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."
GI Pride
Freddie Gibbs Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Pops told me as a child I would do big things
Used to watch him in the mirror
When he used to rehearse
Hella talented but talent wasn't
Makin' no merch
Another product of that Gary, Indiana
Sex, drugs, and murder
Dirty burners on the streets as a worker
Was a very fast learner
School never taught me how to be a earner
Before you mothafuckers bother me just take
A look at this economy
Cause economically we at the bottom
So playa hatin' niggas copy me
My enemies they tried to body me
But couldn't get to me before I got 'em
A motherfuckin' problem gangster Gibbs
When I do it do it big
Put it down for the crib
Rap shit to totin' that cash shit
And it's plain to see
That it ain't no changin' me
I'm comin' live from the g, A-R-Y
Good or bad, right or wrong
Where the young boys die no mercy
No pity in my city and it's plain to see
That it ain't no changin' me
Nigga I'm fresh up outta
(Gary Indiana, Gary Gary Indiana)
I'm straight up outta
(Gary Indiana, Gary Gary Indiana)
I said I'm fresh up outta
(Gary Indiana, Gary Gary Indiana)
Nigga I'm straight up outta
(Gary Indiana, Gary Gary Indiana)
I'm comin' live from the g, A-R-Y
Good or bad, right or wrong
Where the young boys die
No mercy, no pity, not a tear in my eye
Why cry
I'm a blaze another blunt n' get high
Look in the sky, blow the smoke to my niggas
Pray to God for forgiveness
Yes I'm sinnin' but I'm winnin' and
It's bidness on you bitches
You can go against my wishes and
Put a stop on my riches
Then my peeps leave you sleep in
Lake Michigan with the fishes
Niggas think that it's fictitious till
They hear that ratta tatta niggas scatter
Even senior citizens tote the hammer
Thought that Gary
Indiana was movin' on up the ladder
But I guess it didn't matter when
The crackers got sick'a Hatcher
They turn their back to us
Got you ridin' with that iron
In that black Buick i been through it
You can feel it in my music
Cook it up and move it this is how we do it
I'm comin' live from the g, A-R-Y
Good or bad, right or wrong
Where the young boys die no mercy
No pity in my city and it's plain to see
That it ain't no changin' me
Nigga I'm fresh up outta
(Gary Indiana, Gary Gary Indiana)
I'm straight up outta
(Gary Indiana, Gary Gary Indiana)
I said I'm fresh up outta
(Gary Indiana, Gary Gary Indiana)
Nigga I'm straight up outta
(Gary Indiana, Gary Gary Indiana)
Nigga I represent the East side
7-tier GBT town riff block, valley boy
Nigga catch a beat down
Midtown, Marshalltown, Avignon, Goldmiller
GV Concord bronx niggas real killas
Etna to Ironwood, full of crazy niggas
Shady niggas
Can't forget 'bout my Delaney niggas
And all my homies through the
Streets of the G
I'm gonna let the streets speak though me
It's for them cats pushin'
Packs in the hallway doin' it the hard way
Posted on the corner like
Liquor stores on Broadway
Watchin' for the jackals keep 'em
Clappin for the gunplay live for the day
Motherfuck what a nigga say
I'm just showin' off my GI pride
Anywhere the kid go, you know GI ride
So I dedicate this record to my GI thugs
And I bleed the same GI blood
I'm comin' live from the g, A-R-Y
Good or bad, right or wrong
Where the young boys die no mercy
No pity in my city and it's plain to see
That it ain't no changin' me
Nigga I'm fresh up outta
(Gary Indiana, Gary Gary Indiana)
I'm straight up outta
(Gary Indiana, Gary Gary Indiana)
I said I'm fresh up outta
(Gary Indiana, Gary Gary Indiana)
Nigga I'm straight up outta
(Gary Indiana, Gary Gary Indiana)
The lyrics to Freddie Gibbs's song "GI Pride" reflect the artist's pride in his upbringing in Gary, Indiana, and his resilience in the face of the challenges that come with growing up in a tough environment. The song opens with Gibbs acknowledging his small-town roots and his father's belief in his potential for success. He highlights the struggles of his hometown, including the presence of sex, drugs, and murder, as well as corruption among politicians and police.
Gibbs emphasizes that he is a product of his environment and a fast learner, suggesting that he had to navigate the streets and learn how to survive and make money outside of the traditional educational system. He addresses the economic hardships faced by his community and the tendency for people to imitate and envy his success. He also references his enemies who have tried to harm him but have been unable to stop him.
Throughout the song, Gibbs repeatedly declares his hometown pride for Gary, Indiana, and acknowledges that it has shaped him into the person he is today. He asserts that his identity and loyalty to the city will not change, regardless of the circumstances. He dedicates the song to the GI thugs, expressing solidarity and a shared sense of belonging.
Overall, "GI Pride" is a testament to Freddie Gibbs's resilience and determination to succeed despite the challenges he faced growing up in Gary, Indiana. It is an anthem celebrating his roots and the unbreakable bond he shares with his hometown.
Line by Line Meaning
I was born in small town with big dreams
I originated from a small town but had grand aspirations
Pops told me as a child I would do big things
My father instilled in me the belief that I would achieve great success
Used to watch him in the mirror
I observed my father's actions and behavior reflected in myself
When he used to rehearse
During his practice sessions
Hella talented but talent wasn't
Makin' no merch
Despite having immense talent, it wasn't translating into financial success
Another product of that Gary, Indiana
I am a result of the environment and culture in Gary, Indiana
Sex, drugs, and murder
The city is characterized by a combination of illicit activities and violence
Dirty politicians, dirty police
Dirty burners on the streets as a worker
The corruption extends to politicians, law enforcement, and the presence of firearms in the hands of individuals involved in illegal activities
Was a very fast learner
I quickly grasped and understood the intricacies of my surroundings
School never taught me how to be a earner
The education system failed to teach me how to make a living
Before you mothafuckers bother me just take
A look at this economy
I urge you to assess the state of the economy before bothering me
Cause economically we at the bottom
Considering our economic status, we are placed at the bottom
So playa hatin' niggas copy me
Jealous individuals imitate me
My enemies they tried to body me
Those who hold animosity towards me attempted to eliminate me
But couldn't get to me before I got 'em
However, I managed to deal with them before they could harm me
A motherfuckin' problem gangster Gibbs
I am a formidable and troublesome individual, Freddie Gibbs, with a gangster persona
When I do it do it big
I engage in activities on a grand scale
Put it down for the crib
I represent and support my hometown, Gary, Indiana
Rap shit to totin' that cash shit
I transition between pursuing a rap career and engaging in illegal activities for financial gain
And it's plain to see
That it ain't no changin' me
My identity and character remain consistent for everyone to observe
I'm comin' live from the g, A-R-Y
I am currently present and representing Gary, Indiana
Good or bad, right or wrong
Regardless of moral judgment, positive or negative perception
Where the young boys die no mercy
In an environment where young individuals face death without compassion or mercy
No pity in my city and it's plain to see
That it ain't no changin' me
There is no room for sympathy in my hometown, and my unchanging nature is evident
I'm fresh up outta
(Gary Indiana, Gary Gary Indiana)
I recently departed from Gary, Indiana
I said I'm fresh up outta
(Gary Indiana, Gary Gary Indiana)
Once again, emphasizing my recent departure from Gary, Indiana
Nigga I'm straight up outta
(Gary Indiana, Gary Gary Indiana)
I am undeniably from Gary, Indiana
I'm comin' live from the g, A-R-Y
I am currently present and representing Gary, Indiana
Where the young boys die
No mercy, no pity, not a tear in my eye
The young boys meet death without any compassion or sympathy, and it doesn't provoke any emotional response from me
Why cry
I'm a blaze another blunt n' get high
Instead of shedding tears, I choose to smoke marijuana and get intoxicated
Look in the sky, blow the smoke to my niggas
I exhale smoke towards my friends or associates as a form of camaraderie
Pray to God for forgiveness
I seek forgiveness from God through prayer
Yes I'm sinnin' but I'm winnin' and
It's bidness on you bitches
Despite engaging in sinful activities, I am succeeding and focused on my own affairs
You can go against my wishes and
Put a stop on my riches
If you attempt to hinder my wealth accumulation against my desires
Then my peeps leave you sleep in
Lake Michigan with the fishes
My associates will make sure you meet your demise and sleep in Lake Michigan with the fish
Niggas think that it's fictitious till
They hear that ratta tatta niggas scatter
Individuals consider my actions to be unbelievable until they witness the sound of gunshots and see others running in fear
Even senior citizens tote the hammer
Even elderly individuals carry firearms for protection
Thought that Gary
Indiana was movin' on up the ladder
People believed that Gary, Indiana was progressing and improving
But I guess it didn't matter when
The crackers got sick'a Hatcher
However, it appears that the situation didn't improve when white individuals became tired of black political leadership (referring to Richard Hatcher, the first black mayor of Gary)
They turn their back to us
The white individuals rejected and abandoned the black community
Got you ridin' with that iron
Now, you are forced to carry a firearm for protection
In that black Buick i been through it
Driving in a black Buick, I have experienced the hardships and challenges
You can feel it in my music
My music reflects and conveys these struggles
Cook it up and move it this is how we do it
We engage in illicit activities, producing and distributing drugs, as it is our way of life
Nigga I represent the East side
I proudly represent the East side of Gary, Indiana
7-tier GBT town riff block, valley boy
Referring to specific locations and neighborhoods in Gary, Indiana
Nigga catch a beat down
People who cross paths with us may face violent confrontations
Midtown, Marshalltown, Avignon, Goldmiller
Mentioning various areas in Gary, Indiana
GV Concord bronx niggas real killas
Highlighting dangerous individuals from different neighborhoods in Gary, Indiana
Etna to Ironwood, full of crazy niggas
Shady niggas
These areas are filled with unpredictable and suspicious individuals
Can't forget 'bout my Delaney niggas
Acknowledging the importance of Delaney neighborhood and its residents
And all my homies through the
Streets of the G
Showing appreciation for all my friends and companions in the streets of Gary, Indiana
I'm gonna let the streets speak though me
I allow the experiences and stories of the streets to be voiced through me
It's for them cats pushin'
Packs in the hallway doin' it the hard way
This is dedicated to those individuals selling drugs in the hallways, making a living through difficult means
Posted on the corner like
Liquor stores on Broadway
Standing and residing on street corners like liquor stores located on Broadway
Watchin' for the jackals keep 'em
Clappin for the gunplay live for the day
Being vigilant for potential adversaries who engage in gun violence and live each day as it could be the last
Motherfuck what a nigga say
Disregarding and not caring about others' opinions or words
I'm just showin' off my GI pride
I am proudly displaying and expressing my pride for Gary, Indiana (GI)
Anywhere the kid go, you know GI ride
Regardless of the location I am present, you can be sure that I represent and embody the spirit of Gary, Indiana
So I dedicate this record to my GI thugs
I commemorate and dedicate this song to my fellow gangsters from Gary, Indiana
And I bleed the same GI blood
I share the same heritage and experiences with my fellow residents of Gary, Indiana
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
2pacalypse9
Still one of the dopest Freddie G tracks to this date
daryl milbrandt
freddie gibbs is telling his nightmares you boys tell your fairy tales
Jeffrey Peters
dope flow and sick sample. flashdance what a feeling hahaha
Drewbar 100
Still one of the dopest tracks all the way here in 2018
Benjamin Appel
Keep 219 Alive Bro, no matter where we all make it we all got to remember what we came from and I don't see him changing, Definition of one great rapper: Remembers where hes from, doesnt bring race into it, and keeps his pride... Keep Spittn man you got this... Gary, Hammond, And Michigan city Indiana, Keep Northwest Indiana Alive
Bronzey Evergreen
I tried to find a Freddie Gibbs track with a Just Blaze beat and this came up 🤔
Matt Wessel
dude has talent, just flows
wermzer
this needs an official video
ipeeinacup12
anyone know the instrumental for this? pleasee shit is banging
Devon Long
wow great lyrics