The Notorious B.I.G.

Lyrics

[Intro]
Yeah

[Verse 1]
So you wanna be hardcore?
With your hat to the back talkin' 'bout the gats in your raps
But I can't feel that hardcore
Appeal that you're screamin', maybe I'm dreamin'
This ain't Christopher Williams
Still some MC's got to feel one, caps I gotta peel some
To let niggas know (Let 'em know), that if you fuck with Big and Heavy
I get up in that ass like a wedgie
Says who? Says me, the lyrical
Niggas sayin', "Biggie off the street, it's a miracle"
Left the drugs alone, took the thugs along with me!
Just for niggas actin' shifty
Sticks and stones break bones, but the gat'll kill ya quicker
'Specially when I'm drunk off the liquor
Smokin' funk by the boxes, packin' Glockses
It's natural to eat you niggas like chocolates, the funk, baby!

[Chorus]
I live for the funk, I'll die for the funk
I live for the funk, I'll die for the funk
I live for the funk, I'll die for the funk
I live for the funk, I'll die for the funk
I live for the funk, I'll die for the funk
I live for the funk, I'll die for the funk
I live for the funk, I'll die for the funk
I live for the funk, I'll die for the funk
[Verse 2]
All I want is bitches, big booty bitches!
Used to sell crack, so I could stack my riches
Now I pack gats to stop all the snitches
From stayin' in my business, what is this
Relentless approach to know if I'm broke or not?
Just 'cause I joke and smoke a lot
Don't mean I don't tote the Glock
Sixteen shots for my niggas in the pen
Until we motherfuckin' meet again, huh
I'm doin' rhymes now, fuck the crimes now
Come on the Ave., I'm real hard to find now
'Cause I'm knee deep in the beats
In the Land Cruiser Jeep with the MAC-10 by the seats
For the jackers, the jealous-ass crackers in the ****
I'll make you prove that it's bulletproof
Hold your head 'cause when you hit the bricks
I got gin, mad blunts and bitches suckin' dick, the funk, baby!
[Chorus]
I live for the funk, I'll die for the funk
I live for the funk, I'll die for the funk
I live for the funk, I'll die for the funk
I live for the funk, I'll die for the funk
I live for the funk, I'll die for the funk
I live for the funk, I'll die for the funk (Uh)
I live for the funk, I'll die for the funk
I live for the funk, I'll die for the funk
[Verse 3]
So I guess you know the story; the rap side, crack side
How I smoke funk, smack bitches on the backside
Bed-Stuy! The place where my head rests
Fifty-shot clip if a nigga wan' test
The rocket launcher, Biggie stomped ya
High as a motherfuckin' helicopter
That's why I pack a Nina, fuck a misdemeanor
Beatin' motherfuckers like Ike beat Tina
"What's love got to do..."
When I'm rippin' all through your whole crew?
Strapped like Bamboo, but I don't sling guns
I got bags of funk and it's sellin' by the tons
Niggas wanna know how I live the mack life!
Makin' money, smokin' mics like crack pipes!
It's type simple and plain to maintain
I add a little funk to the brain, the funk, baby!

[Chorus]
I live for the funk, I'll die for the funk
I live for the funk, I'll die for the funk
I live for the funk, I'll die for the funk
I live for the funk, I'll die for the funk
I live for the funk, I'll die for the funk
I live for the funk, I'll die for the funk
I live for the funk, I'll die for the funk
I live for the funk, I'll die for the funk
I live for the funk, I'll die for the funk
I live for the funk, I'll die for the funk
I live for the funk, I'll die for the funk
I live for the funk, I'll die for the funk
I live for the funk, I'll die for the funk
I live for the funk, I'll die for the funk
I live for the funk, I'll die for the funk
I live for the funk, I'll die for the funk
I live for the funk, I'll die for the funk
I live for the funk, I'll die for the funk
I live for the funk, I'll die for the funk
I live for the funk, I'll die for the funk
I live for the funk, I'll die for the funk
I live for the funk, I'll die for the funk
I live for the funk, I'll die for the funk
I live for the funk, I'll die for the funk
I live for the funk, I'll die for the funk
I live for the funk, I'll die for the funk
I live for the funk, I'll die for the funk
I live for the funk, I'll die for the funk
I live for the funk, I'll die for the funk
I live for the funk, I'll die for the funk
I live for the funk, I'll die for the funk
I live for the funk, I'll die for the funk

Machine Gun Funk is a classic hip-hop track performed by the legendary Notorious B.I.G. This song is truly a masterpiece displaying Biggie's exceptional storytelling abilities, lyrical skills, and his unique voice. The track was released in 1994 as a part of his debut album, "Ready to Die." The song became an instant hit among hip-hop lovers and is still played frequently today.

About Machine Gun Funk

The song has a story-like structure, narrating Biggie's experiences with living a life of crime and drawing attention to the dangerous streets of his hometown, the Brooklyn neighborhood. Biggie articulates his understanding of the similarity between being a criminal and being a hip hop artist in his lyrics. The track represents Biggie's gritty and honest upbringing, as he uses his rhyming skill to talk about his life of crime.

The song's lyrics are catchy, with intricate wordplay that highlights Biggie's unique style. He raps about the thrill of the streets and his desire for excitement, showcasing his natural talent for storytelling. However, he also sheds light on the struggles of living a life of crime, referencing the violence and paranoia that come with it.

The track samples numerous songs, including "Something Extra" by Black Heat and the hook from "Chief Rocka" by Lords of the Underground. Additionally, backing vocals are taken from "Up for the Down Stroke" by Fred Wesley and the Horny Horns, which has since been removed from the song due to uncleared sample use. However, despite the changes made, the track remains one of the most influential in hip-hop history.

Overall, Machine Gun Funk is a classic hip-hop song that showcases Biggie's lyrical talents and storytelling abilities. The song represents the essence of the streets, bringing to life the raw and unfiltered nature of street life.

The Impact of Machine Gun Funk

Machine Gun Funk will always be remembered as one of the most influential and iconic hip-hop songs of all time. Not only does it have an excellent beat and Biggie's incredible lyrical skill, but it showcases the creativity of the hip hop genre as a whole. The song has stood the test of time and has aged beautifully, sounding just as fresh and relevant today as it did when it first debuted.

The song was groundbreaking in its time, presenting an unfiltered and raw picture of street life. It inspired a generation of aspiring rappers and was instrumental in shaping the sound of hip-hop music in the years to come. Machine Gun Funk remains a beloved track among both casual hip-hop fans and hardcore rap enthusiasts, and its impact on the genre can still be felt today.

Overall, Machine Gun Funk is a timeless classic that will always hold a special place in the hearts of hip-hop lovers. Its influence can be felt everywhere, from the beats of modern-day hip-hop to the lyrics of aspiring rappers. The song is a testament to Biggie's greatness and his legacy, ensuring that he will always be remembered as one of hip-hop's greatest legends.

• Release Date: September 13, 1994
• Artist: The Notorious B.I.G.