Hip Hop Music (Lyrics)

Tiffany Muse 

 

Cole, Jermaine, “No Role Modelz,” recorded 2014, track 9 on 2014 Forest Hills Drive, Dreamville, Roc Nation, Columbia Vinyl Crown. 

         In J. Cole’s “No Role Modelz,” the topic of the common struggles       people face in their lives and provides an outlook on what truly happens to some people while allowing those people to be able to relate. Cole focuses on his own personal experiences and problems he faced and how he dealt with and overcame them and changed. Cole starts off the song by saying, “first things first rest in peace Uncle Phil, for real, you the only father that I ever knew,” indicating his lack of a father figure that caused him to stray away from making better decisions causing his need to change in the song. It goes back to the title of the song of not having a role model to show you the way resulting in the need to experience mistakes on your without warning. Cole emphasizes this when he explains, “no role models and I’m here right now, no role models to speak of.” Cole was alone to learn for himself but he is still here showing how he was able to overcome that. The tone of this song is colloquial and direct. Cole uses phrases a vast majority would understand and relate to using while also sticking straight to the story and the process that he went through. This song focuses on the emotion one feels and the logic one must use when it comes to making an important change in your life and growing as a person. In the middle of the song Cole mentions, “I want a real love… that Jada and Will love, that leave your toothbrush at your crib love, and you ain’t gotta wonder whether that’s your kid love.” He adds, “…I don’t want no b***h from reality shows, out of touch with reality hoes, out in Hollywood bringin’ back 5 or 6 h*es.” This is a turning point for Cole in the song, he is changing and realizing the frivolous life is not what it seems and he would rather find something real, that it’s time to settle down. Most people when they are young want to live their life and are not quick to settle down. This shows the process of how this changes overtime as you mature. He then follows this by repeating the line and phrase, “fool me once shame on you, fool me twice, can’t put the blame on you.” This is adds to his knowledge of taking control over a situation by making new and smarter decisions.

Coolio and L.V., “Gangsta’s Paradise,” recorded 1995, track 3 on Gangsta’s Paradise, Tommy Boy

           Coolio’s “Gangsta’s Paradise” discusses the life of a gangster and someone that comes from the hood. This was a widely talked about topic in 90’s hip hop and Coolio got involved in that discussion and representation with this song. The life of someone from the hood or an impoverished community is often known to be violent and this song goes in depth in the constant crime and murder that is seen and experienced by someone that lives in these conditions. Coolio begins the song saying, “…But I ain’t never crossed a man that didn’t deserve it, me be treated like a punk, you know that’s unheard of, you better watch how you talkin’ and where you walkin’ or you and your homies might be lined in chalk.” The starting line indicates that killing is justified and that everything he has ever come across had a reason for happening. He follows that with reassurance that he has made a name for himself in his community to the point of respect with no worries of becoming a target or victim. He then goes on to share some advice on how one would protect themselves from certain situations that often occur in these neighborhoods. In the second verse Coolio explains, “Look at the situation they got me facin’ I can’t live a normal life, I was raised by the street so I gotta be down with the hood team… Got my ten in my hand and a gleam in my eye, I’m a loc’d out gangsta, set trippin’ banger.” Coolio is emphasizing what is expected of him as a result of him growing up and living in this dangerous lifestyle. He was always exposed to this life which was all he knew, he discusses being “a loc’d out gangsta, set trippin’ banger,” which means that he is a member of the crip gang and he represents it fully to the point of violence. He also knows to always be there for his gang since that a gang is often seen as family because it is a lifestyle that is embedded into someone starting from a young age. The audience for this song are people that have grown up in a similar situation that involved being exposed to a lot of violence and crime. Those that grew up in these situations are able to relate and have a sense of relief that they are not alone and they have someone that is the voice of their struggles. This song can also be aimed towards the people that are unaware of how violent gang life can be. It can be used for the people that want to join a gang for fun or to look cool to see the truth behind it all and fear that ensues of not knowing if you or a friend would make it to your next birthday. This message is emphasized through the use of a candid and cautionary tone. It is straightforward and honest about how gang life is, from the dangers, violence, and fear. As a result of this, it can be used to warn people to be smart about the decisions they make if they are able to have a choice on whether they join this type of life or go in a different and safer direction. This appeals to the audience through Coolio’s credibility to speak on this topic since he has experienced these actions and is well known for being gang affiliated. He also appeals to the emotions of those who have witnessed the loss of a loved one to this type of life and how it can have a negative impact both on the person involved directly and indirectly.  

 

Future and Drake, “Where Ya At,” recorded 2015, track 3 on DS2, Epic Records, Sony Music Entertainment.

           The song “Where Ya At,” by Future and Drake explains the problems of not being able to fully trust people or be aware of someone’s true intentions. In the song repetition of the title “Where Ya At” is used to emphasize the purpose behind the song. The repetition of the title is followed by different scenarios that show the artist change and struggle overtime. This is explained when Future says, “Where ya a** was at, dog, when n***as wouldn’t feed me? Where ya a** was at, dog, when n***as didn’t need me? Where ya a** was at when I was trapping in the store? Had to struggle to get where I’m at and had to sell dope.” This reveals how the people in your life may not be there for you when you are in trouble struggling or need help but will be there once you become successful and they can benefit from you. This song is aimed towards people that have experienced a come up and gained success from having nothing and realized how people change when you have a large improvement in your life. It is meant for those people who are able to relate while also sharing to those not in that position to have good intentions when it comes to coming into and staying in someone’s life for the right reasons rather than showing up or being present when it’s most convenient. This message is portrayed using a direct and somewhat indignant tone. The artists are conveying their annoyance to the way people tend to act in these situations and how it is important to be aware of it. Drake states “where ya a** was at when we first got the news? Now your a** back because we’re paying back dues, where were you? When all the dogs needed help… where your a** was at? I take attendance like a classroom.” Drake is revealing how people show up at the right time and that you have to pay attention. By Drake saying “I take attendance like a classroom,” he is expressing the importance and need to keep track of who you associate with both before and after your success, that way you know who is true to you or not. This appeals to people’s emotions learning how to avoid people that cannot be trusted. This is something that anyone can relate to because you always want people in your life that you can trust and count on to be there for you no matter your situation or their potential gain as a result of helping you.

 

Lamar, Kendrick, “Swimming Pools (Drank),” recorded 2012, track 9 on good kid, m.A.A.d city, Aftermath Entertainment, Interscope Records

            “Swimming Pools (Drank)” by Kendrick Lamar explains the battle a large amount of people tend to go through with alcohol in their lives and the many reasons why people may start and continue to use this substance to the point of abuse. Kendrick starts the first verse by telling his history and knowledge of its use when he says, “Now I done grew up ‘round some people livin’ their life in bottles, granddaddy had the golden flask…Some people like the way it feels, some people wanna kill their sorrows, some people wanna fit in with the popular, that was my problem.” Kendrick is explaining how was constantly exposed to alcohol and its use. From seeing it in his neighborhood, friends, peers, and family it began to influence him. He makes note of the many reasons why someone would begin using whether it was a coping mechanism or just to fit which he mentions was the reason for him to start. This song is for people that are able to relate if they are either going through this now, went through it in the past or knows someone who did. It provides a sense of understanding and allows people to relate and not feel alone when it comes to experiencing a really important and damaging lifestyle. The song is able to express this using a very cautionary tone to warn people how bad things could get overtime while also being dignified and direct when discussing such an issue. This appeals to the emotion of someone that has experienced this problem before while also shining light on what could seem like just having fun but end up becoming a life threatening situation. This is brought up more depth in the second verse stating, “Okay, now open your mind up and listen me, Kendrick, I am your conscience, if you do not hear me then you will be history, Kendrick, I know that your nauseous right now and I’m hopin’ to lead you to victory, Kendrick if I take another one down I’ma drown in some poison abusing my limit.” At this point, Kendrick is aware of how alcohol is negatively affecting him and he needs to slow it down before it kills him. Throughout the song, “pour up (drank), head shot (drank), sit down (drank), stand up (drank), pass out (drank), wake up (drank), faded (drank), faded (drank)” is repeated. This is emphasizing the idea and behavior he knew around him that no matter what your have to drink and that it is the answer to everything. 

Shakur, Tupac, “Keep Ya Head Up,” recorded 1992, track 11 on Strictly 4 My N.*.*.*.A.Z…, Interscope Records

             Tupac’s “Keep Ya Head Up” talks about the mistreatment of women in society along with the overall struggle faced in minority and impoverished communities. Although he was aware of these problems and how hard life can be, he provided a positive message to “keep ya head up,” stand tall, and have confidence in yourself and the possibility for change to happen. Tupac starts off the song immediately focusing on women and those struggling by saying, “I give a holla to my sisters on welfare, 2Pac cares if don’t nobody else care, and I know they like to beat you down a lot… but please don’t cry, dry your eyes, never let up forgive, but don’t forget, girl, keep ya head up.” He is explaining to the women struggling to stay strong because they are worth more and deserve more. He notes how horrible women are treated when he says, “And since we all come from a woman… I wonder why we take from our women, why we rape our women – do we hate our women? I think it’s time to kill for our women, time to heal our women, be real to our women.” Tupac is bringing awareness to how horribly women are treated and how it has to change given how important and vital women are. In the second verse of the song Tupac shifts topics and discusses minorities and the life they live. He shares, “I try to find my friends, but they’re blowin’ in the wind, last night my buddy lost his whole family, it’s gonna take the man in me to conquer this insanity, it seems the rain’ll never let up, I try to keep my head up, you know, it’s funny…, they got money for wars but can’t feed the poor.” He is exposing the harsh life of those in smaller and impoverished communities and how those people never know when will be the last time they will see a loved one. He also explains that despite everyone being against them and the horrors they face they have to stand tall. He also focuses on how the government doesn’t care or use their resources for the people but instead, uses them for the military. This song is for both men and women and anyone that is ignorant or oblivious to the truth and the struggles people face on the other side. Tupac is trying to convey a message that there is a need for change and people need to take the initiative for it. Women that are hurt can feel support, men that are unaware of the pain being caused can make a change, and the people that can learn more about how others aren’t given better help. This message is disclosed using a benevolent tone towards the women targeted for the song while also being cautionary to raise awareness for the problems being faced. Tupac relies on emotion and his credibility for this song. He uses his experience with loss and other struggles faced by minorities while also explaining the hurt women go through and the need for this change to occur.

           Von, King, “Crazy Story”, recorded 2018, track 3 on Grandson, Vol 1, Only The Family Entertainment, Empire

                King Von’s “Crazy Story” is the depiction of a normal day in the hood that Involves the acts of gang activity. King Von explains the process of having an enemy from an opposing gang and wanting to get revenge and the steps that place in order to be successful in the act. He starts off the song saying, “Got a drop on this flexin’ n***a he from Tennessee, I had a th*t, she be with the s**t, she told me where he be.” This shows the first step in the process of getting the job done and seeking revenge on a rival. Von uses the targets girlfriend that he knows to easily set him up and get him to be in the area that he wants. Later on in the song Von explains his plan more when he states, “I grab my glock, it been through a lot, but it still shoot like new, we at the top yeah we lost a lot, but that just how it go.” Von is revealing the acts that are taking place with normalized gang violence and crime. Stating that his gun “has been through a lot,” expresses how often he had used it as a weapon either for self defense for the dangerous area that lives in or for personal vendettas against rival gangs in his home of Chicago, which is known for being a very dangerous city with very high crime rates. He also mentions how he lost a lot but continues to reveal how it is normal for where he lives and life that he has being in a gang and in Chicago. He ends the song revealing how he gets the job done when he explains, “Now I sneak up, crouching like a tiger… Block on fire, so I take precaution, mask on, Micheal Myers… I was born to shoot, I got aim… So I rise, hit one in his arm, hit one in his thigh, this no lie, b***h it’s do or die…” Von makes multiple references throughout the song, such as the movie Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, and Micheal Myers from Halloween. He refers to these to show his strategies for completing his task. He crouches like a tiger to stay hidden and be stealthy and uses a mask like Micheal Myers does in Halloween so that he is not identified by anyone as a possible suspect for the crime. Von then emphasizes his ability to shoot and handle a gun showing his experience. Von ends the song with where he aimed and how he shot the person he was after explaining that it was necessary because it was either he did it and aimed at him or he would be the one to get shot at. This song’s audience are those that are familiar with gang life and participate in the lifestyle on a daily basis. From the violence and need to take a life in order to save themselves and constantly being put in that situation. This can also be helpful to those that are unaware of what happens when gang rivalry get’s dangerous and serious, as well as all of the planning that goes into completing these violent acts that are often discussed and brought up in the news. This message is described using a candid colloquial tone in order to relate to the audience and help them easily understand what is being said. It also allowed Von to be honest and straightforward about this particular lifestyle and everything that goes down from the plotting to the final execution. This appeals to the audience through Von’s credibility by showing his experience and knowledge of how this world works in this aspect of gang activity and living in a dangerous city. He also appeals to the audience’s emotions of experiencing this first hand or knowing someone that did.