Hunter routinely mentions the Park Hill Projects in Clifton, Staten Island, NY, where he grew up, going to school with the future Ghostface Killah, Raekwon and Method Man. Coming from a musical family, his father died when he was 6, and seeing his mother support the family contributed to his laid-back, quiet mentality; this led to his stage name, as he decided to play a low-key counterbalance to the antics of RZA, Method Man and Ol' Dirty Bastard. This is also referenced by Method Man at the end of the track "Can it Be All So Simple?" on "Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)', stating.
However, Deck was featured as much, if not more, than any other of his fellow clansmen on the group's 1993 debut album, "Enter the Wu Tang (36 Chambers)". While keeping a relatively high profile on Wu-Tang group releases — including highly-praised verses on the singles "C.R.E.A.M." and "Triumph", from 36 Chambers and Wu-Tang Forever, respectively — Deck has had less success with his own solo career. Originally set to release an album in 1997, his first effort, Uncontrolled Substance, was delayed until 1999, after a flood in RZA's basement destroyed over a hundred beats, including those meant for Deck's album. According to Wu affiliate Cilvaringz, "Recently Deck pulled out some disks from the flood and they worked again and he used 1 for his upcoming album on Koch."[4]
In the years following the release of the highly successful debut album of the Wu-Tang Clan, Hunter would appear on several Wu members' solo albums, including the critically acclaimed trio "Only Built 4 Cuban Linx…" by Raekwon, "Liquid Swords" by GZA and "Ironman" by Ghostface Killah. On the Clan's second group album, "Wu-Tang Forever" (1997), Deck produced the track "Visionz" and contributed a solo track, "The City." He also provided production for some of his Wu cohorts, including "Kiss of a Black Widow" for RZA's "RZA as Bobby Digital in Stereo", and "Elements" and "Spazzola" from Method Man's sophomore "Tical 2000: Judgement Day". In 1999, he finally released his debut solo album, featuring a number of less-exposed Wu-Tang affiliates as guests and more of Deck's own production. The album received strong reviews but failed to garner him the popularity enjoyed by some of his groupmates; Deck subsequently returned to the Wu-Tang fold for the albums "The W" and "Iron Flag", also providing beats for GZA's sophomore "Beneath the Surface" and Ghostface Killah's "Supreme Clientele". In 2003 the rapper released his follow-up, "The Movement". That album failed to live up to Deck's expectations, and soon he was back to planning his next album, "The Rebellion"; three years later, in 2006, he released "The Resident Patient", intended as a precursor to the album. The rapper took a hiatus to record "8 Diagrams" with the group, partaking in the controversy sparked when Raekwon and Ghostface Killah disparaged RZA's tight control of the album, championing Ghost's album "The Big Doe Rehab"
“I feel like we have to give them a newer, better album such as the new Ghost album. I’m not saying that’s the truth either. I’m just saying that his album sounds like what a Wu-Tang album should sound like, but it’s him by himself.”
He has also mentioned "The Rebellion" again, confirming production by RZA and the Wu-Elements; it is now set to come after "The Resident Patient 2" and will, reportedly, be Deck's final album as a solo artist. Deck is also featured on several tracks of Raekwon's most recent album, "Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... Pt. II".
On March 23rd, 2010 he will drop his 3rd album entitled "The Manifesto", with guest-appearances from Raekwon, Cormega,Termanology , Planet Asia, Cappadonna, Kurupt and M.O.P.'s Billy Danze. Deck himself will be producing on the album as well as having outside contributions: most notably, The Revelations who produced on Wu-Tang's Chamber Music[9].
In 2008, a mixtape entitled "The Resident Patient 2" was leaked to the internet, featuring some original material as well as freestyles over other artists' songs. In a recent interview, Deck stated that "The Manifesto" was meant to be the originally announced full-length sequel, "The Resident Patient 2". Since the early leak of "The Manifesto", he has begun work already on his final album "The Rebellion" and has expressed his interest in having Snoop Dogg, E-40, Nas & Jadakiss as guests but wanted to involve more of his fellow Clansmen on this album. He had also stated on a interview with Conspiracy Radio he will only retire from albums if the fans show support for "The Manifesto" and "The Rebellion". He has also expressed his wish to release an instrumental album of his own production similar to the ones put out by Alchemist, Ayatollah & Pete Rock. The album is to be entitled 'Instrumartyr' & recently confirmed March, 2011 as the release for The Rebellion according to his Twitter.
City High
Inspectah Deck Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Everybody on the grind, son) 8 million stories in the naked city
(Everybody trying to eat) (It's always gonna be a struggle, in this hustle)
This is just one (Trying to bubble, trying to live this) Realize..
[Inspectah Deck]
We dance with the wolves, wrestle with the pitbulls
For fistfuls of dollars and cents, we empty pistols
Lofts of land or maybe, thoughts of plans and they be
Forcing my hand to make me, off this man
I never claimed killer, I came iller stayed realer
Our chance grows, traveled the globe, fans applauded
But my heart still roaming the streets, they still calling
Boat names with cocaine dreams screaming "I own the game!"
I'm so stained Novacaine doesn't slow the pain
Lost so many I don't fear death, no tears left
Numbers of my years left, blessed to be here left
When they said "At fifteen he'll be already dead"
I'm here heavy head steady sipping Rémy Red
Wild fellow trying to keep my mind settled
Child of the ghetto, survived where nines echo
[Chorus: Inspectah Deck]
I'm just a city guy living fly getting high
Live it till I die getting by, whipping by
Stand solidified big times to different sides
Here's your ticket right, follow if you feel my vibe... (My vibe)
[Inspectah Deck]
Yo, we caped up, ten in the lab, weapons to blast
One with the city, fight for sections of land
Can't sleep till the check's in my hand
It's still a hustle, bare knuckle grind knee deep inside the struggle
I don't give a fuck about much but my beloved and such
'Cause nobody to trust but us
It's New York life, walk like what you talk like
Or you might get tossed right off the ninth floor
Every day is war, rhoaming through the wasteland
Focused, trying to make grands
Hammers poaking out the waistband
In this cash race, they can't stand the pace
I plan to make millions and marinate
Across town my Fam is straight
Cash rules, so naturally it had me
The temptress teasing me, I lust badly
She said "You want professional and records sold? Let it go"
And I replied "This is the only life I'll ever know..."
[Hook: Inspectah Deck]
(It's the only life I'll ever know... You know?)
I trust, in no one but us
Trust, in no one but us
Trust, in no one but us
[Inspectah Deck]
Yeah, years later, hey I made it, no explaining how
Walking forward through the fire while it rain down
We claim Sex & Slang and aim weapons
But still trying to live the +Good Times+ like James Evans
And, we'll stick you for your shine
(Hustle) Nickel for a dime
(Trouble) This you're gonna find
(Muscle) If you want to grind
(Struggle) Digits on the mind
(Couple) Figures for the crime
(Scuffle) Fists or with the nine
(Bubble) Living on the line (The line, the line...)
[Chorus]
The opening lines of Inspectah Deck's "City High" describe the struggle that millions of people go through on a daily basis, in search of sustenance and survival. The rapper likens these struggles to dancing with wolves and wrestling with pitbulls, a clear metaphor for the fierce competition that characterizes urban life. The lyrics describe the lengths to which people will go in order to achieve financial success, including plotting elaborate schemes, emptying pistols, and engaging in bare-knuckle fights. The chorus reinforces the theme of survival, with Deck asserting that he is simply a city guy trying to live it up until he dies, sticking to his hustle and whipping by until he reaches his destination.
The verses of the song offer a glimpse into the sometimes harsh realities of inner-city life. Deck recalls being told as a teenager that he would be dead by 15, but he has clearly defied the odds. However, his journey to success has not been without struggle, with the rapper acknowledging that he has lost many along the way. He also talks about the lure of the fast life, admitting that he lusts after fame and fortune, but ultimately choosing to remain loyal to his "beloved" community. The song's hook, "Trust in no one but us," is a powerful declaration of solidarity and a reminder that people in the city are often forced to rely on each other for support.
Line by Line Meaning
Everybody on the grind, son
Everyone is trying to make money and succeed
8 million stories in the naked city
There are countless experiences and struggles in the city (New York)
Everybody trying to eat
Everyone is striving for success and to make a living
It's always gonna be a struggle, in this hustle
The journey to success will always be challenging
This is just one (Trying to bubble, trying to live this) Realize..
This is just one example of the efforts people make to succeed
We dance with the wolves, wrestle with the pitbulls
We face dangerous situations and people in order to succeed
For fistfuls of dollars and cents, we empty pistols
We resort to violence and crime to make money
Plotting out elaborate scams to get our hands on some
We strategize and plan schemes to obtain wealth
Lofts of land or maybe, thoughts of plans and they be
We hope to gain property or have big ideas
Forcing my hand to make me, off this man
We are compelled to take out our competition
I never claimed killer, I came iller stayed realer
I didn't start off as violent but it became necessary to survive
Our chance grows, traveled the globe, fans applauded
We have achieved fame and success
But my heart still roaming the streets, they still calling
Despite success, I still have a connection to the streets and where I came from
Boat names with cocaine dreams screaming 'I own the game!'
Others boast about their drug-fueled dreams of success and ownership
I'm so stained Novacaine doesn't slow the pain
I have experienced so much loss and pain that even medication cannot numb it
Lost so many I don't fear death, no tears left
I have lost so many loved ones that I am no longer afraid of death and have no more tears to shed
Numbers of my years left, blessed to be here left
I am grateful to still be alive despite the dangers and hardships I've faced
When they said 'At fifteen he'll be already dead'
People predicted that I wouldn't survive but I proved them wrong
I'm here heavy head steady sipping Rémy Red
I'm still here, taking it all in and enjoying life's pleasures
Wild fellow trying to keep my mind settled
I am energetic and impulsive but trying to maintain my focus
Child of the ghetto, survived where nines echo
I grew up in the ghetto and survived where gunshots were common
I'm just a city guy living fly getting high
I am a city-dweller enjoying my success and indulging in drugs
Live it till I die getting by, whipping by
I will continue living my lifestyle until I die, getting by and driving fast cars
Stand solidified big times to different sides
I have found my place and success amidst different groups and factions
Here's your ticket right, follow if you feel my vibe... (My vibe)
If you relate to my lifestyle and attitude, come along for the ride
Yo, we caped up, ten in the lab, weapons to blast
We are armed and united, strategizing in a group
One with the city, fight for sections of land
We are in tune with the city and fighting for control of certain areas
Can't sleep till the check's in my hand
I can't rest until I have secured payment for my work
It's still a hustle, bare knuckle grind knee deep inside the struggle
The journey to success is still a tough grind and struggle
I don't give a fuck about much but my beloved and such
I only care about my family and close friends
'Cause nobody to trust but us
We only trust and rely on ourselves
It's New York life, walk like what you talk like
This is the reality of life in New York; you must act and speak confidently
Or you might get tossed right off the ninth floor
Failure to act confidently could have dangerous consequences
Every day is war, rhoaming through the wasteland
Every day is a battle and we navigate this harsh environment with caution
Focused, trying to make grands
We stay focused on making large sums of money
Hammers poaking out the waistband
We carry firearms for protection and power
In this cash race, they can't stand the pace
Those who can't keep up with the competition for money cannot survive
I plan to make millions and marinate
I aim to make a lot of money and keep it for myself
Across town my Fam is straight
My family is doing well, even in a different area of town
Cash rules, so naturally it had me
The need for money and success has driven me to this point
The temptress teasing me, I lust badly
The allure of money and success is too tempting to resist
She said 'You want professional and records sold? Let it go'
The temptress tells me to give up my integrity and moral compass for success
And I replied 'This is the only life I'll ever know...'
I choose to stay true to who I am and the risks I've taken to get here
(It's the only life I'll ever know... You know?)
This is the only type of life I am familiar with and I own it
I trust, in no one but us
I only trust and rely on myself and those closest to me
Trust, in no one but us
We must only trust each other in this world of competition and danger
Trust, in no one but us
Our bonds and trust for each other are our only lifeline
Yeah, years later, hey I made it, no explaining how
I have achieved success but cannot fully explain how I got here
Walking forward through the fire while it rain down
I have faced challenges head-on and persevered
We claim Sex & Slang and aim weapons
We utilize vulgar language and firearms to intimidate and assert power
But still trying to live the +Good Times+ like James Evans
Despite the harsh realities of life, we still strive to enjoy ourselves and live our lives
And, we'll stick you for your shine
We will take what we want from those we perceive as having more than us
(Hustle) Nickel for a dime
We hustle and work hard for small gains
(Trouble) This you're gonna find
Trouble is inevitable in this environment
(Muscle) If you want to grind
Physical strength and intimidation are necessary for success
(Struggle) Digits on the mind
Success and making money are constantly on our minds
(Couple) Figures for the crime
We make large sums of money through illegal activity
(Scuffle) Fists or with the nine
We engage in hand-to-hand combat or use firearms to settle disputes
(Bubble) Living on the line (The line, the line...)
We live dangerously and take risks in order to achieve success
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Aziz Malek
His flow and lyricism are unparalleled. Inspectah Deck definitely deserves more love
Troy Hadge
Honestly, this might be decks best song. People like to talk about his triumph verse, and they should because its crazy. But his flow and this beat are a match made in heaven!
Funk Roberts
I agree 100%
OgTreeLit TREES PLEASE
It's his best to me
cun7us
"Can't sleep until the cheque's in my hand, it's still a hustle...bare knuckle grind knee deep inside the struggle". It's rhymes like these that make Deck one of the best rappers in the game.
Victor Chapa
Haven't heard this track in many many years. Glad I fell upon this again!!! Real hip hop
INSFAN86
Deck is hands down the best in WU One of the most underrated in the game Unfortunately cuz of being in such a big group he didnt get the shine he deserves(just my opinion) Hopefully he'll be droppin another solo. got all 3 of his shits.Str8 fire!!!!!!!!!!!
SOLOIIguru
I will seriously nominate this as one of the most underrated solo wu projects. EVERY song on this album is straight banger. seriously, EVERY single song.
XTheDentist
Been a a Wu fan for a long time. Now I can look at the years and say inspectah deck is criminally underrated, what a fuckin shame, shame on all the hiphop heads I ever knew
Rukundo Rutisirye
bro fax