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."
The Hard
Freddie Gibbs Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I don't work out, I don't chit chat
My bitch bad, I get racks
That Rolls Royce, come gift-wrapped
Them birds still come shrink-wrapped
I'm not strapped, don't think that
I'm low key with that click clack
That rat a tat tat tat tat
Niggas stop being loyal when the money gone
Still walk in this bitch, I'm a hundred strong
One chain on my neck, feel like I got a hundred on
Look at my flow on this bitch
Platinum and gold on my wrist
Money, the accountant be countin' it
That's why I'm throwin' this shit
I'm in BK with that SK
Same clothes since yesterday
With that Biggie Smalls on replay
And I ain't wearing no vest today
I do the Shmoney dance with this mac
You better do it too or get Shmurda'd
I be grilling that beef, I ain't talkin' no burgers
I finna be walkin' like I'm a New Yorker
I let off the K and then I hope in the Uber
It's never a question that I am the shooter
I empty the clip and lay you in a pool of
Blood, see how he got hit with the Ruger?
Blood, bandana that's how we be movin'
Blood, swooping from Compton to Brooklyn
And this ain't the Barclays but niggas be shootin'
Running niggas down back and forth
I'm like pass the torch
Blast it off
Niggas making bets so who gonna blast him off
First to score
We gon' hit 'em hard
We gon' hit 'em all
First to score
We gon' hit 'em all
We gon' hit 'em hard
Running niggas down back and forth
I'm like pass the torch
Blast it off
Niggas making bets so who gonna blast him off
First to score
We gon' hit 'em hard
We gon' hit 'em all
First to score
We gon' hit 'em all
We gon' hit 'em hard
Running cocaina back and forth
Copped the bag of salt
E S to the G N
I'm the boss dropped the package off
Coming for the murder, masks is off
Bitch you took a loss
Fuck the DEA we shook 'em off
Bitch we shook 'em off
Shook and twist the jars
And dope on my mommas stove top
By the time she came back from church boy
I bet you I had an O stocked
In the middle of the muhfuckin' day
no more yayo, boy I done sold out
Nigga pull up in a mothafuckin' foreign on
forgies that'll bring them hoes out
Like yeah nigga, niggas keep beggin'
I pull out a pump in this bitch like I'm blizzard
Yeah, empty your pockets, we robbin'
these bitches got all of us trippin'
Nigga, it's better to ask for forgiveness than ask for permission
You catchin' the hollow, I'm catchin'you slippin'
I did it alone, only God as my witness
My nigga got off cause we tied up the witness
and made sure the nigga couldn't show up in court
You know the business, them niggas find out that you snitchin'
them niggas gon' be at your throat
Everyday Halloween niggas will go trick or treatin'
with two tweny-three at your door
Flippin' a check off this rappin'
go back to the trap and put that in the weed and the blow like
Running niggas down back and forth
I'm like pass the torch
Blast it off
Niggas making bets so who gonna blast him off
First to score
We gon' hit 'em hard
We gon' hit 'em all
First to score
We gon' hit 'em all
We gon' hit 'em hard
Running niggas down back and forth
I'm like pass the torch
Blast it off
Niggas making bets so who gonna blast him off
First to score
We gon' hit 'em hard
We gon' hit 'em all
First to score
We gon' hit 'em all
We gon' hit 'em hard
I just caught a body like a week ago
These hatin' niggas want attention, I don't see 'em though
You talk that gangsta shit, but I just can't believe it bro
We pull up with them shots, knockin' out that European [?]
S to the K to the E-M-E, callin' the EMT after I empted this clip
I sold my dope right on CMT, I'm at the ING, know I'm as weird as it gets
Chuck Taylor told me it's fuck haters, so I say fuck 'em and bury these niggas in pits
Rolley on wrist, no toc or no tic, your girl on my dick, man come get your bitch
Niggas think this a rap now, I might back down and come try your luck
Riders with me be wired up, they ridin' with me till the tyres bust
Haters talkin', but they better cool it, before that nigga Crooked get fired up
Lay you out like my Balmains, you gotta play 'em straight, he get ironed up
Drinkin' lean till I'm high enough, I don't give a fuck about [?] nigga
I ain't squashin' shit, I won't call it off, I just handle mine like a man nigga
I'm on frontline with these bands nigga
Need a chair, I can't stand niggas
We do walk-by's and hop outs
Got slidin' doors on that van nigga
Running niggas down back and forth
I'm like pass the torch
Blast it off
Niggas making bets so who gonna blast him off
First to score
We gon' hit 'em hard
We gon' hit 'em all
First to score
We gon' hit 'em all
We gon' hit 'em hard
Running niggas down back and forth
I'm like pass the torch
Blast it off
Niggas making bets so who gonna blast him off
First to score
We gon' hit 'em hard
We gon' hit 'em all
First to score
We gon' hit 'em all
We gon' hit 'em hard
The song "The Hard" by Freddie Gibbs is a hardcore rap track filled with violent imagery and tough-guy bravado. Gibbs raps about his drug dealing past, his willingness to use violence to solve problems, and his general lack of concern for the consequences of his actions. The opening lines mention his possessions – a black mac and a six-pack – which set the scene for the rest of the song: night-time criminal activity.
Gibbs boasts about his wealth, stating that he has a "bad" girlfriend who helps him get "racks" of money. However, he also acknowledges the potential danger of his lifestyle, noting that he keeps a "click clack" (gun) close by for protection. This theme of violence and danger is further emphasized throughout the song, as Gibbs talks about his willingness to kill his enemies and his ability to evade the law.
Line by Line Meaning
I got a black mac and a six pack
I possess a black mac (possibly referring to a firearm) and a six pack of alcoholic beverages
I don't work out, I don't chit chat
I do not engage in physical exercise or engage in idle conversation
My bitch bad, I get racks
My significant other is attractive and I accumulate large amounts of money
That Rolls Royce, come gift-wrapped
The Rolls Royce I own is so luxurious that it seems like a gift
Them birds still come shrink-wrapped
I am able to obtain narcotics in sealed packaging
I'm not strapped, don't think that
I am currently not carrying a firearm, so do not assume otherwise
I'm low key with that click clack
I discreetly possess a firearm and am prepared to use it
That rat a tat tat tat tat
The sound of rapid gunfire
Throw the burner and I'm runnin' home
I dispose of the firearm and quickly retreat to safety
Niggas stop being loyal when the money gone
Individuals cease to show loyalty once financial resources are depleted
Still walk in this bitch, I'm a hundred strong
I confidently enter a place of significance with a large entourage
One chain on my neck, feel like I got a hundred on
The weight and value of my single necklace gives me the sensation of wearing many
Look at my flow on this bitch
Observe and appreciate my impressive style and technique
Platinum and gold on my wrist
I adorn my wrist with expensive platinum and gold jewelry
Money, the accountant be countin' it
I possess a significant amount of money and have an accountant who manages and keeps track of it
That's why I'm throwin' this shit
I am flaunting my wealth and success by indulging in extravagant behavior
I'm in BK with that SK
I am located in Brooklyn with a semi-automatic handgun (SK)
Same clothes since yesterday
I have been wearing the same attire for multiple consecutive days
With that Biggie Smalls on replay
I continuously listen to the music of Biggie Smalls
And I ain't wearing no vest today
I have chosen not to wear a bulletproof vest on this particular day
I do the Shmoney dance with this mac
I perform the 'Shmoney' dance while wielding a firearm (mac)
You better do it too or get Shmurda'd
You should also participate in the 'Shmoney' dance or face dire consequences
I be grilling that beef, I ain't talkin' no burgers
I engage in intense conflict, not referring to literal hamburgers
I finna be walkin' like I'm a New Yorker
I am going to strut with the confidence and swagger of a resident of New York
I let off the K and then I hope in the Uber
I discharge my firearm and quickly escape the scene by getting into an Uber car
It's never a question that I am the shooter
There is no doubt that I am the one responsible for shooting
I empty the clip and lay you in a pool of
I empty all the bullets from the magazine and cause you to fall into a pool of blood
Blood, see how he got hit with the Ruger?
I emphasize and draw attention to how someone was struck by a firearm (Ruger)
Blood, bandana that's how we be movin'
We move and operate in a manner associated with gang activity and loyalty (bandana)
Blood, swooping from Compton to Brooklyn
We swiftly and effortlessly move between the cities of Compton and Brooklyn
And this ain't the Barclays but niggas be shootin'
This is not the Barclays Center, but individuals are still engaging in acts of gun violence
Running niggas down back and forth
Chasing and pursuing individuals relentlessly
I'm like pass the torch
I am ready and eager to take over as the leader or dominant force
Blast it off
Explosively initiate action or aggression
Niggas making bets so who gonna blast him off
Individuals are placing wagers to determine who will eliminate or harm someone
First to score
The first one to achieve a successful outcome
We gon' hit 'em hard
We will strike with great force and intensity
We gon' hit 'em all
We will target and confront every individual involved or relevant to the situation
I just caught a body like a week ago
I recently committed a murder or took someone's life
These hatin' niggas want attention, I don't see 'em though
Despite the presence of individuals who despise me, I choose to ignore them
You talk that gangsta shit, but I just can't believe it bro
You speak about being involved in criminal activities, but I find it difficult to trust or accept your claims
We pull up with them shots, knockin' out that European
We arrive with firearms and forcefully eliminate or incapacitate someone from Europe
S to the K to the E-M-E, callin' the EMT after I emptied this clip
I spell out 'SKEME' (referring to a specific group or individual) and call for emergency medical services after discharging all the bullets from my magazine
I sold my dope right on CMT, I'm at the ING, know I'm as weird as it gets
I distributed narcotics in plain sight on the Country Music Television channel and now frequent the International Networking Group, demonstrating my unconventional and peculiar nature
Chuck Taylor told me it's fuck haters, so I say fuck 'em and bury these niggas in pits
Chuck Taylor (an artist known for his gangsta rap style) advised me to disregard those who dislike me, so I express my disregard and intend to harm or ruin these individuals
Rolley on wrist, no toc or no tic, your girl on my dick, man come get your bitch
I wear a Rolex watch without any noticeable movement or sound, while your significant other is sexually attracted to me, therefore you should retrieve her
Niggas think this a rap now, I might back down and come try your luck
Individuals mistakenly believe that this is merely a rap song, but I am willing to step away from music and engage in a physical altercation to test their luck
Riders with me be wired up, they ridin' with me till the tyres bust
My associates are heavily armed and prepared to support me until the tires on our vehicles are damaged or destroyed
Haters talkin', but they better cool it, before that nigga Crooked get fired up
Individuals who dislike me should cease their words and actions, or else my associate named Crooked will become angry and take violent action
Lay you out like my Balmains, you gotta play 'em straight, he get ironed up
I will defeat or neutralize you in a similar manner to how I carefully lay out my expensive Balmains clothing, and anyone who attempts to resist will face severe consequences
Drinkin' lean till I'm high enough, I don't give a fuck about [?] nigga
I consume codeine and other drugs until I reach a sufficient level of intoxication, and I do not care about the opinions or actions of a certain individual
I ain't squashin' shit, I won't call it off, I just handle mine like a man nigga
I am not willing to resolve conflicts peacefully or give up, instead I deal with these issues in a self-reliant and assertive manner
I'm on frontline with these bands nigga
I am at the forefront of financial prosperity and success, surpassing others in terms of wealth
Need a chair, I can't stand niggas
I am surrounded by individuals who irritate or frustrate me to the point where I require a chair to sit and distance myself from them
We do walk-by's and hop outs
We engage in drive-by shootings and quickly exit the vehicle to swiftly carry out acts of violence
Got slidin' doors on that van nigga
The van we possess features sliding doors, allowing for efficient and rapid entry and exit during criminal activities
Running niggas down back and forth
Continuously chasing and pursuing individuals
I'm like pass the torch
I am ready and willing to assume leadership or take control of a situation
Blast it off
Initiate explosive action or aggression
Niggas making bets so who gonna blast him off
Individuals are placing wagers to determine who will eliminate or harm someone
First to score
The first one to achieve a successful outcome
We gon' hit 'em hard
We will strike with great force and intensity
We gon' hit 'em all
We will target and confront every individual involved or relevant to the situation
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Bobby Shmurda, Fredrick Tipton, Jayceon Taylor, Lonnie Kimble
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Awchshonear
I know that life is short
But we can't move too fast
[Verse 1: Freddie Gibbs]
Hit the block, dressed in white, straight Bo Jackson Nikes
Call my partner Mike, copped a pint, pour four in my Sprite
55 a line, that's aight cause I'm 'bout that life
Pussy on my mind, bitch you tired, it's that mouth tonight
Weed and waffles in the morning
Downtown Chicago, smoking on some shit that I imported
MDMA light up her day, sometimes she like to snort it
And shit was too dry with that Tony, bitch now I'm reloaded
Bitch I'm reloaded
And I'm chopping up the hard, dopeboy I play my part
Fuck with the gangsta type, ain't got no stripes, then you's a mark
Smoking Carolina Blue fresh out the Carolina Park
So much gunplay in the day, just might be safer in the dark
And this Glock ain't got no safety, the owner ain't got no patience
So please don't make my finger and this trigger make relations
Said this Glock ain't got no safety, straight make yo ass a patient
Guess I'll slang until my grave or take that federal vacation
Nigga, nigga
Awchshonear
Pre-Chorus: Dana Williams]
I know that life is short
But we can't move too fast
[Chorus: Freddie Gibbs]
These niggas want it so I'm chopping up the hard, I'm chopping up the hard
These niggas say they want it so I'm chopping up the hard
Said I'm chopping up the hard, I'm chopping up the hard
These geekers say they on it so I'm chopping up the hard, nigga
[Bridge: Freddie Gibbs]
Whip the crack, dressed in black, just picked up a pack
Feeling great, dropped some 28s, got 'em jumping back
Jumping up, what the fuck, G.I. they don't fuck with us
Most these niggas out the Mid wouldn't breathe until I bust a nut
[Verse 2: Freddie Gibbs]
Rob a nigga father figure, dope house was my college nigga
Plus my part time job didn't make no dollars, I'm a water whipper
See through you like windows, basis of your heart is artificial
Mob of hungry niggas like we came straight out of Mogadishu
What's the issue? Stack full of pancakes and my pistol
Shit official, when you see a police, nigga hit that whistle
They out to get you, so fuck all my opponents
They can peel me off this corner cause I know these niggas want it
[Chorus: Freddie Gibbs]
These niggas want it so I'm chopping up the hard, I'm chopping up the hard
These niggas say they want it so I'm chopping up the hard
Said I'm chopping up the hard, I'm chopping up the hard
These geekers say they on it so I'm chopping up the hard, nigga
[Verse 3: Dana Williams]
I know that life is short
(Life's short, know what I'm saying, you gotta get moving, know what I mean)
But we can't move too fast
(Know what I'm saying, I ain't tryna run a race or no shit like that, you know)
Cause if we go right now
(Nigga just tryna get out here and chop, chop it up and get mine, you know
Piece of the pie)
It will never last
In the morning
When the sun comes up
And everything is cold
It's a new day
And all of it is beautiful
Or so I thought
[Bridge 2: Freddie Gibbs]
Just let me make it to another morning
Just let me make it to another morning
Just let me make it to another morning
Just let me make it to another morning
Ihffgbbn
"The Hard"
(feat. Dana Williams)
[Intro/Bridge: Dana]
I know that life is short
But we can't move too fast
[Verse 1: Freddie]
Hit the block, dressed in white, same Bo Jackson Nikes
Call my partner Mike, copped a pint, put fo' in my Sprite
55 a line, that's aight cause I'm 'bout that life
Pussy on my mind, bitch you tired, it's that mouth tonight
Weed and waffles in the morning
Downtown Chicago, smoking on some shit that I imported
MDMA, light up a J, sometimes she like to snort it
And shit was too dry with that Tony, bitch now I'm reloaded
Bitch I'm reloaded
And I'm chopping up the hard, dopeboy I played my part
Fuck with the gangsta type, ain't got no stripes, then you's a mark
Smoking Carolina Blue fresh out the Carolina Park
So much gunplay in the day, just might be safer in the dark
And this Glock ain't got no safety, the owner got no patience
So please don't make my finger and this trigger make relations
Said this Glock ain't got no safety, straight make yo ass a patient
Guess I'll slang until my grave or take that federal vacation
Nigga, nigga
[Bridge]
[Hook: Freddie]
These niggas want it so I'm chopping up the hard, I'm chopping up the hard
These niggas say they want it so I'm chopping up the hard
Said I'm chopping up the hard, I'm chopping up the hard
These geekers say they on it so I'm chopping up the hard, nigga
[Verse 2: Freddie]
Whip the crack, dressed in black, just picked up a pack
Feeling great, dropped some 28s, got 'em jumping back
Jumping up, what the fuck, G.I. they don't fuck with us
Most these niggas out the Mid wasn't breathing 'til I bust a nut
Rob a nigga, father figure, dope house was my college nigga
Plus my part time job didn't make no dollars, I'm a water whipper
See through you like windows, basis of your heart is artificial
Mob of hungry niggas like we came straight out of Mogadishu
What's the issue? Stack full of pancakes and my pistol
Shit official, when you see the police, nigga hit that whistle
They out to get you, so fuck all my opponents
They can peel me off this corner cause I know...
[Hook]
[Verse 3: Dana]
I know that lifAnnotatee is short
(Life's short, know what I'm saying, you gotta get moving, know what I mean)
But we can't move too fast
(Know what I'm saying, I ain't tryna run a race or no shit like that, you know)
Cause if we go right now
(Nigga just tryna get out here and chop, chop it up and get mine, you know
Piece of the pie)
It will never last
In the morning
When the sun comes up
And everything is cold
It's a new day
And all of it is beautiful
Or so I thought
[Freddie:]
Just let me make it to another morning [x4]
[Hook]
Trillaveli
THIS MAN BEEN A GOAT FOR 10+ YEARS!
John Thomas
Good 13 yrs
LakeTownMexSL
Str8 up Gangsta Gibbs Delivers a whole different way .. 🌊
Bruno Aguirre
Brasil !!!!!
Jorge V
I can't be bored of this song .... One of the best of gangsta Gibbs!
SwagOnMax
💯💯💯💯💯
Baker Wild
This album will never get old, only better. Freddie the GOAT no doubt
yellowdimellow
I caught myself listening to Freddie Gibbs every single day.
the way Gibbs deliver and styles on beats again and again catched me bad.
Keep it goin
Much Love from Germany
Evan Bob
same with me, I listen to freddie every day. Not a day goes by without sticking on some freddie Gibbs.
Michael Trasvina
We out here livin