The Devil Is Dope
The Dramatics Lyrics

The Devil Is Dope
This song is about the harmful and addictive nature of drugs, and how they can lead people into dangerous situations.

But you're caught up in that same ol' patent and trap that the homies go through
You are stuck in the same cycle of addiction and bad choices that many of your friends are also struggling with.

Searchin' for answers without no questions
You are trying to find a way out of this situation without really understanding why you got into it in the first place.

You thought it could never happen to you and your crew, but why'all was no exception
You believed that you were somehow immune to the dangers of drug addiction, but unfortunately, that was not the case.

It started out as fun and it was all about kicks (Kicks)
At first, using drugs was just a way to have a good time and feel good, but it quickly became something much more serious.

But each and every kick turned out to be a trick
However, every time you used drugs, it just led to more problems and greater risks.

Imagine this you got no family, you got no ends
Drug addiction can leave you with nothing - no family, no money, and no support system.

You got no hustle, no muscle, no car, no clothes, you got no friends
When you become addicted to drugs, you lose everything that mattered to you - your health, your possessions, and your relationships.

You once was the neighborhood boss and hog
At one time, you might have had a lot of power and influence in your community.

And no G livin' legend like walkin' dogs
You might have been respected and admired by others, and seen as a role model.

Niggaz hate to admit it, but they know it's true
People might not want to acknowledge how serious your addiction has become, but deep down, they know the truth.

Damn near everybody in the hood, includin' the kids, want to be just like you
Despite the negative consequences of drug addiction, many people in your community might still look up to you and want to be like you.

So, hear I stand as a witness, or, should I say a reclaimed victim
The songwriter is speaking from personal experience, having struggled with drug addiction themselves and now trying to warn others.

Written off and spit on by this really sick ass system
The system of poverty, addiction, and crime that has led to the current situation is deeply flawed and harmful.

You can roll what I roll in the swirl from the smoke
The songwriter is offering a warning about the dangers of smoking drugs and how easy it is to get caught up in that world.

Somebody take a vote, the devil is dope
The message of the song is clear - drugs are dangerous and can have devastating consequences.

Things seen only imagined and in dreams
The effects of drugs can be terrifying and surreal, like something out of a nightmare.

Until, the same nightmares in tv screens your teenage screams (Ahh!)
The things that once seemed impossible or unreal become all too real when drug use leads to addiction and desperation.

Cause the dosage wasn't right
Sometimes, using drugs can be highly unpredictable and dangerous, especially if the person doesn't really know what they're taking or how much.

Now his chest is gettin' tight
Drug use can lead to physical problems and serious medical emergencies.

And everything is goin' black
In some cases, drug use can even lead to death.

But it's the middle of the day, figure that
The songwriter is highlighting how sudden and unexpected drug-related emergencies often are.

But you still can't see with a thousand watt beam (Blind!)
Even when the harmful effects of drugs are evident, the person might still be unable or unwilling to see the truth.

And you need mo gin to feed your triple beam with schemes (Wake up!)
Addiction can lead people to engage in increasingly desperate and dangerous behavior in order to get their next fix.

Cause traffic done slowed up like the one ten at five
Drug dealing can be highly unpredictable, and sometimes, things just don't go as planned for those involved in the trade.

So, you dance the street section at around two, to try to stay alive
People involved in drug dealing might have to constantly move and change locations in order to avoid getting caught.

And now you trapped tryin' to play hockey with some tic tac's (Tic Tac's!)
Drug use can lead to absurd and dangerous situations that put the person and others at risk.

And niggaz tellin' you to kick back and bend back, but you already did that
Even when people try to offer advice or help, it might be too late for the person who's already deep in addiction.

And all money ain't good money
Getting involved in drug dealing might seem like a quick and easy way to make money, but it can lead to serious consequences.

But everybody want the cream and honey
The temptation to make a quick profit and live a more luxurious life can be strong, even for those who know how dangerous drugs are.

Thinkin' that the other side is all green plus it's sunny (Yeah!)
People often have unrealistic views of what life would be like if they made different choices, imagining a perfect, sunny future that might never come to pass.

But, money, lust, and jealousy most lead to treachery
The pursuit of wealth, romantic or sexual pursuits, and envy can all lead to dangerous and violent situations when mixed with drugs.

From A.C. to O.G. to P.G. to P.C.B.
The songwriter is listing various groups of people who are affected by drug addiction and its consequences.

As you call for your locs, set adrift in the smoke
The person is becoming increasingly isolated and disconnected from reality as their addiction deepens.

It's like murder, heat, smoke, the devil is dope
The songwriter is emphasizing how serious and deadly drug addiction can be, listing off dangerous and frightening things associated with it.

Sunshine on your mind but darkness prevails
Even if the person initially thought that drugs would make their life brighter and better, addiction ultimately leads to darkness and despair.

You move your sales from motel to hotel
Drug dealing can lead people to constantly move around and change locations, trying to avoid getting caught by the police.

Prerequisite for a blast, merchandise, cash, or ass
People become involved in drug dealing in order to make money, find companionship, or fulfill other desires.

Bloodshed often is the door where personalaties crash
Drug dealing can lead to violence and death, as people fight over territory, money, and power.

And it's your task to try to make a meal ticket
When people don't have other options for making money or finding a way out of poverty, drug dealing can seem like the only choice.

So, you can kick it and be swift with your chicken (Bock-bock!)
Drug dealers might find themselves caught up in a lifestyle that involves flashy cars, expensive shopping sprees, and other material trappings of wealth.

You's a victim and since you got your own mind
Even though the person might be a victim of the circumstances and forces that led them to drug addiction, they ultimately need to take responsibility for their own choices and actions.

It ain't all your fault, but you gotta do your own time
The songwriter acknowledges that the system and circumstances that lead to drug addiction are unfair, but at the same time, the person has to face the consequences of their actions.

Choose your weapon cause your first impression
When people are involved in drug dealing and other types of illegal activity, they often have to be ready to defend themselves and protect their assets at all times.

Often dictates the situation that you find yourself caught in
The first impressions that people make on others can have lasting consequences, especially when it comes to making connections and navigating the world of drug dealing.

If you still blind and you can't see
Even when the dangers of drug addiction are clear, some people might still choose to ignore them or think that they are somehow immune to the risks.

You better obtain yourself some glasses and clear your vision like DMC (Don't run!)
The songwriter is urging people to wake up and see the situation clearly, taking action to make better choices and avoid the dangers of drug addiction.

And remember what I told you
The message of the song is clear and urgent, and the songwriter wants people to take it to heart.

Remember who brought a soldier
The songwriter has struggled with drug addiction themselves and wants to help others who are going through the same thing.

I want to wake you up like Sega
The songwriter is using a reference to a popular video game system to emphasize how important it is to be aware and alert in the face of drug addiction.

consume large amounts of dank-a
The songwriter is using slang to refer to smoking marijuana, but again emphasizing how dangerous drug use can be.

Man overboard
Drug addiction can feel overwhelming and like the person is drowning or sinking, unable to escape the situation.

Beware of the underlords
People can get pulled into the world of drug addiction and never be able to escape or find a way out, because of the powerful forces and people that are involved in it.

Stay your ass on the boat, the devil is dope (Ooh-ooh!)
The songwriter is urging people to avoid drug addiction and stay away from the people and situations that can lead to it, emphasizing again how dangerous and destructive it can be.

[Chorus:]
The chorus restates the message of the song - that drugs are dangerous and can have devastating consequences for those who use them.

Repeat 2X with adlibs in there
The song ends by repeating the chorus twice, with additional improvisation and ad-libs added in to emphasize the message of the song one more time.