Dilated Peoples is a hip-hop group that has achieved great fame in the unde… Read Full Bio ↴Dilated Peoples is a hip-hop group that has achieved great fame in the underground hip-hop community, although their only real mainstream success was the song This Way, a 2004 collaboration with Kanye West.

DJ Babu (from the DJ crew Beat Junkies), Evidence, and Rakaa joined together in 1992 in Los Angeles, CA and released Third Degree and Work the Angles, which were quickly established as favorites in the underground scene and among rap critics. They eventually signed to Capitol and in 2000 released The Platform, to more critical acclaim. Their sophomore set Expansion Team was released in 2001, led by the Alchemist-produced single Worst Comes To Worst, which sampled from Mobb Deep's Survival Of The Fittest. Their third album, Neighborhood Watch, was released in 2004 and debuted at #55 on USA's Billboard 200 Albums Chart. In addition to the Kanye West-produced single, This Way, it also featured the single Who's Who?, which was also included as a track on the Need for Speed: Underground and SSX 3 soundtracks, and peaked at #35 on the UK Singles Chart.

In 2006, they returned with the single Back Again, produced by The Alchemist. The trio's fourth album, 20/20, debuted on February 21, 2006.

In 2007 they released The Release Party. This package included a feature-length documentary on DVD as well as EP featuring new songs and remixes. The film, released through Decon, is a celebration of the release from their contract with Capital.

Directors of Photography is the fifth studio album by the American hip hop group. The album was released on August 12, 2014, by Rhymesayers Entertainment.

Self Defense
Dilated Peoples Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

This is self defense. x2
This ain't no threat man, ???
This is self defense
Ain't no tough guy talk,
we're just doing what we have to

[Verse 1 - Iriscience]
I think ya better let it go

You need attention? I send medical
Basically you're trying to harm me, you're crazy
Musically, I'm blazin'. Physically, I'm gracy
Triangle choke ya
And what the fuck could have provoked ya?
We don't know eachother kid, and I did not insult ya
Don't make me feed the fish, feed the trees, or feed the vultures
I don't know stones, I throw statues and sculptures
I block flows with strikes and strikes with blows
I slice flows with my mic (get showns)?
I counterattack and turn the tables in an instant
Move out of range and step into close distance
Resistance, relax with less friction
Leverage and technique bring jokes and submissions
You got heart, you plan to make it happen
But none of my family are chumps or never have been
Respect mine, protect myself at all times
Build twice next time before you cross the line
I guess this is what you call a turn of events
And the best offense is a good defense

[Chorus]
Yo, you want to hit us? We can hit back
If you talk that talk, you got's to live that. (This is self defense)
Whenever you front out, you gonna get back. (This is self defense)
Self Defense, you wish you never did that. (This is self defense)

[Chorus]

[Verse 2 - Evidence]
Yo, stay ready for the worst
Paranoid, straight, smart
enemies hit ya where you think you're safe. (Self Defense)
I cut my fingerprints with razor blades
I'm in the cut, the kind you don't recognize with shades
Tattoos, learn two tricks
only thing between me and the borders and the straight face
Answers to questions, four eye contact
this confrontation ain't physical, but still combat

Leave ya'self left with options to choose
The last line of defense of my crew, (dope rules?)
Psychic, precise, right and exact for songs
Only time we've been wrong is when we thought we were wrong
The science are format's own conclusive, but peace first and war, last.
These words are crucial
Conflict resolved, but to those that want to brawl:
Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional
Also, dropping the ball ain't recommended
when life or death decisions are made within seconds
Of course we make the right ones, strategically through
Self defense, but not by myself. Babu

[Chorus]

(Scratching "Self defense is a must" by DJ Babu)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Dilated Peoples' song Self Defense convey a clear message of the importance of protecting oneself and one's crew when confronted with threats or potential danger. The song is rapped in two verses by Iriscience and Evidence. The chorus quite literally states that the song is about self defense, and the verses take different approaches to the topic.

In the first verse, Iriscience warns his opponent to let it go and not provoke him further. He mentions that he will protect himself and his family at all costs and use his skills, both musical and physical, to defend himself. He also warns his opponent that he won't use the traditional weapons of rocks but rather sculptures and strikes. He counterattacks with close combat moves and submissions, signifying the importance of strategy over brute force. Throughout the verse, he emphasizes that he is striking back in self-defense rather than being the aggressor.

In the second verse, Evidence takes a more defensive and strategic stance, emphasizing the need to stay ready for the worst and to expect the unexpected. He talks about how he has prepared himself for potential danger through cutting his fingerprints, hiding tattoos, and being aware of his surroundings. He also emphasizes the importance of communication, noting that conflict should be resolved through peace first and only as a last resort. He mentions the importance of making good, strategic decisions in split-second moments of potential conflict. Once again, the song's title is reiterated, reminding the listener of its core message.

Overall, the song is a powerful and straightforward message on the importance of protecting oneself from potential danger while also emphasizing the importance of strategy, communication, and peaceful resolution.

**Interesting facts about the song Self Defense by Dilated Peoples:**

* The song was featured on their 2001 album "Expansion Team."
* It was produced by DJ Babu, who also scratches the phrase "Self defense is a must" throughout the chorus.
* The songs' official music video was released in 2002, directed by Jason Goldwatch.
* The album "Expansion Team" reached number 36 on the Billboard 200 chart.
* The song features two of the group's founding members, Iriscience and Evidence, who are still active in the music industry today.
* The album was produced by the Alchemist, who has produced for Eminem, Nas, and Mobb Deep.
* Dilated Peoples formed in 1992, and the group consists of Evidence, Rakaa Iriscience, and DJ Babu.
* They became popular in the underground hip-hop scene in the late '90s and early 2000s.
* The song was also featured on the soundtrack of the video game Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4.
* The group is known for its socially conscious lyrics and has collaborated with artists like Kanye West, Aloe Blacc, and the Beastie Boys.

**Chords:**

Unfortunately, the chords for "Self Defense" by Dilated Peoples are not available as it is a rap song.

Line by Line Meaning

This is self defense
The following events are an act of defense to protect oneself.

This ain't no threat man, ???
We are not making threats against you, though you may perceive it that way.

Ain't no tough guy talk,
We are not trying to act tough or intimidate you.

we're just doing what we have to
We are simply taking measures to defend ourselves.

I think ya better let it go
You are advised to drop the issue and refrain from further conflict.

You need attention? I send medical
If you are looking for attention, we will give you medical attention in the form of a violent response.

Basically you're trying to harm me, you're crazy
It appears that you are attempting to cause harm to us, and that mindset is irrational.

Musically, I'm blazin'. Physically, I'm gracy
I am highly skilled at what I do, both in a musical sense and in physical combat.

Triangle choke ya
I will perform a submission hold on you called the triangle choke.

And what the fuck could have provoked ya?
We are uncertain what may have caused you to act in such an aggressive manner.

We don't know eachother kid, and I did not insult ya
We are not personally acquainted, and I have not said anything to intentionally offend you.

Don't make me feed the fish, feed the trees, or feed the vultures
Please do not force us to dispose of your body in water, trees, or as food for vultures.

I don't know stones, I throw statues and sculptures
I am not one to throw small objects, as I would rather use heavier objects such as statues and sculptures.

I block flows with strikes and strikes with blows
I am capable of both blocking and delivering attacks efficiently.

I slice flows with my mic (get showns)?
I metaphorically cut through other artists' flows with my superior rapping abilities. (Get it shown)

I counterattack and turn the tables in an instant
I am quick to defend myself and retaliate, quickly turning the situation in my favor.

Move out of range and step into close distance
I will move to a safer distance, and then quickly engage in close-quarters combat.

Resistance, relax with less friction
You may resist my attack, but it will be easier on yourself if you relax and don't put up as much resistance.

Leverage and technique bring jokes and submissions
I will use leverage and technical skill to put you in a submission hold or to disarm you.

You got heart, you plan to make it happen
You are brave and have ambition, but that does not make you invulnerable.

But none of my family are chumps or never have been
My family members are also not to be underestimated or trifled with.

Respect mine, protect myself at all times
I demand respect, and I always take measures to protect myself.

Build twice next time before you cross the line
Think twice before you consider crossing a line, and do so with caution.

I guess this is what you call a turn of events
This unexpected situation is what some would refer to as a dramatic reversal of circumstances.

And the best offense is a good defense
It is more effective to defend oneself well than to go on the offensive.

Yo, you want to hit us? We can hit back
If you attempt to harm us, expect us to retaliate in kind.

If you talk that talk, you got's to live that. (This is self defense)
If you make threats, be prepared to face the consequences. (This is self defense)

Whenever you front out, you gonna get back. (This is self defense)
If you ''front'' (present a false appearance) towards us, expect us to expose you or retaliate. (This is self defense)

Self Defense, you wish you never did that. (This is self defense)
This self-defense measure will make you regret your previous actions. (This is self defense)

Yo, stay ready for the worst
Always be prepared for the worst-case scenario.

Paranoid, straight, smart
Remain vigilant and wary of potential threats, and be intelligent in your actions and decisions.

enemies hit ya where you think you're safe. (Self Defense)
Your enemies will often attack you in areas you believe to be safe. (This is self defense)

I cut my fingerprints with razor blades
I will take the drastic measure of cutting my fingerprints in order to avoid being identified.

I'm in the cut, the kind you don't recognize with shades
I am hiding in the shadows, and you would not recognize me even if you saw me.

Tattoos, learn two tricks
My tattoos have a dual purpose, serving as both appearances and concealed weapons.

only thing between me and the borders and the straight face
The only things between me and leaving this area (border) with a calm demeanor are my current circumstances.

Answers to questions, four eye contact
You will receive answers to your questions from me while making direct eye contact.

this confrontation ain't physical, but still combat
This is not a physical altercation, but it is still a form of combat in which we will defend ourselves.

Leave ya'self left with options to choose
I will force you to make a decision about your next course of action.

The last line of defense of my crew, (dope rules?)
Our group's last resort for defense is a set of strict rules that are not to be underestimated. (''Dope rules'' could be either cool rules or drug-related)

Psychic, precise, right and exact for songs
Our musical lyrics are effectively crafted to accurately reflect our thoughts and personalities.

Only time we've been wrong is when we thought we were wrong
Our only mistake as a group is believing that we made an error when we truly did not.

The science are format's own conclusive, but peace first and war, last.
We follow a strict format and style in our music, which is conclusive. However, we seek peace before resorting to war-like tactics.

These words are crucial
It is important to pay attention to what we are saying.

Conflict resolved, but to those that want to brawl:
We have resolved the issue, but we are still prepared for those who wish to fight.

Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional
There will be pain and struggle in life, but how one reacts and feels about it is optional.

Also, dropping the ball ain't recommended
One should avoid making mistakes or losing focus.

when life or death decisions are made within seconds
When one's life is on the line, important decisions must often be made in a very short amount of time.

Of course we make the right ones, strategically through
We always make the correct decisions by using careful strategy and planning.

Self defense, but not by myself. Babu
Though it is self-defense, I am not alone in acting, as DJ Babu is also involved.

(Scratching 'Self defense is a must' by DJ Babu)
A sample of DJ Babu's music is incorporated, emphasizing the importance of self-defense.

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, THE ROYALTY NETWORK INC., Royalty Network
Written by: JERRY TINEO, MICHAEL PERRETTA, RAKAA TAYLOR, Tineo Jerry

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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