"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.
Blood
Goodie Mob Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When niggas gon realize we the same
You helpin' the enemy win the game
If you a playa use precision
Don't make a decision in haste
Your blood is a terrible thing to waste
It's a shame
You helpin the enemy win the game
If you a playa use precision
Don't make a decision in haste
Your blood is a terrible thing to waste
We all blood
The lyrics to Goodie Mob feat. Big Rube's song Blood speak to the importance of unity amongst black people. The opening lines state that it is a shame that so many black people fail to recognize that they are all the same, and that in failing to recognize this fact, they are inadvertently supporting their enemy. This enemy is likely a reference to the larger societal structures that have historically oppressed black people, such as systemic racism and white supremacy.
The following lines offer advice to those who consider themselves "playas" or players - people who are involved in street life or urban culture. The song warns against making decisions hastily, and encourages people to use precision when assessing a situation. This is likely because hasty decisions can lead to violence and unnecessary bloodshed, which the song suggests is a waste of precious blood - a metaphor for life.
Overall, the song is a powerful call for black unity and a condemnation of the violence and internal divisions that have plagued black communities for so long. The lyrics encourage listeners to embrace their common identity rather than allowing themselves to be divided and conquered by their oppressors.
Line by Line Meaning
We all blood related, it's a shame that some don't see
We as human beings are all connected, it's disappointing that not everyone recognizes this
Helping the enemy only leads to our defeat
Assisting the opposing group only results in our own failure
If you're a player, make wise choices with intention
If you consider yourself a player in life, be deliberate and thoughtful in your decisions
Rushing into decisions can lead to destruction
Making quick decisions without proper consideration can result in negative consequences
Your blood represents who you are, don't let it go to waste.
Your identity and legacy are tied to your actions and decisions, so make them count.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Missing Link Music
Written by: ROBERT TERRANCE BARNETT, CAMERON F. GIPP, WILLIE EDWARD KNIGHTON, PATRICK L. BROWN, RICO RENARD WADE, RAYMON AMEER MURRAY, THOMAS DECARLO BURTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Jedimonk
This shit goes so hard. The memories of jamming to the Mob in my Chevy with 2 tens in the back.
@drew31dm
Same here 4 10s in a 74 Impala
@drew31dm
Granddaddy car passed down to me
@riszetriple8697
Khujo goodie raps like the rawest bible verse i ever heard
@christopherlewis2194
REAL TALK
@GRANDKUSH
One of the hardest Goodie songs
@Rosco-P.Coldchain
Word
@martiesmith9746
Can't express enough, how important Goodie Mob/Outcast, helped me through my days of my youth, when I was going through, just a young man living and trying yo figure out, what's next, forever a fan, Dre
@KhalilSeretseKhama
Khujo blacked out on this
@melvinwomack3717
Hell yeah