AllMusic called this song "the excellent all-star single "You Don't Know" plus highlight by same critic. B. Love was positive: "When Em snatches the mic and takes the lead on songs like the title track, "You Don't Know" (which everyone just rips), he makes a strong case for his claim to be the tightest emcee in the game" and he added: "Em isn't the only one sounding hungry again; Fif is sounding better than he has since his debut. (...) Its batting lead off on the aforementioned posse cut "You Don't Know. RapReviews noted that 2 new rappers Bobby Creekwater and Cashis can be heard in following lyrics: "Pistol play ricochet, see where the victim lay Slumped over bleeding J.F.K. A.K. 'til your chest plate cave I'll ride to the death, do you rep that way? Forever I'ma be a Shady 7-4 gangsta, Plus I'll survive everything you got in that chamber I thrive off of danger, jumpin in all beef You keep talking shit now the squad called me"
The Guardian thought that Eminem lost creativity but the song was praised: "Eminem's production is barely more inspiring than his talent-spotting. He's been working from the same murky sonic palette since The Marshall Mathers LP: portentous gothic dirges thick with grumbling strings and minor-chord synthesizers. That formula is fiercely potent on You Don't Know, leavened by 50 Cent's sing-song chorus..." Stylus Magazine was negative: "Or as he (EM) puts it: “Hands on my head / Touch knees to elbows / I’m hunched over, emotionless / Flow’s over / These cold shoulders are both frozen / You don’t know me.” Save it for Oprah.
"You Don't Know" was released in the UK on December 11, 2006. It managed to chart from download sales alone, peaking at #32. The song peaked at #12 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the highest debut for a single on this chart for 50 Cent, Lloyd Banks, and Cashis. It was Eminem's fifth highest debut, after "We Made You", at number 9, "Forever", with Drake, Kanye West, and Lil Wayne, at number 8, "Love the Way You Lie", with Rihanna, at number 2, and "Not Afraid", which became the sixteenth overall and second rap song to debut at number 1. The song is featured in the WWE film The Condemned. This song is also used by the Boston Celtics for their player introductions at the TD Garden.
You Don't Know
Eminem Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Who run it? You know, you actin' like you don't know
We run it, you do know but you actin' like you don't know
Who run it? You know, you actin' like you don't know
We run it, you do know but you actin' like you don't know
You know, you actin' like you don't know
I tear the club up fo' sho
You do know but actin' like you don't know
Now homie I say I run (it run) it 'cause I'm in control
Hypnotic, Hennessey, a couple shots of Patron
I have you feelin' aight, I get you high as a kite
Party poppin' shorty said she's comin' with me tonight
I ain't shoulder leanin', I ain't snappin' and poppin'
Either I'm bobbin' my head or I'm just standin' there watchin'
I'm a hustler, I hustle, you can tell that I'm paid
And I protect what I got, I'm in the house with my blade
Nigga you front you gon' get it, ok now maybe I said it
'cause I want you triddip, yeah I be on that shiddit
You should see when I'm stuntin' I flash the stones that be wantin'
Push the whip see me rollin', you can tell that I'm holdin'
I'm just doin' my thang, you know The Units the game
I got my grimy Shady with me
You front you'll have to get me off your ass
I pay the lawsuit and laugh, it's not a big deal
It's nuttin' but some cash
You know, you actin' like you don't know
I tear the club up fo' sho
This flow is gon' bring more dough
You do know but actin' like you don't know
You know, you actin' like you don't know
I tear the club up fo' sho
This flow is gon' bring more dough
You do know but actin' like you don't know
When me and Fif' got together to do this music then move it
We became enveloped we just developed a fellowship through it
It's no pretend shit, it's friendship, me nemisis is su nemisis
The same for him, it's just media, see to them it's just images
But this shit is no gimmicks, this is blood in and blood out
When it's beef you just gotta know when to butt in and butt out
If there's a problem we solve it, if we don't resolve it
It usually just evolves into one big brawl and we all get involved in it
We should all get a merit, this much beef we inherit
And wear it like a badge with honour, pass it around and share it
And let it go to whoevers holdin' the most current beef on their shoulders
And their soldiers got their backs till it's over
But tonight, we ain't comin' here to beef with nobody
We came to party, Banks, Cashis and Mr. Ferrari
So it's Shady After-mizz-ath back in that ass, you izz-ass
Come hizzon what kinda fizz-uckin' position is that
You know, you actin' like you don't know
I tear the club up fo' sho
This flow is gon' bring more dough
You do know but actin' like you don't know
You know, you actin' like you don't know
I tear the club up fo' sho
This flow is gon' bring more dough
You do know but actin' like you don't know
Pistol play, ricochet, see where the victim lay
Slumped over bleedin', JFK
HK to your chest plate
Cave out and ride till the death, do you rep that way?
Forever I'm a be a Shady 7-4 Gangster
Plus I survived everything you got in that chamber
I thrived off of danger, jumpin' in all beef
You keep talkin' shit, now the squad called me
Enough holdin' back the steam, Em let off a magazine
Dappadon Cappa-queens, mixed in with Cashis creams
Started off with half a dream, developed into what you see
Tellin' ain't my cup of tea, can't tell I'm a fuckin" G
I'm a hold a 'matic, when I'm at it, start static and you splattered
Shit shattered, I'm a walkin' bitch magnet
Spit it how I live it, live it all the way to the limit
And I'm always on my pivot for my digits, you dig it
You know, you actin' like you don't know
I tear the club up fo' sho
This flow is gon' bring more dough
You do know but actin' like you don't know
You know, you actin' like you don't know
I tear the club up fo' sho
This flow is gon' bring more dough
You do know but actin' like you don't know
You know what this is
Shady, G-Unit, Aftermath,
Lloyd Banks, Cashis, Marshall Mathers, Ferrari F-50,
It's a movement, you can't stop it
Talk of Tony Yayo, go
The lyrics to Eminem/50 Cent/Cashis/Lloyd Banks's song "You Don't Know" can be interpreted as a declaration of power and dominance in the rap industry. The verses are filled with aggressive imagery and clever wordplay, creating a sense of bravado and confidence. The chorus repeatedly asks the question "Who run it?" and answers it with "We run it."
The first verse is delivered by 50 Cent, who proclaims himself as being in control of the scene with his hypnotic charm and ability to get people high. He boasts about his wealth and status as a hustler, claiming he will protect his assets with a blade if necessary. The second verse is delivered by Eminem, who describes the strong bonds of friendship between himself and his collaborators. He talks about how their conflicts often evolve into massive brawls, but ultimately they stick together and move forward as a group. The third verse is shared between Cashis and Lloyd Banks, who boast about their skills as rappers and their ability to handle any situation that comes their way.
Overall, "You Don't Know" is a powerful and intense declaration of dominance in the rap game, delivered with clever wordplay and aggressive imagery.
Line by Line Meaning
Who run it? You know, you actin' like you don't know
We run it and you know it, but you pretend like you don't know
I tear the club up fo' sho
My rap style is so powerful that it causes a frenzy in the club, turning up the energy level
This flow is gon' bring more dough
My rap style will generate more money for me through increased record sales and fan following
Now homie I say I run (it run) it 'cause I'm in control
I'm the one in control of the rap game, and nobody can stop me from dominating
Hypnotic, Hennessey, a couple shots of Patron
I'm getting drunk by mixing different types of alcohol, like Hennessy and Patron
I have you feelin' aight, I get you high as a kite
My music is so good, it can make you feel better and get you high like a kite
Party poppin' shorty said she's comin' with me tonight
I'm going to have fun and party tonight, and a girl already agreed to come with me
I ain't shoulder leanin', I ain't snappin' and poppin'
I'm not trying to copy anyone else's dance moves or style
Either I'm bobbin' my head or I'm just standin' there watchin'
I'm either nodding my head and enjoying the music or just standing and watching others have fun
I'm a hustler, I hustle, you can tell that I'm paid
I work hard and make money in the rap industry, and my success is evident
And I protect what I got, I'm in the house with my blade
I'm always prepared to defend my assets and myself, I carry a knife in my house
Nigga you front you gon' get it, ok now maybe I said it
If you try to mess with me, you'll get what's coming to you. Maybe I shouldn't have said that out loud
'cause I want you triddip, yeah I be on that shiddit
I want to see you fall and get in trouble, and I actively look for ways to make that happen
You should see when I'm stuntin' I flash the stones that be wantin'
People are jealous of my success and material possessions, and I show them off to make them even more envious
Push the whip see me rollin', you can tell that I'm holdin'
Driving around in my expensive car, you can tell that I always keep a weapon nearby
I'm just doin' my thang, you know The Units the game
I'm just living my life and doing my own thing, and my crew, The Units, is part of the rap game
I got my grimy Shady with me
I have my loyal and edgy friend Shady with me
You front you'll have to get me off your ass
If you try to start a fight with me, you'll have to deal with me chasing after you and getting in your face
I pay the lawsuit and laugh, it's not a big deal
I easily pay off any legal issues that may come up, and it doesn't affect me much emotionally
It's nuttin' but some cash
All it takes is money to solve any legal problems or disputes
When me and Fif' got together to do this music then move it
50 Cent and I collaborated to make music and take over the rap industry
We became enveloped we just developed a fellowship through it
We became close friends and developed a strong camaraderie in the process
It's no pretend shit, it's friendship, me nemisis is su nemisis
Our friendship is real and not fake, our enemies are the same
The same for him, it's just media, see to them it's just images
To outsiders and the media, our feud is just for show, and they only see the surface-level images
But this shit is no gimmicks, this is blood in and blood out
Our relationship and loyalty to each other is deeper than just for publicity, it's serious and we'd do anything for each other
When it's beef you just gotta know when to butt in and butt out
During conflicts or disputes, you have to know when to get involved and when to stay out of it
If there's a problem we solve it, if we don't resolve it
We always try to solve or resolve problems between us, and if we can't, we just move on
It usually just evolves into one big brawl and we all get involved in it
Most of the time, our disputes escalate into a fight involving everyone in our crew
We should all get a merit, this much beef we inherit
We should all get a reward for dealing with so much conflict and drama
And wear it like a badge with honour, pass it around and share it
We wear our scars and battle wounds like a badge of honour, and share our experiences with others
And let it go to whoevers holdin' the most current beef on their shoulders
Whoever is currently dealing with the most conflict or drama should have the spotlight and attention on them
And their soldiers got their backs till it's over
Our crew members support and defend their leader during any conflict until it's resolved
But tonight, we ain't comin' here to beef with nobody
Tonight, we're not looking for conflict or trouble with anyone
We came to party, Banks, Cashis and Mr. Ferrari
We came to have fun and party with our crew members Banks, Cashis, and Mr. Ferrari
So it's Shady After-mizz-ath back in that ass, you izz-ass
Our crew, made up of Shady, Aftermath, and G-Unit, is back and ready to dominate the rap game once again
Come hizzon what kinda fizz-uckin' position is that
Come here and see what kind of messed up situation we're in
Pistol play, ricochet, see where the victim lay
We're involved in gun violence where the bullets bounce off surfaces and injure others
Slumped over bleedin', JFK
Someone is seriously injured and bleeding, reminiscent of JFK's assassination
HK to your chest plate
We're carrying Heckler & Koch guns that we're willing to use on anyone threatening us
Cave out and ride till the death, do you rep that way?
We're ready to fight and die for our crew and loyalty, do you feel the same way?
Forever I'm a be a Shady 7-4 Gangster
I'll always be loyal to the Shady crew and my gangster lifestyle
Plus I survived everything you got in that chamber
I've survived every danger and threat you've thrown at me, and I won't back down
I thrived off of danger, jumpin' in all beef
I enjoy living dangerously and getting involved in all sorts of conflicts
You keep talkin' shit, now the squad called me
You've been talking badly about me, and now my crew is calling me to deal with you
Enough holdin' back the steam, Em let off a magazine
We can't hold back anymore, and Eminem is ready to shoot his gun
Dappadon Cappa-queens, mixed in with Cashis creams
We're part of different crews and regions, but we're collaborating and mixing our styles
Started off with half a dream, developed into what you see
We started with modest dreams but have built something great that you can see today
Tellin' ain't my cup of tea, can't tell I'm a fuckin' G
I don't like snitching or ratting out others, and you can see that I'm a true gangster
I'm a hold a 'matic, when I'm at it, start static and you splattered
I'm carrying a semi-automatic gun and won't hesitate to use it if you start trouble with me
Shit shattered, I'm a walkin' bitch magnet
I'm attracting lots of attention from women wherever I go
Spit it how I live it, live it all the way to the limit
My music reflects my lifestyle, and I live my life to the fullest without holding back
And I'm always on my pivot for my digits, you dig it
I'm always hustling and looking out for money-making opportunities, and you should understand that
You know what this is
You know exactly what's going on here
Shady, G-Unit, Aftermath,
We're part of the Shady, G-Unit, and Aftermath rap crews
Lloyd Banks, Cashis, Marshall Mathers, Ferrari F-50,
Our group consists of Lloyd Banks, Cashis, Marshall Mathers (Eminem), and Mr. Ferrari F-50
It's a movement, you can't stop it
We're creating a new wave of rap that nobody can stop
Talk of Tony Yayo, go
We're mentioning Tony Yayo, another member of the G-Unit crew, and that's all we have to say about him
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Marshall B. III Mathers, Luis Edgardo Resto, Christopher Lloyd, Curtis James Jackson, Ramone Johnson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@arjunvijay7016
Em’s verse “We became enveloped we just developed a fellowship through it
It's no pretend shit, it's friendship, me nemisis is su nemisis
The same for him, it's just media, see to them it's just images
But this shit is no gimmicks, this is blood in and blood out
When it's beef you just gotta know when to butt in and butt out
If there's a problem we solve it, if we don't resolve it
It usually just evolves into one big brawl and we all get involved in it
We should all get a merit, this much beef we inherit
And wear it like a badge with honour, pass it around and share it”
Still highlights how they got each others back for more than 2 decades.
@chicken
Its February 2024, let's see how many legends are listening to this incredible song💜
@lukas_jennith
Ofc I’m listening bruh
@veky
Every day 🔥
@matematicacomigo.4993
Tmj
@yushanramsing2793
🎉
@Fuadmamedov7168
🇦🇿✋Azerbaijan
@Vivaldo_NJR
Bringing this song into 2024!!!💪🏿 And i'm still loving it, we need back this era.
We don't look for old songs, we look for the memories!!❤
@rojocorazon6208
2024 aquí estamos los reales 😮🎉
@AshleySchmidt-yd2jc
🎉 I totally agree
@lalteilaltei3465
Lit as hell!!