Cassidy rose to prominence as a battle rapper and started appearing on mixtapes. Producer Swizz Beatz signed him to his Full Surface label distributed through J Records and featured him on Swizz's 2002 album Presents G.H.E.T.T.O. Stories. Cassidy has also appeared on tracks by Snoop Dogg and Wyclef Jean.
Cassidy recorded the Split Personality album in the year 2003. The record is divided into three parts: The first is credited to Cassidy and reflects his pop side, the second, credited as "Tha Problem," aims at fans of his mixtapes. The third is credited to B. Reese from fans from his early days. [1]
Cassidy recorded the track and lead single "Hotel" with R. Kelly in Kelly's Chicago studios with a vocal contribution by Kelly - there is also a version featuring vocals by Trina. The song became a hit, reaching the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100 in February 2004 and the top 5 of the UK charts in May 2004. The song also reached the Australian top 40 in late May 2004.
Split Personality was released on March 16, 2004 and debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200 album charts and at #1 on the R&B/Hip Hop albums charts. The second single, "Get No Better", featured a contribution from labelmate Mashonda but did not do as well on the singles charts, reaching #82 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Cassidy released his second album, I'm A Hustla, on Swizz Beatz's label, Full Surface. The album features a sample from Jay-Z's "Dirt off your Shoulders" on the first single, "I'm a Hustla". A remix featuring Mary J. Blige followed soon after. It was released on June 28, 2005 and it reached #5 on the Billboard in the United States.
Cassidy is known for his freestyling ability. He first came into national attention after spiking the Roc-a-Fella rapper and fellow Philadelphian, Freeway. The studio session made its way to the streets and the internet, where interest in Cassidy grew.
Different styles and flows
Tha Problem/The Hustla - His first style, very aggressive and street smart. Many people compared him with Papoose, Fabolous, D-Block, Jay-Z, and Big L. It's based on his Battle-Rapper past.
Cassidy - This style came up after his success with "Hotel", it's basically for his female fans, most similar to the style of Nelly.
B. Reese/Mr. Reese - His original style, which is more political. In this style, he talks about Life and the president and also similar subjects, similar to Nas, Quan, 2Pac, Beanie Sigel and DMX.
His third studio album, B.A.R.S. (The Barry Adrian Reese Story) was originally entitled "It Is What It Is". It was #10 on XXL magazine's top 10 most anticipated albums in 2007. B.A.R.S. was released on November 7, 2007, and his lead single was "My Drink N' My 2 Step,". He also created a B.A.R.S. Competition Freestyle Battle on October 10, 2007 live on MTV's Sucker Free show. The second single is "Cash Rules", featuring Bone Thugs-n-Harmony & Eve.
Cassidy is also working on a group album with Larsiny. The first single is rumored to be "Boyz Iz Back".
Cassidy confirmed in an interview with Allhiphop.com that his fourth album will be eponymously titled Cassidy.
Cash is the Name of his Album with the hit single "Drummer Bass"
I'm A Hustla
Cassidy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Nigga ask about me (Yeah)
Nigga ask about me (Yeah)
Nigga ask about me (Yeah)
I'm a hustler, I'm a I'm a hustler homey (Yeah)
I'm a hustler, I'm a I'm a hustler homey (Yeah)
Nigga ask nigga nigga ask about me (Yeah)
This for all my niggas that's in the struggle that's on the grind
All my niggas that ever had to hustle to get at a dollar, this for y'all man
Personality changed man,
The kid Cassidy, this for the hood
I'm a hustler, I'm a hustler homey
I got the product, narcotics for the customers homey
Feins open they be smoking like a muffler homey
niggas phony so I only got a couple of homies
If you a hustler I could, I could fuck wit you homey
You spend a couple of bucks I stay in touch with you homey
I get money I get 20 to K I got 20 strips all doin' 20 a day
I get cake from buds and haze I'm making dubs
they hating 'cause I'm on the grind like I'm making love
when cops got the block hot like Jamaican clubs
cop weight, wait for a drought and then make it flood
try to take my cake you gon' take a slug
But you can take my information if you taking drugs
cause I can sell raid to a bug
I'm a hustler I can sell salt to a slug
[Chorus: x2]
I'm a hustler, I'm a I'm a hustler homey (Yeah)
I'm a hustler, I'm a I'm a hustler homey (Yeah)
Nigga ask nigga nigga ask about me (Yeah)
Nigga ask nigga nigga ask about me (Yeah)
I'm a hustler, I'm a I'm a hustler homey (Yeah)
I'm a hustler, I'm a I'm a hustler homey (Yeah)
I'm married to the game, same bride just a new groom
I do more then just do tunes
cause my bills come in too soon, my son gon' be two soon
royalty checks come like once in a blue moon
but I'm getting my doe for doing shows
I made more money on the grind then on the road
that's why I stay fly and flying on hoes
car's are so cool, Aston no shoes
just a rubber band on my wrist, no jewels
I ain't got to prove I'm rich, I'm no fool
I know the rules I ain't got time for it
But a nigga will shine when it's time for it
and they will hate you deal with the real cake
and they on the corner from morning to real late
I deal weight and if you bastards doubt me
I'm a hustler ask about, ask about me
[Chorus: x2]
I'm a hustler, I'm a I'm a hustler homey (Yeah)
I'm a hustler, I'm a I'm a hustler homey (Yeah)
Yeah they made you got saved don't be spend the change
In fifth grade I was hustling my Genesis game
I was dumb young selling chew gum to my classmates
on the cash chase moving at a fast pace
never been a dummy never did what the dummies do
so I had a mill to burn before I turned 22
more money, more problem is true
'cause the more money I make the more problem for you
yeah I used dude voice props to the boy Sean
he made it a hot line I made a hot song
So stop drawing man you got to respect it
I'm the best Swizz got it perfected don't mess with
C-A-double S-I-D-Y cause I became the best when B-I-G died
the kid do it big like P-U-N
'Cause I'm nice P-A-C with the P-E-N
[Chorus: x2]
I'm a hustler, I'm a I'm a hustler homey (Yeah)
I'm a hustler, I'm a I'm a hustler homey (Yeah)
All my niggas that ever had to hustle to get at a dollar, this for y'all man
Personality changed man,
The kid Cassidy, this for the hood man
The song "I'm a Hustla" by Cassidy is an anthem for those who are striving to make a living by hustling no matter what it takes. It's a song for people who have been in the struggle, who have had nothing and had to do whatever was necessary to get by. Cassidy rhymes about his experiences in the hustle, from selling drugs to making deals and networking with other hustlers. He encourages others to ask about him and his reputation and proves why he is such a successful hustler.
The lyrics are a reflection of Cassidy's early life experiences as a teen on the streets of Philadelphia, where he had to hustle to survive. He paints a picture of the streets that only those who have lived it can truly relate to. He boasts about his skills as a hustler, from selling narcotics to making deals with other hustlers. Cassidy talks about the sacrifices he's had to make and the changes that have occurred in his personality as a result of the hustle. He also reflects on the fact that being a hustler isn't easy, but it's necessary to survive in the hood.
The song was a huge hit in 2005 and helped to establish Cassidy as a major player in the rap game. It also spoke to a generation of people who were caught up in the struggle and looking for a way out. "I'm a Hustla" became an anthem for the hustle and was embraced by the streets and the mainstream alike. The song and its message still resonate with people today who are striving to survive and succeed in life.
Line by Line Meaning
Nigga ask about me (Yeah)
I'm well-known and respected for being a hustler.
I'm a hustler, I'm a I'm a hustler homey (Yeah)
I am a skilled hustler and proud of my profession.
Nigga ask nigga nigga ask about me (Yeah)
If you don't know already, ask around because I am highly respected for what I do.
This for all my niggas that's in the struggle that's on the grind
All my niggas that ever had to hustle to get at a dollar, this for y'all man
Personality changed man,
The kid Cassidy, this for the hood
I know what it's like to struggle to make a living, and this music is for all of us who have hustled to get by. I'm proud of where I came from.
I got the product, narcotics for the customers homey
Feins open they be smoking like a muffler homey
I deal drugs and have a steady customer base. People who use the drugs I sell can't get enough of them.
niggas phony so I only got a couple of homies
If you a hustler I could, I could fuck wit you homey
You spend a couple of bucks I stay in touch with you homey
I know who my real friends are, and I only keep a few close. I'm open to making new hustler friends, but they have to prove themselves first. If you're a good customer, I'll stay in contact with you.
I get money I get 20 to K I got 20 strips all doin' 20 a day
I get cake from buds and haze I'm making dubs
they hating 'cause I'm on the grind like I'm making love
I earn a lot of money from my drug business, and have a large clientele. My competition is envious of my success and the hard work I put in, which is similar to the passion I have for sex.
when cops got the block hot like Jamaican clubs
cop weight, wait for a drought and then make it flood
When the cops are cracking down on drug dealers, I lay low until it blows over before I flood the market with my product again.
try to take my cake you gon' take a slug
But you can take my information if you taking drugs
cause I can sell raid to a bug
I'm a hustler I can sell salt to a slug
If someone tries to steal my profits, they'll be met with violence, but if they want my advice or connections for getting drugs, I'll gladly share that information because I'm a skilled hustler who can convince anyone to buy something.
I'm married to the game, same bride just a new groom
I do more then just do tunes
cause my bills come in too soon, my son gon' be two soon
royalty checks come like once in a blue moon
I'm dedicated to the hustle game and constantly adapting to stay on top. Music alone doesn't pay my bills, and I need to provide for my family. Royalties don't come often enough to be my main source of income.
but I'm getting my doe for doing shows
I made more money on the grind then on the road
that's why I stay fly and flying on hoes
car's are so cool, Aston no shoes
just a rubber band on my wrist, no jewels
I make money from performing, but I actually earn more from hustling. That's why I invest in material possessions like nice cars, but I don't need flashy jewelry to prove I'm successful.
I ain't got to prove I'm rich, I'm no fool
I know the rules I ain't got time for it
But a nigga will shine when it's time for it
and they will hate you deal with the real cake
I don't need to flaunt my money to prove I have it because I know the game too well. I don't have the time or energy to waste on proving myself. Success speaks for itself, and people will always hate on you for it. You just gotta focus on dealing with the real business.
and they on the corner from morning to real late
I deal weight and if you bastards doubt me
I'm a hustler ask about, ask about me
I work hard all day and night to sell drugs, and anyone who doubts my abilities as a hustler can ask around to anyone who knows me.
Yeah they made you got saved don't be spend the change
In fifth grade I was hustling my Genesis game
I was dumb young selling chew gum to my classmates
on the cash chase moving at a fast pace
Just because someone helped you out in the past doesn't mean you have to waste the money they gave you. I started hustling at a young age by selling gum and video games to make some extra cash.
never been a dummy never did what the dummies do
so I had a mill to burn before I turned 22
more money, more problem is true
'cause the more money I make the more problem for you
I've always been smart with my money and avoided getting into trouble. By the time I turned 22, I had already made a million dollars from hustling. But more money also means more problems, especially for those trying to keep up with me.
yeah I used dude voice props to the boy Sean
he made it a hot line I made a hot song
So stop drawing man you got to respect it
I'm the best Swizz got it perfected don't mess with
C-A-double S-I-D-Y cause I became the best when B-I-G died
the kid do it big like P-U-N
'Cause I'm nice P-A-C with the P-E-N
I credit Sean for inspiring me with a line that I turned into a hot song. Don't hate on my success, respect it. I'm the best in the game and Swizz Beatz recognizes it. I'm following in the footsteps of other greats who died, and I'm making a name for myself with my talent, just like them.
Lyrics Β© Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: TIMOTHY MOSLEY, SHAWN CARTER, BARRY REESE, KASSEEM DEAN, MARY J. BLIGE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@elijahmeadows68
i miss this era of music and music videos
@sloppygirlz
me too aww
@deljean
Elijah Meadows i swear
@keairralee286
Elijah Meadows word, I don't watch videos anymore and don't even know if 106 and park still come on but don't even care cuz it's whack music now
@caydenm.1469
When xxxtencion came in the rap game was dead
@neox9369
Keairra Lee The show was canceled in 2012/2013. From 2010 on it was garbage at that point. 2000-2007ππΎ
@breianafrance8634
This man is a lyrical monsterππ His wordplay with syllables, his cadence and flow !
@ezzylafaith1100
Definitely
@PhoenixRise0101
It's 2023 and it's safe to say this song is still 100% π₯π₯π₯π₯.
@lawrenceblack322
That BE true.