In 1992, Kastro, Greenidge, and Tupac's godbrother Yafeu "Kadafi" Fula, formed a rap trio. Greenidge began rapping under the alias Big Malcolm. The trio went under names like the Thoro Headz and the Young Thugs. By now, Tupac had become a rap star and he let them guest appear on his single, "Holla If Ya Hear Me," which was released on February 4, 1993. In 1994, Mutah "Napoleon" Beale joined the group, which was now known as Dramacydal. On March 14, 1995, Tupac's LP, Me Against the World, was released. They guest appeared on the songs "Me Against the World" and "Outlaw."[2]
[edit] Outlawz
In 1995, upon Tupac's release from prison, Malcolm, Tupac, Bruce "Fatal" Washington, Kadafi, Kastro and Napoleon formed the group the Outlaw Immortalz, later changed to the Outlawz. Tupac gave each member of the group an alias from an enemy of America. Shakur gave Malcolm the alias E.D.I. after Ugandan president Idi Amin.[3] On February 13, 1996, Tupac's double LP, All Eyez on Me, was released. E.D.I. appeared on "Tradin' War Stories," "When We Ride," and "Thug Passion."[1]
On June 14, 1996, Tupac's "How Do U Want It" single was released. It featured "Hit 'Em Up" featuring E.D.I., Fatal and Kadafi. It is considered the most famous diss song in history, dissing Bad Boy Entertainment, Chino XL, Junior M.A.F.I.A. and Mobb Deep.
On September 7, 1996, Tupac was shot seven times in a drive-by-shooting in Las Vegas, Nevada. He was taken to University Medical Center where he died a week later. E.D.I. was in the car behind Tupac, but claimed he couldn't identify the murderer. E.D.I. and the rest of the Outlawz moved back to New Jersey. On November 5, 1996, Tupac's LP, The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory, was released. E.D.I. guest appeared on three songs, "Bomb First (My Second Reply)," "Life Of An Outlaw" and "Just Like Daddy."[1]
In March, 1997, E.D.I. and the rest of the Outlawz minus Fatal moved back to California and signed with Death Row Records. On November 25, 1997, Tupac's double LP, R U Still Down? (Remember Me) was released. E.D.I. produced six songs on it, "Redemption," "Thug Style," " All Y'all," "Let Them Thangs Go," "When I Get Free" and "Enemies With Me." On December 21, 1999, the Outlawz's debut album, Still I Rise, was released.[4]
In 1999, the Outlawz, excluding Fatal, who by now had had a disagreement with the rest of the band claiming they had betrayed Tupac by signing with Death Row, started Outlawz Records and released their second and third LPs, Ride Wit Us Or Collide Wit Us and Novakane, on November 7, 2000 and November 6, 2001.[2]
[edit] Discography
[edit] Studio
* 2002: Blood Brothers (with Kastro)
* 2006: Against All Oddz (with Young Noble)
* 2008: Doin' It Big (with 8Ball)
* 2010: The Stash Spot[5]
[edit] Guest appearances
* 1996: "Bomb First (My Second Reply)" (Makaveli featuring E.D.I. & Young Noble)
* 1998: "Young Ritzy Outlaw" (Gonzoe featuring E.D.I.)
* 2000: "Thug Livin' (Part II)" (Killa Tay featuring Cosmo & E.D.I.)
* 2001: "Good Life" (2Pac featuring Big Syke & E.D.I.)
* 2002: "Never B Peace (Nitty Remix)" (2Pac featuring Kastro & E.D.I.)
* 2002: "Out Of Position" (Hellraza featuring E.D.I.)
* 2002: "Get Doe" (Hellraza featuring Akwalla, Phats Bossi & E.D.I.)
* 2002: "My Niggaz" (Big Syke featuring E.D.I. & Young Noble)
* 2002: "Because Of U Girl (OG Mix)" (Daz Dillinger featuring Storm & E.D.I.)
* 2004: "The Uppercut" (2Pac featuring E.D.I. & Young Noble)
* 2004: "Hennessey (Red Spyda Remix)" (2Pac featuring Sleepy Brown & E.D.I.)
* 2009: "Ice Kold" (Tha Realest featuring E.D.I.)
[edit] References
1. ^ a b c Outlawz - Profiles, HitEmUp.com
2. ^ a b Outlawz, HitEmUp.com
3. ^ http://famousmuslims.muslimonline.org/napoleon-mutah-wassin-shabazz-beale.html
4. ^ 7Daynet.com - Tha Outlawz : Les Interviews
5. ^ OUTLAWZMEDIA.NET EDI DON - THE STASH SPOT (2010)
[edit] External links
* E.D.I. at Discogs
[show]
v • d • e
E.D.I. Mean
Albums
Blood Brothers · Against All Oddz · Doin' It Big · The Stash Spot
Related articles
Discography · Production Discography · Outlawz
[show]
v • d • e
Outlawz
Young Noble · E.D.I. · Nutt-So · Stormey · Hussein Fatal
Tupac Shakur · Yaki Kadafi · Big Syke · Mopreme Shakur · Napoleon · Kastro
Albums
Ride wit Us or Collide wit Us · Novakane · Neva Surrenda · Outlaw 4 Life: 2005 A.P. · We Want In: The Street LP
Collaboration albums
Still I Rise · Can't Sell Dope Forever · Soldier 2 Soldier · Ghetto Monopoly
Related albums
Blood Brothers · Against All Oddz · Thug in Thug Out
Singles
"Hit 'Em Up" · "Made Niggaz" · "Baby Don't Cry (Keep Ya Head Up II)" · "One Day at a Time (Em's Version)"
Related articles
Discography · Outlaw Recordz
Persondata
Name Mean, E.D.I.
Alternative names
Short description
Date of birth July 7, 1974
Place of birth
Date of death september 21, 2010
Place of death Compton, Los Angeles, United States of America
Stub icon This biographical article related to hip hop music is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.
v • d • e
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E.D.I._Mean"
Categories: Outlawz members | 1974 births | African American rappers | American Muslims | Converts to Islam | African American Muslims | People from New York City | Living people | Cashville Records artists | American record producers | Hip hop biography stubs
Decisions
E.D.I. Mean Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Good decisions
I was locked up
In that prison
I was never listening
But I stuck to the mission
And I'm getting to the digits
Never fucking with these bitches
And I'm doing good bro
Finally made it out the hood
Never understood why they got to fucking hate
Doing this shit and I'm fucking getting cake
No I never wait and I never hesitate
I know I look a little bummy
But I'm really bout my money
Bitch I'm sweet like honey
And you know I got that sugar
Cut these niggas up I'm a butcher
Roast them in a slow cooker
Writing in my book uh
My music getting good uh
Got a bad bitch yeah she's a fucking looker
Doing shows you know I got to book them
Spitting facts I know it leave you shook huh
Bet y'all niggas didn't know that I'm a rook huh
I'm still tryna make it
I just need some patience
You need that third eye
To understand my cadence
They underestimated my dedication
Tryna be an inspiration
For the next generation
Never made
Good decisions
I was locked up
In that prison
I'm still tryna make it
I just need some patience
You need that third eye
To understand my cadence
I'm still dealing with all that pain
Reminisce I smoke on that haze
Old friends throwing dirt on my name
I'm a wolf I cannot be tamed
You can tell that I ain't the same
Mom's hating the man that I became
I remember stealing your change
I'm sorry for all of that pain
Chase them bands I got to run it up
Like Mowgli I am the wolf cub
Growing up I knew I was the one
Out my fam I had to chase them funds
I'm still tryna make it
I just need some patience
You need that third eye
To understand my cadence
In the lyrics to E.D.I. Mean's song "Decisions," the artist reflects on his past struggles and mistakes, particularly the lack of good decisions that led him to a place of confinement and restricted freedom, symbolized by being "locked up in that prison." Despite his past shortcomings and lack of attentiveness, he emphasizes his commitment to a personal mission that is now yielding positive results, as he mentions "getting to the digits" and achieving financial success. The artist also mentions distancing himself from negative influences, such as "these bitches," and focusing on personal growth and prosperity by avoiding distractions and staying true to his goals.
The lyrics convey a sense of resilience and determination as E.D.I. Mean celebrates overcoming adversity and making progress in his life. He expresses pride in his achievements, stating that he has "finally made it out the hood" and questioning why others would harbor resentment or hatred towards his success. By emphasizing his work ethic and ability to generate income ("getting cake"), the artist highlights his refusal to wait or hesitate in pursuing his ambitions, demonstrating a sense of urgency and decisiveness in his actions.
Throughout the song, there is a juxtaposition between the artist's outward appearance, described as "a little bummy," and his inner drive and focus on financial success. He asserts his value and worth by comparing himself to something sweet like honey and referencing his ability to handle business matters with precision, likening himself to a "butcher" who can efficiently deal with challenges and obstacles. By reinforcing his dedication to his craft and his determination to succeed despite external judgment, E.D.I. Mean paints a picture of a resilient and self-assured individual navigating the complexities of life and personal growth.
In the final verses of the song, the artist delves deeper into his personal struggles and the pain he continues to carry, symbolized by memories of past mistakes and the disapproval of loved ones, particularly his mother. Despite these burdens, he hints at a sense of transformation and growth, symbolized by his identification with a wolf that cannot be tamed and his acknowledgment of past wrongs, expressed through seeking forgiveness and striving to move forward. The lyrics underscore a sense of introspection and a quest for redemption, as E.D.I. Mean grapples with his past while maintaining a steadfast focus on his present goals and aspirations, encapsulating a journey of self-discovery and resilience in the face of challenges.
Line by Line Meaning
Never made
I have never succeeded
Good decisions
In making wise choices
I was locked up
I was trapped
In that prison
In a place of confinement
I was never listening
I never paid attention
But I stuck to the mission
But I remained focused on my goal
And I'm getting to the digits
And I am making money
Never fucking with these bitches
Avoiding shallow relationships
And I'm eating all the chicken
I am enjoying success
And I'm doing good bro
And I am doing well, my friend
Finally made it out the hood
Finally escaped my troubled past
Never understood why they got to fucking hate
I never comprehended why they must hate
Doing this shit and I'm fucking getting cake
Engaged in this endeavor and making money
No I never wait and I never hesitate
I never delay or second-guess
I know I look a little bummy
I may appear unkempt
But I'm really bout my money
But I am truly focused on making money
Bitch I'm sweet like honey
I am charming and likable
And you know I got that sugar
And you know I have that appeal
Cut these niggas up I'm a butcher
Critiquing others sharply
Roast them in a slow cooker
Exposing their faults gradually
Writing in my book uh
Documenting my thoughts
My music getting good uh
My music is improving
Got a bad bitch yeah she's a fucking looker
I have an attractive woman by my side
Doing shows you know I got to book them
Performing at events and scheduling more
Spitting facts I know it leave you shook huh
Speaking truth that surprises you
Bet y'all niggas didn't know that I'm a rook huh
I bet you didn't realize I am a newcomer
I'm still tryna make it
I am still striving to succeed
I just need some patience
I simply require some time
You need that third eye
You require heightened perception
To understand my cadence
In order to appreciate my rhythm
I'm still dealing with all that pain
I am still coping with my emotional distress
Reminisce I smoke on that haze
Reflecting while smoking marijuana
Old friends throwing dirt on my name
Former associates tarnishing my reputation
I'm a wolf I cannot be tamed
I am independent and unyielding
You can tell that I ain't the same
You can discern that I have changed
Mom's hating the man that I became
My mother disapproves of the person I turned into
I remember stealing your change
I recall taking your money
I'm sorry for all of that pain
I apologize for causing you distress
Chase them bands I got to run it up
Pursuing money and increasing wealth
Like Mowgli I am the wolf cub
Similar to Mowgli, I am wild and free
Growing up I knew I was the one
As I matured, I recognized my potential
Out my fam I had to chase them funds
I needed to pursue money outside my family
I'm still tryna make it
I am still striving to succeed
I just need some patience
I simply require some time
You need that third eye
You require heightened perception
To understand my cadence
In order to appreciate my rhythm
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Dorian Alfaro
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind