They first appeared on the rap scene with their 1993 album Comin’ Out Hard. The album was successful commercially as well as critically and established the group as a prominent act in the then emerging Southern Rap scene. Their subsequent albums in the 1990s including 1994’s On the Outside Looking In, and 1995’s On Top of the World cemented their status as some of the South’s best rappers. On Top of the World was particularly succeessful, peaking at #8 on the Billboard Hot 200 and being certified Gold. After those albums both 8Ball & MJG released solo albums, first MJG’s No More Glory in 1997 and then 8Ball’s Lost in 1998. They reunited in 1999 to release their fourth album as a group, titled In Our Lifetime, Vol. 1
For their later releases they signed with Bad Boy Records. Their first album for Bad Boy Records, Living Legends, was certified Gold by the RIAA. Their second album on Bad Boy Records was titled Ridin High and was released in March 2007.
Commercially one of the high points of 8Ball & MJG’s career was their being featured on Three 6 Mafia’s hit song “Stay Fly” in 2005. That song peaked at #13 on the Billboard Hot 100, which is the biggest hit of Three 6 Mafia’s career and the biggest hit for 8Ball & MJG. The song was a collaboration between two of the most successful rap groups from the state of Tennessee, where Three 6 Mafia also hail from.
Today 8Ball and MJG also head their own record labels. 8Ball heads 8 Ways Entertainment (distributed by Koch Entertainment), while MJG heads MJG Muzik. On their label are the young, up and coming Memphis duo, Da Volunteers, who are widely known throughout the Southern United States for their 2006 single, “What’s Yo Favorite Color?”, which glorifies their neighborhood of Orange Mound.
In September 2007, 8Ball and MJG signed deals in Sacramento, CA with Real Talk Entertainment 8Ball released a group album with E.D.I of the Outlawz entitled Doin’ It Big on April 1, 2008 and MJG released a solo album entitled Pimp Tight on April 29, 2008.
In June 2008 the group announced that they have officially signed onto T.I.’s record label Grand Hustle.
When It's On
Eightball & MJG Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm just a drop top flippin', flippin'
Fifth of Yacht sippin', sippin'
Dope crack that's going in the strip clubs tippin'
MJG ah, P.I.M.P. ah
Fuck a blind date, oh no, I got to see her
The new millennium poet
If you reap it, you sow it
I, pay my, dues
And it's the rules that I play by
Carry the team like I'm A.I
I used to cook rocks, and hit the block
And gun in the bushes, and money in my sock
Shit, I had hoes way before I was nationally famous
I was in the hood strapped up good
Watchin' my anus
I'm a target splitter
The world strongest man hardest hitter
Even though you hate
I still elevate regardless nigga
Step to us boy, look what you done started
And we don't even care that your arsenal be the largest
[Hook: 8 Ball & MJG, P. Diddy]
When it's on, it's on, it's on, it's on
When it's on, you better get your shit and be gone
When it's on, it's on, it's on, it's on
When it's on, you better get your shit and be gone
When it's on, it's on, it's on, it's on
When it's on, you better get your shit and be gone
When it's on, it's on, it's on, it's on
When it's on, you better get your shit and be gone
[Verse 2: 8 Ball]
Look, you niggaz play too much mayne
You need to pump yo' brakes
Keep a heater nigga need for them restless snakes
Right in my face caught a case tryin' to defend my space
Dodging snitches police niggaz jumping state to state
What kind of nigga run his mouth and snitch out everybody?
The kind of nigga that's gone end up being a dead body
Yo' wife and children gone be searching for their dear ol' daddy
They found his headless body tied up in a dark alley
It's cold like ice and snow on a nigga soul
For bricks or snow, niggaz will fuck you like a dirty hoe
Kick yo' door and put and your babies on the floor
See you in public fuck who with you let the thang go
A nigga tell you don't let business turn personal
Fuck what they say cause for gram a nigga hurtin' you
Niggaz out here hurtin' fool
Nothing is for free mayne
Fuckin' with the game
That's how that shit be mayne
[Hook]
[Verse 3: 8 Ball]
I was torn this bitch came from the streets I was born
Pussy like a little kitty back yellow as corn
I don't go around poppin' shit wit' niggaz who talkin'
Them niggaz ain't talkin' no more
Closed coffin
Not often do you see a nigga loyal as I
Like that boy from Best Eye nigga ready to die
For my bread and them niggaz that considered me family
Hold it down mayne I got you til we up there wit' granny
[Verse 4: MJG]
'Cause as soon as I start writing
I start going through physical
Deeper into my spiritual
I'm so fuckin' lyrical
MJG the realest the truth the definition
Just call me the competition
I'm still stomping and pimpin'
I'm still working with Diddy, still fuck wit the hood
I got the key to the city, the streets is all good
My leather is all wood, my gun is still secluded
I'm still hoping and praying to God I don't use it
[Hook until fade]
[P. Diddy talking]
The song "When It's On" by Eightball & MJG is an intense and raw rap track that talks about the gritty realities of street life. In the first verse, MJG asserts his confidence and status as a pimp and describes his journey to success, which required paying his dues and playing by the rules. He also acknowledges his past involvement in illicit activities such as drug dealing and gun violence.
In the second verse, 8 Ball discusses the dangers of engaging in the street game and emphasizes the importance of loyalty and respect. He warns that those who betray their allies will face dire consequences, including violence and death. Meanwhile, P. Diddy provides a menacing and ominous presence through his repetition of the hook, which urges listeners to flee when violence erupts.
Overall, "When It's On" is a powerful commentary on the harsh realities of living on the streets and the risks and consequences associated with engaging in illegal activities. The rap duo's lyrical content and delivery, combined with P. Diddy's haunting chorus, make for a memorable and impactful song.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm just a drop top flippin', flippin'
I am cruising around with the roof down, enjoying myself
Fifth of Yacht sippin', sippin'
I am drinking Yacht, a high-quality brand of alcohol
Dope crack that's going in the strip clubs tippin'
I am distributing narcotics that will be used at strip clubs, where people will tip the dancers
MJG ah, P.I.M.P. ah
I am MJG, a pimp
Fuck a blind date, oh no, I got to see her
I am not interested in a blind date, I want to see the person first
The new millennium poet
I am an innovative and talented poet
Forever show it, can't blow it
I am always exhibiting my talent and cannot waste it
If you reap it, you sow it
If you work hard, you will achieve success
I, pay my, dues
I have worked hard to achieve my success
And it's the rules that I play by
I follow certain rules to ensure my success
Carry the team like I'm A.I
I lead my team like Allen Iverson did for his basketball team
I used to cook rocks, and hit the block
I used to sell drugs on the street
And gun in the bushes, and money in my sock
I carried a gun and kept my profits hidden on me for protection
Shit, I had hoes way before I was nationally famous
I had women who were interested in me before I became famous
I was in the hood strapped up good
I was well-armed when I lived in the dangerous neighborhood
Watchin' my anus
I was always aware of the potential risks and dangers around me
I'm a target splitter
I am skilled at hitting targets
The world strongest man hardest hitter
I am the strongest and hardest-hitting man in the world
Even though you hate
I am aware that some people hate me
I still elevate regardless nigga
I am still successful and getting better, despite the hate
Step to us boy, look what you done started
If someone challenges us, they will regret it
And we don't even care that your arsenal be the largest
We are not intimidated by someone's weapons
When it's on, it's on, it's on, it's on
When there is trouble, it is really on
When it's on, you better get your shit and be gone
If there is trouble, it is time to leave immediately
Look, you niggaz play too much mayne
You guys are not taking things seriously enough
You need to pump yo' brakes
You need to slow down and think things through
Keep a heater nigga need for them restless snakes
Carry a gun for protection, as there are people who will try to harm you
Right in my face caught a case tryin' to defend my space
I was faced with legal trouble when trying to protect my personal space
Dodging snitches police niggaz jumping state to state
Trying to avoid informants, and police officers who are actively searching for me
What kind of nigga run his mouth and snitch out everybody?
The question of why someone would snitch on everyone they know
The kind of nigga that's gone end up being a dead body
The type of person who will likely become a victim of violence
Yo' wife and children gone be searching for their dear ol' daddy
The family of that person will be looking for answers
They found his headless body tied up in a dark alley
The consequences of snitching are severe and often lethal
It's cold like ice and snow on a nigga soul
The feeling of snitching and the consequences that follow are devastating and painful
For bricks or snow, niggaz will fuck you like a dirty hoe
People will take advantage of you for drugs, money or other things
Kick yo' door and put and your babies on the floor
People will not hesitate to harm innocents as well
See you in public fuck who with you let the thang go
They will attack you publicly and not care who else is around
A nigga tell you don't let business turn personal
Don't let personal feelings get in the way of business
Fuck what they say cause for gram a nigga hurtin' you
Money can make people turn against you
Niggaz out here hurtin' fool
People are struggling and may turn on you
Nothing is for free mayne
You have to pay for everything in life
Fuckin' with the game
Getting involved with illegal activities
That's how that shit be mayne
That's just the way things are
I was torn this bitch came from the streets I was born
I was conflicted because of my strong background in the rough streets
Pussy like a little kitty back yellow as corn
The color of this woman's genitalia
I don't go around poppin' shit wit' niggaz who talkin'
I avoid confrontations with people who talk big
Them niggaz ain't talkin' no more
They don't talk back anymore after finding out what I can do
Closed coffin
The deceased is buried in a closed coffin
Not often do you see a nigga loyal as I
It is rare to find someone as loyal as me
Like that boy from Best Eye nigga ready to die
I am similar to the man from Best Eye, willing to sacrifice my life for my principles
For my bread and them niggaz that considered me family
I will stand up for my family and people close to me, no matter what it costs me
Hold it down mayne I got you til we up there wit' granny
I will always look out for you, even after we are both gone
'Cause as soon as I start writing
When I begin writing lyrics
I start going through physical
I am so passionate about writing that I experience physical effects
Deeper into my spiritual
Writing takes me to a deeper spiritual level
I'm so fuckin' lyrical
I am an incredibly skilled lyricist
MJG the realest the truth the definition
My name is MJG, and I am the truest and most authentic
Just call me the competition
I am a worthy competitor
I'm still stomping and pimpin'
I am still engaged in the pimping lifestyle
I'm still working with Diddy, still fuck wit the hood
I am still collaborating with P.Diddy and staying close to my roots
I got the key to the city, the streets is all good
I am so respected in my city that I have been given a key, and my reputation remains untarnished
My leather is all wood, my gun is still secluded
I have a nice car with great leather seats, and I still carry a gun for protection
I'm still hoping and praying to God I don't use it
I still have faith in God and hope that I never have to use my gun
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network
Written by: DOMINIQUE DE LEON, JEREMY A. GRAHAM, MARLON J. GOODWIN, PREMRO VONZELLAIRE SMITH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Eric Blue
This whole album went hard.
hiawa23
Damn, 20 plus years, I am almost 50 years old and I keep this song on repeat. Everytime I hear 8ball I get chills even now. His delivery is perfect, I have all of their albums.
❤️8ball
Kevin Thomas
Real music neva die
Patrick Jesek
8 Ball is a lyrical genius. He went hard while spitting some straight up 🔥🔥🔥
hiawa23
My thoughts, exactly. I get chills everytime I hear any song from 8Ball.
Marr
This whole album is fire i should've been listen to this album
aurelius rule
Still 🔥🔥🔥🔥
David Rivera
NEVER EVER KNEW THEY DID AN ALBUM ON THE BAD BOY LABEL WOW AND I'M OLD SCHOOL SUAVE HOUSE WHY LIE!!!! NOT TO SHABBY I'M A WESTCOAST BAD BOY FOR LIFE!!!!😳😁👍🚬🙏🍺✌$$$
BornReady Jones
Back then if Diddy was talking cold cash sh*t on a song it was a guaranteed banger.
A Nightmare on Any Street
Facts