"The Element of Surprise" by E-40 is a rap song that emphasizes the element of surprise. The lyrics paint a picture of a violent and dangerous lifestyle, where the protagonist uses surprise tactics to retaliate against those who have wronged him. The song begins with a repeated chant of "Surprise" as a way to build anticipation and set the theme. E-40 talks about applying pressure and using surprise as a tactic to achieve revenge. He mentions not waiting for someone to come after him, but instead taking matters into his own hands. The first verse talks about seeking revenge on someone who betrayed him. E-40 describes taking quick and brutal action, using firearms to carry out his revenge. He mentions the St. Valentine's Day Massacre, a well-known gangster event involving multiple homicides. The chorus reiterates the importance of surprise and the element of lies. E-40 emphasizes the impact surprise has in his lifestyle, both in seeking vengeance and the uncertainty it brings to those who wronged him. The second verse discusses the protagonist's involvement in a larger conflict. He talks about a group ready to commit a homicide, with various firearms at their disposal. E-40 emphasizes that surprise is key to overpowering his enemies and states that those who owe too much to the game (referring to the criminal lifestyle) are in dangerous territory. The chorus repeats, highlighting the continued importance of surprise and applying pressure. E-40 adds ad-libs, exclaiming "Surprise" and talking about shooting someone in the back as a way to emphasize the element of surprise. The song ends with E-40 suggesting a strategy of faking a beef with another crew to make them vulnerable, planning to attack their locations simultaneously. He talks about duplicating this strategy repeatedly and expressing his hatred for those who hate on him and his crew. The song concludes with a chant of "die bitch die," further highlighting the violent themes throughout the lyrics. Overall, "The Element of Surprise" portrays a lifestyle of violence and retaliation, where the element of surprise is crucial for survival. It showcases the dangers of the criminal lifestyle and the lengths one is willing to go to protect their own.
