Born Nathan Thompson in the early 1980s, raised by a single mum and the eldest of his siblings, he grew up in a less well off family in Peckham. Originally nicknamed 'Giggler' because of his tendency to laugh even in the most inappropriate situations, this was cut down to 'Giggs'. He became a father at the age of 21, but soon after spent two years in jail for gun possession.
He is known for rapping slowly in a low voice, which he described as "something different, enough to separate me from all the competing others".
Soon after being released from prison in 2005, Giggs started pursuing rapping as a career, instead of a hobby. Giggs and his SN1 crew started off releasing numerous mixtapes, including Hollowman Meets Blade, Welcome to Boomzville, Best of Giggs 1 and 2 and 3 and the hugely successful Ard Bodied, which featured the street anthem of 2008, "Talking the Hardest". His mixtapes have supposedly sold more than 100,000 units. This success helped his buzz expand outside London, however when Giggs first signed to XL Recordings, the record label was allegedly warned by members of Operation Trident to not back the London Rapper as Operation Trident is the Metropolitan Police's specialist team investigating gun crime within the black community in Peckham.
Giggs released the street anthem 'Talkin the Hardest' in 2008, which helped his growing buzz. The track features Giggs rapping over the beat from American hip-hop artist Stat Quo's track "Here We Go", originally produced by Dr. Dre. He then released his debut independent album Walk in da Park on 4 August 2008. The album had two official videos, for the tracks 'Uummm!!' and 'You Raised Me/Open Up'. Walk In Da Park received mainly positive reviews, and was very successful, selling out in most HMVs in the first two days of release.
Let Em Ave It is Giggs' second album and the first on a major label, under the XL Recordings label. "Look What the Cat Dragged In" was released on 7 June 2010 on XL Recordings, and is included on the album, which WAS released on 21 June 2010.
Singles released from the album include 'Slow Songs' featuring Mike Skinner and 'Don't Go There' featuring B.o.B.. In March 2010, "Don't Go There" entered the UK Singles Chart at #60. Giggs has been working with Atlantas JBizzy and produced around four tracks, "Whippin all day" (which can be downloaded for free from www.sn1giggs.com), "Background Ting" which can be heard on the official Giggs myspace www.myspace.com/trapstargiggs and two other which are going to be available on his album.
Giggs also has his own clothing brand, SN1 wear, including T-shirts, jackets and caps quoting previous lines from his songs such as "Talking the Hardest". These can be purchased from these SN1 store or the SN1wear website 'http://www.sn1wearltd.com/'.Giggs and the SN1 crew have opened a SN1 shop which can be found in Peckham Market. The shop sells clothing lines from the SN1 camp, as well as clothing from other designers. They also sell mixtapes and albums from SN1, Giggs and many UK artists.
Giggs has founded his own record label called SN1 Entertainment, it has not yet been confirmed whether or not it will be distributed through XL recordings. So far the only major releases on this label are Giggs debut album Walk in Da Park and Joe Grind Not Your Average Joe
Don't Be Shy
Giggs Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Pretty girls like money
Baby, don't dance for free
Anything you want from me
Baby, let me spend this on you
Pretty girls like money
Baby, don't dance for free
Baby, let me spend this on you
Cannabis, man in this
And I'm with scavengers, savages
Big and just, bad in this
Pretty girl's hands on these fabrics
Packages, packages
Niggas just copying wag and this
Hollowman's looking established
Pretty girls looking up marriages
Catalysts, happiest
Dominic grabbing this happiness
Cannabis, fuck all those tablets
And niggas ain't dressing up mad in this
Catholic but I'm still backing it
Yeah, stand up big bad with that strap in it
Yeah, and there's no clout or no cap in it
Niggas ain't bowing like Kaepernick
Pretty girls like money
Baby, don't dance for free
Anything you want from me
Baby, let me spend this on you
Pretty girls like money
Baby, don't dance for free
Anything you want from me
Baby, let me spend this on you
Caroline, Carolynn
Megan and meddling Madelene
Hattie got hit with that javelin
Ayesha always just babblin'
Real nigga shit, just nagging him
And Jackie's just always on haggling
And Nicky's just always on travelling
And Kimmy looks good and she's African
Swaggering, stepping out, dapper ting
Prodding and poking and tapping him
So many bitches it's baffling
Women just hang off the back of him
Undressing that generous packaging
Jessie's so tired, she's knackered him
Yeah, tickets just flying, unraveling
Yeah, bitches just hang on and grappling
Pretty girls like money
Baby, don't dance for free
Anything you want from me
Baby, let me spend this on you
Pretty girls like money
Baby, don't dance for free
Anything you want from me
Baby, let me spend this on you
Don't be shy
Baby, come over this side
I know, I know what you like
I've got, I've got what you like
Don't be shy
Baby, come over this side
I know, I know what you like
I've got, I've got what you like
In Giggs's song "Don't Be Shy," the lyrics revolve around themes of money, attraction, and the power dynamics between men and women. The chorus suggests that pretty girls are often interested in money and material possessions. The singer acknowledges this and expresses a willingness to spend on a woman and cater to her desires. It can be interpreted as a commentary on the superficiality of relationships based solely on monetary transactions and the commodification of women.
The verses continue to explore these themes. The references to cannabis and the presence of scavengers and savages in the singer's circle suggest a gritty and dangerous environment. The singer brags about his status and the attention he receives from pretty girls. The lyrics mention various women by name, painting a picture of a social scene where people interact and engage in shallow relationships. The singer describes these women as nagging, haggling, and babbling, highlighting their lack of substance.
Overall, "Don't Be Shy" can be seen as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pursuing relationships based solely on material wealth and physical attraction. It underscores the need for genuine connection and emotional depth in relationships rather than superficiality.
Line by Line Meaning
Pretty girls like money
Attractive women are attracted to wealth and material possessions
Baby, don't dance for free
Don't give away your talents or time without receiving something in return
Anything you want from me
I am willing to provide whatever you desire
Baby, let me spend this on you
Allow me to use my money to treat you and fulfill your desires
Cannabis, man in this
Marijuana is present in our surroundings
And I'm with scavengers, savages
I associate with people who are opportunistic and ruthless
Big and just, bad in this
Being powerful and influential in this environment
Pretty girl's hands on these fabrics
Beautiful women touch these expensive clothes
Packages, packages
Dealing with illicit substances or illegal activities
Niggas just copying wag and this
People are imitating our style and swagger
Hollowman's looking established
Giggs, as a rapper, has gained recognition and success
Pretty girls looking up marriages
Attractive women aspire to get married
Catalysts, happiest
Elements that bring about positive change, leading to happiness
Dominic grabbing this happiness
Giggs, as Dominic, is taking hold of his own happiness
Cannabis, fuck all those tablets
Marijuana is preferred over prescription drugs
And niggas ain't dressing up mad in this
People don't have extravagant fashion in this setting
Catholic but I'm still backing it
Although I'm religious, I still support certain actions or behaviors
Yeah, stand up big bad with that strap in it
Asserting dominance and power with a weapon
Yeah, and there's no clout or no cap in it
There are no false claims or exaggerations involved
Niggas ain't bowing like Kaepernick
People are not submitting or conforming, similar to Kaepernick's protest
Caroline, Carolynn
Referring to individuals named Caroline and Carolynn
Megan and meddling Madelene
Naming Megan and Madelene, who are intrusive individuals
Hattie got hit with that javelin
Hattie experienced some unexpected or painful event
Ayesha always just babblin'
Ayesha frequently talks without making much sense
Real nigga shit, just nagging him
Authentic and truthful things are bothering him
And Jackie's just always on haggling
Jackie is constantly negotiating and arguing over prices
And Nicky's just always on travelling
Nicky is regularly on the move
And Kimmy looks good and she's African
Kimmy appears attractive and she is of African descent
Swaggering, stepping out, dapper ting
Confidently showing off and looking stylish
Prodding and poking and tapping him
Poking and prodding him physically or mentally
So many bitches it's baffling
There are an overwhelming number of women, which is confusing
Women just hang off the back of him
Females are constantly interested in him and hanging around
Undressing that generous packaging
Exploring the generous and attractive qualities he possesses
Jessie's so tired, she's knackered him
Jessie has exhausted him physically or emotionally
Yeah, tickets just flying, unraveling
Tickets are selling quickly and causing excitement
Yeah, bitches just hang on and grappling
Women continue to cling on and fight for his attention
Don't be shy
Do not hesitate or hold back
Baby, come over this side
Come and join me on my side or in my world
I know, I know what you like
I understand and am aware of your preferences
I've got, I've got what you like
I possess the things that you desire
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: Jason Neville Thompson, Steven Umoh, John Barnabus Lister
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind