George Clinton

Lyrics

[Intro]
Wait a minute, hold on, get your ass up
Whassup nigga?
Get over there... shit
Ya lil punk ass nigga
C'mere, c'mere, c'mere boy
God damnit you stop that shit now
Take him to jail and get him the hell from in front of this house
Now wait a minute, wait a minute, hey man
Whassup?
Wait a minute?
There are police, go!

[Verse 1]
Give me that beat, fool, it's a full time jack move
Chilly Chill, yo homie make the track move
And I'll jack any Tom, Dick and Hank
That's the name of the suckers I done ganked
I get away from a copper
Drop a dime, I'll break you off somethin' proper
With the L-E-N-C-H-M-O-B
T-Bone and that's J-Dee
And here's how we'll greet ya
Stop fool, come off that beat ya
Feel dumb cause you're caught in the dark
(ya lil' nuttin' ass mark)
Raise up, cause you can't' have it back
You said - "I ain't never got gaffled like that"
Off the end of the gat you choke
Short Dog's in the house - "Whattup loc?"
Nuttin' but a come up
Gimme that bass, and don't try to run up
Cause you'll get banked somethin' sweet
Ice Cube and Da Lench Mob, is jackin' for beats
[Verse 2]
Huh, and even if you're down with my crew
*Yo Chuck man, I don't understand this man
You got to slow down*
I jack them too
And then we'll freak it
Kick that bass, and look what we did
Fade the grade, played, and made a few mil'
And I keep stealin'
Ice Cube'll make it thump
But right about now - *let's get over the hump*
But I don't party and shake my butt
I leave that to the brothers with the funny haircuts
And it'll drive you nuts
Steal your beat, and give it that gangsta touch
Like jackin' and mackin'
Say hi to the three fifty-seven I'm packin'
And it sounds so sweet
Ice Cube and Da Lench Mob, is jackin' for beats

[Verse 3]
Ice Cube, will take a funky beat and reshape it
Locate a dope break, and then I break it
And give it that gangsta lean
Dead in your face as I turn up the bass
I make punk suckers run and duck because
I don't try to hide cause you know that I love to
Jack a fool for his beat and then I'm outtie
So when I come to your town don't crowd me
Cause I know, you're gonna wanna kick it with me
But I know, none of y'all can get with me
So you think you're protected
Well you are 'til you put a funky beat on a record
Then I have to show and prove and use your groove
Cause suckers can't fade the Cube
And if I jack ya and ya keep comin'
I have you marks a hundred miles and runnin'
*stop stop stop stop stop!
Sa-prize, niggas*

Ice Cube’s "Jackin' For Beats" is a timeless ode to the art of stealing beats in hip-hop. Released in 1990 as part of his EP "Kill At Will," the track showcases Cube's skillful ability to harness the energy and creativity of various iconic hip-hop beats and make them his own. From the catchy hooks to the infectious rhythm, "Jackin' For Beats" is a testament to Ice Cube's prowess as an MC and his deep appreciation for the foundations of hip-hop music.

About Jackin’ For Beats

Ice Cube's "Jackin' For Beats" is a fascinating exploration of the concept of stealing beats and using them as a canvas for his lyrical genius. As Cube explains, the idea for the song came to fruition after the completion of his critically acclaimed album "AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted." Fueled by the abundance of incredible beats that were circulating at the time, Cube conceived the idea of rapping over these infectious compositions.

Assisted by Chilly Chill in their demo studio, Cube began piecing together the song. Collaborator Jinx played a vital role in bringing the track to life, particularly in crafting the captivating hooks that accompany each beat. Despite the catchy nature of the hooks, it is important to note that Cube's intention was never to disparage or criticize the original artists. Instead, he simply wanted to showcase his lyrical prowess over their impressive beats.

"Jackin' For Beats" features an impressive lineup of samples from some of the most iconic tracks in hip-hop history. D-Nice’s "Call Me D-Nice," EPMD’s "So Wat Cha Sayin'," Public Enemy’s "Welcome to the Terrordome," Digital Underground’s "The Humpty Dance," James Brown’s "Funky Drummer," LL Cool J’s "Big Ole Butt," and X Clan’s "Heed the Word of the Brother" all found their place within Cube's song. Each sample adds its own unique flavor, creating a rich and diverse sonic landscape for Cube to navigate.

The inclusion of these beats is a testament to Ice Cube's deep appreciation for the craft of hip-hop production. He handpicked each track, drawn to the infectious grooves and the energy they brought to his own rhymes. Cube recognizes the talent and artistry behind these beats, highlighting the brilliance of D-Nice, EPMD, Public Enemy, Digital Underground, James Brown, LL Cool J, and X Clan.

Producer Sir Jinx sheds some light on the decision to release "Jackin' For Beats" as part of the "Kill At Will" EP. Due to the sheer number of samples in the song, it would have been challenging to include it on a full-length record without facing complex publishing issues and potential legal complications. Hence, the decision was made to dedicate an entire EP to this exceptional track, ensuring it received the recognition it deserved.

Over the years, "Jackin' For Beats" has become a beloved song within the hip-hop community, praised for its ingenuity and Ice Cube's ability to seamlessly weave his lyrics into these iconic beats. The track showcases Cube's versatility as an artist and his willingness to experiment with different sounds and production styles. It also serves as a testament to the importance of sampling and the art of "jacking" beats, a practice that has become an integral part of hip-hop culture.

Throughout his career, Ice Cube has cemented his position as one of the most influential figures in hip-hop. "Jackin' For Beats" stands as a shining example of his creativity, ingenuity, and ability to take inspiration from the past while pushing the boundaries of what hip-hop can be. It is a testament to the enduring power of beats and the art of sampling, as well as a nod to the incredible artists who came before.

With its infectious energy and undeniable skill, "Jackin' For Beats" remains a timeless classic in Ice Cube's vast discography. It continues to captivate listeners with its clever lyrics, memorable hooks, and the undeniable impact of the beats that inspired it. Ice Cube's ability to reimagine these beats in his own unique style showcases his enduring talent, making "Jackin' For Beats" a must-listen for any hip-hop aficionado.

• Release Date: December 18, 1990
• Artist: George Clinton