Who We Be

DMX

About Who We Be

"Who We Be" is a song by American hip hop recording artist DMX, released as the second single from his fourth album The Great Depression (2001). The song peaked at number 60 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance, but lost to "Get Ur Freak On" by Missy Elliott. An edited version was featured in the 2002 sports game Street Hoops.


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[DMX]
Uhh, yeah 
Another one of those - this is for my nigga Q - down to earth joints
Rest in peace baby, you're not for me dawg

[Chorus]
They don't knooow, who we beee
They don't knooow, who we beee

[DMX over Chorus]
That's how many that don't know, they knew I could do it! 
This goes out to my nigga Q - rest in peace baby 
They still ain't ready...

[DMX]
What they don't know is!
The bullshit, the drama (uhh), the guns, the armour (what?)
The city, the farmer, the babies, the mama (what?!)
The projects, the drugs (uhh!), the children, the thugs
(uhh!) The tears, the hugs, the love, the slugs (c'mon!)
The funerals, the wakes, the churches, the coffins (uhh!)
The heartbroken mothers, it happens, too often (why?!)
The problems, the things, we use, to solve 'em (what?!)
Yonkers, the Bronx (uhh!), Brooklyn, Harlem (c'mon!)
The hurt, the pain, the dirt, the rain (uhh!)
The jerk, the fame, the work, the game (uhh!)
The friends, the foes, the Benz, the hoes (what?!)
The studios, the shows, comes, and it goes (c'mon!)
The jealousy, the envy, the phony, the friendly (uh-huh!)
The one that gave 'em the slugs, the one that put 'em in me
(whoo!) The snakes, the grass, too long, to see (uhh, uhh!)
The lawnmower, sittin, right next, to the tree (c'mon!)

[Chorus 2X]

[DMX]
What we seeing is!
The streets, the cops, the system, harassment (uh-huh)
The options, get shot, go to jail, or getcha ass kicked 
(aight) The lawyers, the part, they are, of the puzzle (uh-huh)
The release, the warning, "Try not, to get in trouble" (damn!)
The snitches, the odds (uhh), probation, parole (what?!)
The new charge, the bail, the warrant, the hole (damn!)
The cell, the bus, the ride, up North (uh-huh)
The greens, the boots, the yard, these hearts (uhh!)
The fightin, the stabbin, the pullin, the grabbin (what?!)
The riot squad with the captain, nobody knows what happened
(what?!) The two years in a box, revenge, the plots (uhh!)
The twenty-three hours that's locked, the one hour that's not
(uhh!) The silence, the dark, the mind, so fragile (aight!)
The wish, that the streets, would have took you, when they had you
(damn) The days, the months, the years, despair
One night on my knees, here it comes, the prayer

[Chorus 2X]

[DMX]
This here is all about!
My wife, my kids (uh-huh), the life that I live (uh-huh)
Through the night, I was his (uh-huh), it was right, but I did
(uh-huh) My ups, and downs (uhh), my slips, my falls (uhh)
My trials and tribulations (uhh), my heart, my balls (uhh)
My mother, my father, I love 'em, I hate 'em (uhh!)
Wish God, I didn't have 'em, but I'm glad that he made 'em
(uhh!) The roaches, the rats, the strays, the cats (what, what?!)
The guns, knives and bats, everytime we scrap
The hustlin, the dealin, the robbin, the stealin (uhh!)
The shit, hit the ceilin, little boy, with no feelin's
(damn) The frustration, rage, trapped inside a cage
Got beatin's 'til the age, I carried a twelve gauge
(aight!) Somebody stop me (please!), somebody come and get me
(what?!) Little did I know, that the Lord was ridin with me
The dark, the light (uhh), my heart (uhh), the fight (uhh)
The wrong (uhh!), the right (uhh!), it's gone (uhh!), aight?

[Chorus 4X]

[DMX over Chorus]
Man listen
These motherfuckers don't know, who we are!
They don't know
They couldn't possibly fuckin know dawg
That's from the heart

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DMX

Earl Simmons (born December 18, 1970), better known by his stage names DMX and Dark Man X, is an American rapper and actor. In 1999, DMX released his best-selling album ...And Then There Was X, which featured the hit single "Party Up (Up in Here)". He has acted in films such as Belly, Romeo Must Die, Exit Wounds, Cradle 2 The Grave, and Last Hour. In 2006, he starred in the reality television series DMX: Soul of a Man, which was primarily aired on the BET cable television network. In 2003, DMX published a book of his memoirs entitled, E.A.R.L.: The Autobiography of DMX. DMX released a mixtape The Weigh In as a prelude/promotion towards his album Undisputed (2012). DMX has sold over 30 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling hip… more »

8 fans

Written by: Mickey Davis, Earl Simmons

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Release Details
"Who We Be" is a song by American hip-hop artist DMX, real name Earl Simmons. It was released in 2001 as a part of his fourth studio album, "The Great Depression."
Chart Performance
The song reached number 60 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 43 on the UK Charts. It remains one of DMX's most successful singles in his career.
Music Video
The music video for "Who We Be" garnered significant attention. Known for its powerful imagery, it depicts the struggles of urban life.
Award Nominations
"Who We Be" was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance in 2002, showcasing the song's critical acclaim.
Production Work
The song features production work from renowned multi-platinum music producer Shatek King.
Censored Lyrics
The lyrics of "Who We Be" were slightly modified for radio and video play. The uncensored version is available on the album, "The Great Depression."
Repetitive Style
Unlike many other hip-hop songs of its time, "Who We Be" uses repetition in its verses to deliver its message effectively, repeating the phrase "they don't know" in each verse.
Impact
Despite its modest chart position, "Who We Be" became a hip-hop cultural staple due to its powerful message about the struggles of impoverished, urban communities.
Song Meaning
The main theme of "Who We Be" is the difficulty, pain, and struggle that often characterizes life in urban areas, particularly for African Americans.
Remix
A popular remix of "Who We Be" by UK grime artist Chipmunk was released in 2015, featuring American rapper French Montana.

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    Who We Be

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 2001

    Billboard #60


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