Lil' Ghetto Boy
DR. DRE feat. snoop dogg Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That know how to do things that's workin' for other people
Y'all need to open your own business
Save your money, quit payin' motherfuckers for jheri curls
Quit payin' motherfuckers for perms
Save your money, start your own business
So these little Africans will have way-, places to work
This is our future right here
This (the new generation is goin', the new generation)
Hey, I'ma tell you right now, if, if, if I have to die today
For this little African right here to have a future
I'm a dead motherfucker (you right)
Wake up, jumped out my bed
I'm in a two-man cell with my homie Lil' 1/2 Dead
Murder was the case that they gave me
Dear God, I wonder, can you save me?
I'm only eighteen, so I'm a young buck
It's a riot, if I don't scrap, I'm gettin' stuck
But that's the life of a G, I guess
Eses way deep, shanked two in the chest
Best run 'cause brothers is droppin' quicker
Uh, too late, damn, down goes another nigga
Bouncin' off the walls, throwin' them dogs
Gettin' that rep as a young hog
It ain't nothin' like the street life
You better be strapped with your shank, 'cause ain't no fist fight
So I guess I gots to handle mine
Since I did the crime, I gots to do my time
Dem say me grow up to be nothin'
Look at me now and tell me what you see (tell me what you see)
I am what I am, it's only me
Little ghetto boy
Playin' in the ghetto street
Whatcha gonna do when you grow up
And have to face responsibility?
Now I'm holdin' a dub, sittin' on swoll
Twenty-seven years old, up for parole, stroll
I'm back up on my feet with my mind on the money
That I'll be makin' soon as I touch the streets
Things done changed on this side
Remember they used to thump, but now they blast, right
But it ain't no thang to me
'Cause now I'm what they call a loc'd-ass OG
The lil' homies from the hood with grip
Are the ones I get with 'cause I'm down to set trip
Nigga, I'm bigger than you, so what you wanna do?
Didn't know he had a .22
Straight sittin' behind his back
I grabbed his pockets and then I heard six caps
I fell to the ground with blood on my hands
I didn't understand
How a nigga so young could bust a cap
I used to be the same way back
I guess that's what I get (for what?)
For tryna jack the lil' homies for they grip
Mi learn many things from what mi see from the street
The outcome of what I've come to be
Little ghetto boy
Playin' in the ghetto street
Whatcha gonna do when you grow up
And have to face responsibility?
Somethin' for the real OGs to get with
Some facts, made our made, now you runnin' but don't play
Like every single day, really, though
You know me, I'm the smooth macadamien, gamin' them for my homie
No need in bein' calm if you pack right
And learnin' just enough to keep your sack right
Late nights, I wonder what they gettin' for?
Early mornin' on the corners, what they hittin' for?
Seven young G's put they serve down
In the G ride, East side's where they swerve now
Not thinkin' about what's really goin' on
Got crept on, stepped on, now they gone
I spent four years in the county with nothin' but convicts around me
But now I'm back at Tha Pound
And we expose ways for the youth to survive
Some think it's wrong but we tend to think it's right
So make all them ends you can make
'Cause when you're broke, you break, check it out
So ain't no need for your mama to trip
'Cause you's a hustlin'-ass youngsta, clockin' your grip
And now mi finally grown as you can see (as you can see)
Still an OG, for life and always remain to be
A little ghetto boy
Playin' in the ghetto street
Whatcha gonna do when you grow up
And have to face responsibility?
The lyrics of Dr. Dre's "Lil' Ghetto Boy" featuring Snoop Dogg and D.O.C. are a poignant commentary on urban youth growing up in impoverished neighborhoods and the harsh realities they face. They urge young Africans to stop paying "motherfuckers" for jheri curls and perms by saving up and opening their businesses. They stress the importance of having African-owned businesses that provide opportunities for employment in the future. They openly declare their willingness to lay down their lives for the sake of the young African generation.
The verses follow a narrative starting with the singer, who is young and incarcerated with his cellmate, Lil'½ Dead. They discuss how murder was the case they were given and contemplate if God can save them. The lyrics then explore the life of a gangster or a "G," which is marked with riots, stabbings, and shootings. Next, the song jumps to the singer's present circumstances, sitting on parole while being mindful of money. He talks about how things have changed and how he's an OG in the game. The song's narrative ends with a commentary that someone from the neighborhood killed the seven young G's they initially introduced and how the singer learned from his stint in prison and now works towards improving the youth's conditions.
Line by Line Meaning
So, all of you Africans, all of you Africans
Addressing the African community, emphasizing their potential
That know how to do things that's workin' for other people
Recognizing their skills and abilities for the benefit of others
Y'all need to open your own business
Encouraging entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency
Save your money, quit payin' motherfuckers for jheri curls
Advising against wasteful spending on temporary hairstyles
Quit payin' motherfuckers for perms
Advising against wasteful spending on hair treatments
Save your money, start your own business
Emphasizing the importance of saving and investing in one's own enterprise
So these little Africans will have way-, places to work
Creating opportunities for the younger generation of Africans to find employment
This is our future right here
Recognizing the significance of empowering the African community for a prosperous future
This our future right here (right there)
Reiterating the importance of investing in the present for a better future
This (the new generation is goin', the new generation)
Acknowledging the potential of the new generation to drive positive change
Hey, I'ma tell you right now, if, if, if I have to die today
Expressing a willingness to sacrifice for the betterment of future generations
For this little African right here to have a future
Highlighting the importance of securing a promising future for the younger African generation
I'm a dead motherfucker (you right)
Emphasizing the seriousness and commitment to the cause
Wake up, jumped out my bed
Starting the day with urgency and energy
I'm in a two-man cell with my homie Lil' 1/2 Dead
Describing the current situation of being incarcerated with a close friend
Murder was the case that they gave me
Referring to the charge of murder that led to imprisonment
Dear God, I wonder, can you save me?
Expressing a plea for help and guidance from a higher power
I'm only eighteen, so I'm a young buck
Describing the singer's young age and vulnerability
It's a riot, if I don't scrap, I'm gettin' stuck
Highlighting the violent nature of their environment and the need to fight to survive
But that's the life of a G, I guess
Accepting the harsh reality of being involved in gang life
Eses way deep, shanked two in the chest
Referring to a violent encounter with gang members, resulting in two stabbings
Best run 'cause brothers is droppin' quicker
Advising to flee because violence is escalating rapidly
Uh, too late, damn, down goes another nigga
Expressing regret and despair over witnessing another person's death
Bouncin' off the walls, throwin' them dogs
Engaging in aggressive behavior and confrontations
Gettin' that rep as a young hog
Building a reputation as a tough and respected individual
It ain't nothin' like the street life
Stating that the realities of life in the streets are unmatched
You better be strapped with your shank, 'cause ain't no fist fight
Warning that violence is prevalent, and being armed is necessary for self-defense
So I guess I gots to handle mine
Acknowledging the need to protect oneself and fight for survival
Since I did the crime, I gots to do my time
Accepting the consequences of one's actions and enduring the punishment
Dem say me grow up to be nothin'
Reflecting on negative expectations and stereotypes placed on the singer
Look at me now and tell me what you see (tell me what you see)
Challenging others to reassess their initial judgments and perceptions
I am what I am, it's only me
Embracing one's true self and individuality
Little ghetto boy
Referring to oneself as a product of the disadvantaged ghetto environment
Playin' in the ghetto street
Navigating the challenges and realities of life in the impoverished neighborhood
Whatcha gonna do when you grow up
Asking about the plans and actions for the future
And have to face responsibility?
Questioning the readiness and preparedness for the responsibilities that come with adulthood
Now I'm holdin' a dub, sittin' on swoll
Having a significant amount of money and feeling confident
Twenty-seven years old, up for parole, stroll
Reaching a moment of potential release from prison after serving time
I'm back up on my feet with my mind on the money
Regaining independence and focusing on financial success
That I'll be makin' soon as I touch the streets
Anticipating making money once released and reentering society
Things done changed on this side
Observing the shifts and transformations in one's environment
Remember they used to thump, but now they blast, right
Recalling how violence escalated and firearms became prevalent
But it ain't no thang to me
Expressing indifference or lack of fear towards the increasing violence
'Cause now I'm what they call a loc'd-ass OG
Proudly identifying as a respected and feared older gangster
The lil' homies from the hood with grip
Referring to the younger gang members from the neighborhood who are loyal
Are the ones I get with 'cause I'm down to set trip
Choosing to associate and align with the younger gang members because of shared loyalty
Nigga, I'm bigger than you, so what you wanna do?
Asserting dominance and challenging others who may pose a threat
Didn't know he had a .22
Expressing surprise at the presence of a small caliber firearm
Straight sittin' behind his back
Approaching the person from behind without them noticing
I grabbed his pockets and then I heard six caps
Robbing the person and then hearing six gunshots
I fell to the ground with blood on my hands
Experiencing shock and guilt after being involved in a violent incident
I didn't understand
Confused and struggling to comprehend the consequences of one's actions
How a nigga so young could bust a cap
Reflecting on the fact that even as a young person, they were capable of committing a violent act
I used to be the same way back
Acknowledging that the singer used to engage in similar violent behaviors
I guess that's what I get (for what?)
Accepting that the consequences are a result of one's actions
For tryna jack the lil' homies for they grip
Realizing that trying to steal from younger gang members was a misguided and risky decision
Mi learn many things from what mi see from the street
Gaining knowledge and insights from observing the experiences in the streets
The outcome of what I've come to be
Reflecting on one's personal growth and development as a result of street experiences
Little ghetto boy
Referring to oneself as a product of the disadvantaged ghetto environment
Playin' in the ghetto street
Navigating the challenges and realities of life in the impoverished neighborhood
Whatcha gonna do when you grow up
Asking about the plans and actions for the future
And have to face responsibility?
Questioning the readiness and preparedness for the responsibilities that come with adulthood
Somethin' for the real OGs to get with
A message intended for the respected older gangsters to understand and connect with
Some facts, made our made, now you runnin' but don't play
Sharing important information or advice for survival without engaging in unnecessary conflict
Like every single day, really, though
Highlighting the constant challenges and dangers faced on a daily basis
You know me, I'm the smooth macadamien, gamin' them for my homie
Identifying oneself as a smooth and persuasive individual who looks out for friends
No need in bein' calm if you pack right
Stating that it's unnecessary to remain calm when properly armed or prepared
And learnin' just enough to keep your sack right
Acquiring knowledge and skills to protect and maintain one's financial resources
Late nights, I wonder what they gettin' for?
Questioning the activities or motives of others during late hours
Early mornin' on the corners, what they hittin' for?
Curious about the reasons behind people gathering on street corners in the early morning
Seven young G's put they serve down
Referring to a group of young gangsters abandoning their criminal activities
In the G ride, East side's where they swerve now
Describing the change in their behavior and territory while driving in a gang-dedicated vehicle
Not thinkin' about what's really goin' on
Choosing to ignore or avoid considering the true consequences or dangers present
Got crept on, stepped on, now they gone
Being caught off guard and attacked, resulting in their demise
I spent four years in the county with nothin' but convicts around me
Describing the time spent in a county jail surrounded by other incarcerated individuals
But now I'm back at Tha Pound
Referring to their return or presence in their gang's territory
And we expose ways for the youth to survive
Sharing knowledge and strategies to help younger individuals navigate and overcome challenges
Some think it's wrong but we tend to think it's right
Recognizing that not everyone agrees with their methods, but they believe it's necessary
So make all them ends you can make
Encouraging the accumulation of financial resources
'Cause when you're broke, you break, check it out
Highlighting the vulnerability and desperation that comes with financial insecurity
So ain't no need for your mama to trip
Assuring that there's no reason for concern or worry from a mother figure
'Cause you's a hustlin'-ass youngsta, clockin' your grip
Acknowledging the artist's role as an ambitious and driven young hustler focused on making money
And now mi finally grown as you can see (as you can see)
Acknowledging personal growth and maturity
Still an OG, for life and always remain to be
Retaining the status and mindset of an original gangster
A little ghetto boy
Referring to oneself as a product of the disadvantaged ghetto environment
Playin' in the ghetto street
Navigating the challenges and realities of life in the impoverished neighborhood
Whatcha gonna do when you grow up
Asking about the plans and actions for the future
And have to face responsibility?
Questioning the readiness and preparedness for the responsibilities that come with adulthood
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Andre Young, Calvin Broadus, Delmar Drew Arnaud, Ricardo Emmanuel Brown, Tracy Lynn Curry
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@alimuh007
I am over 40 years old and never knew that there was a video for this song
@nickghills6977
I don't even remember this but I was only 9 in 1994
@Highskill3r
i was 1.. i barely remember
@Shy.89
I didn’t know there was a video to this song either
@CrAck-MoNey
I had it on the Deathrow Uncut video cassette. Before they ruined it by taking 80% of the videos off for the DVD. It wasn't the same after that. It was truly uncut. Dogg Pound and others had some pornographic videos on it they cut for the DVD.
@thegamingchef3304
@@nickghills6977 That's crazy because I was only 7 and I remember it. Did you have any older siblings? I noticed people around my age who didn't have older siblings seem to have grown up on totally different music than me. My oldest brother and his friends were huge HipHop heads so I was listening to all this stuff at a young age. But people around my age usually identify more with Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, Jeezy and all those guys, where as I identify more with 2Pac, Nas, Eazy E, Bone thugs, Wu-tang and even Rakim.
@racheledwards1633
RIP NATE DOGG THE KING OF HOOKS. HIS SON NHALE KEEPING HIS LEGACY ALIVE!!!
@alexandremaurel
I didn't recognize him at the moment what a great singer 🔥🔥
@alexisdigital
RIP Nate Dogg (he doesn't sing on this track, the hook is a sample from Donny Hathaway)
Long Live NHale
@allanj1872
NHale?? A MC?