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 β including highly-praised verses on the singles "C.R.E.A.M." and "Triumph", from 36 Chambers and Wu-Tang Forever, respectively β 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 Linxβ¦" 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"
βI feel like we have to give them a newer, better album such as the new Ghost album. Iβm not saying thatβs the truth either. Iβm just saying that his album sounds like what a Wu-Tang album should sound like, but itβs him by himself.β
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.
Trouble Man
Inspectah Deck Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We grapple in the streets to stack loot and slip the shackles
I'm currently servin' twenty nine to life
Duckin' the searchlight no sleep for like the third night
The big life is trife got the young kids hyped
Cops shoot on sight heat pipe be blowin' through the night
The land where you ain't fam there's no pity
Similar to Chocolate City, ten times gritty
and come off, quicker than the clothes on the stripper
and slide like she doin' up and down the railing
Bitch tailing in the Range with Golden Arms smooth sailin'
The clock's tickin', somebody's on the block snitchin'
The plot thickens, phones are tapped, cops listen
Too hot for prison, plus too cold to hold my girl
cause I married this life and she's my whole world
It's just a sign of the times
Calmly listen, to these lines
I'm goin' out of my mind
Livin' the street life
Ayo, ayo
Make me want to holla way they do my life
My life, is like a carousel one endless night
Where most die for pies, some holdin' their chrome
A large percent die for causes not even their own
When the Inspectah Deck be long dead and gone
long live the I-N-S song they workin' on
Til then, I hold a section, I stand alone no co-defendant
Showin' the weapon, this saga had no story endin'
It's ghetto heaven, and at the same time hell, shots propel
The one that missed me got Chanel
In the future ruled by computer, I self tutor
The music is the simulator, facin' the user
I do it for those who walk the same road
And no regrets do I hold for the path I chose
No sleep since the intro, patrol the windows
I reminisce, with the chalice and my eyes half closed
If I could do it again, I'd probably do it the same
Thought I was through with the game, I'm goin' through it again
The hood life, I'm in it to the limit
Couldn't quit it for a digit, die for it 'cause I live it
It's just a sign of the times
Calmly listen, to these lines
I'm goin' out of my mind
Livin' the street life
Yo, been around the world but just can't seem to leave
the state of mind that causes tangled web I weave
Made my home in the heart of it
Move like Seagal, "Hard Target"
Most want no part of it, it's logic
Cutthroat party in the Shark Pit
Cold blooded souls carry bulldogs and oxes, knowledge this
Maintain and remain sane
In the cold world where the rules ain't changed
Still Rebel to society, government be eyein' me
They probably watchin' me right now as I'm speakin'
But all I'm guilty of is teachin' you the truth
They got proof, so you know I'll be home before the weekend
The hood life, I'm in it to the limit
In it from the scrimmage, livin' it, lovin' every minute
and every hour, til the powers that be
eventually stress me to the death
It's just a sign of the times
Calmly listen, to these lines
I'm goin' out of my mind
Livin' the street life
The lyrics of Inspectah Deck's song "Trouble Man" depict the harsh, unforgiving realities of living in the rough neighborhoods of New York City. The song opens with a reference to the "Rotten Apple", a colloquial name for New York City. Deck raps about struggling to make ends meet and "stack loot" while also navigating the dangers of the streets. He also discusses the injustices that are prevalent in these neighborhoods, such as police brutality and the feeling of having no support or "pity" from anyone who isn't your family.
Deck also touches on themes of loyalty and the feeling of being trapped in the lifestyle he has chosen. He mentions that he is "in it to the limit" and would "probably do it the same" if he could do it all over again. He recognizes that he is being watched by the government and is potentially facing legal consequences, yet he remains committed to living the street life.
Overall, "Trouble Man" is a raw and honest depiction of the struggle to survive in inner-city America, and the complex emotions and motivations that drive those who live there.
Line by Line Meaning
Check out the avenue New York New York the Rotten Apple
Behold the streets of New York City, also known as the Rotten Apple.
We grapple in the streets to stack loot and slip the shackles
We struggle in the streets to earn money and escape from the chains of poverty.
I'm currently servin' twenty nine to life
I am currently serving a prison sentence of 29 years to life.
Duckin' the searchlight no sleep for like the third night
I am avoiding being caught by authorities and have gone without sleep for three nights.
The big life is trife got the young kids hyped
The glamorous lifestyle is corrupt and yet it still appeals to young people.
Cops shoot on sight heat pipe be blowin' through the night
Police are quick to use deadly force and the sounds of gunshots can be heard throughout the night.
The land where you ain't fam there's no pity
In this place, if you are not well-known, there is no compassion.
Similar to Chocolate City, ten times gritty
This place is like Washington DC where there is a high rate of poverty, but here it is even worse.
Hittin' hard, liquor's God, niggas plottin' on the come off
Life is tough, alcohol is a comfort, and people scheme to try to make a quick profit.
and come off, quicker than the clothes on the stripper
People try to make money quickly, like the way a stripper removes their clothes.
and slide like she doin' up and down the railing
They are smooth and slick like the way a stripper slides up and down a pole.
Bitch tailing in the Range with Golden Arms smooth sailin'
A woman is following in a Range Rover owned by the street name Golden Arms, smoothly driving.
The clock's tickin', somebody's on the block snitchin'
Time is running out and someone in the neighborhood is informing to the authorities.
The plot thickens, phones are tapped, cops listen
Things are getting more complicated, phones are being monitored, and the police are eavesdropping.
Too hot for prison, plus too cold to hold my girl
It is too dangerous to go to prison, but at the same time, I cannot maintain a relationship with a woman outside of the streets.
cause I married this life and she's my whole world
The criminal life is my entire world and I am devoted to it.
It's just a sign of the times
These circumstances are a reflection of the current era.
Calmly listen, to these lines
Pay close attention to the lyrics.
I'm goin' out of my mind
I am losing my sanity.
Livin' the street life
This is life in the streets.
Make me want to holla way they do my life
The way my life is being lived makes me want to scream.
My life, is like a carousel one endless night
My life is like being on a carnival ride that never stops - endless and tumultuous.
Where most die for pies, some holdin' their chrome
Many people die over turf or drug distribution, while others carry guns for protection.
A large percent die for causes not even their own
A significant number of people die for reasons that are not even related to their own lives.
When the Inspectah Deck be long dead and gone
When I am no longer alive and remembered.
long live the I-N-S song they workin' on
May my music continue on after I am gone.
Til then, I hold a section, I stand alone no co-defendant
Until then, I am keeping to myself and not involving anyone else in my affairs.
Showin' the weapon, this saga had no story endin'
I am brandishing my gun, and the story of my life is far from over.
It's ghetto heaven, and at the same time hell, shots propel
This is simultaneously the best and worst place to be, and the sound of gunshots is common.
The one that missed me got Chanel
The bullet that didn't hit me went through my designer clothes.
In the future ruled by computer, I self tutor
As technology advances and computers become more dominant, I am teaching myself how to adapt.
The music is the simulator, facin' the user
Music is the tool that prepares the listener for the realities they will face in life.
I do it for those who walk the same road
I make music for those who are living the same life as me.
And no regrets do I hold for the path I chose
I have no regrets about the life I have chosen to live.
No sleep since the intro, patrol the windows
I haven't slept since the beginning of this journey, and I am vigilant at all times.
I reminisce, with the chalice and my eyes half closed
I think back on my life while smoking from a pipe and with my eyes closed.
If I could do it again, I'd probably do it the same
If I had to start over, I would make the same choices.
Thought I was through with the game, I'm goin' through it again
I thought I had left the criminal life behind, but I am caught up in it once again.
The hood life, I'm in it to the limit
This is the life I have chosen, and I am fully committed to it.
Couldn't quit it for a digit, die for it 'cause I live it
I can't give up this lifestyle for any amount of money, and I am willing to die for it because it is my life.
Yo, been around the world but just can't seem to leave
I have traveled to many places but can't escape the pull of the streets.
the state of mind that causes tangled web I weave
The mindset that leads me to make bad decisions and get caught up in complex situations.
Made my home in the heart of it
I have settled and made my life in the center of the dangerous neighborhood.
Move like Seagal, "Hard Target"
I move with stealth and skill, like the character played by Steven Seagal in the movie "Hard Target".
Most want no part of it, it's logic
Most people want to stay far away from this lifestyle because it makes sense.
Cutthroat party in the Shark Pit
Life in this neighborhood is like a ruthless party in the most dangerous area.
Cold blooded souls carry bulldogs and oxes, knowledge this
Cruel-hearted individuals carry guns and other dangerous weapons, be aware of this fact.
Maintain and remain sane
Keep your mind and emotions under control in order to survive.
In the cold world where the rules ain't changed
In this dangerous society, the rules have remained the same over time.
Still Rebel to society, government be eyein' me
I still resist the norms of society, and the government is watching me.
They probably watchin' me right now as I'm speakin'
They are very likely watching me at this very moment as I am speaking.
But all I'm guilty of is teachin' you the truth
My only crime is educating you on the harsh realities of this life.
They got proof, so you know I'll be home before the weekend
They have evidence of my crimes, so I know I will be released from prison before the upcoming weekend.
Lyrics Β© Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Paul Denman, Stuart Matthewman, Helen Adu, Andrew Hale, Isaac Hayes, Jason Hunter
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
T3B34
A classic!! So many people never heard this masterpiece
Robert Norris
Isacc Hayes Joy song beat
gerald3637
I know, right. Tons of sh!t needs to be heard such as U-god pleasure or pain off the redemption album.. the entire U-god golden arms redemption album is fkn raw
Guillaume Demers
Have the CD this beat is ine of the best
Battista Verardi
SO DOPE!!!!! LISTEN TO THIS MILLION TIMES OVER!!!!
Marcus Garrison
This Is My Favorite Inspector Deck Song ...This Beat Is Soooo Fucking π₯....
soundbwoy718
This song was on repeat as soon as I opened the Cd case
Guillaume Demers
Underated beat and song
D A Z A S T
Pete Rock + Wu = Skillz !!!!
riconearand far
Nawww..Pete Rock + INS The Rebel