Outlaw is an acronym for Operating Under Thug Laws As Warriors. In the Earlier years of the Outlawz they were known as Dramacydal. Dramacydal first appeared on the 2Pac's 1995 Me Against the World album, the Outlawz were on the title track "Me Against The World" & "Outlaw". Dramacydal was composed of:
* K-Dog - Later name changed to Kastro
* Young Hollywood - Later name changed to Yaki Kadafi
* Big Malcolm - Later name changed to E.D.I. Mean
When he signed to Death Row upon his release from prison, Shakur recruited his stepbrother Mopreme Shakur and Big Syke. Bruce Washington and Mutah Beale were also added, and together they formed the original lineup, which debuted on 2Pac's multi-platinum smash All Eyez on Me , on the song "When We Ride ". Other times members of the Outlawz appear on the record, they are still credited as "Dramacydal".
The idea behind the group was for each member to have a rap name coinciding with the names of various tyrants or enemies of America, past and present.
* Tupac Shakur, stage name 2Pac, was the leader of the group, and gave himself the title of Makaveli after Italian political philosopher Niccolò Machiavelli; his was the only pseudonym which wasn't taken from a dictator, though Machiavelli was a philosopher for dictatorship.
* Yaki Kadafi, Real name Yafeu Fula, Godbrother and childhood friend of 2Pac, was given the name Yaki Kadafi after Lybian Colonel Gadaffi.
* Kastro, Real name Katari Cox, Cousin of 2Pac, was given the alias Kastro after Cuban president Fidel Castro.
* E.D.I. Mean, Real Name Malcolm Greenridge, was given the alias E.D.I. Mean after Ugandian president Idi Amin.
* Hussein Fatal, Real Name Bruce Washington, Introduced to 2pac by childhood friend Yaki Kadafi, given the name Hussein Fatal after former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein.
* Napoleon, Real Name Mutah Beale, Childhood friend of Kadafi, was given the name Napoleon after French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte.
* Mussolini, Real name Tyruss Himes. Previously known as Big Syke. Was in 2Pac's first group, Thug Life. Joined the Outlawz under the alias Mussolini, after former Italian president Benito Mussolini.
* Komani, Real name Mopreme Shakur. Tupac's stepbrother and previously in 2Pac's first group, Thug Life. Joined the Outlawz under the alias Komani, after Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.
* Young Noble, Last official member.
Hell 4 A Hustler
2Pac & The Outlawz Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Get on yo' knees and pray
Huh, increase the doses, busting whoever closest
Thug living, hell or prison, never losing my focus
I'm making money moves mandatory
In a discussion my past records tell a story
Picture niggas we rushing and still busting
Ditching my gun, homeboy the motherfucking villain
I live the lifestyles of drug dealers, but now legit list
So I laugh til I cry, when the law come get me
No baby momma drama, nigga miss me, why plant seeds
In a dirty bitch, waiting to trick me, not the life for me
Living carefree, til I'm buried, and if they dare me
I'm busting on niggas until they scurry, I'm clearly
A man of military means in my artillery
Watching over me through every murder scene
From adolescence, to my early teens, thought we was gonna die
Selling dope to all the fiends, at times I want to cry
And still, we try to change the past, in vain
Never knowing if this game'll last, feeling ashamed
Of cocaine, the product of the devil, am I selling my soul?
Got tired of small time livin, niggas telling me no
I got mine! Fuck them other suckers! That's the mentality
Jealous-ass bustaz, make it hell for us
Lord, help me change my ways
Show a little mercy on judgment day
It ain't me, I was raised this way
I never let em play me for a buster, make it hell for a hustler
Lord, help me change my ways
Show a little mercy on judgment day
It ain't me, I was raised this way
I never let em play me for a buster, make it hell for a hustler
Now in these last days and times I takes mines so serious
Gotta get that paper quickly and escape the sickness
If I fail, then I suffer, being broke is hell 4 a hustler
So I stay struggling and juggling with all the might I can muster
Since a youngster, been money hungry, moved in
One's five's and ten's was funny money
So I sets my sights bigger, four figures or mo'
Real nigga fo' sho', out in the cold for dough
What you thought? ?, lost homies in plenty battles
Last two years shed plenty tears, and I'll send plenty at you
Let me catch you slipping, you soft niggas is outta here
In case you forgot, we on the same shit that got us here
Yo, to every step I take, every foul I make
Every jail I break, every mill' I ate
Head to head, whoever hustle hardest
On the block ducking charges, nigga fuck the sergeant
He got a job, all my bottles got a pinch of coke
Listen tho' I'm missing dough I gotta gather mo'
Hell no, dead blocks with red tops but now a nigga sell words
For all my young thugs in jail in Jerz
They made it hell 4 a hustler, I bails high as fuck son
Dying luck none supply us with much guns
I buck one, just to let you know that I can touch ya
Slanging cracks or raps, still hell 4 a hustler
Lord, help me change my ways
Show a little mercy on judgment day
It ain't me, I was raised this way
I never let em play me for a buster, make it hell for a hustler
No insanity plea for me, I ride the beef til I burn
Sensimilla bar your kids from the lessons I learned
And in turn I'm hostile guess you could call me anti-social
Niggas shaking like they caught the holy ghost when I approach em
Try to politic, before I smoke em, like Sun Zu
Niggas do unto these snitches, before it's done to you
And if the cops come arrest me in the evening
Best believe they coming for my dogs in the morning
And if I die by a slug, the death of a true thug
Tell me will my niggas mourn me? Getting blowed out
High, watch me murder the bird, before he testify
Strikes, walking close to my third, I live a trouble life
And if you dream be a part of my team
From Long Beach to Queens, drug dealers to ex-fiends
Keep yo' eyes on the prize, nigga watch for busters
Either heaven or jail, it's still hell 4 a hustler
Lord, help me change my ways
Show a little mercy on judgment day
It ain't me, I was raised this way
I never let em play me for a buster, make it hell for a hustler
This is how we ride
Not knowing if we'll live or die
Catch me rolling with my motherfucking guns on the side
In case of drama, I'm the first to break wild til they all die
This is how we ride
Not knowing if we'll live or die
Catch me rolling with my motherfucking guns on the side
In case of drama, I'm the first to break wild
Until they all die, Outlaw
Yes (change my ways) yes
The Black Jesus guide us through this
Weary weary weary weary
Only God can save us
Nothing but boss players
Outlawz and thugs
The song "Hell 4 a Hustler" by 2Pac & The Outlawz is a hard-hitting track that details the struggle of living a life of crime in order to make a living. The first verse describes the harsh reality of dealing drugs and the danger that comes with it, including the need to constantly watch their backs and the possibility of going to prison. The second verse discusses the pressure to make money quickly and the lengths one will go to get it, even if it means sacrificing their morals. The chorus is a plea for help and mercy from a higher power, recognizing the sinful nature of their lifestyle.
Throughout the song, 2Pac & The Outlawz paint a vivid picture of the desperation and hopelessness that often come with living a life of crime. It is a gritty portrayal of an underbelly of society that is often ignored or romanticized in mainstream media.
Overall, "Hell 4 a Hustler" is a cautionary tale and a powerful reminder that for many people, the only way to make a living is through illegal means. It is a call for change and a plea for help.
Line by Line Meaning
Get on yo' knees nigga
Get on your knees and pray
Huh, increase the doses, busting whoever closest
Intensify the actions, attacking anyone who poses a threat
Thug living, hell or prison, never losing my focus
Living a life of crime, either in constant danger or behind bars, but always staying determined
I'm making money moves mandatory
I prioritize making money above everything else
In a discussion my past records tell a story
When talking about my past, my previous experiences reveal the truth
Picture niggas we rushing and still busting
Imagine us aggressively attacking and shooting, even amidst chaos
Til the cops come running, duck in abandoned buildings
Until the police arrive, hide in deserted structures
Ditching my gun, homeboy the motherfucking villain
Throwing away my firearm, emphasizing that I am the notorious antagonist
I live the lifestyles of drug dealers, but now legit list
I used to live a life involved in drug dealing, but now I'm following legal activities
So I laugh til I cry, when the law come get me
I find it ironic and laughable when the authorities try to apprehend me
No baby momma drama, nigga miss me, why plant seeds
I don't want any complications with ex-partners or the responsibility of fatherhood, so why have children?
In a dirty bitch, waiting to trick me, not the life for me
I don't want to be involved with deceitful women who are looking to deceive me, it's not the lifestyle I desire
Living carefree, til I'm buried, and if they dare me
Living without worries until my death, and if someone provokes me to act
I'm busting on niggas until they scurry, I'm clearly
I will shoot at individuals until they flee in a hurry, it's evident
A man of military means in my artillery
I possess an array of weapons and military tactics
Watching over me through every murder scene
Protecting and observing me during each violent incident
From adolescence, to my early teens, thought we was gonna die
From my teenage years until now, we always believed we would die
Selling dope to all the fiends, at times I want to cry
Dealing drugs to addicts, there are moments when I feel overwhelmed with sadness
And still, we try to change the past, in vain
Despite our attempts to alter the past, it remains futile
Never knowing if this game'll last, feeling ashamed
Constantly uncertain if this lifestyle will continue, experiencing deep regret
Of cocaine, the product of the devil, am I selling my soul?
Am I betraying my morals by selling cocaine, an evil substance?
Got tired of small time livin, niggas telling me no
I became weary of living a mediocre life, where others consistently rejected me
I got mine! Fuck them other suckers! That's the mentality
I obtained what I wanted! Screw the rest of them! That's my mindset
Jealous-ass bustaz, make it hell for us
Envious individuals create a difficult and challenging environment for us
Lord, help me change my ways
God, assist me in transforming my behavior
Show a little mercy on judgment day
Display some compassion when judgment is passed upon me
It ain't me, I was raised this way
My actions are a result of my upbringing, it's not entirely my fault
I never let em play me for a buster, make it hell for a hustler
I refuse to allow others to disrespect or manipulate me, I will make it difficult for those who try to take advantage of my entrepreneurial spirit
Now in these last days and times I takes mines so serious
Currently, in these final periods, I am extremely dedicated to acquiring what belongs to me
Gotta get that paper quickly and escape the sickness
I must obtain money rapidly and escape the destructive lifestyle
If I fail, then I suffer, being broke is hell 4 a hustler
If I am unsuccessful, I endure immense hardship, as being financially destitute is extremely challenging for someone who thrives on entrepreneurial pursuits
So I stay struggling and juggling with all the might I can muster
Therefore, I continuously strive and manage various tasks to the best of my ability
Since a youngster, been money hungry, moved in
Since a young age, I have been driven by a desire for wealth, and I have taken action to achieve it
One's five's and ten's was funny money
Small denominations of money, such as one dollar bills, five dollar bills, and ten dollar bills, were not considered significant to me
So I sets my sights bigger, four figures or mo'
Therefore, I aim for larger amounts of money, such as amounts in the thousands or more
Real nigga fo' sho', out in the cold for dough
Undoubtedly, I am an authentic individual, enduring the hardships associated with pursuing money
What you thought? ?, lost homies in plenty battles
What did you expect? I have lost friends in numerous conflicts
Last two years shed plenty tears, and I'll send plenty at you
Over the past two years, I have shed many tears, and I will make others experience similar pain
Let me catch you slipping, you soft niggas is outta here
If I catch you off guard, weak individuals will be eliminated
In case you forgot, we on the same shit that got us here
In case you have forgotten, we are still involved in the same risky actions that led us to our current situation
Yo, to every step I take, every foul I make
With each step I take and every unethical action I commit
Every jail I break, every mill' I ate
Every prison escape I achieve and every million dollars I earn
Head to head, whoever hustle hardest
Facing off directly against whoever works the hardest in their illegal activities
On the block ducking charges, nigga fuck the sergeant
Avoiding criminal charges while on the streets, disregarding police authority
He got a job, all my bottles got a pinch of coke
The police officer has a career, while my drug packages contain a small amount of cocaine
Listen tho' I'm missing dough I gotta gather mo'
However, I am currently lacking money, so I need to acquire more
Hell no, dead blocks with red tops but now a nigga sell words
Absolutely not, I used to sell drugs on dangerous streets, but now I sell my lyrics
For all my young thugs in jail in Jerz
This is dedicated to all of my young friends who are incarcerated in New Jersey
They made it hell 4 a hustler, I bails high as fuck son
The justice system has created a challenging environment for an individual like me who works hard to make money, I need a high amount of bail money, my friend
Dying luck none supply us with much guns
Unfortunate circumstances don't provide us with an abundant supply of firearms
I buck one, just to let you know that I can touch ya
I fire one shot, merely to indicate that I am capable of harming you
Slanging cracks or raps, still hell 4 a hustler
Whether selling drugs or expressing myself through music, being an entrepreneur is still challenging
No insanity plea for me, I ride the beef til I burn
I will not plead insanity, I engage in conflict until its conclusion, even if it is detrimental to me
Sensimilla bar your kids from the lessons I learned
Parents, prevent your children from witnessing and learning from the consequences of my actions
And in turn I'm hostile guess you could call me anti-social
Consequently, I am aggressive and withdrawn, one might describe me as antisocial
Niggas shaking like they caught the holy ghost when I approach em
When I confront individuals, they tremble in fear and behave erratically
Try to politic, before I smoke em, like Sun Zu
They attempt to negotiate with me, but I eliminate them before they have a chance, similar to the strategies of Sun Tzu
Niggas do unto these snitches, before it's done to you
Take action against informants before they have the opportunity to harm you
And if the cops come arrest me in the evening
If the police come to apprehend me during the evening
Best believe they coming for my dogs in the morning
You can be certain that they will come for my associates the following morning
And if I die by a slug, the death of a true thug
And if I am killed by a gunshot, it will be the death of an authentic gangster
Tell me will my niggas mourn me? Getting blowed out
Inform me, will my friends grieve for me? Consuming drugs excessively
High, watch me murder the bird, before he testify
Intoxicated, observe me kill the witness before he provides testimony
Strikes, walking close to my third, I live a trouble life
I face constant danger and challenges, always on the verge of being caught, living a turbulent existence
And if you dream be a part of my team
If you aspire to join my group
From Long Beach to Queens, drug dealers to ex-fiends
From Long Beach, California, to Queens, New York, individuals involved in drug dealing or recovering addicts
Keep yo' eyes on the prize, nigga watch for busters
Stay focused on your goals and be cautious of those who may hinder your progress
Either heaven or jail, it's still hell 4 a hustler
Whether in heaven or incarcerated, the life of an entrepreneur is still extremely challenging
This is how we ride
This is our way of life
Not knowing if we'll live or die
Uncertain if we will survive or perish
Catch me rolling with my motherfucking guns on the side
Find me driving with my firearms readily accessible
In case of drama, I'm the first to break wild til they all die
In situations of conflict, I am the first to become aggressive until everyone is eliminated
Outlaw
A member of the Outlawz gang, known for their criminal activities
Yes (change my ways) yes
Yes, I desire to transform my behavior
The Black Jesus guide us through this
Black Jesus, lead and assist us during these challenging times
Weary weary weary weary
Exhausted, fatigued, and burdened
Only God can save us
Only God has the power to rescue us
Nothing but boss players
Only individuals with a dominant, leadership mindset
Outlawz and thugs
Members of the Outlawz gang and other criminal individuals
Lyrics © Songtrust Ave
Written by: DAMON E. THOMAS, KOTARI (PKA "KASTRO") COX, MALCOLM (E.D.I.) GREENIDGE, MUTAH (PKA NAPOLEAN) BEALE, RUFUS COOPER, TUPAC SHAKUR, YAFEU FULA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind