They are known for their sometimes confrontational style, combined with socialist lyrics focused on both militant social justice, and also positivity. The duo maintains an ethical stance against corporate control over the media, especially hip-hop record labels.
It's Bigger Than Hip Hop
dead prez Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hip-hop, hip-hop, hip
It's bigger than hip-hop
Hip-hop, hip-hop, hip-hop
One thing 'bout music when it's real they get scared
Got us slavin' for the welfare
Ain't no food, clothes, or healthcare
All my niggas put your guns in the air if you really don't care
Skunk in the air
Make a nigga wanna buck in the air
For my brother locked up in the jump for a year
Shit is real out here, don't believe these videos
This fake ass industry gotta pay to get a song on the radio
Really though, DP's gon' let you know
It's just a game of pimps and hoes
And it's all 'bout who you know
Not who we are, or how we grow
I rap 'bout what I know, what I go through
What I been through, not just for no dough
Even though the rent due, what I'm into ain't for no dough
Or just no fame, everything must change, nothin' remains the same
Sick of the same ol' thang, it's bigger than bling bling
If I, feel it I feel it, if I don't, I don't
If it ain't really real then I probably won't
Rollin' with my soldiers, live soldiers, ready to ride
For this real hip hop y'all I'm ready to die
Uh, hip (what) hop (what), hip (what) hop (what)
Hip (what) hop (what), hip (what) hop
C'mon, c'mon, my soldiers, live soldiers, ready to ride
For this real hip-hop y'all I'm ready to die
Hip-hop means sayin' what I want, never bite my tongue
Hip-hop means teachin' the young
If you feelin' what I'm feelin' then you hearin' what I'm sayin'
'Cause these fake fake records just keep on playin'
What you sayin huh DP bringin' the funk
Let the bass-line rattle your trunk, uh
Punk pig wit a badge wanna handcuff me 'cause my pants that's tend to sag
Hip-hop means throw up your rag, soldier flag
Whether ridin' on the bus or you stole a jag
M-1 mean freedom, burn the cash
Revolutionary love 'til the day we pass
Will they play it on the radio
Maybe not, maybe so we gon' keep it pumpin' though
Everybody know we headed for the whoa, fo sho
Ay dogg, that label is that slave ship
Owners got them whips and rappers is slaves
If you really wanna eat you gotta hear the same thing
With the football, B-ball, or if you slangin' that dope
Ain't never seen no hope, brainwash video shows be foolin' my folk
What the hell a brother gon' do though, huh?
When the rent due, when the lights and the gas gonna get cut off
Drop them raps or cock them gats
Ain't never had shit ever since we came to this bitch
Why I gotta feel pain to get rich?
'Stead of stackin' chips, finna pack them clips
If I, feel it I feel it, if I don't, I don't
If it ain't really real then I probably won't
Rollin' with my soldiers, live soldiers, ready to ride
For this real hip-hop y'all I'm ready to die, uh
Ride to this if you miss 2Pac
Bounce to this if you love Big Poppa
My soldiers, live soldiers, ready to ride
For this real hip-hop y'all I'm ready to die
Uh, hip (what) hop (what), hip (what) hop (what)
Hip (what) hop (what), hip (what)
It's bigger than hip (what) hop (what), hip (yeah) hop (what)
Hip (what) hop (what), hip (what)
It's bigger than hip (c'mon, c'mon, what) hop (ride), hip (ride) hop (ride)
Hip (yeah) hop (yeah), hip (yeah, c'mon)
It's bigger than hip (what) hop (what), hip (what, 1-2, 1-2) hop (ride)
Hip (ride, 1-2, 1-2) hop (blah), hip (baow) hop (1-2)
If I, feel it I feel it, if I don't, I don't
If it ain't really real then I probably won't
Rollin' with my soldiers, live soldiers, ready to ride
For this real hip-hop y'all I'm ready to die, uh
Ride to this if you miss 2Pac
Bounce to this if you love Big Poppa
My soldiers, live soldiers, ready to ride
For this real hip-hop y'all I'm ready to die, uh
They keep it crunk up
In "It's Bigger Than Hip-Hop," Dead Prez addresses the negative impact that the music industry and capitalism have on the African American community. They criticize artists who promote materialism, sexism, and violence for the sake of profit, rather than being honest about the realities of the black experience. Dead Prez claims that true hip-hop is about freedom of expression and educating the youth, whereas the mainstream industry only cares about commercial success. They encourage their listeners to use their voices as a tool for change and to rise up against oppression.
The lyrics of "It's Bigger Than Hip-Hop" have a powerful message that resonates with many listeners, particularly those who have experienced the effects of systemic racism and poverty in America. Dead Prez's critique of the music industry is both timely and relevant, as debates about cultural appropriation, censorship, and commodification continue to shape the hip-hop genre. The song also showcases the group's distinctive style, blending politically charged lyrics with a unique blend of hip-hop, funk, and soul.
Line by Line Meaning
It's still bigger than hip-hop
The message and power of hip-hop extends beyond the music genre itself
One thing 'bout music when it's real they get scared
Authentic music that speaks truth to power is often viewed as a threat by those in positions of authority
Got us slavin' for the welfare
Government assistance is often used to keep marginalized communities in a state of dependence and limited mobility
Ain't no food, clothes, or healthcare
Due to systemic oppression and poverty, basic necessities are often lacking in many communities
I'm down for guerilla warfare
I am willing to fight for change through unconventional means
All my niggas put your guns in the air if you really don't care
If you truly do not care about the consequences of fighting for change, raise your weapon
Make a nigga wanna buck in the air
The overwhelming desire to fight for change can be empowering and energizing
For my brother locked up in the jump for a year
I am fighting for those who have been unjustly incarcerated or otherwise oppressed by the system
This fake ass industry gotta pay to get a song on the radio
The music industry is largely controlled by those with money and connections, rather than by true talent and artistry
It's just a game of pimps and hoes
Those at the top of the music industry often exploit and oppress those who are trying to make it
And it's all 'bout who you know
Success in the music industry is largely dependent on connections and networking
Not who we are, or how we grow
True talent and artistic growth are often devalued in favor of superficial qualities and connections
I rap 'bout what I know, what I go through
My music is based on authentic experiences and struggles that I have faced in my life
Even though the rent due, what I'm into ain't for no dough
While financial survival is important, my music is about more than just making money
Sick of the same ol' thang, it's bigger than bling bling
I am tired of the superficial and shallow nature of modern hip-hop culture, and am focused on a deeper message
If it ain't really real then I probably won't
If music is not authentic and true, it is not worth my time or attention
For this real hip hop y'all I'm ready to die
I am deeply committed to fighting for the true message and power of hip-hop music
Hip-hop means teachin' the young
Hip-hop is a powerful tool for educating and inspiring the next generation
Punk pig wit a badge wanna handcuff me 'cause my pants that's tend to sag
Police often use superficial reasons such as sagging pants as an excuse to harass and arrest young black men
Hip-hop means throw up your rag, soldier flag
Hip-hop can be a powerful means of uniting and empowering marginalized communities
Whether ridin' on the bus or you stole a jag
Hip-hop culture can be found and embraced by people from all walks of life and social backgrounds
M-1 mean freedom, burn the cash
Freedom is more valuable than any amount of money, and should be fought for at all costs
Revolutionary love 'til the day we pass
Love can be a powerful force for change and revolution, and should be embraced and shared by all
They keep it crunk up
The establishment tries to maintain the status quo, but we will continue to fight for change and progress
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network
Written by: Adam Tony Fenton, Clayton Gavin, Dan Stein, Lavonne Alford, Vonkelli Williams, Andrew Mair, Daniel Edward Stein
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@joshn2568
2024 what’s good.. who rocking with this still real OGs
@anonymousanonymousptje2999
What's feedinge 'us right? We just people
@brianparson6018
Yerrr
@MrDarthBudda
Raise the Red Flag...
@lashonnawallace8689
Yo!
@cody5530
35 yrs old BANGIN DIS HEAVY
@philgomeze1814
"TALKIN BOUT HOW MUCH MONEY THEY GOT, ALL YALL RECORDS SOUND THE SAME" 20 years later still so true
@dersimkangal
Real iz real. Time doesnt matter
@kburrell81
Man their music just be in history books
@toreytownsend4705
Truth!!!!