Boldy James was born James Clay Jones III on August 9, 1982, in Atlanta, Georgia to his parents James Clay Jones Jr. and Toni K. Broadus. In 1983, Jones and Broadus returned to their original home of Detroit, MI with their son after Jones was wounded in the line of duty serving as a police officer. They resided on the Eastside of Detroit with James’ grandmother. In 1989, James’ parents separated and his mother sent him and his younger sister to live with their father to live on Detroit’s westside on Stahelin Hell Block near McNichols Rd and the Southfield Freeway. James’ love for music came to the forefront at the age of 12, when he performed in a middle school talent show and begun writing his first raps shortly after. He attended high school at Detroit Cooley, and dropped out after the 9th grade. He got the name Boldy James from his friend from his block, James Osely III, who people in the neighborhood called Boldy. He didn’t rap, he just sold cocaine, and “I liked the name because his name was James too,” says James. When his friend was murdered he decided to carry on the name using it to rap.
In 2009, Boldy James first big break on the national scene came in the form of 2 features on The Cool Kids and Don Cannon mixtape Merry Christmas, on the songs “BBQ Wings” and ”Tires”. That was followed up by his record “Gettin Flicked” appearing on The Cool Kids’ 2010 mixtape Tacklebox. Also in 2010 he was featured on the Chip tha Ripper song “Fat Raps” remix alongside Big Sean, Asher Roth, Dom Kennedy and Chuck Inglish. Boldy James and Cool Kid member/producer Chuck Inglish are cousins. On May 24, 2011, Boldy James released his solo debut mixtape Trappers Alley Pros and Cons. The project went on to be named by Pitchfork as one of 2011′s Most Overlooked Projects. On February 27, 2012, he released his follow up mixtape, Consignment. On March 5, 2013, he released an EP titled Grand Quarters. On October 15, 2013, he released his debut album, My 1st Chemistry Set entirely produced by The Alchemist.
He has released the mixtapes Trapper's Alley (Pro's & Cons) and Consignment: Favor For A Favor. He is known for his deep voice and effortless flow over beats with a heavy bass (ie Chuck Inglish produced songs). He is also known for his appearance on J Dilla's latest album, Rebirth Of Detroit.
Fake Flowers
Boldy James Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Where we at? (Blockworks)
Bo Jackson (uh-huh)
Let's get it (uh-uh)
Down in Saratoga with titties on the yop, ain't talkin' areola (yeah)
Two for ten purple tops, hotboxin' for paranoia (uh)
Non-opinionated, please don't ask me how I feel about it (nah)
Die about it, pops'd be the first to say I got it honest (ayy)
Turn the 504 into a block, this shit ain't rocket science (skrrt)
Got this shit down to a T, bro been posted, did his bid
Got popped with dope and a strig, how you got out doin' three? (Tell me)
Still gettin' hit off of consignment for the duty-free (yeah)
Difference between you and me, how long it take to move a ki' (where we at?)
My life is what it look like when God favors you
If you know what I made it through, then you can understand
How we got the upper hand and how that bubble Benz navy blue
You do what you do to get paid, I do what I get paid to do (you know it)
Can't even count for all that money I done made with Goo (Cuzzo)
So much dope in this bitch, they fuck around and raid the stu'
Cars park slanted, diagonal outside the castle (yeah)
Ferraris gallop, the bulls dashin', Porsches skedaddle
Shiftin' gears with the paddle, boxin' my shadow
Countin' stacks from music and fashion is multitaskin'
The price is the price, it all depends on who you askin'
Park crooked in the 'Vette, my partner had to vanish
I was assessin' the damage, same time plannin' the mansion
With the showcase driveway, backyard with the hammock
Used to be smoked out at the Los Angeles standard
First season BBC, thought I was wearin' pyjamas
Them fools ain't like me, already dead, ahead of my time
They analyze my lines years later, realize my state of mind
It's too late for all them fake flowers
The weed done rumbled on overpowered
I raise my money like a child and I'm so proud of it
Ha, I'm so proud, haha, yo, nigga, fuck them kids
I ain't your mentor or your role model
Ferrari, Masi', got one seat, get a Uber, bitch, have them hoes follow
Moved on from Porsche Carrera, four dollars (skrrt)
The funny thing is I still had all the bitches when I had no dollars (bitch)
Frequent flyer mileage, I might ship in a freak
Ho, c'est la vie, I'm in Paris with your bitch as we speak
Bitch, bien aqui, Spanish bitch gon' turn a two to a three
And if her Uncle wasn't my plug
I'd smoke his ass and have her workin' for me (brr, bitch)
Yeah, it's kinda mani' how my brain be workin' (yeah)
Nigga ran through Indy with them oxys, had them eighties workin' (that oxycontin)
And if he old enough to hold a strap, I'll have your baby workin' (shootin')
Youngsters on that EMPCP, they ain't afraid to murder (brra)
Insane rabbit gang, I'm talkin' gang of murder (yeah)
Jewish lawyers make it like polices look like they framed the murders (yeah)
I don't sell no work on the phone, bitch, I got jankies servin' (yeah)
Ktr the army, ho, go and get you a navy service
Dog house, crack house, molly and X house (yeah)
Michael Jackson ain't dead, he live in my guest house (yeah)
And if my nigga let's out, we pull them vests out (skrrt)
Quick to hit the whole friend circle, they left her sexed out
Went from a prison cell in France to droppin' movies in Cannes
Red carpet, Tom Ford from the shirt to the pants
I came a long way from ridin' with that work in the van (skrrt)
And check the Honda Odyssey, he hid the work in advance
Nigga (yeah)
But you're an inspiration because you had no money
Now you got all the money anyone ever needs
You're sayin' that you wanna get more?
I mean, that's not important
But I mean you can buy all the physical creature comforts
But, have you changed inside at all?
I think you should get in the studio next time
Who, me?
I'm talkin' about you should get in the booth with me
Like the old music you used to do
Alright, so we do something else?
Yeah, what you wanna do?
Yo, it feels good to be in the studio
Yeah, and this is where I get the most focus
The lyrics of "Fake Flowers" by Boldy James, The Alchemist, Curren$y, and Freddie Gibbs are focused on the rappers' experiences in their respective cities, where the illegal drug trade is a prominent industry. The song opens with references to Saratoga, where the singer is down with some women at a strip club. They refer to a two-for-ten purple-tops deal, which denotes the sale of prescription pills. There is also a mention of standing by their beliefs, no matter the cost.
The next verse is Curren$y's, who raps about cars and the changing dynamics of his life. He references several luxury car brands and evokes an image of himself racing through the streets. He also talks about his success as a rapper and how he is no longer concerned about what naysayers might think.
In the final verse, Freddie Gibbs dishes out a narrative of the drug trade and the underbelly of urban life. There are references to gang violence, murder, and drug use. Gibbs mentions his rise from a prison cell in France, where he was serving a sentence for sexual assault, to becoming a celebrated rapper. The song ends on an optimistic note, with Gibbs and another voice discussing making music together.
Overall, "Fake Flowers" is a song that offers a glimpse into the lives of individuals who operate outside the law in society. The lyrics paint a picture of urban landscapes where only the strong thrive and the weak get lost in the cracks. However, there is also a sense of triumph and resilience, as the rappers talk about overcoming adversity and finding success.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah (uh-huh)
Expressing agreement and confirmation
Where we at? (Blockworks)
Asking about their current location
Bo Jackson (uh-huh)
Referencing the iconic athlete Bo Jackson
Let's get it (uh-uh)
Eager to start and get things done
Down in Saratoga with titties on the yop, ain't talkin' areola (yeah)
Being in a specific place with attractive women, not referring to nipples
Two for ten purple tops, hotboxin' for paranoia (uh)
Buying drugs at a certain price, smoking heavily to relieve anxiety
Non-opinionated, please don't ask me how I feel about it (nah)
Preferring not to share personal opinions
Everything I stand on in these streets, I'm bound to kill behind it (slide)
Being committed to one's principles in the streets, willing to defend them
Die about it, pops'd be the first to say I got it honest (ayy)
Being ready to defend one's actions, with the father acknowledging the honesty
Turn the 504 into a block, this shit ain't rocket science (skrrt)
Transforming a specific area into a place with drug activity, emphasizing its simplicity
Got this shit down to a T, bro been posted, did his bid
Mastering the situation, a friend serving time in prison
Got popped with dope and a strig, how you got out doin' three? (Tell me)
Being arrested with drugs and a firearm, questioning how the person only served three years
Still gettin' hit off of consignment for the duty-free (yeah)
Receiving drugs through consignment without paying taxes or fees
Difference between you and me, how long it take to move a ki' (where we at?)
Highlighting the contrast in drug trafficking speed between two individuals
My life is what it look like when God favors you
Expressing gratitude for divine favor in one's life
If you know what I made it through, then you can understand
Implying that only those who know one's struggles can truly understand their success
How we got the upper hand and how that bubble Benz navy blue
Explaining how they gained an advantage and the color of their luxurious car
You do what you do to get paid, I do what I get paid to do (you know it)
Distinguishing between their different approaches to making money
Can't even count for all that money I done made with Goo (Cuzzo)
Acknowledging the large amount of money earned through a partnership
So much dope in this bitch, they fuck around and raid the stu'
Having a significant amount of drugs, which may attract unwanted attention
Cars park slanted, diagonal outside the castle (yeah)
Parking expensive cars in a stylish, unconventional manner
Ferraris gallop, the bulls dashin', Porsches skedaddle
Describing the movement of luxury cars in a playful manner
Shiftin' gears with the paddle, boxin' my shadow
Using the gear shift paddles, metaphorically battling one's own reflection
Countin' stacks from music and fashion is multitaskin'
Simultaneously making money from music and fashion endeavors
The price is the price, it all depends on who you askin'
Stating that prices are subjective and vary depending on who is being asked
Park crooked in the 'Vette, my partner had to vanish
Parking a Corvette in a non-traditional way, as the partner disappeared
I was assessin' the damage, same time plannin' the mansion
Evaluating the situation while simultaneously planning for a luxurious house
With the showcase driveway, backyard with the hammock
Envisioning a driveway that displays expensive cars, and a luxurious backyard with a hammock
Used to be smoked out at the Los Angeles standard
Recollecting times of smoking heavily at a specific place in Los Angeles
First season BBC, thought I was wearin' pyjamas
Referring to wearing expensive clothing, feeling comfortable like pyjamas
Them fools ain't like me, already dead, ahead of my time
Asserting that others don't understand them, and they are ahead of their generation
They analyze my lines years later, realize my state of mind
Suggesting that people will only appreciate and understand their lyrics later on
It's too late for all them fake flowers
Rejecting insincere individuals or gestures
The weed done rumbled on overpowered
Marijuana has become more abundant and dominant
I raise my money like a child and I'm so proud of it
Treating one's wealth with care and feeling proud of the financial achievements
Ha, I'm so proud, haha, yo, nigga, fuck them kids
Expressing pride and dismissing concerns about others' opinions
I ain't your mentor or your role model
Declining the responsibility of guiding or influencing others
Ferrari, Masi', got one seat, get a Uber, bitch, have them hoes follow
Driving a luxury sports car with only one seat, suggesting others use ride-sharing apps
Moved on from Porsche Carrera, four dollars (skrrt)
Transitioning away from a specific car model, referencing its cost
The funny thing is I still had all the bitches when I had no dollars (bitch)
Ironically, attracting attention from women even before having wealth
Frequent flyer mileage, I might ship in a freak
Traveling often and potentially bringing in a woman for entertainment
Ho, c'est la vie, I'm in Paris with your bitch as we speak
Indicating a carefree attitude, currently being in Paris with someone else's partner
Bitch, bien aqui, Spanish bitch gon' turn a two to a three
Asserting the presence of a Spanish woman who can enhance a situation
And if her Uncle wasn't my plug
Implying a connection between the woman and a drug supplier
I'd smoke his ass and have her workin' for me (brr, bitch)
Threatening harm to the woman's relative if not for their valuable connection, implying control over her
Yeah, it's kinda mani' how my brain be workin' (yeah)
Acknowledging the uniqueness and complexity of one's thought process
Nigga ran through Indy with them oxys, had them eighties workin' (that oxycontin)
Recalling a person who sold oxycodone and had success with the drugs
And if he old enough to hold a strap, I'll have your baby workin' (shootin')
Suggesting that even a young child can be involved in criminal activities
Youngsters on that EMPCP, they ain't afraid to murder (brra)
Young individuals involved in a specific drug and willing to commit violent acts
Insane rabbit gang, I'm talkin' gang of murder (yeah)
Referring to a violent group known for their criminal activities
Jewish lawyers make it like polices look like they framed the murders (yeah)
Insinuating that powerful lawyers can manipulate the legal system
I don't sell no work on the phone, bitch, I got jankies servin' (yeah)
Avoiding drug deals over the phone, instead relying on low-level individuals
Ktr the army, ho, go and get you a navy service
Referring to a specific group or crew, encouraging someone to join them
Dog house, crack house, molly and X house (yeah)
Listing different types of houses associated with illegal activities
Michael Jackson ain't dead, he live in my guest house (yeah)
Suggesting that a famous deceased musician resides in their guest house
And if my nigga let's out, we pull them vests out (skrrt)
Preparing to defend themselves and use protective gear if a certain person is released
Quick to hit the whole friend circle, they left her sexed out
Engaging sexually with someone within a group of friends, leaving them unsatisfied
Went from a prison cell in France to droppin' movies in Cannes
Transitioning from being incarcerated in France to premiering movies at the Cannes Film Festival
Red carpet, Tom Ford from the shirt to the pants
Dressing in high-end fashion, specifically mentioning Tom Ford
I came a long way from ridin' with that work in the van (skrrt)
Reflecting on a journey from transporting drugs in a van to achieving success
And check the Honda Odyssey, he hid the work in advance
Referring to hiding drugs in a Honda Odyssey vehicle
Nigga (yeah)
Exclamatory sound indicating agreement or confirmation
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network
Written by: Daniel Alan Maman, Shante Scott Franklin, Fredrick Jamel Tipton, James Clay Jones II
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@packworld8419
Alchemist playing such a crucial role in hip hop bruh. On mamas
@roymartinez1302
for decades, hasn't. stopped and wont stop. Peace to uncle AL.
@Man_eee
For 25+ years
@regularweasel5411
He is one of the greatest to ever do it
@acelowe260
And he don't speak on it. Just drop classic shit and go back to making the next one.
@DrJellyFanguzzz
Alchemist is the most important white guy in rap besides Rick Rubin.
@rodmangillespie764
Cars parked slanted, diagonal outside the castle Ferraris gallop, the bulls dashing ,porsches skedaddle, currency bodied his verse 💯🔥
@skystar9879
shifting gears with the paddle
@ferrabamo
@@skystar9879 boxing my shadow
@RylzRiles
Bruh who made curren$y mad that day!