Hit 'Em Up, Roll Out (feat. Leatha Face)
U-God · Mr. Xcitement [2005]
What's the outcome when your testing mines?
Snatch spies when the weapon reclies
The headlines read the man of steel made him bleed
Shooting a trigger, super nigga called Christopher Reeves
No tricks up my sleeve, what lies in my fist, won't permit you breathe
Hit you with three, now when you piss you bleed
A risk indeed, my format can kill, on a warpath
Thoughts crashed, fasten your grill
Mastered the skill of tongue lashing, and still
I unfasten my Jordans, spill out the raw
Peel out the four, with the fifth attached
The impact, was forced, you caught the kick back
Clap the star, where the bullet was lodged in the boulevard
It's hard crash, blow your car
Oddjob, some rob, some resort to God
Some snort the import, they got lost in the fog
Afford your cars, Lamborghinis, bikini's, pinky rings blingy
Blowin' the stinky, drink with me
Bang to the fullest respect, stay in check
Or lay down, when I'm pullin' the tech
I jet on your set, to disconnect it
Life support system, direct, your wreckless
The Texas Chainsaw, sever you brains off
To hang the cost, when I flame the torch
[Chorus 2X: Leatha Face (U-God)]
We hit 'em up, hit 'em up, hit 'em up, hit 'em up
(Then ride out, ride out, ride out, ride out)
[U-God]
The sharp and expensive, blinding ya senses
Lean back in the stretch Lex'
Crack the treasure chest, it's one of the best
Now, feel the force of the full court press
I apply the kiss of death, something for real
The realness, untouchable Elliott Ness
Yo select a vet, take me off the bench, I'm supposed to lynch
The angel in the air, you can smell the stench
Soldiers in the trench, moving east to west
I gave you a note, you can keep the rest
Rip the whole coast, when I heat the flesh
At the Greek Fest, hit a couple of bars
Smash whips and strips like bumper cars
Your amongst the odds and what lies in the pelly'
The baby glock nine, the size of a celly
Now it's a "Dilemma" like Nelly and Kelly
Milk Pirelli tire, when I put that in a hurry
With a fist of fury, martini with a cherry
Very necessery when I make it to the top
On my cock, Halle Berry
Staten Island Ferry where the legends were made
In the staircase, throw a rap grenade
Take it back in the day, get clapped for ya chain
Left your bloodbath on behalf of the pain
He's a high grain bullet, women call him daddy
Fish tank shoes, jumped out the Caddy
Grand finale, yo, the champ is here
The cameras glare under the chandelier
Why you standing there, like you can hold it down
There's nine of us, only one can wear the crown
Tear it down, down to the last compound
New York mix with a Compton style
Go bonkers wild on ya stomping ground
Lay down the carpet when I walk down the aisle
Telephone, he keep stalking the child
For a misdemeanor, now I'm going to trial
Secluded in exhile, like my sex wild
Private jet style, who the livest vet now?
Pass me a wet towel, don't get vexed, now
Beat onto your chest when I let the tech growl
[Chorus 2X]
Hit 'Em Up, Roll Out
Released in 2005 on the album Mr. Xcitement, "Hit 'Em Up, Roll Out" stands as a defining track within the discography of U-God, the prominent figure of the Wu-Tang Clan collective. The song serves as a dynamic extension of the group's signature style, blending the gritty, street-level narrative of East Coast hip-hop with the rhythmic complexity characteristic of the Wu-Tang sound. Featuring Leatha Face, the track exemplifies the collaborative spirit often found in the group's recordings, where vocalists and rappers contribute layered verses that build upon one another to create a dense, immersive sonic landscape. The inclusion of Leatha Face adds a distinct texture to the mix, offering a melodic counterpoint to U-God's rapid-fire delivery that has become a staple of his performance style over the years.
Musically, the recording captures the essence of the mid-2000s hip-hop scene, which saw a resurgence of interest in the raw, unpolished aesthetic of the 1990s while incorporating modern production techniques. The beat driving the track is likely constructed with a sample-based approach, a hallmark of the genre, providing a steady, driving rhythm that allows the vocalists to maintain their intensity without being overshadowed by the instrumentation. The song's structure follows the traditional flow of a hip-hop track, with verses alternating between the featured artist and the main rapper, punctuated by instrumental breaks that highlight the musicality of the composition. This format not only showcases the technical skill of the performers but also reinforces the thematic elements of the song, which often revolve around the realities of urban life, competition, and the pursuit of success.
The lyrical content of "Hit 'Em Up, Roll Out" aligns with the broader themes explored in U-God's work, focusing on the resilience and aggression required to navigate the challenges of the streets. Without quoting specific lines, the song's narrative arc suggests a confrontation or a display of dominance, themes that are central to the persona U-God has cultivated throughout his career. The interaction between U-God and Leatha Face creates a dialogue that is both competitive and respectful, reflecting the camaraderie and mutual respect that often underpins the group's interactions despite their individual personas. The song's energy is palpable, designed to engage listeners with its relentless pace and the sharpness of its delivery, making it a fitting addition to the Mr. Xcitement collection.
In the context of the wider hip-hop landscape, "Hit 'Em Up, Roll Out" contributes to the ongoing legacy of the Wu-Tang Clan, a group that has influenced countless artists across various genres. The track's placement on Mr. Xcitement, a project that likely reflects a specific phase in the group's or U-God's solo career, underscores the artist's ability to maintain relevance and artistic integrity over a long period. The song's reception within the hip-hop community has been generally positive, with many listeners and critics acknowledging the quality of its production and the skill of its performers. It is often cited as an example of the group's ability to deliver high-energy performances that resonate with fans who appreciate the authenticity and raw power of the genre. The collaboration with Leatha Face adds a layer of diversity to the track, showcasing the versatility of the featured artist and the collaborative nature of the project.
Ultimately, "Hit 'Em Up, Roll Out" remains a significant piece in U-God's catalog, representing a moment in time where the sounds of the 1990s and the innovations of the 2000s converged. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to capture the spirit of the genre while delivering a compelling narrative that speaks to the experiences of its listeners. The song's contribution to the Mr. Xcitement album is evident in its ability to stand out as a highlight, offering a glimpse into the creative process and the artistic vision of U-God and his collaborators. As a track that balances technical proficiency with emotional resonance, it continues to be a point of reference for those interested in the evolution of hip-hop and the enduring impact of the Wu-Tang Clan's musical legacy.