Tuesday, October 13, 2009

"Drop" by The Pharcyde...Looking at one of the best examples of why old school is still cool.

Drop is a CLASSIC.  If you've never heard it, you're in for a treat.  This song flows exquisitely and drips with metaphors and double meaning (get my drip pun? ya, I know it was bad, but whatever...)  The Pharcyde were one of the most talented hip hop acts of the 1990s, and they still don't get the respect they truly deserve.  This song is a gem, with hard hitting lyrics over a beautiful beat produced by my favorite hip hop producer of all time, Jay Dee (AKA J. Dilla). 

Song # 8. "Drop" by The Pharcyde
The Pharcyde - Drop (YouTube)


Verse 1: Bootie Brown

Let me freak the funk,
obsolete is the punk that talk more junk than Sanford sells
I jet propel at a rate that complicate their mental state
as I invade their masquerade
they couldn't fade with a clipper blade
10 years in the trade is not enough, they can't cut it
I let you take a swing, and you bunt it


Bootie begins by saying if you talk shit, you don't mean shit.  His intrusive nature makes people wary, the same people who cant shave their heads with a clipper blade.  These same obsolete people have been in the game for a while, but not long enough as far as Bootie is concerned.  He lets people take metaphorical swings at him and yet they bunt (basically they have chances to rip on him and stay conservative in their criticisms, presumably because Bootie is so good at rhyming). Also, when he references Sanford he (presumably) means the Congressman from South Carolina (Mark Sanford), who is a notorious politician and salesman. 

for an easy out, I leave mc's with doubt
of exceeding, my name is Bootie Brown and I'm proceeding, leading,
they try to follow but they're shallow and hollow
I can see right through them like an empty 40 bottle, of O.E.
they have no key, or no clue


The best way he knows of out rapping another MC is to just best them...make them doubt their ability to exceed the skill of your verse.  Het hen boasts of leading the way while everyone else raps with lyrics as empty as an empty Old English (malt liquor) bottle.  They never change, because they never understand the game.  

to the game at all, now they washed up
hung out to dry
standing looking stupid, wondering why
(why man?)
it was the fame, that they tried to get
now they walking around talkin about represent
and keep it real, but I got to appeal
cause they existing in a fantasy when holding the steel


They (other rappers) don't understand how to cope with a changing (read: evolving) rap game, and so they are stuck on the money, hoes, and guns that initially made hip hop prominent.  But Bootie points out most rappers put up a front where they are defined by these things, but really, theyre just professing the fantasy that the consumer wants to hear.  This is some brilliant lyrical work from Bootie.

Verse 2: Slim Kid 3

rock a bye baby,
listen to your heart beat pumping to a fine
ravine of all things it's a vein of a shrine
all missions impossible are possible, cause I'm
heading for a new sector, three sixty-five, days from now, 

I'll wipe the sweat from my eye

Basically, Slim begins by saying that everything is possible, especially changing a beat, or changing lyrics.  If you work hard, everything will work out.

and each and every true will stick, or fall from the skies, of my cloud nine
from homies all the way to chicks, no matter how fine
controlling is a swollen way to wreck a proud mind
you hold it in your hands and watch a man start crying
tear after tear in the puppet man's hands
every time you take a stance you do the puppet man's dance


Everything that's truth comes forward eventually, especially in his ideal world.  And controlling (or being controlled) is a fast way to destroy the free mind, which is evident when you have control over a person's interests.  When you take a side in that battle for control you are part of the problem (of control), in that we are meant to be free and independent.  

and the worlds at a stand-still
deep in broken mansville, trapped in the moat with an anvil, still
killing yourself, and dogging ya health
you ain't amphibious, so grab a hold of yourself


Everyone gets down (depressed), oftentimes because they are weighed down by their problems/stress, but if you let them get to you, you'll "drown" (and since we are land creatures, that is not a good idea).   Essentially he says 'don't sweat the small stuff, especially the small stuff you CANNOT control'. 

Verse 3: Knumbskull #1

shit is-shit is ill, (but through my will) my flow still will spill
toxic slick to shock sick like electrocute
when I execute, acutely over the rythym
on those that pollute, extra dosages is what I gotta give em
 

He begins using wordplay to boast of his skill on the mic.  Then he claims anyone who pollutes (read: raps poorly, or hates on Pharcyde)  will feel his wrath in the form of "extra dosages" (read: more electricity, which means more hurt for the enemy).


got em mad and tremblin
cause I been up in my lab assemblin
misslies, to bomb the enemy
because they envy me, and the making of my mad currency
currently I think we're in a state of an emergency
 

He has been preparing for metaphorical battle since all the new rappers seem to be about ego and envy.  He hates on the state of rap and its emphasis on possessions and fighting, but at the same time, he is prepared to defend himself at all costs. 


cause niggas done sold they souls, and now they souls is hollow
and I think they can't follow
they can't swallow, the truth because it hurts
this is how I put it down, this is my earth, my turf
the worth of my birth is a billion, and you know what time it is
I'm going to make a million


He believes soulless rappers have taken over the game, selling their musical creativity for money, but for Knumbskull, he has found a balance between creativity and riches, and plans to exploit it. 


Analysis: This song doesn't say a whole lot, but under the surface, it is a call to action, for rappers to step their game up and start acting like artists, not gangsters.  A main recurring theme seems to be: "if we can do it like this, why can't everyone".  Money comes to those with talent, not those who perpetuate stereotypical fantasies.  Also, Jay Dee's beat is FIRE and makes the lyrical content less important.  Simply the way that they rhyme perfectly in time with the snare hits makes this song a classic.  Their timing is perfect.  Also, their deliveries and writing styles are extremely unique, which contributes to the unique style of this song.  The album it is from "Labcabincalifornia", is a hip hop classic.   

Intended Meaning:  Rap has become too commercial, what happened to lyricism, artistry, and the true gangster roots?

Real Moral: Stay real, get paid, and succeed. Aim to get paid by pretending to be real, and fail.  Live and learn from this, rap world.

Monday, September 21, 2009

"Throw It In The Bag" by Fabolous (feat. The Dream)...otherwise known as "I'll buy you anything, if you sleep with me...because I can" by Fabolous

This song is another real gem (and by real gem, I mean NOT a gem).  In the tradition of varying between serious analyzing and joke analyzing, I've decided to tackle Fabolous's popular song about buying women whatever they want (presumably to get them to sleep with you).  While the song may attract people with its catchy-ness and popular style, I don't think anyone is really listening to the lyrics.  Allow me to show you what I mean...

Song # 7. "Throw it in the Bag" by Fabolous (feat. The Dream).
Fabolous - Throw It In The Bag (YouTube) 

[Intro: Fabolous & (The Dream)]

(You already know what it is), We got anotha one boy, (ATL), (Just throw it in the bag), Wassup Brooklyn, wassup son, wassup Fabo, ay, man, i got that black amex wit me, aka that throw it the bag card, yeah! 

Talking intro with the Dream and Fabolous, explaining how much they're willing to spend to get laid (they have Black AmEx cards...that means no limit...suckaaaa).

[Verse 1: The-Dream]
Now I know you aint over there starin at my girl
Yea I know you aint over there starin at my girl
Nigga I know you dont call yourself hollarin at my girl
I know you dont call yourself holarin at my girl
i keep hittin tha baton, Louie vuttion
gucci down to her feet, Yup just like me.
Im the one, with them ones.
Fuck the price on the tag
just throw it in the bag.
 

The dream throws out a short first verse, saying he hopes you aren't staring at his girl (but makes no threats), then, he claims that she rocks the finest things, just like him. The point?  I don't know.  The dream is a pretty popular RnB singer, but I've always been unimpressed by his random songs and goofy appearances on songs like this.

[Chorus: The-Dream]
Un-huh un-huh un-huh
just throw it in the bag
Un-huh un-huh un-huh
Just throw it in the bag

The main theme of the chorus is uh-huh-ing and telling the girl to throw it in the bag (meaning you can buy whatever you want)...this song is a pure rip off (thematically) of T.I.'s 'Whatever You Like', which, despite being about the same subject matter, is a significantly better song (mainly due to the beat and layout). 

[Verse 2: Fabolous]
Look at price tags
where they do that at
Heard that in ATL
When im in ATL
Just ask my baby girl
I treat that lady well


He treats his lady well, but other than that I didn't take away anything from these lines...are the price tags in Atlanta (ATL) better or something?

Ain't nothin soso
and i know JD Well
A couple benzs, black white gray C.L.
Got niggas lookin like, did we miss a mercedes sale?
Don't wonda what I do, Just know they pay me well.
They keep that gucci and that louie on my laby l's
Thats the way we feel
Must be nice man
You wit the right man
You aint gotta price scan, or ask how much


He doesn't do so-so, only expensive and awesome.  He then name drops (er, initial drops) Jermain Dupri's name (a long time friend/collaborator) before boasting about his (multiple) Mercedes CL's that people notice (and wish they had but can't afford...).  He buys Gucci and Louie Vatton because he can, and then he boasts that his girl is clearly with the right guy (because he can spend money on her).  This is the whole reason I hate this song.  It's continuing the perpetuation of wealth over love, and sex over intimacy.  It's turning hip hop into an outlet for commercialism, and it is the worst, most superficial kind. 

Now what i look like
Son im from brooklin, what it look like
You get it, cause i got it
I got it, so you get it
Do like Luke say, dont stop get it get it
Mami do the speedie
Daddy do tha duffle
Bag full of chips
We aint talkin ruffles


He drops a hometown call-out, proclaiming he's from Brooklyn, and then asks where else he would be from (as if there's no other cities)...Then he drops a reference to Luke's "I Wanna Rock"...for no apparent reason.  Then he drops a couple dances and claims he has many chips (money, not ruffles, as he puts it so eloquently).

[Chorus: The-Dream]

[Verse 3: Fabolous]
See i know what ima tell her
The same thing that the bank robber told the teller
Just throw it in the bag
Thats the way it suppose to be
A real nigga posed to help you out with the groceries
Just throw it in the bag


He's saying that to be a real man (altho he doesn't say man), you need to be able to pay for things for a woman.  While this may be partially true, and certainly chivalrous, it is also misogynistic, overtly sexist, and only self-applicable.  Most artists consider their audience when making records, but Fabolous apparently only considers himself.  What is important to him is important to you, as far as I can tell.  i do like the teller line, though (and I'm not sure why). 

Paper or plastic, its safer to ask it
So dent that nigga, i will pay for the casket
That remy mar got him spittin plenty bars
Broke ass nigga couldnt buy the mini bar
So get with loso
he aint got to know so
Such a gentlemen dozen bottles of that rose mo


Bag reference, followed by a recommendation from Fabolous to dump the poor man and start chilling with Fab.  Remy Mar/Mini Bar line showing how Fab lives versus how the people who would listen to his music live is good, but simultaneously fucked up.  He also points out you can keep your man, and still hang out with Fabolous.  He'd never know AND you'll be treated well.  Gentlemen, find your girlfriends. Before Fab does.

Oh you gotta man, well u need a richa one
meet me in the parking lot, the place say get u one
Meet me at the register
Im there on the regular
These niggas price checkin
you can help them in a second
As we proceed to give you what you need
Like we breakin' down the weed
Shorty just throw it in the bag!


You have a man?  Why not get a rich one?  Well, what if he IS rich, Fabolous?  Ugh, then he ends with mediocre lines and metaphors (weed+bag and price checking). 

[Chorus: The-Dream]

[Bridge: Fabolous]
Everybody do the throw it in the bag
Ay do the Throw it in the bag
Everybody do the throw it in the bag
Ay do the Throw it in the bag
Everybody do the throw it in the bag
Ay do the Throw it in the bag


A repetitive chorus gives way to a repetitive bridge and then goes back to chorus before the song FINALLY ends.
[Chorus: The-Dream]

Anaylsis: In the recent tradition of hip hop, Fabolous has made a commercially viable song, with a convoluted message that also comes complete with its own goofy ass dance.

Fabolous' Moral:  Money wins all.  Women who are with broke fools, should be with fabolous.

Real Moral: Fuck all of ya'll.  Buy my music, make me richer, ensure this song is true. Somewhere, Fabolous is counting his money, and buying some girl's "love".

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

"The Way I Am" by Eminem...I don't care, it's just the way he is.

I was going to analyze Lupe's 'Dumb It Down', but it's pretty cryptic.  I got the meaning of the song, as did most people, but it's VERY hard to analyze line by line.  I plan on doing it sometime soon, though.

Soooo...the next song I'm going to take a look at is one of Eminem's many well-written and popular songs..."The Way I Am".  The song attempts to tell off critics while simultaneously proving that Eminem has nothing to prove (and wouldn't care if he did).  It is a great song, with a lot of great lines, and it packs a pretty important message (basically, screw other peoples' opinions, opinion is flawed). 


Song #6. "The Way I Am" by Eminem.
Eminem - The Way I Am (YouTube)

[Eminem talking...]
Whatever..
Dre, just let it run
Ay-yo turn the beat up a little bit
Ay-yo.. this song is for anyone.. fuck it
Just shut up and listen, ay-yo..
 

A talking intro where Eminem declares the song applicable to anyone.

[Verse 1]

I sit back with this pack of zig zags and this bag
Of this weed it gives me the shit needed to be
The most meanest mc on this -- on this earth
And since birth Ive been cursed with this curse to just curse
And just blurt this berserk and bizarre shit that works
And it sells and it helps in itself to relieve
All this tension dispensin these sentences
 

He starts by smoking weed, which he claims give him what he needs to be the best MC.  Then he claims that since birth he has been cursing and rapping.  His music has been selling well, and it helps to relieve the pain he feels, which he has been translating into lyrics. 

Gettin this stress thats been eatin me recently off of this chest
And I rest again peacefully (peacefully)..
But at least have the decency in you
To leave me alone, when you freaks see me out
In the streets when Im eatin or feedin my daughter
To not come and speak to me (speak to me)..
I dont know you and no,
I dont owe you a mo-therfuck-in thing
Im not mr. nsync, Im not what your friends think
Im not mr. friendly, I can be a prick 
 

He's been stressed, so he's excited to relieve himself of that stress, so he can relax.  Yet, he claims, he can't relax because fans keep bothering him when he's just trying to live his life.  He says he doesn't owe anyone anything, and his fame does NOT  mean he has to be a nice guy and a role model.  He is a prick, and he knows it. 

If you tempt me my tank is on empty (is on empty)..
No patience is in me and if you offend me
Im liftin you 10 feet (liftin you 10 feet).. in the air
I dont care who is there and who saw me destroy you
Go call you a lawyer, file you a lawsuit
Ill smile in the courtroom and buy you a wardrobe
Im tired of all you (of all you)..
I dont mean to be mean but thats all I can be is just me


He says that if people bug him, he's not going to ignore it...he's going to get angry (and maybe violent).  He then boasts that he doesn't care if he has to pay out a settlement in a lawsuit, it'll be worth it for the peace of mind that he would get from it.  He doesn't mean to be mean , that's just him...

[Chorus]
And I am, whatever you say I am
If I wasnt, then why would I say I am?
In the paper, the news everyday I am
Radio wont even play my jam
Cause I am, whatever you say I am
If I wasnt, then why would I say I am?
In the paper, the news everyday I am
I dont know its just the way I am


The chorus shows Eminem as a construction of the media, and he sarcastically says whatever you want me to be, is what I am.  Although he says this, he really means that no one knows him, so pretending to is ridiculous just because you read the news. He also means that no one can judge another person based on their reputation...everyone has their own perspectives. 

[Verse 2]
Sometimes I just feel like my father, I hate to be bothered
With all of this nonsense its constant
And, oh, its his lyrical content -
- the song guilty conscience has gotten such rotten responses
And all of this controversy circles me
And it seems like the media immediately
Points a finger at me (finger at me)..
 

He starts by saying his father didn't like to be bothered (perhaps implying his mother was crazy, or perhaps he was just introverted or something).  Then he continues by saying that he constantly faces criticism whenever he does anything, and he's tired of hearing about it.  He clearly thinks 'Guilty Conscience' is a good song, and some critics apparently do not.  The media seems to think he can't do anything right (in his opinion). And it annoys him. mostly because people NEVER shut up.

So I point one back at em, but not the index or pinkie
Or the ring or the thumb, its the one you put up
When you dont give a fuck, when you wont just put up
With the bullshit they pull, cause they full of shit too
When a dudes gettin bullied and shoots up his school
And they blame it on marilyn (on marilyn).. and the heroin
 

He continues, loudly saying FUCK YOU...to the media, to the judgmental masses, and basically to every one who has a bullshit opinion.  He's tired of bullshit, in the same way the kids who shoot up the schools (columbine/thurston/etc.) are judged, outcast, and tired of BS.  He is also mad at how it was blamed on Marilyn Manson and drugs, but never on the parents or teachers.   

Where were the parents at? and look where its at
Middle america, now its a tragedy
Now its so sad to see, an upper class ci-ty
Havin this happenin (this happenin)..
Then attack eminem cause I rap this way (rap this way)..
But Im glad cause they feed me the fuel that I need for the fire
To burn and its burnin and I have returned


He finishes verse 2 strongly, blaming parents for their kids' problems and pointing out that school shootings in middle class, white America are a tragedy, when inner city violence is an every day, overlooked occurrence.  Affluence breeds ignorance (although the irony that Eminem is a rich white boy is overlooked here).  And that ignorance 'ignites' Eminem's lyrical fire (so he's appreciative). 

[Chorus]

[Verse 3]
Im so sick and tired of bein admired
That I wish that I would just die or get fired
And dropped from my label and stop with the fables
Im not gonna be able to top on my name is..
And pigeon-holed into some pop-py sensation
To cop me rotation at rocknroll stations

He doesn't want the admiration either, since it is mostly fake...stemming from his pop success.  He (with tongue-in-cheek) proposes being dropped from his label so he can stop with all the story telling and pop songs (he says he won't be able to top 'My Name Is..." , anyways). 


And I just do not got the patience (got the patience)..
To deal with these cocky Caucasians who think
Im some wigger who just tries to be black cause I talk
With an accent, and grab on my balls, so they always keep askin
The same fuckin questions (fuckin questions)..
What school did I go to, what hood I grew up in
The why, the who what when, the where, and the how
til Im grabbin my hair and Im tearin it out

Everyone, especially cocky Caucasians, (which I take to mean white people who think they're too good for listening to rap) claim he's a 'wigger' since he raps, grabs his balls, and has an accent, but that's just the way he is.  It pisses him off that people ask him all these personal questions that they have no business asking.  He basically wants everyone to fuck off, because it's driving him insane.


Cause they drivin me crazy (drivin me crazy).. I cant take it
Im racin, Im pacin, I stand and I sit
And Im thankful for ev-ery fan that I get
But I cant take a shit, in the bathroom
Without someone standin by it
No I wont sign your autograph
You can call me an asshole Im glad

He loves his fans and all, but there's a line between enjoying popularity and suffering from it, and Eminem is walking that fine line.  He doesn't think he's an asshole, but he also doesn't care what you think, so he says, go ahead, call me whatever...

[Chorus]

And he finishes with the chorus, as he reinforces that he is what he is, so whatever you make him out to be is what you think he is, and while it's probably wrong, he's past caring.  



Anaylsis:  This song is both a song about struggling with fame, and telling people to fuck off when they try to judge you.

Eminem's Moral: You're a product of other people's opinions, and the best thing you can do is to just ignore them all. 

Friday, September 11, 2009

"LOL Smiley Face" by Trey Songz (ft. Soulja Boy and Gucci Mane)...Seriously guys, what's more gangster that emoticons? That's right. Nothing.

This song is playing on the radio a lot right now, and it's just terrible.  A friend suggested I analyze it, so naturally, I did...
Song # 5. "LOL Smiley Face" by Trey Songz (ft. Soulja Boy and Gucci Mane)


I love Fisha and Price.

In an attempt to top all other ridiculous opening lines, Trey declares his love for both of the founders (Herman Fisher and Irving Price) of toy company, Fisher Price...but...why?

8043350051,
LOL smiley face, LOL smiley face
(Soulja Boy Tell 'Em)
8043350051,(Gucci)
LOL smiley face, LOL smiley face

Apparently, if you want a top 40 hit these days, it's a good idea to give out your phone number in the song...

(Chorus)
Shorty just text me, says she want to sex me
LOL smiley face, LOL smiley face
Shorty sent a twitpic saying come and get this,
LOL smiley face, LOL smiley face


What a chorus. An acronym and an emoticon.  Not even real words. Enough said. I don't care if it's about sex, it's immature and stupid, period.

(Trey Songz)
Shorty called my phone, i was busy (i was busy)
cruisin in that Benz round the city (round the city)
then i felt my phone buzz, i know that she like thugs,
im a bad boy like diddy (take that!),
then she sent the text, that read, baby im at home,
then she sent another one that says she’s all alone
so i text her a smiley face and said lets do the grown,
 

Oh Trey, how do women resist your mediocre lyrics and unintelligible songs?  And why put songs in your name? and why misspell it?  So basically what happens here is a girl calls him, but he's busy driving around looking cool, but then she texts him say she's all alone and Trey wants to do the grown (up, as in have sex...FYI: you know you're a grown up when you call having sex the "doing the grown up").

She said lol, boy you crazy, come on
then she said actually, you aint gotta ask me
sent that lil face with the tongue cuz im nasty
im on my way, girl i can't wait, twitter me a picture
let me see that okayy, 


Why the fuck does she say, 'actually you aint gotta ask me'?  I don't know, it's beyond me, considering she had just said 'lol, you crazy'.   Trey's a freak so he sends the little emoticon with the tongue sticking out.  If that is freaky, what word would describe people who like to have sex with polar bears?  I think Trey doesn't realize how freaky is properly used.  He can't wait, he needs a twitpic!  Hurry, someone help the man...

(Chorus)

(Bridge)
Go to my page and follow and if you got a body like a coke bottle,
Shorty sent a twitpic saying come and get this,
LOL smiley face, LOL smiley face
 

If you have a body like a coke CAN, just don't even apply.  The other two lines are too gross to comment on.  The fact that the dude is making a song about twittering and texting 'lol' is proof that he has no concept of what's cool. At all...

(Gucci Mane)
Email me shawty, text bay,
Send yo boy a smiley face,
Gucci Mane, x-rated we could make a sex tape (GUCCI!).
Pics on my iphone, gucci on her ipod,
When she turn around, ass make ya say oh god,



What is a 'text bay'? Is that similar to a 'Michael Bay'?  And Gucci...Tape and Face don't even remotely rhyme dude. I do like that line Pics/Gucci (in other words, he has pics of her, and she has his songs), but why did he need to couple that with a generic ass compliment? 

Mommy real beautiful,
Manicured cuticles,
Office job, student girl, holding down her cubicle,
And she got my number to her, man that’s like a miracle,
She say she like my swag,and my 6’s on my vehicle,


Any guy will tell you the first thing they notice on a girl is her manicured nails...NOT!  Oh snap, and then he rhymed cubicle and cuticle...those are almost the same word!  But they're not, they just happen to rhyme, LOL (Smiley Face).  I dont know what he's talking about the rest of the way.  Number to her? 6's on the vehicle? What, 6 inch rims?  I'm confused, Gucci. 

GA to VA, Cali girls love me,
Brooklyn girls hug me,
Miami girl's sexy, (I think I love her!)
Pull up in a stretchy…
Jump out flexing
First date sexing,
Next night sexing. (Well Damn!)
 

GA to VA? That's North-South, Gucci...so why do you say Cali girls love me right after that?  It would make sense if you said from Portland to Portland or East to West, But GA to VA? Why not even just say GA to the Bay?!? Then, Gucci declares he's in love with some Miami girl.  Then he pulls up in a stretchy (stretch limo, I'd guess), flexing and then has sex 2 nights in a row.  What a terrible way to finish your verse, Gucci. Seriously.

(Chorus)

(Bridge)

(Soulja Boy)
Talking: Trey, I got you, Baby...
Lol smiley face, lol smiley face,
Soulja boy tellem bay,
Lol smiley face,
Baby girl sent da picture to my blackberry,
She fine and she thick just like Hallie berry,
Kiss me through the phone, LOL smiley face
 

Oh man, Soulja...just...wow.  Soulja doesn't manage to say anything (except you got a picture from a girl who is "thick" like Halle Berry, who I've always thought of as pretty small and thin, not traditionally thick...) BUT, Soulja does drop a reference to his terrible phone song, analyzed previously in this blog.  And why not, both are terrible rap songs about worthless phone shit.  Which is worse? Superman That Hoe or Kiss Her Through the Phone?


We can go and kick it bay
Later on at my place,
She message me on myspace told me she loved me,
She texting my phone 4:30 in da morning,
Baby i’m horny, I wanna kiss you,
I can put it on you, thats not an issue,
She scratching my back, screaming out im hers,
She text my phone say I need your love,
I met her monday last week in da club,
One week later now she telling me that she in love,
 

So here, Soulja says he got a myspace message, which says the girl is in love with him (but of course! who hasn't professed their love on myspace?!)  Then, he says that she's basically crazy...texting him all the time/saying she needs loving, but really, he just met her.  However, he fails to make a point, or say anything...as usual.

(Chorus)
(Bridge) 


Analysis: This song says nothing, and does so surprisngly obviously (as opposed to most bad rap which is overshadowed by an okay beat, or a dance move, this song brings nothing to the table).  It is about a girl (or girls) who want sex, so they send text messages.  Is this really a problem for anyone? For rappers?  Are they even saying it's a problem?  I can't tell if they like it or hate it...

Trey's Moral of the Song: I don't know...girls text goofy shit when they wanna do da grown up?

Real Moral of the Song:  If you continue to be terrible and make terrible music, you will get air play and people will listen.  Inexplicably. 

Monday, August 31, 2009

"It's Going Down" by Young Joc...True Story: he chose the name Young Joc because Young Jock, Yung Jock, Jock, Joc, Old Jock, Old Joc, and Jock-A-Diddy Doo Rag were taken.

Our next song is a "radio classic", and it is also a song that probably got more airplay than it deserved.  Nevermind, it definitely got more airplay than it deserved.  Some of the lyrics in this song are straight up confusing, so I figured I'd break it down for all of you who just didn't listen (or couldn't even try to listen) to Joc's message. 

Song # 4.  "It's Going Down" by Young Joc
Young Joc - It's Going Down (YouTube) 
[Note: the video is hilarious]


[Lil Boi]
This a nitty beat (boing)


Like all great music, the song starts out with a 'boing' noise and a shout to the producer (Nitty) from a dude named Lil' Boi (which seems like a redundant name, he might as well me called Big Giant) 

[Nitty, the producer]
Here we go again
Ghettoville U.S.A. (uh Oh)
You know I go by the name nitty right (uh huh)
I gotta introduce you to another motherfucker out my squad right (who dis nigga mane?)
Dis nigga go by the name of Joc (Joc?)
He resides in College Park (College Park cp)
But for right now what we gotta do for y'all (what we gonna do)
We gotta give y'all a hit (huh)
 


Nitty lays a "gritty" intro, speaking (not singing, or rapping) about the hit he's about to lay down for his "squad" mate, Joc.  The repeating of his speech (the enclosed parts after each line) tends to show no one knows or cares who Joc is, but Nitty clearly wants that changed

[Verse 1]
Niggaz in my face
Damn near er' day
Asking a million questions like
Joc where ya stay
Tell 'em College Park
Where they chop cars
Eat 20 grand spend a grand at the bar
 

Fools are in Joc's face, aggressively questioning where he stays, aka where he is from, but although he makes a claim that they ask him 'a million questions', but then he proceeds to list only one.  However, he does inform us they chop cars in College Park, so I'm guessing it would be best to avoid this place.  He also seems to enjoy eating paper money (I guess, because he has so much? I think this is how Hammer lost all his money...), but luckily, he saves some to spend on "dranks". 
 
Just bought a zone, jays on my feet
I'm on that patron, so get like me
69 cutlass, wit the bucket seats
Beat in my trunk, bought it just for the freaks
 

Here he tells us he just bought a zone, and has jays on his feet.  Though it seems to be nonsense, it isn't.  He is telling us he just bought an ounce of weed and has some sick MJs on his feet (Michael Jordan sneakers).  Then, he proceeds to tell us he's drunk on Patron tequila and encourages us to join him in his Patron-drunkenness. Then, out of left field, Joc decides he has to boast about his '69 cutlass with bucket seats, out of which he plays a beat that he bought just for freaks. This either means he loves his car and has been bumping some CD he bought (so that the ladies will go after him), or that he is mentally unstable and just throwing random facts at us. 

Catch me in the hood, posted at the sto
Pistol in my lap, on the phone, counting dough
If a girl choose, let her do her thang
Just like her mama, nice ass, nice brain
Er'body love me, I'm so fly
Niggaz throw the deuces er'time I ride by
I know ya wonder why
I'm so cool
Don't ask me just do what cha do (ok)
 


If you want to find Joc, he'll be in his hood, "posted at the store".  Apprently semi-famous rappers have nothing better to do than stand in front of convenience stores touting guns, counting money, and probably getting robbed.  The next set of inexplicable lines involves letting a girl dance if she wants to, especially if she has the nice assets of her mama.  Of course, he naturally proceeds to self-boasts, including the mostly incomprehensible "N%$$@z throw the deuces everytime i drive by" I assume he means peace signs, but even he admits, the listener probably wonders why they do that.  So he answers with 'I'm so cool' .  All I can say is wow, TGFYJ.  Thank god for Young Joc.  

[Chorus: repeat 2X]
Meet me in the trap its going down
Meet me in the mall its going down
Meet me in the club its going down
Any where ya meet me guaranteed to go down

 
The chorus bursts with musical aptitude.  Boasting an amazingly complex two lines, Joc's chorus simultaneously gives us a place to meet him (although, most people don't know what a trap is, which malls or clubs he is talking about, or what going down means) and a fact (that wherever he is, it's going down).  In fact, Joc is referencing a place where a drug deal takes place when he says 'trap', and by 'going down', he most likely means, "stuff is happening".  Anywhere you meet him, all kinds of things will be happening.  Insightful and philosophical, indeed.

[verse 2]
Verse numba 2 do the damn thang
Cubes on my neck pockets full of ben frank
When I'm in the mall hoes just pause
I pop a few tags give me that on the wall


He reminds us that this is verse 2 (and subsequently, that we must now 'do the damn thang').  Then, incoherently, tells us he wears neck cubes (necklaces with big diamonds, maybe?) and has pockets full of Ben Frank.  To those unaware, Ben Frank is most likely Ben Franklin, whose face is on the 100 dollar bill (although, it could be a guy from the block who owed Joc money, so now Joc carries his fingers or something).  In other words, Joc is rich.  At the mall 'hoes just pause", presumably because he can stop time with his mind.  Then upon shooting a couple price tags, he demands "that" on the wall.  No, just playing, Joc is buying new clothes (popping the tags off of the new clothes, get it?). He's a sly one, that Joc.


Time to flip the work make the block bump
Boys from the hood call me black Donald Trump
Dope Boy Magic seven days a week
Numba one record long as nitty on the beat
 


It's now time to turn work into profit for Joc (presumably work here means making music, but it could also mean making and selling drugs), and because of his ability to do so, Joc would like us to know his hood boys call him the black Donald Trump (although, I'm sure Jay-Z is a better black Donald Trump, at very least, he's richer than Joc)7 days a week, Joc performs dope boy magic, presumably, this is the title for his opening act every time he opens for Penn and Teller.  He also admits, he will only make number 1 records as long as Nitty produces (this has been proven true, without a doubt, and I'm happy he can admit it). Although this is (and probably will remain) his only popular song, ever.


Oh I think dey like me betta yet I know
Lights camera action when I walk through the door
Niggaz know my crew we certified stars
Valet in the front 'bout 35 cars
Bitches in the back
Black beamer coups
Girls like girls time to recruit
If ya got a problem say it to my face
We can knuckle up any time any place
 


Despite his uncertainty of whether or not people like him, he is certain they do.  Actually this is a  surprisingly good reference to another of rap's worst songs by some of its worst performers (the group Dem Franchize Boyz), whose song is titled "Oh I Think Dey Like Me".  Joc finishes the verse with further boasting, claiming it's only action time when he walks in the room, his car has a valet in the front with 35 cars parked there (apparently, he likes to host endless parties), there are bitches in the back (of his house?), black beamers (are these not included in the 35 cars?), and he's recruiting lesbians (which I assume will be used for top secret recon missions to Young Jeezy's crib).  He finishes the whole ridiculous charade with a threat that if you got something to say, say it to him, so he can beat the shit out of you.

[Chorus]

[Verse 3]
Time to set it off let these nigga know
Have ya every seen a Chevy wit the butterfly doors?


Simultaneously, Joc lets us know it's time to set it off, so that people know (presumably, this means the fact that he has arrived) , and also, he asks us a question (which is unrelated and outright stupid).  Neat, Joc, you have butterfly doors, the world is a better place... 


I ride real slow, no need to speed
Gotta make sure, ya see the buckets on my feet
Feds on my trail, but they don't thank I know
I keep my hands clean, cuz I never touch dope


Really, Joc, you don't touch dope?  What about that reference to buying a zone?  Either you're a liar, or you have Alzheimer's, sir.  And how is anyone gonna see the "buckets" on your feet if you're driving a car?  And if you mean rims, like I assume you do, why refer to feet? They're tires, man! 


Every time I see 'em look 'em in the eye
Ask 'em how I know its me surprise!
Put it in the air rep where ya stay
Take a step back blow the kush in they face
Stunting is a habit let 'em see the karats
I'ma make it rain nigga I ain't scared to share it
 

I'm done analyzing.  This makes sense if you really read it, but it's not really say anything.  At all.

[Chorus]

Luckily, the chorus doesn't change.  Luckily.

[Outro]
Yung Joc...
Nitty strikes again
This a Nitty beat
Playmaker
So So Def motherfucker


And finally, Joc reminds us that he is in fact, so, so def.  And in case there was any doubt, adds an emphatic "Motherfucker".


Analysis:  One thing is clear form listening to "It's Goin Down": this masterpiece took Joc years of research and writing.  And even though it is a pretty goofy song by a self-boasting rap star, with no prior hits, it turned into one of the bigger radio hits of whatever year it came out.  Joc made a hit about how big he was, before he had gotten big.  Impressive, indeed. And remember, if you see Young Joc, you know it's going down.

Young Joc's Moral: If you see Young Joc, best be prepared, because something crazy is going to be happening.

Real Meaning: Young Joc's life is as boring as yours, but he doesn't want you to know.  However, by the time this song got popular, Young Joc was most likely living like he does in the song.  Ironic.  And this if also further proof that lyrics don't mean shit if you can make a catchy song.  Well done Young Jeezy.  Er, I meant young Joc...

Thursday, August 27, 2009

"Still D.R.E" by Dr. Dre...In case you were worried he was changing his name...

Now considered one of the best hip hop albums of all time (critically, and commercially), Dr. Dre's 1999 sophomore album '2001' made Dre's 7+ year old debut album, 1992's ''The Chronic' seem more dated than driving a Datsun. Among the hits on '2001', "Still D.R.E", was among the most popular, and the song happens to have one of the most recognizable melodies (especially the very beginning), of any hip hop song ever made...

Song # 3. "Still D.R.E." by Dr. Dre.
Dr. Dre - Still D.R.E (YouTube)

[Snoop]
Still Snoop Dogg and D-R-E (Guess who's back)
Still, still doing that shit, right?

The song begins with Snoop Dogg letting everyone know the OG'S (Original GangsterS) are back making music together, just like they did on 'The Chronic'.

[Dr. Dre]
Oh for sure, check me out
It's still Dre Day, A.K.
Before I chrome the lot, can't keep it home a lot
'cause when I frequent the spots that I'm known to rock
You hear the bass from the trunk when I'm on the block

Dre begins his verse referencing songs from his previous albums, and then reminding every one that he's still been bumpin' hip hop everywhere he goes, even though he hasn't been making it.


Ladies, they pay homage, but haters say Dre fell off
How, N###@? My last album was "The Chronic"
They want to know if he still got it
They say rap's changed, they want to know how I feel about it

Ladies still love Dre, after all he is a doctor...but 'haters' have been hating, mostly because Dre hasn't made an album in a while. To his haters, Dre points out that a lack of an album doesn't mean that he's fallen off (after all, his first album, 'The Chronic' was a massive success just as 2001 was), but rather, that he has been on a vacation of sorts.

[Snoop - singing]
If you ain't up on pace

Better catch up, says snoop...

[Dr. Dre]
Dr. Dre is the name, I'm ahead of my game
Still, puffing my leafs, still with the beats
Still not loving police (Uh huh)
Still rock my khakis with a cuff and a crease
Still got love for the streets, repping 213
Still the beat bangs, still doing my thang
Since I left, ain't too much changed, still

Dre drops a verse to shut up the critics. He says hes still making beats, still smoking weed, still hates police, hasn't changed his fashion style, still 'reps' the streets, and his hip hop still bumps. He then ends the verse with the poignantly true "since I left, ain't too much changed...", effectively shutting down potential haters by pointing out that he is still the same person who impressed hip hop lovers years ago, so there's no reason to believe his new stuff should be any different.

[Chorus:]
[Snoop Dogg]
I'm representing for them gangsters all across the world
Still hitting them corners in them low low's girl
[Dr. Dre]
Still
taking my time to perfect the beat
And I still got love for the streets,
it's the D-R-E [Repeat 2x]

The Chorus is standard catchy hip hop fare. It attempted to appeal to the mass audience who would eventually be dancing to Dre's banger. The rappers reiterate that they still are doing what they've always done...nothing has changed (for the worse, anyways).

Since the last time you heard from me I lost some friends
Well, hell, me and Snoop, we dipping again
Kept my ear to the streets, signed Eminem
He's triple platinum, doing 50 a week
Still, I stay close to the heat

Dre begins verse 2, letting us know that it's been long enough since he made a record that some of the people he loved have died (for instance Eazy E, who was Dre's NWA bandmate), but, he says, at least he's still rolling with Snoop Dogg. He also points out he's signed Eminem, and thus has been able to stay involved in the music game. He seems to drop this as a reminder that he hasn't been completely dormant.

And even when I was close to defeat, I rose to my feet
My life is like a soundtrack I wrote to the beat
Treat my rap like Cali weed, I smoke till I sleep
Wake up in the A.M., compose a beat
I bring the fire till you're soaking in your seat

He almost lost everything, but instead of letting it get to him, he wrote lyrics and made music. He then drops a DOPE metaphor, comparing his weed smoking to his music in the senset hat the only time he doesn't do either is when he is sleeping.

It's not a fluke, it's been tried, I'm the troop

It's "Turn Out the Lights" from the World Class Wreckin' Cru
I'm still at it, After-mathematic
In the home of drivebys and ak-matics
Swap meets, sticky green, and bad traffic
I dip through then I get skin, D-R-E


Dre continues by boasting that he doesn't believe himself to be a fluke, and in fact insinuates there is no possibility that he's a fluke. He drops his label name (Aftermath) in between lines about still living the Los Angeles area, where there's too much traffic, just enough weed, a few swap meets, lots of drive bys, and just enough D-R-E.

[Chorus]

It ain't nothing but more hot shit
Another classic CD for y'all to vibe with
Whether you're cooling on a corner with your fly bitch
Laid back in the shack, play this track

Just a reminder that he's still making the fire, and it should be bumped everywhere.

I'm representing for the gangsters all across the world
(Still hitting them corners in them low low's girl)
I'll break your neck, damn near put your face in your lap
Try to be the king but the ace is back

Dre continues by again reminding us that he is still a gangster, and still riding in low-riders. And he can still beat your ass. Then he reminds you, the listener, that there's no point in trying to top him, since he's back (using a clever metaphor, too).

[Snoop - singing]
So if you ain't up on thangs

But, SNOOP, he is!

[Dr. Dre]
Dr. Dre be the name still running the game
Still got it wrapped like a mummy
Still ain't tripping, love to see young blacks get money
Spend time out the hood, take they moms out the hood
Hit my boys off with jobs, no more living hard
Barbeques every day, driving fancy cars
Still gonna' get mine regardless

This verse is about his love for the game (of rap). He reminds the listener that he's still the king, and he likes to help his friends. And no matter what people say, Dre is going to keep doign whatever he wants to (which is true, as evidenced by his continously delayed third CD, Detox).

[Chorus x1.5]

[Snoop]
Like that, right back up in ya
'95 plus four pennies
Add that shit up, D-R-E right back on top of thangs
Smoke some with your dog
No stress, no seeds, no stems, no sticks!
Some of that real sticky icky
A little weed, put it in the air
For you's a fool D.R.

Snoop's verse concludes the song by poignantly asking the listener to smoke some good shit and remember how awesome Dre's music is.


Analysis: The song lyrically is so-so, there are some classic lines, but also some filler, however the beat is top notch. This song is one of the most recognizable songs in hip hop, and so you've got to give it to Dre. He made a song that wanted to say "I'm back, so think what you want, because I'm still going to do my own thing", and by becoming a commercial hit, the song reaffirmed his intentions tenfold.

Dre's Moral: Don't let people bring you down, most people make judgments they aren't qualified to make. Oh, and smoke weed.

"Kiss Me Thru the Phone" by Soulja Boy Tell Em...Does he know that this is impossible?

Our next contemporary hip hop "classic" to analyze is 2008's massively overplayed club hit, Soulja Boy's "Kiss Me Thru the Phone"...

Song #2. "Kiss Me Thru the Phone" by Soulja Boy
Soulja Boy - Kiss Me Thru the Phone (YouTube)

This song starts with the auto-tuned chorus, sung by some guy named Sammie...

[Chorus by Sammie]
Baby you know that I miss you
I wanna get with you
Tonight but I can not baby girl and that's the issue
Girl you know I miss you
I just wanna kiss you
But I can't right now

Sammie's furstration arises from being away from his "baby", and in this case one can only assume that 'baby' means his 'boo' or 'honey'. He just wants to be with her...but he's far away...so what's a guy to do? Phone sex? Almost...

So baby kiss me through the phone
Kiss me through the phone(I'll see ya later on later on)
Kiss me through the phone kiss me through the phone(see ya when I get home)

Ah, perfect solution...kiss me thru the god damned phone...because who hasn't kissed someone through the phone? Since the feat is physically impossible, let's assume Sammie means it metaphorically, and just move on.

[Verse 1: Soulja Boy]
Baby I know that u like me
Your my future wifey

Soulja boy starts the verse by reminding whatever girl he is singing to that she likes him, and she's going to marry him at some point. This might come as news to her, considering he has to remind her of this "truth"

Soulja boy tell em yeah
You can be my bonny
I can be your clyde
You can be my wife
Text me call me I need you in my life

OH. NO. HE. DIDN'T! Bonnie and Clyde reference...just straight steppin' it up, man! Also, note that he is allowing her to marry him, if she would like, but really he would just like to be contacted by this girl. [Side thought: is he stalking someone?]

Ya all day everyday I need ya
And every time I see ya my feelings get deeper
I miss ya I miss ya I really wanna kiss ya but I can't

He misses this girl...so much so, that the feeling gets deeper every single day they're apart. So original. So Poetic. He even points out that he misses her...twice. That's more than most people!

[Sammie:]
678 triple 9 8212

One can only assume this is Soulja Boy's cell phone number (or perhaps, was). Call him immediately and ask for Rico. Just do it.

[Chorus:]

[Verse 2: Soulja Boy] (WAIT, there's a second verse?)
Baby I've been thinking lately
So much about you
Everything about you
I like it I love it
Kissing you in public

He nonchalantly admits that he thinks "so much" about this girl and "everything about" her, leaving one in amazement of his verbal skills. Also, note that he likes it AND loves it. Whatever IT is, it must be special.
Oh, IT must be 'kissing you in public'. Makes sense now...especially since kissing you in public is the penultimate form of consummating a relationship. Once you've kissed in public, there's no turning back...

Thinking nothing of it
Roses by the dozens
Talking on the phone
Baby your so sexy
Your voice is so lovely
I love your complexion
I miss ya [x3]
I really wanna kiss ya but I can't

He begins with lines of passion, explaining that kisses and roses are nothing to him, since he loves this girl so much. He continues (without really rhyming) by explaining all the girl's traits. This is useful since they are vague compliments (voice is sexy, good complexion) and can be applied to any girl, so that some random girls might think this song is about them. Then, he reiterates the impossibility of kissing this girl (if he really wants to be with her, why is he so far away? tour? promotion? just catch a plane home, or have her fly to you? why can't you kiss her Soulja? WHY?)

[Sammie]
678 triple 9 8212

[Chorus:]

[Soulja Boy:]
She call my phone like (da)[x20]
We on the phone like (da)[x20]
We taking pics like (da)[x20]
She dial my numba like (da)[x20]

The most important part of the song, the never-ending bridge, shows his dedication to the girl through exhaustive repetition. Soulja Boy Tell EM!

[Sammie]
6 7 8 triple 9 8 2 1 2

[Chorus:]

The song concludes with the stunningly laid down, overly repeated chorus. All in all, this song is a winner.


Analysis: Soulja Boy doesn't do lyrics very well, however he does do popularity well.  This song is popular, probably because of three things. The first reason is that the chorus uses auto tune, the second reason is the catchiness (despite it's stupidity, the chorus is remarkably catchy), and the third reason is that girls love songs where guys say they NEED them.
 

Soulja Boy's Moral: If you can't be with the girl you love right now, just do you best to make her feel special.


Real Moral of the Song: If you can make a catchy tune, the lyrics don't mean shit.