Released: 2008
In “Knockin Doors Down,” Pimp C delivers a call to unity in the Southern hip-hop scene while flexing his lyrical muscle and showcasing his hustling prowess. This anthem is a musical salute to overcoming obstacles and breaking boundaries in the pursuit of success, aimed at encouraging unity among rival factions within the rap game.
The recurring line, “Knockin’, knockin’ doors down, showin’ parts of rhyme,” serves as a metaphor for Pimp C’s determination to break new grounds in music and life, reiterating his commitment to his craft. The repeated, “I’ma, I’ma come through and show my wood pine,” may have you scratch your head, but in this context, showing your wood pine signifies rolling around with a flashy, custom car— a prominent symbol of success in the hip-hop culture. ‘Wood’ refers to the wooden detailing in the interior of the car, and ‘pine’ refers to the scent commonly associated with car fresheners.
The verses contain direct shouts to specific artists like Lil’ Flip, T.I.P, Slim Thug, Z-Ro, Paul Wall, and that Koopa (Chamillionaire), showcasing Pimp C’s dissatisfaction with the disunity in the Southern rap scene. Lines like, “If them niggaz come together, know how much paper we could see?” and “Long as they stay divided, man, we gon’ run the South” particularly emphasize his call for unity, underlining the potential collective success they could achieve if united.
He further discredits internal beef and conflict in the lines, “All the conflict and Plex that we carryin’/It’s time to get rid of the beef like vegetarians.” To Pimp C, the rivalries and disagreements among these artists only serve as a distraction from the bigger picture— elevating their craft and securing that bread (money).
His mention of “P.O.P’ll be the sixth man” gives a nod to his group, UGK (Underground Kingz), a duo consisting of Pimp C and Bun B. Also known as P.O.P (Pimp or a Playa), Pimp C likens his team to a basketball team, where everyone plays a crucial role in the game. He implies that with unity, the Southern rap scene could “lead the league.”
The lyrics also highlight Pimp C’s Southern pride and his love for their distinct car culture. Lines like, “You see the slab outside, it look good, don’t it?” and “Approachin’ downtown, knockin’ doors down/Tint 11 slabs in a single file line” encapsulate the Southern ‘candy-painted’ car parade, a common Houston spectacle, adding vibrancy to Pimp C’s narrative of Southern culture.
Lastly, the line, “R.I.P., R.I.P., R.I.P. to Robert Davis he the king of the South” pays homage to DJ Screw, a fellow Houston artist, known for his creation of the ‘chopped and screwed’ technique, further solidifying Pimp C’s respect for his homeground and its artists.
In essence, Pimp C’s “Knockin Doors Down” is more than just a club banger; it’s a testament to unity, respect for one’s roots, and the relentless hustle towards success — a symphony of Southern resilience if you will.
