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.
Roll call
M.O.P. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In the year 2000...
{M-O-P} still bangin
{Firing Squad!}
{The last generation...}
Hey, hey, hey, hey
All right let me brake it down one for time for you
You motherfuckers
[Lil` Fame]
Fuck the East Coast, this is N.Y., N.Y.
N-I-N-E, make niggas M-I-A
And I spray a, it`s Fizzy Womack truck
Bitch don`t get in my way
Fuck the jail faces, I leave your body for the homicide to trace
Fight along with the shell aces
Holler if you hear me
I turn your head into a skeleton skull
And leave it hollow if you hear me
I keep it funky, understand me son
I rock my Timb`s untied, I don`t plan to run
Niggas see Lil` Fame creep through the back street
With my aluminum ass whoopa in the back-seat
What the fuck is this? Your Van Damme flick, that`s cute
But I`m hear to fuck up your day do
Yes (yes) yes (yes) yo
I step to my backwood to brown face and start clippin
[Chorus: M.O.P. & Teflon]
International, bell ringer, ruckus bringer
Downtown swinga, SS Thousand, my index finger
We here with the whole squad, First Family empire
Fizzy Womack (clack-clack) reportin for Roll Call
International, bell ringer, ruckus bringer
Downtown swinga, SS Thousand, my index finger
We here with the whole squad, First Family empire
Bert Dog (Bucka-Blaow) reportin for Roll Call
[Billy Danze]
Yo, what if I leave you, will you stand?
be -I-Double L-why-D-A-N-Z-E (Danze)
Back with a vengeance, listen Mr. Simmer
Before I throw copper tops through the back of your skimmer
Y`all niggas remember, 1-9-9-3 (M-O-P) what it`s goin be
Just make it loud and clear
Come here nigga, I can`t hear nigga
I`m deaf in one ear nigga (yeah nigga)
You cowards are pathetic, if you wonderin if I`m sympathetic
Don`t bet it, you should give me a little credit
I grew up where it`s equivalent to none (none)
Wit blood in my palm (palm), I walk wit my arms (arms)
Hellerin marksmen (uh-huh), in the dark and the punks sparkin & barkin
At ease soldier, it`s the untouchable type, that you like
We burn pipes, it`s over
[Chorus]
[Lil` Fame]
I rip ya body on a Nagamichi system
Nigga feel me, I want my goons
Straight bumpin the tunes of Makaveli
Headed to Queens kid, bumpin some mean shit
Bumps thumps on the side of me, smokin some green shit
(First Faaaaaaam) Feel the premonition son
We heavy metal, what`s your love? (Ghetto prisoners)
Racka (bung-bung) Racka (bung-bung) rrrrrrrrrrrrracka, motherfucker
[Billy Danze]
Aiyo we live by the code of the streets
Move wit our peeps
Since it`s hard to eat, we hardly sleep
I put my life on the line every step of the way
It`s for a good cause (for you and yours) of course
Okay, now that we establish that
Nigga where the fuck that money at
I know you got it, and I want it Jack
Just give me half of that
Take the other half and get yourself another pack
And I`ll be back for that
[Chorus]
The song "Roll Call" by M.O.P. is an aggressive hip-hop track that portrays the pride of New York City and its notorious streets. Lil' Fame opens the song by belting out the chorus with a booming voice that sets the tone for the rest of the track. The song's gritty lyrics take on a gangster rap vibe as Lil' Fame brags about his street cred and Billy Danze delivers aggressive rhymes about his code of the streets. The chorus brings in Teflon, who provides a smooth flow that complements the rough cut of the track.
Lil' Fame switches from boasting to threatening in his verse, warning his enemies to stay out of his way or suffer the consequences as he rides through the backstreets with his "aluminum ass whoopa." Billy Danze follows by talking about his rough upbringing and hard lifestyle, promising to put his "life on the line every step of the way." The song's message is clear: New York City is tough, and M.O.P. is tougher.
Overall, "Roll Call" comes across as a hard-hitting homage to the streets, with M.O.P. taking pride in their gritty origins and unapologetic attitudes.
Line by Line Meaning
In the year 2000...
The year 2000, when M.O.P was still active and relevant.
{M-O-P} still bangin
M.O.P. is still making music and producing great sound.
{Firing Squad!}
A shout-out to their album Firing Squad, which was released in 1996.
{The last generation...}
A reference to M.O.P.'s impact on hip-hop during their time, and their legacy as part of the last generation of true rap artists.
Fuck the East Coast, this is N.Y., N.Y.
Proudly representing New York City as the home of raw and gritty hip-hop.
N-I-N-E, make niggas M-I-A
N-I-N-E is a reference to Hardcore MC 9 (Nine), who had the ability to make other rappers disappear (M-I-A) due to his superior skills.
And I spray a, it`s Fizzy Womack truck
Referring to his ability to shoot (spray) the Fizzy Womack truck with bullets (or rhymes).
Bitch don`t get in my way
Warning anyone who might cross his path to stay out of his way.
Fuck the jail faces, I leave your body for the homicide to trace
Disregarding anyone who has spent time in jail, and boasting about his ability to commit murder without being caught.
Fight along with the shell aces
Ready to go to battle alongside those who are skilled with firearms (shell aces).
Holler if you hear me
Asking for a response from anyone who can hear and relate to his message.
I turn your head into a skeleton skull
Threatening to turn an opponent's head into a lifeless skull.
And leave it hollow if you hear me
Continuing the threat to leave his opponent's head hollow and lifeless if they don't heed his warning.
I keep it funky, understand me son
Stressing the importance of staying true to his roots and remaining genuine in his music.
I rock my Timb`s untied, I don`t plan to run
Showing that he is unafraid and always ready for whatever may come his way.
Niggas see Lil` Fame creep through the back street
Indicating that he moves silently and is able to sneak up on his targets.
With my aluminum ass whoopa in the back-seat
With his weapon (aluminum ass whoopa) in the back seat, ready to be used if necessary.
What the fuck is this? Your Van Damme flick, that`s cute
Mocking someone's love of action movies, indicating that he is always ready for real-life action.
But I`m hear to fuck up your day do
Making it clear that he's not here for fun, but to cause damage and destruction.
Yes (yes) yes (yes) yo
Energetically hyping himself up and getting ready to take action.
I step to my backwood to brown face and start clippin
Grabbing his weapon and preparing to shoot at anyone who gets in his way.
International, bell ringer, ruckus bringer
Introducing himself as a global artist who can bring both a loud sound and chaos to any crowd.
Downtown swinga, SS Thousand, my index finger
Comfortable navigating any downtown area and able to shoot his weapon (SS Thousand) with precision (index finger).
We here with the whole squad, First Family empire
Referring to his musical family (First Family empire) and his tight-knit group of supporters (squad).
Fizzy Womack (clack-clack) reportin for Roll Call
Acknowledging Fizzy Womack (producer and member of M.O.P.) and his readiness to make noise and start trouble.
Yo, what if I leave you, will you stand?
Testing others' loyalty and ability to stand strong and carry on without him.
Back with a vengeance, listen Mr. Simmer
Making a strong comeback and warning anyone who might stand in his way.
Before I throw copper tops through the back of your skimmer
Warning that he has the power to shoot bullets (copper tops) at the back of someone's car (skimmer).
Y`all niggas remember, 1-9-9-3 (M-O-P) what it`s goin be
Reminding listeners of M.O.P.'s legacy and predicting that their music will continue to be impactful and memorable.
Just make it loud and clear
Requesting that listeners say what they mean and don't hold back.
Come here nigga, I can`t hear nigga
Asking someone to come closer so that he can better understand what they're saying and respond accordingly.
I`m deaf in one ear nigga (yeah nigga)
Admitting that he has a physical limitation (deafness in one ear) that might make it harder for him to hear and communicate.
You cowards are pathetic, if you wonderin if I`m sympathetic
Showing no mercy or empathy toward those who are weak, ineffective, or afraid.
Don`t bet it, you should give me a little credit
Encouraging others to give him some respect and recognition for his skills and accomplishments.
I grew up where it`s equivalent to none (none)
Reminding listeners that he comes from a place with unmatched toughness and grit.
Wit blood in my palm (palm), I walk wit my arms (arms)
Referring to his willingness to fight and his ability to defend himself and his crew.
Hellerin marksmen (uh-huh), in the dark and the punks sparkin & barkin
Admitting that he and his group have weapons (marksmen) and are not afraid to use them against any enemy, even in the dark when the situation is uncertain.
At ease soldier, it`s the untouchable type, that you like
Showing that he is a soldier (on the streets and in the music industry) but also that he is confident in his ability to avoid harm and stay out of trouble.
We burn pipes, it`s over
Smoking (burning) marijuana (pipes) to relax and enjoy life, indicating that there's no need to worry or stress anymore.
I rip ya body on a Nagamichi system
Indicating that with his powerful sound system (Nagamichi), he can make anyone feel his music and become part of his message.
Nigga feel me, I want my goons
Demanding that his listeners understand and connect with his music and his message, and requesting the support of his loyal followers (goons).
Straight bumpin the tunes of Makaveli
Listening to the music of Tupac Shakur, also known as Makaveli, and being inspired by his lyrics and message.
Headed to Queens kid, bumpin some mean shit
Going to the neighborhood of Queens (in New York City) and listening to some intense and aggressive music.
Bumps thumps on the side of me, smokin some green shit
Feeling the powerful vibrations (bumps and thumps) of his music while smoking marijuana (green shit) to enhance the experience.
(First Faaaaaaam) Feel the premonition son
Reminding listeners of his close-knit musical family (First Family) and their tight bond, predicting that something big is about to happen (premonition).
We heavy metal, what`s your love? (Ghetto prisoners)
Bringing a tough and aggressive musical style (heavy metal) to the world, and identifying with those who are trapped in the ghetto and struggling to survive (ghetto prisoners).
Racka (bung-bung) Racka (bung-bung) rrrrrrrrrrrrracka, motherfucker
Using onomatopoeia to describe the sound of his gunfire (racka, bung-bung) and emphasizing the violent and intense nature of his music and message.
Aiyo we live by the code of the streets
Acknowledging that he and his crew adhere to the unwritten rules and norms of the urban environment they come from.
Move wit our peeps
Sticking together and supporting each other, especially in difficult situations.
Since it`s hard to eat, we hardly sleep
Working tirelessly to earn a living in circumstances that are often challenging and tiring, knowing that rest is a luxury they can't always afford.
I put my life on the line every step of the way
Acknowledging the risks he takes and the sacrifices he makes while pursuing his passion and his dreams.
It`s for a good cause (for you and yours) of course
Reassuring his listeners that his work is not in vain, and that it benefits them and their community as well (for you and yours).
Nigga where the fuck that money at
Demanding that someone who owes him money pay up immediately.
I know you got it, and I want it Jack
Accusing someone of having the money he's owed and imploring them to give it to him (Jack).
Just give me half of that
Offering to compromise and accept only half of the money he's owed if that's all he can get at the moment.
Take the other half and get yourself another pack
Telling the debtor to use the other half of the money to start another venture or enterprise.
And I`ll be back for that
Asserting his persistence and determination to get what he's owed, even if he has to come back and demand it repeatedly.
International, bell ringer, ruckus bringer
Repeating his introduction as a global artist who can make loud noise and cause chaos anywhere he goes.
Downtown swinga, SS Thousand, my index finger
Reminding listeners of his ability to navigate any urban environment and shoot his weapon (SS Thousand) with precision (index finger).
We here with the whole squad, First Family empire
Re-emphasizing his connection to his musical family (First Family) and the tight-knit group of supporters who surround him (squad).
Bert Dog (Bucka-Blaow) reportin for Roll Call
Introducing Bert Dog (producer and member of M.O.P.) and indicating his readiness to make noise and start trouble (Bucka-Blaow) when called upon (Roll Call).
Lyrics © Royalty Network, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., CATALOGUE MUSIC
Written by: JAMAL GERARD GRINNAGE, L. HANCOCK, G HAWKINS, L LOVETT, CHRISTOPHER E MARTIN, ERIC MURRY, P STUBBLEFIELD, W WINSTON, STUBBLEFIELD, C MARTIN, ERIC MURRAY, L HANCOCK
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