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.
The First Episode
8Ball & MJG Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Pimpin hoes was some shit that came easy to a playa
Cause ain't no way in hell a bitch could get me to a bail
And how in the fuck I'll ever make some money if I'm pail
My hoes sell pussy at the party for the mayor
400 for the chewin, 100 for the mackin
1,000 for the fucking, 200 for the jackin
Soon as the day is over, my bitch is checkin in
[Girl]
Come on, Wait a minute MR. MJG
Do you really think anyone's gonna believe that pimpin shit
Huh, I guess not
Haven't you heard, that pimpin shit is dead
[Verse 2: MJG]
Bitch chill, Hold up, you got a pimp fucked up
Can't help it cause you don't know, ain't my fault that you stuck up
Ya parents didn't teach ya, the streets didn't reach ya
I'm makin easy money from the judge and the preacher
The mayor likes the bitches cause they beat him with a chain
The judge and the preacher love to hear dirty thangs
The governor was first on the bitch payin list
He busted a nut soon as the bitches touched his dick
[Verse 3: Eightball]
Comin out smooth, livin like a pimpsta
Gotta flee the bitches and they all call me mista fat mac
Pimp tight, what the fuck you want to do?
See me in the streets, sweep 'em off and down you and your crew
Gotta be ruthless, smackin hoes toothless
Suckas gettin dropped when I'm poppin with the glock bitch
And the niggaz that hide cap and act like hoes
When they see the 93 with the switches and the voes
[Girl]
Eightball, tell the truth
How yo fat ass goin be doin all that?
Talkin bout pimpin and shootin up niggaz
And braggin bout fuckin, what'z up wit that?
[Verse 4: Eightball]
I'm big as a motherfucker, I don't look fast
But I'll jump up quick, and stick my dick in yo ass
And for you niggaz that talk shit, don't step too quick
You know who got my back, a clip full of hollow tips
Tec, 9 millimeter, glock or 22
Mafia style, don't even fuck with the pimpsta crew
Bust the yak and pass me that bud sack
Cause niggaz with nuts, can't even fuck with the fat mac
[Verse 5: MJG]
25 birds on the counter in the den
Nigga gettin bailed cause they go for 5-10
Pot good and hot now I'm lookin for the shaker
Water start to bubble sprinkle in the money maker
The shit is gettin thick I think my pager just exploded
11 birds left, 13 I just sold it
I gotta close shop before it get too fuckin late
Hoe sell time sellin birds 12-8
[Man]
You know you guys really shouldn't be sellin cocaine to other brothers
It's killin us all off man
I mean how is that supposed to look
Makin us look bad
[Verse 6: MJG]
The cops work for me cause I keep good stuff
And plus the government ain't never paid dem tricks enough
And every time a cop bust some dope in the drug rade
Feds swangin birds in the hood by the next day
While I'm makin money off the shit that I done fronted
Nigga fell short, shoot 'em up yeah I done it
MJG Pushin real not cut
Got the feds in my pocket, and the chief by his nuts
[Verse 7: Eightball]
Roll a fat bud, smoke the bitch and then I'm chilled
Fall off in the club drinkin yak dressed to kill
Niggaz that be jealous cause dem hoes be on the jock
Don't disrespect my pimpin or you I will have to drop
No I don't be playin, what I'm sayin what I speak
Some niggaz don't understand then I have to go and teach
What Eightball is about and what the future got for me
A screw of dead niggaz and a pocket full of grip G
[Man]
Damn, Father just like some niggaz man
Dem niggaz ain't goin never be shit
Dem niggaz forever gettin fucked up { laughs }
Know what I'm sayin, dem fools was stuck
[Verse 8: Eightball]
Punk ass niggaz that talk shit can get down on their knees
Suave got the hook up cause suave got the cheese
And I got the bomb and MJG is in the tank
Posessin ya mind and then we blow up the bank
Yank yo hoe from the front row, and then jet out
When we get to the hotel, your bitch is on the house
Fuckin and suckin a pimpsta, fuckin and suckin a pimpsta
What, we through, pass me that joint nigga
In "The First Episode," 8Ball and MJG rap about the life of a pimp. The song, which is from their debut album "Comin' Out Hard," begins with MJG describing how easy it comes to him to pimp women, asserting that no one would be able to get him to bail. He also mentions that the mayor's office allows his hoes to sell their body at parties in exchange for money. MJG reveals that he receives payments from the likes of judges, preachers, and the governor as well. Meanwhile, Eightball talks about his prowess in being a pimp and a gangster. He boasts about his quickness and strength, warns rival gangs not to mess with the crew, and affirms his skill in dodging jealousy and hatred by killing anyone who crosses him. The song is not apologetic of the life of a pimp, but rather it tries to explain how pimping is a lucrative business that can attract powerful clients.
"The First Episode" is notorious for glorifying pimping, but it is not an endorsement of the practice. 8Ball and MJG use the song to describe the stark reality of how some men are trapped in a life of crime and exploitation, and how for some, it's the only route to get out of poverty. Sadly, the song is also indicative of the '90s gangster rap culture that celebrated violent, misogynistic lyrics that promoted drug dealing, and pimping.
Line by Line Meaning
Pimpin hoes was some shit that came easy to a playa
Engaging in the act of pimping prostitutes was a skill that came effortlessly to a player.
Cause ain't no way in hell a bitch could get me to a bail
Because there is absolutely no way a prostitute could manipulate me into paying her bail.
And how in the fuck I'll ever make some money if I'm pail
And how the hell am I supposed to make money if I am broke?
My hoes sell pussy at the party for the mayor
My prostitutes sell sexual services at parties attended by the mayor.
400 for the chewin, 100 for the mackin
I charge 400 dollars for oral sex and 100 dollars for seducing clients.
1,000 for the fucking, 200 for the jackin
I charge 1,000 dollars for intercourse and 200 dollars for stealing from clients.
Soon as the day is over, my bitch is checkin in
As soon as the day ends, my prostitute reports back to me.
I'ts just like deja vu, again and then again bitch
It feels like a repeating pattern, just like deja vu.
Come on, Wait a minute MR. MJG
Hold on, Mr. MJG, let's pause for a moment.
Do you really think anyone's gonna believe that pimpin shit
Do you truly believe that anyone will believe your claims of being a successful pimp?
Huh, I guess not
I suppose not.
Haven't you heard, that pimpin shit is dead
Didn't you hear? The practice of pimping is no longer relevant or successful.
Bitch chill, Hold up, you got a pimp fucked up
Calm down, wait a moment, you have a distorted understanding of a pimp's role.
Can't help it cause you don't know, ain't my fault that you stuck up
I can't blame you for your ignorance, it's not my responsibility that you have an arrogant attitude.
Ya parents didn't teach ya, the streets didn't reach ya
Your parents failed to teach you, and the streets did not enlighten you.
I'm makin easy money from the judge and the preacher
I am effortlessly gaining money from both judges and preachers.
The mayor likes the bitches cause they beat him with a chain
The mayor enjoys the company of prostitutes because they engage in BDSM activities with him.
The judge and the preacher love to hear dirty thangs
Both the judge and the preacher derive pleasure from listening to explicit and scandalous tales.
The governor was first on the bitch payin list
The governor was the first person to pay for the services of a prostitute.
He busted a nut soon as the bitches touched his dick
He reached orgasm as soon as the prostitutes touched his penis.
Comin out smooth, livin like a pimpsta
I'm entering confidently, living the life of a pimp.
Gotta flee the bitches and they all call me mista fat mac
I must leave the prostitutes behind, and they all refer to me as Mr. Fat Mac.
Pimp tight, what the fuck you want to do?
I have an excellent control over the pimping lifestyle, what kind of confrontation are you seeking?
See me in the streets, sweep 'em off and down you and your crew
If you encounter me in the streets, I will swiftly defeat you and your group.
Gotta be ruthless, smackin hoes toothless
I must show no mercy, brutally assaulting prostitutes and leaving them with missing teeth.
Suckas gettin dropped when I'm poppin with the glock bitch
Incompetent individuals will be eliminated when I use my Glock pistol, calling them bitches.
And the niggaz that hide cap and act like hoes
Those men who conceal weapons and behave submissively are nothing but cowardly individuals.
When they see the 93 with the switches and the voes
When they witness my 1993 model vehicle with hydraulics and low-profile tires.
Eightball, tell the truth
Eightball, be honest.
How yo fat ass goin be doin all that?
How are you, being overweight, able to perform and engage in those activities?
Talkin bout pimpin and shootin up niggaz
You speak of engaging in pimping and committing acts of violence against others.
And braggin bout fuckin, what'z up wit that?
Additionally, you boast about engaging in sexual activities, what is the reason behind that?
I'm big as a motherfucker, I don't look fast
I am extremely large in size, despite not appearing agile.
But I'll jump up quick, and stick my dick in yo ass
However, I am capable of moving swiftly and forcefully penetrating your anus with my penis.
And for you niggaz that talk shit, don't step too quick
And for those individuals who speak negatively, I advise you not to make sudden movements.
You know who got my back, a clip full of hollow tips
You are aware of the person who supports and protects me, equipped with a magazine filled with hollow-point bullets.
Tec, 9 millimeter, glock or 22
I possess various firearms such as a Tec-9, 9mm pistol, Glock, or a .22 caliber pistol.
Mafia style, don't even fuck with the pimpsta crew
I have adopted the methods and style of the Mafia, and you should not dare to challenge the pimpsta crew.
Bust the yak and pass me that bud sack
Pour the cognac and hand me the bag of marijuana.
Cause niggaz with nuts, can't even fuck with the fat mac
Because individuals who have courage cannot even compete with the powerful and influential character of Fat Mac.
25 birds on the counter in the den
I currently have 25 ounces of cocaine on the counter in the room.
Nigga gettin bailed cause they go for 5-10
I am earning bail money because the ounces of cocaine are sold for a price between 5 and 10 thousand dollars.
Pot good and hot now I'm lookin for the shaker
My drugs are of high quality and in high demand, now I am searching for a device to mix and package them.
Water start to bubble sprinkle in the money maker
As I heat the substances, bubbles begin to form, and I add the illegal profits to the mix.
The shit is gettin thick I think my pager just exploded
The situation is becoming intense, and I believe my pager just received an overwhelming number of messages.
11 birds left, 13 I just sold it
I currently have 11 ounces of cocaine remaining, as I just sold 13 ounces.
I gotta close shop before it get too fuckin late
I must shut down my illegal operations before it becomes too late and risky.
Hoe sell time sellin birds 12-8
Prostitute, it is time to sell the drugs, operating from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
You know you guys really shouldn't be sellin cocaine to other brothers
You are aware that it is highly inappropriate for you to sell cocaine to individuals within our own community.
It's killin us all off man
This action is causing severe harm and loss of life within our community, my friend.
I mean how is that supposed to look
I am questioning the appearance and perception of this situation.
Makin us look bad
This is creating a negative image for all of us.
The cops work for me cause I keep good stuff
The police officers work under my control because I possess high-quality illegal substances.
And plus the government ain't never paid dem tricks enough
Furthermore, the government has never adequately compensated those individuals who carry out dirty work for them.
And every time a cop bust some dope in the drug rade
Each time a police officer seizes narcotics during a drug raid.
Feds swangin birds in the hood by the next day
The federal law enforcement agencies distribute drugs seized from the neighborhood by the following day.
While I'm makin money off the shit that I done fronted
Meanwhile, I am generating profit from the drugs I have initially supplied.
Nigga fell short, shoot 'em up yeah I done it
If an individual fails to deliver the expected amount, I resort to shooting and killing them. Yes, I have committed such acts.
MJG Pushin real not cut
MJG is distributing unadulterated and pure drugs, not diluted or mixed with other substances.
Got the feds in my pocket, and the chief by his nuts
I have the federal law enforcement agencies under my control, and I have the police chief in a vulnerable position.
Roll a fat bud, smoke the bitch and then I'm chilled
I will roll a large marijuana joint, consume it, and then I will be relaxed and calm.
Fall off in the club drinkin yak dressed to kill
I will confidently enter the club while consuming cognac and wearing fashionable clothing.
Niggaz that be jealous cause dem hoes be on the jock
Individuals who are envious because prostitutes show interest in me and pay attention to me.
Don't disrespect my pimpin or you I will have to drop
Do not insult or undermine my role as a pimp, or else I will resort to physical violence.
No I don't be playin, what I'm sayin what I speak
I am not joking, what I am saying is true and represents my genuine thoughts.
Some niggaz don't understand then I have to go and teach
Some individuals do not comprehend, so I must educate them through forceful means.
What Eightball is about and what the future got for me
I am revealing my true nature and what the future holds for me, Eightball.
A screw of dead niggaz and a pocket full of grip G
I am surrounded by deceased individuals and have a large quantity of money in my possession, all obtained through illegal means.
Damn, Father just like some niggaz man
Goodness, this situation is an accurate representation of certain individuals, my friend.
Dem niggaz ain't goin never be shit
Those individuals will never amount to anything significant or accomplished.
Dem niggaz forever gettin fucked up { laughs }
Those individuals continuously face hardships and complications, resulting in their downfall. {laughs}
Know what I'm sayin, dem fools was stuck
Do you understand what I am trying to convey? Those individuals were stuck in unfortunate circumstances.
Punk ass niggaz that talk shit can get down on their knees
Weak individuals who speak negatively about me should kneel in submission.
Suave got the hook up cause suave got the cheese
Suave possesses connections and resources due to his wealth and influence.
And I got the bomb and MJG is in the tank
I possess high-quality drugs, and MJG is responsible for their distribution.
Posessin ya mind and then we blow up the bank
We will take control of your thoughts and actions, and then proceed to rob the bank explosively.
Yank yo hoe from the front row, and then jet out
I will forcefully retrieve your prostitute from the front row, and then swiftly depart.
When we get to the hotel, your bitch is on the house
Once we reach the hotel, your prostitute will be available for sexual activities free of charge.
Fuckin and suckin a pimpsta, fuckin and suckin a pimpsta
Engaging in sexual intercourse and oral sex with a pimp, engaging in sexual activities with a pimp.
What, we through, pass me that joint nigga
What, we are finished, please hand me that marijuana cigarette, my friend.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MARLON GOODWIN, MARLON J. GOODWIN, PREMRO SMITH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind