His rapping debut was on Dr. Dre's The Chronic in 1992, as a part of the duo Tha Dogg Pound with Daz. The two were among the first acts signed to Death Row Records. He released an album with Daz called Dogg Food in 1995 on Death Row Records. Kurupt became friends with the late rapper Tupac Shakur when Tupac signed with Death Row in 1996, and it was Tupac who gave him the nickname Young Gotti.
In 1997 Kurupt left Death Row records for a position at Antra Records as an A&R, but still remained on good terms with Suge and appeared on many albums published by Death Row. In 1998 under Artimus Records he released a double album called Kuruption which went platinum. Shortly after that he released The Streetz is a Mutha which also went platinum. In 2001 Tha Dogg Pound released 2002 under Death Row and Gotti & Dillinger under DPG and Artimus Records. That year Kurupt also released his third solo LP Space Boogie.
In 2002 Kurupt met back up with Death Row CEO Suge Knight shortly after he got out of jail and re-signed with Death Row Records (now renamed Tha Row). By signing with Tha Row, Kurupt started a feud with Daz, Snoop and all of the DPGC, his old friends.
In 2005, Kurupt finally released the long-awaited album Against The Grain. It was constantly delayed and though it was to be the first original musical release from Tha Row in many years, it was finally put out via Koch Records, which at the time distributed Death Row albums; they were sold all distribution rights. However, Kurupt and his label blamed lack of promotion for the release on heavy editing by the Koch staff.
On April 13, 2005, Kurupt reunited with his fellow Dogg Pound mates through the peace meeting labelled "Protect the West", in which several other West Coast rap icons united to put aside their differences in hope of banding together to bring the West Coast back to prominence in hip-hop. Snoop Dogg organized the gathering at which he also made peace with Kurupt's label CEO Suge Knight.
At this time, Kurupt also introduced to the world his latest protege, the rapper Immense. The two met in 2001 and Kurupt became his mentor soon after. He then took Immense to Def Jam president and Roc-a-Fella Records owner Jay-Z, whereupon Jay signed him as the first artist on "Roc-A-Fella West", a West Coast extention of the Roc.
From 2000, Kurupt was in a relationship with the female rapper Natina Reed of the group Blaque. They were going to get married in August 2001, but delayed the marriage for career reasons. Ultimately, their commitment did not last after that.
Aside from being a solo artist, Kurupt is also a member of a number of Hip-Hop groups as well. In 2000, Kurupt teamed up with Canibus, Ras Kass and Killah Priest to form rap supergroup The 4 Horsemen. Later on, he began the supergroup The Riflemen with Mobb Deep, Jayo Felony, 40 Glocc, and The Alchemist.
Neva Gonna Give It Up
Kurupt Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Smash, just before you talk spaz out
Hittin' the switch, then hittin' the stash
Before the year 2000, all the computers crash
I'm gone homeboy, this the hood where it's on homeboy
I'ma live long homeboy
Too deep, too strong homeboy
It's on homeboy
Songs with two candy-painted bronze homeboy
D-A-Z, I can't believe this nigga gon' trip
He's nothin but a busta, bitch-ass mothafucka
With Snoop in the coop, Warren, Nate, and big Tray Dee
Big see-Style and Mitch made to be
Shine Dogg gettin' super-high lit
High-flyin' high super-duper high
We super-duper fly
I put ya in the mix
I ain't with that Kibbles-N-Bits shit
Bitch, where's the grip?
[Chorus: Nate Dogg *singing*, (Snoop Dogg)]
I'm still a Dogg Pound nigga, I'm Neva Gonna Give It Up (DPG {G}, C)
Neva Gonna Give It Up
C'mon homies give it up
(DPG {G}, C)
I'm still a Dogg Pound nigga, I'm Neva Gonna Give It Up (DPG {G}, C)
Neva Gonna Give It Up
C'mon homies give it up
[Verse Two: Warren G, Nate Dogg *singing*]
[Warren G]
What I'ma do, I'mm bang on the beat
What I'ma do, can't cock and serve heat
You lookin' at me, I'm scopin' on you
But you don't know my shit is right nigga, so fuck you
Everybody talkin' 'bout Money Ain't A Thang
Everybody talkin' 'bout how they gang bang
If you was hard as me, I'm as hard as you
Cutthroats and bud smoke, I'm an Eastside loc
So don't let the crossover fool ya
I been down since '81, LB top gun biyatch
[Nate Dogg]
Platinum-ass records that be payin' bills
Dogg Pound niggas, they be bangin' still
Money-makin' niggas, and they bona fide
Them money-makin' niggas still down ta ride
All them otha' niggas, they be claimin' thangs
Scary-ass niggas wasn't born ta bang
Hang wit' DPG and I can give ya game
Comin' from the hood, you can't be changin' games
[Snoop]
DPG (G), C
[Break: Kurupt *talking*]
Yeah, bitch-ass niggas... Dogg Pound Gangstas...
FUCK Y'ALL!
[Chorus: Nate Dogg *singing*]
I'm still a Dogg Pound nigga, I'm Neva Gonna Give It Up
Neva Gonna Give It Up
C'mon homies give it up
[Verse Three: Tray Dee, Snoop Dogg, Soopa Fly]
[Tray Dee]
Yeah, I'm from that clique that slap clips with hollow-point tips
And serve bitch-niggas quick with this gangsta shit
Tray Dee, ya heard of me, murder be my hobby
Bangin' and slangin' in dangerous robberies
Fuck a mask, you bustas duck when I blast
I take the cash, and put a cap up in that ass
Saggin' with my rag, 'bout to drag the street
Triple-X sweatshirt with blue Chucks on feet
Killa instincts keep me ahead of my foes
Neva doze when I rose, let the chrome explode
[Snoop Dogg]
Man I wish a bitch would get me fo' some child support
I stuck my foot up her ass, like a super sport
Down shit, Pound shit, gangsta
Fo'eva', Wheneva', Howeva', down fo' whateva'
Recognize game when it hits ya
Nigga, if ya slip up Doggy Dogg's gonna get-'cha
Been doin' that thang-thang, long trynna' slang 'caine
Just before I was taught, how ta gangbang
All my peers through the years know
That Snoop Dogg ain't nothin' but a fool do'
And if ya run up on that man trynna do-low
That's when he, pull out his homey, who, you know
Man I been through so much and I'm still goin' through it
But fuck all that, I got ta stay into it
I knew the job was dangerous when I took it
Shit, a nigga didn't even overlook it
I was so eager, just trynna' get involved
But now's I gots ta represent for me and my Doggs
[Soopa Fly]
Yeah, '94, became a D-O, double-G, P-O, U-N-D, Gangsta
Now you can see me smokin' dank in neighborhood, pranksta'
Play a trick, quick inimate, then out, no doubt
Paperboy wit' a new route
When I'm in front, they watch behind me
Mission: Crush, ready to bust, grab the Tom-my
Gun, keep one, I role with the heat-seeka's
Stash the gauge, pass the .9 to my nee-ga [nigga]
Roll, keep slow, peep, Po-Po
Creep slow, ready ta smash with the fo'-fo'
I go for broke wit' loc niggas who toke guns
Neva understood niggas high-up with low funds
Smoke one, represent my seaside ocean
Eastside motion, we slide coastin' through
MOTHAFUCKAAZ!! HAHA!!
[Break: Snoop Dogg *talking* ("DPG {G}, C" said 4 times in background)]
Dogg Pound... mothafuckin' Gangstas...
1999, back up in this BI-YAI-ITCH!
Eastside up, Eastsidaz!
And niggas thought we fell off...
[Chorus: Nate Dogg *singing*, (Snoop Dogg *talking*), ("DPG {G}, see" said 8
times in a row, then once again)]
I'm still a Dogg Pound nigga, (Dogg Pound in this mothafucka)
I'm Neva Gonna Give It Up
(Yeah, yeah, yeah)
Neva Gonna Give It Up (Yeah, yeah, yeah)
C'mon homies give it up
(Ride on, ride on)
I'm still a Dogg Pound nigga, I'm Neva Gonna Give It Up
Neva Gonna Give It Up
c'mon homies give it up
I'm still a Dogg Pound nigga, I'm Neva Gonna Give It Up (DPG {G}, C)
Neva Gonna Give It Up
C'mon homies give it up
I'm still... [fades away]
The lyrics of Kurupt's song Neva Gonna Give It Up touches on various themes such as gang culture and loyalty, and the struggles of someone trying to make it in the music industry. In the opening verse, he talks about living in a dangerous environment but also boasts about having longevity and success. The second verse, performed by Warren G and Nate Dogg, highlights the glamorous but also gritty lifestyle of a rapper, where platinum records pay bills but also involve staying true to one's roots to survive. Tray Dee, Snoop Dogg, and Soopa Fly rap about specific life experiences. Tray Dee takes a more violent and menacing approach and brags about being a seasoned criminal, whereas Snoop Dogg emphasizes the risks and consequences of being in the game. Finally, Soopa Fly talks about the benefits and disadvantages of being a rapper from a financial perspective while pointing out the absurdity of people who live beyond their means. The chorus repeated throughout the song emphasizes their unwavering loyalty to the Dogg Pound - their music royalty.
Line by Line Meaning
Smash, just before you talk spaz out
Don't start speaking until you're fully prepared and ready to express yourself assertively
Hittin' the switch, then hittin' the stash
Engaging in illegal activities by turning on and off car lights as a signal, then hiding illegal substances
Before the year 2000, all the computers crash
Back in the day, there was a fear that computers would malfunction and crash when the year 2000 arrived
I'm gone homeboy, this the hood where it's on homeboy
I am leaving, my friend. This neighborhood is where all the action happens
I'ma live long homeboy
I plan to live a long and fulfilling life
Too deep, too strong homeboy
We are deeply rooted and powerful in our community, my friend
We rollin' too deep with two zones homeboy
We are moving around with a large group and two different areas of influence, my friend
It's on homeboy
We are ready for action, my friend
Songs with two candy-painted bronze homeboy
We are renowned for releasing music that appeals to our community's taste, my friend
D-A-Z, I can't believe this nigga gon' trip
I am shocked that D-A-Z is acting in a confrontational manner
He's nothin but a busta, bitch-ass mothafucka
He is nothing more than a weak and despicable individual
With Snoop in the coop, Warren, Nate, and big Tray Dee
Being accompanied by Snoop, Warren, Nate, and big Tray Dee
Big see-Style and Mitch made to be
Big See-Style and Mitch being destined for success
Shine Dogg gettin' super-high lit
Shine Dogg getting extremely intoxicated
High-flyin' high super-duper high
Experiencing an intense state of euphoria and being extremely high
We super-duper fly
We are extraordinarily stylish and cool
I put ya in the mix
I include you in our plans and activities
I ain't with that Kibbles-N-Bits shit
I am not interested in small and insignificant matters
Bitch, where's the grip?
Hey, where is the money?
I'm still a Dogg Pound nigga, I'm Neva Gonna Give It Up (DPG {G}, C)
I will forever remain loyal to the Dogg Pound and will never abandon it
C'mon homies give it up
Come on, friends, show your support and dedication
What I'ma do, I'mm bang on the beat
I will deliver a captivating and forceful performance on this track
What I'ma do, can't cock and serve heat
I cannot carry and use firearms due to legal restrictions
You lookin' at me, I'm scopin' on you
You're watching me, but I'm closely observing and analyzing you
But you don't know my shit is right nigga, so fuck you
You don't understand that my skills and abilities are superior, so I disregard your opinion
Everybody talkin' 'bout Money Ain't A Thang
Everyone is discussing how money is insignificant
Everybody talkin' 'bout how they gang bang
Everyone is claiming to be involved in gang activities
If you was hard as me, I'm as hard as you
If you were as tough as me, I would acknowledge your toughness
Cutthroats and bud smoke, I'm an Eastside loc
Engaging in dangerous and illegal activities, I am a dedicated member of the Eastside
So don't let the crossover fool ya
Don't be deceived by my ability to appeal to broader audiences
I been down since '81, LB top gun biyatch
I have been involved in this lifestyle since 1981, I am a respected and influential figure
Platinum-ass records that be payin' bills
Successful and bestselling albums that generate significant income
Dogg Pound niggas, they be bangin' still
Members of the Dogg Pound continue to engage in violent activities
Money-makin' niggas, and they bona fide
We are legitimate individuals who make money through legal means
Them money-makin' niggas still down ta ride
Those individuals who generate income are still loyal and willing to support their crew
All them otha' niggas, they be claimin' thangs
Other individuals make false claims about their loyalty and involvement in certain activities
Scary-ass niggas wasn't born ta bang
Cowards were never destined to participate in violent activities
Hang wit' DPG and I can give ya game
If you associate with the Dogg Pound, I can share valuable knowledge and wisdom with you
Comin' from the hood, you can't be changin' games
When you come from the streets, you cannot switch allegiances and loyalties
DPG (G), C
Dogg Pound Gangstas, representing (G)angsta style in California
Yeah, bitch-ass niggas... Dogg Pound Gangstas... FUCK Y'ALL!
Expressing anger and disdain towards weak individuals, emphasizing loyalty to the Dogg Pound
Yeah, I'm from that clique that slap clips with hollow-point tips
I belong to a group that carries weapons with dangerous ammunition
And serve bitch-niggas quick with this gangsta shit
We swiftly and brutally deal with individuals who disrespect and act cowardly
Tray Dee, ya heard of me, murder be my hobby
People are familiar with Tray Dee, and he takes pleasure in participating in violent acts
Bangin' and slangin' in dangerous robberies
Engaging in criminal activities involving violence and theft
Fuck a mask, you bustas duck when I blast
I don't need to hide my face when I attack, as you cowards run for cover
I take the cash, and put a cap up in that ass
I steal the money, and then shoot you in the rear end
Saggin' with my rag, 'bout to drag the street
Wearing my pants low with a bandana, ready to assert my dominance in the neighborhood
Triple-X sweatshirt with blue Chucks on feet
Wearing a sweatshirt with explicit content and blue Chuck Taylor sneakers
Killa instincts keep me ahead of my foes
My natural and well-developed instincts allow me to outsmart and outmaneuver my enemies
Neva doze when I rose, let the chrome explode
I never fall asleep when I wake up and grab my firearm, ready to unleash its power
Man I wish a bitch would get me fo' some child support
I hope a woman tries to extort money from me for child support so I can aggressively respond
I stuck my foot up her ass, like a super sport
I violently assaulted her, similar to the speed and force of a powerful sports car
Down shit, Pound shit, gangsta
Representing the Dogg Pound and the gangsta lifestyle
Fo'eva', Wheneva', Howeva', down fo' whateva'
Loyal and committed forever, at any time, under any circumstances, supportive
Recognize game when it hits ya
Acknowledge and appreciate the skills and expertise I possess when it becomes evident
Nigga, if ya slip up Doggy Dogg's gonna get-'cha
If you make a mistake, I, Doggy Dogg, will take advantage and harm you
Been doin' that thang-thang, long trynna' slang 'caine
Engaging in illicit activities, specifically selling cocaine, for a long time
Just before I was taught, how ta gangbang
I learned how to participate in gang activities shortly before my upbringing
All my peers through the years know
Everyone who has known me for many years understands
That Snoop Dogg ain't nothin' but a fool do'
That Snoop Dogg is nothing but a joker, always messing around
And if ya run up on that man trynna do-low
If you approach that individual with the intent to deceive or harm
That's when he, pull out his homey, who, you know
That's when he reveals his close friend, who is known for being dangerous
Man I been through so much and I'm still goin' through it
I have experienced a lot of hardships, and I am currently still enduring them
But fuck all that, I got ta stay into it
Regardless, I must continue to stay committed and involved
I knew the job was dangerous when I took it
I was aware of the risks involved in this lifestyle when I joined
Shit, a nigga didn't even overlook it
I didn't even consider overlooking those dangers
I was so eager, just trynna' get involved
I was very enthusiastic and eager to become part of this lifestyle
But now's I gots ta represent for me and my Doggs
Now, I have the responsibility to represent myself and my close friends
Yeah, '94, became a D-O, double-G, P-O, U-N-D, Gangsta
In 1994, I joined the Dogg Pound and became a certified gangsta
Now you can see me smokin' dank in neighborhood, pranksta'
You can now witness me casually smoking high-quality marijuana in my neighborhood
Play a trick, quick inimate, then out, no doubt
I play pranks, quickly intimidate others, and leave immediately without any hesitation
Paperboy wit' a new route
I am like a newspaper delivery boy with a fresh and innovative approach
When I'm in front, they watch behind me
When I lead the way, others closely follow and keep an eye on me
Mission: Crush, ready to bust, grab the Tom-my
Our mission is to achieve victory, always prepared to engage in violence, and armed with firearms
Gun, keep one, I role with the heat-seeka's
I carry a firearm at all times, and I associate myself with individuals who are experts in locating and targeting enemies
Stash the gauge, pass the .9 to my nee-ga
I hide my shotgun, and I hand over a 9mm gun to my friend
Roll, keep slow, peep, Po-Po
Drive carefully and cautiously, watch out for the police
Creep slow, ready ta smash with the fo'-fo'
Move silently and cautiously, prepared to attack with a .44 caliber firearm
I go for broke wit' loc niggas who toke guns
I take risks with crazy individuals who carry firearms
Neva understood niggas high-up with low funds
People never fully grasped how individuals with high status could have limited resources
Smoke one, represent my seaside ocean
I smoke marijuana and proudly represent my coastal neighborhood
Eastside motion, we slide coastin' through
We proudly move and navigate through the Eastside, displaying ease and confidence
MOTHAFUCKAAZ!! HAHA!!
These individuals are disrespectful and foolish, expressing laughter
Dogg Pound... mothafuckin' Gangstas...
Referring to the Dogg Pound as real and dedicated gangsters
1999, back up in this BI-YAI-ITCH!
In 1999, we are back and making our presence known
Eastside up, Eastsidaz!
We represent the Eastside proudly and call ourselves the Eastsidaz
And niggas thought we fell off...
Some individuals believed that we lost our influence or status
I'm still a Dogg Pound nigga, (Dogg Pound in this mothafucka)
I remain a loyal member of the Dogg Pound and represent it strongly
C'mon homies give it up
Friends, show your support and dedication
I'm still a Dogg Pound nigga, I'm Neva Gonna Give It Up
I will forever remain loyal to the Dogg Pound and will never abandon it
I'm still a Dogg Pound nigga, I'm Neva Gonna Give It Up
I will forever remain loyal to the Dogg Pound and will never abandon it
c'mon homies give it up
Friends, show your support and dedication
I'm still a Dogg Pound nigga, I'm Neva Gonna Give It Up (DPG {G}, C)
I will forever remain loyal to the Dogg Pound and will never abandon it
Neva Gonna Give It Up
I will never surrender or give up
C'mon homies give it up
Friends, show your support and dedication
I'm still... [fades away]
I am still here, and my presence will remain, even as the song fades out
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: CALVIN CORDAZOR BROADUS, CECIL WOMACK, NATHANIEL D. HALE, PRIEST J. BROOKS, RICARDO EMMANUEL BROWN JR., TRACEY LA MARR DAVIS, WARREN GRIFFIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind