"GOODIE MOb", as it's written on their album covers, means the "GOOD DIE Mostly Over bullshit". Cee-Lo notes in a song off the Soul Food album that, "[If] you take out one 'O' it stands for 'GOD Is Every Man Of blackness.' "
Its members were all born in Atlanta, and the group is based there with the rest of the Dungeon Family, a collective which includes OutKast, Witch Doctor and P.A. (Parental Advisory). Goodie was first heard reciting haunting politically charged poetry on several songs from OutKast's first album Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik. His reputation as a poet, thinker and social commentator is legendary in the southern hip-hop community.
Cee-Lo was the most visible member of the group prior to his departure in 2000 due in part to his distinct voice, while Big Gipp has made several rounds on other Dungeon Family members' albums, and T-Mo and Khujo form a duo within the group called The Lumberjacks.
Discography
Soul Food (1995)
Goodie Mob's debut was the Gold-certified album Soul Food in (1995). Produced by Organized Noize and critically acclaimed, the album went gold. It was on this album that the phrase Dirty South was actually coined, with a song of that same title. This album touched on many social and political issues such as racism, discrimination, geo-politics, and gentrification. Although the album dealt with such heavy issues, some songs still carried a lighter tone, such as "Soul Food," in which the crew expressed their love for home cooked meals. Along with Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik, this album put Atlanta's rap scene on the map.
Still Standing (1998)
The Mob's sophomore release was Still Standing in 1998, on which they continued their tendency towards social commentary, and Cee-Lo's penchant for singing began to show through more. The album was also produced by Organize Noize, except for contributions by DJ Muggs (which would lead to Goodie Mob's contribution on Soul Assassins I) and Mr. DJ. During this period the group made a cameo appearance in the film Mystery Men, with Cee-Lo crediting himself by his birth name, Thomas Callaway (though he refers to himself as "Carlito Green" in the liner notes). Still Standing was the group's second gold-selling effort. On the front and back covers, the letter "O" in "Mob" contained a chilling silhouette of a hanged man in the center.
World Party (1999)
Feeling pressure from the increasing popularity and sales of their fellow Dungeon Family group OutKast, Goodie Mob decided to sign with Arista Records for their third album. The record veered away from their gritty style that permeated their successful previous releases, instead incorporating lighter beats and party related subject matter, which many fans perceived as selling out in an attempt for mainstream popularity. The social tone which had pervaded their earlier releases was absent; one track on the album, "All A's," was criticized for reportedly containing homophobic lyrics. During production, unhappy with the project's direction, Cee-Lo abruptly left to pursue a solo career. Arista dropped the group following poor sales of the album.
One Monkey Don't Stop No Show (2004)
The fourth album from Goodie, not featuring Cee-Lo, was something of a return to their earlier style, though fans were unhappy with the lack of Cee-Lo's presence. Many thought the "monkey" referenced in the title and shown on the cover was a reference to their prodigal groupmate, though the group claims it actually represents the music industry. Released the following year, Cee-Lo's second solo album Cee-Lo Green... is the Soul Machine featured a song called "When We Were Friends," which many also took for a diss to his former group.
Livin' Life As Lumberjacks (2005)
One Monkey's poor reception led Big Gipp to briefly leave the group as well, and T-Mo and Khujo released an album under the name The Lumberjacks called Livin' Life As Lumberjacks. The album continued the trend of somewhat lessened social commentary, getting into the crunk style that by then had pervaded Atlanta's music scene. Though Cee-Lo was still absent, Big Gipp appeared twice on the album to form the trio once again on the tracks Superfriends and 24/7/365.
Possible Reunion
It has been reported that all four Goodie Mob members are back on good terms and have reentered the studio to release a brand new album. Cee-Lo and Big Gipp have both referenced this in multiple interviews. No release date has been set, nor any details concerning the possible album released.
The four members recently appeared on stage together on October 1, 2006 following a Gnarls Barkley show, stating that they were back together or at least on good terms. No details were given concerning a possible reunion album at the time.
Are You Ready
Goodie Mob Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Get up, get into it involved
Looks like a job for the Goodie Mob, lets work
Standing in the middle of harms way
Where all of the guns play
No father home, affects the Feng Shui
The pastor prays for Harambe
Look what they've done to us far beyond music
Jesus could've been John Lewis but I can't prove it
But I could be the conduit to reconnect you to it
And we are the ones that people expect to do it
Back to business, and being black's the business
And anything other than that is sacrilegious
You see I rap for spitters and clap back for niggas
'Til the moment that the mothership comes back to get us
Are you ready? Are you ready? Are you ready?
Are you ready? Are you ready? Are you ready?
Are you ready? Are you ready? Are you ready?
Come on
Niggas ain't ready 'cause they minds ain't right
They don't walk by faith man they walk by sight
They die by the knife 'cause they live by the sword
They don't give a damn about filling up the morgue
Ready for whatever program for destruction
Hard head, stiff neck, won't learn instruction
Can't be a king with your pants on the ground
Can't be a queen trapping ass round town
You looking for love in all the wrong places
Thirteen colonies founded by Masons
Chasing nightmares disguised as wet dreams
Don't hold your breath waiting on freedom to ring
You want reparations from your slave master
Everything good until you want to buy Alaska
Asking 'bout all the gold that they stole
How dare you put a price tag on my black soul
Are you ready? Are you ready?
Goodie Mob, Organized Noize, are you ready
Are you ready? Are you ready?
Goodie Mob, Goodie Mob ready
On top of the game, deliver the same
Forever the shame is simple and plain
Like Mary to Jane, avoiding the pain
Like yin to yang, and Jordan to Hanes
She giving me brains and teaching me claim
The victory aim
The pistol it pop, the enemy drops
He crooked like cops
Fraternity click, these people too slick
A daddy like Trick
I hustle don't quit
The intricate shit
My brothers are rich
We give and we get
Better with time
Never too kind
Keeping the shine
Fist in the air, ain't giving a care
My people are dying
And mamas are crying
Standing in line
My youngins are trying
Going to work pushing the pine
Focused and poised
Bringing the noise
Calling my boys
Never avoid
I'm training like Floyd
My ethic to work
Your gonna get hurt
Got blood on my shirt
A captain like Kurt
From second to first
Are you ready? Are you ready? Are you ready?
Are you ready? Are you ready?
Goodie Mob, Organized Noize ready
Come on
Wake up every morning in black face
Sipping outta white cup
Looking at rat race
Black hands with no hands
It's a chess game
Cowboys and rabbi's
Its a flesh game, hidden sex games
Money bet games
Let the mutant flip tha script on this game
One hundred round dicks
Forty extended clips
And the quarters in the street
The folks making hollows
Gipp got a fever
Make the feds wanna follow
Been blackball since blackball
Ya baby daddy and ya baby mommy
Get horse dicked
I can tell by ya eyes
You're counterfeit
We in tha land of tha have and the have nots
Blood drops and secret spots
The Mexican pipe line
Pine trees
The skyline turn pink at night time
Are you ready? Goodie Mob, Organized Noize ready
Chuck D, Public Enemy ready
Close the curtain, lights out, roll the credits, come on
The song "Are You Ready" by Goodie Mob featuring Organized Noize opens with a call-to-action to Atlanta South and the entire world, "Get into it, get involved." The group takes a profound approach to their lyrics, examining the impact of societal corruption on urban communities. The song paints a picture of a world where guns are commonplace, with no fathers in sight. The singer goes on to talk about how music cannot fix everything, and religious leaders even pray for Harambe, a gorilla killed in a zoo, while the lives of urbanites continue to be destroyed like Pompeii. The group speaks to how their role as musicians goes further than their art form, they have a responsibility to connect people to the struggle.
Later in the song, the singer addresses how society is not ready to face the harsh realities of the world because they live too much in their own perception of it. People tend to die by the sword because they live by the sword, giving little heed to constructive feedback or attempts to learn. The singer also touches on the lustful and materialistic tendencies of society, desiring love in the wrong places while the legacy of slavery remains unresolved. All these vices lead to people chasing nightmares disguised as dreams, and the hope for freedom becomes impractical.
Overall, "Are You Ready" presents unpacked truths about the inequalities still present in society, and calls on listeners to unite for change in a world that is rapidly changing.
Line by Line Meaning
Calling, calling the ATL south and the whole entire world
Reaching out to Atlanta, the southern region, and the entire world to pay attention
Get up, get into it involved
Encouraging listeners to actively participate and engage
Looks like a job for the Goodie Mob, lets work
Recognizing the responsibility bestowed upon Goodie Mob to address important issues and take action
Standing in the middle of harms way
Being exposed to dangerous situations
Where all of the guns play
In an environment where firearms and violence are prevalent
No father home, affects the Feng Shui
The absence of a father figure disrupts the balance and harmony in households
The pastor prays for Harambe
Referring to a tragic incident involving the death of Harambe, a gorilla, and emphasizing the need for spiritual guidance and protection
Before every urbanite is underneath the ash like Pompeii
Warning about potential devastation and destruction faced by urban dwellers, using the example of Pompeii's volcanic eruption
Look what they've done to us far beyond music
Highlighting the negative impact society has had on the community, extending beyond the realm of music
Jesus could've been John Lewis but I can't prove it
Speculating that great leaders, like John Lewis, carry similarities to Jesus in their efforts for social justice, though it's impossible to provide concrete evidence
But I could be the conduit to reconnect you to it
Expressing the potential role of the artist as a means to restore a connection to the essence of social and cultural issues
And we are the ones that people expect to do it
Recognizing the expectations placed upon artists like Goodie Mob to address and resolve societal issues
Back to business, and being black's the business
Returning to the primary focus of advocating for the Black community and considering it as a serious endeavor
And anything other than that is sacrilegious
Viewing any diversion from addressing Black issues as disrespectful or contrary to the group's mission
You see I rap for spitters and clap back for niggas
Engaging in lyricism that speaks to those with great skills, while also defending and retaliating against those who oppose or disrespect them
'Til the moment that the mothership comes back to get us
Continuing their advocacy until there is a significant change or revolution, symbolized by the arrival of a metaphorical mothership
Niggas ain't ready 'cause they minds ain't right
Many individuals are unprepared due to their flawed thinking and mentality
They don't walk by faith man they walk by sight
People rely on what they can see rather than having faith in the unseen or uncertain
They die by the knife 'cause they live by the sword
Those who embrace a violent lifestyle may ultimately meet a violent demise
They don't give a damn about filling up the morgue
Apathetic towards the tragic consequences of their actions, leading to an increase in deaths and casualties
Ready for whatever program for destruction
Prepared to engage in destructive activities with no regard for consequences
Hard head, stiff neck, won't learn instruction
Being stubborn and resistant to learning and guidance
Can't be a king with your pants on the ground
One cannot exude authority and leadership when they lack self-respect and present themselves in a disheveled manner
Can't be a queen trapping ass round town
A woman embracing a promiscuous lifestyle cannot fulfill the role of a respectable queen
You looking for love in all the wrong places
Searching for love or fulfillment in inappropriate or misguided ways
Thirteen colonies founded by Masons
Referring to the belief that the founding of the United States was influenced by Freemasonry
Chasing nightmares disguised as wet dreams
Pursuing destructive or illusory desires that may initially seem appealing but ultimately result in negative consequences
Don't hold your breath waiting on freedom to ring
Advising against passively waiting for freedom or change to occur effortlessly
You want reparations from your slave master
Expressing the desire for compensation from those responsible for the historical enslavement of Black people
Everything good until you want to buy Alaska
Highlighting the hypocrisy of society, the acceptance of certain demands until they become too costly or inconvenient
Asking 'bout all the gold that they stole
Questioning the history of theft and exploitation committed against marginalized communities
How dare you put a price tag on my black soul
Expressing indignation at attempts to commodify or devalue the essence of Blackness
On top of the game, deliver the same
Being at the forefront of their craft and consistently delivering high-quality content
Forever the shame is simple and plain
The ongoing shame associated with societal issues remains clear and evident
Like Mary to Jane, avoiding the pain
Similar to using marijuana (Jane) to escape or numb emotional pain, they strive to avoid the pain of their reality
Like yin to yang, and Jordan to Hanes
Drawing a parallel between two complementary elements that rely on each other (yin and yang), similar to the connection between Michael Jordan and Hanes, a brand he endorsed
She giving me brains and teaching me claim
Receiving intellectual stimulation and insight from a woman, while also gaining a sense of pride or assertion
The victory aim
Their goal is to achieve victory and success
The pistol it pop, the enemy drops
Using force and aggression against adversaries, leading to their defeat
He crooked like cops
Highlighting the corruption and injustices often associated with law enforcement
Fraternity click, these people too slick
Referencing a group of like-minded individuals who possess cunning and deceptive tactics
A daddy like Trick
Referring to Trick Daddy, an influential figure known for his dedication and loyalty
I hustle don't quit
Continuously working hard and persevering
The intricate shit
Engaging in complex and intricate dealings
My brothers are rich
Indicating that their close companions or associates are successful
We give and we get
Engaging in a reciprocal exchange, both in terms of generosity and benefiting from opportunities
Better with time
Improving and growing more skilled or knowledgeable as time progresses
Never too kind
Maintaining a level of assertiveness and avoiding being taken advantage of
Keeping the shine
Preserving their success or positive image
Fist in the air, ain't giving a care
Symbolizing defiance and resilience, with a lack of concern for external judgment
My people are dying
Expressing the sorrow and tragedy of their community members experiencing loss and death
And mamas are crying
Highlighting the emotional pain and grief mothers endure as a result of the dire circumstances
Standing in line
Symbolizing the struggle and hardship faced by many, waiting for their turn to progress or succeed
My youngins are trying
Acknowledging the efforts and perseverance of the younger generation despite challenging circumstances
Going to work pushing the pine
Engaging in laborious tasks and working tirelessly, often in less desirable or menial jobs
Focused and poised
Maintaining a concentrated and poised attitude
Bringing the noise
Creating significant impact and making a strong statement
Calling my boys
Summoning their companions or allies for support
Never avoid
Never shying away from challenges or obstacles
I'm training like Floyd
Training and preparing oneself similarly to the renowned boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr.
My ethic to work
Dedicating oneself to a strong work ethic and diligent effort
Your gonna get hurt
Warning those who oppose or challenge them that they will face consequences or negative outcomes
Got blood on my shirt
Metaphorically referring to the sacrifices and struggles endured in their endeavors
A captain like Kurt
Drawing a parallel between their leadership qualities and the successful NFL quarterback Kurt Warner
From second to first
Progressing from a lower position to a higher position, achieving significant success
Wake up every morning in black face
Starting each day burdened by the challenges and systemic racism faced by the Black community
Sipping outta white cup
Drinking from a cup typically associated with white culture, symbolizing assimilation or influence
Looking at rat race
Observing and analyzing the cutthroat competition and struggles of everyday life
Black hands with no hands
Representing the struggle and obstacles faced by Black individuals despite their innate capabilities
It's a chess game
Referring to life as a game of strategy, requiring careful planning and critical thinking
Cowboys and rabbi's
Referring to diverse individuals or groups with different backgrounds, representing the complexity of society
Its a flesh game, hidden sex games
Highlighting the exploitation and manipulation that occurs within society, often involving sexual elements
Money bet games
Emphasizing the financial stakes and risks involved in various endeavors
Let the mutant flip tha script on this game
Empowering those considered outsiders or mutants to challenge and change the norms and rules of society
One hundred round dicks
Referring to ammunition rounds symbolically as male genitalia, suggesting the prevalence and normalcy of violence
Forty extended clips
Describing firearms equipped with extended magazines, highlighting the abundance of weapons
And the quarters in the street
Referring to the slang term for 25-cent coins as well as drug transactions and illegal activities occurring on the streets
The folks making hollows
Alluding to the production of hollow-point bullets used in firearms, emphasizing the perpetuation of violence
Gipp got a fever
Indicating that Gipp, a group member, possesses a passionate and unyielding commitment to his beliefs and mission
Make the feds wanna follow
Being under surveillance by law enforcement due to their activities or messages that challenge the system
Been blackball since blackball
Having faced discrimination and exclusion for being Black, referencing the historical practice of blackballing
Ya baby daddy and ya baby mommy
Referring to past or present romantic relationships that often result in the birth of a child
Get horse dicked
Being deceived or manipulated by someone with ulterior motives or ill intentions
I can tell by ya eyes
Gaining insight into someone's true intentions or character by observing their eyes
You're counterfeit
Labeling someone as fake or inauthentic
We in tha land of tha have and the have nots
Existing in a society with vast economic disparities, where some possess wealth and others struggle with poverty
Blood drops and secret spots
Referring to violent incidences resulting in bloodshed and hidden locations associated with criminal activities
The Mexican pipe line
Alluding to the illegal drug trade or smuggling routes from Mexico
Pine trees
Referencing the presence of pine trees, which may symbolize drug production or distribution
The skyline turn pink at night time
Observing the transformation of the cityscape at dusk, potentially indicating violence or a chaotic atmosphere
Chuck D, Public Enemy ready
Recognizing the artist Chuck D from the group Public Enemy and their readiness to fight against societal injustices
Close the curtain, lights out, roll the credits, come on
Signifying the end of a performance or act, indicating their readiness to conclude their message and call for action
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Rico Wade, Raymon Murray, Carlton Ridenour, Cameron Gipp, Willie Knighton, Thomas Callaway, Robert Barnett
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Car Isr
I don’t know who cares, but the MOB sounds better together than apart. And y’all jamm together. Much needed reunion
Khujo Goodie
We do sound great together huh kinfolk!!! Honored to be apart of the MOB!!!
Car Isr
Khujo Goodie
I still bump that lumberjack! Went extra hard once I learned the TRUTH. Black history we Israel y’all......
Sunshine Sunflowerz 🌻
Last Goodie Mob album was 2013/14
J P
@Car Isr indeed and Yhwh is our God shalam fam
Fitawrari Fitness
@Khujo Goodie so we should expect an album???
R Smith El
I was raised by the Dungeon Family, they are more needed now than ever!!!!! I'm so glad to hear them bringing that 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 again!!!!!
Jerome Bentley
Exactly!!! I was just relaying this to my friends!
Ira Howell
Say word Bro
JEWISH SAMARITAN
AMEN! I SO AGREE! THEY ARE DISCIPLES OF CHRIST AS AM I! MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CHRIST!