Career
Mac Dre's music gained popularity in the early to mid 1990s throughout the Bay Area, eventually receiving national recognition through his independent record labels Romp and Thizz Entertainment. He released many hit singles, such as "Too Hard for the Radio", and most recently "Feelin' Myself". He was the creator of the "Thizzle Dance", a popular dance which holds no specific standard. Hardship and controversy were staples of Mac Dre's career. After recording his first three albums between 1989 and 1991, Mac was charged with conspiracy to commit bank robbery. His record label, Romp Productions, and his many references to "Romper Room" in his songs, coincided with a Vallejo robbery gang of the time calling themselves the "Romper Room Gang" and responsible for the robberies of many area banks and pizza parlours. Hicks was alleged to be a member of the gang. The rapper was sentenced to five years in prison in 1992.
In prison, Hicks gained some notoriety by recording the lyrics to songs directly over the Fresno County jail inmate telephone. His album, Young Black Brotha, was a result of such efforts, as well as guest appearances on fellow artists' songs, all while Hicks was still imprisoned. A later album, Back 'N Da Hood, was also made up of these prison-recorded songs.
After his release from prison in 1996, Mac Dre began releasing albums steadily, building pace in the early 21st century. Mac Dre's audience was growing, and mainstream hip-hop stations were beginning to give Hicks' music more airtime. Hicks relocated to Sacramento, California in 2001, where he began a label, Thizz Entertainment.
Death
On November 1, 2004, Mac Dre was shot to death while returning to his hotel after a performance in Kansas city. A car pulled up next to the white van carrying Dre along with other Thizz artists. Whether words where exchanged or not, the ordeal ended in the bloodshed of a bay area rap legend. The van swerved off the road and into a ravine where it ran into a tree. Word is that Dre was thrown from the van, but officials say they found him in the front seat, dead on arrival. Some believe that Mac Dre's killer was Kansas City rapper Anthony "Fat Tone" Watkins. In 2005 Watkins was murdered, allegedly by Bay Area rapper Mac Minister. In March 2006, Mac Minister was arrested by FBI officials.
How You Feel
Mac Dre Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Man i'm the skinniest heavy weight you know
I pay a nigga oh
Wit one blow
Iâ#128##153#m in the Sco
From tha Valley Joe
Make the crowd go hooooo
And the bitches ohhhhhhhh
Partna i'ma pimp you can ask a hoe
I let the fro go, Let the dreads go
The boy got dough is all the feds know
Iâ#128##153#m Federal
Cause nigga they said so
A rider like Clyde
And freak from the pub low
In the ELCo spot'em get'em got'em
And ain't nobody talking bout you shoulda hadnâ#128##153#t shot'em
You shoulda had a brought em
It wouldnâ#128##153#t Neva happen
Nigga iâ#128##153#m blappin, this ainâ#128##153#t just rapin
Its gangsters in the bay boy
Pimps and not playboys
Instead of feel me yadadamean when we say boy
[Chorus]
Tell me how I feel
Tell me how I feel to be real
Tell me how I feel to bust steel
Nigga tell me how I feel
Tell me how it feels to get treal
Tell me how it feels to make a raw deal
Tell me how I feel
Tell me how I feel to be real
Tell me how I feel to bust steel
Nigga tell me how I feel
Tell me how it feels to get treal
Tell me how it feels to make a raw deal
Tell me how I feel
[Keak Da Sneak]
Itâ#128##153#s not a play toy
Sick and destroy
Real maquoy
Pop a whole pill not chip ahoy
From East Oakland the valley to the Frisc
Iâ#128##153#m compact like this
Should I write, man its all from the wrist
When I recite buy it
Man itâ#128##153#s the shit
I still came to get you lit
Game dog, but not a red nose pit
You a ice cream sandwich inscent
Nigga bitch get slapped with a limp dick
So open up wide unless you spit
I pop pills, Hit clams, and smoke
Ridin Dirty since iâ#128##153#m filled wit dope
Itâ#128##153#s no hope and if I go broke cut it out my pores
So much drama deserve a academy awards
Come aboard its rapping shit itâ#128##153#s be outta here
Homicidal order right here Mac dody bitch pimp of the year
Home of thugs
Man you niggas is squares
Spin right hook a left and veer
[Chorus]
Tell me how I feel
Tell me how I feel to be real
Tell me how I feel to bust steel
Nigga tell me how I feel
Tell me how it feels to get treal
Tell me how it feels to make a raw deal
Tell me how I feel
Tell me how I feel to be real
Tell me how I feel to bust steel
Nigga tell me how I feel
Tell me how it feels to get treal
Tell me how it feels to make a raw deal
Tell me how I feel
[Dola Ike]
Its that must a youngsta
Posted on the block watching for the unders
I canâ#128##153#t miss this summer I get dumber and dumber
Yo cousin keep coming with thunda
Pimpin these hoes introducing them to all religions
I got cruel intentions
And my story nonfiction
I got an addiction getting money wit my henchmen
We big fishing
That Catch big bass, game and finesse we lean and we smash
The seen gets trashed, iâ#128##153#m the last dragon
Pants sagging, riding the wagon the ass dragon
Toe tagging Niggas put us all in the door
I got raw dope to shut done all hope
Make a 6foot nigga feel 5â#128##153#4
I canâ#128##153#t be seen with a motherfuckin microscope
Iâ#128##153#m finna leave on a hyphy note
I plant money in my pocket and watch the shit grow
Ya know
[Chorus]
Tell me how I feel
Tell me how I feel to be real
Tell me how I feel to bust steel
Nigga tell me how I feel
Tell me how it feels to get treal
Tell me how it feels to make a raw deal
Tell me how I feel
Tell me how I feel to be real
Tell me how I feel to bust steel
Nigga tell me how I feel
Tell me how it feels to get treal
Tell me how it feels to make a raw deal
Tell me how I feel
The lyrics to Mac Dre's song "How You Feel" portray the artist's confident and assertive persona as he raps about his success, influence, and dominance. In the first verse, Mac Dre declares himself as a heavyweight, despite his skinny appearance. He boasts about his ability to knock out his opponents with a single blow and his popularity in the Valley Joe. The crowd goes wild at his performances, and the women are captivated by his charm. He requests a light and some marijuana, reaffirming his pimp status and his familiarity with the streets. Mac Dre mentions letting go of his iconic hairstyle and adapting a new look, but his wealth and notoriety is well-known to the authorities. He identifies himself as a federal target due to the attention he receives.
The chorus further emphasizes Mac Dre's desire to know how it feels to be real and to wield power. He questions his listeners about their experiences with dangerous situations, making deals, and coming face-to-face with criminal activities. The lyrics suggest that Mac Dre is seeking validation and confirmation of his status from those who can relate to his lifestyle.
In the second verse, Keak Da Sneak joins Mac Dre to deliver his own confident and aggressive verses. He explains that his demeanor is not a game or a joke; he is serious in his endeavors. Keak Da Sneak mentions his drug use, skilled lyricism, and ability to light up the crowd with his performance. He asserts his dominance and compares his opponents to weak ice cream sandwiches, declaring his superiority. He encourages his listeners to open their minds or be dismissed, and he emphasizes his resilience despite hardships. The verse concludes with a metaphorical reference to Mac Dre as a homicidal order and a pimp. Keak Da Sneak believes that his rap skills are unmatched, making him the best in the game.
Lastly, Dola Ike delivers his verse, reflecting on his experiences as a young hustler. He mentions his constant presence on the block, eagerly awaiting the summertime to engage in his activities. Dola Ike brags about his ability to introduce women to different religions while simultaneously exploiting them. He admits to having questionable intentions and engaging in criminal activities with his crew. They are skilled at manipulating and outsmarting others, wrecking havoc wherever they go. He likens himself to the mythical creature, the last dragon, and asserts his power by belittling taller men. Dola Ike acknowledges the secrecy of his operations and his intention to leave a memorable, hyphy-inspired legacy.
Line by Line Meaning
Man i'm the skinniest heavy weight you know
I may appear thin, but I have the strength and power of a heavyweight.
I pay a nigga oh
I easily defeat an opponent with just one blow.
Wit one blow
With a single strike, I can overpower my opponent.
I’m in the Sco
I'm in the Bay Area, specifically in Vallejo.
From tha Valley Joe
I hail from Vallejo, a city in California.
Make the crowd go hooooo
I have the ability to captivate and excite the crowd.
And the bitches ohhhhhhhh
The women are attracted to me and show their admiration.
Just give me da light and pass the dro
I only need a lighter and some marijuana to enjoy myself.
Partna i'ma pimp you can ask a hoe
I am known to be a successful pimp, just ask any of the prostitutes.
I let the fro go, Let the dreads go
I have changed my hairstyle and let go of my afro and dreadlocks.
The boy got dough is all the feds know
The authorities are aware that I possess a significant amount of money.
I’m Federal
I have gained attention from the federal authorities.
Cause nigga they said so
They consider me a significant figure based on what others have said.
A rider like Clyde
I am a skilled and fearless driver, similar to Clyde in Bonnie and Clyde.
And freak from the pub low
I am involved with a sexually adventurous woman from the lower social class.
In the ELCo spot'em get'em got'em
In East Oakland, we locate our enemies and take them down.
And ain't nobody talking bout you shoulda hadn’t shot'em
No one is discussing the possibility that you should not have shot them.
You shoulda had a brought em
It would have been better if you had brought them with you.
It wouldn’t Neva happen
It would never have occurred.
Nigga i’m blappin, this ain’t just rappin
I am taking action and causing real harm, not just rapping about it.
Its gangsters in the bay boy
There are real criminals and dangerous individuals in the Bay Area.
Pimps and not playboys
The men in this area are pimps, not regular players.
Instead of feel me yadadamean when we say boy
Instead of understanding our perspective, you should pay attention when we say 'boy'.
Tell me how I feel
Please explain to me how I am supposed to feel.
Tell me how I feel to be real
Share with me your understanding of what it's like to be genuine.
Tell me how I feel to bust steel
Describe to me the emotions associated with using firearms.
Tell me how it feels to get treal
Let me know the experience of being genuine and true.
Tell me how it feels to make a raw deal
Share with me the feelings involved in making an unfavorable agreement.
It’s not a play toy
This is not a game or something for amusement.
Sick and destroy
I have the ability to cause harm and destruction.
Real maquoy
I am authentic and genuine.
Pop a whole pill not chip ahoy
I consume an entire pill, not just a small piece.
From East Oakland the valley to the Frisc
I have connections and influence in East Oakland, Vallejo, and San Francisco.
I'm compact like this
I am efficient and effective in my actions.
Should I write, man it’s all from the wrist
When I write lyrics, it all comes naturally to me, with minimal effort.
When I recite buy it
When I perform and recite my lyrics, the audience believes and supports it.
Man it’s the shit
My music is excellent and highly regarded.
I still came to get you lit
I am here to bring excitement and energy to the situation.
Game dog
I am skilled and successful in my profession.
But not a red nose pit
I am not just an aggressive dog, but I also have a softer side.
You a ice cream sandwich inscent
You are weak and easily manipulated.
Nigga bitch get slapped with a limp dick
If a woman disrespects me, I will respond aggressively and assert my dominance.
So open up wide unless you spit
If you can't handle what is coming, then be prepared to face the consequences.
I pop pills, Hit clams, and smoke
I engage in drug use, consuming pills and smoking marijuana.
Ridin Dirty since i’m filled wit dope
I have been engaging in criminal activities since I started dealing drugs.
It’s no hope and if I go broke cut it out my pores
If I ever become financially unstable, I will find a way to continue making money.
So much drama deserve a academy awards
I have experienced so much conflict and trouble that I deserve recognition.
Come aboard its rapping shit it’s be outta here
Join me in this rap journey, as it will take us to new heights.
Homicidal order right here Mac dody bitch pimp of the year
I am an influential and successful pimp, recognized as the best in the industry.
Home of thugs
This place is known for its criminals and dangerous individuals.
Man you niggas is squares
You guys are uncool and out of touch with the streets.
Spin right hook a left and veer
I am skilled in fighting, being able to dodge and counterattack.
Its that must a youngsta
I am a young individual who possesses an impressive amount of power and influence.
Posted on the block watching for the unders
I am stationed on the street, keeping an eye out for law enforcement.
I can’t miss this summer I get dumber and dumber
This summer is too important for me to make mistakes or act foolishly.
Yo cousin keep coming with thunda
My relative continues to provide me with powerful and illegal substances.
Pimpin these hoes introducing them to all religions
I am responsible for managing and controlling these prostitutes, exposing them to different philosophies and beliefs.
I got cruel intentions
My motives and actions towards others are malicious and harmful.
And my story nonfiction
My life and experiences are not fictional, they are real and true.
I got an addiction getting money wit my henchmen
I am addicted to acquiring wealth and I do so with the help of my loyal associates.
We big fishing
We are engaging in significant criminal activities to earn money.
That Catch big bass, game and finesse we lean and we smash
We target high-value targets, using our skills and charm to deceive and overpower them.
The scene gets trashed, i’m the last dragon
I cause chaos and destruction, and I am the ultimate power in this environment.
Pants sagging, riding the wagon the ass dragon
My pants are low, and I am riding in a luxurious vehicle, presenting a powerful and intimidating image.
Toe tagging Niggas put us all in the door
I am responsible for killing people and leaving them with toe tags, causing fear and chaos in the community.
I got raw dope to shut done all hope
I possess high-quality drugs that can destroy any sense of hope or change.
Make a 6foot nigga feel 5’4
I have the ability to demean and diminish even the most confident and physically imposing individuals.
I can’t be seen with a motherfuckin microscope
I am too influential and powerful to be scrutinized or analyzed closely.
I’m finna leave on a hyphy note
I am going to depart, leaving a lasting and energetic impression.
I plant money in my pocket and watch the shit grow
I invest my money wisely and watch it multiply.
Ya know
You understand what I am saying.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind