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
Westside Slaughterhouse
Mack 10 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Microphone check i.o. from the west coast beller and tella
I cuss like a sella when you see her she's a gonna
Moved to California blew the bitch up put the gangsta twist on
Her sunny southern cal it never snows
Niggas yelling ha's and ho's we dumping out of 64's
When it comes to the gun play we vets
It's west coast foe life no crew only sets
[Ice Cube]
It's the dog breathing through the smog
I'm a hog of this gangster shit
Don of the click
All you suckers want to dis the pacific
But you buster niggas never get specific
Used to love her mad cause we fucked
Her pussy whipped bitch with no common sense
Hip hop started in the west
Ice cube bailing through the east without a vest
[W.C]
Now as I look to my riznight and to my left
I see motherfuckers staring like they wanna step
So I'm grabbing my rusty screw driver
In case I got to cut ya deeper than Vanessa Del Rio's vagina
Find another crew of niggas that can fuck with this
Lyrical bully given verbal bruises to crews fool
You must be on dick dope and dynamite
How you figure speed on before you get peed on nigga
[Mack 10]
Fool what side is you
Red or the blue
While as the l.a. zoo it's round two
I ignite grab the mic tight strike like a rattle bring
Rhymes and nines to the motherfucking battle
So sun down to sun up run up with my gun up
All brakes get to pumping
They know a nigga dumping
You dred like a rasta when I lock like a terrier
Mack 10 the nigga with the heat that I'll berry ya
[Ice Cube]
Oh ah,oh ah, do a walk by and watch everybody die
Niggas into gangs things and narcotics
Freak bitches riches and hydrolics
Pull heat knock you off yo feet
Clear the whole block both sides of the street
Even crips and bloods hear my thuds
Fee fy foe fum a nigga where you from west side
[W.C.]
Fuck all you niggas I'm yelling
This is mad circle to the fullest everybody 187um
Toons play the piano fuck a battle
I'm socking rappers like mad man Santiago
Cause you niggas ain't impressing me plus you singing big red records
So nigga fuck what you telling me
Sit down jr. you couldn't see me if you wanted to
Look y?all it Mack 10, cube and the double you
[Mack 10]
I just had a scrap fo the neighborhood Inglewood stereotype
Got to deal with the hype
Known to kick back with the fat sack fuck that
Where my gat at nigga tripping off my bulls hat
About to let loose with the chrome tray dude 5 shots
And I put holes in yo bandanna
I push a Benz you still rolling gs
So nigga miss me with the set trip
And start slanging keys
[Ice Cube]
When I say itchy citchy
Niggas get bitchy bitchy cause they heard of ah
Natural born murder-ah
I'm like Frankenstein is spanking time
Laying in the sunshine
With only one nine
Now who wants to bust with the never rust
Going platinum plus every time I cuss
So fuck the whole world black niggas
Better hope I don?t grow my Jeri Curl back
[W.C.]
Stepper murder-a stepping out a Chevrolet
Sporting a beanie like Marvin Gaye
Stalking walking in my big black chuck's
Standing tall in your freestyle session holding my balls
I'm peeping game like a ref in '95
Cause niggas be foul and biten other niggas styles
But if you're biten this you better bring a dentist
Cause sucking these balls ah give yo ass lock jaws
[Mack 10]
Which way shall I go nigga what should I do
Should I bang with the red should I truce with the blue
Should I rock dope beats grab the mic and stay down
Or should I shoot out of town and flip this pound
Shit I never knew that my nuts ah get bigger
Checking major figures I'm hanging with platinum niggas
It's Mack 10 and I'm Inglewood swinging
No time for banging
But still got my cackeys hanging
[Ice cube]
Fuck one love it's the bloody glove killing honkey hoes
Leaving blood stains on broncos
In a hertz rental I drive on the 405
Is he dead or alive
Motherfucking court took another snort
Jumping over chairs as I run through the airport
So I can catch a flight away from the drama
Number 32 chilling in the Bahamas
[W.C.]
Sucky ducky quack niggas ain't knowing how to act
Sucker ducks play the back
Nigga use to dis now it's turning around and like brandy
Motherfuckers wanna be down
With this west coast rap game I can give a fuck
If you wasn't down at first you can buck these nuts
Transformers get stole on boom (boom)
Get the picture killer cali home of the body bags nigga
Westside [Repeat: x2]
The lyrics to "Westside Slaughterhouse" by Mack 10, Ice Cube, and W.C. are a classic example of West Coast gangsta rap, with each rapper taking turns spitting verses about their experiences and views on life in the streets. Mack 10 starts the song off with his trademark aggressive flow and a call-out to his hometown of Inglewood, California, where he honed his skills as a rapper and hustler. He's followed by Ice Cube, who boasts about his dominance in the rap game and his West Coast origins, while also taking shots at other rappers who try to front like they're from the same streets. W.C. finishes up the song with his own brand of braggadocio, with a focus on his lyrical prowess and ability to take on anyone who dares to challenge him.
The lyrics are full of violent imagery, with references to guns, drugs, and murder throughout. However, they also touch on the sense of pride and loyalty that is a hallmark of gang culture. The rappers all claim their affiliation to the West Coast, their respective neighborhoods, and the "sets" or cliques they rep. Despite the tough exterior, there's a sense of camaraderie and brotherhood that comes across in the lyrics, as the rappers talk about looking out for one another and holding down their turf.
Overall, "Westside Slaughterhouse" is a raw and unapologetic portrait of life on the streets of California, and a showcase of the lyrical and storytelling skills of these three legendary rappers.
Line by Line Meaning
Microphone check i.o. from the west coast beller and tella
I am checking the microphone, representing the West Coast, and I am loud and clear in delivering my message
I cuss like a sella when you see her she's a gonna
I curse aggressively like a seller, and when you encounter her, she's going to cause trouble
Moved to California blew the bitch up put the gangsta twist on
I relocated to California and gained popularity, adding a gangster flavor to my persona
Her sunny southern cal it never snows
She refers to sunny Southern California, where it never snows
Niggas yelling ha's and ho's we dumping out of 64's
People are shouting and expressing themselves, while we drive classic '64 cars and engage in criminal activity
When it comes to the gun play we vets
We are experienced and skilled in using firearms during violent situations
It's west coast foe life no crew only sets
We are loyal to the West Coast, representing our allegiance through individual groups rather than one unified crew
It's the dog breathing through the smog
I am like a fierce dog, persisting and surviving in a polluted environment
I'm a hog of this gangster shit
I dominate and excel in the gangster lifestyle
Don of the click
I am the leader and authority figure of my group
All you suckers want to dis the pacific
Many individuals try to disrespect and belittle the West Coast
But you buster niggas never get specific
However, these impostors never provide concrete details or evidence to support their claims
Used to love her mad cause we fucked
In the past, there was a deep affection and intimate connection, but it has deteriorated
Her pussy whipped bitch with no common sense
She is easily influenced and lacks rational thinking
Hip hop started in the west
The genre of hip hop originated in the West Coast
Ice cube bailing through the east without a vest
I, Ice Cube, fearlessly travel through the East Coast without any protection
Now as I look to my riznight and to my left
As I glance to my right and left
I see motherfuckers staring like they wanna step
I observe individuals looking at me with the intention of challenging me
So I'm grabbing my rusty screw driver
To defend myself, I am reaching for my old, worn-out screwdriver
In case I got to cut ya deeper than Vanessa Del Rio's vagina
If necessary, I will harm you more severely than Vanessa Del Rio's vagina has experienced
Find another crew of niggas that can fuck with this
Search for another group of individuals who can match our skills and abilities
Lyrical bully given verbal bruises to crews fool
I, the lyrical bully, inflict verbal damage and bruises upon inferior groups
You must be on dick dope and dynamite
You seem to be under the influence of drugs and exhibiting reckless behavior
How you figure speed on before you get peed on nigga
How did you come up with the idea of being superior when you will be humiliated and disrespected?
Fool what side is you
Fool, which side do you represent?
Red or the blue
The choice is between the color red or blue, associated with different gang affiliations
While as the l.a. zoo it's round two
Meanwhile, in the Los Angeles region, it's another confrontational situation
I ignite grab the mic tight strike like a rattle bring
I start with intensity, firmly hold the microphone, and deliver powerful lyrics like a rattlesnake striking
Rhymes and nines to the motherfucking battle
I bring both clever rhymes and firearms to the intense battle
So sun down to sun up run up with my gun up
From dusk till dawn, I am ready to confront anyone with my weapon raised
All brakes get to pumping
Everyone stops and becomes fearful
They know a nigga dumping
They are aware that I am shooting and causing harm
You dred like a rasta when I lock like a terrier
You become fearful like a Rastafarian with dreadlocks when I become fierce and determined like a terrier
Mack 10 the nigga with the heat that I'll berry ya
Mack 10, the individual with the gun, will bury you
Oh ah,oh ah, do a walk by and watch everybody die
Perform a drive-by shooting and witness the casualties
Niggas into gangs things and narcotics
People are involved in gang activities, material possessions, and drug use
Freak bitches riches and hydrolics
There is an abundance of promiscuous women, wealth, and vehicles with hydraulic systems
Pull heat knock you off yo feet
I pull out a firearm and knock you off your feet
Clear the whole block both sides of the street
We cause chaos and emptiness in the entire neighborhood
Even crips and bloods hear my thuds
Even the rival gang members of the Crips and Bloods recognize and respect my impact
Fee fy foe fum a nigga where you from west side
Listen carefully, I am questioning your origins, specifically if you are from the West Side
Fuck all you niggas I'm yelling
Disregard and criticize all of you individuals, as I express my frustration
This is mad circle to the fullest everybody 187um
I represent the Mad Circle group completely, and we are known for engaging in violent activities
Toons play the piano fuck a battle
Toons, a member of the Mad Circle, plays the piano and has no interest in engaging in a battle
I'm socking rappers like mad man Santiago
I am attacking and overpowering other rappers aggressively like a deranged individual named Mad Man Santiago
Cause you niggas ain't impressing me plus you singing big red records
Because none of you are impressing me, in addition to the fact that you are signed to a record label associated with failure
So nigga fuck what you telling me
So, I don't care about your opinions, fuck what you are trying to tell me
Sit down jr. you couldn't see me if you wanted to
Calm down, junior, you could never match or understand me even if you attempted to
Look y?all it Mack 10, cube and the double you
Pay attention, everyone, it's Mack 10, Ice Cube, and WC, or double you (W)
I just had a scrap fo the neighborhood Inglewood stereotype
I recently had a fight due to the stereotype associated with the Inglewood neighborhood
Got to deal with the hype
I have to handle and navigate through all the excessive excitement and attention
Known to kick back with the fat sack fuck that
I am notorious for relaxing and smoking marijuana, but I don't care about that anymore
Where my gat at nigga tripping off my bulls hat
I am concerned about the location of my firearm, while someone is being paranoid due to my Chicago Bulls hat
About to let loose with the chrome tray dude 5 shots
I am preparing to fire my semi-automatic weapon, specifically a .45 caliber firearm, releasing five shots
And I put holes in yo bandanna
I target and damage your bandanna by shooting holes through it
I push a Benz you still rolling gs
I drive a luxury Mercedes-Benz, while you are still driving less impressive GS vehicles
So nigga miss me with the set trip
So, spare me your attempt to provoke a gang-related conflict
And start slanging keys
Instead, engage in selling drugs, particularly cocaine
When I say itchy citchy
When I utter the phrase 'itchy citchy'
Niggas get bitchy bitchy cause they heard of ah
People become agitated and annoyed because they have heard who I am
Natural born murder-ah
I am inherently inclined towards committing acts of murder
I'm like Frankenstein is spanking time
Similar to Frankenstein, I am wreaking havoc and causing destruction
Laying in the sunshine
I am relaxed and enjoying the sunshine
With only one nine
I possess only one 9mm firearm
Now who wants to bust with the never rust
Now, who wants to engage in a confrontation with someone who is always prepared and never faltering?
Going platinum plus every time I cuss
I achieve significant success and sales in the music industry every time I express myself using explicit language
So fuck the whole world black niggas
So, disregard and have no regard for the entire world and black individuals
Better hope I don't grow my Jeri Curl back
You should pray that I do not revert back to my hairstyle from the past, which might signify a return to a violent demeanor
Stepper murder-a stepping out a Chevrolet
I, as a murderer, step out of a Chevrolet vehicle
Sporting a beanie like Marvin Gaye
Wearing a beanie cap similar to how Marvin Gaye used to
Stalking walking in my big black chuck's
Moving with confidence in my large, black Chuck Taylor sneakers
Standing tall in your freestyle session holding my balls
I stand confidently in a freestyle rap session, proudly asserting my dominance
I'm peeping game like a ref in '95
I am closely observing and understanding the situation, like a referee in the year 1995
Cause niggas be foul and biten other niggas styles
Because other individuals are acting dishonestly and imitating other people's styles
But if you're biten this you better bring a dentist
However, if you choose to imitate this style, you should be prepared to face the consequences and criticism
Cause sucking these balls ah give yo ass lock jaws
Because performing oral sex on me will leave you with a sensation of having locked jaws
Which way shall I go nigga what should I do
I am uncertain of the path I should take and the actions I should pursue
Should I bang with the red should I truce with the blue
Should I affiliate myself with the Bloods gang or establish peace with the Crips gang
Should I rock dope beats grab the mic and stay down
Should I focus on creating great music, grab the microphone, and stay committed to my craft
Or should I shoot out of town and flip this pound
Or should I leave the city and engage in illegal activities, specifically drug trafficking
Shit I never knew that my nuts ah get bigger
Honestly, I never anticipated that my influence and power would continue to grow
Checking major figures I'm hanging with platinum niggas
I am associating myself with influential and successful individuals in the music industry
It's Mack 10 and I'm Inglewood swinging
I am Mack 10 representing Inglewood, showcasing my confident and assertive demeanor
No time for banging
I have no interest or patience for engaging in gang-related conflicts
But still got my cackeys hanging
Nevertheless, I still have my pants sagging, which is a common style associated with gangsta rap culture
Fuck one love it's the bloody glove killing honkey hoes
Disregarding the concept of unity and love, I am aggressively and violently targeting white women
Leaving blood stains on broncos
I am causing serious harm and leaving evidence of violence on Ford Broncos
In a hertz rental I drive on the 405
I drive on the 405 highway in a rental car from the Hertz company
Is he dead or alive
I wonder if he is dead or alive
Motherfucking court took another snort
I, the court, metaphorically consume another line of cocaine
Jumping over chairs as I run through the airport
I am frantically running through the airport, jumping over obstacles such as chairs
So I can catch a flight away from the drama
I am trying to board a flight and escape from all the conflict and chaos
Number 32 chilling in the Bahamas
I, representing myself as the iconic basketball player Magic Johnson (who wore the number 32), am relaxing in the Bahamas
Sucky ducky quack niggas ain't knowing how to act
Incompetent individuals don't know how to behave or carry themselves
Sucker ducks play the back
Inferior individuals remain in the background and take on submissive roles
Nigga use to dis now it's turning around and like brandy
Individuals who used to disrespect me are now changing their stance, similar to Brandy's song 'The Boy Is Mine'
Motherfuckers wanna be down
People suddenly want to associate themselves with me and be part of my movement
With this west coast rap game I can give a fuck
Regarding the West Coast rap industry, I am indifferent and don't really care
If you wasn't down at first you can buck these nuts
If you weren't initially supportive, you can disregard and ignore my achievements
Transformers get stole on boom (boom)
I physically attack and assault individuals in a surprise manner, like a sudden boom
Get the picture killer cali home of the body bags nigga
Understand the reality of the violent environment in California, which often results in death and the need for body bags
Westside
Referring to the western side of the city, particularly associated with cities like Los Angeles and Inglewood
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: O'SHEA JACKSON, WILLIAM CALHOUN, HENRIK (DR. JAM) RASMUSSEN, RASMUS BERG, JESPER DAHL, NICHOLAS KVARAN, DEDRICK ROLISON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind