Code Red
Jay-Rock Lyrics


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(What's up, Jay Rock?)
Shit, just the same old same old
Same fiends in the hood, chasing the best dope
Project hustling, chasing them pesos
It's a struggle everyday, man, you know how this shit goes
But my demeanor'll never switch, cherry red Beamer
Gang banged the fuck out, red rag around the Nina
No doubt, I'm living it

Been claiming the set since the year found Snoop innocent
Slanging hard rock when the rap game was ran by Timberlands
Deport ya asses back, where's my strap?
Lemme put a hole in 'em, and what's concealed in the black denim
Will rock 'em to sleep like I babysit 'em
I seen it all loyalty, betrayal, envy
My close homie died in my arms
Twelve hundred project units under the sun
Ain't about where you at, it's about where you're from

Welcome to Watts, California
Where we ain't scared to run up on ya
You ain't prepared when it go down
You already dead right about now
Welcome to Watts, California
Where we ain't scared to run up on ya
If you're prepared when it go down
Then you know it's Jay Rock turn now

The homie told me, "Put your feelings aside"
But since I got signed I been feeling the Vibes
Niggas play the background and screw they face all day
Wanna walk in my shoes, wanna take my place
So at any given time they might take my life
So I take the .38 when I ride at night
Broad day, no exempt, niggas kill you when the sun is out
Make sure your gun is out or stay inside your mama house

It's that real, you don't feel me yet?
Fine, niggas, drop the beat and just let me vent
No másk on, fuck around and kill your whole squad
Be the last person you see before you meet god
Keep the rifle on top of the tripod
Aim art, if you live your body might need parts




Jay Rock, putting it down for Top Dawg
From the bottom to the top, we shooting straight for the stars

Overall Meaning

The opening lines of "Code Red" offer a candid description of the reality of life in the hood. Jay Rock raps about the struggles of everyday life, including poverty, drug addiction, and violence. Despite the hardships, he maintains an unwavering determination to succeed. He describes driving a cherry red Beamer and proudly flaunts his gang affiliation with a red rag around his Nina, indicating that he won't be backing down without a fight. He's been claiming his set since the year that Snoop Dogg was found not guilty of murder, and he's been slanging hard rock since before Timberlands ruled the rap game.


In the second verse, he delves deeper into the harsh realities of gang life. He speaks about loyalty, betrayal, and envy that are all too common in the projects. He also recounts the traumatic experience of losing a close homie in his arms. Despite this, Jay Rock holds on to his pride in where he comes from. He reminds listeners that it's not about where you're at, but where you're from, and finishes by paying homage to his hometown of Watts, California.


Line by Line Meaning

Shit, just the same old same old
Nothing has changed, still dealing with the same struggles and issues.


Same fiends in the hood, chasing the best dope
Drug addicts are still around, looking for the best drugs to get high with.


Project hustling, chasing them pesos
People living in the projects are hustling to make money and earn a living.


It's a struggle everyday, man, you know how this shit goes
Every day is a fight to survive in this environment, and it's a common experience for everyone here.


But my demeanor'll never switch, cherry red Beamer
No matter what happens, I won't let it change how I act or present myself, as evidenced by my bright red Beamer car.


Gang banged the fuck out, red rag around the Nina
I'm fully committed to my gang, with a red bandana around my gun to signal my allegiance.


No doubt, I'm living it
There's no question that I'm fully invested in and living the gang lifestyle.


Been claiming the set since the year found Snoop innocent
I've been a part of this gang and claiming our territory for a long time, even before Snoop was exonerated of his charges.


Slanging hard rock when the rap game was ran by Timberlands
Before hip hop became mainstream, I was selling drugs and making money while artists like Timberland were dominating the rap scene.


Deport ya asses back, where's my strap?
I'm ready to use my gun and send these outsiders back where they came from.


Lemme put a hole in 'em, and what's concealed in the black denim
If I shoot at them, my bullets will penetrate their clothing and potentially cause serious damage due to the material it is made out of.


Will rock 'em to sleep like I babysit 'em
I'll put them to sleep with my gun, much like how a babysitter might rock a baby to sleep.


I seen it all loyalty, betrayal, envy
I have experienced all kinds of relationships in this environment, including loyalty and betrayal of friends and associates.


My close homie died in my arms
I experienced the traumatic event of someone close to me passing away while in my presence.


Twelve hundred project units under the sun
There are 1,200 units in these projects, and everyone is living under the same harsh conditions and circumstances.


Ain't about where you at, it's about where you're from
It doesn't matter where you currently reside, what matters is your background and experiences.


Welcome to Watts, California
This is a neighborhood in California that has its own set of rules and a specific culture.


Where we ain't scared to run up on ya
We are not afraid to confront someone face to face.


You ain't prepared when it go down
If you're not ready for violence, then you're in trouble when it happens.


You already dead right about now
You're as good as dead in this environment.


If you're prepared when it go down
If you're ready to fight and defend yourself, you'll have a better chance of survival.


Then you know it's Jay Rock turn now
I'm the one who will take control and lead the charge, as I am well prepared and confident in my abilities.


The homie told me, "Put your feelings aside"
My friend advised me to not let my emotions cloud my judgement.


But since I got signed I been feeling the Vibes
Ever since I signed a record deal, I've been more sensitive to people's opinions and the energy around me.


Niggas play the background and screw they face all day
People are always hating and pretending to be cool with me in the background, but are actually bitter and resentful.


Wanna walk in my shoes, wanna take my place
People envy and want what I have, including my position and lifestyle.


So at any given time they might take my life
My enemies are always lurking, and may attempt to kill me at any moment.


So I take the .38 when I ride at night
To protect myself, I carry a gun at all times, especially when I'm driving at night.


Broad day, no exempt, niggas kill you when the sun is out
Even during the daytime, people can still be violent and attempt to kill you.


Make sure your gun is out or stay inside your mama house
To ensure your own safety, it's important to have a gun on hand or avoid leaving your home altogether.


It's that real, you don't feel me yet?
This is the reality of the situation, do you understand the gravity of it yet?


Fine, niggas, drop the beat and just let me vent
Alright then, let's just listen to me express how I truly feel.


No másk on, fuck around and kill your whole squad
I'm not hiding my face, and I'm not afraid to take out your entire group.


Be the last person you see before you meet god
I might be the one who kills you and sends you to the afterlife.


Keep the rifle on top of the tripod
I have my rifle set up and ready to aim at any moment, just like a camera tripod holds a camera in place.


Aim art, if you live your body might need parts
I'm a skilled shooter, and if I target you, your body might be severely damaged, possibly needing parts to repair.


Jay Rock, putting it down for Top Dawg
I'm representing my record label, Top Dawg, and showing my loyalty and dedication to them.


From the bottom to the top, we shooting straight for the stars
We're starting from the bottom and working our way up, with lofty goals and aspirations.




Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group, BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: CHRISTOPHER BRIAN STOKES, OMARI ISHMALE GRANDBERRY, DEREK CLARK, MICHAEL DANYELL JR. COLE, EMMANUEL BRUCE FRAYER, CHRISTOPHER FULLER, JUANITA STOKES

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