Top 10 Rap Songs that Use the Term "9 to 5"
The nine to five saying is simply a term used to refer to an office job or career. In Hip-Hop music, it specifically refers to a regular job and lifestyle.At some point in Hip-Hop, it became common to use the term in lyrics, usually to contrast a regular job with the hustling and fame lifestyle.
And if you work a 9 to 5, remember, it's only music.
One of the few examples in rap where the rapper speaks of the "9 to 5" in a positive light.
"But now, I've learned to earn 'cause I'm righteous,
I feel great, so maybe, I might just
Search for a nine to five, if I strive
Then maybe I'll stay alive."
Rakim means that, metaphorically, he is tired of the illegal hustling lifestyle and that he might start earning honestly.
"I refuse to get a 9 to 5, I'd rather flip my keys.
Been paying my dues ever since '89, tryna get my cheese."
T.I. clearly states that he's been hustling and rapping too long to move to a 9 to 5 and that it's not in him.
An early Onyx single about staying afloat in the hood, poverty, and politics.
Fredro Starr says:
"I just wanna get high and live it up.
So f*k a 9 to 5! And why they tryin' to slave us?"
Starr explains he's stuck in a system with his 9 to 5.
"All the pain inside amplified by the
Fact that I can't get by with my nine-to-five and I can't provide the right type of life for my family."
In this example, Eminem explains that his life has gotten to a point where, no matter how hard he works, he cannot afford to get by with a regular job.
"Xzibit ready to scrap like Mike Tyson with his license back
9 to 5 minimum wage? What type of life is that?"
- Xzibit
"And we ain't worried 'bout them coppers out here
Do anything to try to stop us out here
No 9-to-5's but we clockin' out here
Every chance they get, you know they watch us out here."
- Jay Rock
"My goal this year is a real one, gonna stack a million
And as soon as I do, Mama, that 9 to 5 is through."
I guess it all worked out for Jermaine Cole. He ain't working a 9 to 5 anymore.
"But that 9 to 5 gig won't get that Benz
That 9 to 5 gig won't get that boat
That 9 to 5 gig don't impress these hoes."
Here, Rick Ross explains that all the things you desire in life won't be achieved by working a 9 to 5.
Mac Miller begins the song with:
"We in-between heaven and hell
F**k a 9 to 5 (Hell)
I'd rather end up dead or in jail."
Mac Miller is simply saying there are better ways to spend his time than working a 9 to 5.
Rest easy, Mac.
"This what happen when you unified
From the land to the struggle, do or die
Brooklyn ballers (Harlem fly)
Always gotta hustle, f**k a 9 to 5."
The most "9 to 5" example on this list.