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.
On top of the world
8Ball & MJG Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
MJG and that nigga 8Ball
On top of the world
Hey MJG
MJG and that nigga 8Ball
On top of the world
It's the fat mac dope
Like an 8Ball, that's why
People call me that
Some used to call me Mr. Big
But I had to flip
Now they call me Mr. Ruffle
Cuz I'm all about my chips
Matter 'fact you need a jack-
Hammer just to dig me
Orange juice and DT people playa tipsy
It only seems like yesterday thinking back
I had to work a job and hustle just to keep sack
Stuck in Orange Mound, ten toes down
Nowhere to go but up
I'm underground I'm so down
But God bless me with this gift of poetry
So with this CD the world could see what I see
Came hard for them bustas on the outside looking in
Made man is with some paper and a pens and
Did it again, For all of ya'll
MJG and 8Ball sitting on top of the world
Hey MJG
MJG and and that nigga 8Ball
On top of the world
Hey MJG
MJG and that nigga 8Ball
On top of the world
Keep that animosity that you got against me off your chest
Cuz you can't bring me down even if you tried your best
I guess is what I gotsta do
Separate myself from the bustas hang tight with my own crew
Some people hate to see me make
And any opportunity they get where they can hurt me they go'n take
I hate it, but 'too late n it get's rougher
My chrome plated thang blew your cover in the gutter
Of the brothers who don't know me well
Claim that they do and persistence turn a lie into the truth ain't no use
First of all I believe in God
I'm coming out hard and I can finish anything you can start cross your heart
As I keep a tight grip on my chrome
Cuz when I ain't at home it's gonna let me know that I ain't alone, I'm gone
Mentally speaking, MJG, on top of the world thousands of pearls is all that I can see
Hey MJG
MJG and and that nigga 8Ball
On top of the world
Hey MJG
MJG and and that nigga 8Ball
On top of the world
I've seen so much from coast to coast and state to state
Birds slanging ballas is the fakest of the fake
Getting paid, getting played, getting sprayed in the streets
While me and MJG getting paid freaking beats
Were versatile south style rap ability
I had to catch a plane that took me far from my community
Made alot of cheese, people say I changed
But if you thinking this you never knew me from the gate man
Much respect to young G's on the streets banging
And all my niggas who survive day to day swinging
And Ill keep serving all my doh vocally
Cuz its survival of the fittest, mentally
I've seen alot of luxuries, fine cars, movie stars, social bars, many women, fake friends in my face, nine ten
Even though I stack don't stand down on my income
I never would forget about the streets that I come from
The drugs, the violence, not one day of silence
The robbing, the shooting, mothas prostitutin'
The Mound is my home, the hood im around
But if you jack me your whole families going down
Your motha, your daddy, your aunty, your cousins, they all going out by the whole dirty dozen
M, JG, music in the streets scholar, on top of the world tryin to make a dollar
Hey MJG
MJG and that nigga 8Ball
On top of the world
Hey MJG
MJG and and that nigga 8Ball
On top of the world
In the song "Top of the World" by 8Ball & MJG, the rappers express their confidence and success. The chorus repeats the lines "Hey MJG, MJG and that nigga 8Ball, on top of the world" to emphasize their position of power and fame. In the verses, 8Ball talks about his nicknames, from “Mr. Big” to “Mr. Ruffle,” and how he’s all about his money, never forgetting where he came from. MJG discusses his journey from the streets to rap stardom, with a focus on surviving and thriving in a place of violence and poverty.
The lyrics show the personalities and experiences of both rappers. 8Ball is a hustler who has worked hard for his success, while MJG is also from a rough background, but his poetry has been his salvation. The song's theme is about rising above life's challenges and hardships to become successful. By the end of the song, the rappers proudly assert their position as on the top of the world, with no one who can bring them down.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey MJG
Acknowledging MJG's presence and introducing him as a collaborator
MJG and that nigga 8Ball
Reiterating the collaboration between MJG and 8Ball
On top of the world
Expressing a sense of accomplishment and success
Uh, Let me drop it on the one
Introducing a new verse and setting the tone for the lyrics
It's the fat mac dope
Referring to the artist as a skilled and respected rapper, with a unique style
Like an 8Ball, that's why
Drawing a comparison between the artist and a popular game of chance, which signifies the artist's confidence and skill
People call me that
Confirming that people do indeed refer to the artist as 8Ball
Some used to call me Mr. Big
Acknowledging that the artist had a different name in the past
But I had to flip
Explaining that the artist changed his name for personal reasons
Now they call me Mr. Ruffle
Stating the artist's current moniker, which is related to his focus on making money
Cuz I'm all about my chips
Emphasizing the artist's dedication to earning money
Matter 'fact you need a jack-Hammer just to dig me
Expressing the artist's exalted status and reputation within the rap industry
Orange juice and DT people playa tipsy
Recounting a past experience of the artist's, where he witnessed people drinking and partying in his neighborhood
It only seems like yesterday thinking back
Recollecting a time in the past when the artist had to work hard to survive
I had to work a job and hustle just to keep sack
Describing the artist's struggles to earn a living, which he overcame through hard work and determination
Stuck in Orange Mound, ten toes down
Referring to the artist's hometown, where he faced various challenges and obstacles
Nowhere to go but up
Indicating that the artist's current success is a result of his perseverance and hard work
I'm underground I'm so down
Acknowledging that the artist started his career as an underground rapper
But God bless me with this gift of poetry
Recognizing the artist's talent and the role of religion in his life
So with this CD the world could see what I see
Explaining that the artist's music is a reflection of his perspective on life
Came hard for them bustas on the outside looking in
Addressing the artist's detractors who doubted his talent and potential
Made man is with some paper and a pens and
Asserting that the artist's success is due to his creativity and skill as a writer
Did it again, For all of ya'll
Boasting about the artist's consistency and success as a rapper
Keep that animosity that you got against me off your chest
Addressing the artist's haters, and telling them to stop expressing their negative feelings
Cuz you can't bring me down even if you tried your best
Asserting the artist's strength and resilience in the face of criticism
I guess is what I gotsta do
Acknowledging the need to protect oneself and stay focused on success
Separate myself from the bustas hang tight with my own crew
Explaining that the artist surrounds himself with like-minded people who support him
Some people hate to see me make
Acknowledging that success can breed envy and resentment
And any opportunity they get where they can hurt me they go'n take
Describing the artist's detractors as willing to do anything to harm him
I hate it, but 'too late n it get's rougher
Admitting that the harsh realities of the music industry can take a toll on the artist's mental health
My chrome plated thang blew your cover in the gutter
Claiming that the artist's gun can protect him in dangerous situations
Of the brothers who don't know me well
Referring to people who misunderstand the artist or don't know him personally
Claim that they do and persistence turn a lie into the truth ain't no use
Denying that repeated falsehoods can change the reality of the artist's life
First of all I believe in God
Affirming the artist's religious belief, which guides him in his life and career
I'm coming out hard and I can finish anything you can start cross your heart
Asserting the artist's confidence and determination, and challenging his detractors
As I keep a tight grip on my chrome
Referencing the artist's gun as a symbol of his power and safety
Cuz when I ain't at home it's gonna let me know that I ain't alone, I'm gone
Explaining that the artist's gun provides him with a sense of security and protection, even when he's not at home
Mentally speaking, MJG, on top of the world thousands of pearls is all that I can see
Expressing the artist's current state of mind as one of success and abundance
I've seen so much from coast to coast and state to state
Describing the artist's experience of traveling and performing all over the country
Birds slanging ballas is the fakest of the fake
Calling out people who pretend to be something they're not, specifically in the context of drug dealing
Getting paid, getting played, getting sprayed in the streets
Describing a dangerous and violent lifestyle that the artist has witnessed
While me and MJG getting paid freaking beats
Contrasting the artist's success as a rapper with the negativity and danger of street life
Were versatile south style rap ability
Describing the artist's unique style of rap music, which reflects his southern roots
I had to catch a plane that took me far from my community
Explaining that the artist's success has led him to travel and leave his hometown behind
Made alot of cheese, people say I changed
Acknowledging the perception that success has changed the artist's personality and behavior
But if you thinking this you never knew me from the gate man
Challenging the assumption that the artist has changed, and asserting that people who really know him would disagree
Much respect to young G's on the streets banging
Acknowledging the presence of younger gang members and wishing them well
And all my niggas who survive day to day swinging
Giving a shoutout to the artist's friends who continue to face obstacles and challenges, but persevere
And Ill keep serving all my doh vocally
Promising to continue making and performing music
Cuz its survival of the fittest, mentally
Recognizing that success in the music industry requires mental toughness, resilience, and adaptability
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network
Written by: PREMRO VONZELLAIRE SMITH, M. GOODWIN, M.J. Goodwin, Premro Smith
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind