Eventually taken in by his uncle, Fashawn spent his teenage years calling First & Shields Ave in Fresno, California his home. Here is where he would find skating, the distractions of the streets, and the pursuance of his music career to be more rewarding than school. Yet, he had a constant thirst for knowledge that extended beyond the streets, so he became an avid reader with an affinity towards non-fiction and motivational books.
In 2006, Fashawn released his first mixtape, “Grizzly City”. Catching the attention of fellow Fresno emcee, Planet Asia, Fashawn was invited to go on the road with him. Knowing this was a chance of a lifetime; the then 17-year-old emcee dropped out of school to follow his dreams and has never looked back.
Since then he’s had the honor of working with two of the Mid-West’s premier DJs, Mick Boogie and Terry Urban on the Orisue clothing sponsored “One Shot One Kill” mixtape, and with Hip-Hop internet heavyweights OnSmash.com and NahRight.com on his “Higher Learning” mixtape. Both efforts garnered him nationwide recognition.
Fashawn has also been fortunate enough to work in the studio with DJ Muggs, DJ Khalil, Evidence, The Alchemist, Aloe Blacc, U-N-I, and Planet Asia, as well as on the stage with The Roots.
Recognized as a leader in Central California's hip hop scene, steering a vibrant pack of young artists with his innovative style and originality in his music, Fashawn is more than ready to take on the world with his debut album Boy Meets World. Produced entirely by Los Angeles native Exile, “’Boy Meets World’ is just a story about a kid growing up,” explains Fashawn. “It’s my story, it’s very honest, it’s very in depth. So whatever you thought you knew about me, listen to this and you’ll really get a good look at who I am. It’s going to be classic.” FRY ONE
Sunny CA
Fashawn Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
For money, gotta make sure that he right
Best weed keep me higher then a satellite
Where I'm from, life's a gamble, grab the dice
'Fore I leave, pray to God, then I grab my Nikes
Remember those times I knew I had to fight
Nigga might run up on you at the traffic light
Wind up in some heavy shit if you packin' light
Streets made of ice, slip, that's your life
To live and die in CA, from the home of PA
Guaranteed to make it pop like a fuckin' briefcase
Come where I stay, not too far from the Bay
About two-hundred-twenty miles from LA
You'll find FC in the middle of the state
Valley of the kings where it all takes place
And they say that it never rains in Central California, California
And they say that if you don't watch your back, they'll run up on ya, run up on ya
And they say that it never rains in Central California, California
And they say that if you don't watch your back, they'll run up on ya, run up on ya
Take your life, take your soul
So I think twice, the streets is cold
And that's how it goes
Down in Sunny California, California
I'm from the home of the three strikes
And before you trust a nigga, better think twice
'Cause they be all in your house while you at church
Come home and shit gone, I know that hurts
Come back the next day, sell you a bag of perc
I know it sound bad, but I've seen worse
A pimp told me "a ho is just an open purse"
A ho told me a pimp don't see what she worth
Think that a shame, that's the game and we all in it
Hollywood, don't take it personal, it's all business
Understood, candy painted cars dippin' throughout the hood
E&J, Optimo's and Backwood's
All the little homies wanna be like Suge
Attitude like "I wish a nigga would"
But it's all good where I stay
Sunny Californ-I-A
I'm from the home of the three strikes
And before you trust a nigga, better think twice, think twice
From the home of the three strikes
And before you trust a nigga, better think twice, better think twice
In the song "Sunny CA" by Fashawn, the artist reflects on his life in California and the struggles of growing up in a place where danger and violence are always present. The lyrics contain vivid imagery that paints a picture of a harsh reality that Fashawn has faced, such as waking up with an "appetite for money" and constantly needing to stay alert to avoid danger. He raps about the importance of prayer and lacing up his Nikes, a symbol for being prepared and ready to face anything.
Fashawn also delves into themes of trust and betrayal, cautioning listeners to think twice before trusting others. He references the "home of the three strikes," a reference to California's "three strikes" law that imposes harsher sentences on individuals who commit three or more serious crimes. The song also touches on the exploitative nature of Hollywood and the pimp/hooker dynamic.
Through the song, Fashawn provides insight into the harsh realities of life in California, a place that is often romanticized in popular media. His lyrics reflect a sense of survival and resilience in the face of danger and hardship.
Line by Line Meaning
I wake up in the mornin' with a appetite
I start my day with a thirst for financial success
For money, gotta make sure that he right
I always prioritize making money to ensure stability
Best weed keep me higher then a satellite
I stay high on good marijuana to escape reality
Where I'm from, life's a gamble, grab the dice
In my hometown, life is unpredictable and full of risks
'Fore I leave, pray to God, then I grab my Nikes
I start each day with a prayer for protection before I head out in my sneakers
Remember those times I knew I had to fight
I recall memories of when I had to fight to defend myself
Nigga might run up on you at the traffic light
Someone may unexpectedly threaten you at a stoplight
Wind up in some heavy shit if you packin' light
You might end up in a dangerous situation if you're unprepared
Now a days, strap up, they ain't packin' nice
It's necessary to carry a weapon because people are not trustworthy
Streets made of ice, slip, that's your life
The streets are dangerous and one mistake can cost your life
To live and die in CA, from the home of PA
Living and dying in California, specifically from the town of Fresno
Guaranteed to make it pop like a fuckin' briefcase
Ensured to be successful like the contents of a briefcase
Come where I stay, not too far from the Bay
Visit where I live, which is near the San Francisco Bay
About two-hundred-twenty miles from LA
A distance of approximately 220 miles from Los Angeles
You'll find FC in the middle of the state
You will find Fresno County situated in the middle of California
Valley of the kings where it all takes place
Fresno is nicknamed the Valley of the Kings and is where everything happens
And they say that it never rains in Central California, California
It's a common belief that Central California never experiences rainfall
And they say that if you don't watch your back, they'll run up on ya, run up on ya
If you're not careful, someone may attack you unexpectedly
Take your life, take your soul
People may take your life or your essence
So I think twice, the streets is cold
I am cautious and skeptical because the streets are harsh
And that's how it goes
That's the way things happen
I'm from the home of the three strikes
I come from a place where the three strike law was established
And before you trust a nigga, better think twice
You should be careful before trusting someone you're not familiar with
'Cause they be all in your house while you at church
Criminals may enter your home while you're at church
Come home and shit gone, I know that hurts
You'll return home to find your possessions stolen, which is painful
Come back the next day, sell you a bag of perc
The next day, the same person may sell you drugs
I know it sound bad, but I've seen worse
I know this may seem unscrupulous, but I've witnessed worse situations
A pimp told me 'a ho is just an open purse'
A pimp once told me that sex workers are merely a source of revenue
A ho told me a pimp don't see what she worth
A sex worker informed me that pimps don't value their worth or humanity
Think that a shame, that's the game and we all in it
Although it's unfortunate, that's the nature of the game and we're all involved in it
Hollywood, don't take it personal, it's all business
Hollywood shouldn't take things personally because it's all about business
Understood, candy painted cars dippin' throughout the hood
It's acknowledged that cars with flashy paint are driving through the neighborhoods
E&J, Optimo's and Backwood's
These are the names of popular alcohol and cigar brands
All the little homies wanna be like Suge
Young people in my area aspire to be like Suge Knight
Attitude like 'I wish a nigga would'
They have an attitude of wanting to confront someone who dares to cross them
But it's all good where I stay
Life is okay where I'm from
Sunny Californ-I-A
California is sunny and beautiful
Contributed by Emma B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
N. Montague
I was living in SD when this album dropped. 20 years old turning 21. The beaches, the skate spots & parks, the girls, the parties (party buses!!), the food!! One of the best times of my life for sure!! A New York kid living in so cal. SK8MAFIA!
Christian Reyes
Yoooo SAN DIEGO REPRESENT
Anton Ryabyh
Great track and video, nice excursion to the streets of CA
gamerfireworksboy08
So underrated!!!!
aveldomain
Good shit fam
Kaneda Shotaro
Take me back to high school
19ama3 a
Damns been 8 years
Daniel Aquino
There I am.
Victor Quintanilla-jr
😂
84Ghostaff
exile at the prod?