This ditty here is about those rappers who make their living from “beef raps,” fights started with other rappers to boost sales. Battle raps are a true part of Hip Hop, and true battles are things of legend (e.g. MC Shan vs. KRS-One, LL Cool J vs. Kool Moe D, Hammer, Ice-T, and Canibus, etc.). DOOM doesn’t care too much for it though, as he explains in XXL Magazine:
"Oh yeah, “Beef Rapp.”[sic] Good song. Good choice. I just think it’s a funny word. I don’t get angry at this point, so [rap beef] is like whatever. The challenge is what it’s about with me, the challenge of being such a picky topic to handle. Also, the double entendre with the word beef, the way it’s perceived in the street world and it’s a food—a so-called food—so how it’s perceived in the nutritional realm. The fact that there’s two things that correlate there gave me enough metaphors to play with. But it’s all fun. I always do it with something that’s fun. Anger is something I don’t deal with.
It had to be two things: It had to be a food people could relate to and there had to be another play on the word. For instance, I’d say kon queso, like cheese. Everyone knows “cheese” has a reference in the street, as money and whatnot. And cheese is something that’s always added in addition to a cheeseburger or a beef patty. So it’s about finding a word where you can take two different approaches to it."
Beef Rapp
MF DOOM Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Or even a wreath for ma dukes on some grief crap
I suggest you change your diet
It can lead to high blood pressure if you fry it
Or even a stroke, heart attack, heart disease
It ain't no starting back once arteries start to squeeze
Take the easy way out phony, until then
They know they wouldn't be talking that baloney in the bullpen
They talk a wealth of shit and they ain't never seen the justice
Bust this, like a cold milk from out the toilet
Two batteries some Brillo and some foil, he'a boil it
He be better off on PC glued
And it's a feud so don't be in no TV mood
Every week it's mystery meat, seaweed stewed
(Food, we need food!)
He wears a mask just to cover the raw flesh
A rather ugly brother with flows that's gorgeous
Drop dead joints hit the whips like bird shit
They need it like a hole in they head or a third tit
Her bra smell, his card say: aw hell
Barred from all bars and kicked out the Carvel
Keep a cooker where the jar fell
And keep a cheap hooker that's off the hook like Ma Bell
Top bleeding, maybe fella took the loaded rod gears
Stop feeding babies colored sugar-coated lard squares
The odd pair swears and God fears
Even when it's rotten, we've gotten through the hard years
I wrote this note around New Year's
Off a couple a shots and a few beers, but who cares?
Enough about me, it's about the beats
Not about the streets and who food he about to eat
A rhyming cannibal who's dressed to kill and cynical
Whether is it animal, vegetable, or mineral
It's a miracle how he get so lyrical
And proceed to move the crowd like a old Negro spiritual
For a mil' do a commercial for Mello Yello
Tell 'em devil's hell no, sell y'all own Jello
We hollow krills, she swallow pills
He follow flea collar three dollar bills
And squeal for halal veal, 80-dollar pill
Dig the real, it's how the big ballers deal
Twirl a L after every meal (food!)
What up?
To all rappers: shut up with your shutting up
And keep your shirt on, at least a button-up
Yuck, is they rhymers or strippin' males?
Out of work jerks since they shut down Chippendales
They chippin' nails, DOOM, tippin' scales
Let alone the pre-orders that's counted off shippin' sales
This one goes out to all my peoples skippin' bail
Dippin' jail, whippin' tail, and sippin' ale
Light the doobie 'till it glow like a ruby
After which they couldn't find the Villain like Scooby
He's in the lab on some old Buddha Monk shit
Overproof drunk shit, and who would'a thunk it?
Punk, try and ask why ours be better
Could be the iron mask or the Cosby sweater
Yes, you, who's screwed by the dude on the CD, nude (we need food!)
In "Beef Rapp," MF DOOM takes on the subject of unhealthy eating habits and how they can lead to health problems. He starts by warning that the titular "beef rap" could result in violence and even death, but then shifts the focus to the dangers of fried foods, suggesting a change in diet to prevent heart disease and other illnesses. The second half of the song touches on a variety of topics, including DOOM's signature mask and flow, the absurdity of some rappers and the industry as a whole, drug use, and the need for sustenance. In typical DOOM fashion, he weaves in wordplay and cultural references throughout.
One key aspect of "Beef Rapp" is its use of food as a central metaphor. DOOM equates unhealthy eating choices with the violence that can result from feuds (hence the "beef" of the title), and he extends this metaphor to address other topics as well. For example, he likens the frivolous spending of wealthy "big ballers" to overindulging in fancy meals. He also suggests that certain rappers are like mystery meat, unknown and potentially dangerous.
Another notable feature of "Beef Rapp" is its dissection of hip-hop culture and the music industry. DOOM critiques the commercialization of rap, taking aim at both artists who will do anything for a buck and record labels who prioritize profit over art. He also references the underground scene and the DIY ethos that many independent artists espouse.
Overall, "Beef Rapp" is a complex and multifaceted song that showcases MF DOOM's lyrical prowess and willingness to tackle big topics. From food and health to hip-hop and capitalism, he weaves together a wide range of ideas in a way that's both thought-provoking and entertaining.
Line by Line Meaning
Beef rap, could lead to getting teeth capped
Starting a beef or conflict could lead to physical harm or injury
Or even a wreath for ma dukes on some grief crap
Or even death for a loved one due to the grief caused by the situation
I suggest you change your diet
I suggest you change your behavior or actions to avoid negative consequences
It can lead to high blood pressure if you fry it
If you continue with your current actions, it can lead to serious health conditions
Or even a stroke, heart attack, heart disease
These are some of the serious health conditions that can arise if you continue with your current behavior
It ain't no starting back once arteries start to squeeze
Once the damage is done, it cannot be undone
Take the easy way out phony, until then
Avoid conflict until you are in a better position to handle it
They know they wouldn't be talking that baloney in the bullpen
They would not be able to get away with their lies if they were in a less secure setting
So disgusting, pardon self as I discuss this
The topic is disturbing, please forgive me as I talk about it
They talk a wealth of shit and they ain't never seen the justice
They talk a lot of nonsense and have never faced the consequences for their actions
Bust this, like a cold milk from out the toilet
Expose the truth or reality like cold milk from a toilet bowl
Two batteries some Brillo and some foil, he'a boil it
A reference to illicit drug use and drug paraphernalia
He be better off on PC glued
He would be better off if he stayed glued to his computer or avoided certain people
And it's a feud so don't be in no TV mood
This is an ongoing conflict, so don't expect a happy ending any time soon
Every week it's mystery meat, seaweed stewed
Every week brings a new and unpleasant surprise or challenge
(Food, we need food!)
A plea for basic sustenance amidst all the chaos
He wears a mask just to cover the raw flesh
He wears a mask to hide his true identity or inner thoughts
A rather ugly brother with flows that's gorgeous
Despite physical appearance, his musical talent is exceptional
Drop dead joints hit the whips like bird shit
The beats are so good they have a powerful impact on listeners
They need it like a hole in they head or a third tit
They crave it intensely and need it like something that cannot exist
Her bra smell, his card say: aw hell
His life is in shambles, as manifested by the odor from his partner's undergarments and his low income
Barred from all bars and kicked out the Carvel
He is banned from all social establishments and has lost his treats or luxuries
Keep a cooker where the jar fell
Keep drug paraphernalia near the location where it's needed
And keep a cheap hooker that's off the hook like Ma Bell
A reference to prostitution and a comparison to the famous phone company
Top bleeding, maybe fella took the loaded rod gears
He may be injured or bleeding from a gunshot wound
Stop feeding babies colored sugar-coated lard squares
Stop feeding children unhealthy, processed foods
The odd pair swears and God fears
The unlikely duo has a strong bond and fear of others
Even when it's rotten, we've gotten through the hard years
Despite tough circumstances, the duo has persisted and survived
I wrote this note around New Year's
The note was written around the beginning of a new year
Off a couple a shots and a few beers, but who cares?
Under the influence of alcohol, he wrote this note
Enough about me, it's about the beats
He shifts the focus from himself to his music
Not about the streets and who food he about to eat
The focus shouldn't be on the streets or violence, but rather on basic necessities
A rhyming cannibal who's dressed to kill and cynical
A pun on his stage name and persona, suggesting he devours other rappers and has a negative attitude
Whether is it animal, vegetable, or mineral
His lyrics cover a variety of topics, both concrete and abstract
It's a miracle how he get so lyrical
His talent as a rapper is impressive and almost inexplicable
And proceed to move the crowd like a old Negro spiritual
He has the ability to captivate and inspire his audience through his performances
For a mil' do a commercial for Mello Yello
Even for a large sum of money, he would not compromise his values or principles
Tell 'em devil's hell no, sell y'all own Jello
Encouragement to avoid selling out or sacrificing personal beliefs
We hollow krills, she swallow pills
Reference to drug use and addiction
He follow flea collar three dollar bills
He is drawn to and lured by cheap thrills and low-quality currency
And squeal for halal veal, 80-dollar pill
He is willing to engage in unethical behavior for luxury items or high-priced drugs
Dig the real, it's how the big ballers deal
Real recognition and success come from honesty and hard work, not shortcuts or shady dealings
Twirl a L after every meal (food!)
A reference to smoking marijuana, to be done after eating meals
What up?
A casual greeting, introduction or inquiry
To all rappers: shut up with your shutting up
Stop talking or boasting about how great you are
And keep your shirt on, at least a button-up
Maintain some level of class or decorum in your behavior
Yuck, is they rhymers or strippin' males?
A derogatory comment on the lack of talent or authenticity of some rappers
Out of work jerks since they shut down Chippendales
Men who previously worked at Chippendales (a male strip club) are now out of work
They chippin' nails, DOOM, tippin' scales
They are struggling to make ends meet, while the rapper DOOM is weighing the odds in his favor
Let alone the pre-orders that's counted off shippin' sales
Sales are already anticipated before the product is even shipped
This one goes out to all my peoples skippin' bail
A shout-out to those who are evading legal consequences or punishment
Dippin' jail, whippin' tail, and sippin' ale
Euphemisms for engaging in criminal activity, enjoying life, and drinking alcohol
Light the doobie 'till it glow like a ruby
Light up a joint until it glows brightly
After which they couldn't find the Villain like Scooby
After getting high, he becomes hidden like a character in the cartoon Scooby Doo
He's in the lab on some old Buddha Monk shit
He is working on music with inspiration from hip hop artist Buddha Monk
Overproof drunk shit, and who would'a thunk it?
He is drunk and it's hard to imagine this situation
Punk, try and ask why ours be better
Challenging other rappers to question why their music is inferior
Could be the iron mask or the Cosby sweater
The unique style, persona or appearance of the rapper may contribute to his success
Yes, you, who's screwed by the dude on the CD, nude (we need food!)
Making fun of a listener who has been deceived by the lies in a song, and then again asking for basic necessities
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Daniel Dumile Thompson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind