The album peaked on the Billboard 200 album chart at #166 on July 25, 1992. Apart from the soundtrack compilation, it also appeared as a single and on Dr. Dre's First Round Knock Out (1996), which spent 2 weeks on the Billboard 200 starting at #52 and later on several greatest hits albums, including: Doggy Stuff and Doggy Style Hits.
Like the artist indication on the original 12" vinyl says, "Dr. Dre introducing Snoop Doggy Dogg", it is the first time Snoop Dogg was featured on a record. As a single it had no major breakthrough regarding sales, but it launched Snoop Dogg's career. It samples a number of 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s funk acts, such as Undisputed Truth's "(I Know) I'm Losing You" and Sly & the Family Stone's "Sing a Simple Song" (which provided the drumbeat). The single was set to be released on The Chronic (1992), but fallout from Body Count's banned song, "Cop Killer", prevented it since this song is also about killing police officers.
The film itself did not have much success (it only received 2 nominations on the Independent Spirits Awards in 1993), but the song was well received. The song was featured in the video game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, on the radio station Radio Los Santos. During the 2007 VH1 Hip Hop Honors show, T.I. and B.G. performed this song during Snoop's honor ceremony.
The short-story of this low-budget video is almost identical as the self-same titled movie starring Laurence Fishburne and Jeff Goldblum. An undercover cop goes deep in the hierarchic pyramid of the underground mafia to get the bosses locked up, and "goes deep" also by getting addicted to drugs while trying to not reveal himself. The video begins in the first scene with Snoop (Snoop's first appearance in a music video), Dre and a black kingpin in a smoky office in the middle of an initiation where Snoop has to decide between the pipe and being caught up.
After that introduction the music starts but the rest of the video is rather cut-to-cut and is a mixture of some five seconds long takes in black and white and some pictures from the motion picture. The scenes take place in a filthy concrete bungalow with several crack addicts and a projector flashing the movie itself on the wall. The house is later raided by the drug squad. There's also a scene with Snoop and Dre wearing business suits in a car, but it has no additional meaning to the plot.
* There is a previous version of the song entitled One Eight Seven (later known as Deep Cover Remix from the Fuck Wit Dre Day 12-inch EP, the 1995 album One Million Strong and the Death Row compilation Dr. Dre Chronicles: Deathrow Classics) which has a slightly modified sample and alternate lyrics. It is also a minute shorter (3:20). The title, which is also a part of the chorus refers to the police code, which stands for Murder in the US state of California.
* A song by Big Pun, featuring Fat Joe, called "Twinz (Deep Cover '98)", from his album Capital Punishment, featured the same beat and different lyrics. It is featured in the video games Saints Row 2, True Crime: New York City, and Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories, on the rap radio station The Liberty Jam.
* Ghostface Killah from the Wu-Tang Clan and DJ Green Lantern used the instrumental for their 'Internet Invasion' Mixtape's first song.
Deep Cover
Dr.Dre Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Deep Cover on the incognito tip
Killing motherfuckers if I have to, peeling caps too
Cause you niggas know I'm coming at you
I guess that's part of the game; but I feel for the nigga
Who think he just gonna come and change thangs
With the swiftness, so get it right with the quickness
And let me handle my business, yo
Until I get the nigga maxing at the top
(I hope you get his ass 'fore he drop)
Kingpin kicking back while his workers slang his rocks
Coming up like a fat rat
Big money, big cars, big bodyguards on his back
So it's difficult to get him
(But I got the hook up with somebody
Who knows how to get in contact with him)
Hit him like this and like that
Let em know that I'm looking for a big fat dope sack
With ends to spend, so let's rush it
If you want to handle it tonight, we'll discuss it
On a nigga's time, and a nigga's place
Take my strap just in case one of his boys recognize my face
Cause he's a sheisty motherfucker
But I gives a fuck; cause I'm going Deep Cover
Yeah, and you don't stop
(Cause it's 1-8-7 on a undercover cop)
Yeah, and you don't stop
(Cause it's 1-8-7 on a undercover cop)
Creep with me, as I crawl through the hood
Maniac, lunatic, call me Snoop Eastwood
Kicking dust as I bust, fuck peace
And, the motherfuckin punk police
You already know I gives a fuck about a cop
So why in the fuck would you think that it would stop?
Plot, yeah, that's what we's about to do
Take yo' ass on a mission with the boys in blue
Dre (what up Snoop?) Yo, I got the feeling
Tonight's the night like Betty Wright, and I'm chilling
Killing, feeling, no remorse, yeah
So lets go straight to the motherfucking source
And see what we can find
Crooked-ass cops that be getting niggas a gang of time
And now they wanna make a deal with me
Scoop me up and put me on they team and chill with me
.. and make my pockets bigger
They want to meet with me tonight at seven o'clock (so what's up nigga?)
What you wanna do? (What you wanna do?)
I got the gauge, a uzi, and my motherfuckin twenty-two
So if you wanna blast, nigga we can buck 'em
If we stick 'em then we struck 'em, so fuck 'em!
("I can feel it!")
Yeah, and you don't stop
(Cause it's 1-8-7 on a undercover cop)
Yeah, and you don't stop
(Cause it's 1-8-7 on a undercover cop)
Six-fo'-five was the time on the clock
When me and my homey belled in the parking lot
The scene looked strange and it felt like a set up
(Better not be, cause if it is they getting lit up!)
Oh - here they come from the back in they 'llacs
I'm checking for the Gats they strap, so what's up, black?
(Chill, let's hear the deal
If it ain't up to what you feel then grab your steel)
Right, so, what you motherfuckers gonna come at me with?
Hope you ain't wanting none of my grip
Cause you can save that shit (guess what they told me?)
"We give you 20 G's if you snitch on your homey
We'll put you in a home, and make your life plush
Oh yeah, but you got to sell dope for us."
Hmmm, let me think about it
Turned my back and grabbed my gat
And guess what I told him before I shot it:
"If you don't quit, yeah, if you don't stop, yeah
I'm letting my Gat pop - cause it's 1-8-7 on a undercover cop!"
The song "Deep Cover" by Dr. Dre featuring Snoop Dogg is a classic gangsta rap track that sees the two MCs portray themselves as ruthless drug dealers who don't fear the police. The lyrics paint a picture of the gritty streets where survival is key and everyone is out for themselves. Dre and Snoop talk about their willingness to kill and peel caps if they have to and give a warning to anyone who thinks they can change things. They also mention a Kingpin who is nearly impossible to get but have a hook-up that can get them in contact with him. The second half of the song talks about a deal that is offered to Snoop to snitch on his homey for 20 G's and how he would rather stand up for his homie and kill the undercover cop.
The lyrics of "Deep Cover" bring forth the imagery of a lawless and violent world where justice is determined by whoever has the most power. Dre and Snoop's narrative is a reflection of the gangsta rap genre that was popular in the 90s, characterized by themes of violence, street credibility, and distrust for law enforcement. The song serves to highlight the harsh realities faced by black communities in America who are often marginalized and brutalized by the police.
Line by Line Meaning
Tonight's the night I get in some shit (yeah)
I'm about to do something crazy tonight and get into some trouble.
Deep Cover on the incognito tip
I'm going undercover and keeping a low profile.
Killing motherfuckers if I have to, peeling caps too
I'm willing to kill and shoot people if I have to.
Cause you niggas know I'm coming at you
I'm coming for you and you know it.
I guess that's part of the game; but I feel for the nigga
It's just the way things are, but I also empathize with the person I'm going after.
Who think he just gonna come and change thangs
I feel bad for the person who thinks they can make a difference and change things.
With the swiftness, so get it right with the quickness
I'm going to act quickly and get the job done fast.
And let me handle my business, yo
Let me do what I need to do and take care of my responsibilities.
I'm on a mission and my mission won't stop
I have a mission that I won't give up on until I achieve my goal.
Until I get the nigga maxing at the top
I won't stop until I catch the person in charge.
(I hope you get his ass 'fore he drop)
I hope you catch the person before they slip up or get caught by someone else.
Kingpin kicking back while his workers slang his rocks
The boss is relaxed while his workers sell his drugs.
Coming up like a fat rat
Making lots of money quickly.
Big money, big cars, big bodyguards on his back
Lots of wealth and protection for the boss.
So it's difficult to get him
It's challenging to catch the boss.
(But I got the hook up with somebody
I know someone who can help me.
Who knows how to get in contact with him)
They can put me in touch with the boss.
Hit him like this and like that
I'm going to attack in various ways.
Let em know that I'm looking for a big fat dope sack
I'm trying to find and get my hands on a large quantity of drugs.
With ends to spend, so let's rush it
I have the money to spend, so let's act fast.
If you want to handle it tonight, we'll discuss it
If you're ready to take action tonight, we can talk about it.
On a nigga's time, and a nigga's place
We'll do it on my schedule and in a location I choose.
Take my strap just in case one of his boys recognize my face
I'm bringing my gun in case one of his associates identifies me.
Cause he's a sheisty motherfucker
He's a dishonest and untrustworthy person.
But I gives a fuck; cause I'm going Deep Cover
I don't care about the danger because I'm going undercover.
Yeah, and you don't stop
The situation won't end.
(Cause it's 1-8-7 on a undercover cop)
Because we're attacking a police officer who's in disguise.
Creep with me, as I crawl through the hood
Follow me silently through the neighborhood.
Maniac, lunatic, call me Snoop Eastwood
I'm crazy and unpredictable like Clint Eastwood's character, but my name is Snoop.
Kicking dust as I bust, fuck peace
I'm causing chaos and destruction, I'm not interested in peace.
And, the motherfuckin punk police
I have a major problem with the police.
You already know I gives a fuck about a cop
I really don't like or care about cops.
So why in the fuck would you think that it would stop?
So why would I suddenly change my feelings about cops?
Plot, yeah, that's what we's about to do
We're about to make a plan.
Take yo' ass on a mission with the boys in blue
Come with us on a mission with the police.
Dre (what up Snoop?) Yo, I got the feeling
Dr. Dre is speaking to Snoop and he senses something.
Tonight's the night like Betty Wright, and I'm chilling
Tonight is going to be a big night and I'm relaxing.
Killing, feeling, no remorse, yeah
I'm ready to kill and I have no regrets about it.
So lets go straight to the motherfucking source
Let's go directly to the root of the problem.
And see what we can find
Let's investigate and see what we can discover.
Crooked-ass cops that be getting niggas a gang of time
Police officers who are corrupt and putting a lot of people in jail.
And now they wanna make a deal with me
The corrupt cops want to make an agreement with me.
Scoop me up and put me on they team and chill with me
They want me to work with them and relax.
.. and make my pockets bigger
And they'll pay me a lot of money.
They want to meet with me tonight at seven o'clock (so what's up nigga?)
They want to have a meeting with me tonight at 7pm, so what's your plan?
What you wanna do? (What you wanna do?)
What's your plan?
I got the gauge, a uzi, and my motherfuckin twenty-two
I have my guns to protect myself.
So if you wanna blast, nigga we can buck 'em
If we need to shoot, let's do it.
If we stick 'em then we struck 'em, so fuck 'em!
If we hit them and win, then forget about them!
("I can feel it!")
I can sense what's about to happen.
Six-fo'-five was the time on the clock
It was 6:05.
When me and my homey belled in the parking lot
When my friend and I pulled up into the parking lot.
The scene looked strange and it felt like a set up
The situation appeared suspicious, like a trap.
(Better not be, cause if it is they getting lit up!)
I hope it's not a trap, because if it is, we'll start shooting.
Oh - here they come from the back in they 'llacs
They're coming from the back in their Cadillacs.
I'm checking for the Gats they strap, so what's up, black?
I'm looking for their guns, so what are we going to do?
(Chill, let's hear the deal
Wait and listen to what the other side has to say.
If it ain't up to what you feel then grab your steel)
If their offer isn't good enough, then get ready to fight.
Right, so, what you motherfuckers gonna come at me with?
What do you plan on doing to me?
Hope you ain't wanting none of my grip
I hope you're not trying to take any of my drugs.
Cause you can save that shit (guess what they told me?)
You can keep that idea to yourself. Guess what they said to me?
"We give you 20 G's if you snitch on your homey
They offered me $20,000 if I snitch on my friend.
We'll put you in a home, and make your life plush
They'll give me a nice home and lifestyle.
Oh yeah, but you got to sell dope for us.
But I have to sell drugs for them.
Hmmm, let me think about it
I need some time to consider the offer.
Turned my back and grabbed my gat
I turned away and quickly got my gun.
And guess what I told him before I shot it:
And this is what I said before shooting:
"If you don't quit, yeah, if you don't stop, yeah
If you don't give up and stop bothering me,
I'm letting my Gat pop - cause it's 1-8-7 on a undercover cop!"
I'm going to shoot because it's a police officer in disguise!
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group, BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: COLIN FITZROY WOLFE, ANDRE ROMELL YOUNG, CORDOZAR CALVIN BROADUS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Small World
Lyrics:
Tonight's the night I get in some shit (yeah)
Deep Cover on the incognito tip
Killing motherfuckers if I have to, peeling caps too
'Cause you niggas know I'm coming at you
I guess that's part of the game, but I feel for the nigga
Who think he just gonna come and change thangs
With the swiftness, so get it right with the quickness
And let me handle my business, yo
I'm on a mission and my mission won't stop
Until I get the nigga maxing at the top
(I hope you get his ass 'fore he drop)
Kingpin kicking back while his workers slang his rocks
Coming up like a fat rat
Big money, big cars, big bodyguards on his back
So it's difficult to get him
(But I got the hook up with somebody
Who knows how to get in contact with him)
Hit him like this and like that
Let em know that I'm looking for a big fat dope sack
With ends to spend, so let's rush it
If you want to handle it tonight, we'll discuss it
On a nigga's time, and a nigga's place
Take my strap just in case one of his boys recognize my face
'Cause he's a sheisty motherfucker
But I gives a fuck, 'cause I'm going Deep Cover
Yeah, and you don't stop
('Cause it's 1-8-7 on a undercover cop)
Yeah, and you don't stop
('Cause it's 1-8-7 on a undercover cop)
Creep with me, as I crawl through the hood
Maniac, lunatic, call me Snoop Eastwood
Kicking dust as I bust, fuck peace
And, the motherfuckin punk police
You already know I gives a fuck about a cop
So why in the fuck would you think that it would stop?
Plot, yeah, that's what we's about to do
Take yo' ass on a mission with the boys in blue
Dre (what up Snoop?) Yo, I got the feeling
Tonight's the night like Betty Wright, and I'm chilling
Killing, feeling, no remorse, yeah
So lets go straight to the motherfucking source
And see what we can find
Crooked-ass cops that be getting niggas a gang of time
And now they wanna make a deal with me
Scoop me up and put me on they team and chill with me
And make my pockets bigger
They want to meet with me tonight at seven o'clock (so what's up nigga?)
What you wanna do? (What you wanna do?)
I got the gauge, a Uzi, and my motherfuckin twenty-two
So if you wanna blast, nigga we can buck 'em
If we stick 'em then we struck 'em, so fuck 'em!
("I can feel it!")
Yeah, and you don't stop
('Cause it's 1-8-7 on a undercover cop)
Yeah, and you don't stop
('Cause it's 1-8-7 on a undercover cop)
Six-fo'-five was the time on the clock
When me and my homey belled in the parking lot
The scene looked strange and it felt like a set up
(Better not be, 'cause if it is they getting lit up!)
Oh - here they come from the back in they 'llacs
I'm checking for the gats they strap, so what's up, black?
(Chill, let's hear the deal
If it ain't up to what you feel then grab your steel)
Right, so, what you motherfuckers gonna come at me with?
Hope you ain't wanting none of my grip
'Cause you can save that shit (guess what they told me?)
"We give you 20 G's if you snitch on your homey
We'll put you in a home, and make your life plush
Oh yeah, but you got to sell dope for us."
Hmmm, let me think about it
Turned my back and grabbed my gat
And guess what I told him before I shot it:
"If you don't quit, yeah, if you don't stop, yeah
I'm letting my gat pop, 'cause it's 1-8-7 on a undercover cop!"
goingsupernova
i feel bad for kids who will never experience Gta san andreas.
SS64 Vids
Lmao. I'm lucky I did
Sgt. Creasegrease
It's on my gaming rig rite now, bro
SuhasOP
@SS64 Vids I still play
SS64 Vids
@SuhasOP a lotta people still play
Timmy Pauu
Right
Pill Grimm
The bass line is so simple yet so cool. Backed by that piano sting, this is one sweet beat. Wonder why they don't make em like this anymore.
Dan Dray
This song is the definition of Gangsta Rap. Nothing else compares. Dre and Snoop at their finest.
Luan Bautista
eazy laugh
Maeg John Careeon
All Of Eazy E songs are the Foundations of Gangsta Rap.