Ride or Die
Xzibit Lyrics

We just ride and get high, 'til the sun cracks the sky
We live fast and wild, partying every night until the morning comes.

Keep that heat by my side, that's how gangsters get by
Carrying a weapon is necessary to survive in a dangerous world.

Cause it's an eye for an eye, when I bust you that's fly
Retaliation for any wrongs done is a way of life for a gangster.

My gun never been shy, that's how gangsters get by
A gangster's weapon is always ready to be used if needed.

It's either ride or die
A gangster has to be prepared to fight or die to survive.

We just boogy, advance
We move forward with purpose and determination.

The rubber band stack thick in my pants
Money is always on hand, kept hidden in a safe place.

Real gangsters make plots and plans and touch dirt
A true gangster has to be willing to do dirty work and plan carefully to succeed.

Only prayin for the day when they can wash they hands
Hoping for the day when they can finally leave the criminal life behind.

Real gangsters leave nothin to chance at first glance
They carefully assess and evaluate a situation before taking any action.

If it ain't a sho' thing then you bet' not swing
If you're not sure about something, don't take a risk and just wait for the right opportunity.

Real gangsters keep that Cutlass clean, keep the monsters mean
A true gangster keeps their car clean and their crew ready for action.

And when you dump it drop it right at the scene
Dispose of any evidence quickly and efficiently.

Real gangsters got a gangsta lean
A gangster walks with a certain confidence and swagger.

You might not talk red, black, or blue but everybody talk green
Money is the universal language and motivator for everyone.

Glance to my left look over my right shoulder
Always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Livin life in my rearview, FUCK stayin sober
Always looking back at the past and never staying sober or clear-thinking.

Forget back I sit back and wait for the click-clack
Forget about the past, just wait for the sound of gunfire.

Real gangsters want real spit so I spit that
Gangsters want the real truth spoken, so I speak honestly and brutally.

Real gangsters don't even say it
A true gangster doesn't need to brag or boast, their actions speak for themselves.

They just hit the trunk cock it and spray it
A gangster takes action, without hesitation or fear, when needed.

Light up your Christmas! Yeah!
Celebrating the violence and chaos of their world.

And don't slip up
Don't make any mistakes that could cost you your life.

It's way too late when the bodybags zip up
Once you're dead, it's too late to change anything.

Real gangsters pray for they soul when they get up
Even a gangster still has doubts and worries about their soul and the afterlife.

You live by the gun but you'll die by that hit up
Using violence as your means of survival can ultimately lead to your downfall and death.

Watch that rig up, find yo'self in a box
Be careful when committing crimes because it can easily lead to getting caught and locked up.

in a spot where the cops can't dig up
A gangster wants to be buried in a place where they won't be discovered by the police.

Real gangsters ain't just thugs in bandanas
Gangsters come from all walks of life, not just the stereotypical image portrayed in the media.

Slugs and big cannons, drugs and big hammers
Gangsters are dangerous and use violence and weapons to accomplish their goals.

Real gangsters open up ya minds and expand 'em
True gangsters are always learning and growing, not just stuck in one way of thinking.

Why was Tupac really spittin at the cameras?
Tupac spoke about real issues and problems that affected the black community, not just glorifying violence and crime.

Cause real gangsters get no peace, they want us six feet deep
Being a gangster means constant danger and no rest, always looking over your shoulder and living with the constant threat of death.

or locked down in the belly of the beast
Going to prison is just as bad as dying for a gangster.

Real gangsters make bread, rise like yeast
A successful gangster makes a lot of money and their power and influence continues to grow.

Won't hesitate to put hot chrome to ya teeth
A gangster will not hesitate to use their weapon against anyone who threatens them.

So fuck beef! Real gangsters load heat
Gangsters don't waste time with petty arguments or disagreements, they just prepare for violence.

When ya see 'em in the street better call the police, c'mon
If you see a gangster in public, it's best to just call the police to avoid any possible danger.

Syndrome is a fear
The fear of violence and crime is a real problem in inner-city neighborhoods.

that inner-city residents have of they own peers
People who live in these areas are often afraid of their own neighbors and community members.

People in they own community
Violence and crime are often committed by people who live in the same neighborhood as their victims.

usin a case where two blacks got smoked by one in '93
Referring to a specific case where two African American men were killed by one person in 1993.

And ain't now nigga be the murder case
The murderer in this case was never found or brought to justice.

Usin and servin survival shit as a defense plea
People use violence as a way to survive and protect themselves in dangerous situations.

In Cali big knot (knot)
Referring to the large amount of money made by drug dealers and gangsters in California.

The judicial system out here'll have you level fo' 'til you rot
The justice system in California can ruin your life and keep you locked up in prison for a very long time.

It's because of the system we violence stricken
The violence in inner-city neighborhoods is a result of a flawed and unfair system that doesn't provide resources or support for these communities.

Forced to frequent the zone when the reefer's driftin
People often go to specific areas of the neighborhood where drugs are easily accessible.

And it's hella drift cause in Southeast Danglewood
Referring to a specific neighborhood in California where drugs and violence are commonplace.

Damn near, 30 years of Bloodin and Crippin
The Bloods and Crips are two notorious gangs in California that have been around for decades.

And we inflicted with a disease mo' trip than an H-I-V
The violence and crime in these neighborhoods is a disease that is more dangerous and destructive than HIV.

Can't nuthin protect you from a hundred, drummer 2-2-3's
Even if you have a bulletproof vest, nothing can protect you from the lethal power of a hundred rounds from an automatic weapon.

You can call the police
In dangerous situations, it's important to involve law enforcement for protection.

Wear a V-E-S-T but forget about safety
Even if you wear a bulletproof vest, you're still not completely safe in a world of violence and crime.

[Chorus]
The chorus repeats throughout the song, emphasizing the theme of living dangerously and violently as a gangster.