Lyrics of Hard Knocks FULL — Snoop Dogg
Album: MissionarySong Details and Overview
- Featuring Artists: Dr. Dre
- Producers: Dr. Dre, Corporal, Focus…, Self B Tru
- Release Date: December 13, 2024
- Album: Missionary
- Musical Genre: West Coast Rap, G-Funk, Gangsta Rap
- Label: Death Row Records, Aftermath Entertainment, Interscope Records
- Samples: "Another Brick in the Wall" by Pink Floyd
- Instrumentation: Saxophone (Jerry “Jay Flat” Williams), Trombone (Chris Johnson), Trumpet (Chris Lowery), Drums (Dem Jointz, Kion Williams)
- Additional Vocals: K.A.A.N., Cocoa Sarai, Sly Pyper, Preach Bal4
Exploring the meaning of "Hard Knocks"
Part I: A Reflection on Struggle
The first part of the song opens with Snoop Dogg reflecting on his journey. Lines like “School of hard knocks took the long way” capture his rise from the streets to global stardom. The mention of “crooked cops in the pissy hallway” highlights the systemic struggles he faced, grounding his success in a harsh reality. The verse transitions into vivid imagery: “Burnin’ through these meal tickets” and “Let’s get this shit in order, I am the top of the totem.” These lines showcase Snoop’s relentless ambition, blending humor with defiance.Part II: The Streets and Survival
The second part shifts to darker themes, with explicit references to survival in a dangerous environment. Lines like “Guns on the bed, the chopper mine, the pocket rocket hers” and “Sheddin’ blood, that’s Murder Inc., your name get hot as Irv” illustrate a life of constant vigilance and calculated moves. Snoop’s delivery, combined with Dre’s tight production, creates a cinematic narrative of the high stakes of street life.Chorus
The chorus acts as a rallying cry, emphasizing resilience: “Made it out the hood, now it’s Broadway.” It celebrates personal success while condemning the systems that perpetuate hardship, urging listeners to “leave them kids alone.”Production and Instrumentation
The track’s production features a blend of live instrumentation, including brass and drums, adding depth and richness. The Pink Floyd sample gives the track a haunting, reflective undertone, perfectly complementing its lyrical themes.Songs similar to "Hard Knocks"
- "Another Brick in the Wall" by Pink Floyd: The sampled track shares a thematic focus on systemic oppression and education. Its haunting tone resonates deeply in "Hard Knocks."
- "Murder Was the Case" by Snoop Dogg: This earlier track mirrors "Hard Knocks" in its exploration of survival and street justice, showcasing Snoop’s storytelling prowess.
- "Deep Cover" by Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg: Both tracks emphasize gritty narratives and West Coast pride, underpinned by Dre’s impeccable production.
- "Still D.R.E." by Dr. Dre featuring Snoop Dogg: Like "Hard Knocks," this song celebrates resilience and success while reflecting on the journey to the top.
- "Straight Outta Compton" by N.W.A: The raw energy and unflinching social commentary in this track align with the themes of "Hard Knocks."
- "Hustlin’" by Rick Ross: This anthem of ambition and survival echoes the spirit of "Hard Knocks," with its focus on perseverance in the face of adversity.
- "Changes" by 2Pac: Both songs address systemic issues and personal growth, blending reflective lyricism with powerful production.
- "Lay Low" by Snoop Dogg featuring Nate Dogg: This track shares a laid-back yet assertive vibe, with themes of loyalty and survival in the streets.
Chart Performance and Reception
"Hard Knocks captures the essence of survival and success, blending sharp lyricism with Dre’s timeless production."Rolling Stone praised the track as “a gritty, reflective masterpiece that cements Snoop’s position as a storyteller of the streets.”
Lyrics
Hard Knocks FULL by Snoop Dogg
[Intro]
Ay, cuz, this sh*t on?
[Verse 1]
My life the f**kin' business, in here collectin' digits
This sh*t could get explicit, got a sweet tooth for these b**ches
Yeah, burnin' through these meal tickets
sh*t could get wicked (Mic check)
Lights, camera, action
Slow burn, no crash
Now that's a lot of ashes
The f**kin' main attraction
Let's get this sh*t in order, I am the top of the totem
Time to reload and we blowin' the smoke out your modem (Come on)
Come get in closer, yeah I know you smellin' that aroma
Household name on every motherf**kin' corner
Ring ding ding, she f**k me right then I'm a goner
Ting ting, then we toast into this marijuana
Now how many licks does it take just to get to the center of a cupcake?
No time to pump fake
[Chorus]
School of hard knocks took the long way
Seen the crooked cops in the p**sy hallway
Made it out the hood, now it's Broadway
Y'all motherf**kers better leave them kids alone
[Verse 2]
These niggas can't afford to go to war on a budget (Nah-ah)
Say my name in the wrong sentence and I'ma pull up and touch 'em (Yup)
The repercussion in this b**ch, it sound just like a percussion
Have your deep cover, cold case under the rubbish
Yeah, murder was the f**kin' case
That's the killa Cali way
Ricky in the alley way, just another Saturday
Drinkin' gin and juice while these b**ches was sippin' Alizé
It's just a matinee, watch me blow a bag a day (Come on)
[Chorus]
School of hard knocks took the long way
Seen the crooked cops in the p**sy hallway
Made it out the hood, now it's Broadway
Y'all motherf**kers better leave them kids alone
[Verse 3]
I started out with nothin' and took this gangsta sh*t worldwide
You know a nigga always into somethin'
I couldn't even help it if I tried
Now this is fair warning, nigga, final notice
Back outside and movin' on this locomotive
Hot as f**k, but still keepin' a cold shoulder
You outta luck, success the sweetest hangover
Game over (Over, over, over)
[Part II]
[Intro]
Guns on the bed (Yeah)
Aye
[Verse]
Phone on don't do not disturb
Two Chevys in my grandma's driveway, no this not the burbs
Prescriptions and a medicine cap that I got wide reserved
Guns on the bed, the chopper mine, the pocket rocket hers
You actin' nervous around killers, you got a lot of nerve
She wanna slide, I'm at the top, you know that top reserved
You sheddin' blood, that's Murder Inc., your name get hot as Irv
My shooter's quiet on the set, you won't hear not a word (Hush)
Used to givin' my all, f**k a minimum wage
Tryna make me a slave, that's how villains are made
Had me feelin' some way, stuck in my feelings some day
Windows get tinted Sunday, pillage to fill it's Monday
Just another day at work (Uh)
Feelin' like I'm on the verge
Get the urge, don't wanna Purge
sh*t get deep, spoken word
Met this b**ch in Sherman Oaks, I bet she f**k with Sherm
Smokey in a pigeon coop, look like she ducking worm
Baby daddy on her back, every time I bust a turn
b**ch keep lookin' right to left, that sh*t not my concern
On Long Beach Boulevard until I get to 23rd
Put us in the jungle, we leavin' out that b**ch in furs
I'm talkin' his and hers, DA tryna switch his words
Murder was the case, but you know what the witness heard (Nothing)
Nigga bumped his head, musta hit a nerve
Scratches on a statement like the 4G, I don't see the curve
I see you for what you is, with my vision blurred
Don't make a nigga sign off on this hit without a signature
You know this sh*t could get ugly as Forest Whitaker
Make your bones chillin', you feelin' all in your fibula
I be home gettin' my dick sucked with the semi-tucked
Frequently knee deep in some pussy and still don't give a f**k
[Chorus]
Girls with that big fist tryna connect some
Parking lot pimpin', tryna collect some
Too rich to make poor decisions
Too many die for attention
They prey on you, no religion
Don't let em play with you, might have to kill some
Niggas that change on you, pop, career done
Hittin' them chains on you, locked in prison
A nigga out there movin' right
The sh*t you b**ches do for likes
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