Early life
Christopher "Doogie" Dorsey was a normal kid growing up in the 13th Ward of New Orleans which is Uptown. In elementary school, young Dorsey rapped as a hobby. When Dorsey was 12, his father was murdered in a robbery, and young Dorsey drifted into street life. Dorsey began selling marijuana, cocaine, and eventually heroin — to which he later became addicted.
This time, local independent rap label Cash Money Records was looking for new talent, and Dorsey was recommended to the label by his barber, who also happened to cut the hair of the Cash Money CEO brothers Brian "Baby" Williams and Ronald "Slim" Williams. After an impromptu audition, Dorsey was signed to the budding label. His first effort was True Story, album as a part of The B.G.'z, group whom he formed with another preteen rapper, Baby D (who will later become Lil Wayne). Originally his moniker was "Doogie" or "Gangsta D", but since "True Story" was considered his solo CD, pseudonym B.G. stuck to him.
Music career
The second youngest artist signed to Cash Money Records, Dorsey, given the stage name "B.G." ("Baby Gangsta"), released his debut LP, True Story, in 1992 at the young age of 12. (Lil Wayne signed at 11) As the only Cash Money artist to survive several roster purges, B.G. was instrumental in helping carry Cash Money to regional fame. Multi-millionaire label head Brian Williams, who also became an artist for the label under the name "Baby", allowed B.G. to catapult to success.
His 1996 release Chopper City is considered a southern classic and sold 147,000 copies independently. He was only 15 years old when he recorded the album. The next year, he released the albums It's All on U, Vol. 1 and It's All on U, Vol. 2 when Cash Money signed a $30 million deal with Universal in 1997, B.G. went to work on his seminal Chopper City in the Ghetto LP. The album spawned the massive hit "Bling Bling", which, along with Juvenile's "Back That Azz Up", made Cash Money a nation wide success. "Bling Bling" also became a popular hip-hop slang term for any sort of expensive jewelry, automobiles, or other forms of opulence, which were featured heavily in Cash Money videos and on Cash Money album covers, as well as in B.G.'s life. He began wearing multiple Rolex watches and large necklaces while flashing his solid gold teeth in celebration of his success and extreme wealth.
B.G. remained with Cash Money for the rest of the 1990s, and was a member of the Hot Boys with Juvenile, Lil' Wayne, and Turk. He left the label in early 2001 after disputes with Brian "Baby" Williams over personal issues (B.G. recently claimed that Williams used his heroin addiction to control him and cheat him out of royalties, for which he is now suing), and later signed an independent deal for his Chopper City Records label with Koch Records. In 2001, he attended a drug treatment program in Minnesota for his heroin addiction. In 2003, the Hot Boys came off a 4-year hiatus and released Let 'Em Burn. Later in 2003, B.G. left Cash Money again, this time on bad terms with his boss Baby and longtime friend Lil' Wayne. He went on to release his first offering on the Koch label entitled Living Legend, which was sold as a 2-disc set. In 2004, he released Life After Cash Money. In 2005, he released The Heart of Tha Streetz Vol. 1. He also helped record "Y'all Heard of Me" with C-Murder.
B.G. currently lives in Detroit, Michigan, running his Chopper City Records label as the C.E.O. He's a veteran in the hip-hop industry at only the age of 25 and he says he's not going to stop rapping anytime soon. He recently released his latest LP, The Heart Of Tha Streetz, Vol. 2, and his new single "Move Around" featuring Mannie Fresh. It marks the first time B.G. has worked with Mannie Fresh since they were labelmates at Cash Money Records years ago, and may well mean a boost to B.G.'s career commercially.
B.G. is one of four superstar members who left Cash Money after 2003 along with Juvenile, Mannie Fresh, and Turk. Although they have all gone their separate ways, all four remain good friends and still keep in touch. There are rumors of a Hot Boyz reunion in the future, minus Lil' Wayne and Baby. Juveniles top song, "Whats happenin'" has a Mannie Fresh remix which includes Juvenile, B.G., and Mannie. This may be the closest to a "Hot Boys" reunion.
B.G. has recently inked a deal with Atlantic Records and T.I. has been appointed executive producer of B.G.'s new album which is scheduled for a fall release. After spending time there on and off, B.G. permanently relocated to Detroit in 2005 as a result of Hurricane Katrina.
In 2006, Trina release a mixtape diss in which she humiliated B.G. along with Gillie da Kid and southern rapping rival Khia. The mixtape was recorded in response to a statement made by B.G. where he claimed Trina had a sexual relationship with both Baby and Lil' Wayne, whom are both rappers. Trina is currently involved with Lil' Wayne. Trina referred to B.G. as a "Cash Money reject" and a "street n*g*a beefin' with a chick." B.G. responded (along with VL Mike) with a mixtape track "Just A Warning 'Till My Album Drop" (set to the beat of DJ Drama's "Cannon Remix", which Lil' Wayne collaborated on.)
Rollin' Raw
B.G. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You ain't thuggin' if you ain't ridin' on chrome now
Get yo' shine on and chase yo' riches
You wanna roll raw, drop yo' Benz on twenty inches
I get that noise out these busters in anything I ride
It's gonna have TV's in it, chrome on it, wood inside
I got a variety of cars I can drive in
I don't be slippin', I be on the issue believe me
Top of the line Rollie on my wrist when ya see me
I want to be chauffeured in a Bentley
Haters can't take that so they plottin' to flip me
But I'ma shake that, a million dollars, I'm tryna make that
These baller blockin' rookies they hate that
I don't wear nothin' cheap, from my head to my feet
Twenty on my wrist, ten on my Cash Money piece
You can't help but hear my name ringin' on the streets
From gettin' my ball on, to nailin' ya old lady
You can try to look at my grill, get blind, playa
All week long I like to shine, playa
Get yo' shine on, playa, it's on now
You ain't thuggin' if you ain't ridin' on chrome now
Get yo' shine on and chase yo' riches
You wanna roll raw, drop yo' Lex' on twenty inches
Get yo' shine on, playa, it's on now
You ain't thuggin' if you ain't ridin' on chrome now
Get yo' shine on and chase yo' riches
You wanna roll raw, drop yo' truck on twenty inches
Juvenile give me a ride in the drop-top cut, dawg
Let's creep downtown I know some girls who gon twerk, dawg
Keep yo' phone on, around eight I'ma call
We gon' clique up and drop it off in these broad's draws
They only wanna see a hot boy broke 'em down
I'ma represent because I'm from that Uptown
Plug get iced up, do what you gon' do then let's split
Because it's goin' down on Freret and Washington
I follow you in the Suburb with the fifth rim
Chrome grill, wood grain, stern wheel
Baby Gangsta is worth six figures plus
I'm thinkin' 'bout a Lexus truck For Christmas
I'ma put TV's in both of they headrests
Women live to please me I can't say I'm not blessed, fresh
Look what rap got us, look what rap done bought us
We followin' each other in two big body's on brauders
Get yo' shine on, playa, it's on now
You ain't thuggin' if you ain't ridin' on chrome now
Get yo' shine on, playa, chase yo' riches
You wanna roll raw, drop yes, on twenty inches
Get yo' shine on, it's on now
You ain't thuggin' if you ain't ridin' on chrome now
Get yo' shine on, playa, chase yo' riches
You wanna roll raw, drop yes, on twenty inches
I'm gettin' my ball on like I'm in the NBA
Hustlin' for a mil' I do dat every day
Me and my whole clique all week just shinnin'
House's and fancy car's, all Big Tymers buyin'
Lyin' to these broads 'cause we got it like that
Black on black army truck, we ridin' like that
None of us want for nothin', black brother's gettin' rich
We always follow this motto, "Trick's ain't it"
Baby, don't like to brag but he just bouht a Jag'
Ferrari and a Lamborghini with a TV on the dash
That thing there fast and it's off the hook
We don't carry cash, we all tote a check book
Leavin' haters in the dust, competition shook
Step aside on yo' own or whoadie'll get pushed
Get yo' shine on, playa, it's on now
You ain't thuggin' if you ain't ridin' on chrome now
Get yo' shine on, playa, chase yo' riches
You wanna roll raw, drop yo' Benz on twenty inches
Get yo' shine on, playa, it's on now
You ain't thuggin' if you ain't ridin' on chrome now
Get yo' shine on, playa, chase yo' riches
You wanna roll raw, drop yo' Lexus on twenty inches
Get yo' shine on, get yo' shine on
G-g-g-get yo'
Get yo' shine on, playa, it's on now
You ain't thuggin' if you ain't ridin' on chrome now
Get yo' shine on, playa, chase yo' riches
You wanna roll raw, drop yo' truck on twenty inches
Get yo' shine on, playa, oh, it's on now
You ain't thuggin' if you ain't ridin' on chrome now
Get yo' shine on, chase yo' riches
You wanna roll raw, drop yo' Rove' on twenty inches
Get yo' shine on, get yo' shine on (shine, shine)
Shine, shine, shine
Shine, shine, shine
Shine, shine, shine
Shine, shine, shine
The lyrics in B.G.'s "Rollin' Raw" convey a message about financial prosperity, riding on fancy cars, and living the good life. The song emphasizes that people should "get their shine on" and flaunt their riches by driving vehicles with modified wheels or "riding on chrome" and using expensive watches or "rollies" as statements of their success. The song suggests that financial wealth is the key to being accepted into a particular lifestyle, and this idea is emphasized in musical terms by the consistent repetition of the lyrics "get yo' shine on" throughout the song. B.G. also mentions his wish to be chauffeured in a Bentley and drives home the point that he only wears expensive clothes and jewelry.
Moreover, B.G.'s song isn't just about the good life; it is also about beating the haters and striving to become a millionaire. He is aware that many people are plotting against him because of his success, but he refuses to let them bother him. He is fixated on reaching the millionaire status and purchases more lavish cars like the Lexus, Ferrari, and Lamborghini.
Overall, B.G.'s "Rollin' Raw" is a celebration of the good life and the wealth it can bring, particularly in the context of the hip hop industry. The song shows that financial success can be quickly achieved, and once it is, people should show off all their possessions, particularly through their choice of customized cars and expensive jewelry.
Line by Line Meaning
Get yo' shine on, playa, it's on now
It's time to show off, my friend
You ain't thuggin' if you ain't ridin' on chrome now
You're not living the thug life if you don't have flashy rims
Get yo' shine on and chase yo' riches
Pursue monetary success and flaunt it
You wanna roll raw, drop yo' Benz on twenty inches
To really live it up, put your Mercedes on big rims
I get that noise out these busters in anything I ride
No matter what vehicle I'm in, I intimidate my enemies
It's gonna have TV's in it, chrome on it, wood inside
My ride is luxurious with televisions, chrome accents, and a wooden interior
I got a variety of cars I can drive in
I have a collection of cars to choose from
I'm B. G. so whatever it is I'm gonna shine in
I'm B.G., so I'm destined to be dazzling
I don't be slippin', I be on the issue believe me
I'm always on top of my game
Top of the line Rollie on my wrist when ya see me
I wear a top quality Rolex on my wrist
I want to be chauffeured in a Bentley
I dream of being driven around in a Bentley
Haters can't take that so they plottin' to flip me
Jealous people may try to harm me because of my success
But I'ma shake that, a million dollars, I'm tryna make that
But I'm not worried, I'm focused on making a million dollars
These baller blockin' rookies they hate that
These inexperienced players are envious of my success
I don't wear nothin' cheap, from my head to my feet
I always dress in expensive clothing from head to toe
Twenty on my wrist, ten on my Cash Money piece
My watch costs $20,000 and my Cash Money medallion costs $10,000
You can't help but hear my name ringin' on the streets
My name is famous and everyone knows it
From gettin' my ball on, to nailin' ya old lady
From pursuing my dreams to sleeping with your woman
You can try to look at my grill, get blind, playa
You'll be blinded by the sight of my shiny grill
All week long I like to shine, playa
All week long I like to flaunt my wealth and success
You wanna roll raw, drop yo' Lex' on twenty inches
If you want to be cool, put your Lexus on flashy rims
You wanna roll raw, drop yo' truck on twenty inches
Put your truck on big rims if you want to live in style
Juvenile give me a ride in the drop-top cut, dawg
Juvenile, can you give me a ride in your convertible, my friend?
Let's creep downtown I know some girls who gon twerk, dawg
Let's sneak downtown, I know some girls who will dance provocatively for us
Keep yo' phone on, around eight I'ma call
Keep your phone nearby, I'll call you around 8 p.m.
We gon' clique up and drop it off in these broad's draws
We'll hang out and then have sex with these women
They only wanna see a hot boy broke 'em down
They only want to be with a man who is rich and famous
I'ma represent because I'm from that Uptown
I will always represent my hometown of Uptown
Plug get iced up, do what you gon' do then let's split
Let's get our jewelry and then leave
Because it's goin' down on Freret and Washington
Because exciting things are happening on Freret and Washington streets
I follow you in the Suburb with the fifth rim
I'll ride behind you in the Suburban with the extra-large rims
Chrome grill, wood grain, stern wheel
My car has a shiny grill, wooden interior, and distinctive steering wheel
Baby Gangsta is worth six figures plus
I am worth over $100,000 as Baby Gangsta
I'm thinkin' 'bout a Lexus truck For Christmas
I'm considering buying a Lexus truck for the upcoming holiday
I'ma put TV's in both of they headrests
I'll install televisions in both of the headrests for my passengers
Women live to please me I can't say I'm not blessed, fresh
Women are eager to please me and I feel grateful and refreshed
Look what rap got us, look what rap done bought us
Look at all the things we have because of our success in music
We followin' each other in two big body's on brauders
We're driving two large cars on Broad Street, following each other
Get yo' shine on, playa, chase yo' riches
Show off and work towards gaining riches
You wanna roll raw, drop yes, on twenty inches
To live extravagantly, put your vehicle on big rims
I'm gettin' my ball on like I'm in the NBA
I'm living lavishly like a professional basketball player
Hustlin' for a mil' I do dat every day
I'm working hard to earn a million dollars every day
Me and my whole clique all week just shinnin'
All week long, my friends and I are showing off our success
House's and fancy car's, all Big Tymers buyin'
Big Tymers like myself are purchasing mansions and expensive cars
Lyin' to these broads 'cause we got it like that
I'm lying to these women about being in a relationship because of my wealth and fame
Black on black army truck, we ridin' like that
We're driving a black-on-black army truck in style
None of us want for nothin', black brother's gettin' rich
None of us lack anything as black men who are becoming wealthy
We always follow this motto, 'Trick's ain't it'
We live by the motto that tricks are foolish and a waste of time
Baby, don't like to brag but he just bouht a Jag'
I prefer not to brag, but I recently purchased a Jaguar
Ferrari and a Lamborghini with a TV on the dash
I own both a Ferrari and a Lamborghini with a television installed in the dashboard
That thing there fast and it's off the hook
My car is both quick and impressive
We don't carry cash, we all tote a check book
We don't carry cash and instead write checks for our purchases
Leavin' haters in the dust, competition shook
We're leaving our jealous competitors behind in the dust
Step aside on yo' own or whoadie'll get pushed
Get out of the way or someone will push you aside
Get yo' shine on, get yo' shine on
Keep showing off and looking your best
G-g-g-get yo'
Get ready to shine
Shine, shine, shine
Keep shining brightly
Lyrics © Ultra Tunes, Universal Music Publishing Group, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: Byron O. Thomas, Christopher Noel Dorsey, Bryan Williams
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind