers have no win
'Cause I'm a veteran from the C-O-M-P-T-O-N
Kick it
(Born and raised)
Hell motherfucking yeah
Funky dope for the nine-ace
DJ Quik is in the motherfucking house
Yeah
(Born and raised in Compton)
Ah yeah
Yo, check this shit out
Right about now
I'd like to send a shout out to my buddy Teddy Bear
What's up, nigga?
What's up, KK?
My buddy D
We got AMG most definitely in the house
What's up Greedy Greg and Big Baby Brian cold chillin'
Talking about the Armstrong Pack
Straight got my motherfucking back
To my buddy NOE, what's up, fool?
Roche is in the house
My buddy Donzelle
You know what's happening, fool
What's up, Inch?
And Tony Lane is chillin'
To my nigga Gangsta Wayne
And my engineer Joe getting busy on the floor
And last but not least, I'd like to thank Shabby Blue
And we out
Peace
In DJ Quik's song "Born and Raised in Compton," the rapper talks about where he comes from, his experiences growing up, and how he achieved success. In the first verse, Quik describes himself as being from the "school of the sly, wicked, and the slick," and how he is proving to "suckers" that he can rap. He talks about the town of Compton, which is known for its violence and crime. Quik claims his city through his lyrics, freestyling and proving that he is up on reality. In the chorus, he repeats "born and raised in Compton" multiple times to emphasize where he is from and how it has influenced his life and music.
In the second verse, Quik talks about how he was robbed in his own home in Compton, which made him feel like he didn't belong there anymore. However, he didn't let that stop him from pursuing his dreams and achieving success. He talks about how he is a true player in the game, and things won't ever be the same because he is taking over. Quik also mentions how he sometimes has to wear a bullet-proof vest because of his affiliation with "the 'CPT' sign written across my chest," indicating that he is a part of the Compton neighborhood and gang culture. In the end, Quik pays homage to his friends and colleagues who have supported him along the way.
Line by Line Meaning
Now everybody wants to know the truth about a brother named quik
People are curious to know about me, DJ Quik
I come from the school of the sly, wicked and the slick
I'm experienced in the street life of Compton
A lotta people already know excatly where it's at
Many already know the reputation of Compton
Cause it's the home of the jackers and the crack
Compton is known for being a place of crime and drug addiction
(compton) yeah, that's the name of the hometown
Compton is my hometown
I'm goin down in the town where my name is all around
I am a well-known figure in Compton
The suckers just be havin a fit, and that's a pity
Jealous people are upset by my success
But I ain't doin nothin but (claimin my city)
I am proud of my city and representing it in my music
See, my lyrics I'm doublin up and provin to suckers that I can throw
I'm showcasing my lyricism and proving my haters wrong
I'm passin a natural ten or four or six or eight before I go
I'm comparing my success to a game of dice
Yes, I'm definitely freestylin, all the while still profilin
I am freestyling and showing off my skills
Never a trickster, dj quikster steals the show
I am an original and stand out from other artists
So now that's how I'm livin
That's my lifestyle
I do as I please, you see
I live life on my own terms
A younger brother that's up on reality
I have a realistic understanding of life
Cause everybody knows you have to be stompin
One must be strong and confident in Compton
If you're born and raised in compton
Growing up in Compton shapes who you are
(born and raised)
Emphasis on growing up in Compton
(where you from, fool? )
Asking where someone is from in a confrontational manner
(compton)
Proudly representing Compton
Now compton is the place where the homeboys chill, you see
Compton is where many young men hang out
But then I found that it wasn't no place for me
Compton wasn't a good fit for me personally
Cause way back in the day somebody musta wanted me to quit
Someone tried to hinder my success
Because they broke in my house and cold stole my shit
They stole my equipment from my home
They musta thought that I was gonna play the punk role
They underestimated me
Just because my equipment got stole
They assumed I would quit making music
But I ain't goin out like no sucker-ass clown
I'm not going to give up so easily
They found they couldn't keep a dope nigga down
They were unsuccessful in stopping me from succeeding
So here's some bass in your face, muthafucka silly sucker-
I'm taunting my haters with my success
Ass clocker, now you're duckin, cause you can't stop a brother
My haters are intimidated and afraid of me
Like the quiksta, because I'm true to the game
I am authentic and real
You're lame, and things ain't gonn' never be the same
My haters are not on my level and will never be
Cause a nigga like the quik is takin over
I am becoming more popular and successful
I really don't think I should have to explain
I don't feel the need to justify my success
It, oh yeah, I'm a dog, but my name ain't rover
I have a tough persona, but I am not a pet
And I'm the kinda nigga that's feelin no pain
I'm confident and fearless
Sometimes I have to wear a bullet-proof vest
I am aware of the potential danger in my profession
Because I got the 'cpt' sign written across my chest
I'm representing my hometown on my clothing
A funky dope brother never ceases to impress
My fans are always impressed by my music
My name is dj quik, so you can fuck the rest
I am the best and no one can compare to me
I'm comin like this, and I'm comin directly
I am being straightforward and honest in my music
Cause suckers get dain-bramaged if I'm doin damage quite effectively
My haters become upset when I'm successful
Rhymin is a battlezone, and suckers have no win
Making music is competitive and my haters cannot compete
Cause I'm a veteran from the c-o-m-p-t-o-n
I am experienced from living in Compton
(born and raised)
Emphasis on the effect of growing up in Compton
(born and raised)
Repetition of emphasis on growing up in Compton
(born and raised in compton)
Pride in being shaped by upbringing in Compton
Hell muthafuckin yeah
Agreement or enthusiasm
Funky dope for the nine-ace
My music is fresh and exciting
Dj quik is in the muthafuckin house
I am present and ready to perform
(born and raised in compton)
Pride in where I come from
Yo, check this shit out
Listen closely to what I'm saying
Right about now
In this moment
I'd like to send a shout out to my buddy teddy bear
Acknowledgement to someone close to me
What's up nigga?
Greeting a friend
What's up kk?
Greeting another friend
My buddy d
Acknowledging another friend
We got amg most definitely in the house
Another artist is present
What's up pretty greg and big baby brian cold chillin
Greeting acquaintances
Talkin about the armstrong pack
Mentioning a group of people
Straight got my muthafuckin back
I have the support of those around me
To my buddy no way what's up, fool
Greeting a friend
Roche is in the house
Mentioning someone present
My buddy donzelli
Acknowledging someone
You know what's happenin, fool
Reference to an ongoing situation
What's up itch
Greeting someone
And tony lang is chillin
Mentioning someone present
To my nigga gangsta wayne
Greeting someone
And my engineer joe gettin busy on the flo'
Acknowledging someone working behind the scenes
And last but not least I'd like to thank shabby blue
Showing gratitude to someone
And we out
Leaving or moving on
Peace
A farewell greeting
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: David Blake, Isaac Hayes, Isbell Alvertis
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Joe Ren
This track is 30 years old, and still better then 99.9% if the garbage coming out today. Glad to have been alive during the best era in hip hop.
sun butma
Facts
Chrystophorus Sen
Fo' shellians
JP 74
Yep this is real rap!!!👍👍👍
365WeLive
If you’re a real hip hop fan you’d appreciate the art from every generation since the start
Aleksandar Hristov
@365WeLive Lil B ruined rap
MCMXVI Records
DJ Quik, one of the most underrated producers in hip hop history❤👌👌
Leorio Susano
He is not underrated. He has tons of respect from people who actually know Hip-Hop. He just never became too mainstream that even 16 year old girls listen to him like Eminem, NWA,2pac e.t.c. ...
Leorio Susano
And to be honest i am kinda happy about that.
MCMXVI Records
For real, im just saying this guy was literally a genius with production and sometimes it frustrates me that he's not often put in the same category as more famous producers like Dre, Premo, Pete Rock etc