Player's Ball
OutKast Lyrics

Man, let me hit that, man
Asking to smoke marijuana from someone else's supply.

Ha, you gon' pass that
Asking for the marijuana to be passed to them.

Man, the scene was so thick, Lowriders, '77 Sevilles, El Dogs, Nothin' but them 'Lacs
Describing the atmosphere of the party with many types of cars, including expensive lowriders and old model Cadillacs.

All the players, all the hustlers, I'm talkin' 'bout a black man heaven here, You know what I'm sayin'?, Yeah
Describing the party as a gathering of successful, resourceful Black men.

It's beginnin' to look a lot like what?, Follow my every step, Take notes on how I crept, I's bout to go in depth
Introducing the idea that the song will provide insight into the behavior of successful Black men.

This is the way I creep my season, here's my ghetto rep
Describing how the singer operates in their environment and highlighting their reputation as a successful, street-smart hustler.

I kept, to say the least, no, no it can't cease
Acknowledging that success can't be taken for granted; it must be earned and maintained.

So I begin to piece my two and two together, Gots no snowy weather, have to find somethin' to do better bet, I said subtract so shut up that nonsense about some silent
Reflecting on the need to constantly adapt and adjust in order to remain successful, regardless of external conditions or distractions.

I gots it crunk, if it ain't real, ain't right, I'm like no matter what the season
Expressing the idea that the singer remains focused on authenticity and truth at all times, regardless of the circumstances.

Forever chill with Smith, I sip my fifth, I chill with Wesson, got my reasons
Describing close relationships with friends and firearms, highlighting the idea that loyalty and protection are important to the singer.

So tell me what did you expect?, You thought I'd break my neck, to help y'all deck, the, the, Oh naw, I got other means of celebratin'
Expressing independence and rejecting the idea that the singer should feel obligated to participate in a specific type of celebration.

I made it through another year can't ask for nothin' much more, It's OutKast for the boots I thought you knew so now you know
Reflecting on the singer's survival and success, with an internal monologue of self-affirmation.

All the players came from far and wide, Wearin' afros and braids, kickin' them gangsta rides, Now I'm here to tell you there's a better day, When the player's ball is happenin', all day ery'day
Painting a picture of successful, stylish Black men attending a party where they can celebrate their achievements and continue to thrive.

Hallelujah, hallelujah, You know I do some things more different than I used to, 'Cause I'm a player, doin' what the players do
Celebrating the singer's individuality and growth while still identifying as a member of the successful Black male community.

The package store was closed, okay my day is ruined, This is ridiculous, I'm gettin' serious, I'm gettin' curious, 'Cause the house is smellin' stank, the chitlins old as bitches
Venting frustration about minor inconveniences, highlighting the idea that life is still challenging despite success.

I made no wishes 'cause I'm mobbin' folk niggas in the back, Gettin' tipsy off the nog' and high as hell off the contact smoke
Describing drug use and association with potentially dangerous individuals; reinforcing the idea that the singer remains outside of mainstream society.

They havin' a smoke out in my back seat (yeah), They passin' the herb rewindin' verses cause it's in the air
Describing a relaxed and drug-fueled atmosphere among the singer's associates.

I hit the parks, I hit the cuts, I'm hittin' switches, 'Cause I'm switchin' from side to side lookin' for ho snitches
Describing the singer's attention to detail and focus on avoiding danger while traveling through unfamiliar or dangerous areas.

I'm wide open on the freeway, my pager broke my vibe, 'Cause a junkie is a junkie three-sixty-five
Acknowledging the potential for danger or unexpected situations, regardless of the singer's experience or success.

It's just another day of work to me the spirit just ain't in me, Grab my pistol and my ounce see what them junkies gotta give me, 'Cause it's like that, yeah
Expressing a sense of detachment and resignation, acknowledging the need to continue working and staying focused despite potential difficulties.

Forever pimpin', never slippin', that's how it is (check it)
Highlighting the idea that the singer sees themselves as a successful hustler and independent figure in society, never slipping or losing control of their situation.

Ain't no chimneys in the ghetto, So I won't be hangin' my socks on no chimney, I'm full as a tick, fix me a plate, I got the remedy, Some greens and that ham, not, Don't need no ham hocks, Don't play me like I'm smokin' rocks
Describing the singer's preparation for and enjoyment of a satisfying meal to celebrate their success; rejecting stereotypes and demonstrating personal agency and independence.

I got the munchies, we got the Mary Jane in the Dungeon, Just to let you niggas know in '93, that's how we comin', So, ho-ho, hoes, check my king-ass 'fro, The gin and juice has got me tipsy so, um
Describing the atmosphere of the party, with drug use and celebration of the singer's appearance and status.

It goes, give me ten, and I'll serve you then now we bend the corner in my Cadillac, my heart does not go pitty-pat for no rat, I'm leanin' back my elbows out the window, Coke, rum and indo fills my body, where's the party?
Describing the singer's enjoyment of luxurious and indulgent experiences, including drug use and partying, in their expensive Cadillac.

We roll deep, we dip to Underground, Sees a lot of hoes around, I spit my game while waitin' countdown, A five, fo', a three, two, here comes the one, A new year has begun, P-Funk spark another one
Describing the singer's participation in a New Year's celebration, including pursuing romantic pursuits and participating in drug use.

Here's a little somethin' for the players out there hustlin', Gettin' down for theirs, From East Point, College Park, Decatur, De'Briar, You know, niggas world wide, Down, for theirs
Acknowledging the importance of hustlers and hard workers across the world, and celebrating the success of Black men who have thrived against the odds.