A Literal Interpretation Of Snoop Dogg's "Who Am I (What's My Name?)"

We've been down this road before, but for the uninitiated, here is a word-for-word "translation," as it were, of a popular hip-hop song from the past. Illuminated in this way, one can see the rampant vulgarity, self-stereotypes, and thoroughly insipid lyrics prominent throughout the song – and, by extension, throughout the genre of mainstream hip-hop. Granted, not all artists' songs are like this. But TOO many are. Enjoy?  ~  JH

BLOGGER'S NOTE: If you're interested in comparing the two (and/or you are not familiar with the song, the original (explicit) lyrics can be found here.

"Who Am I (What's My Name)?"

by Snoop Dogg

INTRO:

[...A bunch of "words" that really aren't words at all…]

The Dogg Pound is at this location (the explosive device)

The Dogg Pound is at this location

Snoop Doggy Dogg (the explosive device)

Snoopy Doggy Dogg (Dogg)

VERSE 1:

From the depths of the sea, back to the neighborhood

Snoop Doggy Dogg, awesome, yes, but a protégé of Dr. Dre

I became a solo act on those buttocks, but there is no difference

Long Beach is the area from which I originate

Follow me, follow me, follow me, follow me

But be sure to keep a firm grip

1993 is the year for me to mess things up

So I am keeping nothing in reserve

And, incestuous fellow, I have five dollars on the twenty-dollar batch of marijuana

It is like that, and as a matter of fact (rat-tat-tat-tat)

Because I never hesitate to help an African-American lie down for a little while

Yes, so take a look at the manuscript

You see that it is necessary for us to talk about being gangsters

What is my incestuous name?

CHORUS:

Snoop Doggy Dogg (yes, yes, yes)

Snoop Doggy Dogg (the explosive device)

[...A bunch of "words" that really aren't words at all…]

(Dogg)

VERSE 2:

It's the front of the ship to the exclamation of amazement

Stealthily advancing – yes, you all

Snoop Doggy Dogg is in the incestuous house practically every day

Having bowel movements with my African-American associate, Mr. Dr. Dre

As I said before, African-Americans cannot trifle with this

And African-Americans cannot trifle with that

Excrement that I drop, because you know it never ends

Mr. 1-8-7 on an incestuous law enforcement officer

Tic-toc, never a Glock, just some African-Americans and a rooster

Stealing from incestuous individuals, then I murder them bloodily

Then I step through the fog and creep through the smog

Because I'm Snoop Doggy (who?) Doggy (what?) Doggy (Dogg)

CHORUS:

Snoop Doggy Dogg (yes, yes, yes)

Snoop Doggy Dogg (the explosive device)

[...A bunch of "words" that really aren't words at all…] (the explosive device)

[...A bunch of "words" that really aren't words at all…]

VERSE 3:

Now extend your hands toward the incestuous sky

And wave them around apathetically

Yes, roll a marijuana joint and pour an alcoholic beverage

And watch where you step, because Doggy is stealing things

My bank account has a considerably high balance

My excrement is very successful and legitimate

At this time, I am currently on parole, and I like to stroll

With the Dogg Pound trailing behind me

And in the company of your female companion

Is where you are likely to find me

Lying around, acting like a gangster

She wants the African-American with the largest supply of salty snacks

And guess what? He is I, and I am him

Slim with the tilted brim

What is my incestuous name?

CHORUS:

Snoop Doggy Dogg (the explosive device)

Snoop Doggy Dogg 

Snoop Doggy Dogg (the explosive device)

Snoop Doggy Dogg (Dogg)

[...A bunch of "words" that really aren't words at all…] 

[...A bunch of "words" that really aren't words at all…] (the explosive device)

[...A bunch of "words" that really aren't words at all…]

[...A bunch of "words" that really aren't words at all…] (the explosive device)

[...A bunch of "words" that really aren't words at all…] (the explosive device)

Doggy Dogg, Doggy Dogg, Doggy Dogg

[...A bunch of "words" that really aren't words at all…] (the explosive device)

What is his name? Snoop Dogg and the Dogg Pound

(Dogg) (the explosive device)

Oh, Snoopy Dogg, Snoopy Dogg, Snoopy Dogg (the explosive device)

Yes, yes (Dogg), I know his name

Come on, Snoopy, come on, Snoopy (the explosive device)

And the Dogg Pound

Snoopy Dogg (the explosive device) 

Snoopy Dogg, Snoopy Dogg (Dogg)

(Dogg, Nasty Dogg, Doggy Dogg)