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.
It's The Gangsta Sound
Ice-T Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You niggas know my pyroclastic flow
You niggas know my pyroclastic flow flow
You niggas know my pyroclastic flow it's R-A-W, R-A-W
You looking at the grand wizard, war lord vocal chord so vicious
And I don't have to show riches to pull up pull off with some bad bitches
It's about dope lyrics and delivery
It's about my persona ain't nothing like a man that can do what he wanna
Ain't nothing like man on that you knew on the corner
See 'em come up and fuck up the owner
See 'em throw up Westside California
Nigga I'm hot as Phoenix Arizona
I'm Utah I got multiple bitches
It's a new law keep a hold of yo riches
Dumb nigga don't spend it as soon as you get it
And recognize I'm a captain and you a lieutenant
I can say what I want to say ain't nothin to it gangsta rap made me do it
If I call you a nigga ain't nothin to it gangsta rap made me do it
I can act like an animal ain't nothin to it gangsta rap made me do it
If I eat you like a cannibal ain't nothin to it gangsta rap made me do it
I'm raw as a dirty needle
Choke an eagle
Just to feed all my people
Lyrically I'm so lethal
Plant thoughts in they mind just to defeat you
Ice Cube is a saga y'all spit saliva
And I spit lava
I got the fearless flow
Don't get near this ho
If you sacred to go
I keep it gangsta and why should change that
Fuck you old motherfuckers tryin to change rap
But aren't you the same cat that sat back when they brought cocaine back
I'm tryin to get me a Maybach
How you motherfuckers gonna tell me don't say that
You the ones that we learned it from
I heard nigga back in 1971
So if I act like a pimp ain't nothin to it gangsta rap made me do it
If I call you a nappy headed ho ain't nothin to it gangsta rap made me do it
If I shoot up your college ain't nothin to it gangsta rap made me do it
If I rob you of knowledge ain't nothin to it gangsta rap made me do it
Thank God when I bless the mic
You finally get to hear the shit that you like
A nigga talkin bout real life so you can try to get this shit right
Use your brain not your back use your brain not a gat
It's a party not a jack (for real)
Don't be scared of them people
Walk up in there and show them that you equal (fuck them fuck them)
Don't be material a nigga grew up on milk and cereal
I never forgot Van Ness and imperial
Look at my life Ice Cube is a miracle
It could be you if you was this lyrical
It could be her if she was this spiritual
'Cause me and Allah go back like cronies
I don't got to be fake cause he is my homie
If I sell a litle crack ain't nothin to it gangsta rap made me do it
If I die in Iraq, ain't nothin to it gangsta rap made me do it
If I take you for granted ain't nothin to it gangsta rap made me do it
If I fuck up the planet ain't nothin to it gangsta rap made me do it
You niggas know my pyroclastic flow
You niggas know my pyroclastic flow flow
You niggas know my pyroclastic flow it's R-A-W, R-A-W
Oh yeah and another thing
For all ya niggas that don't do gangsta rap
Don't get on TV talkin about gangsta rap
Cause 9 times at a 10 you don't know the fuck you talk about
Talk about that bullshit rap you do
Stay the fuck out of mines
In the song "It's The Gangsta Sound," Ice-T claims his pyroclastic flow is well known. Along with his raw lyrics and delivery, he talks about being a self-made persona who can do as he pleases, something that cannot be said for most men or youths. He feels, however, that gangsta rap made him that way. Ice-T believes speaking fluent English and possessing an education is not enough to get ahead; attitude is vital. He acknowledges that gangsta rap made him do all the things he does, such as calling others niggas, acting like an animal, killing people, or even making a career out of selling crack. In conclusion, the song is Ice-T's rebuttal to criticism against gangsta rap, stating that it merely reflects the reality of life in the ghetto.
Line by Line Meaning
Blame me
Hold me responsible for anything I may say or do.
You niggas know my pyroclastic flow
You all are aware of how I spit fire (bars).
You looking at the grand wizard, war lord vocal chord so vicious
You're witnessing a great rapper with an aggressive style.
And I don't have to show riches to pull up pull off with some bad bitches
I can attract women without having to show off my wealth.
It's about my persona ain't nothing like a man that can do what he wanna
It's about the image I project, there's nothing more attractive than a man who can do whatever he wants.
Ain't nothing like man on that you knew on the corner
There's no one like a man who started from the bottom and is now on top.
See 'em come up and fuck up the owner
Watch them rise up and take over the person who was once in charge.
Nigga I'm hot as Phoenix Arizona
I'm as great as the heat in Phoenix, Arizona.
Dumb nigga don't spend it as soon as you get it
Don't be foolish and spend all your money as soon as you receive it.
And recognize I'm a captain and you a lieutenant
Acknowledge that I'm superior to you, like a captain is to a lieutenant.
I can say what I want to say ain't nothin to it gangsta rap made me do it
I can say whatever I want because I'm a gangsta rapper.
If I call you a nigga ain't nothin to it gangsta rap made me do it
If I refer to you as a racial slur, it's because gangsta rap influenced me.
I'm raw as a dirty needle
I'm as unfiltered and intense as a used needle.
Choke an eagle just to feed all my people
I would do anything for the sake of my community.
Ice Cube is a saga y'all spit saliva
Ice Cube is a living legend, while others spit basic rhymes.
And I spit lava
I spit hot fire (really good rhymes).
I keep it gangsta and why should change that
I always stick to my gangsta rap roots, why would I change that?
But aren't you the same cat that sat back when they brought cocaine back
Aren't you the same person who accepted the return of cocaine into society?
Thank God when I bless the mic you finally get to hear the shit that you like
I am thankful when I perform because I know my fans enjoy my music.
Use your brain not your back use your brain not a gat
Think critically, use your mind instead of acting aggressively.
It's a party not a jack (for real)
This is supposed to be a celebration, not a violent takeover.
Don't be scared of them people, walk up in there and show them that you equal (fuck them fuck them)
Don't be afraid of those in power, demand respect because you're just as good as them.
If I sell a little crack ain't nothin to it gangsta rap made me do it
If I distribute drugs, it's because gangsta rap influenced me to do so.
You niggas know my pyroclastic flow flow
I am emphasizing once again that my rhymes are fire (really good).
Oh yeah and another thing
I have more to say on the matter.
For all ya niggas that don't do gangsta rap
This is aimed at those who don't understand the world of gangsta rap.
Don't get on TV talkin about gangsta rap
Don't attempt to talk about something you don't know much about.
Talk about that bullshit rap you do
Stick to talking about your own music, which may not have the same intensity as gangsta rap.
Stay the fuck out of mines
Stay out of something you don't understand or have no business being in.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: O'SHEA JACKSON, VAUSHAUN BROOKS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind