9th was then tapped to produce a track on Jay-Z's Black Album, which became his first major label placement. From there, 9th Wonder produced 3 songs for the R&B Super group Destiny's Child on the album "Destiny Fulfilled ("Girl", "Is She the Reason", "Game Over"), won a Grammy with Mary J. Blige for her album The BreakThrough ("Good Woman Down"), Erykah Badu's "Honey", and "20 Feet Tall" on the album New Amerykah 1 and 2, Ludacris' "Do the Right Thang", a song featuring Common and Spike Lee, and most recently David Banner on the album Death of a Popstar. 9th will also be working with Drake for the second time on his sophomore album release. 9th also has 3 albums with Murs, an Emcee that hails from MidCity, CA, in which all three albums have received critical acclaim.
9th was chosen by Aaron McGruder to score music for the critically acclaimed series "The Boondocks". He has endorsed companies such as M-Audio Electronics, FL Studio, LRG Clothing Company, and Creative Recreation Shoe Company. 9th Wonder was one of 12 individuals selected by The Pepsi Corporation for the African American Calender, "The First Of Many". 9th has also worked on an album with Hollywood actor Idris Elba.
He is the president, founder and CEO of It's a Wonderful World Music Group, which focuses on catering to the 28 to 40 year old demographic of hip-hop music lovers, 9th Wonder hosts a radio show along with Kyle Santillian on Soul 104.5 FM in Fayetteville, NC called "TRUE SCHOOL RADIO" playing the first 24 years of hip-hop, along with 80's R&B, and New Jack Swing.
9th Wonder and six other individuals founded the True School Corporation in 2006 to celebrate the music, culture, and film of 70's babies and The Spike Lee Era. In the United States there are millions of Black Americans between the ages of 28-40 that grew up in a time where hip-hop was diverse, informative, and soulful. These same individuals have gone on to become doctors, lawyers, accountants, dentists, etc., and still have a love of what hip-hop used to be. The media has demonized hip-Hop in the last 10 years; so many Black Americans tend to shy away from the picture that the media has created for hip-hop. True School has changed the minds of the generation before us (50's and 60's babies) and let them know that emcees such as Chuck D, Rakim, KRS-One, The Native Tongues, Outkast, and countless other has had much of an effect on our lives as our teachers and educators.
9th believes in the preservation of Black Music throughout all its divisions (jazz, gospel, funk, soul, afrobeat, hip-hop), and its connections to music enthnocology and the African diaspora. 9th was recently appointed the National Ambassador For Hip-Hop Relations and Culture for the NAACP by Ben Jealous, President of The NAACP, where he leads a board of PhD's, Hip-Hop Artists, and Juris Doctorates. 9th was recently interviewed by Neill McNeill of FOX 8 News in The Piedmont, NC, for a segment entitled "NewsMaker", to showcase North Carolinians who are making a difference in the community. 9th Wonder is also a member of the Zulu Nation, a hip-hop peace organization started by Afrika Bambaataa in 1973.
9th was appointed Artist in Residence by former North Carolina Central University Chancellor James Ammons (now President of Florida A&M University) in the fall of 2006. An Artist in Residence is someone involved heavily in the music industry to conduct a course or seminar of a particular subject. He was approached by Dr. Kawachi Clemons, PhD of Education, to develop a course called "Hip Hop in Context, 1973-1997, a study of the development and cultural history of Hip-Hop starting with James Brown in the late 1960's, going all the way to death of The Notorious B.I.G. in 1997. He is now currently an Adjunct Professor at Duke University while still traveling the country lecturing at different universities.
"You have to see one to be one." Hip-Hop is now making its 20yr generational turn, and there are a new breed of artists who are children of the first hip-hop generation, that have studied that generation's sound, look, and feel. "If the younger generation. . . " he continues. With President Barack Obama's message, and the new movement of hip-hop hipsters. . . "Along with several colleagues, I plan to have Summits, Festivals, and lecture panel series throughout the year, to show kids the true manifestation of the hip-hop culture and lifestyles," 9th says.
"Hip-Hop is the voice of at least 2 generations. At one time, it was the POSITIVE voice, as stated earlier. Chuck D was the black history teacher I never had, along with countless other black Americans my age. It can be that again, but with the right voices and the right players. As the late Curtis Mayfield said, "We must educate and Well as Entertain."
Shorty Left
9th Wonder Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm out for my dough, cause I ain't doing what you said
Spread rumors like butter on the bread
I'm out for my dough, cause I ain't doing what you said
This is my life, my L-I-F-E
I ain't leave my wife, my wife left me
I was on my grind; G-R-I-N-D
What that mean? That mean everything all mine
And the check's all good, but it's not all the time
I'm under the impression that you get it
But you still leave me hanging like a necklace, fine
I'mma do mine, I mean do me
If you need a checkup you should find an MD
Until then, my prescription is how to act right
Hold me down and not back, right
See, I was thinking about you last night
Hoping that you would see the real, no flashlight
Let me ask you like, a few questions
The first one is, 'Why the hell do you stress?' and the second where the checks went
This is me and you, on the grind too
You should have my son. Why? So he could shine too
Why you never satisfied? But you advertise
Walk the streets with your peeps and talk a lot of lies
Spread rumors like butter on the bread
I'm out for my dough, cause I ain't doing what you said
I'm out for my dough, cause I ain't doing what you said
I'm out for my dough, cause I ain't doing what you said
Spread rumors like butter on the bread
I'm out for my dough, cause I ain't doing what you said
I supported dreams and everything that you wanted
But what about my own? Ain't got the family I wanted
I know your grind keep the lights on, a roof over us
Refrigerator's full but I wanna drive a new Rover
And how we gon' have a son and you ain't never home for me?
Maybe you should think of going major cause these indie G's
Don't keep me pleased in the latest fashions from Fendi
I can't have my son growing up eating Wendy's
You a good man, never cheated on me, yeah true that
And we living comfortable but I want you to be famous
Me and that money take family trips to the Caymans
Okay man, I get it though, you ain't really so with that
So I ain't with you no more, make a choice or I'm leaving
It's me or the music, go major, extend your Visas
I know you're happy, but for real, I think you'd better please us
If I ain't happy then you won't never be happy neither
I'm out for my dough, cause I ain't doing what you said
I'm out for my dough, cause I ain't doing what you said
Spread rumors like butter on the bread
I'm out for my dough, cause I ain't doing what you said
The lyrics of 9th Wonder's "Shorty Left" tell a story of a conflicted relationship between two individuals who have different aspirations in life. The singer, who is focused on pursuing financial success ("out for my dough"), refuses to conform to societal expectations or follow the directives of their partner. The phrase "I'm out for my dough, cause I ain't doing what you said" repeats throughout the song, emphasizing the singer's determination to carve their own path.
The song highlights the contrast between the singer's independent mindset and their partner's desire for stability and conventional success. The partner, seeking fame and material wealth, urges the singer to make it big in the music industry ("Maybe you should think of going major cause these indie G's don't keep me pleased"). They believe that the singer's dedication to their craft should also benefit the family's lifestyle. The partner expresses frustration at the singer's focus on their own dreams and desires, as they feel neglected and unfulfilled.
The lyrics also touch upon the sacrifices the singer has made for the relationship. They supported their partner's dreams and aspirations but yearn for their own fulfillment and recognition ("But what about my own? Ain't got the family I wanted"). The singer's financial success is not enough for their partner, who desires a lavish lifestyle and the prestige that comes with it. They view the singer's indie status as a hindrance to attaining that desired lifestyle, which results in their ultimatum to choose between the relationship or the pursuit of music.
In the final paragraph, it becomes clear that the partner's dissatisfaction has led to the end of the relationship. The singer acknowledges their partner's unhappiness and desires, highlighting the phrase "If I ain't happy then you won't never be happy neither." They recognize the need for both parties to find their own fulfillment and happiness, even if it means going separate ways ("So I ain't with you no more, make a choice or I'm leaving"). The song reflects the tension between personal aspirations and the sacrifices required in relationships, ultimately questioning whether compromise is possible.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm out for my dough, cause I ain't doing what you said
I prioritize my financial success because I refuse to comply with your demands
Spread rumors like butter on the bread
I frequently gossip and spread false information
This is my life, my L-I-F-E
I am referring to my own personal existence
I ain't leave my wife, my wife left me
Contrary to popular belief, my wife was the one who ended our relationship
I was on my grind; G-R-I-N-D
I was working tirelessly to achieve my goals
She said she heard of labels but mines was indie
She was aware of the music industry, but my record label was independent
What that mean? That mean everything all mine
This implies that I have complete control over all aspects of my career
And the check's all good, but it's not all the time
Although I receive payment for my work, it is not consistent
I'm under the impression that you get it
I believe that you understand my perspective
But you still leave me hanging like a necklace, fine
However, you continue to disregard me, which is disappointing
I'mma do mine, I mean do me
I will focus on my own needs and desires
If you need a checkup you should find an MD
If you require guidance or evaluation, consult a medical professional
Until then, my prescription is how to act right
For now, my advice is to behave appropriately
Hold me down and not back, right
Support me and encourage my progress
See, I was thinking about you last night
I contemplated our relationship extensively
Hoping that you would see the real, no flashlight
I desired for you to perceive the truth without any assistance
Let me ask you like, a few questions
Allow me to inquire about a couple of things
The first one is, 'Why the hell do you stress?' and the second where the checks went
Firstly, why do you worry so much? And secondly, what happened to the money?
This is me and you, on the grind too
We are both actively pursuing success
You should have my son. Why? So he could shine too
You should bear my child so that he can also achieve greatness
Why you never satisfied? But you advertise
Why are you constantly dissatisfied, yet you display a facade of contentment
Walk the streets with your peeps and talk a lot of lies
You roam the streets with your friends, engaging in deceitful conversations
I supported dreams and everything that you wanted
I fully supported your aspirations and desires
But what about my own? Ain't got the family I wanted
However, what about my own dreams? I do not have the family life I desired
I know your grind keep the lights on, a roof over us
I acknowledge that your hard work provides for our basic needs
Refrigerator's full but I wanna drive a new Rover
Although our refrigerator is stocked, I desire a luxury car
And how we gon' have a son and you ain't never home for me?
How can we raise a child if you are seldom present for me?
Maybe you should think of going major cause these indie G's
Perhaps you should consider pursuing a record deal with a major label
Don't keep me pleased in the latest fashions from Fendi
Your independent endeavors fail to provide me with the newest Fendi fashion
I can't have my son growing up eating Wendy's
I do not want our child to be raised on fast food like Wendy's
You a good man, never cheated on me, yeah true that
You are a faithful partner, and I acknowledge that
And we living comfortable but I want you to be famous
Although we live a comfortable life, I desire for you to achieve fame
Me and that money take family trips to the Caymans
With both you and the wealth, our family would enjoy vacations in the Cayman Islands
Okay man, I get it though, you ain't really so with that
Alright, I understand that you are not interested in pursuing a more mainstream career
So I ain't with you no more, make a choice or I'm leaving
Therefore, I am no longer in a relationship with you. Decide or I will depart
It's me or the music, go major, extend your Visas
You must choose between me and your music career. Pursue a major label and extend your visas
I know you're happy, but for real, I think you'd better please us
I know you are content, but honestly, I believe you should prioritize satisfying our needs
If I ain't happy then you won't never be happy neither
If I am not content, you will also never experience true happiness
Spread rumors like butter on the bread
I frequently gossip and spread false information
I'm out for my dough, cause I ain't doing what you said
I prioritize my financial success because I refuse to comply with your demands
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jcubicle
Why is these type of songs not on the radio???? Instant classic hits!!!
@pimpinnevaslipin
The beat is insane. .. . . good job with lyrics Buckshot
@Vintage27
dope track, great work! this is what hip-hop is missing like hell
@clanman36
Man this sounds nice!! My 'The Solution' pre-order CD should be here this Saturday!! Don't forget to cop that!!
@DobroBad
WORDUP!! NUFF RESPECT KING BUCKSHOT BIG UP RAPSODY
@BrentDThurman
amazing concept. at first only 9ths beats & K Price's visual kept threw the first 2 verses (being honest) then Rap's 3rd verse made it all make sense & just tied together, beautiful piece of art. #jamla/duckDown connect killin it
@XxStreetShredderxX
Gotta love those call and response type of songs.
@Elmer1953
Fuckin hot, can't wait for this album and the new murs album, both sound amazing already!
@GodBlessHipHop
amazing song and great quality on the video ..
@versatylepoetry
real life rap....love it!