ShaqisDope's intelligent lyrics, smooth style, clean looks and story of his daily struggles as a youth has gotten the interest of big music industry giants such as MTV (USA), MuchMusic, Complex Magazine, Hip Hop Canada and many more who are now comparing his style to rappers like Drake and J.Cole. Since dropping his first album Sophomore Season, with the hit single Varsity Jacket, Shaqisdope created a notable presents on MTV Artist and MuchMusic Artist webpages. ShaqisDope's smooth lyrics continued to open doors and he collaborated on a remix with 15-time NBA All Star Shaquille Oneil's “Karate Chop".
ShaqisDope new album Early Beginnings: The Shaquille Baptiste Story is “Proving that he is more than just a gimmick, the youngster has released his latest project Early Beginnings: The Shaquille Baptiste Story. Over mellow piano-based instrumentals, Shaq lays down the story of his life to-date with refreshing detail and a slick flow. His narrative skills suggest a bright future ahead of him” – By Dharmic, Complex Magazine. IHearttart states, "this dude is like Drake 2.0. I’m not even kidding, you guys. He sounds eerily similar to Drizzy. Especially on “Writings On The Walls” and “The Greatest,” and “Emotions.” Serious Champagne Shaqqy, up in here." - IHEARTTART, hiphopcanada.com
Follow ShaqisDope as he lyrically illustrates for you his struggles and journey as an Artist .
- Deidra H, Veni Vidi Vinco Media Group
In the Morning
ShaqIsDope Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Did a one-eighty since, but they prayed for me
We talkin' ambition and the drive
Motherfucker, what it sound like? A Lambo' with the plates stolen
Let's talk about life, here's my take on it
The world full of shit, but got great moments
Ain't that the truth? That's a great slogan
Time to turn the beat up one time and throw some bass on it
Tried takin' me out the game, no, they had to let me in
Feel like Michael, Carolina with the letterman
No, they can't compete, a bunch of rappers that I'm better than
Sound all repetitive, money up, bet again
Feel like a veteran, flag never Confederate
Lookin' for the truth, damn, that's who you settle with?
If you want the real, baby, I'm a livin' testament
Sound like a gentleman, insane motherfucker
I cut the curls off for the waves, motherfucker
Feel like AI with the braids, motherfucker
That means I'm not playin' with you lame motherfuckers
Ready to go to war, I'm fightin' demons, of course
Choice of weapon, a sword, a knife for my remorse
Life gon' take its course, my karma creepin' for sure
Tryna settle the score, I been through this before, yeah
Way I'm livin' this life
I know it ain't right when I wake up in the mornin'
Gamble on my soul with the dice
You gotta pay the price to get everything you wanted
And I done stayed up nights
Got three whole stripes, tryna find where my soul is
Look who I had to go to war with, fallin'
The pain don't stop for the rain, baby
Tryna throw dirt on my name, baby
Look how far I came, babe
Can't believe I'm sane, babe, oh yeah-oh yeah
Way I'm livin' this life
I know it ain't right when I wake up in the mornin'
Gamble on my soul with the dice
You gotta pay the price to get everything
Ayy, I'm tired of it
Talk about school, go apply for a scholarship
Make fifty racks a year, what they offerin'
Funny how the small-minded folks so confident
Had to make a choice and it came with a consequence
Pain in my voice, it stems from broken promises
Cut niggas off, leave 'em in astonishment
And it hurt 'em the most givin' 'em no acknowledgements
Stuck in my ways, no, I ain't really proud of it
Thought it was a phase, but I still ain't grow out of it
Truth in the bars, y'all used to the frauds
Caught up in the clouds tryna reach for the stars
Boy on fire, feel the heat when I spark
So I give 'em hell when I speak from the heart
True to the art, dedicated, all facts
Started on this journey and there's no turnin' back, like
Way I'm livin' this life
I know it ain't right when I wake up in the mornin'
Gamble on my soul with the dice
You gotta pay the price to get everything you wanted
And I done stayed up nights
Got three whole stripes, tryna find where my soul is
Look who I had to go to war with, fallin'
The pain don't stop for the rain, baby
Tryna throw dirt on my name, baby
Look how far I came, babe
Can't believe I'm sane, babe, oh yeah-oh yeah
Way I'm livin' this life
I know it ain't right when I wake up in the mornin'
Gamble on my soul with the dice
You gotta pay the price to get everything
In the beginning, ShaqIsDope looks back on his past troubles and how he had the option to quit but decided to continue despite the hardships. He also acknowledges the support he received from the people who prayed for him to help him get to where he is today. He then talks about ambition, using a Lambo with stolen plates as a metaphor for his drive. He focuses on talking about the reality of life and how it is full of good and bad experiences, which he summarizes as "a world full of shit, but got great moments." The beat then drops, and he starts talking about the movement or group he represents, which continues despite the attempts of his opponents to take him down. He affirms his mastery over his competitors and the repetitive sounds that they produce. Despite his provocations, he remains a gentleman with a profound message delivered in a poignant manner.
In the second verse, ShaqIsDope continues talking about his current struggles and how it is not easy to maintain his current lifestyle. He personifies the gambling metaphor to mean taking risks with his life, which can have consequences. He has worked hard to get to where he is and will do anything to maintain his status. ShaqIsDope states that he is tired of the small-minded people who ridicule education and encourage mediocrity. The pain in his voice comes from the broken promises he has faced, but he has learned to cut off the individuals responsible without remorse. He still feels like he is stuck in his ways, but he is determined to move forward with his art and not look back.
Overall, ShaqIsDope's message in the song is about perseverance through tough times and the importance of staying true to oneself. The song's themes revolve around ambition, struggle, pain, and perseverance towards success.
Line by Line Meaning
Coulda called it quits, but I stayed rollin'
Although I could have given up, I persevered and kept going.
Did a one-eighty since, but they prayed for me
I've made a complete turnaround since before, but people were rooting for me to succeed.
We talkin' ambition and the drive
Let's discuss how driven and focused I am.
Motherfucker, what it sound like? A Lambo' with the plates stolen
You hear the confidence and success in my voice, like a Lamborghini with stolen license plates.
Let's talk about life, here's my take on it
Now, I want to share my thoughts and perspective on life.
The world full of shit, but got great moments
There's a lot of negativity in the world, but some really amazing moments and experiences.
Ain't that the truth? That's a great slogan
It's true, and could even be a powerful motto or slogan.
Time to turn the beat up one time and throw some bass on it
Let's turn up the energy with the music and get even more hyped.
Let's talk about the movement that I represent
Now, let's shift the conversation to the larger cause or movement that I am a part of.
Tried takin' me out the game, no, they had to let me in
Some people tried to stop me, but I persevered and earned my place in this industry.
Feel like Michael, Carolina with the letterman
I feel like a champion, like Michael Jordan, with my Letterman jacket representing my achievements.
No, they can't compete, a bunch of rappers that I'm better than
I know I'm better than most of the other rappers out there, and they can't touch me.
Sound all repetitive, money up, bet again
Their music all sounds the same and lacks originality, whereas mine is constantly evolving and improving.
Feel like a veteran, flag never Confederate
I have the wisdom and experience of a veteran, but I never support or align with anything Confederate.
Lookin' for the truth, damn, that's who you settle with?
I'm always seeking the truth and authenticity, so why would you settle for anything less?
If you want the real, baby, I'm a livin' testament
I am the embodiment of someone who speaks and lives the truth, so if you want that, look no further.
Sound like a gentleman, insane motherfucker
I might sound calm and collected, but I'm a little bit crazy and unpredictable too.
I cut the curls off for the waves, motherfucker
I made some changes to my appearance for the sake of self-expression and exploration.
Feel like AI with the braids, motherfucker
I feel like Allen Iverson, confident and unstoppable with my braids as my signature look.
That means I'm not playin' with you lame motherfuckers
If you're not on my level, don't even try to challenge me or bring me down.
Ready to go to war, I'm fightin' demons, of course
I'm always ready to fight for what I believe in, even if that means battling my own inner demons and struggles.
Choice of weapon, a sword, a knife for my remorse
I may have regrets, but I won't let them stop me from fighting and winning my battles.
Life gon' take its course, my karma creepin' for sure
I know that life is unpredictable, and I believe in karma and that everything comes full circle.
Tryna settle the score, I been through this before, yeah
I'm constantly trying to reconcile and make peace with my past mistakes, because I don't want to repeat them.
Way I'm livin' this life
The way I'm living my life currently.
I know it ain't right when I wake up in the mornin'
Despite my success, there are still personal and emotional challenges that bother me every morning.
Gamble on my soul with the dice
I constantly put myself on the line and take risks, betting everything I have on myself and my work.
You gotta pay the price to get everything you wanted
There are always sacrifices and costs in order to achieve your dreams and goals.
And I done stayed up nights
I've stayed up late working hard and tirelessly.
Got three whole stripes, tryna find where my soul is
I have pride and respect for where I came from, but I'm still exploring and seeking my true self and purpose.
Look who I had to go to war with, fallin'
I've faced and overcome some tough obstacles and enemies, and even when I stumble, I keep going.
The pain don't stop for the rain, baby
Pain and sorrow can come at any time, like the rain, and it doesn't always go away easily.
Tryna throw dirt on my name, baby
People may try to ruin my reputation or bring me down, but I won't let them.
Look how far I came, babe
I've come a long way and made significant progress and success.
Can't believe I'm sane, babe, oh yeah-oh yeah
Sometimes I can't believe that I'm still mentally stable and grounded despite all the chaos and struggles I've faced.
Contributed by Thomas O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.