Introduction
Hip-hop music has been around for decades and has influenced many cultural trends over the years. One of the most iconic hip-hop songs of all time is “I Got 5 On It” by Luniz. The song, released in 1995, quickly became a hit with its catchy beat and unique lyrics.
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But what is the meaning behind “I Got 5 On It?” In this article, we will explore the history of the song, the context in which it was created, and the various interpretations of its lyrics.
The History of “I Got 5 On It”
Luniz, the duo behind “I Got 5 On It,” was formed in Oakland, California, in the early 1990s. The group consisted of rappers Yukmouth and Numskull, who met in high school and bonded over their love of music.
In 1995, Luniz released their debut album, “Operation Stackola,” which featured “I Got 5 On It” as its lead single. The song quickly became a hit, reaching the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning a gold certification.
The Context of “I Got 5 On It”
“I Got 5 On It” was created during a time when hip-hop music was becoming increasingly popular in mainstream culture. The song was released just a few years after the infamous East Coast-West Coast rivalry, which had led to the deaths of rappers Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G.
In contrast, “I Got 5 On It” had a more laid-back, West Coast vibe. The song’s beat was built around a sample of the 1971 soul song “Why You Treat Me So Bad?” by the group Club Nouveau. The sample was manipulated to create a slower, more relaxed rhythm that perfectly complemented the song’s lyrics.
The Lyrics of “I Got 5 On It”
So what do the lyrics of “I Got 5 On It” actually mean? The song’s title refers to the practice of “putting in” money for a shared purchase. In this case, the shared purchase is likely marijuana.
The first verse of the song, sung by Numskull, talks about the idea of “bringing weed into the situation,” suggesting that getting high is a common activity among the song’s characters:
“I got 5 on it, grab your 40, let’s get keyed
I got 5 on it, messin’ with that Indo weed
I got 5 on it, it’s got me stuck and not go back
I got 5 on it, partner, let’s go half on a sack”
The second verse, sung by Yukmouth, takes a darker turn, as he talks about the potential consequences of using drugs:
“I take a sack to the face, whenever I can
Don’t need no crutch, I’m so keyed up
Until the joint be burnin’ my hand
Next time I roll it in a hampa
To burn slopes we can toss up
I’m hitting the Mary Jane, they hitting the bucket
I’m kicking the trench with my hustlas, got Mo’ jump than the bumper
The weed is got tweedy, yes indeedy I come proceed to smoke session with my homies
There is some speculation among fans about what the term “Luniz” actually means. Some say that it is a combination of the words “lunatic” and “nigg*,” while others believe that it refers to the duo’s laid-back, “lunatic” vibe.
The Legacy of “I Got 5 On It”
“I Got 5 On It” has had an enduring legacy in hip-hop culture, with many artists referencing the song or using its beat in their own music. The song has been sampled in dozens of other songs, including A$AP Rocky’s “Purple Swag” and Kendrick Lamar’s “Sing About Me, I’m Dying of Thirst.”
The song has also been featured in popular films and TV shows, including Jordan Peele’s hit horror movie “Us.” In the film, the song is used to haunting effect, with the slowed-down beat sounding ominous and unsettling.
Conclusion
“I Got 5 On It” remains one of the biggest and most enduring hip-hop hits of all time. The song’s unique blend of laid-back beats and intense lyrics has made it a favorite among fans and artists alike.
But what really sets “I Got 5 On It” apart is its message. By exploring the world of drug use and its consequences, the song offers a glimpse into the lives of people who are often overlooked or marginalized in mainstream society.
Whether you are a longtime fan of hip-hop or just discovering the genre for the first time, “I Got 5 On It” is a song that will continue to inspire and captivate audiences for years to come.
