In "Before Hip-Hop," Joell Ortiz reflects on his life before he became a rapper and how the streets and his experiences shaped him. He opens the song by asserting that people don't know him as well as they think they do. He describes his past involvement in street activities, such as dealing drugs and encountering violence. Ortiz reminisces about the dangerous environment he grew up in, where firearms were prevalent and drug use was prominent. He references specific details of his former lifestyle, such as using sandwich baggies to package drugs and having his favorite drug user come over to try his product. He also mentions specific brands of alcohol and tobacco that were popular in his neighborhood. The song highlights the challenges and struggles of living in the projects, emphasizing that Ortiz remains connected to his roots despite his current success as a rapper. He emphasizes that his identity and reputation as "the projects homie" existed before he pursued a music career. Before becoming a rapper, Ortiz explains that he was involved in criminal activities and engaged in illegal transactions. He mentions trading drugs, using money instead of bank accounts, and engaging in hand-to-hand transactions. He describes his ability to navigate the streets and survive in a volatile environment, painting a picture of the gritty reality he faced. Ortiz acknowledges that he has transformed since his early days, both personally and professionally, with music projects and a new image. Despite his growth, he believes that his past is still important and should be recognized. He asserts that people only see the new version of him, without truly understanding his roots and the person he was "before hip-hop." The song carries a sense of nostalgia as Ortiz reflects on his previous struggles and the risks he took to survive. He recounts instances where he narrowly avoided dangerous situations and expresses gratitude for avoiding incarceration. Overall, "Before Hip-Hop" serves as a reflection on Ortiz's journey and the experiences that contributed to his growth as an artist.
