It's a Shame (Kool G Rap song)

Background

"It's a Shame" was recorded at Bearsville Studios in Bearsville, New York. In the song, Kool G Rap portrays himself as a heroin kingpin, boasting of his wealth, power and extravagant lifestyle. However, it is implied that he harbours a sense of remorse over his choice of trade, with the chorus (sung by an uncredited Sean Brown) stating:

Now it's a damn shame, what I gotta do just to make a dollarLiving in this game, sometimes it makes you wanna holler

A particularly memorable part of the song is G Rap's description of his mistress Tammy in verse two:

I got a fly ho up under the wing, a swinger that does her thingAnd if you step inside my ring, she'll bang it out and make your brains hangShe sits at restaurant tables with mink foxes and sablesDrinkin' Cherenade brand label, she'll rock a sucker's cradleAnd yeah, honey is more bounce to the ounceShe walks around with Lucci in large amountsMillions inside Swiss bank accountsHer name is Tammy, got a beach house in MiamiRides around with a small jammy in her silk and satin pantiesA down ho, a Foxy Brown ho, standin her ground hoAnd if you clown yo, she'll turn into a bust a round hoFly as a Heaven's Angel, got sapphires in her banglesDiamond earrings hang n' dangle, gettin' money from all anglesShe's pretty under the New York City bright lightsAnd real late, way after midnight, I hit it cause the slit's tight

Music video

The music video for "It's a Shame" shows Kool G Rap living a life of luxury as a wealthy and powerful gangster as well as shots of drug addicts and prostitutes, signifying the less glamorous side of the drug trade.

Critical reception

Hip Hop Album Reviews called the song "one of G Rap's premier ventures at storytelling, only weakened by the dime-a-dozen hook".

Samples

"It's a Shame" samples the following songs:

"Love Is for Fools" by Southside Movement

12"

A-side

1. "It's a Shame" (Original) (4:02)
2. "It's a Shame" (Acapella) (4:01)
3. "It's a Shame" (Instrumental) (3:54)

B-side

1. "It's a Shame" (Original) (4:03)
2. "It's a Shame" (Acapella) (4:01)
3. "It's a Shame" (Instrumental) (3:54)

CD

1. "It's a Shame" (Original) (3:54)
2. "It's a Shame" (Acapella) (3:54)
3. "It's a Shame" (Instrumental) (3:54)