Runnin'
Shing02 Feat. The Notorious B.I.G. & 2Pac Lyrics
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Why am I fighting to live, if I'm just living to fight?
Why am I trying to see, when there ain't nothing in sight?
Why am I trying to give, when no one gives me a try?
Why am I dying to live, if I'm just living to die?
Check it, I grew up a fuckin' screw-up
Got introduced to the game, got a ounce and fuckin' blew up
The nigga Biggie Smalls trying to turn into the black Frank White
We had to grow dreads to change our description
Two cops is on the milk box missing
Show they toes you know they got stepped on
A fist full of bullets a chest full of Teflon
Run from the police picture that, nigga I'm too fat
I fuck around and catch a asthma attack
That's why I bust back, it don't phase me
When he drop, take his Glock, and I'm Swayze
Celebrate my escape, sold the Glock, bought some weight
Lay back, I got some money to make, motherfucker
And I wonder if they'll laugh when I'm dead?
Why am I fighting to live, if I'm just living to fight?
Why am I trying to see, when there ain't nothing in sight?
Why am I trying to give, when no one gives me a try?
Why am I dying to live, if I'm just living to die?
It's on me
But still I'm having memories of high speed when the cops crashed
As I laugh, pushing the gas while my Glocks blast
We was young and we was dumb, but we had heart
In the dark, will we survive through the bad parts
Many dreams is what I had, and plenty wishes
No hesitation in extermination of these snitches
Envious bitches, they still continue to pursue me
A couple of movies, now the whole world's trying to screw me
Even the cops tried to sue me, so what can I do?
But stay true, sipping 22's of brew
And now media is trying to test me
Got the press asking questions, trying to stress me
Misery is all I see, that's my mind state
My history with the police will shake the crime rate
My main man had two strikes, slipped, got arrested and flipped
He screamed "thug life" and emptied the clip
Got tired of running from the police
And I wonder if they'll laugh when I'm dead?
Why am I fighting to live, if I'm just living to fight?
Why am I trying to see, when there ain't nothing in sight?
Why am I trying to give, when no one gives me a try?
Why am I dying to live, if I'm just living to die?
The song "Runnin'" by Shing02 featuring The Notorious B.I.G. and 2Pac is a powerful commentary on the struggles of living the gangster lifestyle. The opening lines about wondering if people will laugh when he's dead capture the senselessness of the violence and death that often come with the territory. The questioning of why he's fighting to live when he's just living to fight, trying to see when there's nothing in sight, and trying to give when no one gives him a try show the desperation, frustration, and futility of life on the streets.
The verses by The Notorious B.I.G. and 2Pac add to the poignant message of the song. They both describe their experiences growing up and getting involved in the drug game, with Biggie talking about how he blew up after getting an ounce and chopping rocks overnight. 2Pac describes the high-speed chases with the cops, laughing as he pushes the gas and blasts his glock. However, he also acknowledges the reality of the situation, stating that he and his crew were young and dumb, but had heart, and had to survive through the bad parts.
Throughout the song, there is a sense of anger and defiance, but also a resignation to the harsh realities of life. The use of the questions highlights the search for meaning and purpose in a world that seems to offer none. And yet, the song ends with a note of hope, as 2Pac's main man, who had two strikes against him, screams "thug life" and empties the clip before getting tired of running from the police.
Overall, "Runnin'" is a powerful song that speaks to the struggles, challenges, and tragedies of living a life of crime and violence, while still acknowledging the humanity and resilience of those caught up in it.
Line by Line Meaning
And I wonder if they'll laugh when I'm dead?
I wonder if people will ridicule or joke about me after I pass away.
Why am I fighting to live, if I'm just living to fight?
What is the point of struggling to survive if all I encounter is constant battles and conflicts?
Why am I trying to see, when there ain't nothing in sight?
What is the reason for seeking clarity and understanding, when everything around me is unclear and uncertain?
Why am I trying to give, when no one gives me a try?
What is the point of offering my help and generosity when nobody is willing to give me a chance or acknowledge my efforts?
Why am I dying to live, if I'm just living to die?
Why am I so eager to continue living, knowing that eventually we will all inevitably face our end?
Check it, I grew up a fuckin' screw-up
Listen up, I was raised as a major mistake or misfit.
Got introduced to the game, got a ounce and fuckin' blew up
I was initiated into the drug trade, started with a small amount and quickly became successful.
Choppin' rocks overnight
I spent my nights breaking up or cutting drugs into smaller pieces to sell.
The nigga Biggie Smalls trying to turn into the black Frank White
My friend Biggie Smalls was attempting to transform himself into a successful drug lord like Frank White, a character from a movie.
We had to grow dreads to change our description
To avoid being easily identified by the police, we grew dreadlocks to alter our appearance.
Two cops is on the milk box missing
Two police officers are missing and considered possible kidnapping victims.
Show they toes you know they got stepped on
If you see pictures of their feet, you'll know that they were threatening or harassing the wrong people and got hurt.
A fist full of bullets a chest full of Teflon
I am carrying a large number of bullets that can penetrate through bulletproof vests.
Run from the police picture that, nigga I'm too fat
I'm too overweight to run away from the police, so I will confront them directly.
I fuck around and catch a asthma attack
I could easily have an asthma attack due to my poor physical condition or the stress of the situation.
That's why I bust back, it don't phase me
This is the reason why I retaliate and shoot back, it doesn't scare or intimidate me.
When he drop, take his Glock, and I'm Swayze
When the victim falls, I will grab his gun and have complete control, just like Patrick Swayze in the movie 'Point Break'.
Celebrate my escape, sold the Glock, bought some weight
After getting away, I will celebrate and sell the gun used in the crime, then use the profits to purchase more drugs to sell.
Lay back, I got some money to make, motherfucker
I am relaxing because there is still some business to conduct and profits to earn.
It's on me
I am responsible for my current situation and must deal with it personally.
But still I'm having memories of high speed when the cops crashed
Despite my current problems, I still recall the thrill of high-speed chases with the police.
As I laugh, pushing the gas while my Glocks blast
I recall laughing while speeding away and firing my gun at the police in the past.
We was young and we was dumb, but we had heart
When we were young and foolish, we still had courage and determination.
In the dark, will we survive through the bad parts
During difficult times or situations, will we be able to overcome and survive?
Many dreams is what I had, and plenty wishes
I had many aspirations and desires that I hoped to achieve.
No hesitation in extermination of these snitches
I have no qualms with eliminating those who betray or snitch on me.
Envious bitches, they still continue to pursue me
Jealous women still try to seek my attention or affections, despite my troubled past.
A couple of movies, now the whole world's trying to screw me
Thanks to my appearance in a few films, the general public is now attempting to take advantage of me or ruin my reputation.
Even the cops tried to sue me, so what can I do?
Even law enforcement has attempted to harm me legally, so what other options do I have?
But stay true, sipping 22's of brew
I will remain loyal to myself and my friends while drinking 22-ounce bottles of beer.
And now media is trying to test me
The press is attempting to challenge or provoke me through their reporting.
Got the press asking questions, trying to stress me
The media is interrogating me and attempting to cause me anxiety or frustration.
Misery is all I see, that's my mind state
I am constantly feeling unhappy or discouraged, that is the current state of my mind.
My history with the police will shake the crime rate
My history of conflict and confrontation with law enforcement will have a significant impact on the level of crime in this area.
My main man had two strikes, slipped, got arrested and flipped
My closest friend had two prior convictions, made a mistake or slipped up, was captured by the police, and turned informant.
He screamed "thug life" and emptied the clip
As a sign of loyalty or defiance, he yelled 'thug life' and completely emptied his gun during a violent confrontation.
Got tired of running from the police
Eventually, my friend grew exhausted from evading law enforcement and decided to take a stand.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network, Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: EDGAR WINTER, CHRISTOPHER WALLACE, OSTEN HARVEY, MARSHALL B III MATHERS, LUIS RESTO, TUPAC AMARU SHAKUR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
RGS
It’s insane to me how people managed to do this back in the 90’s with less equipment than we have today. This flip is legendary!
EDIT: I should’ve clarified way earlier but oh well. 1) I know we still use some of the same equipment for sampling but it has evolved throughout the years, letting us create music with laptops and iPads. plus this sample chop was pretty complex for the time.
2) 90’s hip hop isn’t inherently better or worse than current hip hop or its sampling, so I don’t want to dismiss either era. There is a lot of great hip hop being released today, so quit it with the whole “back in my day”.
The Astute Angler
less equipment? it's the same equipment, zoomer
failtolawl
You're acting like they bumped sticks on a rock lmao. They had very complex equipment and could do all kinds of manipulations to vinyls. It's about creativity.
Nick Epic
Its same equipment but people listened all kind of music, all the way from pop to orchestra and movie music. And they experimented like crazy. Nowadays people just copy paste loops and try copy famous artist in hopes of getting rich quick, and this is definitely not where creativity is hidden.
The Astute Angler
@SoulChorea Gen Z really thinks computers, software, and storage were invented in the year 2010 smh. Ain't nothing new under the sun kiddo.
p45fan
@The Astute Angler Back in 1995 you couldn't even change the tempo of a sample irrespective of the pitch. The equipment these guys were working with was much more limited than today's.
beefknuckles
For a little history lesson: This main piano sample was the white whale of the entire beatmaking community for years and years and years until Bronco from The-Breaks finally found it. There were literally hundreds of other purported samples through the years that people were fully chopping up note by note and getting SO CLOSE but never quite right. I was one of those kids... I tried on and off for probably 5 years. The real sample is such a simpler flip which kind of makes it ingenious in how he did it. Thank you Bronco, I remember you :)
wokeil
I didn't know that but when I saw it was Herbie I got chills. I thought I should've known the sample before because it's "the" piano sample but now I know why I didn't. Thanks for the lesson professor.
Drapdude
Wow I didn‘t know this. Where can I read more about that?
p45fan
Makes me happy seeing The Breaks getting a shout out in 2022.