The Meaning Behind The Song: Ten Crack Commandments by The Notorious B.I.G.
As a Music Producer: My Personal Experience with Ten Crack Commandments
As a music producer, I have always been intrigued by the stories and messages behind the lyrics of songs. One song that particularly stood out to me is “Ten Crack Commandments” by The Notorious B.I.G. Upon listening to it, I was captivated by the rawness and authenticity of the lyrics, as well as the skillful production by DJ Premier.
Table of Contents
I remember stumbling upon this song at a friend’s house while we were discussing the influence of hip-hop on society and the art of storytelling within the genre. He eagerly played “Ten Crack Commandments” and I was immediately drawn in.
The song, which was released on March 25, 1997, is a part of The Notorious B.I.G.’s album “Life After Death.” It discusses the ten commandments that one must follow in order to navigate the world of drug dealing. The lyrics provide insights into the street life and offer a glimpse into the underbelly of society.
The Lyrics of Ten Crack Commandments
“1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9 (Ten), p.m. (P.M.)
In the kitchen, cooking, cocaine (Cocaine)
Fiends banging on the door
‘Cause they can’t get enough of that funk, funk (Funk)
I’m in the backroom taking phone calls
Ten Crack Commandments, what’s the hold up?'”
The song depicts the harsh reality of the drug trade and provides a glimpse into the mindset and rules that govern that world. Each commandment represents a lesson or piece of advice for those involved in the illegal activities. The Notorious B.I.G.’s gritty vocals combined with DJ Premier’s production create a hauntingly realistic atmosphere.
As a music producer, I appreciate the mastery of DJ Premier’s work in this song. The sampling of “Shut ‘Em Down” by Public Enemy and “Vallarta” by Les McCann adds depth and texture to the track. The seamless integration of these samples and the iconic drum patterns showcase DJ Premier’s signature style.
Sampled and Interpolated Songs
Shut ‘Em Down by Public Enemy & Vallarta by Les McCann
It’s worth mentioning that “Ten Crack Commandments” has influenced numerous other artists who have sampled or interpolated the song in their own work. Some notable examples include “Rap Phenomenon” by The Notorious B.I.G. (featuring Method Man and Redman), “Someone” by SWV (featuring Diddy), and “Man Law” by Masta Ace and Marco Polo (featuring Styles P).
Songs That Sample Ten Crack Commandments
Rap Phenomenon by The Notorious B.I.G. (Ft. Method Man & Redman), Someone by SWV (Ft. Diddy), Man Law by Masta Ace & Marco Polo (Ft. Styles P), Survival Test (Rasta Dub Remix) by Jaylib, Ten Wife Commandments by Faith Evans & The Notorious B.I.G., Ten Commandments by Lil’ Mo (Ft. Lil’ Kim & Nino Storm), and more.
Songs That Interpolate Ten Crack Commandments
Blunts And Armadale – Freestyle by JAY-Z, I Tried by Bone Thugs-N-Harmony (Ft. Akon), 12 Steps to Recovery by Dr. Dre, and more.
Through the success and influence of “Ten Crack Commandments,” The Notorious B.I.G. solidified his status as one of the greatest storytellers in hip-hop. The song remains a testament to his talent and ability to offer a glimpse into the realities of the streets.
In conclusion, “Ten Crack Commandments” by The Notorious B.I.G. is a powerful and thought-provoking song that delves into the world of drug dealing. It serves as a social commentary and showcases the art of storytelling within hip-hop. The song’s impact on the genre and its ability to inspire other artists is a testament to its lasting influence in the music industry.
