The song “Ambitionz Az a Ridah” is from Tupac’s album “All Eyez on Me.” This album marked a shift in Tupac’s style, as he adopted a tougher, more gangster image, influenced by his association with Death Row Records. It was a new beginning for him, and this aggressive track was the first one he recorded after getting out of jail.
The song serves as an introduction to Tupac’s changing persona, moving away from being a political commentator to portraying himself as a violent thug. The lyrics of the song reflect his determination, ambition, and his struggle with societal norms.
In this article, we will delve deeper into the meaning behind the song’s lyrics.
“Ambitionz Az a Ridah” Lyrics Meaning
[Intro]
I won’t deny it, I’m a straight ridah
You don’t wanna fuck with me
Got the police bustin’ at me
But they can’t do nothin’ to a G
Let’s get ready to rumble!
Now, you know how we do it, like a G
What really go on in the mind of a nigga
That get down for theirs
Constantly, money over bitches
Not bitches over money
Stay on your grind, nigga
My ambitions as a ridah
My ambitions as a ridah
In the intro, Tupac declares himself as a determined and fearless person.
He mentions that the police are pursuing him, but he’s not afraid because they can’t harm him, singing, “Got the police bustin’ at me, But they can’t do nothin’ to a G.” Here, “G” is slang for a gangster or someone who is tough and street-smart.
Tupac sets the tone for the song, emphasizing his relentless pursuit of his ambitions as a “ridah.”
“Ridah” is a term derived from “rider,” meaning someone who is willing to stand up for their principles, even if it involves violence or conflict.
Tupac is conveying that he has specific ambitions and desires, and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to achieve them, even if it means adopting a tough and uncompromising persona.
[Verse 1]
So many battlefield scars while driven in plush cars
This life as a rap star is nothin’ without guard
Was born rough and rugged, addressin’ the mass public (Hahaha)
My attitude was “fuck it,” ’cause motherfuckers love it
To be a soldier, must maintain composure at ease
Though life is complicated, only what you make it to be
(And, uh) And my ambitions as a ridah (Excuse me, baby)
To catch her while she hot and horny, go up inside her (Got ya)
Then I spit some game in her ear, “Go to the telly, ho!”
Equipped with money in a Benz ’cause, bitch, I’m barely broke (Hahaha)
I’m smokin’ bomb-ass weed, feelin’ crucial
From player to player, the game’s tight, the feeling’s mutual
From hustlin’ and prayers to breakin’ motherfuckers to pay us
I got no time for these bitches (Hell no), ’cause these hoes tried to play us
I’m on a meal ticket mission, want a mil’ so I’m wishin’
Competition got me blitzed on that bullshit they stressin’ (Booyah)
I’ma rhyme though, clown hoes like it’s mandatory
No guts, no glory, my nigga, bitch got the game distorted
Now it’s on and it’s on because I said so (Haha)
Can’t trust a bitch in the business so I got with Death Row (Yeah)
Now these money-hungry bitches gettin’ suspicious
Started plottin’ and plannin’ on a scheme to come and trick us (Haha)
But thug niggas be on point and game tight (Yeah)
Me, Syke and Bogart are strapped up the same night
Got problems, then handle it, motherfuckers see me
These niggas is jealous, ’cause deep in they hearts they wanna be me
Uh, yeah (Haha), and now you got me right beside ya
Hopin’ you listen, I catch you payin’ attention
To my ambitions as a ridah
In verse 1 of “Ambitionz Az a Ridah” by Tupac, he reflects on his life as a rap star and the challenges he’s faced. He describes how he was born into a tough environment and had to address the public as an artist.
He mentions the “battlefield scars,” which could refer to the hardships he has faced in his life and career.
In the lines “To be a soldier, must maintain composure at ease,” Tupac emphasizes the importance of staying composed and maintaining self-control, even when life gets complicated.
He mentions that he prioritizes financial success over romantic relationships, as expressed in the lines, “Constantly, money over bitches, Not bitches over money.”
In Tupac’s eyes, some women, whom he refers to as “money-hungry bitches,” aren’t trustworthy. They are plotting and planning to deceive or take advantage of him because of his success and wealth.
Tupac is aware of their schemes but believes that he and his friends are vigilant and cautious, suggesting that they are prepared for any potential threats. When he mentions, “Me, Syke, and Bogart are strapped up the same night,” he means that he and his associates are armed and ready to defend themselves if necessary.
These lyrics reflect Tupac’s awareness of the dangers and deceit that can come with fame and success in the music industry.
[Chorus]
I won’t deny it, I’m a straight ridah
You don’t wanna fuck with me (My ambitions as a ridah)
Got the police bustin’ at me
But they can’t do nothin’ to a G
(I won’t deny it, I’m a straight ridah)
In the chorus, Tupac repeats the phrase “I won’t deny it, I’m a straight ridah.” He is proclaiming that he won’t hide or deny his true nature, which he describes as a “straight ridah.”
As mentioned earlier, a “ridah” is someone who is fearless, tough, and unapologetic in their actions, often associated with street life and the pursuit of his goals.
[Verse 2]
It was my only wish to rise above these jealous
Coward motherfuckers I despise, when it’s time to ride
I was the first to hop inside (Let’s go, nigga, let’s go), give me the .9
I’m ready to die right here tonight and motherfuck they life (Yeah, nigga!)
That’s what they screamin’ as they drill me, but I’m hard to kill
So I open fire until you kill me, witness my steel (That’s all you niggas got? Hahaha)
Spittin’ at adversaries, envious and after me
I’d rather die before they capture me, watch me bleed
Mama (Dear Mama), come rescue me, I’m suicidal, thinkin’ thoughts
I’m innocent so there’ll be bullets flyin’ when I’m caught (Shoot)
Fuck doin’ jail time, better day, sacrifice
Won’t get a chance to do me like they did my nigga Tyson
Thuggin’ for life, and if you right, then, nigga, die for it
Let them other bustas try, at least you tried for it (Hahaha)
When it’s time to die, then be a man and pick the way you leave (Yeah, nigga)
Fuck peace and the police, my ambitions as a ridah
In verse 2, Tupac discusses various aspects of his life and mentality.
In the line “It was my only wish to rise above these jealous,” Tupac expresses his desire to rise above those who are jealous or cowardly.
He mentions his willingness to take action when needed, emphasizing that he was the first to step up, singing “I was the first to hop inside (Let’s go, nigga, let’s go), give me the .9”
Tupac requests a 9mm handgun, ready to confront a dangerous situation, as expressed in the line “Give me the .9, I’m ready to die right here tonight”
He talks about being ready to die if necessary and not allowing others to take his life easily. The line “Fuck doin’ jail time, better day, sacrifice” references his reluctance to go to jail and the preference to die instead.
In the end, he highlights the importance of making a choice about how one wants to leave this world, singing “When it’s time to die, then be a man and pick the way you leave.”
[Verse 3]
My murderous lyrics, equipped with spirits of the thugs before me
Stay off the block, evade the cops ’cause I know they comin’ for me
I been hesitant to reappear, been away for years (I’m back, baby)
Now I’m back, my adversaries been reduced to tears
Question my methods to switch up speeds, sure as some bitches bleed
Niggas’ll feel the fire of my mother’s corrupted seed
(Buck-buck-buck-buck-buck) Blast me but they didn’t finish, didn’t diminish
My powers, so now I’m back to be a motherfuckin’ menace (Them niggas cowards)
They cowards, that’s why they tried to set me up
Had bitch-ass niggas (Bitch-ass niggas) on my team so indeed they wet me up (Punk niggas)
But I’m back reincarnated, incarcerated
At the time I contemplate the way that God made it
Lace ’em with lyrics that’s legendary, musical mercenary
For money I’ll have these motherfuckers buried
I been gettin’ much mail in jail, niggas tellin’ me to kill it (Hahaha)
Knowin’ when I get out they gon’ feel it (Yeah, right)
Witness the realest, a who-ridah when I put the shit inside
The cries from all your people when they find her, must remind ya
(Thug life) My history’ll prove I been it
Revenge on them niggas that played me and all the cowards that was down wit’ it
Now it’s your nigga right beside ya
Hopin’ you listen, got you payin’ attention to my ambitions
As a ridah
In verse 3, Tupac continues to ponder over various aspects of his life and mindset.
In the line “My murderous lyrics, equipped with spirits of the thugs before me,” Tupac reflects on his lyrics, describing them as having the spirits of those who came before him.
He emphasizes the need to avoid the streets and evade the police, indicating a desire to stay out of trouble, as expressed in the line “Stay off the block, evade the cops ’cause I know they comin’ for me.”
In the following line “I been hesitant to reappear, been away for years (I’m back, baby),” Tupac mentions that he has been hesitant to reappear, indicating a period of absence or reflection.
He talks about returning and the impact he has on his adversaries, reducing them to tears, singing, “Now I’m back, my adversaries been reduced to tears.”
Tupac discusses his methods and skills as a rapper, with a focus on legendary lyrics and his willingness to bury his rivals for money, declaring “For money I’ll have these motherfuckers buried.”
He also acknowledges receiving letters in jail, urging him to continue his music career and expressing anticipation for his return, as evident in the lines like “I been gettin’ much mail in jail, niggas tellin’ me to kill it, Knowin’ when I get out they’ll feel it.”
Deeper Meaning Behind “Ambitionz Az a Ridah”
Tupac’s song “Ambitionz Az a Ridah” is a portrayal of his identity and mindset. It’s a window into his complex persona and his willingness to confront the challenges of fame and success on his own terms.
Released as part of his “All Eyez on Me” album, this song symbolizes a pivotal shift in Tupac’s personality. He transitions from being a political commentator and conscious rapper to embracing a more aggressive image.
The lyrics are a reflection of his determination and ambition to succeed in the world of hip-hop. Tupac’s “ridah” persona is an embodiment of his fearless nature and his readiness to confront challenges head-on.
The term “ridah” is a slang expression derived from “rider,” which typically refers to someone who is willing to stand up for their principles and take on challenges without hesitation, even if it involves violence or conflict.
The song also reveals his struggle with societal norms and expectations. Tupac grapples with the pressures of fame and the constant scrutiny that comes with it. He acknowledges the presence of opportunistic people (“money-hungry bitches”) who seek to exploit his success, leading him to adopt a defensive stance.
The title of the song, “Ambitionz Az a Ridah,” is stylized with unique spelling and wording to convey Tupac’s distinctive identity.
The alteration of “ambitions” to “ambitionz” with a “z” adds a streetwise and rebellious quality to the word, aligning it with the urban and hip-hop culture. It suggests a non-conventional and assertive approach to pursuing one’s goals.
The replacement of “as” with “az” in the title is another stylistic choice to create a sense of authenticity and uniqueness. It signifies Tupac’s distinct voice and perspective.
Overall, the song reflects Tupac’s unapologetic and uncompromising attitude, reflecting his determination, resilience, and readiness to confront obstacles in his life and career.
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