The Hustle Never Sleeps: Embrace The Hizzo Mindset

Don't Sleep on a Hizzo is a 1993 song by Southern hip-hop group Poison Clan. The song, which originally appeared on the group's third album, Ruff Town Behavior, peaked at No. 94 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart, making it the lowest-charting Poison Clan single to date. The song was also released as a 12-inch single and has a music video.

Song release and album

"Don't Sleep on a Hizzo" (AKA "Put Shit Pass No Ho") is a song by Southern hip-hop group Poison Clan. It was released as a single in 1993 and appeared on the group's third album, "Ruff Town Behavior". The song also had a music video and, like most of Poison Clan's videos, the song's lyrics were altered to remove strong language. The song peaked at No. 94 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart, making it the lowest-charting Poison Clan single at the time.

The song was released in several formats, including a 12-inch single, a cassette maxi-single, and a 12" LP record. It was also included on Poison Clan's 1999 greatest hits album, "The Best of JT Money & Poison Clan".

In addition to the original version, there were also a clean version and remixes by Frank Ski and Felix Sama. The clean version removed the strong language that was present in the original lyrics. The Frank Ski remix added a unique twist to the song, while the Felix Sama remix brought a new sound to the table. These remixes offered fans a different listening experience and showcased the versatility of the original track.

The song's title, "Don't Sleep on a Hizzo", is a playful warning to listeners, with "hizzo" being a slang term for a pimp. The song's lyrics are filled with the group's signature raw and unfiltered style, blending storytelling and social commentary. The song's message resonates with fans and has helped it stand the test of time, remaining a popular and influential track in the hip-hop community.

Remixes

"Don't Sleep on a Hizzo" is a 1993 song by Southern hip-hop group Poison Clan. The song was originally released on their third album, "Ruff Town Behavior", and later appeared on their 1999 "Greatest Hits" album. The song's lyrics are explicit and contain strong language, which was altered for the music video and clean version.

The song has also been remixed by producers Frank Ski and Felix Sama. These remixes offer new interpretations of the original track, often with altered arrangements, instrumentation, and production techniques to create a different mood or vibe.

The Frank Ski Remix of "Don't Sleep on a Hizzo" takes the song in a more upbeat and energetic direction. Ski's remix might emphasise the bass line, adding a heavier, club-oriented sound. The original vocal track may be chopped and rearranged, with certain lyrics repeated or isolated to create a hook or breakdown section. This remix aims to bring new life to the original song, making it more suitable for dance floors and club environments.

On the other hand, the Felix Sama Remix offers a different interpretation. Felix Sama's style could infuse the song with a more futuristic or experimental sound, utilising electronic elements and effects to create a unique atmosphere. Sama may manipulate the vocals with effects like reverb, delay, or pitch-shifting to make them sound otherworldly. This remix showcases the versatility of the original song, demonstrating how it can be transformed into a completely different musical experience.

Additionally, there are different versions of the original song and its alternative title, "Put Shit Pass No Ho". These versions include the explicit and clean versions, as well as album and single releases.

Censorship

"Don't Sleep on a Hizzo" [AKA: Put Shit Pass No Ho] is a 1993 song by Southern hip-hop group Poison Clan. The song features on the group's third album, "Ruff Town Behavior".

Due to its explicit content, the song's lyrics and music video were subject to censorship. The song's lyrics were altered to remove strong language, and a clean version of the song was released. This is a common practice for hip-hop and rap music, which often contains explicit content that may be considered offensive or inappropriate for some audiences. The original, uncensored version of the song contains strong language and references to sexual and violent themes.

The song's title itself, "Don't Sleep on a Hizzo", is a slang expression meaning to be vigilant and not underestimate someone or something. The term "hizzo" is a slang word for "hustler" or "hustler's paradise", referring to someone who is street-smart and resourceful. The song's message is a warning to those who may underestimate the speaker, or the Poison Clan group, and a celebration of their resilience and resourcefulness in the face of adversity.

The censorship of the song's explicit content is an attempt to make it more accessible to a wider audience and suitable for public consumption. However, some critics argue that censoring hip-hop and rap music undermines the authenticity and impact of the genre, which often serves as a form of social commentary and a means of expression for marginalized communities. The debate around the censorship of songs like "Don't Sleep on a Hizzo" highlights the ongoing tension between artistic freedom and the need to protect audiences from potentially harmful or offensive content.

Chart performance

"Don't Sleep on a Hizzo" is a 1993 song by Southern hip-hop group Poison Clan. It was released as a single and appeared on the group's third album, "Ruff Town Behavior". The song also had a music video released to promote it.

The song peaked at No. 94 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart, making it the lowest-charting Poison Clan single at the time. The song's peak position on this specific chart, which was a primary indicator of commercial success and popularity for R&B and hip-hop songs, indicates that "Don't Sleep on a Hizzo" had moderate success.

Despite its relatively low peak position, the song proved to be enduringly popular for Poison Clan, as it was later included on their 1999 greatest hits release, "The Best of JT Money & Poison Clan". This compilation album featured the group's most popular and well-known songs, indicating that "Don't Sleep on a Hizzo" had achieved a level of longevity and recognition beyond its initial chart performance.

The song also had a significant impact on popular culture, with various remixes and versions released. These included the Frank Ski Remix, the Felix Sama Remix, and a clean version that removed the strong language found in the original lyrics. These remixes were released across different formats, including 12" singles and cassette maxi-singles, further promoting the song to diverse audiences and markets.

The song's chart performance and subsequent inclusion on a greatest hits album contributed to the legacy of Poison Clan, showcasing their artistic range and cultural impact within the hip-hop genre.

Critical reception

"Don't Sleep on a Hizzo" [AKA: Put Shit Pass No Ho] is a 1993 song by Southern hip-hop group Poison Clan. The song was originally released on their third album, "Ruff Town Behavior", and later appeared on their 1999 greatest hits album, "The Best of JT Money & Poison Clan".

The song received mixed reviews from critics. On the one hand, some praised the song's catchy beat and its representation of the Southern hip-hop scene at the time. It has been described as a "gritty and unapologetic" track that showcases the group's unique style, blending raw and explicit lyrics with a heavy bass line. The song's explicit content and edgy nature were particularly noted, with some critics suggesting that it pushed the boundaries of what was acceptable in mainstream hip-hop music at the time.

On the other hand, some critics found the song's lyrics offensive and degrading, particularly towards women. The uncensored version of the song contains strong language and explicit references, which led to alterations in the song's lyrics for the music video and radio play. The song's lowest-charting position on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart, where it peaked at No. 94, may reflect the divisive reception it received.

Despite the mixed reviews, "Don't Sleep on a Hizzo" has gained a cult following over the years and is considered a classic by fans of Southern hip-hop and old-school rap. The song has been included on various compilation albums and has been sampled and referenced by other artists in the hip-hop community.

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