Hailing from Gary, Indiana, a place whose murder and crime rates have ranked it several times at the top of the "Most Dangerous Cities" list, Freddie Gibbs is the true definition of a street survivor. Raised on Gary's east side, Gibbs lived the hard life firsthand in a run-down industrial community plagued with vice and ignored by the establishment. After playing at Ball State on a football scholarship, Gibbs was kicked out of college. Over the next few years he went through court-ordered boot camp, joined and got discharged from the military, and held down a series of 9 to 5 jobs without success. Feeling like the system had failed him, Gibbs turned to hustling; pimping and selling crack out of a local house. Inspired by rappers like UGK, The Geto Boys, and 2Pac, Gibbs started rhyming about his life and the issues facing urban youth in Gary and the countless other impoverished cities just like it. Gibbs is the first rapper signed to a major label from Gary.
The Steel City's most famous musical residents to date are the Jackson 5, whose name still adorns a marquee on a falling-apart theater in Gary's blighted downtown. His desire to rep the Midwest and his city led Gibbs to start recording mixtapes and pushing them online as well as the streets, where he quickly began garnering fans drawn to his original style, diverse flows, and deeply personal lyrics about his experience as a young black man growing up below the poverty line in a forgotten American city.
Freddie has worked with respected producers like Madlib, Red Spyda, Just Blaze, Buckwild, the Alchemist, Polow Da Don, and Collipark among many others. Gibbs cites Houston rap and Pac as his major influences, and it shows in his ability to alternate between chillingly tense street stories of violence and laid back comedic tales about women and weed. Ultimately Gibbs shows and proves with his rhymes, which demonstrate the promise of a legend in the making. His skills, wit, and street credibility establish Freddie Gibbs as a true artist. He's ready to represent for Gary, the Midwest, and anyone who relates to the struggle of inner city life. As Gibbs tells it: "My music is definitely on some gangsta shit. That's what I was raised on and what I witnessed. How can I speak on anything else?" "Become a fan now, or become one later."
20 Karat Jesus
Freddie Gibbs Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah
Yeah, yeah
Ma ambitions as a rider nigga
Survival off that powder nigga
Currently smoking that kill in the hills
Where you can't find a nigga
Dealer was on that type of nigga
No sleep, bags under my eyes is designer nigga
Blinded and misguided nigga
Heavenly father take the wheel
I'm on the inner state with some gurrillas
With shit can get me like two hundred years
Thug in the pen, I need forgiveness
I'm living like a every decision a sin
I know my niggas don't want me to win
Jealousy, chopping off all of my friends
I ride with that white white just
Like fight night we be weighin' in
P.d is ma pieces 20 karats Jesus say amen
Tricked of with my new bitch
She was half black and Malaysian yeah
Spent my last 200 thou' on a bird and a Mercedes Benz
My dogg used to pull up in a 99 GS 300 fresh up on the
Highway with the higher power how you wan' it
First these hoes don't wan't it now they only here to Michael Jones it
Mama say you live next door to the devil
You live in the moment
I-i-i be kickin' shit like Solange in the elevator
The goal when you try to kick that dope
Stuck on the respirator
Got symptoms of withdrawal from the fall when I used to ball
I show you how in one summer one nigga could lose it all
Right now we gotta feel this pain in this friends family dope
Some people would like to walk around in their sleep I'd rather stay woke
I must evoke these are the results of the realest shit that I wrote
These hoes get in the wind burn that ass quick like Galaxy Notes
Thats why I ride with that white white just like fight night we be weighin' in
Please VS my pieces 20 karat Jesus save me
Tricked off on my new bitch, she was half black and Malaysian
Split my last two hundered thousand on a bird and Mercedes Benz
My dogg used to pull up in a '99 GS-300
Fresh up off the highway with the higher power how you want it
First these hoes don't wan't it now they only here to Michael Jones it
Mama say you live next door to the devil
You live in the moment
I-i-i be kickin shit just like Rodman did to camera man
I peel the 100 dope like the poppy seed in Afghanistan
I been to drop by nuts but these cabbage hands do damage nigga
Rich from the clip leave you stiff
Manic and challenge nigga
Me and my chips with airport yay don't care about frito lay
Trying to give me ten I beat a case so it's gon' be okay
Fresh up on the highway with the higher power how you wan' it
Mama say I live next door to the death cuz I live in the moment
To live in the moment
Nigga I'm living in the moment
I'm living in the moment
Yah
Kane baby
Quarter brick, half a brick, hold this shit, cold shit
Scar across my face strap on my shoulder on some Tony shit
Taught myself the streets you know my pops ain't never taught me shit
'Cept for good friend you gon' be solo in your closet bitch
Walkin' home from work my .44 pulled up when I'm walking bitch
Old folks out the church say he need Jesus that boy off a bit
Preacher's daughter said I'll let you fuck it just might cost a bit
Type a shit a nigga been through make you dog a bitch
Loss a bitch, man reap the streets she prenup me can't divorce her
Live from my my cell electrical tape on my tape recorder, sucker shit
Don't blow your money young nigga pay your lawyer
Niggas is wrapped in electrical tape
They walking tape recorders yeah
Yeah, bitch your first motherfucing mixtape was a snitch tape
You ain't think I knew that shit though I knew that shit though
Quarter brick, half a brick, hold this shit, cold shit
Trouble 65 brought 65 I sold the whole shit
Coco searched my cutlass on the road I got my own shit
Boy you know the rules they picked you up don't call my phone bitch
Boy you know the rules that shit don't trump unless you sold it down
Swat team break they cut the water off can't flush the toilet down
454 my morning down got green got dog got yola now
They playin' they suffer exposure now
This rapper shit just for the posers now
The losers now, all these just niggas got videos up with they toolies out
Everybody flashing real money, niggas card cracking getting visa money
Y'all don't knock it I just do the dope the flow
I gotta get it slow so I gotta see the money
Y'all remember peacing out 28th to get the blunt liquor and a piece of money young nigga
Young Nigga
Stay smooth, stay solid nigga
These niggas put your name on anything but a prayer
Amen
Glory be to God
What's happening pimps
It is I the alpha and omega, the original righteous player
You know what I'm talking about?
It's your boy Jesus man
Yes my nigga Jesus is your homeboy
Say it again so I can uh reiterate it man
Your minds not ready and your heart's not open
You know what I'm saying?
That's what's wrong with you man
You doing all that coveting
You trying to, you wan't what other niggas got
You not even just paying attention to your gift nigga
God gave you a gift nigga
Pay attention to what he got for you
You, other niggas over here
Yah he could sell dope real good, that's not your lane my nigga
God gave you hands, you a chef my nigga
Chef up that boysenberry creme brulee man
The first verse of Freddie Gibbs's song '20 Karat Jesus' talks about his struggles involving drug addiction and gang violence. The song starts with Gibbs admitting that he has ambitions as a rider, which means he is determined to succeed even in difficult circumstances. Despite his drive, he is addicted to powder, which is most likely referring to cocaine. He smokes 'kill' or strong marijuana in the hills to avoid being found by authorities. Gibbs says he is guided by money and has bags under his eyes that he considers designer because they are a result of the hustle. Gibbs also implies that he is aware of his misguided ways, and asks his Heavenly Father to take the wheel as he trusts his life among gorillas.
In the second verse, Gibbs continues to talk about his troubled life, beginning with how he is in need of forgiveness because he lives as if sin is a part of his daily routine. He acknowledges that his niggas are jealous of his success and are possibly responsible for cutting off his friendship with them. Gibbs mentions that he rides with white, which means that he deals with cocaine. He is fighting as if it were a boxing match, weighing in, and carried his money in the form of Vs pieces. The rap continues with Gibbs tricking off, spending his last two hundred thousand dollars on a bird and a Mercedes. Gibbs used to drive a 99 GS-300 and traveled off highways with Haitian power.
Line by Line Meaning
Ma ambitions as a rider nigga
My goals are as a motorcycle rider, hustling to survive on drug sales.
Survival off that powder nigga
I need to sell drugs in order to survive and make a living.
Currently smoking that kill in the hills
I am smoking high-quality marijuana in the hills where I can be away from others.
Where you can't find a nigga
I am in a secluded area where nobody can find me.
Crack cocaine, microwave
I am using a microwave to cook crack cocaine.
Dealer was on that type of nigga
My drug dealer was known for being involved in that type of activity.
No sleep, bags under my eyes is designer nigga
I haven't had any sleep, and the bags under my eyes are fashionable.
Blinded and misguided nigga
I am lost and misguided in life.
Heavenly father take the wheel
I am asking God to guide me and take control of my life.
I'm on the inner state with some gurrillas
I am on the highway with some tough individuals.
With shit can get me like two hundred years
The things I am doing could potentially land me in prison for two hundred years.
Thug in the pen, I need forgiveness
I have acted as a thug in the past and need to ask for forgiveness.
I'm living like a every decision a sin
I am making decisions that are sinful and could lead to dangerous consequences.
I know my niggas don't want me to win
My friends don't want me to succeed and are envious of me.
Jealousy, chopping off all of my friends
Jealousy is causing me to lose my friends and allies.
I ride with that white white just
I am selling cocaine and using it as well.
Like fight night we be weighin' in
We are measuring and dealing drugs like in a boxing match.
P.d is ma pieces 20 karats Jesus say amen
My jewelry is high-quality and expensive, and I am asking Jesus for protection.
Tricked of with my new bitch
I was scammed by my new girlfriend.
She was half black and Malaysian yeah
My girlfriend was of mixed race heritage.
Spent my last 200 thou' on a bird and a Mercedes Benz
I spent all my money on drugs and a luxury car.
My dogg used to pull up in a 99 GS 300 fresh up on the
My friend used to drive an older car but is now driving a new one.
Highway with the higher power how you wan' it
We are driving on the highway with God's guidance.
First these hoes don't wan't it now they only here to Michael Jones it
Women initially didn't want my attention, but now they are only around for my success.
Mama say you live next door to the devil
My mother tells me that I am living dangerously and with evil influences.
You live in the moment
You are living for the present and not thinking about the future.
I-i-i be kickin' shit like Solange in the elevator
I am doing crazy things just like Solange Knowles did in an elevator.
The goal when you try to kick that dope
The aim is to stop using drugs (dope).
Stuck on the respirator
I am having difficulty breathing due to drug withdrawal.
Got symptoms of withdrawal from the fall when I used to ball
I am experiencing symptoms from drug withdrawal due to the money I spent when I was successful.
I show you how in one summer one nigga could lose it all
I demonstrate how quickly a person can lose everything in only one summer season due to bad decisions.
Right now we gotta feel this pain in this friends family dope
We are currently feeling the pain of drug addiction and its impact on our friends and family.
Some people would like to walk around in their sleep I'd rather stay woke
Some people prefer to be unaware of reality, but I choose to stay aware and alert.
I must evoke these are the results of the realest shit that I wrote
I need to admit that the lyrics of my music are based on real experiences and feelings.
These hoes get in the wind burn that ass quick like Galaxy Notes
Women come and go quickly, and I am quick to not hold on to them.
Please VS my pieces 20 karat Jesus save me
My expensive jewelry is precious to me, and I am asking Jesus for protection and salvation.
Split my last two hundered thousand on a bird and Mercedes Benz
I spent all my money on a luxury car and expensive drugs.
Fresh up off the highway with the higher power how you want it
We are driving on the highway with God's guidance and protection.
I-i-i be kickin shit just like Rodman did to camera man
I am behaving aggressively and recklessly, similar to how Dennis Rodman behaved towards a cameraman.
I peel the 100 dope like the poppy seed in Afghanistan
I am refining and selling hard drugs like opium, which is a major export in Afghanistan.
I been to drop by nuts but these cabbage hands do damage nigga
I have been through many dangerous situations, but my strong fists allow me to fight back.
Rich from the clip leave you stiff Manic and challenge nigga
I am wealthy from selling drugs, and I am a tough and challenging adversary.
Me and my chips with airport yay don't care about frito lay
I am investing my wealth in international drug smuggling, and I don't care about trivial things like Frito Lay snacks.
Trying to give me ten I beat a case so it's gon' be okay
I was wrongly accused and had to go to court, but I was able to beat the case and am now okay.
Swat team break they cut the water off can't flush the toilet down
The SWAT team is conducting a raid, and I am unable to flush drugs down the toilet.
454 my morning down got green got dog got yola now
I am capable of anything, and I have a lot of drugs, money, and power.
They playin' they suffer exposure now
Those who were playing games now are facing consequences.
This rapper shit just for the posers now
The rap industry is now full of fake and superficial people.
The losers now, all these just niggas got videos up with they toolies out
People who are actually losers are showing off weapons in their music videos.
Everybody flashing real money, niggas card cracking getting visa money
Many people are showing off their wealth, but some are getting it through illegal means such as credit card fraud.
Y'all don't knock it I just do the dope the flow
I am not judging others, I am just rapping about the drug and hip-hop lifestyle.
I gotta get it slow so I gotta see the money
I need to take things slow so I can ensure the maximum amount of profit.
Y'all remember peacing out 28th to get the blunt liquor and a piece of money young nigga
We remember when we used to party and buy alcohol and drugs on 28th street.
Stay smooth, stay solid nigga
Stay calm and confident, my friend.
These niggas put your name on anything but a prayer
People will use your name for their purposes without ever truly praying for you.
Amen
So be it, I agree.
What's happening pimps
What's up, my fellow hustlers and players.
It is I the alpha and omega, the original righteous player
I consider myself to be a superior and authoritative player, without a beginning or end.
Yes my nigga Jesus is your homeboy
Jesus Christ is your friend and companion.
Say it again so I can uh reiterate it man
Say it again so I can confirm it for you.
Your minds not ready and your heart's not open
You are not mentally or emotionally prepared for what I have to say.
You doing all that coveting
You are too concerned with what others have and not focused on your own success.
You trying to, you wan't what other niggas got
You want things that other people have instead of focusing on your own path.
You not even just paying attention to your gift nigga
You are not focusing enough on the unique talents and skills that you possess.
God gave you a gift nigga
God has given you unique abilities and talents.
Pay attention to what he got for you
Focus on what God has planned for your life.
Yah he could sell dope real good, that's not your lane my nigga
Just because someone is successful at selling drugs doesn't mean it is the right path for you.
God gave you hands, you a chef my nigga
God has given you the ability to cook, so focus on that instead of selling drugs.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ANDREW PAPALEO, BLAIR LOWERY, FREDDIE GIBBS, SIDNEY MILLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind