Crime Pays
Freddie Gibbs & Madlib Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning | Line by Line Meaning
Crime pays, yeah, yeah
Yeah
Crime pays, nigga, crime pays
Choppin' up the change wit' cocaine in my microwave
Made it through my home wit' my lights out I seen brighter day
Watch this shit get me high, boy, you live and you die by this game
Homeboy just caught HIV, he lived and he died by his hoe
Have we ever hit the same bitch before? Ain't nobody know
Have we ever hit the same bitch before? Wasn't nobody business
Niggas be fucking these hoes and say, "Fuck insurances and doctor visits"
Fly like the wind, it's time to begin your life
(Say, "Fuck insurance and doctor visits")
You got control to stop again and do it right
Look to the sky and you will feel how to live a life that's real
To the perfect harmony, when the spirit is free
(Yeah, yeah)
Crime pays, nigga, crime pays
Choppin' up this change wit' cocaine in my microwave
Diamonds in my chain, yeah, I slang but I'm still a slave
Twist it in the system, just a number listed on a page
Made it through my home wit' my lights out I seen brighter day
Watch this shit get me high, boy, you live and you die by this game
Bitch don't touch my body, 'cause I put your body all off in a body slam
You ain't gon' hurt nobody, go body for body but we the body gang
The hoe that you brought out to Cali
But she only fuckin' wit' you 'cause you fuckin' wit' Kane
Thought she was boostin' her credit wit' niggas
Like you that just ain't got enough on their name
Thought I would front you when other one niggas
Like you that just ain't got enough on the books
Talkin' that shit in the booth but when niggas come shoot at you
You couldn't do nothin' but look
My niggas gon' bust a four nickel on your nigga
Bustin' that he on the shit bad
His homie done bubble the condom, he got her shot up
Now I know that his bitch mad
He steadily called up my phone and you huffin' and puffin'
'Cause they at your bitch, duckin'
And Rocky done went and bought Jeezy a pair of new shoes
That nigga was dick suckin'
Fly like the wind, it's time to begin your life
(That nigga was dick suckin')
You got control to stop again and do it right
Look to the sky and you will feel how to live a life that's real
To the perfect harmony, when the spirit is free
Crime pays, nigga, crime pays
Yeah, crime pays, nigga, crime pays
Crime pays, nigga, crime pays
The lyrics to Freddie Gibbs's song "Crime Pays" discuss the destructive lifestyle of a drug dealer, who sees crime as the only way to make a living. The artist describes how he deals cocaine and uses the profits to pay for his extravagant lifestyle. Additionally, the song touches on the concept of loyalty, as the artist implies that he and his associates are willing to do whatever it takes to protect each other, including committing murder. The lyrics also touch on themes of power, control and the larger societal systems that allow the criminal enterprise to continue.
Furthermore, there is a feeling of inevitability that comes through in the lyrics, suggesting that the artist and his fellow drug dealers are trapped in this life of crime, unable to escape it. The chorus repeats the phrase "crime pays" almost triumphantly, as if there were no other option for these men. The song acknowledges the risks involved, with the artist talking about the dangers of being caught by the police, but also expresses the thrill of the lifestyle and the notoriety that comes with it.
Overall, the lyrics of "Crime Pays" paint a bleak picture of the world of drug dealing, showing all of its dangers, moral ambiguity, and negative consequences. However, it also portrays the allure of the lifestyle that can lead some people down this dark path.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah, yeah, crime pays
Committing crimes is profitable and beneficial
Crime pays, yeah, yeah
Reiterating the fact that committing crimes is beneficial
Yeah
Expressing the opinion that committing crimes is worth it
Crime pays, nigga, crime pays
Emphasizing that committing crimes is lucrative and advantageous
Choppin' up the change wit' cocaine in my microwave
Cooking cocaine and turning it into cash is a profitable activity
Made it through my home wit' my lights out I seen brighter day
Overcoming difficult situations in life can lead to better days
Watch this shit get me high, boy, you live and you die by this game
Being involved in the dangerous world of criminal activity carries risks and consequences
Homeboy just caught HIV, he lived and he died by his hoe
A person can suffer negative consequences, such as disease and death, by engaging in promiscuous behavior
Have we ever hit the same bitch before? Ain't nobody know
It is not anyone else's business who they have had sexual relations with
Niggas be fucking these hoes and say, "Fuck insurances and doctor visits"
Men who engage in promiscuous behavior disregard the potential consequences and dangers of unprotected sex
Fly like the wind, it's time to begin your life
Encouraging the listener to start a new chapter in their life
(Say, "Fuck insurance and doctor visits")
Repeating the disregard for health care and personal well-being
You got control to stop again and do it right
Implying that the listener has the power to change their ways and make better choices
Look to the sky and you will feel how to live a life that's real
Suggesting that looking to a higher power can guide the listener towards a fulfilling life
To the perfect harmony, when the spirit is free
Imagining a world where individuals are truly free and at peace with themselves and others
Diamonds in my chain, yeah, I slang but I'm still a slave
Acknowledging the reality that even successful criminals are not truly free or in control of their lives
Twist it in the system, just a number listed on a page
Describing the feeling of being trapped and controlled by societal and legal structures
Bitch don't touch my body, 'cause I put your body all off in a body slam
Asserting dominance and physical strength over others
You ain't gon' hurt nobody, go body for body but we the body gang
Challenging others to engage in physical confrontation, but suggesting that their group is the strongest and most capable
Thought she was boostin' her credit wit' niggas like you that just ain't got enough on their name
Presuming that a woman is choosing to have relations for financial gain rather than genuine attraction or love
Thought I would front you when other one niggas like you that just ain't got enough on the books
Assuming that someone is in a weak and vulnerable position and can be taken advantage of
Talkin' that shit in the booth but when niggas come shoot at you / You couldn't do nothin' but look
Mocking those who pretend to be tough and unbreakable, but crumble when faced with real danger
My niggas gon' bust a four nickel on your nigga / Bustin' that he on the shit bad / His homie done bubble the condom, he got her shot up / Now I know that his bitch mad
Threatening to harm someone who has wronged them or their associates, and relishing in the downfall of their rival and their partner's betrayal
He steadily called up my phone and you huffin' and puffin' / 'Cause they at your bitch, duckin'
Taunting someone for being afraid and reacting negatively to threatening situations
And Rocky done went and bought Jeezy a pair of new shoes / That nigga was dick suckin'
Accusing someone of being a sycophant and doing favors or being loyal to someone for personal gain
Crime pays, nigga, crime pays
Reaffirming the message of the song that committing crimes can be lucrative
Yeah, crime pays, nigga, crime pays
Reiterating the benefits and rewards of criminal activity
Crime pays, nigga, crime pays
Final statement emphasizing the theme of the song
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Frederick Tipton
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
WeezyMe
beat 10/10
verses 10/10
visuals 10/10
somebody press that golden buzzer already!
Al Alston
💯
Chris Miramontes
Nah, I've heard better from him.
Jake Allen
Forgot the best part
Instrumental-10
combomamba
@Jake Allen imma need you to look a little closer at that op chief
oblambo
The beat is so dreamy. Getting lo-fi, Saturday night adult swim vibes from it. I love stuff like this.
i forgor
reminds me of knx
Ngozi Aguariavwodo
Me too man. It's so smooth
Jack Black
It's Walt Barr - Free Spirit. Great song, very old.
Wiz_dropbomb
@i forgor knx reminds you of Madlib.