Dedicated
Ed O G & Da Bulldogs Lyrics


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[Ed O.G.]
Aiyyo Florida, why ain't you more into the crime
instead of sweatin rappers for the way they say a rhyme?
I thought your state was straight, lots of girls and very sunny
You're bein Bug-A-Boo's cause they black and makin money
Protestin and arrestin a rap group real quick
If there was a white rock band you wouldn't say shit
Oh shit, I said a swear, I'm appalled I shouldn't say this
You musta started swears cause this ain't even our language
The other man and sellouts, are constantly riffin
Porno flicks are legal talkin about it won't make a difference
2 Live is sellin gold, so somebody's lovin the
But you can't dig a nigga makin more than your governor
Hi-five to 2 Live, aiyyo T, pass the brew
Step to this, catch a fist, now tell me what to do

"Do, what you want to.." (2X)

[Ed O.G.]
The problem's not race, it's anything that's steamy
They arrested white people, for wearin bikinis
They said they're showin too much, I don't see, how y'all can take it
But when I go to Florida, I'm goin naked
And swearin, and rappin, and talkin bout sex
Full of Olde E, from my feet to my neck
I'll be the main attraction on the news at eight
Since drugs and murder, don't affect that state
The fear down there, I hope the cops don't see me
Rockin a rhyme, or wearin a bikini
Ed O.G. and the Bulldogs is a race not a crew
And no one can, tell us what to do

"Do, what you want to.." (2X)

[Ed O.G.]
Let me be me, and you be you
And don't criticize or worry about the things that I do
Because I like the way I am, and you cram to understand me
Talk all you want, but I don't give a damn see
Cause I'm me, my mother's only son
Don't try to be like me, cause God made only one
individual, who's original, just myself
It wouldn't be right, for me to be like, anyone else
I'm down with Luke duke, aiyyo I'm in so count me
Fuck the sheriff don't dare riff, when I step in Broward County
I ain't hearin it, cause in the 'Bury we don't fear that shit
This ain't a western, rap's a profession
So stop guessin, sit down and learn a lesson
Stand up for what's right, fight a fight, cause it could be you
And don't let no one, tell you what to do, aiyyo





"Do, what you want to.." (2X)

Overall Meaning

In the song "Dedicated," Ed O.G. and Da Bulldogs address police harassment and censorship of rap music in Florida. They call out the hypocrisy of the state's law enforcement arresting rap artists for obscenity and incitement to violence while ignoring the prevalence of drugs and murder in the area. The lyrics speak to a broader issue of unjust treatment of Black artists and the attempt to silence their voices.


Ed O.G. questions why Florida law enforcement is more concerned with the way rappers say a rhyme than with actual crime. He posits that the harassment of rap artists is due to their skin color and their success in making money. He compares the disparate treatment of Black rap groups to that of white rock bands and states that the issue is not one of race but of anything that is considered steamy or controversial.


The chorus of the song, "Do, what you want to," is a call to action for individuals to be true to themselves and to not let others tell them what to do. Ed O.G. asserts that he will not change who he is to fit someone else's expectations and encourages his listeners to do the same.


Overall, "Dedicated" is a commentary on the lack of freedom of expression for Black artists and the disproportionate treatment they receive from law enforcement.


Line by Line Meaning

Aiyyo Florida, why ain't you more into the crime
Ed O.G. wonders why Florida cares about rappers instead of real crime


instead of sweatin rappers for the way they say a rhyme?
He criticizes Florida for focusing on rappers' lyrics instead of true lawbreakers


You're bein Bug-A-Boo's cause they black and makin money
He implies Florida is targeting a successful black rap group, 2 Live Crew, out of racism and jealousy


If there was a white rock band you wouldn't say shit
He points out hypocrisy and double standards, suggesting white artists would get away with similar content


Oh shit, I said a swear, I'm appalled I shouldn't say this
He realizes he swore and regrets it, but still feels strongly about the issue


You musta started swears cause this ain't even our language
He argues the concept of 'swearing' is arbitrary and based on societal norms, not actual language differences


Porno flicks are legal talkin about it won't make a difference
He highlights how Florida allows pornographic films but treats rap music as dangerous and illegal


But you can't dig a nigga makin more than your governor
He suggests Florida law enforcement is resentful towards 2 Live Crew's financial success and tries to bring them down


The problem's not race, it's anything that's steamy
He argues that Florida's biased treatment isn't about race, but anything controversial that could stir up public disapproval


They arrested white people, for wearin bikinis
He brings up a similar case of Florida arresting white people for harmless violations, as proof of their unfairness


Since drugs and murder, don't affect that state
He sarcastically conveys how Florida doesn't focus on real issues like drugs and murder, but insignificant things like rap lyrics and skimpy clothing


Ed O.G. and the Bulldogs is a race not a crew
He defines himself and his group in terms of race to challenge Florida's targeting of black artists


And no one can, tell us what to do
He asserts his artistic freedom and independence, vowing not to be censored or silenced


Cause I'm me, my mother's only son
He reflects on his unique identity and family background, using it to justify his unconventional behavior


Don't try to be like me, cause God made only one
He advises against copying him, arguing individuality is a God-given gift


It wouldn't be right, for me to be like, anyone else
He values authenticity and speaks against conformity and imitation


So stop guessin, sit down and learn a lesson
He challenges those who judge him without understanding him, urging them to educate themselves


Stand up for what's right, fight a fight, cause it could be you
He promotes standing up for justice and self-expression, warning against a slippery slope of censorship


And don't let no one, tell you what to do, aiyyo
He repeats his message of artistic and personal freedom, adding a defiant tone




Lyrics © A SIDE MUSIC LLC D/B/A MODERN WORKS MUSIC PUBLISHING
Written by: BERNIE WORRELL, GEORGE CLINTON, WILLIAM BOOTSY COLLINS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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