Edited by Azizi Powell
"We don't die, we multiply" or a similar version of that line is a floating verse that is found throughout African American culture.
This post showcases an early example of that line. This post also features a sample compilation of how "we don't die/we multiply" has subsequently been used in African American culture, in a Reggae song, and in a Filipino Rap song.
The content of this post is presented for folkloric, cultural, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Disclaimer: The lyrics for the examples included in this post may contain profanity and otherwise may not be considered appropriate by me or by some other persons. Consequently, I'm including no links to most of the full lyrics of most of these songs, and I'm not including links to most of their videos.
Note: In this post all forms of what is now referred to as "the n word" are partly written with the certain letters represented by the "and" character, although that word is fully spelled out in the featured lyrics in which it is found. I'm using that substitution because I detest that word.
In these examples the featured line is written in italics to highlight it.
****
AMERICAN CULTURAL EXAMPLES OF THE LINE "WE DON'T DIE WE MULTIPLE"
In Old Time Music
The earliest form of the line "We don't die/We multiply" that I have found is from a song that is included in Negro Folk Rhymes, a 1922 collection by Fisk University professor & folklorist Thomas W. Talley.
NEGROES NEVER DIE
Ni&&er! Ni&&er never die!
He gits choked on Chicken pie.
Black face, white shiny eye. Ni&&er! Ni&&er!
Ni&&er! Ni&&er never knows!
Mashed nose, an' crooked toes;
Dat's de way de Ni&&er goes. Ni&&er! Ni&&er!
Ni&&er! Ni&&er always sing;
Jump up, cut de Pidgeon's wing;
Whirl, an' give his feet a fling. Ni&&er! Ni&&er!
-snip-
"Negroes Never Die" is the song title that Thomas W. Talley gave to this example.
This is an example of an insult song in which some lighter skinned Black people "rip on" (diss) other Black people who they have grouped together largely because of their darker skin color.
In this song the featured line implies that dark skinned Black people don't die honorably, but instead die in a demeaning way by chocking on chicken pie.
Because the word "n&&ers" in this song is a referent for darker skinned Black people, this song is an early example of "colorism".
"Colorism is a practice of discrimination by which those with lighter skin are treated more favorably than those with darker skin." http://racerelations.about.com/od/understandingrac1/g/definitionofcolorism.htm
"Cut de [the] Pigeon's wing" is a type of social dance.
****
In contrast to its early use as a put down, in all the other examples of "We Don't Die/We Multiple" that I have found, that line is given as a proud, assertive statement.
Some examples of this use are:
In A Comedy Routine, An Animated Movie, and Documentary Movie About Comedian Robin Harris
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B%C3%A9b%C3%A9's_Kids
Bébé's Kids (released on home media as Robin Harris' Bébé's Kids) is a 1992 American animated comedy film produced by Reginald Hudlin and Hyperion Pictures, directed by Bruce W. Smith, and released on July 31, 1992 by Paramount Pictures.
The first animated feature to feature an entirely African-American main cast, the film is based upon comedian Robin Harris' "Bébé's Kids" stand-up comedy act."
-snip-
In this movie Robin meets Jamika at a funeral and arranges to take her and her mild mannered son Leon to an amusement park. Unbenownst to Robin, Jamika brings along on that date three extremely unruly children Kahlil, LaShawn, and Pee-Wee, who are the children of her girlfriend Bébé. “Upon entering the park, the kids are set loose and promptly wreak havoc.”
As a result of this comedy routine and animated film, the phrase "Bebe's kids" has become a referent among African Americans for very unruly children-particularly Black children.
Bebe's Kids Trailer
Osdatabase Uploaded on Feb 24, 2008
http://www.rarchivist.com
-snip-
In the movie "Bebe's Kids" the character Pee Wee says the quote "We don't die. We multiple" that Robin Harris previously has made famous in his stand up comedy act. A core meaning for this saying is "inspite of your attempts to get rid of us [or do us harm], we just get stronger".
****
From http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/we_dont_die_we_multiply_the_robin_harris_story/
"We Don't Die, We Multiply: The Robin Harris Story (2004) [actual release date to theaters 2006]
Movie Info
Robin Harris was one of the best-respected African-American comedians of his day; after making his way up the ladder the hard way by playing club gigs around the country while working day jobs, he gained his first major break when he became the master of ceremonies at the Comedy Act venue in Los Angeles. Harris' sharp wit and old-school approach earned gained the attention of a number of filmmakers, and in the late '80s he scored showy roles in Do the Right Thing, Mo' Better Blues, and House Party. However, just as Harris seemed poised to make a major career breakthrough, he died of a respiratory ailment in 1990 at the age of 37. The Robin Harris Story: We Don't Die, We Multiply is a documentary which examines Harris' short but memorable career, and includes interviews with such friends and fans as Bernie Mac, Cedric the Entertainer, Martin Lawrence, and Robert Townsend."
****
In Rap Songs
"We Don't Die/We Multiple" is a floating verse in a number of Rap [Hip Hop] songs. One example of the use of a form of the line "We Don't Die We Multiply" is Snoop Dogg's "10-lil-crips"
[Hook: Snoop Dogg]
Ten little Crip ni&&as runnin outside
All from the turf and they bangin out lives
Far from a scrub cuzz from the Eastside
Where they don't die they just multiply
So.. don't give them ni&&as a reason
To turn it into spray season
Don't give them ni&&as a reason
Because they'll turn it into Crip season
Track 11 on Tha Blue Carpet Treatment [Release date: November 21, 2006]
Source: http://rapgenius.com/Snoop-dogg-10-lil-crips-lyrics#note-120479
-snip-
A published comment about that song indicates that it is "A shout out to [rapper] Ice-T and his famous quote: “We don’t die, we just multiply”.
Ice-T was also a [member of the] crip [gang]."
http://rapgenius.com/120479/Snoop-dogg-10-lil-crips/Where-they-dont-die-they-just-multiply
Two other Rap songs that include the line "we don't die/we multiply line" or a version of that line are:
2Pac in The Notorious B.I.G. – Hot 95 Freestyle Lyrics -
"No matter how you try, ni&&as never die
We just retaliate with hate, then we multiply"
[release date 1995] and "Ride" by Master P - ""Real ni&&as don't die we multiply" [release date?]
****
In A Fraternity Steppin Chant
Ques don't die
They multiple
They go yah ha ha ha ha
[Repeat the entire chant several times while doing a steppin routine.]
-snip-
I recall this step chant from step shows [in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania] in at least the mid 1990s.
I haven't been able to find a video of this chant as peformed by Ques [men associated with Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.] or as performed by other Black Greek lettered fraternities or sororities. If you know of any such YouTube videeos, please share those links in the comment section of this post. Thanks!
****
NON-AFRICAN AMERICAN USE OF THE LINE "WE DON'T DIE/WE MULTIPLE"
In a Reggae Song [Jamaica]
Ini Kamoze -HERE COMES THE HOTSTEPPER
Hit It!
Na, na na na na, na na na na
Na na na, na na na, na na na na
Here comes the hot stepper, murderer
I'm the lyrical gangster, murderer
Pick up the crew in-a de area, murderer
Still love you like that, murderer
No no we don't die, yes we mul-ti-ply
Anyone test will hear the fat lady sing
Act like you know Rico, I know what Bo don't know
Touch them up and go, uh-oh! Ch-ch-Chang Chang
Here comes the hot stepper, murderer
I'm the lyrical gangster, murderer
Excuse me mister officer, murderer
Still love you like that, murderer
Extraordinary, juice like a strawberry
Money to burn baby, all of the time
Cut to fade is me, fade to cut is she
Come juggle with me, I say every time
Here comes the hot stepper, murderer
I'm the lyrical gangster, murderer
Dial emergency number, murderer
Still love you like that, murderer
Na, na na na na, na na na na
Na na na, na na na, na na na na
It's how we do it man
Na, na na na na, na na na na
Na na na, na na na, na na na na
Start like a jackrabbit, finish in front of it
On the night is jack , that's it, understand?
I'm the daddy of the mack daddy, his are left in gold, maybe
Ain't no homie gonna play me, top celebrity man
Murderer, I'm the lyrical gangster, murderer
Excuse me mister officer, murderer
Still love you like that, murderer
No no we don't die, yes we mul-ti-ply
Anyone test will hear the fat lady sing
Act like you know, G go, I know what Bo don't know
Touch them up and go, uh-oh! Ch-ch-Chang Chang
Here comes the hot stepper, murderer
I'm the lyrical gangster, murderer
Dial emergency number, murderer
Still love you like that, murderer
Na, na na na na, na na na na
Na na na, na na na, na na na na
Yeah man
Na, na na na na, na na na na
Na na na, na na na, na na na na, right
Here comes the hot stepper, murderer
I'm the lyrical gangster, murderer
Big up all crew bow ya, murderer
Still love you like that, murderer
Here comes the hot stepper, murderer
I'm the lyrical danger, murderer
Pick up the crew in-a the area, murderer
Still love you like that, murderer
Here comes the hot stepper
I'm the lyrical gangster
I'm a live in-a me danger
Still love you like that
Hey
Da da da da
Da da da da
Da da da da
-snip-
Songwriters
Remi, Salaam / Kenner, Christopher / Kamoze, Ini / Nix, Kenton
Release date- April 18, 1995
Source: http://www.metrolyrics.com/here-comes-the-hotstepper-lyrics-ini-kamoze.html
-snip-
Here Comes The Hotstepper--- Ini Kamoze.(HQ)
.
AftaPancU, Published on Apr 20, 2013
Respect To Classic Track !!
Lyrics [included in this video summary]
****
As the title of a Pinoy [Filipino] Rap Song
The Filipino Rap group 187 Mobstaz released a song whose title is "We Don't Die We Multiply"
[release date: Jan 2013]
Note: "Section 187" is the California Penal Code section for murder.
****
Thanks to all those who are quoted and/or featured in this post.
Thank you for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
"We don't die, we multiply" or a similar version of that line is a floating verse that is found throughout African American culture.
This post showcases an early example of that line. This post also features a sample compilation of how "we don't die/we multiply" has subsequently been used in African American culture, in a Reggae song, and in a Filipino Rap song.
The content of this post is presented for folkloric, cultural, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Disclaimer: The lyrics for the examples included in this post may contain profanity and otherwise may not be considered appropriate by me or by some other persons. Consequently, I'm including no links to most of the full lyrics of most of these songs, and I'm not including links to most of their videos.
Note: In this post all forms of what is now referred to as "the n word" are partly written with the certain letters represented by the "and" character, although that word is fully spelled out in the featured lyrics in which it is found. I'm using that substitution because I detest that word.
In these examples the featured line is written in italics to highlight it.
****
AMERICAN CULTURAL EXAMPLES OF THE LINE "WE DON'T DIE WE MULTIPLE"
In Old Time Music
The earliest form of the line "We don't die/We multiply" that I have found is from a song that is included in Negro Folk Rhymes, a 1922 collection by Fisk University professor & folklorist Thomas W. Talley.
NEGROES NEVER DIE
Ni&&er! Ni&&er never die!
He gits choked on Chicken pie.
Black face, white shiny eye. Ni&&er! Ni&&er!
Ni&&er! Ni&&er never knows!
Mashed nose, an' crooked toes;
Dat's de way de Ni&&er goes. Ni&&er! Ni&&er!
Ni&&er! Ni&&er always sing;
Jump up, cut de Pidgeon's wing;
Whirl, an' give his feet a fling. Ni&&er! Ni&&er!
-snip-
"Negroes Never Die" is the song title that Thomas W. Talley gave to this example.
This is an example of an insult song in which some lighter skinned Black people "rip on" (diss) other Black people who they have grouped together largely because of their darker skin color.
In this song the featured line implies that dark skinned Black people don't die honorably, but instead die in a demeaning way by chocking on chicken pie.
Because the word "n&&ers" in this song is a referent for darker skinned Black people, this song is an early example of "colorism".
"Colorism is a practice of discrimination by which those with lighter skin are treated more favorably than those with darker skin." http://racerelations.about.com/od/understandingrac1/g/definitionofcolorism.htm
"Cut de [the] Pigeon's wing" is a type of social dance.
****
In contrast to its early use as a put down, in all the other examples of "We Don't Die/We Multiple" that I have found, that line is given as a proud, assertive statement.
Some examples of this use are:
In A Comedy Routine, An Animated Movie, and Documentary Movie About Comedian Robin Harris
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B%C3%A9b%C3%A9's_Kids
Bébé's Kids (released on home media as Robin Harris' Bébé's Kids) is a 1992 American animated comedy film produced by Reginald Hudlin and Hyperion Pictures, directed by Bruce W. Smith, and released on July 31, 1992 by Paramount Pictures.
The first animated feature to feature an entirely African-American main cast, the film is based upon comedian Robin Harris' "Bébé's Kids" stand-up comedy act."
-snip-
In this movie Robin meets Jamika at a funeral and arranges to take her and her mild mannered son Leon to an amusement park. Unbenownst to Robin, Jamika brings along on that date three extremely unruly children Kahlil, LaShawn, and Pee-Wee, who are the children of her girlfriend Bébé. “Upon entering the park, the kids are set loose and promptly wreak havoc.”
As a result of this comedy routine and animated film, the phrase "Bebe's kids" has become a referent among African Americans for very unruly children-particularly Black children.
Bebe's Kids Trailer
Osdatabase Uploaded on Feb 24, 2008
http://www.rarchivist.com
-snip-
In the movie "Bebe's Kids" the character Pee Wee says the quote "We don't die. We multiple" that Robin Harris previously has made famous in his stand up comedy act. A core meaning for this saying is "inspite of your attempts to get rid of us [or do us harm], we just get stronger".
****
From http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/we_dont_die_we_multiply_the_robin_harris_story/
"We Don't Die, We Multiply: The Robin Harris Story (2004) [actual release date to theaters 2006]
Movie Info
Robin Harris was one of the best-respected African-American comedians of his day; after making his way up the ladder the hard way by playing club gigs around the country while working day jobs, he gained his first major break when he became the master of ceremonies at the Comedy Act venue in Los Angeles. Harris' sharp wit and old-school approach earned gained the attention of a number of filmmakers, and in the late '80s he scored showy roles in Do the Right Thing, Mo' Better Blues, and House Party. However, just as Harris seemed poised to make a major career breakthrough, he died of a respiratory ailment in 1990 at the age of 37. The Robin Harris Story: We Don't Die, We Multiply is a documentary which examines Harris' short but memorable career, and includes interviews with such friends and fans as Bernie Mac, Cedric the Entertainer, Martin Lawrence, and Robert Townsend."
****
In Rap Songs
"We Don't Die/We Multiple" is a floating verse in a number of Rap [Hip Hop] songs. One example of the use of a form of the line "We Don't Die We Multiply" is Snoop Dogg's "10-lil-crips"
[Hook: Snoop Dogg]
Ten little Crip ni&&as runnin outside
All from the turf and they bangin out lives
Far from a scrub cuzz from the Eastside
Where they don't die they just multiply
So.. don't give them ni&&as a reason
To turn it into spray season
Don't give them ni&&as a reason
Because they'll turn it into Crip season
Track 11 on Tha Blue Carpet Treatment [Release date: November 21, 2006]
Source: http://rapgenius.com/Snoop-dogg-10-lil-crips-lyrics#note-120479
-snip-
A published comment about that song indicates that it is "A shout out to [rapper] Ice-T and his famous quote: “We don’t die, we just multiply”.
Ice-T was also a [member of the] crip [gang]."
http://rapgenius.com/120479/Snoop-dogg-10-lil-crips/Where-they-dont-die-they-just-multiply
Two other Rap songs that include the line "we don't die/we multiply line" or a version of that line are:
2Pac in The Notorious B.I.G. – Hot 95 Freestyle Lyrics -
"No matter how you try, ni&&as never die
We just retaliate with hate, then we multiply"
[release date 1995] and "Ride" by Master P - ""Real ni&&as don't die we multiply" [release date?]
****
In A Fraternity Steppin Chant
Ques don't die
They multiple
They go yah ha ha ha ha
[Repeat the entire chant several times while doing a steppin routine.]
-snip-
I recall this step chant from step shows [in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania] in at least the mid 1990s.
I haven't been able to find a video of this chant as peformed by Ques [men associated with Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.] or as performed by other Black Greek lettered fraternities or sororities. If you know of any such YouTube videeos, please share those links in the comment section of this post. Thanks!
****
NON-AFRICAN AMERICAN USE OF THE LINE "WE DON'T DIE/WE MULTIPLE"
In a Reggae Song [Jamaica]
Ini Kamoze -HERE COMES THE HOTSTEPPER
Hit It!
Na, na na na na, na na na na
Na na na, na na na, na na na na
Here comes the hot stepper, murderer
I'm the lyrical gangster, murderer
Pick up the crew in-a de area, murderer
Still love you like that, murderer
No no we don't die, yes we mul-ti-ply
Anyone test will hear the fat lady sing
Act like you know Rico, I know what Bo don't know
Touch them up and go, uh-oh! Ch-ch-Chang Chang
Here comes the hot stepper, murderer
I'm the lyrical gangster, murderer
Excuse me mister officer, murderer
Still love you like that, murderer
Extraordinary, juice like a strawberry
Money to burn baby, all of the time
Cut to fade is me, fade to cut is she
Come juggle with me, I say every time
Here comes the hot stepper, murderer
I'm the lyrical gangster, murderer
Dial emergency number, murderer
Still love you like that, murderer
Na, na na na na, na na na na
Na na na, na na na, na na na na
It's how we do it man
Na, na na na na, na na na na
Na na na, na na na, na na na na
Start like a jackrabbit, finish in front of it
On the night is jack , that's it, understand?
I'm the daddy of the mack daddy, his are left in gold, maybe
Ain't no homie gonna play me, top celebrity man
Murderer, I'm the lyrical gangster, murderer
Excuse me mister officer, murderer
Still love you like that, murderer
No no we don't die, yes we mul-ti-ply
Anyone test will hear the fat lady sing
Act like you know, G go, I know what Bo don't know
Touch them up and go, uh-oh! Ch-ch-Chang Chang
Here comes the hot stepper, murderer
I'm the lyrical gangster, murderer
Dial emergency number, murderer
Still love you like that, murderer
Na, na na na na, na na na na
Na na na, na na na, na na na na
Yeah man
Na, na na na na, na na na na
Na na na, na na na, na na na na, right
Here comes the hot stepper, murderer
I'm the lyrical gangster, murderer
Big up all crew bow ya, murderer
Still love you like that, murderer
Here comes the hot stepper, murderer
I'm the lyrical danger, murderer
Pick up the crew in-a the area, murderer
Still love you like that, murderer
Here comes the hot stepper
I'm the lyrical gangster
I'm a live in-a me danger
Still love you like that
Hey
Da da da da
Da da da da
Da da da da
-snip-
Songwriters
Remi, Salaam / Kenner, Christopher / Kamoze, Ini / Nix, Kenton
Release date- April 18, 1995
Source: http://www.metrolyrics.com/here-comes-the-hotstepper-lyrics-ini-kamoze.html
-snip-
Here Comes The Hotstepper--- Ini Kamoze.(HQ)
.
AftaPancU, Published on Apr 20, 2013
Respect To Classic Track !!
Lyrics [included in this video summary]
****
As the title of a Pinoy [Filipino] Rap Song
The Filipino Rap group 187 Mobstaz released a song whose title is "We Don't Die We Multiply"
[release date: Jan 2013]
Note: "Section 187" is the California Penal Code section for murder.
****
Thanks to all those who are quoted and/or featured in this post.
Thank you for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
