Hip Hop
Static-X/Dead Prez Lyrics

All my dogs
Refers to the rapper's friends, associates, and fans.

It's bigger than hip hop, hip hop, hip hop, hip
Hip hop has a greater impact and meaning than just music, representing larger cultural, societal, and political issues.

Uh, one thing 'bout music
Music is a powerful tool that can elicit strong emotional responses and influence individuals and society.

When it hit you feel no pain
Music can provide a temporary escape from emotional and physical pain.

White folks says it controls your brain
There is a stereotype that hip hop and music in general has a negative influence, particularly in regards to people of color.

I know better than that
The rapper is rejecting this stereotype and asserting the value and power of hip hop and music.

That's game and we ready for that
Refers to being aware and prepared for the negative stereotypes and obstacles faced in the music industry and society as a whole.

Two soldiers head of the pack
Refers to two influential figures in the hip hop community.

Matter of fact who got the gat?
Asking who has the weapon or power in the current situation.

And where my army at?
Asking where their supporters and allies are in times of conflict.

Rather attack than not react
Asserts the importance of standing up for oneself and fighting back against oppression.

Back the beats it don't reflect
The content of hip hop songs does not necessarily reflect the personal values or beliefs of the artist.

On how many records get sold
The value and success of hip hop should not be measured solely on record sales.

On sex, drugs, and rock and roll
Refers to a stereotypical view of the music industry and its association with excess and hedonism.

Whether your project's put on hold
Even if an artist's current project is not being released, they are still creative and valuable individuals.

In the real world
Refers to the outside world where real issues and struggles exist outside of the music industry.

These just people with ideas
Artists are just regular individuals with their own thoughts and beliefs.

They just like me and you
Artists are no different from the average person.

When the smoke and camera disappear
When the glitz and glamor of the music industry fade away, artists are left as regular individuals.

Again the real world (world)
Re-emphasizing the importance of real-world issues and struggles.

When poor folks got the millions
Examines the social and economic disparities that exist in society.

And my woman's disrespected
The importance of respecting and valuing women in hip hop and in society as a whole.

If you check 1,2
A phrase often used by rappers as a soundcheck to ensure their mic is working properly. Here, it is used as a transition to a message or warning to the listener.

My word of advice to you is just relax
A call to remain calm and composed in the face of adversity.

Just do what you got to do
A call to action to persevere through hardship and stay true to one's self.

If that don't work then kick the facts
If one approach doesn't work, use factual information and logic to persuade and advocate for change.

If you a fighter, rider, lighter, flame ignitor, crowd exciter
List of qualities that make a good rapper and performer, including being a fighter, motivator, and crowd pleaser.

Or you wanna just get high
Acknowledges the prevalence of drug use in hip hop culture, but does not endorse it.

Then just say it
If one wants to talk or sing about drug use, be truthful.

But then if you a liar-liar, pants on fire
A warning to those who fabricate or exaggerate their experiences in their music.

Wolf-cry agent with a wire
Refers to a snitch or informant who surreptitiously records conversations for law enforcement.

I'm gon' know it when I play it
A warning to those who lie or exaggerate will be called out and exposed through their music.

Uh, who shot Biggie Smalls
An allusion to the unsolved murder of The Notorious B.I.G.

If we don't get them
If the perpetrator(s) of the murder are not brought to justice.

They gonna get us all
Indicating the interconnectedness felt by the hip hop community, particularly black men who feel vulnerable to police brutality and systemic oppression.

I'm down for runnin' up on them
A call to action to stand up against those who perpetrate violence and oppression against the black community.

Crackers in they city hall
A term used to describe white people, often with negative connotations. Refers to those in power who create and perpetuate oppressive systems.

We ride for y'all
The rapper is referring to the wider black community and is committed to fighting for the cause of equality and liberation.

Nigga don't think these record deals
Referring to the belief that being signed to a record label is the key to success and financial stability.

Gonna feed your seeds
Allowing artists to provide for their families and secure their financial future.

And pay your bills because they not
Record deals don't automatically provide financial stability and security, especially for artists who don't write their own music or have limited creative control.

MC's get a little bit of love and think they hot
A warning to artists that success and fame can be temporary and that they should remain humble.

Talkin' 'bout how much money they got
Critiquing rappers who flaunt their wealth and material possessions, which can be perceived as superficial values.

Nigga all y'all records sound the same
A critique of the formulaic and repetitive nature of mainstream hip hop.

I sick of that fake thug, R & B
A critique of mainstream hip hop that perpetuates a fake identity of thug culture.

Rap scenario all day on the radio
Alludes to the prevalence of mainstream hip hop on the radio.

Same scenes in the video, monotonous material
Video content is repetitive and formulaic, which perpetuates a stereotypical image of the hip hop genre.

Y'all don't hear me though
Rapper is frustrated that his message is not being received or heeded by the mainstream audience.

These record labels slang our tapes like dope
Compares the music industry's promotion and distribution of hip hop songs to the illegal drug trade.

You can be next in line, and signed
Artists can become the next big star in the music industry, but that doesn't necessarily guarantee success or financial stability.

And still be writing rhymes and broke
Acknowledges that artists can be successful in their craft, yet still struggle financially.

You would rather have a Lexus or justice
Compares material possessions to social and financial equality and justice for people of color.

A dream or some substance
Compares the pursuit of material possessions versus the pursuit of emotional satisfaction and connection.

A Beamer, a necklace or freedom
Compares material possessions to individual freedom and liberation.

Still a nigga like me don't playa' hate
Affirms pride in his identity despite societal oppression and discrimination.

I just stay awake
Invokes the idea of staying vigilant and aware of systemic and societal injustices.

This real hip-hop, and it don't stop
Asserts the importance and value of authentic, socially conscious hip hop.

'Til we get the po-po off the block
A call to action to end police brutality and systemic oppression of the black community.

They call it
Ends the song by reiterating the importance of hip hop as a tool for social and political change.

Fake, fake, fake records
Repeats the idea that mainstream hip hop can perpetuate superficial and inauthentic values and perpetuate the stereotype that hip hop is all about hedonism and excess.