Hip-Hop
Dead-Prez Lyrics


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It's bigger than hip hop
It's bigger than hip hop

Uh, one thing 'bout music when it hit you feel no pain
White folks say it controls yo' brain
I know better than that, that's game
And we ready for that two soldiers head of the pack
Matter of fact, who got the Gat and where my army at?
Rather attack and not react
Back to beats, it don't reflect on how many records get sold
On sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll
Whether your project's put on hold
In the real world; these just people with ideas
They just like me and you when the smoke and camera disappear
Against the real world (against the real world)
It's bigger than all these fake-ass records
When po' folks got the millions and my woman's disrespected
If you check 1-2, my word of advice to you is just relax
Just do what you got to do, if that don't work, then kick the facts
If you a fighter, rider, biter, flame-ignitor, crowd-exciter
Or you want to just get high, then just say it
But then if you a liar-liar, pants on fire, wolf-crier, agent wit' a wire
I'm gon' know it when I play it

It's bigger than hip hop
It's bigger than hip hop

Uh, who shot Biggie Smalls?
If we don't get them, they gon' get us all
I'm down for runnin' up on them crackers in they city hall
We ride for y'all all my dogs stay real
Nigga, don't think these record deals gon' feed your seeds
And pay your bills, because they not
MCs get a little bit of love and think they hot
Talkin' 'bout how much money they got all y'all records sound the same
I'm sick of that fake thug, R&B-rap scenario, all day on the radio
Same scenes in the video, monotonous material
Y'all don't here me though
These record labels slang our tapes like dope
You can be next in line and signed and still be writing rhymes and broke
You would rather have a Lexus or justice, a dream or some substance?
A Beamer, a necklace, or freedom
Still a nigga like me don't playa-hate, I just stay awake
This real hip-hop and it don't stop
'Til we get the po-po off the block, they call it

Hip hop
It's bigger than hip hop

D.P.'s got that crazy shit
We keep it crunk-up, John Blazed and shit
D.P.'s got that crazy shit
We keep it crunk-up, John Blazed and shit
D.P.'s got that crazy shit
We keep it crunk-up, John Blazed and shit
D.P.'s got that crazy shit
We keep it crunk-up, John Blazed and shit




D.P.'s got that crazy shit
We keep it crunk-up

Overall Meaning

The song โ€œHip Hopโ€ by Dead Prez is a powerful statement about the true essence of hip hop and how it transcends beyond its commercialization. The song starts with the lines "It's bigger than hip hop" which suggests that hip hop is not just a genre of music but a movement, a revolution. The song presents the idea that music is a form of expression and not just a means of entertainment. The next few lines talk about how white folks say that music controls the brain of the listener. But Dead Prez refutes this idea and argues that music is a form of resistance against the oppression of the system.


The song moves on to address the commercialization of hip hop and how it is being used to promote meaningless content like sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll. The lyrics also mention how po' folks have been able to make millions while women are still disrespected in society. The song urges people to speak the truth and not lie about who they are or what they stand for. Dead Prez stresses on the importance of authenticity and how it is being lost in the world of commercial hip hop. The song ends with the repeated line "It's bigger than hip hop" which urges listeners to understand the true spirit of hip hop.


Overall, "Hip Hop" by Dead Prez is a powerful commentary on the true essence of hip hop and how it has become overshadowed by the commercialization of the genre. The song stresses on the importance of authenticity and rebellion against the system that is trying to silence voices of the oppressed.


Line by Line Meaning

It's bigger than hip hop
Hip hop is not just a genre of music, it encompasses a broader social and cultural movement.


Uh, one thing 'bout music when it hit you feel no pain
Music has the power to evoke strong emotions and can be numbing to physical or emotional pain.


White folks say it controls yo' brain
There is a stereotype that hip hop music brainwashes and corrupts the minds of its listeners, perpetuated by certain societal groups.


I know better than that, that's game
The rapper is aware of the negative perception associated with hip hop, but he knows it's not true.


And we ready for that two soldiers head of the pack
The musicians are willing to lead the charge of the hip hop culture with conviction and strength.


Matter of fact, who got the Gat and where my army at?
Who has the gun and where are their supporters - this is a call to action for those who are part of the hip hop movement.


Rather attack and not react
Instead of waiting for a negative reaction, it's more effective to be proactive and attack issues head-on.


Back to beats, it don't reflect on how many records get sold
The true nature and essence of hip hop is not dependent on commercial success or album sales.


On sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll
Many musicians use themes of sex and drug use for their music or brand; hip hop, however, is focused on different aspects of life.


Whether your project's put on hold
Sometimes tribulations or obstacles, such as a lack of resources, could hinder the progress of one's creative work.


In the real world; these just people with ideas
Despite the grandeur or influence of certain individuals, everyone in hip hop is just trying to express their individuality and creativity.


They just like me and you when the smoke and camera disappear
In the end, everyone is human and has to deal with the mundanities and pressures of life without the spotlight.


Against the real world (against the real world)
Hip hop musicians are in opposition to the real-world problems, injustices, and power structures, and seek to challenge them through their music and activism.


It's bigger than all these fake-ass records
Hip hop is not just about putting out superficial or fake music - its purpose and meaning are much greater than that.


When po' folks got the millions and my woman's disrespected
There are people in hip hop who have massive wealth and success, yet there are still those who face inequality, like the rapper's female companion.


If you check 1-2, my word of advice to you is just relax
Take it easy and don't let the pressure get to you - you'll be more productive and happy that way.


Just do what you got to do, if that don't work, then kick the facts
Focus on your goals and take action, but if that doesn't work, be honest, speak the truth, and share the facts with others.


If you a fighter, rider, biter, flame-ignitor, crowd-exciter
If you're a musician or artist, whether a rapper or performer, you have to be passionate and energetic to incite and engage your audience.


Or you want to just get high, then just say it
If you enjoy getting high or indulging in certain vices, don't be ashamed, just be honest and direct about it.


But then if you a liar-liar, pants on fire, wolf-crier, agent wit' a wire
However, if you're a liar or someone who deceives others for your own gain or other ulterior motives, you'll be found out and exposed.


I'm gon' know it when I play it
The rapper can distinguish authentic hip hop from fake, less genuine forms of hip hop, and he will call out those who are not being true to the culture.


Uh, who shot Biggie Smalls?
The infamous murder of rapper Biggie Smalls (i.e., The Notorious B.I.G.) is brought up, as the violence that is sometimes associated with hip hop transcends itself and affects the entire community.


If we don't get them, they gon' get us all
Those who threaten the safety or well-being of hip hop musicians are a danger to the entire community, and must be stopped for the sake of everyone involved.


I'm down for runnin' up on them crackers in they city hall
The rapper is willing to engage in direct action to confront those who are oppressive or hostile to the hip hop community, even if it means protesting in government buildings.


We ride for y'all all my dogs stay real
Hip hop is a shared experience, and musicians ride or march together as a united force against adversity.


Nigga, don't think these record deals gon' feed your seeds
Despite signing lucrative record deals, the financial benefits from the deal will not necessarily lead to long-term financial success or security for the musicians or their families.


And pay your bills, because they not
The idea that record labels will provide financial stability for the artists is a myth, and they will not be able to pay their bills or live sustainably on the meager wages they receive from their record labels.


MCs get a little bit of love and think they hot
Hip hop musicians who achieve success or fame can become conceited and believe they are invincible or untouchable, but this attitude is damaging and detrimental to the spirit of hip hop.


Talkin' 'bout how much money they got all y'all records sound the same
Some hip hop music has become commodified and materialistic, focusing solely on money and lacking musical diversity or creativity.


I'm sick of that fake thug, R&B-rap scenario, all day on the radio
The oversaturation of these types of musical genres on mainstream radio is frustrating and boring, and the focus on violence or gang activity perpetuated by these genres is not true to the culture of hip hop.


Same scenes in the video, monotonous material
Music videos have become predictable and always feature the same themes, perpetuating harmful stereotypes about hip hop culture.


Y'all don't here me though
The artist feels ignored or unheard by the mainstream music industry or consumers, and is frustrated by the lack of attention paid to true hip hop.


These record labels slang our tapes like dope
Record labels treat hip hop music as a commodity, selling it like a drug on the streets rather than valuing it as an art form or cultural movement.


You can be next in line and signed and still be writing rhymes and broke
Despite the promise of success or fame, record deals often leave hip hop musicians in dire financial straits, and they are not guaranteed long-term success or income.


You would rather have a Lexus or justice, a dream or some substance?
Would you rather have material wealth such as a car or true social justice, or would you prefer to pursue artistic creativity or some other form of substance in life?


A Beamer, a necklace, or freedom
Again, hip hop musicians must choose between material or superficial representations of success or true liberation and freedom.


Still a nigga like me don't playa-hate, I just stay awake
Although the artist is discriminated against on the basis of his race, he does not hate other successful musicians and instead remains vigilant and aware of his surroundings and situation.


This real hip-hop and it don't stop
True hip hop will never die and will continue to be a force for change, activism, and artistic expression.


'Til we get the po-po off the block, they call it
Hip hop culture seeks to address and dismantle oppressive institutions and power structures, including the police force, that limit the agency and autonomy of young people in urban communities.


D.P.'s got that crazy shit
Dead Prez is known for its intense, raw, and politically-charged lyrics and music.


We keep it crunk-up, John Blazed and shit
The music of Dead Prez is always turned up and full of energy and passion.


D.P.'s got that crazy shit
Dead Prez is unique and different from other hip hop groups, with their own style and sound.


We keep it crunk-up, John Blazed and shit
Dead Prez will not compromise or dilute their message, and will always stay true to themselves and their music.


D.P.'s got that crazy shit
Dead Prez's music is intense, raw, and thought-provoking, and stands out from other hip hop music.


We keep it crunk-up
Dead Prez's music is always energetic and lively, designed to excite and move its listeners.




Lyrics ยฉ Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ANDREW MAIR, CLAYTON ANGELO GAVIN, LAVONNE ALFORD, VONKELI E. WILLIAMS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@joshn2568

2024 whatโ€™s good.. who rocking with this still real OGs

@anonymousanonymousptje2999

What's feedinge 'us right? We just people

@brianparson6018

Yerrr

@MrDarthBudda

Raise the Red Flag...

@lashonnawallace8689

Yo!

@cody5530

35 yrs old BANGIN DIS HEAVY

3 More Replies...

@philgomeze1814

"TALKIN BOUT HOW MUCH MONEY THEY GOT, ALL YALL RECORDS SOUND THE SAME" 20 years later still so true

@dersimkangal

Real iz real. Time doesnt matter

@kburrell81

Man their music just be in history books

@toreytownsend4705

Truth!!!!

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