Exercise Yo' Game
Coolio Lyrics
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Straight dope game I was told
I went from selling pennies of the riders dank ah (riders dank ah)
Timin' ass think of slangin' crank (think of slangin' griqua)
Situation critical: phone home phone home
Talkin on my digital: call phone
Ya seen a boatload of situations for dangleations
Boy I tell you shit is pitiful, damn!
Vocally repentable, dead right!
I try to stay away from artificial (artificial)
Plastic ass (plastic ass), pleather motherfuckin' individuals
(Fuckah!!)
Exercise yo' game mayn
'Cause things is changin' and rearrangin'
Exercise yo game mayn
Just use yo' brain mayn don't run the same game
Exercise yo' game mayn
Fertilize yo' grass, playa get da cash
Exercise yo' game mayn
But you gotta make it last!
One lone loco rides away
into the sunset but, I ain't done yet
Respect yourself and wear your vest
Keep your guard up cause fools be hard up
When you hittin' dips better check yo' clips and
Watch the police and the Bloods and the Crips
Anyway you dudes got ta pay your dues
Keep one in the chamber cause the shoes always loose
Rubber wheels beat rubber heels anyday
Put the green in your jeans and get the holes out ya halo
Or you can stay broke while your homies is rollin' smokes
And sippin' yak and smokin' dank and tellin' jokes, haha
Pa-pap, pa-pap *gunshot sound accompanies*, fool you can have that
I worked too hard for mine, to let you take a dime
No pain no gain no pocket change
Prepare yourself for battle, exercise yo' game
Exercise yo' game mayn
Make your money grow don't you be no hoe low
Exercise yo' game mayn
Keep your works on tight to make yo' stash stay right and
Exercise yo' game mayn
Fertilize your grass, playa get yo' cash
Exercise yo' game mayn
Playa get your coins, be like Donald Goines
Have heart have money man, have heart have money man -- You know!
I got next you want to run with me homey (yeap)
Well I don't need playas in the paint who cain't do nuttin fo' me
Show me get down nigga (right) we can make sumpim happen (yeah)
I'm West coast Eastside East hood slum gangsta rappin
Niggaz say you want to be affiliated (yeah)
Well let me warn you: I'm the kind of playa that's really hated
I'm rated X like Malcolm
E-40, Coolio, and KAM -- sprinkle game like talcum
You want to make money in the game well let me show you
How to do for self cause ain't nobody gon' do this for you
Oh you caught like lint; if you waitin on the mystery God
'Cause ain't nobody gonna give you shit
You gots to get up, off yo' ass
And put yourself in heaven on Earth, before you pass
And exercise yo' game -- exercise yo' game fool
Peep game from a young ass, rollin' on the one way
Foot to the gas got the indo mixed with hash
Monday through Sunday and all in-between
I fiend for my paper, my fed, and my green
Ain't no busters or no suckers on my team or in my mattress
Just call me the Pimp
And you can call me the Rat
Watch my feet hit the tracks it, ain't no lookin' back
I'm on a mission tryin' to put my fuckin' click on the map
But these niggaz don't know the half
Runnin' with riff raff but I got some game for your bitch ass
'Cause your game is weaker than an anorexic
I exercised my game until I had my game perfected
I wrote the game on paper then I put the game on record
You better check it nigga don't you every disrespect it
E-X-C-E, R-I-S-E, Y-O-G-A, M-E for-ty/40
Thevz in the house better exercise yo' game
Exercise yo' game
Have heart have money mayn, have heart have money mayn, YAKNOW!
Exercise yo' game mayn
Make your money grow don't you be no hoe low
Exercise yo' game mayn
Keep your works on tight to make your stash stay right and
Exercise yo' game mayn
Fertilize your grass, playa get da cash and
Exercise yo' game mayn
But you gotta make it last (make it last)!!!
All day erytime
Yeah
E-40 and tha motherfuckin Click
That's right
PMD
Yeah
Crowbar, Barr 9
Uh-huh
40 Thevz
That's right
Everytime, motherfucker
In that ass
Like Bugsy
Yeah
De massive
Uh-huh
We don't stop
My nigga Kam
We don't quit
God damn!
Fuck a motherfucker -- we on hit, the Bay to L.A
Slide
Motherfucker display
All the way to Compton
Yo' game orientate in situations
Niggaz dump all on my Clickalications, I'm pervin'
Oh yeah
Everytime motherfucker
Sho' we do -- don't let us in we breakin' in fool
This is what I do
Yeah -- E-40, Coolio, the 40 Thevz -- my nigga Kam, god damn
Yeah, Barr 9 in the house
Coolio's song "Exercise Yo' Game" is a rap that features commentary on the struggles of transitioning from a life of poverty into the world of drug dealing. The lyrics describe the challenges of being a young drug dealer, including evading the law, avoiding rival gangs, and protecting oneself from harm. The rapper encourages listeners to "exercise their game" by refraining from using artificial tactics, maintaining their integrity, and working hard to improve their financial situation. The song emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself and staying focused on one's goals, rather than getting sidetracked by quick fixes or short-term gains.
The song was released on Coolio's 1994 album "It Takes a Thief" and was a minor hit, receiving moderate airplay on urban radio stations. Despite its modest success, "Exercise Yo' Game" has become a cult classic among fans of 90s hip hop and has been cited as a notable example of the genre's social commentary. Its title has also inspired a range of fitness products and workout programs.
Line by Line Meaning
When I was fifteen years old
At the age of 15, I was taught the ways of the drug game
Straight dope game I was told
I learned directly about the distribution of drugs
I went from selling pennies of the riders dank ah (riders dank ah)
I gradually increased the amount of marijuana I sold from small quantities to larger ones
Timin' ass think of slangin' crank (think of slangin' griqua)
I started considering selling cheaper yet more addictive drugs
Situation critical: phone home phone home
The situation is serious, call someone for assistance
Talkin on my digital: call phone
I am using a phone to communicate
Ya seen a boatload of situations for dangleations
I have encountered many difficult situations that jeopardize my survival
Invalid ghetto pass late ass registrations
I am having trouble making ends meet, and such difficulties prove that I lack the proper qualifications to succeed in this environment
Boy I tell you shit is pitiful, damn!
I am frustrated with the numerous challenges I am facing
Vocally repentable, dead right!
My words are powerful and truthful
I try to stay away from artificial (artificial)
I avoid things that are fake or artificial
Plastic ass (plastic ass), pleather motherfuckin' individuals
I do not associate with superficial or phony people
Exercise yo' game mayn
Work on your skills and strategy
'Cause things is changin' and rearrangin'
The environment is constantly changing and adapting
Just use yo' brain mayn don't run the same game
Think for yourself, do not follow someone else's strategy
Fertilize yo' grass, playa get da cash
Invest time and effort in your work to reap financial rewards
But you gotta make it last!
Managing your resources is crucial to your success
One lone loco rides away
One person acting alone separates from the group
into the sunset but, I ain't done yet
Even though I am leaving, my work is not finished
Respect yourself and wear your vest
Take care of yourself and protect yourself
Keep your guard up cause fools be hard up
Stay vigilant because desperate people do dangerous things
When you hittin' dips better check yo' clips
Thoroughly check your resources and equipment
Watch the police and the Bloods and the Crips
Be aware of your surroundings and potential threats
Anyway you dudes got ta pay your dues
Everyone has to work hard and pay their way to succeed
Keep one in the chamber cause the shoes always loose
Be prepared for the worst and stay ready
Rubber wheels beat rubber heels anyday
Having a vehicle is more efficient than walking
Put the green in your jeans and get the holes out ya halo
Make wise financial decisions and prioritize making money
Or you can stay broke while your homies is rollin' smokes
Do not prioritize indulging in vices over making money
And sippin' yak and smokin' dank and tellin' jokes, haha
Do not let your friends' lifestyle choices distract you from success
Pa-pap, pa-pap *gunshot sound accompanies*, fool you can have that
You can have all the negative aspects of that lifestyle
I worked too hard for mine, to let you take a dime
I refuse to let someone take advantage of me after all my hard work
No pain no gain no pocket change
You have to put in the effort to earn money
Prepare yourself for battle, exercise yo' game
Stay prepared for difficult situations by staying sharp and improving your skills
Make your money grow don't you be no hoe low
Invest wisely and do not waste opportunities
Keep your works on tight to make yo' stash stay right and
Be diligent and responsible with your resources to keep your finances stable
But you gotta make it last (make it last)!!!
Managing money is critical to long-term financial success
Yeah
Expressing agreement or acknowledgment
We don't stop
We do not give up
We don't quit
We do not give up
Yeah, Barr 9 in the house
Acknowledging Barr 9's presence
Lyrics ยฉ BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: WILLIAM BECK, ARTIS L JR IVEY, E STEVENS, HENRY STRAUGHTER, MALIEEK STRAUGHTER, MAURICE THOMPSON, JAMES WILLIAMS, JASIRI WILLIAMS, CLARENCE WILLIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ehh Embb
RIP Coolio, we love you.
[E-40]
When
I was fifteen years old
Straight dope game, I was told
I went from, stealin' pennies of the riders dank
(riders dank ah)
Time and ass (time and ass) think of slangin' crank
(think of slangin' crank)
Situation: Critical! (phone home, phone home)
Talkin on my digital: Call phone!
Ya seen a boatload of situations, for dangleations
Invalid ghetto pass, late ass registrations
Boy, I tell you shit is pitiful (damn!)
Hopefully repentable (dead right!)
I try to stay away from artificial (artificial)
Plastic ass (plastic ass)
Pleather mother fuckin' individuals (mother fucker!)
Exercise yo' game, mane.
'Cause things is changin' and rearrangin'
Exercise yo' game, mane.
Just use your brain, mane. Don't run the same game
Exercise yo' game, mane.
Fertilize your grass, playa get dat cash!
Exercise yo' game, mane.
But you gotta make it last!
[Coolio]
One lone loco rides away
Into the sunset, but I ain't done yet
Respect yourself and wear yo' vest
Keep your guard up, 'cause fools be hard up
When you hittin' dips, better check yo' clips, and-
Watch the police and the Bloods and the Crips
Anyway you choose, got to pay your dues
Keep one in the chamber, 'cause the shoes always loose
Rubber wheels beat rubber heels any day!
Put the green in your jeans and get the holes out ya halo
Or you can stay broke while your homies is rollin' smokes
And sippin' yak and smokin' dank and tellin' jokes, haha
Pa-pap, pa-pap! (gunshots) Fool, you can have that!
I worked too hard for mine, to let you take a dime
No pain, no gain, no pocket change
Prepare yourself for battle, exercise yo' game!
Exercise yo' game, mane.
Make your money grow, don't you be no ho low
Exercise yo' game, mane.
Keep your works on tight to make yo' stash stay right, and
Exercise yo' game, mane.
Fertilize yo' grass, playa get yo' cash!
Exercise yo' game, mane.
Playa get yo' coins, be like Donald Goines!
Have heart, have money, mane!
Have heart, have money, mane -- You know!
[KAM]
I got next!
You wanna run with me homie? (yep)
Well, I don't need playa's in the paint who can't do nuthin fo' me
Show me get down nigga (right) we can make sumpin' happen (yeah)
I'm West Coast, East Side, hood slum gangsta rappin'
Niggas say you want to be affiliated? (yeah)
Well let me warn you: I'm the kind of playa that's really hated!
I'm rated X like Malcolm
E-40, Coolio, and KAM -- sprinkle game like Talcum!
You want to make money in the game? Well, let me show you
How to do for self, 'cause ain't nobody gone do this for you
Oh, you caught like lint; if you waitin' on "The Mystery", God
'Cause ain't nobody gone give you shit!
You gots to get up off yo' ass
And put yourself in Heaven on Earth, before you pass!
And exercise yo' game -- exercise yo' game, fool!
[40 Thevz]
Peep game from a young ass, rollin' on the one-way
Foot to the gas, got the endo mixed with hash
Monday through Sunday and all in-between
I fiend for my paper, my fed, and my green
Ain't no busters or no suckers on my team or in my pack
Just call me, "The Pimp"
And you can call me, "The Ratt"
Once my feet hit the tracks, it -
Ain't no lookin' back!
I'm on a mission tryin' to put my fuckin' clique on the map!
But these niggas don't know the half!
Runnin' with riffraff, but I got some game for your bitch ass!
'Cause your game is weaker than an anorexic
I exercised my game until I had my game perfected
I wrote the game on paper, then I put the game on record
You better check it, nigga, don't you ever disrespect it
E-X-C-E-R-I-S-E, Y-O, G-A-M-E, 40-
Thevz in the house, better exercise yo' game!
Exercise yo' game!
Have heart, have money, mane!
Have heart, have money, mane! (YA KNOW!)
Exercise yo' game, mane.
Make your money grow, don't you be no ho low
Exercise yo' game, mane.
Keep your works on tight to make your stash stay right, and
Exercise yo' game, mane.
Fertilize your grass, playa get dat cash!
Exercise yo' game, mane.
But you gotta make it last (make it last!)
All day, every time
(Yeah)
E-40 in the mother fuckin' clique
(That's right)
PMD
(Yeah)
Crowbar, Barr 9
(Uh-huh)
40 Thevz
(That's right)
Err time, mother fucker
(In that ass)
Like Bugsy
(Yeah)
De massive
(Uh-huh)
We don't stop
My nigga, KAM (God damn!)
We don't quit
We on hit, the Bay to L.A
Slide
Mother fucker, display
All the way to Compton
Yo' game orientate in situations
Niggas dump all on my Clickalications, I'm perfect!
(Oh yeah)
Every time, mother fucker!
Sho' we do -- don't let us in, we breakin' in, fool!
This is what I do
Yeah -- E-40, Coolio, the 40 Thevz -- my nigga KAM (God damn!)
Yeah, Barr 9 in the house
Fermin Cervantes
๐๏ธ๐๐ฝ๐ R.I.P. COOLIO,,, I had this cassette tape and played it over and over Way back in
Twin Falls, Idaho 1995. Thank you for the memories
Rachid Djouzi
Trop bon son
Ricardo034
This was the very first rap album I have bought. Haven't disappointed ever since! ๐๐ฏ
Christopher Borisevich
2022 & this is on my Exercise Playlist ๐ฅ
Tyler Neckbeard
I remember getting this tape in '95 at 10 years old, hearing this beat thinking it was the most gangsta shit I ever heard with the police sirens in the background and everything. Classic
The Real Truth
๐๐๐๐ mate exactly same for me
L K
Same!
Edward Mason
In Christmas of 1995 my uncle got my the Too Hot single on casette and this was the B side. 25 years later and now I listen to it on YouTube. :-D
Salty Trog
The only way I could watch or listen to Coolio back in 96' was to rack up my dads' phone bill by calling "the Box". Then he took $600 outta my ass ๐
Tonloc43
E40 was so far evolved in his Candice and word play and delivery.