("Diddy" is a name being used by two different artists - Sean Combs [US] (1… Read Full Bio ↴("Diddy" is a name being used by two different artists - Sean Combs [US] (1) and Richard Dearlove [UK] (2).

(1) Sean John Combs is an American musical artist best known for his top 40 rap songs and collaborations. He is also known for his penchant for changing his name quite often. Previously, he's been known as "Puff Daddy", "P. Diddy", "Sean John", "Puff", and "Puffy".

Combs runs the record label Bad Boy Records, the clothing lines Sean John and Sean by Sean Combs, a movie production company, and two restaurants. He has taken the roles of recording executive, producer of reality TV, writer, arranger, clothing designer, and actor.

In August 2005, Sean Combs adopted the stage name "Diddy". Dearlove had used the stage name "Diddy" commercially since 1993. In 2006, after attempting to resolve the name conflict with Combs' management, Dearlove successfully filed suit against Combs. The terms of the amicable settlement ordered Combs to pay Dearlove "significant damages" and barred him from releasing music under the name "Diddy" in the UK.

(2) Richard Dearlove is a London-based musical artist best know for his hit single "Give Me Love" (#23 in the UK Charts). He also constructed worldwide smash remixes of Blondie's Atomic (#19 UK, #1 US Billboard), Heart of Glass (#15 UK) and Union City Blue. He has worked with a long list of artists such as Robert Palmer, Marianne Faithful, Dolly Parton, Alan Thompson, Steve Thomas, Wayne G, Republica, The Sugababes, Tall Paul, Andy Allder, The Tyrell Corporation, Rachel Auburn, Aetherius, MC Kinky, Blu Peter, Nusta and Donna Summer.

Dearlove is a popular DJ at a popular gay club called Megawoof! in London, and runs the record labels "Resident Records" and "Megawoof Records" along with DJ Daz Saund. He is currently working with UK rapper Rob FT as well as the San Francisco Opera.

It's All About The Benjamins
Diddy Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Uh, uh-huh, yeah
Uh, uh-huh, yeah (it's all about the Benjamins, baby)
Uh, uh-huh, yeah (it's all about the Benjamins, baby)
(Goodfellas, uh)

Now, what y'all wanna do?
Wanna be ballers? Shot-callers? Brawlers?
Who be dippin' in the Benz with the spoilers

On the low from the Jake in the Taurus
Tryna get my hands on some Grants like Horace
Yeah, livin' the raw deal
Three course meals, spaghetti, fettuccine, and veal
But still, everything's real in the field (uh, yeah)
And what you can't have now, leave in your will
But don't knock me for tryin' to bury
Seven zeros, over in Rio de Janeiry
Ain't nobody's hero, but I wanna be heard
On your HOT97 everyday, that's my word
Swimmin' in women with they own condominiums
Five plus five's, who drive Millineums
It's all about the Benjamins, what?
I get a fifty pound bag of Euk for the mutts
Five carats on my hands with the cuts
In something European chromed out with the clutch, what

I wanna hold figures, fuck being a broke nigga
Drinkin' malt liquor, drivin' a broke Vigor
I'm with Mo' sippers, watched by gold diggers (uh)
Rockin' Girbaud denims with gold zippers (come on)
Lost your touch, we kept ours, poppin' Cristals
Freakin' the three-quarter reptiles
Enormous cream, forest green Benz Jeep
For my team so while you sleep I'ma scheme (that's right)
You see through, that's why nobody never gon' believe you
You should do what we do, stack chips like
Don't let the melody intrigue you, 'cause I leave you
I'm only here for that green paper with the eagle

I'm strictly tryin' to cop those colossal-sized Picasso's
And have papi flip coke outside Delgado's (woo)
Tienda, with cash flowin' like Sosa
And a Latin chick transportin' in the chocha
Stampedin' over, pop Mo's, never sober
Flexin' Range Rovers dealin' weight by Minnesota (uh)
Avoidin' narcs with camcorders and Chevy Novas (uh-huh)
Stash in the building with this chick named Wilona (uh-huh)
From Daytona, when I was young I wanted to bone her (uh-huh)
But now I only hit chicks who win beauty pageants (ahaha)
Trickin' and takin' me skiin' at the Aspens, uh
Gangsta mental, stay poppin' Cristal
Pack a black pistol in the Ac' coupe that's dark brown (woo)
Pinkie ringin', gondolas with the man singin'
Italian music down the river with your chick clingin'
To my bizzalls, player, you mad false
Actin' hard when you as pussy as RuPaul's

Come on, come on, uh-huh
It's all about the Benjamins, baby (uh-huh, yeah)
It's all about the Benjamins, baby (uh-huh, yeah)
It's all about the Benjamins, baby (uh-huh, yeah)
It's all about the Benjamins, baby (uh-huh, yeah)

Now, what y'all wanna do? (It's all about the Benjamins, baby)
Wanna be ballers? Shot-callers? Brawlers? (It's all about the Benjamins, baby)
Who be dippin' in the Benz with the spoilers (it's all about the Benjamins, baby)
On the low from the Jake in the Taurus (uh, uh, what the bloodclaat?)

Wanna bumble with the bee, huh?
Bzzz, throw a hex on the whole family (yeah, yeah, yeah)
Dressed in all black like The Omen (say what?)
Have your friends singin', "This is for my homie" (that's right)
And you know me from makin' niggas so sick
Floss in my six, with the Lex' on the wrist
If it's murder, you know she wrote it (uh-huh)
German Ruger for your ass, bitch, deepthroat it (come on)
Know you wanna feel the womb 'cause it's platinum-coated
Take your pick, got a firearm you shoulda toted, suck a dick
All that bullshit you kick, player-hatin' from the sidelines
Get your own shit, why you ridin' mine? (Uh-huh)
I'm a Goodfella kinda lady
Stash 380's in Mercedes, Puffy, hold me down, baby (I got you)
Only female in my crew and I kick shit like a nigga do (uh, uh, uh)
Pull the trigger too, fuck you (come on)

I been had skills, Cristal spill
Hide bills in Brazil, about a mill', the ice grill (that's right)
Make it hard to figure me, liquor be kickin' me
In my asshole, undercover, Donnie Brasco
Left my East Coast girl the Bentley to twirl (uh-huh)
My West Coast shorty push the chrome 740
Rockin' Redman and Naughty, oh, where my kitty cat?
Half a brick of yay in the bra where her titties at
And I'm livin' that for life, we push weight (uh-huh)
Fuck the state pen, fuck hoes at Penn State
Listen close, it's Francis, the Praying Mantis
Attack with the MAC, my left hand spit
Right hand grip on the whip for the smooth getaway
Player haters, get away or my lead will spray
Squeeze off 'til I'm empty, don't tempt me
Only to Hell I send thee, all about the Benjis, what

It's all about the Benjamins, baby (uh-huh, yeah)
It's all about the Benjamins, baby (uh-huh, yeah)
It's all about the Benjamins, baby (uh-huh, yeah)
It's all about the Benjamins, baby (uh-huh, yeah)
It's all about the Benjamins, baby (uh-huh, yeah)
It's all about the Benjamins, baby (uh-huh, yeah)

It's all about the Benjamins, baby (yeah)
It's all about the Benjamins, baby (yeah, yeah, yeah)

Overall Meaning

In It's All About The Benjamins, Diddy and his crew rap about their desire for money and luxury. They paint a vivid picture of their opulent lifestyle, rapping about fancy cars, expensive fashion, and high-end dining. They mention their desire to become rich and leave it to their children as an inheritance. Diddy highlights that he wants to be heard and respected as an artist while living extravagantly, and the others in the song feature moments of flexing their wealth and power.

The lyrics also have a touch of menace to them, with Diddy rapping about avoiding law enforcement and nodding to the illegal activities that might have helped him amass his wealth. There is a hint of rivalry between Diddy and others who are trying to replicate his success, and he dismisses their attempts at imitation as fraudulent. Overall, the song is an ode to the pursuit of wealth that showcases the flashy lifestyle that accompanies success.

Line by Line Meaning

Now, what y'all wanna do?
What are your ambitions and desires?

Wanna be ballers? Shot-callers? Brawlers?
Do you aspire to be successful, influential, and tough?

Who be dippin' in the Benz with the spoilers
Who cruises around in flashy cars with added features?

On the low from the Jake in the Taurus
Secretly avoiding the police in an inconspicuous car

Tryna get my hands on some Grants like Horace
Attempting to acquire a large sum of money, like the basketball player Horace Grant

Yeah, livin' the raw deal
Yes, experiencing a difficult and challenging life

Three course meals, spaghetti, fettuccine, and veal
Indulging in luxurious meals, including pasta and veal

But still, everything's real in the field (uh, yeah)
Despite the glamour, the reality of life can still be harsh

And what you can't have now, leave in your will
Whatever you can't obtain at the moment, pass it on to future generations

But don't knock me for tryin' to bury
Don't criticize me for striving to accumulate wealth

Seven zeros, over in Rio de Janeiry
Obtaining a significant amount of money, represented by several zeros, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Ain't nobody's hero, but I wanna be heard
I may not be a role model, but I desire recognition and attention

On your HOT97 everyday, that's my word
Receiving airplay on a popular radio station, HOT97, is my goal

Swimmin' in women with they own condominiums
Surrounded by women who are independent and own their own properties

Five plus five's, who drive Millineums
Being in the company of successful individuals who drive expensive cars (Millineums)

It's all about the Benjamins, what?
It's all about making money and accumulating wealth

I get a fifty pound bag of Euk for the mutts
I purchase a large quantity of expensive dog food for my pets

Five carats on my hands with the cuts
Wearing diamond rings totaling five carats

In something European chromed out with the clutch, what
Driving a European car that's been customized with chrome accents and having control over the vehicle

I wanna hold figures, fuck being a broke nigga
I desire financial wealth and success, instead of enduring poverty

Drinkin' malt liquor, drivin' a broke Vigor
Engaging in low-quality experiences, like drinking cheap beer, and driving a car in poor condition

I'm with Mo' sippers, watched by gold diggers (uh)
I associate with individuals who drink expensive alcohol, while being pursued by opportunistic individuals seeking financial gain

Rockin' Girbaud denims with gold zippers (come on)
Wearing fashionable Girbaud jeans with gold zippers

Lost your touch, we kept ours, poppin' Cristals
While you've become less successful, we've maintained our success and continue to celebrate by drinking Cristal champagne

Freakin' the three-quarter reptiles
Displaying expensive snakeskin apparel

Enormous cream, forest green Benz Jeep
Possessing substantial amounts of money and driving a luxurious green Benz Jeep

For my team so while you sleep I'ma scheme (that's right)
Working hard for my team's success, even when others are unaware or uninvolved

You see through, that's why nobody never gon' believe you
You lack authenticity, which is why no one will ever trust or have faith in you

You should do what we do, stack chips like
You should aspire to accumulate wealth like we do

Don't let the melody intrigue you, 'cause I leave you
Don't be lured by the enticing music, as I will abandon and deceive you

I'm only here for that green paper with the eagle
I am solely focused on acquiring money, particularly US currency with the eagle design

I'm strictly tryin' to cop those colossal-sized Picasso's
I am determined to purchase large, valuable paintings by the artist Picasso

And have papi flip coke outside Delgado's (woo)
Arranging for someone to sell cocaine near Delgado's establishment

Tienda, with cash flowin' like Sosa
Operating a store, with money coming in abundantly like drug lord Sosa

And a Latin chick transportin' in the chocha
Having a Latina woman who transports drugs in her vagina

Stampedin' over, pop Mo's, never sober
Moving swiftly, consuming expensive champagne, and never being completely sober

Flexin' Range Rovers dealin' weight by Minnesota (uh)
Showing off luxury SUVs and conducting illegal drug operations in Minnesota

Avoidin' narcs with camcorders and Chevy Novas (uh-huh)
Evading law enforcement officers equipped with video cameras and driving inconspicuous Chevy Novas

Stash in the building with this chick named Wilona (uh-huh)
Keeping illegal items hidden in a building with a woman named Wilona

From Daytona, when I was young I wanted to bone her (uh-huh)
Having a desire to have sexual relations with a woman named Wilona from Daytona since a young age

But now I only hit chicks who win beauty pageants (ahaha)
But now I only have intimate encounters with women who have won beauty pageants

Trickin' and takin' me skiin' at the Aspens, uh
Engaging in lavish activities, such as going skiing at luxurious resorts like Aspen

Gangsta mental, stay poppin' Cristal
Having a gangster mindset and frequently drinking Cristal champagne

Pack a black pistol in the Ac' coupe that's dark brown (woo)
Carrying a black handgun in the dark brown Acura coupe

Pinkie ringin', gondolas with the man singin'
Wearing a pinkie ring while cruising in gondolas with a male singer

Italian music down the river with your chick clingin'
Listening to Italian music while boating down the river with your romantic partner

To my bizzalls, player, you mad false
To my close friends, you are pretending to be something you're not

Actin' hard when you as pussy as RuPaul's
Putting on a tough persona, despite being as weak as RuPaul

Wanna bumble with the bee, huh?
Do you want to engage in a conflict or confrontation with me?

Bzzz, throw a hex on the whole family (yeah, yeah, yeah)
Threatening to bring bad luck or harm to someone's entire family

Dressed in all black like The Omen (say what?)
Wearing all black clothing, similar to characters in the movie 'The Omen'

Have your friends singin', 'This is for my homie'
Causing your friends to mourn and honor your memory

And you know me from makin' niggas so sick
My actions and lifestyle provoke envy and resentment

Floss in my six, with the Lex' on the wrist
Showing off in my luxury car, while wearing a Rolex watch

If it's murder, you know she wrote it (uh-huh)
If there's a murder, you can be sure I'm responsible

German Ruger for your ass, bitch, deepthroat it (come on)
Using a German-made Ruger pistol to threaten and intimidate someone

Know you wanna feel the womb 'cause it's platinum-coated
I'm aware that you desire to experience luxurious and extravagant lifestyles

Take your pick, got a firearm you shoulda toted, suck a dick
Choose your destiny wisely, I have a weapon you should have had, go fuck yourself

All that bullshit you kick, player-hatin' from the sidelines
All the false and negative things you say, criticizing others from a position of envy or jealousy

Get your own shit, why you ridin' mine? (Uh-huh)
Acquire your own possessions instead of trying to copy and rely on mine

I'm a Goodfella kinda lady
I embody characteristics of a woman who associates with influential, organized criminals

Stash 380's in Mercedes, Puffy, hold me down, baby (I got you)
Concealing firearms in a Mercedes car, while receiving support and loyalty from Puffy (Sean Combs)

Only female in my crew and I kick shit like a nigga do (uh, uh, uh)
As the only woman in my group, I act and behave aggressively like my male counterparts

Pull the trigger too, fuck you (come on)
I'm not afraid to use a firearm against you, go screw yourself

I been had skills, Cristal spill
I have possessed exceptional abilities for a long time and frequently spill expensive Cristal champagne

Hide bills in Brazil, about a mill', the ice grill (that's right)
Concealing large sums of money in Brazil, totaling about a million dollars, while flaunting an intimidating facial expression

Make it hard to figure me, liquor be kickin' me
It's difficult for others to understand me, as alcohol affects my behavior

In my asshole, undercover, Donnie Brasco
Operating secretly and discreetly, much like the undercover agent Donnie Brasco

Left my East Coast girl the Bentley to twirl (uh-huh)
I entrusted my girlfriend from the East Coast with a Bentley car to drive and enjoy

My West Coast shorty push the chrome 740
My girlfriend from the West Coast drives a luxurious chrome 740 model car

Rockin' Redman and Naughty, oh, where my kitty cat?
Listening to music by Redman and Naughty by Nature, while contemplating the whereabouts of my significant other

Half a brick of yay in the bra where her titties at
Having smuggled a significant amount of cocaine in my partner's bra

And I'm livin' that for life, we push weight (uh-huh)
And I'm committed to this lifestyle forever, engaging in drug trafficking

Fuck the state pen, fuck hoes at Penn State
Disregarding the possibility of imprisonment, and engaging in sexual encounters with women at Penn State University

Listen close, it's Francis, the Praying Mantis
Pay attention, my name is Francis and I'm a formidable and cunning individual

Attack with the MAC, my left hand spit
Launching a sudden assault with a MAC-10 firearm, while my left hand rapidly fires

Right hand grip on the whip for the smooth getaway
Holding the steering wheel with my right hand for a swift escape

Player haters, get away or my lead will spray
Those who envy me, stay away or I will use a firearm to defend myself

Squeeze off 'til I'm empty, don't tempt me
Continuously shooting until I run out of ammunition, so don't provoke me

Only to Hell I send thee, all about the Benjis, what
Sending my enemies to hell and solely focused on acquiring wealth, that's what matters to me

Come on, come on, uh-huh
Encouraging action and agreeing with the situation

Now, what y'all wanna do? (It's all about the Benjamins, baby)
What are your desires and goals in life? (It's all about the money)

Wanna be ballers? Shot-callers? Brawlers? (It's all about the Benjamins, baby)
Do you aspire to be successful, influential, and tough? (It's all about the money)

Who be dippin' in the Benz with the spoilers (it's all about the Benjamins, baby)
Who drives around in flashy cars with added features? (It's all about the money)

On the low from the Jake in the Taurus (uh, uh, what the bloodclaat?)
Avoiding attention from the police in an inconspicuous car (uh, uh, what's happening?)

Wanna bumble with the bee, huh?
Do you desire to engage in a conflict or confrontation with me?