They first appeared on the rap scene with their 1993 album Comin' Out Hard. The album was successful commercially as well as critically and established the group as a prominent act in the then emerging Southern Rap scene. Their subsequent albums in the 1990s including 1994's On the Outside Looking In, and 1995's On Top of the World cemented their status as some of the South's best rappers. On Top of the World was particularly succeessful, peaking at #8 on the Billboard Hot 200 and being certified Gold. After those albums both 8Ball & MJG released solo albums, first MJG's No More Glory in 1997 and then 8Ball's Lost in 1998. They reunited in 1999 to release their fourth album as a group, titled In Our Lifetime, Vol. 1
For their later releases they signed with Bad Boy Records. Their first album for Bad Boy Records, Living Legends, was certified Gold by the RIAA. Their second album on Bad Boy Records was titled Ridin High and was released in March 2007.
Commercially one of the high points of 8Ball & MJG's career was their being featured on Three 6 Mafia's hit song "Stay Fly" in 2005. That song peaked at #13 on the Billboard Hot 100, which is the biggest hit of Three 6 Mafia's career and the biggest hit for 8Ball & MJG. The song was a collaboration between two of the most successful rap groups from the state of Tennessee, where Three 6 Mafia also hail from.
Today 8Ball and MJG also head their own record labels. 8Ball heads 8 Ways Entertainment (distributed by Koch Entertainment), while MJG heads MJG Muzik. On their label are the young, up and coming Memphis duo, Da Volunteers, who are widely known throughout the Southern United States for their 2006 single, "What's Yo Favorite Color?", which glorifies their neighborhood of Orange Mound.
In September 2007, 8Ball and MJG signed deals in Sacramento, CA with Real Talk Entertainment 8Ball released a group album with E.D.I of the Outlawz entitled Doin' It Big on April 1, 2008 and MJG released a solo album entitled Pimp Tight on April 29, 2008.
In June 2008 the group announced that they have officially signed onto T.I.'s record label Grand Hustle.
8 Ball and MJG
8Ball & MJG Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The streets of my city be gritty
Young niggaz pack plenty, and ain't never show no pity
Many die on streets of concrete, blasted from the heat
From under the seat, niggaz just tryin' to make ends meat
Trying to eat, day to day livin' with no religion
Luxury cars, and this money got my full attention
School teachers and the preachers don't know what to teach us
Created so the non pigmentated rated
Pornographic caught they children learn the words and say it
Save the monsters, but don't nobody know the lord
Status depends on the baddest shit you can afford
And look at me I'm in the middle of the confusion
Crime in my blood and I need a transfusion
Take it how you want to take it
I gotta twist and break it
Make it shine to distinguish from the ones who fake it
and if it comes out raw, and uncontrollable
Money's foldable, fuck a hip-hop quotable
Nobody felt what I was feeling when I wrote this shit
Broke this shit, but that ain't new so I can cope with this
Hope it get better for those who don't get a chance
To advance, and dig the shit I be saying
You know what might make what I say a little clearer
If mothafuckers judge the one they see in the mirror
The lyrics to 8 Ball MJG's song "8 Ball MJG" are a reflection on the harsh realities of life in the streets of their city. The first few lines talk about how the streets are gritty and full of young people who are always ready to pack some heat and show no mercy. The second part of the verse focuses on the struggle of day to day living with no religion and the lure of luxury cars and money. The artists talk about how school teachers and preachers don't seem to grasp what life is like for young people in the ghetto, evident by their lack of connection with the community.
Furthermore, the lyrics highlight how society is constructed to benefit the non-pigmented or rich. Children are exposed to pornographic content at an early age, and in most cases, can learn derogatory words before they even know their meaning. The artists also point out how people care more about the status that comes with owning the latest and most expensive gadgets than about their relationship with God. The verses then take a turn towards the personal, with the artist acknowledging that crime is a part of their blood, and they need a transfusion.
Towards the end of the track, the artist points out that many people do not get a chance to advance in life, and they hope their lyrics resonate with those who struggle. The song ends with the artists indicating that people would gain a better understanding of their lyrics if they judged the reflection in the mirror.
Line by Line Meaning
Uh
Introducing the start of the song.
The streets of my city be gritty
The environment in my hometown is harsh and unforgiving.
Young n****s pack plenty, and ain't never show no pity
The youth in my neighborhood carry weapons and are ruthless in their actions.
Many die on streets of concrete, blasted from the heat
Numerous individuals perish on the streets from gunfire and violence.
From under the seat, n****s just tryin' to make ends meat
People stash firearms in their car in order to protect themselves and make a living.
Trying to eat, day to day livin' with no religion
Individuals strive to survive and thrive without any religious guidance.
Luxury cars, and this money got my full attention
Material possessions and wealth capture my focus and attention.
School teachers and the preachers don't know what to teach us
Educators and religious figures struggle to connect with and effectively teach the youth in my community.
They don't get a second look without them ghetto features
Individuals with urban and impoverished appearances are often overlooked and disregarded.
Created so the non pigmentated rated
The music industry caters to white listeners and ignores black artists.
Pornographic caught they children learn the words and say it
Explicit and offensive lyrics in music influence and impact the younger generation.
Save the monsters, but don't nobody know the lord
People show love and empathy to fictional creatures, but fail to recognize and believe in God.
Status depends on the baddest shit you can afford
One's social standing and reputation is reliant on their ability to purchase the most extravagant items.
And look at me I'm in the middle of the confusion
I am personally caught up in this hectic and chaotic environment.
Crime in my blood and I need a transfusion
The inclination for illegal activities is inherent in my nature and I desire to change it.
Take it how you want to take it
The listener can interpret this message however they choose.
I gotta twist and break it
I need to manipulate my words and express my message in a unique and creative way.
Make it shine to distinguish from the ones who fake it
I want to make my art stand out and differentiate myself from those who are insincere.
and if it comes out raw, and uncontrollable
My expression may be unpolished and chaotic at times.
Money's foldable, fuck a hip-hop quotable
While money is valuable, I do not care about creating catchy and mainstream rap lines.
Nobody felt what I was feeling when I wrote this shit
I believe that no one can fully understand and relate to my emotions and experiences through my art.
Broke this shit, but that ain't new so I can cope with this
I have experienced challenges and difficulty creating my music, but have learned to handle it.
Hope it gets better for those who don't get a chance
I desire things to improve for individuals who have not been given opportunities and are stuck in poverty.
To advance, and dig the shit I be saying
I want people to progress and appreciate the message in my music.
You know what might make what I say a little clearer
A suggestion that can potentially enhance the comprehension and meaning of my lyrics.
If mothafuckers judge the one they see in the mirror
Individuals should evaluate and reflect on themselves before judging and criticizing others.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@lilwess5028
The fact they had everybody in this video is legendary
@Csquaretherealist-jb8ro
A moment in time...The Legendary 8ball and MJG....
@seang9751
A time in history that’ll never repeat.
@joepearson1177
When rap actually took steps forward
@dfaro8453
Why music isn’t like this these days? 😮
@Dudja
Classic track and video
@dljones77
IT'S ALMOST 2022 AND THIS IS STILL BANGING!!!!!!
@cheyennebentley6393
Facts 💯
@christopherbush8418
Hell yeah. It's may 22. Still banging this shit.
@smokeandmirrors6167
Ball N G forever my dog!!!!