Hip-Hop
Static X/Dead Prez Lyrics

All my dogs
Referring to all the individuals who feel and embody the spirit of hip hop culture

It's bigger than hip hop, hip hop, hip hop, hip
Hip hop represents an ideology that encompasses more than just music

Uh, one thing 'bout music
Music has the power to create an emotional impact that makes you feel alive

When it hit you feel no pain
Music can be like a drug that takes your mind off of your troubles

White folks says it controls your brain
Stereotypes exist that people of color are more susceptible to being controlled by music

I know better than that
The stereotype is untrue and belittling

That's game and we ready for that
The hip hop community is aware of how they are perceived and ready to challenge those misperceptions

Two soldiers head of the pack
The two artists are leading the charge in representing hip hop culture

Matter of fact who got the gat?
Who has a weapon in case of a confrontation

And where my army at?
When trouble arises, who will back them up

Rather attack than not react
It's better to fight than not do anything

Back the beats it don't reflect
The content of the music doesn't necessarily reflect the life of the artists

On how many records get sold
Sales aren't the only measure of success in hip hop

On sex, drugs, and rock and roll
Common themes in mainstream music that are a far cry from hip hop culture

Whether your project's put on hold
If your music isn't being released, it doesn't mean your ideas aren't worthwhile

In the real world
The actual setting where hip hop exists outside of the music industry

These just people with ideas
Hip hop artists are human beings with ideas to share

They just like me and you
Hip hop artists are no different from their fans

When the smoke and camera disappear
When the hype dies down, it's still just people sharing their ideas through music

Again the real world (world)
Back to reality where hip hop exists

It's bigger than all these fake ass records
Hip hop culture shouldn't be boiled down to just what's in the mainstream

When poor folks got the millions
Hip hop artists can come from poverty and still be successful

And my woman's disrespected
A common theme of women being disrespected in hip hop culture

If you check 1,2
Addressing the crowd to make sure they're listening

My word of advice to you is just relax
Encouraging the listener to not take the negative aspects of the industry to heart

Just do what you got to do
Stay true to yourself and create music you're proud of

If that don't work then kick the facts
If just creating isn't enough, share the truth of what you're experiencing

If you a fighter, rider, lighter, flame ignitor, crowd exciter
Hip hop is full of different personalities and artists with varied talents

Or you wanna just get high
Some artists create music that is best appreciated under the influence

Then just say it
Be honest about why you're creating music

But then if you a liar-liar, pants on fire
Don't pretend to be something you're not

Wolf-cry agent with a wire
Be wary of people who are pretending to be your friend

I'm gon' know it when I play it
The truth will eventually come out despite efforts to hide it

Uh, who shot Biggie Smalls
Referencing a well-known event in hip hop history

If we don't get them
Seeking justice for a wrong-doing

They gonna get us all
This is a shared experience and could happen to anyone in the hip hop community

I'm down for runnin' up on them
Willing to confront those who have wronged the hip hop community

Crackers in they city hall
A derogatory term for government officials

We ride for y'all
Hip hop artists are a family and will fight for each other

All my dogs stay real
Encouraging fellow artists to stay true to themselves

Nigga don't think these record deals
Don't let success and money change who you are

Gonna feed your seeds
Don't rely on the music industry to provide for your family

And pay your bills because they not
The industry isn't known for treating artists fairly or providing for them

MC's get a little bit of love and think they hot
Artists can get caught up in their own ego and forget why they started creating music in the first place

Talkin' 'bout how much money they got
Bringing up personal wealth is not what hip hop culture is about

Nigga all y'all records sound the same
Calling out the lack of diversity in mainstream hip hop

I sick of that fake thug, R & B
Expressing distaste for fake personalities and genres that are not hip hop

Rap scenario all day on the radio
Complaining about the monopoly that certain artists have on the airwaves

Same scenes in the video, monotonous material
Music videos have become a source of mediocrity rather than a showcase of artistic talent

Y'all don't hear me though
The frustration of not being heard despite speaking the truth

These record labels slang our tapes like dope
The music industry sees artists as a product to be sold rather than an artistic group to be supported

You can be next in line, and signed
Being signed to a record label isn't a guarantee of success for an artist

And still be writing rhymes and broke
Artists can be talented and still not make enough money to live on

You would rather have a Lexus or justice
Puts a focus on the materialism that is prominent in many music videos

A dream or some substance
Choosing between what is real and what is a fantasy

A Beamer, a necklace or freedom
Again, putting the focus on material possessions versus having the freedom to live a fulfilling life

Still a nigga like me don't playa' hate
Despite the frustrations with the industry, it's important to stay positive and not sink to the level of the people causing the frustration

I just stay awake
Stay aware of what's happening around you

This real hip-hop, and it don't stop
Reiterating what true hip hop is and how it will never die

'Til we get the po-po off the block
Until the hip hop community can achieve justice and security in their own neighborhoods

Fake, fake, fake records
Hip hop songs that don't represent the true spirit of the culture