The Diggin' in the Crates Crew, also known as D.I.T.C., is a New York-based… Read Full Bio ↴The Diggin' in the Crates Crew, also known as D.I.T.C., is a New York-based hip-hop collective, deriving its name from a popular DJ sampling practice. (See: digging in the crates.) Its members have achieved substantial and consistent recognition in both underground and mainstream rap circles, often collaborating with undiscovered talent and underground artists (Madlib produces the first track on A.G.'s new album) alongside the most commercial of rappers (Puff Daddy and Nelly have both been featured on Fat Joe's albums). Two of its best claims to fame are the extremely talented, but deceased, member Big L and affiliate Big Pun.

Way Of Life
Ditc Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Diggin In The Crates 9 9
Yeah yeah
Still Diggin y'all
Yeah yeah yo yo
There's only one way for me to explain the key to this game
Is longev keep it the same
The seeds'll remain only if they bringin the pain
Hip hop don't stop like the heat in my vein

The streets know my name Don Carta bomb harder
My persona is honored in the Bronx as my alma matter
I'm smarter than the average Joe, packin a flow
That's stackin the dough, let's bring the chips in the bag and let's go
It's Fat Joe, I'ma set it straight
If you do your hist I exist through Diggin In The Crates
I'm bringin in the ace, had to stay up late
Playin the corners but never seen a day upstate
Until the day I escape or see Tone at the pearly gates
I continue to runch it even after the computer breaks
You know the rates, fifty-thou for every verse that's foul
And I bring rhymes to life like the birth of a child

"Verbal assualt"
"Blow out your tweeters"

Check it, my whole crew holdin
We all got cars wit extra features
It's a bunch of y'all, one got dough, the rest is leeches
You probably mad 'cause I be sexin divas
I should pull this pistol out and make you touch your sneakers
I'm on some cool out shit, but I will pull this tool out quick
And put some holes in your new outfit
You frontin hard 'cause your whip a Range
But it's a 4.0, you nerd nigga, you heard Jigga now get your change
You ain't a willy you a small solider, give it up son it's all over
And you never sold a, pound a cane
You a clown wit fame, goin down the drain
All yo' shit sound the same
I'ma shine pop-o, 'cause when you got dough your rocks glow
L got a hot flow that rap coppo
I'm Uptown smoothest, first album left you clowns clueless
Sayin I'm wack, you niggas sound foolish
Niggas hate to see L bubble, they'd rather see L struggle
'Cause what they sell, I'ma sell double

You want to see rocks, then look at L's wrist
If you see me in the club drinkin Mo' that means they don't see Cris, what

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Way of Life" by DITC express a deep love and passion for hip-hop culture. The song is about staying true to oneself and sticking to the foundation of hip-hop, which is creating music that speaks truth and brings pain. The rapper Fat Joe opens up the song with the lyrics: "There's only one way for me to explain the key to this game, is longev keep it the same. The seeds'll remain only if they bringin' the pain, hip-hop don't stop like the heat in my vein." His persona is honored in the Bronx, and he makes it clear that he's smarter and more talented than the average Joe. Fat Joe's rhymes are bringing life to the music scene, much like the birth of a child.

In the second verse, L (Lord Finesse) dominates the track with his impressive flow and hard-hitting bars. His lyrics detail his love for hip-hop, and he takes aim at those who are not living up to the standards of the genre. He makes it clear that he's leveled up in the game, and his enemies are merely leeches trying to ride his fame. He raps, "I'm Uptown smoothest, first album left you clowns clueless. Saying I'm wack, you niggas sound foolish." L raps with confidence, and his flow is effortless, making the listener feel the passion that he has for hip-hop.

Overall, "Way of Life" by DITC is a song about the importance of staying true to oneself and not compromising the art of hip-hop. The song is a reminder of the foundation of the genre, and how it is essential to keep that foundation strong.

Line by Line Meaning

There's only one way for me to explain the key to this game
I have a unique perspective on what it takes to succeed in this industry

Is longev keep it the same
To have longevity, you must stay true to yourself and your style

The seeds'll remain only if they bringin the pain
Only those who bring passion and skill will leave a lasting impact on the genre

Hip hop don't stop like the heat in my vein
Hip hop is a constant force that fuels me and continues to thrive despite its challenges

The streets know my name Don Carta bomb harder
My reputation and influence in the Bronx community are strong

My persona is honored in the Bronx as my alma matter
My personality and style are celebrated as a representation of the Bronx culture

I'm smarter than the average Joe, packin a flow
I have a higher level of intelligence and skill when it comes to crafting my music

That's stackin the dough, let's bring the chips in the bag and let's go
My music is profitable and it's time to capitalize on that success

It's Fat Joe, I'ma set it straight
I'm going to make my presence known and make sure people recognize my talent and authority

If you do your hist I exist through Diggin In The Crates
My involvement in the Diggin In The Crates collective is an important part of my legacy in hip hop

I'm bringin in the ace, had to stay up late
I work hard and put in the effort to bring the best quality to my music

Playin the corners but never seen a day upstate
Despite my involvement in street activity, I've never been imprisoned

Until the day I escape or see Tone at the pearly gates
I will continue to work hard and stay true to my craft until I pass away

I continue to runch it even after the computer breaks
Even when things seem to not be going my way, I persevere and work hard

You know the rates, fifty-thou for every verse that's foul
I charge a high price for my services and won't compromise my values to make money

And I bring rhymes to life like the birth of a child
My lyrics have a transformative effect and can inspire a new generation of artists

It's a bunch of y'all, one got dough, the rest is leeches
There are many people in the industry looking to profit off of one person's success without putting in the same effort or talent

You probably mad 'cause I be sexin divas
Jealousy and envy are common in the industry, especially when it comes to relationships and personal success

I'm on some cool out shit, but I will pull this tool out quick
I prefer to avoid conflict, but I won't hesitate to defend myself if necessary

And put some holes in your new outfit
If you provoke me, I'm capable of causing serious damage

You frontin hard 'cause your whip a Range
You're pretending to be more successful than you really are, using material possessions to boost your image

But it's a 4.0, you nerd nigga, you heard Jigga now get your change
Your car may look expensive, but it's actually not that impressive and you should focus on making legitimate money instead of perpetuating a false image

You ain't a willy you a small solider, give it up son it's all over
You're not the big shot you pretend to be, and it's time for you to give up your facade

And you never sold a, pound a cane
You've never actually been involved in the illegal drug trade, despite portraying yourself as such

You a clown wit fame, goin down the drain
Your fame won't last if you continue to lie and deceive your audience

All yo' shit sound the same
Your music lacks originality and creativity

I'ma shine pop-o, 'cause when you got dough your rocks glow
My wealth and success are a reflection of my talent and hard work, and are not superficial

L got a hot flow that rap coppo
My flow and style are unmatched and I'm a leader in the genre

I'm Uptown smoothest, first album left you clowns clueless
I'm the smoothest and coolest in my area, and my first album set a new standard in the industry

Sayin I'm wack, you niggas sound foolish
Anyone who criticizes my talent is simply wrong and doesn't know what they're talking about

Niggas hate to see L bubble, they'd rather see L struggle
People don't like to see me succeed, and would rather watch me fail

'Cause what they sell, I'ma sell double
Despite the haters, I will continue to be successful and even surpass their expectations

You want to see rocks, then look at L's wrist
If you want to see real success and wealth, look no further than my own accomplishments

If you see me in the club drinkin Mo' that means they don't see Cris
If I'm drinking a lower quality champagne instead of Cristal, it's because I have the power and influence to make any drink look good

Lyrics © JELLYBEAN MUSIC GROUP, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOSEPH CARTAGENA, LAMONT COLEMAN, RODNEY LEMAY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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