E.S.G., or Cedric Hill as he was born, is a rapper from Houston, Texas (although he was born in Louisiana and moved to Houston later in life) who played a key role in the development of Houston’s ‘Chopped And Screwed’ sound alongside DJ Screw in the mid to late ’90s, beginning with his debut LP “Oceans Of Funk” in 1994. The more popular songs from this album were repackaged with new songs and released as a faux-sophomore effort by Perrion Entertainment in 1995, as the landmark “Sailin’ Da South”. This album contained several radio-friendly, summery tracks, none moreso than Swangin’ & Bangin’, which was also re-worked (or “screwed”) by close friend DJ Screw. Both the original track and its slowed down alter-ego cemented Hill’s place as a mainstay in the burgeoning Houston rap scene and also the wider southern rap movement.
E.S.G. spent several years in jail following an incident in which his partner was shot dead in a home invasion. E.S.G. returned fire and killed the intruder (“Nigga broke in my crib, shot my partner in the head, so I grab my chopper left a bitch nigga dead”). He was subsequently charged with first degree murder and was incarcerated before beating the charge. “Sailin’ Da South” was released and gained him notoriety while he was on lock.
He was then released and increased his workrate, releasing Return Of The Living Dead shortly after in 1998. He is an original member of Screwed Up Click, the group formed by the late DJ Screw.
E.S.G. is known for having ongoing beef with other Houston rappers, namely Slim Thug, whom Hill claims cut him out of a potential deal, and also Lil’ Flip, for reasons less publicly documented (“Had Flip under my wing, Slim Thug too, and both them niggaz switch like some homosexuals do”).
E.S.G. is married and has a son and a daughter. His father died from complications related to Auto Immune Deficiency Syndrome / Human Immunodeficiency Virus during E’s childhood in Bogalusa, Louisiana (“Then my daddy died, he had full blown AIDS, he was tootin’ up, then that nigga started shootin’ up”). This left E with his uncle as his primary male role model during his youth (“Uncle started recruitin’ us, he was hustlin’ crack, it’s safe to say I was born in the trap”).
In the early ’90s, he moved from Bogalusa to nearby Lafayette, Louisiana, while attending USL (University of Southern Louisiana), before again moving to Houston, Texas, where he made his name as a rapper (“Sold my first thirty Gs, game’s gettin’ deeper, moved to H-Town ‘cause the bricks were cheaper”).
Gorilla Music
E.S.G. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
This gorilla music, some'ing to ride to
They done let me loose, I suggest you call the zoo
We getting gorilla money, my monkeys making cake
Southside orangatang, and I swang and bang with my bathen apes
This gorilla music, some'ing to ride to
They done let me loose, I suggest you call the zoo
We getting gorilla money, baboons on the run
[E.S.G.:]
Chop you up like the Eddy films, y'all lil' boys ain't ready for him
I'm Pro Tools y'all analog, safe to say that I'm above them
Navy Seal from the neighborhood, test me dog I wish you would
On your grind means on your grits, I guess you could say we from the woods
Call the zoo keeper this beast loose, two or three karats on each tooth
Don't make me go rake a roof, and dump ya ass in the trunk of my coupe
Riding low and I'm ducking scanners, Texas through that Louisiana
Hell yeah I'll admit it, that I'm a gorilla but I don't like bananas
I like banana clips, (why) cause they so extended
I came to take the game over, but it wasn't intended
Contraband, in the back of my van
I know the Interstate, like the back of my hand
Yeah I-10 I-12, what about that I-20
Cats down here we independent, got the bread if we wanna ride Bentley
On chrome it's on, stucko built home
Southside gorilla, backstreet King Kong yeah
[Hook]
[E.S.G.:]
On the grind still mashing, game's been missing some real action
Offense was still lacking, back to run it like I'm Phil Jackson
Bring out the ring I'ma take it home, I ain't Caesar this ain't Rome
I don't give a damn I'ma take the throne, this sell about three million ringtones
Y'all ain't real y'all so fake, so in the hood it's no respect
E.S.G. I'm like a referee, don't act up or get hit with a tech
We smoking that heavy kush, trigger finger cooler than Reggie Bush
One big bird bout to have a lil' bird, come on girl and get ready push
That means I make two out of one, don't understand then you are dumb
Southside that's where me from, never leave the crib without me gun
Me uzi weighs a ton, your groupies ate my cum
I'm in my cell with no weapon, I'ma make me one
Go 'head and send two blunts, big dog like Desin Young
Better yet I'm like T.O., cause the whole team against me huh
Started off at the bottom of the pack, lost it all then I got it right back
Boys out here wanna pop it like that, once you hit the button it drop the top on the Lac
[Hook]
[E.S.G.:]
Southside flame spitter, better keep your dame with ya
Matter fact my mans'll get her, next my whole clan'll to hit her
Yes I'm a wig splitter, we ride on our enemies
See I'll admit, I probably took me a couple ki's
But I'da been robbed too, so I guess that's even game
That's why I been at the range, making sure I got even aim
Bleed ya mayn blood ya mayn, bomber got me thugging mayn
Boys in this rap game are clones, they be dubbing mayn
From New Jersey to Albuquerque, I'ma be the next that y'all gon see
From the S.U.C. to the T-O-P, out the B-O-G what you know bout me
What you know bout E know bout we, Southern hip-H-O-P
This my year let's get that clear, I'm a straight gorilla stop hating on me
[Hook]
The first verse of E.S.G.'s Gorilla Music is all about the rapper's strength and wildness, using animal metaphors to communicate his message. He says that he's the king of the jungle and everybody should be careful because he's on the loose. He talks about his money and how he and his gang are making it without any intention of slowing down. The second verse changes focus to E.S.G.'s rivals and competitors. He expresses his frustration with their lack of originality and calls them out for being fake, saying he's like a referee before mentioning his success and claiming the throne. Finally, E.S.G. speaks about his Southern roots and his love for the hip-hop genre that he's become a part of, with a promise to continue his reign as a "straight gorilla".
The song is an iconic rap classic that perfectly showcases E.S.G.'s signature sound and style, using clever lyrics and creative wordplay to convey his message. It was released in 2004 under the label of Wreckshop Records, and it quickly became one of the most popular songs of the year in the southern United States. The music video for the song was directed by Mr. Boomtown and features E.S.G. and his gang dancing in front of Houston landmarks such as the Astrodome and the Downtown skyline.
Line by Line Meaning
This gorilla music, some'ing to ride to
The music is wild and energizing; perfect for cruising around in your car.
They done let me loose, I suggest you call the zoo
I am unleashed and unstoppable, so dangerous that only the zoo could handle me.
We getting gorilla money, my monkeys making cake
Our earnings are so great that they resemble a pack of gorillas; my crew is raking in a lot of dough.
Southside orangatang, and I swang and bang with my bathen apes
I am from South Houston and identify as a wild orangutan, swinging and banging with my close group of friends.
We getting gorilla money, baboons on the run
We are making massive amounts of money and no one can keep up; even the competition is running scared.
Southside orangatang, and I swang and bang in my Air Force 1's
I represent the South Houston area as a wild orangutan, swinging and banging while wearing my Nike Air Force 1 shoes.
Chop you up like the Eddy films, y'all lil' boys ain't ready for him
I am capable of chopping my opponents up like in the Eddie Murphy film 'Coming to America'; younger opponents aren't ready for my skills.
I'm Pro Tools y'all analog, safe to say that I'm above them
I am advanced and modern in my music-making, while others are outdated and inferior in comparison.
Navy Seal from the neighborhood, test me dog I wish you would
I am a highly trained fighter from my area; dare to challenge me and you'll regret it.
On your grind means on your grits, I guess you could say we from the woods
Working hard and staying focused is like eating tough, uncomfortable grits; where I'm from, we know how to handle it as if we were raised in the woods.
Call the zoo keeper this beast loose, two or three karats on each tooth
I am so dangerous that even the zoo can't handle me; I have precious gems in my teeth to show my wealth.
Don't make me go rake a roof, and dump ya ass in the trunk of my coupe
Don't make me resort to violence; I will hurt you and then dispose of your body in my car trunk.
Riding low and I'm ducking scanners, Texas through that Louisiana
I am hiding in my car and evading any tracking devices; I am traveling discreetly from Texas to Louisiana.
Hell yeah I'll admit it, that I'm a gorilla but I don't like bananas
I embrace my wild, animalistic nature but I don't have to conform to any stereotypical expectations, like enjoying bananas.
I like banana clips, (why) cause they so extended
I use extended clips in my firearms, called banana clips.
I came to take the game over, but it wasn't intended
My plan was never to dominate the music industry, but it seems to be happening anyway.
Contraband, in the back of my van
I am transporting illegal goods in my van.
I know the Interstate, like the back of my hand
I am very familiar and comfortable with driving on the interstate.
Cats down here we independent, got the bread if we wanna ride Bentley
Where I'm from, we are self-sufficient and can afford luxury cars like Bentleys if we choose to indulge.
On chrome it's on, stucko built home
My car is shiny and impressive, as is my house made of stucco material.
Southside gorilla, backstreet King Kong yeah
I am a fierce, dominant figure from South Houston, much like King Kong in a back alley.
On the grind still mashing, game's been missing some real action
I am still working hard and putting in effort; the music industry needs more authentic, intense performers like me.
Offense was still lacking, back to run it like I'm Phil Jackson
The music scene was missing something important, so I'm stepping back in to make a big impact, like basketball coach Phil Jackson.
Bring out the ring I'ma take it home, I ain't Caesar this ain't Rome
I'm going to achieve greatness and win it all, just like a boxing champion earning their championship ring; I am not a conqueror like Julius Caesar.
I don't give a damn I'ma take the throne, this sell about three million ringtones
I am determined to become the king of the music industry, and I have already proven my popularity and success with millions of ringtones sold.
Y'all ain't real y'all so fake, so in the hood it's no respect
Other musicians are fake and dishonest, so they don't get any respect or admiration in the neighborhood.
E.S.G. I'm like a referee, don't act up or get hit with a tech
I am a respected, authoritative figure in the music industry, like a referee in a sports game; misbehave and face the consequences of a technical foul.
We smoking that heavy kush, trigger finger cooler than Reggie Bush
We are enjoying some strong marijuana, and my finger is steady and precise like football player Reggie Bush.
One big bird bout to have a lil' bird, come on girl and get ready push
I am soon to have a child; my partner should prepare for childbirth.
That means I make two out of one, don't understand then you are dumb
My child will make two people out of one; if you don't comprehend this basic concept, you are unintelligent.
Southside that's where me from, never leave the crib without me gun
I come from South Houston and always carry a gun for protection.
Me uzi weighs a ton, your groupies ate my cum
My Uzi gun is heavy and powerful; your groupies have performed oral sex on me.
I'm in my cell with no weapon, I'ma make me one
I am currently incarcerated without a weapon, but I will fashion one from whatever resources I have available.
Go 'head and send two blunts, big dog like Desin Young
Please send me two marijuana cigars; I am a powerful figure like athlete Dez Bryant.
Better yet I'm like T.O., cause the whole team against me huh
I have a lot of opposition and enemies, similar to football player Terrell Owens.
Started off at the bottom of the pack, lost it all then I got it right back
I began as an underdog in the music industry, but then I lost everything and had to start again from scratch, which I successfully did.
Boys out here wanna pop it like that, once you hit the button it drop the top on the Lac
Others are trying to emulate my style, but only I can truly pull it off; pushing a button on my car drops the convertible roof.
Southside flame spitter, better keep your dame with ya
I am a fierce rapper from South Houston; if you are with a woman, keep her close to you.
Matter fact my mans'll get her, next my whole clan'll to hit her
Actually, my friends will take care of your woman, and then my entire group will get involved.
Yes I'm a wig splitter, we ride on our enemies
I am capable of violently assaulting and seriously injuring my opponents, and my group is confident in confronting our enemies.
See I'll admit, I probably took me a couple ki's
I am honest and confess that I may have stolen a few kilos of drugs.
But I'da been robbed too, so I guess that's even game
I have also been robbed of drugs, so I consider it a fair, even trade.
That's why I been at the range, making sure I got even aim
I have been practicing at a shooting range to ensure my aim is precise and fair.
Bleed ya mayn blood ya mayn, bomber got me thugging mayn
You will feel the pain of violence and mayhem; I am heavily influenced by gang culture.
Boys in this rap game are clones, they be dubbing mayn
Many other rappers are identical to each other and copy one another's style.
From New Jersey to Albuquerque, I'ma be the next that y'all gon see
I will become the next big thing in the music industry, and everyone will recognize my talent and influence, from east coast to west coast.
From the S.U.C. to the T-O-P, out the B-O-G what you know bout me
I am a recognized figure in the Screwed Up Click (S.U.C.), now climbing my way to the top of the music industry; born and raised in the Boggy Bayou area of Texas.
Southern hip-H-O-P
I represent southern hip-hop, a unique and vibrant style of music from my region.
This my year let's get that clear, I'm a straight gorilla stop hating on me
This is my year to shine and succeed; I am a wild and powerful force to be reckoned with, and those who criticize me should stop.
Contributed by Tristan R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
James Amar
Underrated album