Ice-T started in 1982 out with other West Coast rap pioneers such as Kid Frost, DJ Flash, and The Egyptian Lover with Electro recordings. Later on, he changed his style and was the first West Coast rapper to be accepted by the East Coast. 6 'n The Mornin is sometimes seen as the track that triggered the whole gangster rap movement. It was produced by The Unknown DJ, who produced electro funk tracks before and went on to produce Compton's Most Wanted. The song was inspired by Schoolly D's "P.S.K. What Does It Mean?" and became itself the inspiration for Eazy-E and N.W.A's Boyz-N-The-Hood. Ice-T went on to work with Afrika Islam, the man behind the beats on 1987's Rhyme Pays, 1988's Power and 1989's The Iceberg/Freedom of Speech... Just Watch What You Say.
He also is a star in Law in Order: Special Victims Unit.
In 1992 he created the crossover band Body Count with 4 other black musicians.
I Ain't New to This
Ice-T Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Do this, ugh, come on, come on
Time to get wreck and kick the so on and so on
The I C E-T, O.G. M.C., L.A.P.D., H A T E S
(Ho)
Watch the mic blow
I flip scripts and the Dump drops the ammo
Time to get wreck with the new style
It's '93 and MC's are gettin' buck wild
But I ain't a nigga
That's gonna get left with a big zero as a figure
I'm gonna end up with a big sum
'Cause if you don't like one jam, I always got another one
Different, specifically I don't copy
Tear up the track if the flow sounds sloppy
I don't play one game
I bust about a dozen cuts on my LP's, none the same
I ain't new to this, I ain't new to this
Never been new to this, nigga, new to this
I ain't new to this, fool, new to this
Fuck around and catch a left and a right fist
Boom bam, I drop fat slang
When I used to hustle, used to be down with the crack game
When I was young, I used to roll with a street gang
If you wanna squabble, muthafucka, it ain't no thang
I ain't new to this, I ain't new to this
Blow your dome, I hit quick as a pugilist
Ugh, ah, what's up? Now your eyes swoll'
Thought I went soft 'cause my records went gold
(Sucker)
Buster, you'se a muthafuckin' punk fool
Caught you in your eye while you reached for your tool
Now it's mine and you're blind
Pop, pop, pop, pop, pop goes the nine
Yeah, what you're dissin' 'bout, friend?
Sayin' I went out but you ain't never been in
I got R E S P E C T in the industry
That's somethin' that you'll never see
I ain't new to this, I ain't new to this
Never been new to this, nigga, new to this
I ain't new to this, fool, new to this
Fuck around and catch a left and a right fist
They can get a smack for that
Yeah, yeah
On and on to the funk track
Back glass shakin' like shit, that's where the trunk's at
That's 'cause my shit's made for
Niggas that are hardcore
Brothers is quick to hook a left to your right jaw
Girls, come on, girls, come on, girls, come on
Get your clothes off and the fun on
Girls, come on, girls, come on, girls, come on
Get your clothes off and the fun on
It's time to check cash
Jump in my 4, hit the switch and lay the ass
While the Klan try to kill me
But I wrote 'riot' on my muthafuckin' will, gee
So when I'm gone, it's on
Caps goin' off on the streets like popcorn
Talkin' 'bout Simon till the early morn'
Word is bond but now I just cool
Bumpin' my Gang Starr tape by my pool
I ain't new to this
I ain't new to this, I ain't new to this
Never been new to this, nigga, new to this
I ain't new to this, fool, new to this
Fuck around and catch a left and a right fist
Check, check, I got problems with the press
Caught the punk in traffic, stabbed the sucker in his neck
(Ugh)
Punk reporter tried to diss me
(Ugh)
Now the muthafucka's history
(Ha)
I got to make a break hardcore fat tape
Word, I don't fantasize, I don't exaggerate
Just kick correct with the 1 2 mic check
Still quick to swing, take a sucker to the deck
I'm not the nigga you should step to like a sucker
Walk up talkin' shit, you best to be a good ducker
Your posse best to run from my gun
Keep my nine off safety and E holds the other one
(Yeah, sucker)
I ain't new to this, I ain't new to this
Never been new to this, nigga, new to this
I ain't new to this, fool, new to this
Fuck around and catch a left and a right fist
They can get a smack for that
And you don't stop
Fuck, fuck around and get your punk ass dropped
Yeah, Ice-T
'93 for the underground
I ain't new ta this
The song "I Ain't New to This" by Ice-T is a declaration of his experience and skill in the rap game. He uses his lyrics to challenge anyone who might doubt his abilities or suggest that he's lost his edge. The first verse sets the stage for his confident tone, with references to his status as an OG MC and his disdain for the LAPD. He then flows into his description of his style, explaining that he doesn't copy others and that he has a variety of cuts on his LPs.
The chorus repeats the phrase "I ain't new to this" several times, emphasizing Ice-T's message that he's a veteran of the rap game and not to be underestimated. The second verse consists of an autobiographical account of his past involvement in the drug trade and street fights. He also calls out any listeners who might doubt his toughness or accuse him of "going soft" for achieving mainstream success.
The final verse is a mix of braggadocio and aggression, with Ice-T boasting about his ability to handle his foes and referencing a fictional "riot" in his will. He also addresses his beef with the press and how he deals with anyone who tries to disrespect him. Overall, "I Ain't New to This" is a confident and confrontational anthem that showcases Ice-T's lyrical prowess and experience.
Line by Line Meaning
Come on, come on
Let's get started.
Do this, ugh, come on, come on
Let's get pumped up and ready.
Time to get wreck and kick the so on and so on
Let's get wild and have a good time.
The I C E-T, O.G. M.C., L.A.P.D., H A T E S
I am Ice-T, an original gangsta, member of the Los Angeles Police Department, and I hate the haters.
(Ho)
An exclamation calling someone out.
Watch the mic blow
Listen to what I have to say.
I flip scripts and the Dump drops the ammo
I am a skilled rapper and when I perform, everyone will be amazed.
Time to get wreck with the new style
Let's try something new and exciting.
It's '93 and MC's are gettin' buck wild
It's 1993 and rappers are becoming more and more wild.
But I ain't a nigga
I am Black but I am not like the other rappers who are violent and destructive.
That's gonna get left with a big zero as a figure
I won't be a failure like some of the other rappers.
I'm gonna end up with a big sum
I am going to be successful and make a lot of money.
'Cause if you don't like one jam, I always got another one
I have a lot of songs and if someone doesn't like one, there are always others to choose from.
Different, specifically I don't copy
I have my own style and I don't imitate others.
Tear up the track if the flow sounds sloppy
If the beat isn't good, I won't waste my time with it.
I don't play one game
I don't limit myself to one type of song or style.
I bust about a dozen cuts on my LP's, none the same
I have a lot of different songs on my albums and they are all unique.
I ain't new to this, I ain't new to this
I am experienced and have been doing this for a while.
Never been new to this, nigga, new to this
I have always been skilled and experienced, unlike some of the newer rappers.
I ain't new to this, fool, new to this
I won't be disrespected or underestimated, even by someone new to the rap game.
Fuck around and catch a left and a right fist
Don't mess with me or you'll get punched.
Boom bam, I drop fat slang
My rhymes are powerful and impressive.
When I used to hustle, used to be down with the crack game
I used to sell drugs to make money.
When I was young, I used to roll with a street gang
I used to be in a gang when I was younger.
If you wanna squabble, muthafucka, it ain't no thang
If you want to fight, we can do it.
Blow your dome, I hit quick as a pugilist
I'll knock you out with a punch.
Ugh, ah, what's up? Now your eyes swoll'
I punched you so hard, now your eyes are swollen.
Thought I went soft 'cause my records went gold
Some people may think that because I have become popular, I have lost touch with my roots and my music has become less authentic.
(Sucker)
An exclamation calling someone out.
Buster, you'se a muthafuckin' punk fool
You are a weak and foolish person.
Caught you in your eye while you reached for your tool
I punched you in the eye while you were reaching for a weapon.
Now it's mine and you're blind
I took your weapon and now you can't see.
Pop, pop, pop, pop, pop goes the nine
I shot you with your own gun.
Yeah, what you're dissin' 'bout, friend?
Why are you talking bad about me?
Sayin' I went out but you ain't never been in
You are saying I am no longer relevant, but you have never been a part of the rap game.
I got R E S P E C T in the industry
I have earned respect from those in the music industry.
That's somethin' that you'll never see
You won't ever earn that kind of respect.
They can get a smack for that
They should be punished for talking about me.
On and on to the funk track
Let's keep the music going.
Back glass shakin' like shit, that's where the trunk's at
The bass is so loud that the car's rear window is shaking.
That's 'cause my shit's made for
My music is designed to be played in a car with a good sound system.
Niggas that are hardcore
People who like aggressive and hard-hitting music.
Brothers is quick to hook a left to your right jaw
People are willing and eager to fight each other.
Girls, come on, girls, come on, girls, come on
Women, join the party!
Get your clothes off and the fun on
Let's take off our clothes and have a good time!
It's time to check cash
It's time to make money.
Jump in my 4, hit the switch and lay the ass
I am getting into my lowrider car and driving fast while bouncing up and down on the hydraulic suspension.
While the Klan try to kill me
I have enemies who are trying to harm me.
But I wrote 'riot' on my muthafuckin' will, gee
I have left instructions in my will to start a riot if I am killed.
So when I'm gone, it's on
If I am killed, there will be trouble.
Caps goin' off on the streets like popcorn
There will be a lot of gunfire if there is violence.
Talkin' 'bout Simon till the early morn'
Someone is talking about me until very late at night.
Word is bond but now I just cool
I used to be aggressive and violent, but now I am more mellow.
Bumpin' my Gang Starr tape by my pool
I am relaxing by my swimming pool while listening to music.
Check, check, I got problems with the press
I have issues with journalists and media coverage.
Caught the punk in traffic, stabbed the sucker in his neck
I attacked a journalist who was stuck in traffic and stabbed him in the neck.
(Ugh)
An exclamation of disgust or frustration.
Punk reporter tried to diss me
A journalist insulted me or spoke badly about me.
Now the muthafucka's history
I killed the journalist.
I got to make a break hardcore fat tape
I need to make a new album with aggressive and impactful music.
Word, I don't fantasize, I don't exaggerate
My music is truthful and realistic.
Just kick correct with the 1 2 mic check
I am a skilled rapper and my performance will be impressive.
Still quick to swing, take a sucker to the deck
I am still willing to fight and take down an opponent.
I'm not the nigga you should step to like a sucker
Don't underestimate or disrespect me.
Walk up talkin' shit, you best to be a good ducker
If you try to fight me, you had better be quick and skilled at dodging punches.
Your posse best to run from my gun
Your group of friends should be afraid of my gun.
Keep my nine off safety and E holds the other one
I have two guns, one with the safety off and one held by my friend E.
Fuck around and catch a left and a right fist
If you mess with me, you'll get punched.
And you don't stop
Let's keep going and never give up.
Fuck, fuck around and get your punk ass dropped
Don't play with me or I will hurt you.
Yeah, Ice-T
This is Ice-T speaking.
'93 for the underground
This is 1993 and my music is still oriented towards the underground rap scene.
I ain't new ta this
I've been doing this for a while and I am skilled at it.
Contributed by Evan J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Statos
This song survived my chaos 90s in Stockholm Projects (Sweden haves ghettos) when recession came in a worst way, 500% inflation, dad frim went bankrupt, the bailiff took stuff from our house, had no electric during the coldest winter.
Then came the nazi wave where they stabbed people whom was together people with different colours. Then they knew I was an Karelian, the nazi gang started harassing me and my family. Couple months they block the path way home.
Heard so many times like: "Go home you f**king tattare" and such. Was beaten three times, one of them I was knifed. All of this before I turned 13. 1993 was those years I will never forget.
So this song helped me to coupe the stress. I had to grew up. I was so feared that even the 9th grader was afraid of me. This song made me understrand the code of street.
We had an nickname for my hood: Compton. Its still crazy. Last year they shot an restaurant with an chopper. Over 30 bullets, they empty the clip. Its getting worst then before.
kalloykalloy
I was 13 in 93 and these song runnin up and down in my Walkman!
Ice-T made my day!
ππ₯π
Chris Irving
kalloykalloy I think heβs a rap genius
Andy Gunn
I saw Ice T live and it was off the hook, only a few fights, overall crowd was well behaved! He performed Cop Killer and I haven't seen him back in New Zealand since. That was like 1994 or 1995 - damn, this shit bumps hard even in 2018!!?! Body Count were the LOUDEST band I have ever seen, absolutely ear smashing badness!
Chris Baldwin
Just like the rap by Ice T mate but respect still for the Bodycount work by the man loves his metal as much as his g rap lol
Thierry Diallo
Will Always Love ICE T for reality
Peter Lehman
back when rap was the best
D. Moonspell Rites Productions.
True stuff from the streets !!! Ice-T doesn't lie ...
Philip Ambrose
How the fuck does this have only small views best song ever 4 drivin thru the city
wexfordrob
Dark and relentless. Love this shit
Statos
This song survived my chaos 90s in Stockholm Projects (Sweden haves ghettos) when recession came in a worst way, 500% inflation, dad frim went bankrupt, the bailiff took stuff from our house, had no electric during the coldest winter.
Then came the nazi wave where they stabbed people whom was together people with different colours. Then they knew I was an Karelian, the nazi gang started harassing me and my family. Couple months they block the path way home.
Heard so many times like: "Go home you f**king tattare" and such. Was beaten three times, one of them I was knifed. All of this before I turned 13. 1993 was those years I will never forget.
So this song helped me to coupe the stress. I had to grew up. I was so feared that even the 9th grader was afraid of me. This song made me understrand the code of street.
We had an nickname for my hood: Compton. Its still crazy. Last year they shot an restaurant with an chopper. Over 30 bullets, they empty the clip. Its getting worst then before.