Beanie Sigel's name derives from the street in Philadelphia where he was raised, "Sigel Street," and "Beans" is what people used to call him as a child. Beanie also founded the group and label State Property as well as the clothing company.
Sigel's debut LP, The Truth, was released February 28, 2000 on Roc-A-Fella Records. The album received a gold plaque for hits like "The Truth" and "Remember The Days" featuring Eve. His second album The Reason was released in mid-2001. The Reason was lighter material compared to his debut album and introduced the world to his own rap group State Property. Beanie Sigel helped launch the careers of fellow Philly rappers Freeway, Peedi Crakk and the Young Gunz.
Around 2001, Beanie Sigel and Jadakiss of the Ruff Ryders were involved in a beef that stemmed from Jada claiming rappers from Beans' home city of Philly were simply signed because they were a hot fashion among major labels, which to some extent was true at the time. Sigel took offense to this, and they sent several tracks back and forth. Eventually Styles P. (D-Block} and Jay-Z got involved, and Beans even called out DMX, who never responded.
The beef went on even after Russell Simmons, owner at the time of Def Jam (the label which Roc-A-Fella was under and Ruff Ryders was affiliated with through DMX) made the two declare a brief truce and Jay-Z apologized to Jadakiss and bowed out. Disses finally stopped flying after Sigel released a scathing diss track over Jada's "Put Ya Hands Up" beat, recalling when the LOX wore shiny suits in a Bad Boy video, among other things.
Sigel also was involved in directing his first movie State Property, the popular direct-to-video film produced by Roc-A-Films. The State Property clothing line was also created by Sigel.
The third album The B. Coming was released on March 28, 2005 under Dame Dash Music Group and features production from The Neptunes, Just Blaze, and Bink!, among others, with guest appearances by State Property, Redman, Snoop Dogg and usual suspects Cam'ron and Jay-Z. The album was recorded in the weeks between his sentencing and imprisonment and was released after he was locked up; he was released a few months ago.
While he was in jail, it is said none of the State Property members except for Oschino Vazquez came to visit him. He told Dame to pass the word on that State Property was no longer in effect, until after he was released. When the split between Roc-A-Fella owners occured, Dame made it clear that Beanie's intentions were to move State Property to his new Dame Dash Music Group.
However, all members except for, again, Oschino, chose to go with Jay-Z. When questioned, they claimed they were signed by Jay and never needed State Property or Beanie Sigel to make them popular. When he was released from jail, Beans had a few choice words for his friends, claiming "I still love them like brothers...I just don't know if we can make music again."
It was thought that Beans had chosen to sign with Dame; however, this is unclear, as he was present at Jay-Z's I Declare War concert in 2005, and has said he now has his own State Property Records under Jay-Z's Def Jam.
In September, 2005, a jury acquitted him of charges that he nearly shot to death a man on a crowded city street two years ago. In August, Sigel left federal prison after serving nearly a year on a federal weapons charge that stemmed from a 2002 traffic stop in Philadelphia.
Sigel also has fallen behind in child-support payments. He was briefly jailed in November until he paid $27,000 in child support and $2,000 in fines, but seems to be paying off his debts.
With the case behind him, Sigel now plans to "make music, make movies and work on his clothing line," said his attorney, Fortunato N. Perri Jr. The case was the last in a series of criminal charges against Sigel, who has a long arrest record dating back to his days growing up in South Philadelphia.
On Tuesday, January 10, 2006, Sigel was convicted of assault for a fight in 2003. He agreed with the prosecutor's version of events, and was convicted of misdemeanor simple assault. He was immediately sentenced to two years probation plus $180 in court costs.
The charges stem from an argument between Sigel and a man who said the rapper punched him in both eyes, breaking his left eye socket, during a January 2003 argument outside a Chinese restaurant.
Beanie Sigel is the co-creator of "The Playpen", a new animated series with writer/producers, Brian Ash and Myles Reiff. The show follows the misadventures of a group of hard-headed tykes in a maximum security daycare center called, The State Nursery.
Tales Of A Hustler
Beanie Sigel Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sparks: Yeah
Beanie: Yeah, witness, Tales of a hustler
Sparks: I'm going to ride, nigga
Beanie: Ya know, this just the life we live, uh; this just the life we lead
Sparks: Yeah, yeah, gangsta
Beanie: Tales, tales
Sparks: Gangsta! Yeah
[Sparks]
Omillio Sparks, the young gun
My life as an adolescent, said I'll go through something
Other guys try to stand in my way like brick walls
So I kept guns in my palm like Messiah scripts in Psalms
I should fear no man but God
So, Lord knows we could get it on
Guns baptized guys testing my pride
Clearing my conscience in the liquor store
With a fifth of Thunderbird, but I be guzzling hard
Playing the corners with a washed-up old-head
Chant tunes by the Whispers
Same corner where I banged at with niggas
Cops drive by and grin on us
If they grabbed then
One of them nosy neighbors done snitched on us (Again?)
Hey, this game juicy got me puffing loosies
Every two days interrogated by the police
See, this life I live cost more than your Roley's money
It cost my homey Nook his whole life, ya heard me?
When he was here, it was easy to love him like a brother
Now that's he's gone I find it difficult to talk to his mother
I mean, what do you say to a woman
That's just lost her only son to the game and the gun, except
"Mami, I'm a ride for him."?
The look that she gave me like, "Sparks, you got some nerve."
'Cause most of these niggas don't keep their words
Now I'm under pressure
And I can't even break that type of promise
And y'all niggas paint that picture
Risking your freedom
On the strength of memories of him
The time he made you laugh
The time he bust his gat when them other niggas ran
How real is that?
Omillio Sparks, niggas, holla back
[Beanie]
Tales of a hustler
[Chorus x 2]
In this life you not promised tomorrow
So take the bitter with the sweet and maintain
In these vicious streets
Carry your heat, and keep your mind on your money
Life's a gamble; everybody got a number, homey
Tales of a hustler!
[Beanie]
I'm back to the block with it
Wait, let me clear that up
I'm back to the blocks that you get when your block get it
Get hard with that hot water when the pot hit it
Get large with a little water when you pop wit' it
I send hope to late scramblers
Sling coke to you late you scramblers
Go broke, sling soap to you late night scramblers
No joke, I'm a crook; catch hooks broke; late night gamblers
Look, you loose limbs when fuck with him
That be I strapped and high
FBI all on back, want to trap the guy
Got niggas in all black want to snatch my pies
Never that, too many gats
Too many guns
Too many vests
Tough guys, not too many left
Where they at?
Dead or locked behind bars in jail
I know I ain't too far from hell
I'll spit the devil these bars in hell
Dog, I been through it, son
Look at my scars and tell
Catch Mac in a Chevy truck slightly tented
No excuses on who might be in it
You know passenger twisting backwoods
Slightly spinning
Crack the window, the indo slightly scented
Splash of haze and hash lightly blended
Put the pressure on niggas who might be timid
Like, you got like a minute
To put the cash in this bag or ya ass just might be in it
In small piece, I'll snatch your family up
Start from tall nephews to your small nieces
Bitches
[Chorus]
The song Tales of a Hustler by Beanie Sigel featuring Omillio Sparks is a reflection of the harsh realities of the street life. The song starts with Sparks recounting his life as an adolescent and the challenges he faced, including people trying to stand in his way like brick walls. To protect himself, he kept guns in his palm. Sparks admits that he fears no man but God, and he is ready to get into it with anyone who tests his pride. He goes on to narrate how he played on the corners, struggled with addiction, and interacted with cops and nosy neighbors.
Beanie Sigel takes over and delivers a verse about his life as a hustler. He points out that he operates in a dangerous world where everything is a gamble, and everyone has a number. Beanie goes on to offer glimpses into his coke-slinging escapades, gunfights, and how he deals with enemies who might try to grab his lucrative business. He, too, acknowledges the danger of his ways, and that he might be far from heaven but within striking distance of hell.
Overall, the song is a gritty depiction of life in the streets, the compromises people make, and the dangers they face. However, the song is also an affirmation that, in this life, you are not promised tomorrow, so you have to make the most out of every moment.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah, Sparks in here, the truth in here
Introducing Omillio Sparks and the authenticity within the song
Yeah, witness, Tales of a hustler
Acknowledging the harsh reality of the hustling lifestyle
Ya know, this just the life we live, uh; this just the life we lead
Reiterating the fact that this is the only way of life they know
Tales, tales
Stressing the importance of sharing their story and experiences
Sugar coat
Rejecting any form of lying or glorification in their lyrics
My life as an adolescent, said I'll go through something
Reflecting on the struggles and challenges of growing up in a tough environment
Other guys try to stand in my way like brick walls
Encountering obstacles and opposition from rivals during his hustling career
So I kept guns in my palm like Messiah scripts in Psalms
Keeping firearms with him at all times to protect himself from danger
I should fear no man but God
Believing in a higher power and not letting fear control him
So, Lord knows we could get it on
Having no qualms about fighting or using violence when necessary for survival
Guns baptized guys testing my pride
Defending himself and his pride with his firearms
Clearing my conscience in the liquor store
Drinking alcohol to cope with the stress and guilt of his actions
With a fifth of Thunderbird, but I be guzzling hard
Drinking a cheap and strong alcoholic beverage to drown his sorrows
Playing the corners with a washed-up old-head
Hanging out on street corners with older and wiser individuals
Chant tunes by the Whispers
Listening to music by the soul group The Whispers for comfort
Same corner where I banged at with niggas
Frequenting the same location where he had previously engaged in gang-related activities
Cops drive by and grin on us
Being taunted by police officers who enjoy harassing and humiliating him and his peers
If they grabbed then
One of them nosy neighbors done snitched on us (Again?)
Being betrayed by people in his community who report criminal activity to law enforcement
Hey, this game juicy got me puffing loosies
Smoking cheap and loose cigarettes to cope with the stress of the lifestyle
Every two days interrogated by the police
Constantly being questioned by law enforcement about his involvement in criminal activities
See, this life I live cost more than your Roley's money
The hustling lifestyle comes at a high personal and emotional cost
It cost my homey Nook his whole life, ya heard me?
Reflecting on the tragic death of a friend as a result of their dangerous lifestyle
When he was here, it was easy to love him like a brother
Expressing affection for the friend who has passed away
Now that's he's gone I find it difficult to talk to his mother
Struggling to communicate with the grieving mother of his deceased friend
I mean, what do you say to a woman
That's just lost her only son to the game and the gun, except
"Mami, I'm a ride for him."?
Expressing condolences to the mother and promising to avenge her son's death
The look that she gave me like, "Sparks, you got some nerve."
'Cause most of these niggas don't keep their words
Feeling the weight of the responsibility he has promised to undertake
Now I'm under pressure
And I can't even break that type of promise
And y'all niggas paint that picture
Risking your freedom
On the strength of memories of him
Facing the pressure and difficulty of keeping his promise to the deceased friend, and acknowledging the sacrifices he must make for him
The time he made you laugh
The time he bust his gat when them other niggas ran
How real is that?
Commemorating the bravery and loyalty of his deceased friend in the face of danger
Omillio Sparks, niggas, holla back
Concluding Omillio Sparks' verse with an introduction of his own name
In this life you not promised tomorrow
Highlighting the unpredictability and danger of the hustling lifestyle
So take the bitter with the sweet and maintain
Accepting both the hardships and rewards of the lifestyle, and persevering through the struggles
In these vicious streets
Carry your heat, and keep your mind on your money
Advising others to stay armed and focused on making money in the dangerous streets
Life's a gamble; everybody got a number, homey
Comparing life to a game of chance where everyone has their own fate
I'm back to the block with it
Wait, let me clear that up
I'm back to the blocks that you get when your block get it
Get hard with that hot water when the pot hit it
Get large with a little water when you pop wit' it
Returning to selling drugs on the street and explaining his methods to maximize profit
I send hope to late scramblers
Sling coke to you late you scramblers
Go broke, sling soap to you late night scramblers
No joke, I'm a crook; catch hooks broke; late night gamblers
Offering drugs to those who need it, regardless of the time of day, and boasting about his skills as a drug dealer
Look, you loose limbs when fuck with him
warning others of the danger of crossing him
That be I strapped and high
FBI all on back, want to trap the guy
Being under constant surveillance by law enforcement and staying heavily-armed for protection
Got niggas in all black want to snatch my pies
Never that, too many gats
Too many guns
Too many vests
Refusing to allow anyone to steal from him, and showing off his arsenal of firearms and protective gear
Tough guys, not too many left
Where they at?
Dead or locked behind bars in jail
I know I ain't too far from hell
Acknowledging the dwindling number of intimidating gangsters, and recognizing the dangerous path he is on
I'll spit the devil these bars in hell
Dog, I been through it, son
Look at my scars and tell
Boasting about his toughness and resilience, and displaying his physical scars as evidence
Catch Mac in a Chevy truck slightly tented
No excuses on who might be in it
Driving a vehicle with tinted windows and not providing excuses for his passengers
You know passenger twisting backwoods
Slightly spinning
Crack the window, the indo slightly scented
Splash of haze and hash lightly blended
Smoking marijuana in the car with his friends and trying to mask the smell from law enforcement
Put the pressure on niggas who might be timid
Like, you got like a minute
To put the cash in this bag or ya ass just might be in it
Threatening people with violence and robbery if they don't comply with his demands
In small piece, I'll snatch your family up
Start from tall nephews to your small nieces
Bitches
Promising to harm and kidnap the loved ones of anyone who gets in his way or refuses to pay him
Tales of a hustler!
Concluding the song with a repeated emphasis on the brutal and unflinching reality of hustling and survival in the streets
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DWIGHT GRANT, MICHAEL J. CLERVOIX
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Al Darragi
[Beanie:] Yeah Sparks in here, The Truth in here
[Sparks:] Yeah
[Beanie:] Yeah - Witness - Tales of a Hustler
[Sparks:] Im going to ride nigga
[Beanie:] Ya Know - This just the life we live uh, this just the life we lead
[Sparks:] Yeah Yeah Gangsta
[Beanie:] Tales tales
[Sparks:] Gangsta! Yeah
[Sparks:] Sugar coat
[Sparks]
Omillio Sparks the young gun
My life as an adolescent said I'll go through something
Other guys try to stand in my way like brick walls
So I kept guns in my palm like Mesiah scripts in Psalms
I should fear no man but God
So lord knows we could get it on
Guns baptized guys testing my pride
Clearing my conscience in the liquor store
With a fifth of Thunderbird but I be guzzling hard
Playing the corners with a washed up old-head
Chant tunes by the Whispers
Same corner where I banged at with niggaz
Cops drive by and grin on us
If they grabbed then
one of them nosey neighbors done snitched on us (Again?)
Hey this game juicy got me puffing looseys
Every two days interigated by the police
See, this life I live cost more than your Roley's money
It cost my homie Nook his whole life, ya heard me?
When he was here it was easy to love him like a brother
Now thats he's gone I find it difficult to talk to his mother
I mean - What do you say to a woman
That's just lost her only son to the game and the gun, except mami
"I'ma ride for him"
The look that she gave me "Like Sparks you got some nerve
Cause most of these niggas dont keep their words
Now I'm under pressure
And I cant even break that type of promise
and y'all niggas paint that picture
Risking your freedom
On the strength of memories of him
The time he made you laugh
The time he bust his gat when them other niggas ran
How real is that?
Omillio Sparks niggas holla back
[Beanie:] TALES - OF - A - HUSTLER
[Chorus: Sparks - repeat 2X]
In this life you not promised tommorow
So take the bitter with the sweet and maintain
In these vicious streets
Carry your heat and keep your mind on your money
Life's a gamble everybody got a number homie
TALES OF A HUSTLER
[Beanie]
I'm back to the block with it
Wait let me clear that up
I'm back to the blocks that you get when your block get it
Get hard with that hot water when the pot hit it
Get large with a little water when you pop wip it
I send hope to late scramblers
Sling coke to you late you scramblers
Go broke sling soap to you late night scramblers
No joke, I'm a crook, catch hooks broke, late night gamblers
Look - you loose limbs when fuck with him
That be I strapped and high
FBI all on back want to trap the guy
Got niggas in all black want to snatch my pies
Never that too many gats
Too many guns
Too many vest
Tough guys not to many left
Where they at?
Dead or locked behind bars in jail
I know I aint too far from hell
I'll spit the devil these bars in hell
Dog I been through it son
Look at my scars and tell
Catch Mac in a Chevy truck slightly tented
No excuses on who might be in it
You know passenger twisting backwoods
Slightly spinning
Crack the window the indo slightly scented
Splash of haze and hash lightly blented
Put the pressure on niggas who might be timid
Like, you got like a minute
To put the cash in this bag or ya ass just might be in it
In small piece, I'll snatch your family up
Start from tall nephews to your small nieces
Bitches
[Chorus]
Anthony Jackson
sparks had one of the hardest verses I've ever heard in my life💯💯💯💪
Bailey Sincere
Facts kid he went crazy on that verse
Gordy Gunnz
Big facts
T.C.O.G.
You ain't lying
Concrete Wave
Facts
Kashawn McMahand
Sparks snapped on this shit 💯💯💯
Raised Off Neglect Programming
Sparks verse still gives me chills 🔥 ...No im under preasure
tick 2000
Spark’s verse has the best energy I’ve ever heard on a Hip-Hop track
Nyn Slade
🔥
Daniel Carrillo
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