Dedrick Rolison, (born August 9, 1971), better known by his stage name Mack… Read Full Bio ↴Dedrick Rolison, (born August 9, 1971), better known by his stage name Mack 10 is an American rapper and actor. He was a member of hip hop trio Westside Connection, along with Ice Cube and WC. When the West Coast first rose atop the rap industry in the mid-'90s, Mack 10 emerged as one of the coast's most promising talents alongside his longtime associate Ice Cube. The two Los Angeles rappers co-wrote "Foe Life," Mack 10's 1995 breakthrough hit, and united a year later with WC to form the trio Westside Connection, a West Coast gangsta rap supergroup. The Westside Connection album became a sizable hit, rocketing to number two on the Billboard album chart and boasting the anthemic "Bow Down." Mack 10 continued his affiliation with Ice Cube on each successive album while at the same time launching a label of his own, Hoo Bangin' Records. As the '90s came to a close, the rapper's popularity dipped a bit, and he signed with leading Dirty South label Cash Money Records in 2001, where his career underwent some unlikely twists.

Born Dedrick D'Mon Rolison in 1971, Mack 10 perpetually represented Inglewood, California throughout his career, the Los Angeles neighborhood he called home. His professional rap career began in 1995 when he signed with Priority, the premier label for West Coast rap at the time, and released his self-titled album. The West Coast gangsta movement was peaking around this time, and Mack 10 capitalized on the trend with "Foe Life," a song he wrote with Ice Cube, one of the West Coast's reigning talents. The partnership struck gold, and the song became a coastal anthem, opening the door for a successive single, "On Them Thangs." Mack 10 then partnered with Ice Cube again a year later to form the West Coast supergroup Westside Connection along with another Los Angeles rapper, WC. The three had united for a standout song on Mack 10's debut album, "Westside Slaughterhouse," and hoped to reprise their camaraderie for the Westside Connection album. They certainly did so, recording the boastful lead single "Bow Down," which taunted the East Coast, along with several other songs discussing the East-West tension that dominated rap at the time.

Mack 10 followed the number two-charting Westside Connection album with his second album, Based on a True Story, and its lead single, "Backyard Boogie," in 1997. The album became his most successful, peaking at number 14 on the Billboard album chart, and confirmed his quick ascendance to fame. Moreover, the album is generally considered to be Mack 10's career highlight: it features a modest number of guests (Snoop Dogg, E-40, Ice Cube), top-notch G-funk-era producers (Ant Banks, Soopafly), and little of the filler that would begin to populate his successive releases. Mack 10 returned a year later with another Top 20 album, Recipe, which is notable for its abundance of guests. In fact, only one song featured Mack 10 alone; every other song featured at least one guest, if not more; everyone from Master P and Mystikal to Jermaine Dupri and Ol' Dirty Bastard. Following the extravagencies of Recipe in 1997, Mack 10's career began to slowly spiral downward, much like the West Coast gangsta rap scene he rode to fame. His only release in 1998 was Hoo Bangin': Mix Tape, more of a showcase for the many up-and-coming rappers on his Hoo Bangin' label than for himself, and listeners weren't very interested. When Mack 10 finally did return with another full-length of his own, The Paper Route, in 2000, three years after Recipe, listeners similarly weren't very interested.

The relative disappointment of The Paper Route brought Mack 10's souring relationship with Priority Records to an end, and along came Cash Money Records, who happily signed the rapper to a contract. The partnership seemed somewhat unlikely. Cash Money was a leading Dirty South label with a small roster of in-house rappers such as Juvenile and Lil Wayne; however, the label was looking to expand its roster as well as its reach, and Mack 10 offered it a great opportunity to unite the West Coast and Dirty South. The resulting album, Bang or Ball (2001), neither topped the charts nor garnered substantial attention despite boasting "Hate in Yo Eyes," a Dr. Dre production that interpolated the Bee Gees' "Stayin' Alive." The album nonetheless signaled a new direction for Mack 10, who sounded surprisingly comfortable working with one of the Dirty South's premier producers, Manny Fresh. Less than a year later in summer 2002 came Mack 10 Presents da Hood, a Hoo Bangin' release prominently featuring numerous up-and-coming West Coast rappers: K-Mac, Deviossi, Skoop, Cousteau, and Techniec. More importantly, though, the album featured "L.A. for Ya," an anthemic song that was customized for the West Coast's leading radio stations as well as for Lakers and Clippers home games. The customized versions worked, and the song garnered quite a bit of airplay on the West Coast, making it one of Mack 10's biggest hits in years. Ghetto, Gutter and Gangster appeared in 2003 followed by Hustla's Handbook two years later

10 Million Wayz
Mack 10 Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

[Chorus: x 4]
Cause if you fuck with us we leave scars

Tic-toc around the clock, for the rock ya come see me
Just knock at the door I'll grant your wish like a genie
Straight out to get paid, stack the loot that I made
Been slangin' dope out my mamas' house since the 10th grade

Never tried it can't deny it in the tiots was a looter
Used to hang with drive by shooters, stick 'em up for Honda scooters
Never was a scholar, make you throw yo hands and holla
Wolla went to Jr. high slangin' joints for a dollar

Finger waves was the new fad, so they spotted a due rags
Niggas got dumped on for the red or blue rags
Down with the G's so them niggas never serve me
Bellin' through the hood in my honeycomb Jersey

Painter pants cuffed so I fix it on my biscuits
Til' my hair get long enough to braid, my bitch I'll keep it twisted
It's that nigga runnin' wild punch the pedal to the meadow
And everywhere I go it's a must, I keep it ghetto

[Chorus: x 2]
Ice Cube: Cause if you fuck with us we leave scars
Mack 10: Motherfucker crime pays in 10 millions ways

Choose one, choose one
1 2 3 4 hit it! [Repeat: x 2]

24/7 on a 211 fresh out the county, I hunt like a bounty
From 10 to midnight make sure my shit tight
Map out the lick right, so that I hit right

I strike to stay alive to be exact, need a sack
Can't hack this monkey on my back
So I shot it, now you plot it, I got it
Exotic to erotic money hoes to narcotics

No preachin' knowledge of self or religion
I'm too busy raisin' pitbulls and pigeons
Put the hustle down steady for the summer
I'm ready way tighter, got two birds and a rider

But I'm out for mo nigga can't get enough doe
Place my hands on the 4-4
Arm robbery is my hobby
So I gotta sick 'em then lick 'em
Now who's my next victim

[Chorus: x 2]
Ice Cube: Cause if you fuck with us we leave scars
Mack 10: Motherfucker crime pays in 10 millions ways

Choose one, choose one
1 2 3 4 hit it! [Repeat: x 2]

Got the plaque in the back, straight rag top
Peepin' the scene with the gangsta lean
Super clean in and out, make you weak at the knees
I watch for the thieves, on my hunt spoke D's

Stereo type for life from the streets where the palms trees sway
And the money parlay
For block niggas got the hoes like sewed up
Bitches on my nuts every since I first showed up

BG nigga with my though skins hangin'
Tryin' to look like my big homies that was bangin'
Slangin' like 90, goin' north with the cavey
Twistin' through the hood in a 83 caddy

Coupe Deville I packs my big still
Cause it's sittin' on white ones with the two way tight ones
And as I floss I keeps my nina Ross
Cocked with the clippin' to catch a nigga slippin'

[Chorus]
Ice Cube: Cause if you fuck with us we leave scars
Mack 10: Motherfucker crime pays in 10 millions ways

(Let me (unknown) the way)
Choose one, choose one
"1 2 3 4 hit it!" [Repeat: x 2]

[Chorus]
Ice Cube: Cause if you fuck with us we leave scars
Mack 10: Motherfucker crime pays in 10 millions ways

(Let me (unknown) the way)

Choose one, choose one
"1 2 3 4 hit it!" [Repeat: x 2]

Overall Meaning

The lyrics in "10 Million Wayz" by Mack 10 are centered on the life of a gangster, who engages in illegal activities such as selling drugs, robbery, and arm robbery. The lyrics also detail the life of the singer, who has lived most of his life as a gangster, from selling drugs out of his mother's house in the 10th grade to becoming a bounty hunter fresh out of prison. The lyrics also depict that the actions of the singer usually lead to violence, as they leave scars when other people mess with him or his friends.

The lyrics are a pointer to the dangers of living a life of crime as it always ends with scars, pain, and, in some cases, death. The chorus, which is repetitive, echoes the message that the singer intends to put across to those listening to the song. The song's tone is that of bravado, which demonstrates how fearless the singer is and how living in the ghetto has toughened him up.

In summary, Mack 10's "10 Million Wayz" is a song that highlights the life of a gangster living in the ghetto, indulging in crime while reflecting on the dangers of such a life.

Line by Line Meaning

Cause if you fuck with us we leave scars
The singer warns that if someone makes an enemy out of them, they will hurt that person physically and emotionally.

Tic-toc around the clock, for the rock ya come see me
The singer sells drugs day and night, and if someone wants some, they just need to ask and they will oblige.

Just knock at the door I'll grant your wish like a genie
The singer is always ready to sell drugs, and will provide them to anyone who comes to them.

Straight out to get paid, stack the loot that I made
The artist is focused on making money by selling drugs and saving it.

Been slangin' dope out my mamas' house since the 10th grade
The artist has been selling drugs since they were in 10th grade, and their mom's house was where they got their start.

Never tried it can't deny it in the tiots was a looter
The singer has never stopped selling drugs, and they have been doing it since they were a teenager.

Used to hang with drive by shooters, stick 'em up for Honda scooters
The singer used to associate with criminals who committed violent crimes, and they themselves would rob people for their vehicles.

Never was a scholar, make you throw yo hands and holla
The artist is not an academic or intellectual person, but they can still intimidate others and make them scared.

Wolla went to Jr. high slangin' joints for a dollar
The artist's friend Wolla would sell joints for a dollar when they were in junior high school.

Finger waves was the new fad, so they spotted a due rags
Finger waves were a popular hairstyle at the time, so the artist and their associates wore du-rags to achieve the look.

Niggas got dumped on for the red or blue rags
People would get attacked or killed over wearing red or blue bandanas as a sign of gang affiliation.

Down with the G's so them niggas never serve me
The artist is affiliated with gang members, so other criminals don't want to mess with them.

Bellin' through the hood in my honeycomb Jersey
The singer drives through their neighborhood in a car with a customized jersey pattern on it.

Painter pants cuffed so I fix it on my biscuits
The singer wears pants with a cuff at the bottom, and adjusts them to fit properly on their shoes or boots.

Til' my hair get long enough to braid, my bitch I'll keep it twisted
The singer plans to grow out their hair and keep it in braids, and they will keep their romantic partner happy and satisfied in the meantime.

It's that nigga runnin' wild punch the pedal to the meadow
The artist is a wild and rebellious person who drives very fast.

And everywhere I go it's a must, I keep it ghetto
The artist makes an effort to maintain their street credibility and reputation, no matter where they go.

24/7 on a 211 fresh out the county, I hunt like a bounty
The singer is always looking for opportunities to commit a robbery or theft, especially since they were recently released from jail.

From 10 to midnight make sure my shit tight
The singer is meticulous about planning and executing their crimes during a specific timeframe.

Map out the lick right, so that I hit right
The artist carefully plans their robberies to increase their chances of success.

I strike to stay alive to be exact, need a sack
The artist commits crimes in order to survive, and they need money to buy drugs to keep them going.

Can't hack this monkey on my back
The artist is addicted to drugs and cannot quit or overcome their addiction easily.

So I shot it, now you plot it, I got it
The singer overcame their addiction to drugs, and now they have the ability to obtain them and sell them to others.

Exotic to erotic money hoes to narcotics
The artist is involved in a wide range of illegal activities, from selling drugs to prostitution.

No preachin' knowledge of self or religion
The singer doesn't care about self-improvement or spirituality.

I'm too busy raisin' pitbulls and pigeons
The singer is more interested in raising animals, specifically pitbulls and pigeons, than in personal growth or religion.

Put the hustle down steady for the summer
The singer takes a break from their criminal activities during the summertime to avoid getting caught by the police.

I'm ready way tighter, got two birds and a rider
The artist is prepared to commit crimes again, and has acquired new equipment and a driver to assist them.

But I'm out for mo nigga can't get enough doe
The artist is motivated by money and is always looking for ways to increase their wealth.

Place my hands on the 4-4
The singer carries a .44 magnum handgun.

Arm robbery is my hobby
The singer's favorite criminal activity is robbery.

So I gotta sick 'em then lick 'em, now who's my next victim
The artist is ready to find their next robbery victim and is excited about the prospect of a successful crime.

Got the plaque in the back, straight rag top
The artist has a license plate on the back of their car and a convertible top that is made of cloth.

Peepin' the scene with the gangsta lean
The artist is driving around, checking out the area with a confident and cool attitude.

Super clean in and out, make you weak at the knees
The singer's car is very clean and impressive, and makes people feel weak or impressed when they see it.

I watch for the thieves, on my hunt spoke D's
The artist is careful and vigilant when they drive, especially since they are on the lookout for thieves or other criminals.

Stereo type for life from the streets where the palms trees sway
The singer embraces a stereotypical lifestyle associated with urban areas, specifically ones with palm trees.

And the money parlay
The singer makes a good amount of money through their criminal activities.

For block niggas got the hoes like sewed up
The singer and their associates have many women who are interested in them and their money.

Bitches on my nuts every since I first showed up
Women have been interested in the artist since they first appeared on the scene.

BG nigga with my though skins hangin'
The artist is a 'baby gangster' with their friends who also identify as gangsters.

Tryin' to look like my big homies that was bangin'
The singer and their friends want to emulate older gangsters who they look up to.

Slangin' like 90, goin' north with the cavey
The singer is selling drugs and driving quickly in a car heading north on a particular road.

Twistin' through the hood in a 83 caddy
The artist is driving a 1983 Cadillac through their neighborhood.

Coupe Deville I packs my big still
The artist drives a Cadillac Coupe Deville and carries a large handgun.

Cause it's sittin' on white ones with the two way tight ones
The car has white wall tires with rims that are low to the ground.

And as I floss I keeps my nina Ross
As the singer drives around and shows off their car and wealth, they also keep their .22 caliber handgun with them.

Cocked with the clippin' to catch a nigga slippin'
The artist has their gun loaded and is ready to use it to take advantage of someone who is off guard.

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: O'SHEA JACKSON, DEDRICK D'MON ROLISON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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