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)