Hip Hop
Dead Prez;WTF?! Lyrics

It's bigger than hip hop
Hip hop culture and music is not just a genre, it encompasses a much larger social and political movement.

Uh, one thing 'bout music when it hit you feel no pain
Music has the unique ability to evoke emotions that can mask or distract from physical and emotional pain.

White folks say it controls yo' brain
Some people believe that hip hop music has the power to control people's thoughts and actions, especially among impressionable youth.

I know better than that, that's game
The previous line is merely a stereotype and is not true. Hip hop consumers are intelligent enough to make their own choices and are not brainwashed by the music.

And we ready for that two soldiers head of the pack
The artists are ready to lead the movement and inspire others with their music.

Matter of fact, who got the Gat and where my army at?
The artists are advocating for self-defense and the need to protect oneself and one's community against oppressive forces, especially against police brutality.

Rather attack and not react
It is better to be proactive and aggressive rather than just reacting to injustices after the fact.

Back to beats, it don't reflect on how many records get sold
The quality of the music and the message should not be determined by the number of sales or mainstream success.

On sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll
The artists are critiquing the music industry's obsession with superficial topics such as sex, drugs, and partying over more meaningful issues.

Whether your project's put on hold
Hip hop artists' creative freedom is often limited or censored due to industry politics or stereotypes. This line calls attention to this issue.

In the real world; these just people with ideas
Hip hop artists are real people with individual thoughts and opinions, and their music reflects their experiences and struggles in the real world.

They just like me and you when the smoke and camera disappear
Hip hop artists are just like everyone else and should not be put on a pedestal. They face the same challenges and obstacles that everyday people do once the spotlight is turned off.

Against the real world (against the real world)
Hip hop artists are fighting against the injustices and struggles of the real world with their music.

It's bigger than all these fake-ass records
The artists are calling out the music industry's tendency to produce inauthentic and superficial music, and asserts that hip hop is bigger and more meaningful than that.

When po' folks got the millions and my woman's disrespected
Hip hop addresses the issue of systemic inequality where poor people of color can achieve financial success in the music industry, while still facing discrimination and misogyny.

If you check 1-2, my word of advice to you is just relax
The artists are telling the listener to take a step back and reflect on their actions and priorities, especially in the face of adversity.

Just do what you got to do, if that don't work, then kick the facts
The artists are saying that if one approach doesn't work, then try another, but always be truthful and authentic in your message.

If you a fighter, rider, biter, flame-ignitor, crowd-exciter
Regardless of one's personal or artistic inclinations, all hip hop artists share a common goal of fighting against injustice and oppression with their music.

Or you want to just get high, then just say it
All forms of expression, both positive and negative, are valid in hip hop culture and should not be censored or shamed.

But then if you a liar-liar, pants on fire, wolf-crier, agent wit' a wire
Hip hop culture values authenticity and exposure of those who pretend or fake their way through the industry, often serving as informants or spies for law enforcement.

I'm gon' know it when I play it
Hip hop fans can discern true artistry and authenticity in the music they consume, and they will not support fake or inauthentic artists.

Uh, who shot Biggie Smalls?
The artists are raising questions about the truth behind events and conspiracies in the music industry and beyond.

If we don't get them, they gon' get us all
The artists are advocating for solidarity in the face of oppressive forces, where if one person is attacked, everyone is at risk.

I'm down for runnin' up on them crackers in they city hall
The artists are willing to take action and confront those in power who perpetuate and benefit from systemic oppression and racism.

We ride for y'all all my dogs stay real
Hip hop artists are committed to using their music and platform to speak truth to power and fight for marginalized communities.

Nigga, don't think these record deals gon' feed your seeds
Hip hop artists are encouraging aspiring musicians not to rely on the music industry to provide for their families or financial security, and to maintain their artistic independence.

And pay your bills, because they not
Record companies prioritize their profits over the well-being of the artists they sign, and hip hop artists should not expect to achieve financial stability or freedom by signing a record deal.

MCs get a little bit of love and think they hot
Hip hop artists must remain humble and grounded in order to stay true to their message and not become complacent with their success.

Talkin' 'bout how much money they got all y'all records sound the same
The artists are criticizing the music industry's focus on financial success and formulaic, unoriginal music.

I'm sick of that fake thug, R&B-rap scenario, all day on the radio
The artists are tired of hearing materialistic and inauthentic music on the radio, especially the trend of combining R&B with rap lyrics to create a more commercial sound.

Same scenes in the video, monotonous material
The artists are critiquing the predictable and uninspired visuals and themes in music videos that perpetuate stereotypes and sexism.

Y'all don't here me though
The artists are frustrated that their message is not being heard or taken seriously by mainstream media and listeners.

These record labels slang our tapes like dope
The music industry is compared to drug dealers who commodify and exploit hip hop artists and their work for profit.

You can be next in line and signed and still be writing rhymes and broke
Hip hop artists who achieve mainstream success and are signed to a record label are not necessarily financially secure or free from exploitation.

You would rather have a Lexus or justice, a dream or some substance?
The artists are challenging listeners to prioritize their values and aspirations, between material possessions or meaningful experiences.

A Beamer, a necklace, or freedom
The artists continue to contrast material wealth with freedom and liberation from oppressive systems.

Still a nigga like me don't playa-hate, I just stay awake
The artists are refusing to engage in negative behavior or jealousy towards other artists and are committed to staying woke and aware of systemic oppression and struggles in the world.

This real hip-hop and it don't stop
The artists are asserting that real hip hop music and culture will continue to exist and resist despite industry politics or mainstream trends.

'Til we get the po-po off the block, they call it
The artists are calling for an end to police brutality and systemic racism that disproportionately affects marginalized communities in America.

Hip hop
The artists are using hip hop music and culture to fight against oppressive forces and amplify the voices of marginalized communities.