The group's name is an acronym for "Erick and Parrish Making Dollars", referencing its members: rappers Erick Sermon ("E Double") and Parrish Smith ("PMD"). Diamond J, DJ K La Boss, and later DJ Scratch were DJs for the group.
The duo split by January of 1993, under controversial circumstances. According to interviews in The Source and Rap Pages, in late 1991, Smith’s house was burgled by armed intruders. According to Smith, in the ensuing police investigation, one of the apprehended culprits supposedly gave up Sermon’s name as having allegedly paid them to do it. Sermon was arrested and briefly detained for questioning, but no charges were filed.
Put On
EPMD Lyrics
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Shiesty motherfuckers
Recognize that check it
Yo we build and destroy, black benz's and the convoy
Use a different 9 to valoy, metal, money caught it in his velcro
Another shell split his elbow, a good fellow
Like jimmy chochimes, he tote two nines, two dimes
Yeah he just got word about his man james dean from queens
Hit a bank and shot a guard in the spleen
With bill blast, he made a dash smash the cash
Ran two blocks pulled off the ski mask
But then started flippin', forced in the phat whip and
People started talkin', po-po started sniffin',plus
He never hit james dean with the cream
So james put a hit to catch him on the scene
The police got a tip from a girl he use to run with
Sell guns with, trees and mack clips, yeah
She was nice, drove a 5-0 twice, on the cell all night
With more hoes than Heidi Fleiss
And the girl drove a black infinity, moving keys to kennedy
Different name everyday fake identity
They made a deal and copped a plea and turned state
So at the house the police wait with jeds caught him in his 8
50 that's how the streets be moving shiefty
Found billy and he slipped and paid quickly
Different day but the same song, life goes on
So watch the street kid, cause it's a put on
[Chorus]
That's how it goes down, down on the under [Repeat: x2]
I seen will on the corner, flatbush and park slope
Shippin' two pounds of coke with 2 o.g.'s in his bear coat
Chrome neena, rollin' with this bitch named catrena
Undercover queena that pack a street sweeper
5 years for doin' fed time for extortion
And a jail up in boston for major jewel flossin'
Hits safes quickly can hear a black jamie summers
Pick the right numbers and have mad runners
Or hardcore lil' kim, queen bee bitch
Who never snitch, played the game and never rode the bench
Will swear up and down this bitch will kill at will
For her family, no fantasy, a james colamity
Time for the score, from hammerton to marine park
Gotta get there, before it get dark, we arrive
She reload the black 45, concealed by the waist line
And nows the time, she jumped out the car
In front was a hummer, two new comers, I never seen before
I approached tall joey "who's those guys lookin' wise?
Had my black ass surprised."
A-yo yo yo it's a set up, where's the doe, uh
Where's the loot, give it to me and don't get cute
Catrina pulled the weapon, shot joey
The other two guys pulled out and aimed, explain
Yo, she hid the two kids with joey, she didn't know
Cause she paid more doe for 'em
Will screamed "you bitch!" "sorry" she said
Then boow! will got lit
That's how it goes down, down on the under
They drove off quickly in the black hummer
Never trust no matter what the dance or song
Cause it could be a put on
[Chorus: x4]
The lyrics to EPMD's "Put On" tell the story of various criminals engaging in illegal activities such as drug dealing, bank robbery, and extortion. The song is filled with vivid imagery and storytelling that takes the listener on a journey through the dangerous and often deadly world of organized crime. The lyrics are focused on the gritty reality of life on the streets and the harsh consequences that come with living a life of crime.
The first verse of "Put On" introduces us to a man named Jimmy Dean who robs a bank and shoots a security guard. He is pursued by the police and his friend James puts a hit out on him. The second verse focuses on a drug dealer named Will who is caught up in a dangerous situation with a woman named Catrina who shoots and kills one of his associates.
The chorus of the song emphasizes that life on the street is full of danger and that it's important to always be aware of who you're dealing with. The song illustrates the harsh realities of life for people who are caught up in a life of crime and how it often ends in tragedy.
Overall, "Put On" is a gritty and powerful song that tells a story of crime and punishment in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. It's a cautionary tale that reminds us that the road to wealth and power is often paved with violence and death.
Line by Line Meaning
Put them on, put them on
Referring to shady activities, urging others to join in and participate in illicit actions.
Shiesty motherfuckers
Addressing the dishonest and deceitful people involved in illegal activities.
Recognize that check it
Demanding attention and respect while introducing the grim reality of their world.
Yo we build and destroy, black benz's and the convoy
The group is powerful and capable of creating and ruining empires, including luxury cars and large groups of people.
Use a different 9 to valoy, metal, money caught it in his velcro
The group is resourceful and adept at using various weapons to commit robberies, and they successfully stole both cash and firearms.
Another shell split his elbow, a good fellow
Reflecting on the violence they've inflicted, leaving innocent people injured, but also acknowledging those who are friendly with them.
Like jimmy chochimes, he tote two nines, two dimes
Referencing fellow criminals who are armed with multiple guns and drugs, envying their success.
Caught the guard block and at the shoe shine
One of their associates was caught by police while getting his shoes shined on the street.
Yeah he just got word about his man james dean from queens
Receiving news about another criminal known for making successful robberies and heists.
Hit a bank and shot a guard in the spleen
James Dean from Queens performed a robbery and violently injured someone in the process.
With bill blast, he made a dash smash the cash
With swift movement and using explosives, James Dean was able to loot the bank and escape quickly.
Ran two blocks pulled off the ski mask
After successfully getting away, James removed his disguise to blend in and avoid further suspicion.
But then started flippin', forced in the phat whip and
Later on, James became erratic and paranoid, forcing his way into a luxurious car to escape from authorities.
People started talkin', po-po started sniffin',plus
The various criminal activities have generated rumors and speculation among the public, and resulting in increased police investigation.
He never hit james dean with the cream
One of their associates failed to give the stolen money from a robbery to James Dean, thus causing conflict and mistrust.
So james put a hit to catch him on the scene
James Dean had a hit put out on the associate who failed to deliver the money, and intended to capture him when spotted.
The police got a tip from a girl he use to run with
The authorities received information from a former associate of theirs, who was involved in selling illegal firearms and drugs.
Sell guns with, trees and mack clips, yeah
The former associate sold guns, marijuana, and high-capacity magazines for firearms.
She was nice, drove a 5-0 twice, on the cell all night
The informant was attractive and drove police cruisers, frequently making calls to the authorities for information.
With more hoes than Heidi Fleiss
The informant had connections to many different women, more than even infamous Hollywood madam Heidi Fleiss.
And the girl drove a black infinity, moving keys to kennedy
The informant used a nice car to transport illegal drugs to John F. Kennedy Airport for distribution.
Different name everyday fake identity
The informant used fake names and identities to avoid detection and suspicion.
They made a deal and copped a plea and turned state
The police made a deal with the informant in exchange for reduced legal penalties and their cooperation as a witness.
So at the house the police wait with jeds caught him in his 8
The police arrested the person involved in illegal activities with the informant at his home, seizing illegal drugs and a firearm.
50 that's how the streets be moving shiefty
Describing the atmosphere of underground criminal activity and how resourceful individuals adapt to survive in that environment.
Found billy and he slipped and paid quickly
Billy, another member involved in illegal activities, was caught and had to quickly pay money to avoid further legal consequences.
Different day but the same song, life goes on
Despite the ongoing criminal activity and resulting arrests, life for these people continues with similar experiences and challenges.
So watch the street kid, cause it's a put on
Encouraging listeners to be cautious and vigilant when encountering people involved in illegal activities, as appearances can be deceiving.
[Chorus]
The chorus repeats a warning to be alert and careful in navigating the criminal underworld.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: ERICK S. SERMON, GEORGE L. SPIVEY, PARRISH J. SMITH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind