Throughout their whole career M.O.P. deliver the most hard, vicious and violent music hip hop could ever offer. They struck out in 1994. with To The Death, a dark, slow and raging LP that was fully produced by DR Period and featured one of the biggest hardcore rap anthems of the nineties, How About Some Hardcore, that's put by any hardcore rap fan in the same category with Onyx's Slam, Jeru The Damaja's Come Clean and Wu-Tang Clan's Shame On A Nigga.
In 1996 MOP released their second effort, the totally-sophomore-slump-free Firing Squad. Despite totally changing their production sources (the album was mostly produced by Gang Starr's DJ Premier and Fizzy Womack himself), M.O.P. continued torturing fans' ears with extremely hard, rhinocerously slow beats and ecstatic, rampant delivery. Subject matter is either battling with heavy use of criminal associations or serious talk about life in the ghetto.
Two years later M.O.P. hit the fans with a starter - an EP called Handle Ur Bizness and later that year released First Family 4 Life, working on the same formula as ever, again with heavy percentage of DJ Preemo's production, more gems produced by group member Lil Fame and proving that M.O.P.'s trademark is not only the hardest hardcore you can get but also consistency.
Most of M.O.P.'s work was considered underground until 2000, when they released Warriorz, their best work yet. Mainstream got the first hint with "Ante Up", a track produced by DR Period for first time in 6 years. But with self-produced Cold As Ice, a track that featured a rock-song sample (Cold As Ice by Foreigner), M.O.P. achieved major mainstream success, though the song's lyrics were explicit and raging as usual (the radio version edits out much lyrical content to comply with FCC regulations).
In a strange turn, M.O.P. featured on the title track of sugary-sweet boy band LFO's 2001 album Life is Good. Aside from the lack of profanity, M.O.P.'s short verse was rapped in their trademark loud, intense style. It is unclear how this unusual team-up was organized, but it is unlikely that this brief guest spot led to much crossover fan appeal for either group.
"Ante Up" was later remixed with added verse by Flipmodian Busta Rhymes and Terror Squad queen Remy Ma, and was released on the greatest hits record 10 Yearz And Gunnin'. Believe it or not, it is the last hip hop record from M.O.P. In the beginning of the century they switched labels from Loud to Roc-A-Fella in order to have more income and more creative control, but the long-awaited release is still on the shelves. M.O.P. also made a rock-rap album titled simply Mash Out Posse, but it received bad reviews from rap fans who wanted M.O.P. to just rap.
In June 2005, M.O.P. officially announced their signing with 50 Cent's G-Unit, at the same time as Queens rap duo Mobb Deep.
City
M.O.P. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
This is ghetto warfare, heavy metal warfare.
Prepare, get on your post and stand clear.
If you start it, defend it, start it, we'll end it.
We're highly recommended, listen, this is
Ghetto warfare, heavy metal warfare.
Prepare, get on your post and stand clear.
The Brownsville sluggers, about to attack...
Bring it back, yo I'm tired of you herbs
Gettin' on my nerves,
Pretendin' to be drug dealers, and killers.
You fold up, hold up, let me ease the grip
So they can jack talkin' 'bout how many keys you flip.
Your sleeves get ripped off for that bracelet you rockin'.
This lil' nigga get to poppin', pistol grippin' and cockin'.
[Cuz nine times outta ten] I'm guaranteed to leave you stragglin'
Plus I bag emcees that's babblin'
I ain't tryin' to hear ya,
But I'm about ready to ear ya out,
Get the gats and clear ya out
'cause you's a part-time felon, kid killing yellin'.
[Before I send a slug through your melon]
I'm a basket case, don't make me bash your face.
[You sittin'] I'm sittin on chrome, like Masta Ace.
It's live nigga, no jive, hear the guns blast.
I be wreckin' like the fuckin' Jamaicans at Sun Splash.
[It ain't where you from] It's where ya at
And where you be at times, you don't have your fuckin' gat.
So chill with your riff raff, your bitch staff
Is some new cats, living in NEW JACK CITY!!
[Chorus]
Yo what the fuck is the deal? Here comes a new generation of rap dudes,
[With fake attitudes] That refuse to play by the rules.
It's a shame the way they be dissin' the game.
They fantasize, then go to something I would tell lies.
[These fake thugs] Replace slugs that's have three to nigga.
[Actin' like he want it] No one want to see my niggas
[Firing Squad] Still firing, fuckin' wit old timers;
Wit rhymers ready to come out of retirement.
Stoppin your traffic, a classic,
Puttin' you bitch ass niggas in caskets [you lil' bastards]
Don't know this rap shit, get this:
My family is ready to lynch, and roll before all you devils and sins.
[Raw breed] Indeed, we proceed to give you what you need,
You way out of your motherfucking league.
It's the, warpath, O.G. staff;
Ambidextrous and I'll tear your maggot ass in half.
My family don't give a fuck about you.
How 'bout I, jump up and smack the shit out you?
[Get at 'em] Took you down the Firing Squad committee,
Wit' no pity, detonating this NEW JACK CITY!!
The lyrics of M.O.P.'s song "New Jack City" are a telling commentary on hip-hop culture and the way it has evolved. A major theme of the song is authenticity and the contrast between real and fake, with M.O.P. calling out those who posture as gangsters and drug dealers to make themselves seem tough. However, the song isn't just a criticism of poseurs; it's also a celebration of the real deal. The group emphasizes that they're not playing around and warns that anyone who crosses them will feel the heat of their "ghetto warfare" and "heavy metal warfare." In the end, M.O.P. is highly recommended, and listeners are urged to stand clear and prepare for an onslaught.
Throughout the song, M.O.P. uses vivid imagery to depict the violence and chaos of the streets, often with violent and graphic language. The group's aggressive delivery and gritty lyrics make it clear that they're not interested in putting on a pretty show or sugarcoating anything. This rawness and honesty made them stand out in the '90s era of hip-hop, where many artists prized commercial success and crossover appeal over authenticity.
Overall, "New Jack City" is a powerful track that encapsulates M.O.P.'s ethos and sound. It's a testament to their status as legends of underground hip-hop and a reminder of why the genre became so popular in the first place.
Line by Line Meaning
This is ghetto warfare, heavy metal warfare.
The situation is serious, dangerous, and violent.
Prepare, get on your post and stand clear.
Be ready and alert for what is about to happen.
If you start it, defend it, start it, we'll end it.
If you provoke us, we will retaliate and finish it.
We're highly recommended, listen, this is
We are respected and feared in our community.
The Brownsville sluggers, about to attack...
We are ready to fight and will not back down.
Bring it back, yo I'm tired of you herbs
I am fed up with these fake people.
Gettin' on my nerves,
Annoying me.
Pretendin' to be drug dealers, and killers.
Acting like something you are not.
You fold up, hold up, let me ease the grip
You are weak and unprepared, let me show you.
So they can jack talkin' 'bout how many keys you flip.
Trying to impress people by talking about dealing drugs.
Your sleeves get ripped off for that bracelet you rockin'.
You will be stripped of your possessions.
This lil' nigga get to poppin', pistol grippin' and cockin'.
This young person is ready to use their gun, holding it tightly.
[Cuz nine times outta ten] I'm guaranteed to leave you stragglin'
I am likely to leave you in a bad state.
Plus I bag emcees that's babblin'
I can silence and defeat rappers who talk nonsense.
I ain't tryin' to hear ya,
I am not interested in what you have to say.
But I'm about ready to ear ya out,
I am willing to listen and respond with force.
Get the gats and clear ya out
Use guns to get rid of you.
'cause you's a part-time felon, kid killing yellin'.
You are only pretending to be a criminal, threatening children.
[Before I send a slug through your melon]
I will shoot you in the head.
I'm a basket case, don't make me bash your face.
I am angry and likely to hurt you.
[You sittin'] I'm sittin on chrome, like Masta Ace.
I have a nice car and am like a successful rapper.
It's live nigga, no jive, hear the guns blast.
The situation is real, and you will hear gunshots.
I be wreckin' like the fuckin' Jamaicans at Sun Splash.
I am causing destruction like famous reggae artists.
[It ain't where you from] It's where ya at
It doesn't matter where you come from, it matters where you are now.
And where you be at times, you don't have your fuckin' gat.
Sometimes you are not prepared with a gun.
So chill with your riff raff, your bitch staff
Calm down with your worthless friends and followers.
Is some new cats, living in NEW JACK CITY!!
They are people who are new to this lifestyle.
Yo what the fuck is the deal? Here comes a new generation of rap dudes,
There is a new group of rappers on the scene.
[With fake attitudes] That refuse to play by the rules.
They are pretending to be something they are not, and do not follow the norms.
It's a shame the way they be dissin' the game.
It is unfortunate how they disrespect the culture and history of rap.
They fantasize, then go to something I would tell lies.
They imagine things that are not true.
[These fake thugs] Replace slugs that's have three to nigga.
These posers replace real weapons with fake ones.
[Actin' like he want it] No one want to see my niggas
They are pretending like they are ready for a fight, but no one is.
[Firing Squad] Still firing, fuckin' wit old timers;
We are experienced and will keep shooting.
Wit rhymers ready to come out of retirement.
Skilled rappers who haven't performed in a while are ready to fight.
Stoppin your traffic, a classic,
We are causing chaos and making a statement.
Puttin' you bitch ass niggas in caskets [you lil' bastards]
We are killing those who are weak and inexperienced.
Don't know this rap shit, get this:
Those who do not understand the culture should be aware.
My family is ready to lynch, and roll before all you devils and sins.
My group is ready to attack and get rid of evil people.
[Raw breed] Indeed, we proceed to give you what you need,
We are authentic and will give you a true experience.
You way out of your motherfucking league.
You are not on our level.
It's the, warpath, O.G. staff;
We are on a mission, and we are the original group.
Ambidextrous and I'll tear your maggot ass in half.
I can use both hands and will hurt you severely.
My family don't give a fuck about you.
We do not care about you or your wellbeing.
How 'bout I, jump up and smack the shit out you?
I will hit you hard.
[Get at 'em] Took you down the Firing Squad committee,
We are coming for you and will get rid of you.
Wit' no pity, detonating this NEW JACK CITY!!
We will show no mercy and destroy everything in our path.
[Chorus] This is ghetto warfare, heavy metal warfare. Prepare, get on your post and stand clear. If you start it, defend it, start it, we'll end it. We're highly recommended, listen, this is. Ghetto warfare, heavy metal warfare. Prepare, get on your post and stand clear. The Brownsville sluggers, about to attack...
The chorus repeats the overall message of the song: prepare for war, defend yourself, and be ready to fight.
Lyrics © THE ROYALTY NETWORK INC., Royalty Network, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CHRISTOPHER E MARTIN, ERIC MURRY, JAMAL GERARD GRINNAGE, Christopher Martin, Jamal Grinnage
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind