“I Get Around” is a single from 2Pac‘s second album Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z. and features Shock G and Money-B of Digital Underground, which is a hip-hop group from the San Francisco Bay Area. 2Pac is known for rapping about the challenges and struggles of inner-city life, and his songs are thought-provoking and poignant. This light-hearted track is quite different than his usual style, and 2Pac brags about this sexual conquests and warns women not to fall in love with him (adapted from Wikipedia).
What you mean you don’t know? I get around.
The Underground just don’t stop for hoes. I get around.
Still down with the Underground. I get around.
Yeah, Shock, let them hoes know.
Vocabulary
- get around (idiom) – to have sexual relationships with many people. It doesn’t matter if she gets around or not. That’s her personal business, and it shouldn’t influence our decision to hire her.
- keep something in check (idiom) – to keep something under control. If you don’t keep your cholesterol in check, you are going to have a heart attack!
- Take it easy! (expression) – used to tell somebody to relax, especially if they are upset or angry. Take it easy, man! I was only joking about your weight. I don’t really think you’re a fat cow.
- in a jiffy (adverb) – very soon. Can you please wait a moment while I help this customer. I’ll be with you in a jiffy.
- picky (adjective) – difficult to please. Children are such picky eaters. My nephew is the worst!
- tie down (phrasal verb) – to restrict somebody’s freedom. If you don’t have a family tying you down, then you have more opportunities to travel.
- fits (noun) – clothes. She doesn’t wear the nicest fits, but she’s still very stylish.
- be/get caught up in something (phrasal verb) – to be involved with something. Don’t get caught up with those people. They’re asking for trouble.
- on the downlow (idiom) – secretly. Don’t tell him what we’re doing this weekend. Keep it on the downlow.
- break/crack of dawn (noun) – very early in the morning. I can’t stay up late tonight. I have to be up at the break of dawn tomorrow morning.
- set off (phrasal verb) – to start a process. The verdict of the controversial murder case set off protests around the city.
- on somebody’s mind (idiom) – to think or worry about something a lot. You have been on my mind recently. Do you want to meet for coffee soon?
- do time (idiom) – to spend time in prison. He’s doing major time for murdering his family.
- be down for something (idiom) – willing to do something. Are you down for the party tonight? You’re going right?
- also, be up for something
- hoe (slang) – an insulting word for a promiscuous woman, sometimes used to describe women in general. You shouldn’t call women hoes. It’s very insulting and sexist!
Discussion Questions
In American society, there is a double standard for men and women. If a man gets around, he is praised and worshiped by his friends and coworkers. But if a woman gets around, she is considered a “whore” and does not get any respect. Is this double standard fair? Do you have a similar double standard in your country? Is this a case of sexism? Please write your opinion in the comments below!