Ghostface Killah is critically acclaimed for his loud, fast-paced flow, and his stream-of-consciousness narratives containing cryptic slang and non-sequiturs.
Ghostface Killah was raised in the Stapleton housing projects in Staten Island, New York. In his autobiographical song "All That I Got Is You", Ghost tells the story of his childhood. He raps about how he grew up in a three bedroom apartment without his father, who left him at the age of six. Apparently, his mother had nine children.
His stage name was taken from one of the characters in the 1979 kung fu film Mystery of Chessboxing.
He was also a close friend of the three founding members of Wu-tang clan
Pimpin' Chipp
Ghostface Killah Lyrics
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Real lyrics, well here we go, I'm a tell you a little story
That's right, watch this shit, nigga, here we go, y'all, your ass
Yeah, we write for days, hot shit, uh-huh
Dope, drugs, sex, murder, King James version
Aiyo, needle was left hanging, in the arm of a pimp
He walk with a limp, had bitches on the payroll
Drove a '68 Caddy with the fur on the door
The other macks ain't have jack on him, not even Goldie
Slowly, he would rise, kept his runners with the police
Jim Brown was his man, his brother was Muslim, they tried to convert him
And turn righteous, but the streets got the good of him
Big hats with gorgeous stones, honey designed the slacks
With two attempts on his bottom bitch, her name was Precious
Silky skin, priceless pussy, she took karate
Her bubble ass got Pretty Chipp rich
You can smell her perfume on every street corner
A sexy motherfucka with the mean face on her
Precious, sported bulletproof dresses, defending caring sex
Thirteen smith, this boo that study her lessons
She was the key to Pretty Chipp riches, bitches is fortune slang
Control the south side, her name rings
Lookout for the black cherry pussy extortion
Any other hoes get pregnant, bet they get an abortion
Back at the pub, at the Alice spot, bumping the sounds of Curtis
Playing Live in the jukebox, this broad named Cookie
In the purse, fifty thou' in cash
Passed off to Chipp, told him count it fast, another 10 in my bloomers
Fuck the rumors, it's lies, baby, you my daddy
Bitches never saw me jumping out of Dirt Dog's cabby
I'm a loyal bitch, and chicks can't stand me, pimps
They know I'm ill, that's why they never put hands on me
From Fillmore Slim to Goldie, Pretty Toney
Frank War told me, C.C. get that money
My potentials, credentials, my mouth stay hot
Like Chinese mushrooms, wasabi with spicy lentils
The other day I brought a little gat, where I keep near my lower back
Cause these niggas don't know how to act
At the Apollo, Ray Charles told me
Bitch just get in the car, cuz I want you to swallow
I jumped in, and his bodyguards follow
He was quick, I spit the nut on his '74 wallos
He wanted to invite me to Chicago, I said 'nah, daddy'
He pushed me out and lit up a Marlboro
(Nah, papi) Cause I'm from New York
He taught me the talks, he taught me the walk
Cause I'm Chipp's bitch, we dine and resort
Only nigga ever taught me, don't put swine on my fork
And that's the truth, rest in peace, papi
This Cookie, I still got another tall Goose for you daddy
I'm a stick in the grave for you, baby
Fuck them other pimps, they ain't got shit on you, daddy
The opening lines of Ghostface Killah's Pimpin' Chipp set the expectation for a storytelling experience, and he delivers with a vivid portrayal of a pimp called Pretty Chipp and his empire. The song's title comes from the name of the main character, but Ghostface Killah introduces the story through the eyes of an observer who informs that he will tell us a story about drugs, sex, murder, and other gritty details using Bible language.
He begins by describing a pimp who has needle marks in his arms, walks with a limp, and pays his prostitutes. He tends to bribe children with candy and has a family living in poverty. His car is a luxurious 68 Cadillac with fur-coated doors, and he runs the streets like nobody else with ease. His closest allies are the runners he controls and Jim Brown is his closest confidant, while his brother tries to convert him to Islam, but the street life catches the best of him. Pretty Chipp's primary prostitute is also his protection since she carries a gun and can fight because she is a martial arts champion, their bond marked by her flawless sense of passion for her boss.
Ghostface introduces some other characters, notably another prostitute called Cookie, who entrusts him with $50,000 cash in a purse, but also Ray Charles, who asks her to become his prostitute in different cities before spilling the seed on his fancy coat. The lyrics tell a vivid and brutal story, familiar in the world of hip hop storytelling.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah, them niggas talking bout y'all always want some lyrics, right?
Introducing a story, making fun of those who only appreciate 'real' lyrics.
Real lyrics, well here we go, I'm a tell you a little story
Confirming that this is going to be a story, not 'real' lyrics.
That's right, watch this shit, nigga, here we go, y'all, your ass
Confidently starting the story, letting everyone know to pay attention.
Yeah, we write for days, hot shit, uh-huh
Acknowledging Ghostface Killah's skill and expertise in writing lyrics.
Dope, drugs, sex, murder, King James version
Listing themes that will be present in the upcoming story, comparing them to the Bible.
Aiyo, needle was left hanging, in the arm of a pimp
Starting the story with an image of a pimp who has recently died from a drug overdose.
He walk with a limp, had bitches on the payroll
Describing the pimp's physical characteristics and position of power over his prostitutes.
He gave the seeds candy and his family was poor
Highlighting the pimp's contradictory actions of giving away candy to children while not providing for his own family.
Drove a '68 Caddy with the fur on the door
Describing the pimp's flashy car, emphasizing his wealth and style.
The other macks ain't have jack on him, not even Goldie
Showing the superiority of this particular pimp over others, such as the famous character Goldie from the movie 'The Mack'.
Slowly, he would rise, kept his runners with the police
Revealing the pimp's successful tactics of creating alliances with law enforcement to ensure his protection and power.
Jim Brown was his man, his brother was Muslim, they tried to convert him
Showing the influence of notable figures in the pimp's life, with some attempting to lead him towards a different path.
And turn righteous, but the streets got the good of him
Explaining how the pimp ultimately succumbed to the temptations and power of the street life.
Big hats with gorgeous stones, honey designed the slacks
Describing the pimp's extravagant wardrobe, emphasizing his wealth and fashionable taste.
With two attempts on his bottom bitch, her name was Precious
Implying that someone has tried to harm the pimp's most valuable prostitute, named Precious.
Silky skin, priceless pussy, she took karate
Describing Precious' physical attributes and skills in self-defense.
Her bubble ass got Pretty Chipp rich
Explaining how Precious' physical appearance and abilities helped increase the pimp's wealth.
You can smell her perfume on every street corner
Showing how pervasive and influential Precious and the pimp have become in their territory.
A sexy motherfucka with the mean face on her
Describing Precious' physical attributes and appearance, highlighting her intimidating demeanor.
Precious, sported bulletproof dresses, defending caring sex
Revealing that Precious wears protective clothing, emphasizing both her willingness to defend herself and the importance of safety in her job.
Thirteen smith, this boo that study her lessons
Referencing Precious' intelligence and connection to a religious organization.
She was the key to Pretty Chipp riches, bitches is fortune slang
Stating that Precious was the key to the pimp's wealth and emphasizing the importance of prostitutes in the prostitution industry.
Control the south side, her name rings
Emphasizing the extent of Precious' control over their territory and her reputation.
Lookout for the black cherry pussy extortion
Warning people to be cautious about getting involved with Precious and her operation.
Any other hoes get pregnant, bet they get an abortion
Implying that Precious would be quick to remove any competition by having them get abortions if they tried to have children with the pimp.
Back at the pub, at the Alice spot, bumping the sounds of Curtis
Shifting the setting of the story to a local bar, listening to the music of Curtis Mayfield.
Playing Live in the jukebox, this broad named Cookie
Introducing another female character named Cookie, possibly a prostitute like Precious.
In the purse, fifty thou' in cash
Revealing that Cookie has a large amount of cash with her.
Passed off to Chipp, told him count it fast, another 10 in my bloomers
Handing the money over to the pimp to count, also mentioning that she has additional money hidden in her clothing.
Fuck the rumors, it's lies, baby, you my daddy
Dismissively denying any rumors or gossip, calling the pimp her 'daddy' as a term of endearment.
Bitches never saw me jumping out of Dirt Dog's cabby
Implying that Cookie does not use public transportation and tries to avoid being seen by other prostitutes.
I'm a loyal bitch, and chicks can't stand me, pimps
Proclaiming her loyalty to the pimp and antagonizing other prostitutes who might be jealous of her relationship.
They know I'm ill, that's why they never put hands on me
Asserting her power and capability, stating that other prostitutes are aware of her strength and do not challenge her physically.
From Fillmore Slim to Goldie, Pretty Toney
Referencing other famous pimps in the history of prostitution.
Frank War told me, C.C. get that money
Mentioning another character who offers advice on how to best make money as a pimp and prostitute.
My potentials, credentials, my mouth stay hot
Boasting her abilities and attitude with potential clients.
Like Chinese mushrooms, wasabi with spicy lentils
Comparing her verbal skills to various foods with strong flavors and tastes.
The other day I brought a little gat, where I keep near my lower back
Admitting to carrying a gun for protection and storing it in a convenient place.
Cause these niggas don't know how to act
Explaining that she carries a gun to defend herself against unruly customers.
At the Apollo, Ray Charles told me
Referencing a famous music venue and a famous musician who offered her advice or flattery.
Bitch just get in the car, cuz I want you to swallow
Implying that Ray Charles asked her to perform oral sex on him.
I jumped in, and his bodyguards follow
Accepting Ray Charles' request and acknowledging that he has protection with him.
He was quick, I spit the nut on his '74 wallos
Describing her crude response to Ray Charles' request and rendering him powerless in that moment.
He wanted to invite me to Chicago, I said 'nah, daddy'
Rejecting Ray Charles' invitation to visit another city with him.
He pushed me out and lit up a Marlboro
Showing Ray Charles' disappointment and casually lighting a cigarette after being humiliated.
(Nah, papi) Cause I'm from New York
Explaining that she did not want to travel with Ray Charles because of her loyalty to her hometown, New York.
He taught me the talks, he taught me the walk
Acknowledging that Ray Charles influenced her behavior and mannerisms as a prostitute.
Cause I'm Chipp's bitch, we dine and resort
Stating that her loyalty lies with her pimp, Pretty Chipp, and they enjoy a comfortable lifestyle together.
Only nigga ever taught me, don't put swine on my fork
Acknowledging that Pretty Chipp taught her valuable life lessons, like avoiding pork products for religious reasons.
And that's the truth, rest in peace, papi
Concluding the story and paying respects to a deceased character previously mentioned.
This Cookie, I still got another tall Goose for you daddy
Referencing the earlier mentioned character Cookie and offering a drink to the deceased character, whom she refers to as 'daddy'.
I'm a stick in the grave for you, baby
Promising loyalty and devotion even after the character is dead and buried.
**** them other pimps, they ain't got **** on you, daddy
Affirming that the deceased character, Pretty Chipp, was the best and most impressive pimp she has ever met.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Spirit Music Group
Written by: DENNIS COLES, EMILE HAYNIE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Marques Harris
The 🐐