Dizzee began MCing on pirate radio and at raves at fifteen, but since his mainstream success he has distanced himself from the fledgling scene. Rascal grew up in the East End of London in south Bow in a council estate, raised by his single mother, a Ghanaian immigrant. Little is known about his father, though it is thought that he died when Mills was two. He attributes his musical development to a school teacher who allowed him to skip regular classes and spend time working on music on the school computers.
His music is an eclectic mixture of garage and hip-hop beats with an extremely broad palette of influences, ranging from metal guitars to found sounds, drill and bass synth lines, eclectic samples and even Japanese court music. His vocal performance is also distinctive, he uses a fast version of rapping (known as 'spitting') which blends elements from garage MCing, conventional rap, grime and ragga.
Dizzee Rascal has numerous rivals within the Grime scene, mainly from the Bow, East London area. A notable rival of Dizzee Rascal is Crazy Titch who produced and recorded a diss called "Just An Arsehole" which used the backing track of Dizzee's record of "Jus A Rascal".
Dizzee Rascal has had international endorsements deals with urban brand Ecko and designed his own shoe with Nike. He has also worked with cross genre artist, Beck, on a remix of the song Hell Yes.
He released his debut album in 2003, which was called Boy In Da Corner, winning him the 2003 Mercury Prize. His second album Showtime was released in 2004. His third effort, Maths and English was released in 2007. All three albums received critical acclaim. He experienced commercial success in 2008 when Dance Wiv Me reached the number one spot in the UK charts. His fourth album, Tongue n' Cheek was released in 2009, going platinum for sales exceeding 300,000 units in the UK. Dizzee Rascal's album The Fifth was released in 2013, the same year he received an honorary Doctorate of the Arts from the University of East London.
In 2017, Rascal released Raskit, which as well as building on his sound heralded a return on some songs to the grime sound of his earlier albums.
Discography:
Studio albums:
2003: Boy in da Corner
2004: Showtime
2007: Maths + English
2009: Tongue n' Cheek
2013: The Fifth
2017: Raskit
2020: E3 AF
2024: Don't Take It Personal
I Ain't Even Gonna Lie
Dizzee Rascal Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You better not come shy
You can whinge and cry
'Til your eyes get dry but it still won't fly
They throw dirt on the sly
I ain't even gotta try
And when they wanna know why
And they need a reply
I ain't even gonna lie
I want a piece of the pie
They told me reach for the sky
I said each to their own if you wanna get high
Gonna get high on my own supply
I can't rely on a guy
I don't even wanna pry
And my pride's at an all time high
Bare priors, an' I'll provide
Provide the vibe inside (inside)
And the vibe is wide
Worldwide, get down where the hell can I hide?
They can't deny or divide the cypher
I'm so live I'm a survivor
Rough rider, east sider
Spit fire, saliva on ya
You know the runnins
Can't be summin', I'm slummin'
I done rolled through the slums in somethin' stunnin'
Stunted once and the cops keep coming
What are you bunnin'?
Flew to Jamaica
Tryin' to have fun and get a little bit of sun in
Thugs at the entrance tryna get the gun in
Man are so wicked and cunning
If you wanna get by
You better not come shy
You can whinge and cry
'Til your eyes get dry but it still won't fly
They throw dirt on the sly
I ain't even gotta try
And when they wanna know why
And they need a reply
I ain't even gonna lie
I ain't even gonna lie
I ain't even gonna lie
I ain't even gonna lie
Why lie? I'm the guy
One finger in the sky
I ain't even gonna lie
I ain't even gonna lie
Top guy, I don't beg no bly
Bookie
Stay on duty they can't spook me
Salute they can't mute me
And the beg friend ting don't suit me
They can say what they want but they won't uproot me
I'm en route in a coupe going loopy
And I'm in it for the booty
I said I'm in it for the loot, I ain't talkin' 'bout a groupie
Excuse me, 'cause I refuse to lose and these girls are choosy
Suzie got a little woosie had a little booze and a doobie
Movin' unruly, had a little boogie
Suzie's a little too boujee but she wants to move with the goonies
She don't want a smoothie
Truthfully, she don't wanna go to the movies
Wanna get a million views on her boobies
(Oi)
Don't get lost in the sauce
Get caught off course
Of course I've mastered the force
Hop off the porch, I'm horseless off in a Porsche
I'm often soaring abroad
Boppin' a boarder, Lord of the world explorin' the shore
Sure I'm a baller, all in boy in da corner
I don't gotta warn ya
If you wanna get by
You better not come shy
You can whinge and cry
'Til your eyes get dry but it still won't fly
They throw dirt on the sly
I ain't even gotta try
And when they wanna know why
And they need a reply
I ain't even gonna lie
I ain't even gonna lie
I ain't even gonna lie
I ain't even gonna lie
Why lie? I'm the guy
One finger in the sky
I ain't even gonna lie
I ain't even gonna lie
Top guy, I don't beg no bly
In "I Ain't Even Gonna Lie," Dizzee Rascal expresses a sense of confidence and authenticity in the face of adversity. The lyrics suggest that in order to succeed or make progress in life, one must not be timid or hesitant. Dizzee advises against complaining and feeling sorry for oneself because it won't lead to any positive outcome. He acknowledges that there are people who spread negativity behind people's backs, but he doesn't let it affect him.
Dizzee Rascal also speaks about his ambitions and desire for success. He mentions wanting a portion of the "pie," symbolizing wealth and success. He refuses to rely on anyone else and wants to achieve his goals independently. His pride is at an all-time high, and he takes responsibility for providing the right vibes and atmosphere in his music.
The lyrics also touch on Dizzee's experiences of navigating through challenging situations. He describes his rough upbringing and his ability to rise above it. He presents himself as a survivor, willing to take risks and face the consequences. The song alludes to his travels, including a trip to Jamaica, where he confronts the dangers and wickedness in the world.
Dizzee Rascal emphasizes not lying throughout the song. He asserts that he is who he says he is and doesn't feel the need to beg for validation or acceptance. He proudly identifies himself as the guy to look up to, with one finger in the sky symbolizing confidence and leadership. He also references his refusal to be influenced or manipulated by others, highlighting his determination to stay true to himself.
Overall, "I Ain't Even Gonna Lie" showcases Dizzee Rascal's self-assuredness, resilience, and refusal to compromise his identity and values in pursuit of success.
Line by Line Meaning
If you wanna get by
If you want to succeed or survive
You better not come shy
You shouldn't be timid or hesitant
You can whinge and cry
You can complain and cry
'Til your eyes get dry but it still won't fly
Even if you complain a lot, it won't change the outcome
They throw dirt on the sly
They try to discredit or criticize secretly
I ain't even gotta try
I don't even have to make an effort
And when they wanna know why
And when they want an explanation
And they need a reply
And they need an answer
I ain't even gonna lie
I won't tell a lie
I want a piece of the pie
I want a share of success or wealth
They told me reach for the sky
They advised me to aim high
I said each to their own if you wanna get high
I said everyone has their own path to success
Gonna get high on my own supply
I will achieve success through my own efforts
I can't rely on a guy
I can't depend on someone else
I don't even wanna pry
I don't even want to meddle or inquire
And my pride's at an all time high
And my ego is extremely strong
Bare priors, an' I'll provide
Many past experiences, and I will offer
Provide the vibe inside (inside)
Create the atmosphere or feeling inside (inside)
And the vibe is wide
And the atmosphere is extensive or broad
Worldwide, get down where the hell can I hide?
Worldwide, get involved, where can I avoid attention?
They can't deny or divide the cypher
They can't reject or separate the group or circle
I'm so live I'm a survivor
I am so energetic, I am a survivor
Rough rider, east sider
Aggressive individual, from the eastern part of town
Spit fire, saliva on ya
I rap with intensity, I'm ready to take you down
You know the runnins
You know how things work or the situation
Can't be summin', I'm slummin'
Can't be just anything, I'm experiencing difficult circumstances
I done rolled through the slums in somethin' stunnin'
I have driven through the poor neighborhoods in a remarkable vehicle
Stunted once and the cops keep coming
Got in trouble once and the police keep paying attention
What are you bunnin'?
What are you smoking?
Flew to Jamaica
I traveled to Jamaica
Tryin' to have fun and get a little bit of sun in
Trying to enjoy myself and get some sun
Thugs at the entrance tryna get the gun in
Criminals at the entrance trying to bring weapons inside
Man are so wicked and cunning
People are cruel and deceitful
I ain't even gonna lie
I won't tell a lie
Why lie? I'm the guy
Why tell a lie? I am the person
One finger in the sky
One finger raised towards the sky
I ain't even gonna lie
I won't tell a lie
Top guy, I don't beg no bly
Dominant person, I don't ask for favors
Bookie
Nickname or term of endearment
Stay on duty they can't spook me
Stay focused, they can't intimidate me
Salute they can't mute me
Acknowledge and respect, they can't silence me
And the beg friend ting don't suit me
And asking for favors doesn't fit my personality
They can say what they want but they won't uproot me
They can say anything, but they cannot displace me
I'm en route in a coupe going loopy
I'm driving a stylish car and going crazy
And I'm in it for the booty
And I'm in it for the rewards or benefits
I said I'm in it for the loot, I ain't talkin' 'bout a groupie
I mean I'm in it for the money, not interested in a fan
Excuse me, 'cause I refuse to lose and these girls are choosy
Excuse me, because I won't accept defeat and these girls are selective
Suzie got a little woosie had a little booze and a doobie
Suzie got a little tipsy, had some alcohol and a joint
Movin' unruly, had a little boogie
Moving in a disorderly manner, had a little dance
Suzie's a little too boujee but she wants to move with the goonies
Suzie is a bit high-maintenance but she wants to hang out with the tough guys
She don't want a smoothie
She doesn't want a fruity drink
Truthfully, she don't wanna go to the movies
Honestly, she doesn't want to go to the movies
Wanna get a million views on her boobies
Want to gain a million views on her breasts
(Oi)
(Expressing attention or calling)
Don't get lost in the sauce
Don't get confused or distracted
Get caught off course
Get diverted from the intended path
Of course I've mastered the force
Obviously, I have learned and become skilled
Hop off the porch, I'm horseless off in a Porsche
Leave the comfort zone, I'm riding a Porsche without a care
I'm often soaring abroad
I frequently travel to different countries
Boppin' a boarder, Lord of the world explorin' the shore
Riding a board, I am the ruler of the world, exploring the coastline
Sure I'm a baller, all in boy in da corner
Certainly, I am a successful person, fully invested in my position
I don't gotta warn ya
I don't have to give you a warning
If you wanna get by
If you want to succeed or survive
You better not come shy
You shouldn't be timid or hesitant
You can whinge and cry
You can complain and cry
'Til your eyes get dry but it still won't fly
Even if you complain a lot, it won't change the outcome
They throw dirt on the sly
They try to discredit or criticize secretly
I ain't even gotta try
I don't even have to make an effort
And when they wanna know why
And when they want an explanation
And they need a reply
And they need an answer
I ain't even gonna lie
I won't tell a lie
I ain't even gonna lie
I won't tell a lie
I ain't even gonna lie
I won't tell a lie
Why lie? I'm the guy
Why tell a lie? I am the person
One finger in the sky
One finger raised towards the sky
I ain't even gonna lie
I won't tell a lie
I ain't even gonna lie
I won't tell a lie
Top guy, I don't beg no bly
Dominant person, I don't ask for favors
Lyrics © Bucks Music Group
Written by: Dylan Mills, DYLAN KWABENA MILLS, KOFFI MANOU WILFRED KOUASSI, TEDDY SAMBAS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind