Dr. Dre Feat. Eminem & Skylar Grey
Dr Dre/Eminem Lyrics


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Now this nigga been shot but you already know that
You were at the jail recently and master Codi told him
This ain't no place for you
He said, being locked up twenty four hours a day
That shit ain't gangsta
He said, being outside takin' care of your family
That's the most gansgta shit a nigga could ever do
He said the shit I did for him
Take 'em up the hood, giving him a chance to be some mothafuckin' body




Now that shit was gangsta

Overall Meaning

In the above lyrics from Dr Dre/Eminem/Xzibit's song "Dr. Dre", the singer is referencing a person who has been shot and is currently incarcerated. The singer himself recently visited this person in jail and was informed by an individual named Master Codi that being locked up all day is not a "gangsta" thing to do. The person who has been shot agrees, stating that being outside and taking care of one's family is the most "gangsta" thing a person can do. The singer then expresses pride in the fact that he had brought this person up from the hood, giving him the opportunity to become somebody, which the singer considers a truly "gangsta" act.


The lyrics present an interesting perspective on what it means to be "gangsta". The person who has been shot and incarcerated, despite being involved in a lifestyle often associated with gang activity, seems to recognize that true strength and power comes not from engaging in violent or illegal acts, but rather from taking care of one's own and making something of oneself. The singer echoes this sentiment, suggesting that being a positive influence in another person's life and helping them achieve success is the epitome of "gangsta" behavior. This is a refreshing and nuanced take on a term that is often used to glorify destructive and harmful behavior.


Line by Line Meaning

Now this nigga been shot but you already know that
You're aware that he's been shot before


You were at the jail recently and master Codi told him
You recently visited the prison and Master Codi informed him


This ain't no place for you
The prison is not a suitable environment for him


He said, being locked up twenty four hours a day That shit ain't gangsta
He doesn't consider being locked up all day to be a part of the gangster lifestyle


He said, being outside takin' care of your family That's the most gangsta shit a nigga could ever do
In his opinion, prioritizing and taking care of your family is the epitome of a gangster lifestyle.


He said the shit I did for him Take 'em up the hood, giving him a chance to be some mothafuckin' body Now that shit was gangsta
The singer considers it to be truly gangster to have taken him to his neighborhood and given him a chance to become somebody.




Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS

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Comments from YouTube:

@kareemlawson878

this song so emotional they probably cried when they made it

@sadmidniite7640

Kareem Lawson dre for sure did cos he was eazy-e they were friends maybe more than friends

@kareemlawson878

Sweet Dreams 4realll

@YAHAHAMILTON

Kareem Lawson I cried

@devinheida8694

I remember reading somewhere that Skylar Grey did the first time she heard Eminem's verses. the other two, I don't know

@meow-wn7fr

They're brother's.

10 More Replies...

@connorcassey1193

Most of Eminem’s lines were basically about how Dre put faith in him and gave him a chance in a career. Without Dre there would be no Eminem.True legend

@promo2099

Not sure about that because Eminem is really talented and would still be Eminem even without Dre

@misterfancy9528

ProMo have you heard rock bottom?
Dre risked his career for Eminem
If he didn’t he would be a guy with a lame job

@richiepetrol1875

Matter of fact Eminem was at the verge of committing suicide

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