Did I miss the memo?

Damn – sometimes when I hear the lyrics of songs these days, I think to myself; I’m missing some cool lingo in my Sonia dictionary. I mean, given that English is like my third language, I must say I have a fair grasp of it. But then why do the lyrics of some rap songs absolutely baffle me?

I’ll give you some examples, perhaps you can help by posting your comments – and I warn you, you are not allowed to laugh! These are genuine questions!

Lil’ Wayne’s Lollipop
“Shawty wanna thug
Bottles in the club
Shawty wanna hump
You know I like to touch
Ya lovely lady lumps”

Now – someone please explain to me – who is this “shawty” he speaks of? Is this the same as “shorty” from other R&B lyrics? And are lady lumps the ones on the top or bottom?

Jay-z’s Bonnie & Clyde
“Look for me! Young, B
Cruisin down the westside - high, way”

Similar to Tupac’s California Love:
“California (california)...knows how to party (knows how to party!)
California (west coast)...knows how to party (yes they do)(that's right)
In the city of L.A. (city of L.A.)In the city of good ol' Watts (good ol' Watts)
In the city, the city of Compton (city of Compton)
We keep it rockin! We keep it rockin! (come on, come on, come on...)”

I’ve always heard about this “Westside” and “Eastside” business, but now I really need to ask – West or East of WHAT?!?! And why does it matter? And say, if you were born or raised in the east or west (of whatever) can you switch?

Here’s another one: Snoop Dogg’s Drop it like its hot
“When the pimp's in the crib ma
Drop it like it's hot
Drop it like it's hot
Drop it like it's hot
When the pigs try to get at yea
Park it like it's hot
Park it like it's hot
Park it like it's hot
And if a nigga get a attitude
Pop it like it's hot
Pop it like it's hot
Pop it like it's hot
I got the rolly on my arm and I'm pouring Chandon
And I roll the best weed cause I got it going on”

Drop what? Pop what? A hot potato? A pizza pop? Are they talking about drugs?!?! Also, why is every other person in these songs called “pimp”?

I think this is all for now....Once I learn these words, trust me, they will be in my vocabulary faster than garnish on butter chicken, pistachios on kulfi (Indian ice-cream) or chutney on a hot samosa. I’ll tell my co-workers, “yo mama – pop the report like it’s hot coz I’m from the Westside and if you don’t, shorty’s gonna get you”. Did I get it right?

Peace!