Lyrics & breakdown
Demo lines only. Select a line number to copy a stable deep link.
- 02
In today's music news: the ever-controversial Tupac Shakur has just released another album under the alias "Makaveli." Music insiders are running wild trying to rearrange other artists' street dates in fear of a wipeout in retail inter-chart movement. Although no one knows the exact cause of the new album, resources tell me a number of less fortunate rappers have joined together in conspiracy to assassinate the character of not only Mr. Shakur but of Death Row Records as well. Nas, the alleged ring leader, is furious of 2Pac's – excuse me – Makaveli's verbal assault on Mobb Sleep, Notorious P.I.G., and several other New York rappers. JAŸ-Z, from "Hawaiian Sophie" fame, Big Little whatever, and several other corny-sounding motherfuckers are understandably shaken up by this release. The question everybody wants to know is: why'd they get this nigga started? 2Pac – rather Makaveli – was not available for comment but released this statement:
Block noteUses career results as evidence
TargetNas
MeaningWhat it means: In this extended passage, 2Pac turns releases, sales, label standing, or career momentum into a public measurement of Nas' position. Why it was said: The record belongs to 2Pac's conflict with The Notorious B.I.G., Bad Boy Records, and associated rivals after the 1994 Quad Studios shooting and the ensuing East Coast–West Coast dispute. The artist invokes an external scoreboard so listeners can compare Nas' claims with visible results, making status something that can be disproved rather than merely debated.
ContextThe record belongs to 2Pac's conflict with The Notorious B.I.G., Bad Boy Records, and associated rivals after the 1994 Quad Studios shooting and the ensuing East Coast–West Coast dispute.
- 30
I'm right there, my every word, a fuckin' nightmare
31Get me high, let me see the sun rise and fall
32This for my dogs, down to die for y'all
Block noteImagines the battle as physical destruction
TargetThe Notorious B.I.G.
MeaningWhat it means: In “This for my dogs, down to die for y'all,” 2Pac converts lyrical defeat into death, shooting, burial, or bodily harm directed at The Notorious B.I.G.. Why it was said: The record belongs to 2Pac's conflict with The Notorious B.I.G., Bad Boy Records, and associated rivals after the 1994 Quad Studios shooting and the ensuing East Coast–West Coast dispute. The violent image makes the response sound final: instead of proposing an endless exchange, the artist depicts The Notorious B.I.G. as unable to return for another round.
ContextThe record belongs to 2Pac's conflict with The Notorious B.I.G., Bad Boy Records, and associated rivals after the 1994 Quad Studios shooting and the ensuing East Coast–West Coast dispute.
- 42
Oh, how do we do these niggas, but I'm not gon' cry
43I'm a Bad Boy Killa, JAŸ-Z die too
44Lookin' out for Mobb Deep, nigga, when I find you
Block noteMakes the confrontation explicit
TargetMobb Deep
MeaningWhat it means: In “Lookin' out for Mobb Deep, nigga, when I find you,” 2Pac addresses Mobb Deep directly and makes the situation described in the quoted line the point of confrontation. Why it was said: The record belongs to 2Pac's conflict with The Notorious B.I.G., Bad Boy Records, and associated rivals after the 1994 Quad Studios shooting and the ensuing East Coast–West Coast dispute. Naming or plainly addressing Mobb Deep removes the safety of a subliminal and makes the quoted claim something the target can either answer or leave standing.
ContextThe record belongs to 2Pac's conflict with The Notorious B.I.G., Bad Boy Records, and associated rivals after the 1994 Quad Studios shooting and the ensuing East Coast–West Coast dispute.
- 66
And I be a soldier on a mission, sent to do what you'll never do
67And that's ride for the cause, yes, I'll die for the cause
68You best believe, if I'ma leave this bitch, yo, I'm dyin' with yours
Block noteContests who deserves the top position
TargetThe Notorious B.I.G.
MeaningWhat it means: In “You best believe, if I'ma leave this bitch, yo, I'm dyin' with yours,” 2Pac turns rank, legacy, or leadership into the issue and argues that The Notorious B.I.G.'s claim to the position is undeserved. Why it was said: The record belongs to 2Pac's conflict with The Notorious B.I.G., Bad Boy Records, and associated rivals after the 1994 Quad Studios shooting and the ensuing East Coast–West Coast dispute. The line identifies the prize behind the feud—control of reputation—and asks whose record supports the title rather than whose claim went unchallenged.
ContextThe record belongs to 2Pac's conflict with The Notorious B.I.G., Bad Boy Records, and associated rivals after the 1994 Quad Studios shooting and the ensuing East Coast–West Coast dispute.
- 80
Hey, get that nigga!
- 82
Your style wack as ever, like you was rockin' patent leather
83Causin' massive terror, y'all niggas lack, you ain't thorough
84Half rapper, half drug kingpin, you're tellin' fairy tales, dunn
85"King of New York", like you the motherfuckin' one?
Block noteMakes the confrontation explicit
TargetThe Notorious B.I.G.
MeaningWhat it means: In “Your style wack as ever, like you was rockin' patent leather,” 2Pac addresses The Notorious B.I.G. directly and makes the situation described in the quoted line the point of confrontation. Why it was said: The record belongs to 2Pac's conflict with The Notorious B.I.G., Bad Boy Records, and associated rivals after the 1994 Quad Studios shooting and the ensuing East Coast–West Coast dispute. Naming or plainly addressing The Notorious B.I.G. removes the safety of a subliminal and makes the quoted claim something the target can either answer or leave standing.
ContextThe record belongs to 2Pac's conflict with The Notorious B.I.G., Bad Boy Records, and associated rivals after the 1994 Quad Studios shooting and the ensuing East Coast–West Coast dispute.