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."
Flat Tummy Tea
Freddie Gibbs Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
One came out light, one came out dark but they smokin' the same
I break a 50 on blunts and give my smoker the change
That nigga flexin', VVS every stone in the chain
Gold body, my jeweler, he black mummy me
I be all in these bitches' stomach like flat tummy tea
Crackers came to Africa, ravaged, raffled, and rummaged me
America was the name of they fuckin' company
Pick cotton bails and the coca leaf off the money tree
Niggas won't let you live in peace but love to see you rest in peace
Broke and poppin' and drinkin' on the rest, they got the best of me
I'm choppin' it up on the table, 'cause there wasn't no label gon' invest in me
These niggas'll ride your wave and wouldn't go sit that time in the fed with me
Eventually, when I got indicted I took a minus
Niggas that I fucked with went on hiatus so I decided
I should make a couple decisions like Shyne made
I'm feedin' Jhenรฉ Aiko-lookin' hoes in the Sprinter thing
(They fuckin' with the Kane)
Black nigga, jack tripper, pack flipper
Step out the kitchen and step in the booth and drop heat on these rap niggas
Without a cosign, you probably be fillin' my grocery bag, nigga
Poison flow, I send the police from riches to rags, nigga
(Gangsta Kane)
Gold body, my jeweler, he black mummy me
I be all in these bitches' stomach like flat tummy tea
Crackers came to Africa, ravaged, raffled, and rummaged me
America was the name of they fuckin' company
Gold body, my jeweler, he black mummy me
I be all in these bitches' stomach like flat tummy tea
Crackers come to Africa, ravaged, raffled, and rummaged me
America was the name of they fuckin' company (Kane)
Uh, chain give me whiplash, my neck glass
Shave a lil tax off the package, pay my connect fast
Bellagio with cuatro hoes, stack like Connect 4s
Niggas don't own no land or fine art but got all the retros
Obama can't make the law retroactive, what the fuck happened?
Congress cock-blockin' niggas from comin' home to they family
If you lucky, when he left out of office
You got a pardon, overtime cut
Soft or that hard, you fucked up regardless, made my mind up
Then incarceration my destination, I would wind up
Addicted to medication, just poured another line up
Overdosed with a styrofoam cup, how they gon' find us?
Slave movies every year, yeah, the master gon' remind us
If we don't take it, we don't deserve it back (yeah)
And six-thousand years done ran up, the kings of the earth is back
(Earth is back)
Supreme mathematics, I'm on the right course (yeah)
Took the sword and knocked white Jesus off of that white horse
(Yeah)
My nigga, I'm on the right course (for sure)
Took the sword and knocked white Jesus off of that white horse
Fuck Spike, he mostly show Malcolm on coke and white whores
Did the shit so he can get fundin' up from them white boys
White girl magic, cocaine, the white whores (yeah)
I was in Joliet serving heroin to them white boys (yeah)
Top five rapper alive and that's on Vice Lord
Took the sword and knocked white Jesus off of that white horse
Damn, somebody callin' me, fuck
Damn, I hate when people do that
Let me put my phone on airplane mode, let me do that over
The first couple of lines in Freddie Gibbs's song Flat Tummy Tea are a reference to Michael Jackson and his brothers, specifically Joseph, who was known for his strict discipline and pushing his children to become successful musicians. Gibbs is drawing a parallel between Joseph beating his children into becoming successful and him "beating the pot" to create cocaine. This creates a connection between the two acts, as both are done with an intense level of discipline and with the goal of achieving success.
The line "I be all in these bitches' stomach like flat tummy tea" is a bit more complicated. Gibbs is referencing flat tummy tea, which is marketed as a weight loss aid and is often promoted by influencers on Instagram. The tea works by causing the user to lose water weight, which results in a flatter stomach. However, Gibbs is using the line to make a comparison between himself and the tea. Just as flat tummy tea promises to flatten the stomach, Gibbs promises to be "all in" these women's stomachs, meaning that he will be with them intimately. The idea is that Gibbs is so desirable that he can make women's stomachs "flat" with lust.
The rest of the song continues in a similar vein, with references to historical injustices like the African slave trade and contemporary issues like mass incarceration. Gibbs is known for his storytelling ability and his ability to weave together complex stories and ideas into a cohesive whole, and Flat Tummy Tea is no exception. The song is a powerful commentary on the state of the world today and the struggles that people face on a day-to-day basis.
Line by Line Meaning
Uh, I beat the pot like Joseph beat Mike and Jermaine
I cook drugs hard and evenly, just like Joseph Jackson disciplined Michael and Jermaine Jackson in their music careers.
One came out light, one came out dark but they smokin' the same
Despite their physical differences and skin tones, drug users smoke my drugs regardless of their color.
I break a 50 on blunts and give my smoker the change
I spend $50 on oversized marijuana cigarettes and give any leftover change to my drug users.
That nigga flexin', VVS every stone in the chain
This person is showing off his expensive diamond jewelry with visibly flawless diamonds set in each link of the chain.
Gold body, my jeweler, he black mummy me
My jeweler transformed me into a golden statue similar to an ancient Egyptian mummy adorned with jewelry.
I be all in these bitches' stomach like flat tummy tea
I have intimate relationships with many women and leave a lasting impression, just like the flat tummy tea marketed to promote weight loss and digestion.
Crackers came to Africa, ravaged, raffled, and rummaged me
White people invaded Africa, pillaged its resources, played games with our lives, and took what they wanted for themselves.
America was the name of they fuckin' company
These invaders referred to themselves as America, operating as if they were a business to further their own interests.
Stackin' niggas like cargo over and under me
I'm forced to live and work alongside other black men in unbearable conditions, as if we were stacked cargo in a shipping container.
Pick cotton bails and the coca leaf off the money tree
I harvest cotton and cocaine, both of which are lucrative industries that were built off the backs of black men and women.
Niggas won't let you live in peace but love to see you rest in peace
Other black men want to see me dead, instead of allowing me to live in peace and prosperity.
Broke and poppin' and drinkin' on the rest, they got the best of me
I was struggling financially but indulging in partying and alcohol, which ultimately made things worse for me.
I'm choppin' it up on the table, 'cause there wasn't no label gon' invest in me
I'm cutting and packaging drugs on a table because no music label was willing to support me and invest in my talent.
These niggas'll ride your wave and wouldn't go sit that time in the fed with me
My former associates will take advantage of my success but wouldn't bear the consequences of their illegal actions with me if we get caught.
Eventually, when I got indicted I took a minus
When I was finally charged with a crime, I made a plea bargain and accepted a reduced sentence.
Niggas that I fucked with went on hiatus so I decided
My former associates disappeared after I was indicted, so I made the decision to change my life and direction.
I should make a couple decisions like Shyne made
I should follow the example of rapper Shyne, who turned his life around after serving time in prison.
I'm feedin' Jhenรฉ Aiko-lookin' hoes in the Sprinter thing
I'm supporting and giving money to women who look like singer Jhenรฉ Aiko while riding in a luxury van.
(They fuckin' with the Kane)
People respect and admire my nickname 'Kane'.
Uh, chain give me whiplash, my neck glass
My diamond chain is so heavy and expensive that it hurts my neck to wear it.
Shave a lil tax off the package, pay my connect fast
I reduced the amount of drug I gave to my customer and kept some for myself to make more money faster.
Bellagio with cuatro hoes, stack like Connect 4s
I'm staying at the luxurious Bellagio hotel with four women, stacking chips like in the game Connect Four.
Niggas don't own no land or fine art but got all the retros
These men don't have real estate or valuable artwork but are able to afford expensive, vintage sneakers.
Obama can't make the law retroactive, what the fuck happened?
Former President Obama was unable to pass legislation that would retroactively change unfair laws that have hurt black people in the past.
Congress cock-blockin' niggas from comin' home to they family
Congress is preventing incarcerated people from being released and reuniting with their families.
If you lucky, when he left out of office
If you were fortunate, Obama granted you clemency towards the end of his presidency.
You got a pardon, overtime cut
If your sentence was commuted or you received a presidential pardon, your sentence was shortened.
Soft or that hard, you fucked up regardless, made my mind up
Whether I sold soft or hard drugs, I would still end up in a bad situation and decided to change my ways for good.
Then incarceration my destination, I would wind up
I would inevitably end up in prison if I continued with my illegal activities.
Addicted to medication, just poured another line up
I am addicted to prescribed medication and just took another line of it.
Overdosed with a styrofoam cup, how they gon' find us?
Someone I was with overdosed after consuming drugs mixed in a styrofoam cup and I am questioning how we will be located.
Slave movies every year, yeah, the master gon' remind us
Every year, there are new movies highlighting the horrors of slavery, reminding us of the past and the continued oppression of black people.
If we don't take it, we don't deserve it back (yeah)
If we don't fight for reparations and justice, we will never receive what we are owed for the atrocities committed against us.
And six-thousand years done ran up, the kings of the earth is back
The black race has existed for over 6,000 years, and we are finally regaining power and influence in the world.
Supreme mathematics, I'm on the right course (yeah)
I follow and understand the teachings of the nation of Gods and Earths, leading me on the right path in life.
Took the sword and knocked white Jesus off of that white horse
I removed the false image of white Jesus and the symbolism of white domination from my mind and viewpoint.
Fuck Spike, he mostly show Malcolm on coke and white whores
Spike Lee is disrespected for portraying Malcolm X as a drug user and for focusing on the white women in his films.
Did the shit so he can get fundin' up from them white boys
He made those controversial images to appeal to white men and receive funding for his films.
White girl magic, cocaine, the white whores (yeah)
White women have privileges and advantages that are known as 'white girl magic', while cocaine and white women are fetishized by some men.
I was in Joliet serving heroin to them white boys (yeah)
I was selling heroin to white men while in Joliet prison, highlighting the racial disparities in the drug market and criminal justice system.
Top five rapper alive and that's on Vice Lord
I am one of the best rappers alive and the Vice Lord gang agrees.
Took the sword and knocked white Jesus off of that white horse
I have again taken steps to remove white supremacy and divisive symbols from my life and thoughts.
Damn, somebody callin' me, fuck
I am frustrated by someone calling me.
Let me put my phone on airplane mode, let me do that over
I am turning off my phone and starting anew, to remove distractions and focus on my goals.
Lyrics ยฉ Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Frederick Tipton
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@meruema
How hasnโt anybody acknowledged the fact that literally the FIRST BAR on this is โI beat the pot like Joseph beat Micheal, Jermaineโ as in Joe Jackson abusing his sons ๐ญ
@ThatGuy-xp1ct
Lmaooo
@stansmith5019
"one came out light, one came out dark but they smokin the same"
@eyghen8529
Don't ksi sound like him, listen to his voice lol
@aj8331
@@eyghen8529 what
@eyghen8529
@@aj8331 I said he sound like ksi lol
@DaTSaVaGeLuV
Gangsta Gibbs still the hardest...
@benjipkcrew
and always will be
@tharealboobie
Lol, I like your name. Actual Factual. ๐คฃ๐คฃ๐คฃ๐คฃ๐คฃ
@unclejim8128
Salame boi