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.
Dedication
M.O.P. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Fire in the hole
Mad
Yeah
Real life
Yeah
It's real life
Its real life
Dedication
I’m bout that elevation
And I’ve been putting in that work coz I ain’t never waiting
And I ain’t hesitating
I've just been meditating
And now I’m fucking up the game
I cause a devastation
Cos' I’m ready to go
I’m out of control
I’m ready to go
I’m out of control
I’m ready to go
I’m out of control
I’m ready to go
I’m out of control
And show my niggers about that dedication
Dedication
I was on my grind and I was outchea wasting
Time got no time for no niggas hating
Money on my mind now your bitch be rating
Don’t want to see you shine is the systems making
Need to open up your mind don’t be a victim facing
When reality declines when you're winning racing
When you're feeling blue remember you yourself you're chasing
I’ve never ever been boxed a raisin
Could of been worst in the dirt lost decaying
So I keep on praying
I ain’t tryna take you church but
If you're on the curb then
I'ma spread the word
Many years have gone past
And I put the days in
Now the team be so strong
Call it double glazing
I got no reason to don’t need no new explanation
All I see is people moving mad for views and reputation
Rap is dead needs respiration
Dedication
I’m bout that elevation
And I’ve been putting in that work coz I ain’t never waiting
And I ain’t hesitating
I've just been meditating
And now I’m fucking up the game
I cause a devastation
Cos' I’m ready to go
I’m out of control
I’m ready to go
I’m out of control
I’m ready to go
I’m out of control
I’m ready to go
I’m out of control
And show my niggers about that dedication
Pops told me education
And he showed me bout them rules and them regulations
Said you can’t make moves if you're hesitating
Desperation have you making moves with no preparation
Cos you’re living under rules full of segregation
But I didn’t give a fuck about no legislation
I was busy focused on my reputation
Never skipped school but I was late for registration
But now I’m focused on my destination
To share my blessing with this world and make a better nation
And I serve The Most High cos' that’s my medication
Ha Mashiach YAHusha be my renovation
Every day that I’m awake that's a celebration
So I start my day with a prayer that’s my meditation
Elevation, discipline, hard work and dedication
Told them from the start that I’m the revelation
Dedication
I’m bout that elevation
And I’ve been putting in that work coz I ain’t never waiting
And I ain’t hesitating
I've just been meditating
And now I’m fucking up the game
I cause a devastation
Cos' I’m ready to go
I’m out of control
I’m ready to go
I’m out of control
I’m ready to go
I’m out of control
I’m ready to go
I’m out of control
And show my niggers about that dedication
True
True
Trueeeee
It's Trueeee
True
True
Trueeeee
It's Trueeee
The song "Dedication" by M.O.P. is a reflection of the artist's journey to success through hard work and dedication. The lyrics reflect a sense of urgency and a drive to achieve their goals. The opening lines, "Fire in the hole, mad" sets the tone for the aggressive nature of the song. The artists talk about their dedication to their craft and how they have been relentlessly putting in the work to elevate themselves. The line "Money on my mind now your bitch be rating" indicates that they are focused on their success and the money that comes with it.
The song also touches upon topics such as faith and perseverance. The artists mention that they have faced obstacles and negativity from others, but they never let it hold them back. They emphasize that they have stayed true to themselves and their values, and have their eyes set on their goals. The line "Every day that I’m awake that's a celebration, so I start my day with a prayer that’s my meditation" reflects their belief that their faith has helped them stay grounded and focused.
Overall, "Dedication" is an empowering and motivating song that encourages listeners to work hard and stay dedicated to their goals, despite any obstacles they may encounter.
Line by Line Meaning
Fire in the hole
The singer is energized and ready to go, using a metaphor of an expolsion to convey their intensity.
Mad
The singer is focused and driven to succeed, channeling their intensity in a positive way.
Yeah
The singer affirms their own purpose and determination.
Real life
The artist acknowledges the serious nature of their goals and aspirations, and the effort required to achieve them.
It's real life
The artist emphasizes that their ambitions are grounded in reality, not just a fantasy.
Check
The singer draws attention to their own authority, as if to say 'listen up, this is important.'
Dedication
The central theme of the song is introduced, as the singer emphasizes the importance of hard work and commitment.
I’m bout that elevation
The artist is focused on improving their situation, elevating themselves and their prospects.
And I’ve been putting in that work coz I ain’t never waiting
The artist emphasizes their persistence and drive, always taking action and never resting on their laurels.
And I ain’t hesitating
The artist is decisive and confident in their actions, not second-guessing themselves or wasting time.
I've just been meditating
The singer takes time to reflect and focus their mind, using meditation as a tool for mental clarity.
And now I’m fucking up the game
The artist is disrupting the status quo, making waves and changing things for the better.
I cause a devastation
The singer's impact is significant and powerful, leaving a lasting impression on the world around them.
Cos' I’m ready to go
The singer is eager and prepared to take action, poised to seize opportunities when they arise.
I’m out of control
The singer's energy and passion is so intense that they feel almost unstoppable.
And show my niggers about that dedication
The artist wants to share their message of dedication and hard work with their community, encouraging others to follow their lead.
Pops told me education
The artist's father emphasized the importance of learning and knowledge in achieving success.
And he showed me bout them rules and them regulations
The singer's father also taught them about the importance of following the law and playing by the rules, even while pushing for change.
Said you can’t make moves if you're hesitating
The singer's father stressed the importance of decisiveness and action, and the danger of indecision.
Desperation have you making moves with no preparation
The artist warns that acting out of desperation can lead to poor decisions and lack of preparation.
Cos you’re living under rules full of segregation
The artist acknowledges the systemic barriers that exist for certain groups of people, and the difficulty of overcoming these obstacles.
But I didn’t give a fuck about no legislation
Despite these barriers, the artist is determined to succeed and make a difference, even if it means challenging the existing laws and regulations.
I was busy focused on my reputation
The singer prioritizes their own reputation and work, rather than worrying about what others think or say about them.
Never skipped school but I was late for registration
While the artist is committed to their education, they also prioritize action and taking initiative, sometimes at the expense of being punctual.
But now I’m focused on my destination
The singer has a clear vision of where they want to go and what they want to achieve, and are working diligently to get there.
To share my blessing with this world and make a better nation
The singer wants to use their success to make a positive impact on the world, creating a better future for themselves and their community.
And I serve The Most High cos' that’s my medication
The singer draws strength and inspiration from their faith, using it as a tool for motivation and self-improvement.
Ha Mashiach YAHusha be my renovation
The artist looks to their religious figure as a source of guidance and spiritual renewal.
Every day that I’m awake that's a celebration
The artist finds joy and gratitude in every day, appreciating the opportunity to continue working towards their goals.
So I start my day with a prayer that’s my meditation
The singer incorporates prayer as a key part of their daily routine, using it as a tool for focus and mental clarity.
True
The singer affirms the authenticity and truthfulness of their message and their own actions.
Trueeeee
The artist emphasizes their own conviction and steadfastness.
It's Trueeee
The artist further emphasizes the truthfulness and accuracy of their message and their intent.
Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Gerd Attah, Tyrone Tutu
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind