Lyrics & breakdown
Demo lines only. Select a line number to copy a stable deep link.
- 05
Back in the day, we used to respect y'all niggas
06We used to be down with y'all niggas
07All you have for the West Coast, is criticism and disrespect
08So I say to you and your city
Block noteClaims geographic legitimacy
TargetNew York hip-hop critics
MeaningWhat it means: In “So I say to you and your city,” Westside Connection uses place and local affiliation to decide who can credibly represent the scene challenged in the song. Why it was said: Westside Connection answers artists and critics the group viewed as dismissive of West Coast gangsta rap and its commercial influence. The feud is presented as larger than two individuals, so the line asks listeners to treat New York hip-hop critics as an outsider or a poor representative of the claimed community.
ContextWestside Connection answers artists and critics the group viewed as dismissive of West Coast gangsta rap and its commercial influence.
- 87
And your articles tryin to rate my LP
88Fuck your backpacks and your wack ass raps
89Sayin we ain't real because we make snaps
Block noteMakes the confrontation explicit
TargetNew York hip-hop critics
MeaningWhat it means: In “And your articles tryin to rate my LP,” Westside Connection addresses New York hip-hop critics directly and makes the situation described in the quoted line the point of confrontation. Why it was said: Westside Connection answers artists and critics the group viewed as dismissive of West Coast gangsta rap and its commercial influence. Naming or plainly addressing New York hip-hop critics removes the safety of a subliminal and makes the quoted claim something the target can either answer or leave standing.
ContextWestside Connection answers artists and critics the group viewed as dismissive of West Coast gangsta rap and its commercial influence.
- 91
With your Brooklyn hat and your pen and pad, nigga
92I got a pocket full of green busting at the seams
93Fuck your baggy jeans, fuck your magazines
Block noteAttacks the target's ability to rap
TargetNew York hip-hop critics
MeaningWhat it means: In “With your Brooklyn hat and your pen and pad, nigga,” Westside Connection challenges New York hip-hop critics on writing, delivery, flow, or command of the microphone rather than relying only on a personal insult. Why it was said: Westside Connection answers artists and critics the group viewed as dismissive of West Coast gangsta rap and its commercial influence. This goes to the qualification that gives New York hip-hop critics standing in a rap battle; if the craft is weak, the reply loses authority before its other claims are considered.
ContextWestside Connection answers artists and critics the group viewed as dismissive of West Coast gangsta rap and its commercial influence.
- 120
What you talkin bout?!