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.
Diddy
8Ball & MJG Lyrics
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Its Bad Boy Baby
Neptunes
And we won't stop
(I like that) 'Cause we can't stop
Yeah
Let me tell you something
I was on 1-2-5 and Saint Nich
Chillin' with these chick
Named Tondalea
Was a hot girl and everybody wanted to slay her
She wasn't fond of players
Only wanted ballers
To spoil her
Six figures and camcorders
So what you trying to tell me dear
I got Bentley, Benz send in Mr. Belvedere
I just want to blow your mind
I'm talkin' literally blow your mind
My repratoir is Menage Trois
And exotic cars chilling with the hottest stars
And it ain't no stopping this
I can't help it I'm an optomist
And Ima make ya head bop to this
And at the end you gon rock to this
Now say my name
Its the D the I the D the D the Y
The D the I the D
It's Diddy, (Hold Up) It's Diddy (That's crazy)
It's the D the I the D the D the Y
The D the I the D
Its Diddy, (Hold Up), It's Diddy (Say What!)
Ay yo, I came in the door
I said it before
I never the ladiez hyptonize me no more
But, back to the manuscript
'Cause I don't think you can handle this
From New York to Los Angles
I think the whole world scandalous
I'm just trying to keep the candles lit
Make the party people dance to this
Get out your seat and clap your hands to this
Cause I came too far
For me to be bouswar
It's a Bently to you, to me it's a blue car
So Branson pass me a jar
Cause these cats done went too far
One phone call send two cars
And still get searched by security guards
I guess that's what I have to do
Take the game international
Now what you call me
(La La La La La La La La La La La La)
C'mon work it out girl
I'm trying to see you work it out girl
(La La La La La La La La La La La La)
C'mon work it out girl
I wanna see you work it out girl
Now hold up, stop, wait a minute
We don't stop we rock cause ain't a limit
My aim is winning
Got asian women
That'll change my linen
After I done blazed and hit em
But I just wanna rock wit you
And take it straight to the top with you
And do what I gots to do
If it's possible
Cause I ain't trying to stop you boo
I got an agenda
Got on a ninja
One wheelin' and killin' it not to offend ya
That's when I met this chick named Brenda
Tender, her whole body bend like fender
So let me see you shake it girl
I just wanna see you shake it girl
For the return of the don
The world in my palm
My mom calls me Sean
But y'all call me
(La La La La La La La La La La La)
C'mon work it out girl
(La La La La La La La La La La La)
I wanna see you work it out girl
The lyrics to 8Ball & MJG's song "Diddy" delve into themes of self-confidence, success, and a lavish lifestyle. The song begins with a declaration that they are part of the Bad Boy record label and working with the Neptunes, asserting that they will continue to strive for greatness. The repetition of "we can't stop" signifies their determination and drive to keep pushing forward in their careers.
The first verse discusses the artist's ability to switch up their flow, rhyming slowly or quickly as the situation calls for it. The mention of being on 1-2-5 and Saint Nicholas alludes to a specific location, possibly a street or area, where they were hanging out with a girl named Tondalea. She is described as a sought-after woman who only desires wealthy suitors. The artist boasts about his luxurious possessions like a Bentley and Benz and implies that he can impress and mesmerize this woman with his extravagant lifestyle.
The chorus emphasizes the artist's identity as Diddy, with a playful spelling out of the name to reinforce their status and presence in the industry. The repetition and catchy rhythm of the chorus serve to make the name Diddy memorable and ingrained in the listener's mind.
In the final verse, the artist showcases their ability to command attention and influence others with their charisma and charm. Referencing their interactions with women and the experiences they encounter, the artist seeks to connect with the audience on a relatable level. The mention of Branson and taking the game international suggests a global reach and ambition in their career endeavors. The persistent refrain of "work it out girl" conveys a desire for movement and energy, encouraging the listener to engage and participate actively in the music.
Overall, the lyrics of "Diddy" by 8Ball & MJG reflect a blend of confidence, ambition, and allure, painting a picture of a glamorous and opulent lifestyle in the music industry. The artist navigates through narratives of success, relationships, and personal triumphs, all while maintaining a distinct and charismatic persona as Diddy.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Spirit Music Group, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: LAWRENCE KRSONE PARKER, ERIC BARRIER, WILLIAM GRIFFIN, CHAUNCEY LAMONT HAWKINS, CHAD HUGO, PHARRELL L. WILLIAMS, S. ROBINSON, ANGELA LAVERNE BROWN, GWENDOLYN YVONNE CHISOLM, CHERYL LORRAINE COOK
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