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 He told Dame to pass the word on that State Property was no longer in effect, until after he was released.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.
What Your Life Like
Beanie Sigel Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But at the end, I ain't seen lots of pots of gold
I seen a long cell block, the box, the hold
Six hundred fenced in - some innocent, some rotten souls
Some men with men - stop it, whoa
I ain't runnin up in shit but a broad on her back
Tryin to cop a small hammer, move out like +Shawshank+
With +Redemptions+, I got my mind on revenges
I'm movin out like Adebisi on +Oz+
With my skully on tilt, two whacks in my palm
Posted up in the yard, everyday I think of pokin the guard
Throw a crack a nigga turnin me in
Tryin to crack a nigga turnin me thin
Food soakin in lard, news fools get opened in cards
With (?), in this prison life, what you livin like?
Can you tell me what you live like?
Can you tell me what that bed like, what's that cell like?
What's livin in hell like? Tell me do you eat right?
Do you even sleep right?
Yo, tell me what your life like
Tell me do you sleep nights, tell me what that life like?
Gettin no kites like, no flicks like
Make you wanna quit life
Them four letters is a motherfucker
That's forever like a motherfucker
Without a letter from a motherfucker?
It ain't even bout the cheddar from a motherfucker
Write a kite, some flicks from a motherfucker
Some drawers, some socks, some kicks from a motherfucker
I can't believe I'm doin this bid for you motherfuckers
I'm down for another joker case
I was dealt this hand, and I'ma play it with my poker face
On the block ready to POKE a face
I got an L goin around with a smokin case?
You steal the deoderant out of CVS, you locked for retail theft
I got it body half a block stolen DT vest
My rap sheet read three D abreast
Dangerous, duct tape daughters
I take to the street, like a duck take to water
Get your duck game in order
My bust game in order, I fluffs 'caine with water
Can you tell me what you live like?
Can you tell me what that bed like, what's that cell like?
What's livin in hell like? Tell me do you eat right?
Do you even sleep right?
Yo, tell me what your life like
Tell me do you sleep nights, tell me what that life like?
Gettin no kites like, no flicks like
Make you wanna quit life
That's fucked up, you bout to take your longest trip
And can't do shit, but suck it up, be strong and shit
Handcuffed, ankle to wrist, in back of the bus
Flashbacks of you back in the world
Can't fuck now you thinkin bout who in back of your girl
Got her ass up (kill this bitch) playin your crib
Thinkin bout who raisin your kids
Shit was all good a week ago, 'fore they came and raided your crib
6 30 In the morning, they kick your door in
Feds pour in, snatch you out your bed while you snorin
You unaware of what's goin on and
Come to find out, clients you had for years, turned to foreman
Told the law about the drops you make
How your clientele first started to escalate
Givin him keys to your crib, was your next mistake
At that dinner table, breakin out that extra plate
You can't turn a career addict off his coke habit
Put him on post with the toast that promote static
Back to the operation, they got you locked at the station
Fuck your back time, you worryin about what you facin
Heart racin, situation gettin scary
Old clients are showin up, at the preliminary
D.A. tryin to bury a nigga to Neveruary, 31st
God damn, that gotta hurt
The song "What Your Life Like" by Beanie Sigel is an introspective reflection of the rapper's real-life experiences. He paints a vivid picture of life in prison, emphasizing the harsh realities and depressing conditions that inmates endure every day. The lyrics are full of raw emotions, conveying the anger, frustration, and hopelessness that come with being locked up. Beanie Sigel takes on a critical tone, challenging those who brag about their "gangsta" lifestyles and reminding them that life in the streets is nothing compared to what goes on behind bars.
The song is a powerful commentary on the American prison system, which has come under increasing scrutiny in recent years. Beanie Sigel's lyrics speak to the need for reform and rehabilitation instead of punishment and dehumanization. He exposes the flaws and injustices of a system that too often fails the people it is meant to protect. Through his lyrics, Beanie Sigel demands that we take a hard look at ourselves and our society, and work towards true justice for all.
In summary, "What Your Life Like" is a poignant and thought-provoking song that speaks to the harsh realities of life in prison and the need for reform. It stands as a testament to Beanie Sigel's talent as a rapper and his passion for social justice.
Line by Line Meaning
(What your life like)
Asking about someone's life experiences
(Mines is real)
My life is authentic and genuine
(What your life like)
Asking about someone's life experiences
Niggas want to know if Beanie Sigel life is real
People question the authenticity of Beanie Sigel's life
Nigga twenty-five ta life is real
Beanie Sigel has served a real prison sentence
I get a body, take me right ta jail
Beanie Sigel would go to jail immediately if he committed a murder
I know what it's like in hell
Beanie Sigel has experienced the worst situations
I did a stretch in a triflin' cell
Beanie Sigel has spent time in a terrible cell
What you know about twenty-three and one
Beanie Sigel has experienced being locked up for almost a whole day
Locked down all day, underground, neva seein' the sun
Beanie Sigel has been locked up all day, without ever seeing sunlight
Vision stripped from you, neva seein' your son
Beanie Sigel couldn't see his family while he was incarcerated
You got bricks on the strip, neva see 'em get done
Beanie Sigel knows about criminal activity without seeing the results
What you know about all day
Beanie Sigel has experienced long, tedious days in jail
Them Little Debbies and them Chi Chi's, they makin' you sick
The jail food was making Beanie Sigel sick
You gotta wash out your drawers same water you shit
Beanie Sigel had to reuse dirty water while on lock-down
Brush, gargle, and spit same water you piss
Beanie Sigel had to clean his mouth with the same dirty water he urinated in
You down wit this nigga, you done killed his brotha
Beanie Sigel knows about the consequences of killing someone's family member
But dog, don't think he don't know it
Even if someone doesn't physically retaliate, they may still be aware and planning revenge
Think he a sucker 'cause he don't show it
Someone might appear to be a pushover, but they could still be dangerous
Paybacks a muthafucka, and he won't blow it
Retaliation is powerful and will be carried out
What you know about them 4 letters, not the kind you write
Beanie Sigel is referring to real, hard time in jail (not just letters on a page)
Or the kind you sit down and type
Beanie Sigel is not talking about imaginary prison experiences he's seen on TV
Sign at the margin, get it right
Taking care of business while signing documents
I'm talkin' 'bout that real time
Beanie Sigel is talking about actual years he's had to serve
Life like Eddie or Martin
Beanie Sigel's life is not a sitcom, but is real drama
Ta my niggas, that's up the fort
Beanie Sigel is speaking to those who are also serving hard time
When I get there fuck a pack, hand me a log
Beanie Sigel is talking about smoking cigarettes
And a push rod toilet sword
Beanie Sigel is talking about making a weapon
So when I hit these niggas up they can't call the guards
Beanie Sigel wants to be prepared to fight
Everything signed is sealed
Beanie Sigel means what he says
What you know about solitary
Beanie Sigel is now talking about being put in an isolation cell
Locked down, no commissary
No opportunity to purchase goods while in solitary confinement
And you wild or ready
People lose their minds in these kinds of situations
And you just seen your mom get buried
Someone close to you has just died
You got drowns, comin' in all kinds of flurries
Beanie Sigel is talking about receiving a lot of letters
What you know about your towel on your cell when you alone at night
No one is there to help you in isolation
Or a jailhouse hunger srike
People are willing to put their lives at risk to protest jail conditions
Or you sittin' in your cell and just zone one night
The mind can start to play tricks on you when in isolation for extended periods of time
And you think "damn, I'm neva comin' home one night"
Beanie Sigel has thought about never getting out of jail
You got 5 years in, neva been flown a kite
Beanie Sigel hasn't received a letter while spending extended time in jail
You hearin' grown men moan at night
Hearing others suffering can be difficult
They got you stuck in the can
Being locked up for so long becomes your norm
White man got you fuckin' your hand
Beanie Sigel is talking about having to sexually relieve himself because he hasn't had contact with a woman for so long
Your wife on land fuckin' your man
Beanie Sigel is talking about infidelity
What you know about no parole
Having a parole denied even when eligible
Life in the hole
Life in solitary confinement
Lifes cold, you be eatin' them swags
The quality of food in prison is generally poor
Guards on the nightshift they be beatin' you bad
The harshness of prison can come in the form of violence from those who are supposed to protect you
The hardest nigga turned bitch, be sleepin' wit fags
People might act tough, but the harshness of jail can break them down
What you know about gettin' and shippin' balloons
Beanie Sigel is talking about smuggling drugs into jail
Keep switchin' positions in the visitin' room
Jail visits have regulations and are tightly monitored
Gotta take Ex-Lax, hope you did it in time
Beanie Sigel is saying that there might not be enough time to properly digest drugs before a visit
Gotta shit in your palm just ta get the heroin
Desperate measures are taken to smuggle drugs into the jail
And you talkin' 'bout your life is this, your life is that
There are people who exaggerate their life experiences
Your life ain't shit, your life is whack
Beanie Sigel thinks that the lives of these people are insignificant in comparison to his
Man you listenin' ta the realest nigga
Beanie Sigel is the most authentic person speaking about hard times
Close your eyes, muthafuckas tell me you don't feel this nigga
Beanie Sigel is confident that his words resonate with those who have experienced hard times
Mines is real
Beanie Sigel is confirming the authenticity of his words
Nigga, what your life like
Beanie Sigel is challenging others to speak about their own life experiences
Tell me what your life like (What your life like)
Beanie Sigel wants more details about someone's life experiences
Mines is real (What your life like)
Beanie Sigel is saying that his experiences are more real than others'
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: A. COSTANDINOS, D. GRANT, J. SMITH, M. JOUVEAUX
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Melvin R
No prison documentary, show, or movie captured the jail experience like Beans did on this track. He painted one hell of a picture.
Roberto Davila
Wat ur life like,10 yrs in Huntingdon state correctional institutions...from the 215..
missblak00
@Roberto Davila q
gods child
facts
Macadamienutz
16 on Death Row-Pac 1st, this is 2nd
Satoru Gojo
The Show "OZ" did. It was crazy
R LI
One of the REALEST songs I’ve ever heard! 🔥🔥🔥
Geno 757
I remember being 15 listening to this song it influenced me not to go to prison 20 years later at 35 im blessed to say i never been in that hell hole too many of my homies doin football numbers im the only one that made it thank you lord for real💯🙌
sean coonery
Geno 757 you sound like tekashi 69 🐀🤫
Derrick
Same here, heard this song and said fuck that.