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.
Warrior
M.O.P. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Under which I can
Find myself in
Peace
You're my everything
All that I am
All that I want to
Sacrificed kingdoms
For us to succeed
(For us to succeed)
Beauty and intelligence
In awe I see
(In awe I see)
Warrior at times
Biggest heart inside
Bow to my queen
Carrying wisdom
Presenting a vision
A walking
Miracle
Sacrificed kingdoms
For us to succeed
(For us to succeed)
Beauty and intelligence
In awe I see
(In awe I see)
Warrior at times
Biggest heart inside
Bow to my queen
Sacrificed kingdoms
For us to succeed
(For us to succeed)
Beauty and intelligence
In awe I see
(In awe I see)
Warrior at times
Biggest heart inside
Bow to my queen
The lyrics to M.O.P.'s "Warrior" reveal the artist's determination, resilience, and drive to succeed despite their humble beginnings. The first verse of the song highlights the rapper's struggle to overcome social and economic barriers to become successful in his respective field. The artist's sheer grit and resilience shine through as he proclaims that he came from 'the sticks' to 'the bricks,' implying that he overcame poverty or adversity to make a better life for himself. The artist's use of verbs such as 'tick tick tick' and 'beat it up beat it up beat it up' serves to emphasize his determination and further illustrates his struggle to succeed. Additionally, the chorus, which proclaims that "Warriors in the dance" and "Gangsters bangers were puttin' 'em in a trance," is a testament to the artist's perseverance and triumph over adversity.
One interesting fact about this song is that it was released as part of the "Blade II" soundtrack. Another interesting tidbit is that M.O.P. was discovered by DJ Premier, the legendary producer behind many of the greatest rap albums ever produced. Furthermore, the group's name stands for "Mash Out Posse," which accurately describes their raw and aggressive style. The song features a sample from M.I.A.'s song "Galang." The single version contains cuts from the Blade II movie. M.O.P.'s "Warrior" garnered positive reviews from many notable publications, including Pitchfork, which called it "a dope blender of styles and cultures."
Unfortunately, we could not track down the chords for this song.
In summary, "Warrior" is an inspiring song that illustrates an artist's struggle to succeed in the music industry. It is a reminder that anything is possible through sheer determination and resilience. The song not only tells a story, but it is also a testament to the artist's musical abilities and the skillful interplay of samples and beats.
Line by Line Meaning
I tick tick tick I collected my ticks
I've been working hard and keeping track of my progress.
Top dog even though I didn’t speak no English
I may not speak the language, but I'm still on top and the best.
Guess I got grit 'cause I suffer for my shit
I have resilience and determination because I've been through tough times to get where I am.
Guess I came from the sticks and moved to the bricks
I grew up in a rural area, but now I'm living in the city.
You can’t fix this 'cause I’m in the same mix
My situation can't be changed because I'm in the same place as everyone else.
Guess I’m in the air you can smell me like Vicks
I'm making a strong impact, and people can't help but notice me.
This chicks bringing back this
This girl is bringing this energy back.
It’s my last wish
This is my ultimate goal.
One snare one kick oh look at this
Even with simple beats, my music is powerful.
I freak in minds like
I have the ability to affect people's thoughts and emotions with my music.
Giddy up giddy up giddy up
Let's go, let's ride.
Come take a ride
Come with me and experience the excitement.
Light the city up city up city up
Let's make an impact and light up the whole city.
You’ve got me fired up
I'm excited and ready to go.
Sound boy got me back up
I'm supported by my sound and music.
I keep my head down beat it up beat it up beat it up
I'm focused and working hard to create great music.
Warriors in the dance
We are fighters and strong performers in the music industry.
Gangsters bangers were puttin' 'em in a trance
Our music is putting people in a trance-like state and creating a powerful impact.
We’re putting em in a trance
Our music is having a hypnotizing effect on our audience.
M.I.A. murda middle finger
M.I.A. is tough and unapologetic, showing off her rebellious side.
Fuck 'em other bitches that try to be my ringer
She doesn't like other women trying to copy her style or take credit for her work.
This time I come as singer
She's coming as a musician and performer, ready to take over.
Next time ill come as pain
In the future, she may come back as an even more powerful and intense force.
I ain't talking money
This isn't about financial success, but about creating great music.
But I can make it rain
Despite not talking money, her talent has the potential to make a lot of money.
Bitches try to get me with their witches on cocaine
Other women may try to bring her down or distract her with drugs, but she won't be manipulated.
Snitches turn to dust
People who betray her will be forgotten and irrelevant.
And I wash em down the drain
She's getting rid of people who aren't loyal or honest.
Vitamins for your brain
Her music has a positive and nourishing effect on the mind.
Protein for your weight gain
Her music has a strong and active energy that motivates and empowers listeners.
This is how we train!
This is how we create and perform, with hard work and dedication.
Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Hannah Blum-Oeste
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind