Elzhi spent years paying dues, writing songs, entering battles, and recording demos until he finally made his international debut on "Come and Get It", a standout track from J Dilla's album, Welcome 2 Detroit. The acclaimed song drew massive attention to the mysterious artist, and made his unfinished EP, Out of Focus, a highly sought after recording.
In 2001, Slum Village asked Elzhi to be a part of the group to elevate their reputation, and allowing him to reach new levels of lyricism. He recorded multiple albums with his former group, sold hundreds of thousands of records, and toured the world performing his hit singles "Tainted", (featuring Dwele)” and "Selfish", (featuring Kanye West and John Legend)” in cities as distant as Tokyo and Amsterdam.
In 2004, Elzhi released Witness My Growth, a 2-disc mixtape featuring many of his lost or unfinished solo songs, which has come to be considered an underground classic by hip hop fans all over the world. Embarking on his first European solo tour in 2008, Elzhi released Europass as a merch-table exclusive. Upon his return to the United States, he promptly released the The Preface, his solo debut on Fat Beats Records. The album helped to solidify his reputation as one of the most respected and inventive lyricists in the world, earning acclaim from legendary artists and fans alike. In 2009, responding to the demands of his passionate fan base, Elzhi released The Leftovers Unmixedtape, mixtape, a collection of rare tracks and unreleased exclusives featuring the hit single "Deep".
In 2010, due to complications with his former label and no longer content with being “your favorite rapper’s favorite rapper,” Elzhi signed with Jae Barber and The JAE.B Group, an Artist Relations and Management firm, drafting them to help launch his career to the next level. Moving past the relationship with his former group, Elzhi has reinvented himself as a solo artist and reignited his buzz.
In 2011 Elzhi released Elmatic, an homage to Nas' classic debut, Illmatic. A labor of love for Elzhi, the project finds the Detroit emcee creating new songs out of Nas’s original titles while rapping over the Will Sessions Band’s interpretation of the original beats.
After the overwhelming success of Elmatic, Elzhi is in the beginning stages of writing his new album using beats provided by an exciting roster of producers, and is embarking on a tour to reintroduce himself to the world. More than 12 years after he finished recording the legendary collection of songs, he has finally released the Out of Focus EP exclusively through www.elzhi.com.
Represent
Elzhi Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Fire that weed up and put it in the air
Represent, represent (x4)
Straight up shit is real and and any day could be your last when you pass
Your sand has dropped now your hourglass in the flash
The corners is where they pitch rock
To move into a rich block
Find somebody up in your crib
Niggas pull triggers and ditch Glocks
Over things a bitch jock
As sick as a Hitchcock flick
To be a big shot, looks appealing
The life of crooks getting money off the books, fuck a shook civilian
We took the illing and mistook the feeling
Of climbing to the top, stay in when you don't know where the cops laying
Loading guns, pop, spraying
Just to get the hands on your clock to stop swaying
Enough to cause both of your knees to drop praying and niggas stop playing
Cause I was told to represent
By OG's claiming the D and repping Flint
Pushing old school whips on 20s they kept in tint
Represent, represent (x4)
They call me El, I'm not your legal type of fella
Bong smoker
pipe inhaler
keep a strong poker
Face, playing my cards right,
Cops will run in your place for hard white, treat you wrong, poke ya
I know these snitches telling in fact
I'm smelling a rat and the aroma is quite thick
They shut down your light lick bright quick
Charging you with shit that might stick
Frank White
All you little niggas with locs on
Counting your figures, downing liquors, getting your smokes on
For the hood putting your city on the map
Young girls throw they
kitty
and they titties on your lap
Catch you slipping while you tricking
Stick the clip in, to get paid and leave you sicker than that AIDS symptom
They play your man like fools, feel the heat from the tools
Empty your wallet take off your jewels, you know the rules
Represent, represent (x4)
See my stacks is fat, this is what it's about
Ice Cube conflict with MC Ren
Around the time when 3rd Bass was dissed by X-Clan
I used to wake up every morning with
my ear in a box
, Kane, Finesse, Freddie Foxxx
the Nas CD
GangStarr
the Lox
Now-a-days I need the greening of cash just like the next man
Using my mind to make shit move, just like an X-Man
I'm talking checks, grands, commas and zeros
Growing up, my heroes palm firearms at dineros
Some of them went to jail, got life in the cell
Others got death, dwelling in Hell, most of 'em fail
When you laying low and the police is hot on your trail
Do you think of suicide or are you plotting for bail?
This is words of wisdom from El
Try to rise up above
Keep an eye out for snakes, represent, one love
Represent, represent (x4)
In the first verse of Elzhi’s song “Represent,” he paints a vivid picture of the harsh realities of life in the streets. He warns listeners that life can be over in an instant, even if they feel invincible. The corners of the streets are where people are selling drugs to make money and move to richer areas. The fear is so high that people need to take drastic measures like switch locks on their homes. Nobody is safe, and people are always on edge. The lure of money and status can cause people to make dangerous choices that ultimately lead to their demise. Elzhi’s message is that the life of a gangster may seem glamorous and exciting, but it’s not worth it in the end.
In the second verse, Elzhi personally represents his hood, and he reflects on the dangers of his own life. He tells us that he’s not a legal type of person and is a bong smoker and a poker player, but he’s not doing anything too illegal. He knows that there are people out there who talk too much and tell the police everything. He also knows that his life could be taken away from him at any moment. He’s cautious and strategic, always playing his cards right. He throws in some references to hip hop legends like Biggie, Ice Cube, and MC Ren, and Nas, Gang Starr, and The Lox. He’s been influenced by their music and wants to make it big like them. In the end, he advises everyone to represent themselves and their communities positively and to remain vigilant against danger.
Line by Line Meaning
Ya' listenin' to Elmatic
The listener is currently engaging with Elzhi's album titled Elmatic.
Fire that weed up and put it in the air
It's time to smoke marijuana.
Represent, represent (x4)
A call to action to represent oneself and their community.
Straight up shit is real and any day could be your last when you pass
Life is unpredictable, death can occur at any moment.
Your sand has dropped now your hourglass in the flash
Your time is up and you've passed away.
The corners is where they pitch rock
Drug dealers sell on street corners.
To move into a rich block
Drug dealers sell drugs to move into wealthier neighborhoods.
Find somebody up in your crib
Someone has broken into your home.
You gotta' switch locks
You need to change your locks to prevent future break-ins.
Niggas pull triggers and ditch Glocks
There are people willing to shoot others and get rid of the weapon to avoid getting caught.
Over things a bitch jock
People commit crimes over minor issues and conflicts.
As sick as a Hitchcock flick
The level of violence and cruelty can be compared to a movie directed by Alfred Hitchcock.
To be a big shot, looks appealing
The idea of being powerful and wealthy seems desirable.
The life of crooks getting money off the books, fuck a shook civilian
Criminals make illegal money and have no respect for honest citizens.
We took the illing and mistook the feeling
We were attracted to illegal activities and didn't realize the consequences.
Of climbing to the top, stay in when you don't know where the cops laying
Be careful when committing illegal acts because you never know when the police will be present.
Loading guns, pop, spraying
Shooting firearms and injuring others.
Just to get the hands on your clock to stop swaying
Violence is committed just to steal a watch.
Enough to cause both of your knees to drop praying and niggas stop playing
The violence and crime is so bad, it makes people afraid and wish for it to stop.
Cause I was told to represent
Elzhi has been instructed to represent his community.
By OG's claiming the D and repping Flint
Elzhi has been mentored by older, experienced people from his hometown of Detroit (the 'D') and Flint, Michigan.
Pushing old school whips on 20s they kept in tint
The OG's drive classic cars with expensive rims and tinted windows.
They call me El, I'm not your legal type of fella
Elzhi is not a conventional or law-abiding person.
Bong smoker, pipe inhaler, keep a strong poker
Elzhi enjoys smoking marijuana and playing the card game poker.
Face, playing my cards right, cops will run in your place for hard white, treat you wrong, poke ya
Elzhi is cautious with his actions and knows that selling drugs can result in being raided by the police, treated unfairly, and physically harmed.
I know these snitches telling in fact
Elzhi is aware of people who betray others by sharing information with the police.
I'm smelling a rat and the aroma is quite thick
Elzhi senses something suspicious and it's very apparent.
They shut down your light lick bright quick
Elzhi has seen people get arrested quickly and abruptly for committing crimes.
Charging you with shit that might stick
The police can arrest and charge people with minimal evidence and still successfully convict them.
Frank White
A reference to a notorious drug lord character in the movie 'King of New York'.
All you little niggas with locs on
A reference to young gang members who wear dreadlocks.
Counting your figures, downing liquors, getting your smokes on
Young gang members are drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana while counting their money.
For the hood putting your city on the map
Gang members commit crimes for their community and to gain recognition.
Young girls throw they kitty and they titties on your lap
Women are sexually attracted to gang members and flatter them with their bodies.
Catch you slipping while you tricking
Gang members will rob you while you are not paying attention or being distracted.
Stick the clip in, to get paid and leave you sicker than that AIDS symptom
Gang members will shoot you, take your money, and leave you in poor health like someone infected with AIDS.
They play your man like fools, feel the heat from the tools
Gang members manipulate and deceive others, and will use weapons to intimidate and harm those who oppose them.
Empty your wallet take off your jewels, you know the rules
Gang members will rob you of your valuables, because in their world that is the norm and expected.
See my stacks is fat, this is what it's about
Elzhi has made a lot of money by selling drugs.
Ice Cube conflict with MC Ren, around the time when 3rd Bass was dissed by X-Clan
Elzhi remembers rap music feuds and conflicts from the early 1990s.
I used to wake up every morning with my ear in a box, Kane, Finesse, Freddie Foxxx, the Nas CD, GangStarr, the Lox
Elzhi listened to a lot of hip-hop music in the morning by artists such as Big Daddy Kane, Lord Finesse, Freddie Foxxx, Nas, Gang Starr, and The Lox.
Now-a-days I need the greening of cash just like the next man
Elzhi now desires money just as much as anyone else.
Using my mind to make shit move, just like an X-Man
Elzhi is smart and can make money in a unique and impressive way, similar to the abilities of the comic book character, X-Men.
I'm talking checks, grands, commas and zeros
Elzhi wants large sums of money.
Growing up, my heroes palm firearms at dineros
As a youth, Elzhi looked up to criminals who carried guns and made money illegally.
Some of them went to jail, got life in the cell
Some of Elzhi's idols were arrested and imprisoned for their crimes.
Others got death, dwelling in Hell, most of 'em fail
Some of Elzhi's idols were killed, and the majority of criminals do not succeed in their illegal enterprises.
When you laying low and the police is hot on your trail, do you think of suicide or are you plotting for bail?
If you are evading the police, do you consider giving up or trying to escape?
This is words of wisdom from El, try to rise up above, keep an eye out for snakes, represent, one love
Elzhi offers advice to his listeners to strive for success and be wary of their enemies while also being loyal to their community.
Contributed by Alexandra K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
ComingInSideways
Man how can you say he bit the album? he is paying homage to one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time. To appropriate an album like illmatic and do it justice and add your own flavour to it takes a lot of skill and courage. This could be another weak ass mix-tape but its not. To say which album is better is missing the point. Much love Elzhi! Props from Australia.
David Onyango
I started rhyming the original lyrics and realized it wasnt Nas, nice job Elzhi. You did good.
Prod. Hugo
yo my name is also onyango your from kisumo
Sihle Tenjwa
you lie
hyppe Nkosi
ELZHI IS A LYRICAL BEAST
Matt C
This deserves more views.. Definitely paid proper homage to Nas and Primo
FAMESUPPLYCO
this is real hip hop! thanks for bringing it back ILLmatic and Elmatic both CLASSICS!!!
Nomadic
Well he's definitely in my Top 5. All I'm saying is that he's been in the game almost as long as Nas has and doesn't receive the credit he deserves. If you check his flow pattern, you'd see how technical and precise he is with his shit.
Devo The Ambivert
I respect this statement. He is top 10 of all time to me. He has been in the game for like 21 or 22 years now. He is slept on. It's crazy that people don't mention El in the same sentence as Nas as far as greats. Nas is top 10 of all time too. Elzhi is like 8. Nas is 7.
Ciclistas Amadores
CARALHO ENCONTREI ESSE RAP MUITO BOM ,SALVOU O HIP HOP PORRA!