What Happened

Dope D.O.D.'s song "What Happened" is a raw and unfiltered critique of the modern hip-hop scene. The track opens with a gritty introduction, setting the tone for a no-holds-barred examination of the state of rap music. The artist immediately establishes his credibility by highlighting his street credentials and lyrical prowess. He contrasts his authentic, hardcore style with the perceived decline in quality and originality in contemporary rap. The mention of selling crack and pimpin' the mac serves as a metaphor for the gritty, real-life experiences that fuel his music, in stark contrast to the commercialized and sanitized versions of hip-hop that dominate the airwaves today.

In the first verse, Dope D.O.D. laments the shift in the rap landscape, where he feels the genre has lost its edge and authenticity. He boasts about his lyrical skills and the impact of his first rap, which he claims shifted the entire planet. This hyperbolic statement underscores his belief in the transformative power of genuine hip-hop. He criticizes the current state of rap, where he sees older artists stagnating while he continues to innovate and improve. The reference to not knowing who Jay-Z is serves as a metaphor for his disconnection from the mainstream, commercialized rap scene.

The chorus reinforces the central theme of the song: Dope D.O.D. has risen to become the 'illest,' while phony MCs are being exposed and defeated. The second verse delves deeper into the artist's disdain for the current state of hip-hop, describing it as a cycle of drug, sex, and violence. He positions himself as a warrior in the 'deadliest field' of hardcore hip-hop, unafraid to challenge and dismantle the idols of the genre. The imagery of climbing over corpses to reach the top symbolizes his relentless drive and the cutthroat nature of the industry.

In the third verse, Dope D.O.D. addresses the repetitive and uninspired nature of modern rap. He criticizes artists who are more concerned with fame than with the art form itself. The mention of a Golden Globe and Vincent Van Gogh highlights the absurdity of comparing commercial success with genuine artistic achievement. He emphasizes his own work ethic and dedication to the craft, contrasting it with the superficial efforts of his contemporaries. The repeated line 'You just don't know' serves as a final indictment of those who fail to understand or appreciate the true essence of hip-hop.