He was born in Bastrop, Texas to Robert Earl Davis, Sr. DJ Screw had lived in Smithville, Houston, and Los Angeles; at one point his father took him to Houston in order to keep him from trouble. There DJ Screw lived in a working class, mostly African American neighborhood near Hobby Airport described by Michael Hall of Texas Monthly as "hard-edged."DJ Screw dropped out of Sterling High School during his 10th grade year and focused on music.
He began deejaying at age 13, and started his trademark slowed down mixes in 1984. During the early 1990s, he invited some of Houston's most renowned rappers from the south side of the city to flow on his Screw tapes. This eventually led to the formation of the Screwed Up Click. What originally was only a fad of Houston, Chopped and Screwed music started getting more widespread attention with the introduction of p2p programs such as Napster in the late 90s. This ultimately led to DJ Screw getting recognition across the country and being known as one of biggest faces in modern hip-hop.
www.screwedupclick.com.
After spending most of the 1990s as an infamous local phenomenon in Houston, TX, DJ Screw suddenly found himself gaining sudden notoriety before his unfortunate death in late 2000. The Houston DJ made a name for himself primarily because of his uncanny mixing style, which found him pitching down his records to a lumbering and quite eerie pace. Over the course of the '90s, what began as novelty actually became a rather lucrative venture for Screw, who produced hundreds of mix tapes, with some estimates projecting his total number of tapes topping over a thousand; furthermore, he sold the tapes at his Houston-based record store, Screwed Up Records and Tapes. Oddly enough, he preferred to release his mixes almost exclusively on cassette, though fans often recorded the mixes and traded them via the Internet; in addition, countless "screwed" remixes of popular rap anthems were widely available on Napster thanks to his cultish following.
Yet it's hard to imagine Screw's legacy being what it is if not for his role as an adamant advocate of "syrup sippin'," a Southern rap phenomenon involving codeine-infused cough syrup -- the resulting intoxication induces a hallucinatory state where everything slows down and becomes the senses swirl. As marijuana was to early-'90s gangsta rap, LSD was to late-'60s psychedelic rock, ecstasy was to late-'80s rave -- and so on -- the syrup sippin' advocated by Screw's trippy hip-hop mixes led to a small drug movement within the late-'90s Dirty South genre, reaching its zenith with Three 6 Mafia's hit "Sippin' on Some Syrup" in 2000. It's hard to deny that this phenomenon wasn't as important to Screw's popularity as his music was (especially considering some of his tape titles: Syrup & Soda, Syrup Sippers, Sippin' Codeine, etc.) Still, Screw did serve as a leader for Houston's burgeoning rap scene; his home studio, The Screw Shop, functioned as the home base for what was loosely referred to as the Screwed Up Click, including semi-successful rappers such as Big Pokey and Lil' Keke, along with about 30 others were known locally.
Ironically, when Screw was found dead in his studio of a fatal heart attack at the tender age of 29 on the morning of November 16, 2000, the Houston Chronicle published a story stating that police suspected Screw of overdosing on the same syrup that he so adamantly advocated. Weeks later the theory proved valid, making the artist the victim of his own self-promoted phenomenon. More unfortunate, though, was the loss of Screw to Houston's fledging scene, which seemed on the verge of being nationally recognized as a Southern rap mecca. His legacy lived on, though, since his trademark mixing style was by no means exclusive, as countless imitators had arisen in the South by the time of his death, the most noteworthy being the Swisha House and Beltway 8 record labels.
- Jason Birchmeier, All Music Guide
My Mind Went Blank
DJ Screw Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Said I'm 'bout to lose my mind
South Park
South Park
Said I'm 'bout to lose my mind
South Park
South Park
Said I'm 'bout to lose my mind
South Park
South Park
Every time I wake up, I give the swisha sweet a hit
Sometimes I feel I just can't survive without that lick
Hustlers use my beeper for unnecessary dealings
So when we work, we die from killers work be killing
Punk mother-fakers take the pranksta for a joke
So how you gon' play a South Park og full of smoke, fool
I'm a head banger, ex banger, and when you enter
The South Park chamber, you in danger
Beware of him who, walk behind the corn
'Cause my brain was designed in my frame before I was ever born
And you was right, when you said I had a head with no screws
But it was tight, when I stopped facing them hip hop blues (boom)
How you gon' say I can't play with the big boys
And all the big boys play with all my Tonka toys
You better flip the script and get with this
And if that Buddha don't do ya, then go dippin' (yeah)
Take a walk through this jungle (yeah)
And you can follow me all the way to Chi, if you want to
But you ain't know me 'til I got bank
So that explains, when you approach me
My mind went blank
It's hard to think, when my mind goes blank
You just can't think when your mind goes blank
It's hard to think, when my mind goes blank
You just can't think when your mind goes blank
It's hard to think, when my mind goes blank
You just can't think when your mind goes blank
It's hard to think, when my mind goes blank
You just can't think when your mind goes blank
In this game, hangin' with my crew
Robbing everybody, hell, I might've robbed you
Taking care of mines, keepin' my homeys tight
Sharing what was mines, 'cause I ain't no jealous type
But still I get hype, and fight back when you back stab
I'll grab you straight by the neck and DDT you to the slab
Now here you go, you got me all physical
Now I'm in court, trying to tell the judge that I'm a lyrical
Freight train, gotta maintain game in this free world
Life is change, niggas stay the same but I'll make your head twirl
You really don't know me, your honor
To make a story short, in the end I'm a goner
You move you lose in the game, homie and I'm searching for my come up
Life's a melting pot, don't move Point Blank won't put his gun up
Outsiders try to read me but they don't know me
Point Blank, label my lifestyle "OG"
Cook County, Chicago and Houston
South Park break the clan, I'm boostin'
To be frank, let me hit the dank before you take me to the tank
Allah I thank, my mind went blank
It's hard to think, when my mind goes blank
You just can't think when your mind goes blank
It's hard to think, when my mind goes blank
You just can't think when your mind goes blank
It's hard to think, when my mind goes blank
You just can't think when your mind goes blank
It's hard to think, when my mind goes blank
You just can't think when your mind goes blank
I'm gonna briggity, briggity break it on down
To the noise
So best believe I'm a clown
On this hella fire track that [?] Hooked up
I came in and dropped the vocals and [?] Did a cut
Now we gon' freak it the way it's supposed to be freaked
So when I speak, don't be afraid to say that other track weak
Over in the streets I hear fiends like, "Point Blank a trick"
The same mouth it came out, the same mouth that I hit
Oh, did I tell you? How I knock jaws in the dirt
I let him player hate in my face and then I hit em' where it hurts
Yeah you, damn fool spread my business through the hood
And I'm here to let you know that it ain't all good
You came to the hospital to cheer a brotha up
Soon as you left, went through the hood and tried to tear my name up
But I'm finna set it straight, that other day
What really went on, I tried to kill myself fool
So to me wasn't nothing wrong
So next time you wanna be a Howard Cosell
Go run and tell the hood how my brother 38
Finished up your girl, aight then
On the [?] I'm laughing all the way to the bank
This grudge is forever, forgive never
My mind went blank
It's hard to think, when my mind goes blank
You just can't think when your mind goes blank
It's hard to think, when my mind goes blank
You just can't think when your mind goes blank
It's hard to think, when my mind goes blank
You just can't think when your mind goes blank
It's hard to think, when my mind goes blank
You just can't think when your mind goes blank
The lyrics to DJ Screw's "Blow My Mind" are a reflection of a life of struggle, dealing with the ups and downs that come with living in the South Park neighborhood of Houston, Texas. The repeated refrain of "South Park" refers to the community where DJ Screw grew up and where many of the rap battles and freestyle sessions he popularized were performed. The first verse describes how the singer's heavy drug use is necessary for him to cope with the struggles of his daily life, including the danger that comes with being a hustler. Despite his drug use, the singer is still able to maintain his OG status and is not to be trifled with, as evidenced by the line "How you gon' play a South Park og full of smoke, fool."
The second verse continues with a description of the singer's life of crime, particularly robbing people in the street to make a living. However, he also values loyalty, sharing what he has with his friends and not being jealous of their success. He is unafraid to stand up for himself and will fight back if necessary, as demonstrated by the line "I'll grab you straight by the neck and DDT you to the slab." The third verse touches on the theme of betrayal, where the singer is falsely accused of a crime by someone he thought was a friend. He also reflects on how his suicide attempt was misunderstood by others, highlighting the alienation and lack of understanding he feels from the people around him.
Line by Line Meaning
South Park
Referencing his neighborhood in Houston, Texas where he grew up and frequently mentioned in his music.
Said I'm 'bout to lose my mind
Expressing his frustration and emotional distress due to life circumstances and ongoing drug use.
Every time I wake up, I give the swisha sweet a hit
Smoking a blunt (a hollowed-out cigar filled with marijuana) first thing in the morning has become a routine for him.
Sometimes I feel I just can't survive without that lick
Acknowledging his addiction to drugs and needing them to get through the day.
Hustlers use my beeper for unnecessary dealings
Being approached by drug dealers and shady people for illegal activities and deals using his pager (a device used to send and receive messages before cell phones).
So when we work, we die from killers work be killing
When they engage in illegal activities, they risk their lives and end up being killed or killing someone else due to the violent nature of the work.
Punk mother-fakers take the pranksta for a joke
People underestimate him and don't take him seriously, despite being a respected member of the rap scene and his neighborhood.
So how you gon' play a South Park og full of smoke, fool
Challenging those who doubt his abilities and status as an OG (original gangster) from South Park, someone who has been there for a long time and earned respect.
I'm a head banger, ex banger, and when you enter
Describing himself as someone who enjoys head-banging music and a former gang member who left that lifestyle behind to pursue music.
The South Park chamber, you in danger
Entering his world could be dangerous and risky due to the violence and illegal activities that take place.
Beware of him who, walk behind the corn
Warning others to watch out for someone sneaking up on them, possibly using a cornfield as cover, as a metaphor for the dangerous environment he grew up in.
'Cause my brain was designed in my frame before I was ever born
Believing that his personality and way of thinking are predetermined by nature (genetics) rather than nurture (environment).
And you was right, when you said I had a head with no screws
Acknowledging that people have criticized him for being crazy or having a bad temperament.
But it was tight, when I stopped facing them hip hop blues
Music helped him cope with his struggles and gave him a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment. When he stopped feeling the negative effects of the hip hop world, he found peace.
How you gon' say I can't play with the big boys
Challenging others who underestimate his skills and abilities as a rapper.
And all the big boys play with all my Tonka toys
Reverse psychology tactic of downplaying himself and his skills to gain credibility.
You better flip the script and get with this
Encouraging his peers and challengers to recognize his talent and take him seriously.
And if that Buddha don't do ya, then go dippin'
If you don't like his music or his personality, then leave and don't waste his time.
Take a walk through this jungle
Referring to the harsh realities of life, particularly in inner-city neighborhoods where crime and violence are prevalent.
And you can follow me all the way to Chi, if you want to
Inviting others to follow him on his journey and see where he came from and how he succeeded.
It's hard to think, when my mind goes blank
Acknowledging the negative effects of drugs and how it impaired his ability to think and function.
In this game, hangin' with my crew
Referring to the rap industry and how he hangs out with his fellow artists and friends.
Robbing everybody, hell, I might've robbed you
Admitting to being involved in criminal activities such as robbery in his past, which he is not proud of.
Taking care of mines, keepin' my homeys tight
Being loyal to his friends and making sure they are doing well.
Sharing what was mines, 'cause I ain't no jealous type
Being generous and unselfish with his possessions and resources and not wanting to be perceived as greedy or jealous.
But still I get hype, and fight back when you back stab
Being aggressive and retaliatory towards those who betray or disrespect him.
I'll grab you straight by the neck and DDT you to the slab
Threatening to use wrestling moves as a form of physical assault.
Now here you go, you got me all physical
Being provoked and angered by someone's actions, leading to a violent altercation.
Now I'm in court, trying to tell the judge that I'm a lyrical
Being arrested and facing legal consequences for his actions but still claiming to be a talented rapper.
Freight train, gotta maintain game in this free world
Describing himself as a force to be reckoned with and needing to keep up his reputation and skills in a competitive industry and society.
Life is change, niggas stay the same but I'll make your head twirl
Life is constantly changing, but he is always trying to innovate and make a difference in his music and art, leaving a lasting impact on his audience.
You really don't know me, your honor
Claiming that the judge, or anyone else who thinks they know him, doesn't truly understand him and his situation.
To make a story short, in the end I'm a goner
Implying that he may not live a long life due to his lifestyle, but he is still working hard and doing what he loves.
You move you lose in the game, homie and I'm searching for my come up
The rap industry is fast-paced and constantly changing, and he needs to keep up and make a name for himself.
Life's a melting pot, don't move Point Blank won't put his gun up
Life is unpredictable and full of obstacles, but he is always ready to defend himself and his friends with violence if necessary.
Outsiders try to read me but they don't know me
People who are not from his neighborhood or familiar with his lifestyle can't fully understand him or his values.
Point Blank, label my lifestyle 'OG'
Being recognized by his peers as an original and experienced member of the rap scene and his neighborhood.
Cook County, Chicago and Houston
Referencing the three places he has lived and spent time in.
South Park break the clan, I'm boostin'
His neighborhood of South Park is unique and stands out from other places he's been to, and he's proud of it.
To be frank, let me hit the dank before you take me to the tank
Asking to smoke some marijuana before being taken to jail ('the tank').
Allah I thank, my mind went blank
Expressing gratitude to God and feeling relieved after smoking weed.
I'm gonna briggity, briggity break it on down
Getting ready to rap and be entertaining on the track.
To the noise
Referring to the instrumental beat or music in general.
So best believe I'm a clown
Being goofy and playful on the track.
On this hella fire track that [?] Hooked up
Acknowledging the producer who made the instrumental or beat for the song.
I came in and dropped the vocals and [?] Did a cut
Recording his verses and allowing the producer or engineer to mix and master the final track.
Now we gon' freak it the way it's supposed to be freaked
Making the track sound the best it can be and being creative with it.
So when I speak, don't be afraid to say that other track weak
Confident in his abilities as a rapper and encouraging others to speak their minds about his music or others'.
Over in the streets I hear fiends like, 'Point Blank a trick'
Gossip and rumors are spread about him and his reputation in his neighborhood and beyond.
The same mouth it came out, the same mouth that I hit
Taking a physical and violent approach to those who slander his name and disrespect him.
Oh, did I tell you? How I knock jaws in the dirt
Bragging about being a tough and violent person who can easily defeat others.
I let him player hate in my face and then I hit em' where it hurts
Allowing others to insult him or 'hate', but then responding with violence and punishing them for it.
Yeah you, damn fool spread my business through the hood
Being upset and angry at someone who is spreading rumors about him and his personal life in his neighborhood.
And I'm here to let you know that it ain't all good
Informing the person that their actions have consequences and that they shouldn't mess with him.
You came to the hospital to cheer a brotha up
Referencing a friend or acquaintance who visited him while he was hospitalized.
Soon as you left, went through the hood and tried to tear my name up
Betraying his trust by spreading negative rumors about him behind his back.
But I'm finna set it straight, that other day
Taking immediate action to address the rumors and confront the person who spread them.
What really went on, I tried to kill myself fool
Confessing to suicidal thoughts and actions, which have contributed to his emotional distress and instability.
So to me wasn't nothing wrong
Feeling like his suicidal thoughts and actions were justified and normal in his circumstances.
So next time you wanna be a Howard Cosell
Referring to Howard Cosell, a well-known sports journalist and commentator, as an insult to someone who gossips and spreads rumors for fame or attention.
Go run and tell the hood how my brother 38
Warning others not to mess with him or they will face serious consequences - referencing a .38 Special firearm.
Finished up your girl, aight then
Threatening to have sex with the person's girlfriend or girl they are interested in.
On the [?] I'm laughing all the way to the bank
Making money from his music and also enjoying the reactions to his controversial lyrics and actions.
This grudge is forever, forgive never
Holding onto anger and resentment towards those who have wronged him and never forgiving them, no matter what they do.
Lyrics © NO MONEY NO REASON PUBLISHING
Written by: Robert Earl, Jr. Davis
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind