Is This Me?
Coolio Lyrics

Yeah 1996
Acknowledging the year, 1996.

Coolio with the flow
Introducing the artist using a rhyming phrase.

Rated are superstar
Boasting about his popularity and status.

LV that's right
Referring to the luxury brand Louis Vuitton.

Mossberg Smith & Wesson
Naming the type of guns he owns.

Forty-five let me tell you how I learned my lesson
Explaining how he learned the importance of being armed.

House party in the hood at some niggas I don't know
Describing the setting of the story.

But I had to go they had a house full of hos
Justifying his decision to attend the party because of the women.

I stepped into that party with my nigga high off that head
Admitting to being under the influence of drugs at the party.

The hos is looking good so we try to make a friend for night
Confessing their intention to pick up women for the night.

Let's get it right let's get it straight
Expressing their desire to hook up with the women.

But now these punkass niggas in the party want to play a hate
Complaining about other men attempting to ruin their fun.

I'd bust a cap to save a rat so what's up with that
Indicating that he is willing to use his gun to defend himself or others.

It's 1996 so these bustas get no kinda of doubt
Emphasizing the year and his lack of tolerance for troublemakers.

Like American Express here we go again
Comparing the situation to frequently occurring credit card debt.

I never leave home without it so don't even think about it
Asserting his constant preparedness and willingness to defend himself.

Just let me leave and I won't have to make you bleed
Giving the other party a chance to avoid violence.

But if you make an offensive move then I'm gonna have to show a groove
Warning others that he will act if they make a move against him.

Back up off let's keep it soft
Requesting others to peacefully step away and avoid violence.

Don't make me have to show you who these 16 bosses be
Boasting his power and respect in the community.

Way back in the days we dudes don't forget a name
Reflecting on a past when people had more respect and loyalty.

Now everybody wants the fame but things change ain't the same
Expressing disappointment in the current state of things and people's motives.

All these sucker set-trippin killin for no reason
Criticizing those who engage in violence for no valid reason.

That's why I never leave the house without my nina
Explaining why he always carries his gun for protection.

I love my baby carry my baby wherever I go
Referring to his gun as his 'baby' and emphasizing its constant presence.

For these suckers get in a twist they say I beat their pimpin
Suggesting others may feel threatened or intimidated by his behavior or success.

Stop wishin you was in my shoes
Advising others to accept their own circumstances instead of trying to emulate him.

And learn to be yourself stop acting like somebody else
Encouraging individuality and authenticity.

It's ninety-six and most of the homeys thinking of six feet
Alluding to the high risk of violence or death in his community.

The six I found out if you wear partners where the friends go
Indicating that wearing a partner or friend's shirt can lead to violence or retaliation.

Every week you don't see me I gotta put at work
Acknowledging the need to work hard to maintain his lifestyle and protect himself.

I guess the shit don't stop till my gaskets drop
Implying that he will continue to work and defend himself until he dies.

Stop hating my life and get your own
Encouraging others to focus on their own lives and stop being jealous or resentful.

Be true to this game or this game will do you cold
Warning others that not being authentic and committed to the lifestyle can lead to negative consequences.

Everywhere I go I got my back
Asserting his need to be constantly prepared and aware of potential threats.

I hate to do my all black but I must stay strapped
Disliking the need to always carry a gun, but understanding it as a necessary precaution.

No no oooo I can't escape this life
Expressing frustration with his current lifestyle and situation.

I been trying to live in piece but these fools won't cease
Admitting a desire for peace but facing constant threats.

They insist with their bullshit so I got a full clip
Being forced to prepare for and defend against the actions of others.

Chitty-chitty bang-bang doin it's a new thing
Referencing the sound of his gun and suggesting its central role in his lifestyle.

One shot from a Jake .38 can make your brain ache
Describing the potency of his gun and its ability to cause harm.

I'm the kinda nigga that don't believe in frontin'
Stating his authenticity and honesty.

But if you run up on me trippin you best believe I'm dumpin'
Warning others that he will use his gun in self-defense or retaliation.

I got bills to pay and kids to raise
Highlighting his responsibilities as a provider and family man.

And a whole generation of lost niggas to save
Expressing a sense of responsibility to help others in his community.

So I ain't got time for that yip yap
Dismissing idle talk or distractions from his goals.

If you start some static I'm gonna have to blow your mind back
Warning others of the potential consequences of starting conflict with him.

Believe that nigga daisy if you do it's true
Asserting the truth and authenticity of his words and actions.

Fuck with Coo you get done that's how we do it to it
Stating his reputation and willingness to take action against those who threaten him.

Don't start no shit and it won't be none son
Advising others to avoid conflict to prevent negative consequences.

But if you do I'm going for my gun
Warning others that he will resort to violence if necessary to protect himself.

Like Doc Holliday a nigga ain't scary
Comparing himself to a famous gunslinger known for his fearlessness.

So if you want to trip then I'll be your huckleberry
Accepting a challenge or threat and standing ready to defend himself.

This really ain't me no more
Reflecting on changes in himself due to his lifestyle and environment.

These streets won't let me go
Expressing a feeling of being trapped or confined by his surroundings.

I can't escape this life
Acknowledging his inability to change his situation.

That they got me trapped inside
Attributing the responsibility for his situation to external factors such as the streets or society.