Lyrical Breakdown of Before Hip Hop - A Journey through Words and Rhymes
Welcome to the detailed analysis of "Before Hip Hop" on Lazyjot. Here, we unravel the lyrical complexity and artistic brilliance that define this iconic song.
- Lyric Overview: Witness how Ice Cube weaves words into powerful emotions and vivid imagery. From intricate rhyme schemes to compelling storytelling, every line in "Before Hip Hop" is a testament to masterful songwriting.
- Rhyme and Rhythm Analysis: Our Lazyjot editor highlights the ingenious use of multi-syllabic rhymes and the rhythm pattern that Ice Cube employs. Understand the construction of each verse and how it contributes to the song's overall impact.
- Syllable Pattern Insights: Dive deeper into the structural elements of the lyrics. See how the syllable count varies across the song, adding a unique rhythm and flow to Ice Cube's narrative.
This lyrical analysis of "Before Hip Hop" not only celebrates Ice Cube's artistic prowess but also serves as an educational tool for aspiring songwriters. If this analysis inspires you and you'd like to see your own songs analyzed in this way, join the Lazyjot community. Register at Lazyjot and start exploring the full potential of your lyrical creativity. Turn your thoughts into rhymes and your rhymes into songs with Lazyjot!
You killed it my brother
My main man
I loved it, this dude, baby
I want revenge (yeah)
Ah, I want revenge (yeah)
He was my only brother (yeah, shit)
He was like my main man
I loved it-I loved it, my old brother
Before hip-hop, niggas got shot
Before hip-hop, niggas smoked rocks
Before hip-hop, my uncle had a drop
Before hip-hop, homies stood on the block
Before hip-hop, people smoked weed
Before hip-hop, I'll get you what you need
Before hip-hop, pimping was gone
Before hip-hop, bitches was on
My style was hostile, your style was docile
I pull them Glock's out
Forgot to box out
I grab the rebound
I claim to be down
The guppy, he drown
'Cause homies decline
My pronouns will throw rounds
Heartbeats will slowed down (yeah)
Where's the showdown?
Your hood is a ghost town
I'm a Ghostbuster, hit you with the whole cluster
Turn you into muster, General Custer
Chief Blackfoot, kick a black rock
'Cause somehow they responsible for crack rock
Somehow they wanna blame it on hip-hop
Before I could talk, they used to crip walk
They used to roll dice
They used to flash ice
Fuck with a chick, she'll cut your ass twice
They used to pay the price
They used to go to jail
Hip-hop ain't the reason why we catching him
Before hip-hop, girls got knocked
Before hip-hop, that pussy used to pop
Before hip-hop, they was on molly
Before hip-hop, niggas caught a body
I loved it here (hm, shit)
And-and he was my only brother (yeah, right)
He was like my main man
I loved it-I loved it
They tell you and me it was lots of unity in the black community
That shit is lunacy
They tried to ruin me, got me for my jewelry
What they did to me, police got immunity
Early 70s got him for his leather piece
Khakis hella creased, it was lots of jealousy
Boys' bathroom was like a platoon
The girls' bathroom was like a saloon
Squabbles all year, September to June
Niggas on weed, water and shrooms
Niggas OD'd, had gangs and goons
Down the center coon (soon), straight to the moon
Niggas would holler "Give me a dollar, nigga"
He wanted more than a dollar, didn't take no scholar
Yeah, motherfuckers had the Chevy Impala
And they crashed out like, fuck you, your honor (fuck you, your honor)
It all happened before they start rapping
If they say I'm lying, motherfuckers is capping
Niggas be crying like they was the captain
But I don't give a fuck, hand that bitch a napkin
They mad at the mirror, but the mirror don't lie
Before hip-hop, it was a drive-by
Before hip-hop, niggas used to die
Before hip-hop, mamas used to cry
They mad at the mirror, but the mirror don't lie
Before hip-hop, it was a drive-by
Before hip-hop, niggas used to die
Before hip-hop, mamas used to cry
(Now-now-now listen)
Before hip-hop (now-now listen)
Before hip-hop (now-now-now listen) (yeah)
Before hip-hop (now-now listen)
They mad at the mirror, but the mirror don't lie
Before hip-hop, it was a drive-by
Before hip-hop, niggas used to die
Before hip-hop, mamas used to cry
(Now-now listen)