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.
Stand Up
8Ball & MJG Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
South niggas stand up, weak niggas man-up, fuck these niggas that show us no love.
(2x)
Be strong, be a man, dont lie, dont steal, keep it real for as long as you live, make money, get fizzy,the last thing you do, dont matter what he or she do fuck that shit i could see trough anything, you think, you say, you try, slick niggas tryin to get by, you cant even look me in my eye, go hard to the dirt, dont stop dont quit, even if you steal can get rich quick, like you wanna judge me, but you dont know me, i'm a winner already, i dont need a trophy, MJ fuckin G, i'm true i'm straight, same old G every day, you cant even take the reezemey.
(Chorus)(2x)
In 8Ball & MJG's song "Stand Up," the chorus calls on "South niggas" (likely referring to the southern United States) to stand up and be strong, while also calling out "weak niggas" who don't have courage. The lyrics suggest that it's important to be truthful and authentic, and to work hard to succeed, even if it means taking risks.
The verses of the song continue this theme, with lyrics focused on staying true to oneself and not worrying about the opinions of others. 8Ball & MJG reference making money and getting "fizzy" (presumably a reference to champagne or alcohol), but also emphasize that what's most important is being "true" and "straight."
Overall, the song seems to be a call to action for those who have been marginalized or oppressed, urging them to find strength and independence through authenticity and hard work.
Line by Line Meaning
South niggas stand up, weak niggas man-up, fuck these niggas that show us no love.
Show strength, be courageous, don't be a pushover, and don't tolerate those who don't show us respect or admiration.
Be strong, be a man, dont lie, dont steal, keep it real for as long as you live, make money, get fizzy,the last thing you do, dont matter what he or she do fuck that shit i could see trough anything, you think, you say, you try, slick niggas tryin to get by, you cant even look me in my eye, go hard to the dirt, dont stop dont quit, even if you steal can get rich quick, like you wanna judge me, but you dont know me, i'm a winner already, i dont need a trophy, MJ fuckin G, i'm true i'm straight, same old G every day, you cant even take the reezemey.
Be honest and true to yourself, work hard, don't give up, strive for success, and don't let anyone else's opinions or actions discourage you or define you. Be confident in who you are and what you stand for.
Fake niggas hate me, real niggas they be down with a real nigga, it dont matter were a real nigga be, M gang, G C,
Those who are fake, or phony, dislike and resent me, while true and genuine individuals are loyal and supportive of me. It doesn't matter the location or affiliation, as long as we are real to each other and have each other's backs.
(Chorus)(2x)
This refrain reinforces the themes of strength, integrity, and loyalty that are present throughout the song.
Contributed by Savannah Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.