"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.
Decisions Decisions
Goodie Mob Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Verse 1: Big Gipp
It's a stray man, living in these veins man
Suckin on a piece of sugar pain, chucking chains
Take the wind out through
We never wash away the pain, so let the stain soak
Who's in the wave? I dids fingertips
carry language computer, Ray had Dad removed
I'm on the corner with my butt up, sellin you product
Women puttin theyself in positions to get cut up
Hook:
Up out'cha guts, fear, up for what?
Nothin but them Goodie
Verse 2: T-Bu
Osmosis, with that thang up under the pillow crush
Caught in the crossfire between Yankees and 49ers
Rivals, but the South remain calm
Neutral but we see blood that make homeboys hate at each other's lives
Over colours and thangs, that they can bring
To the next plain, but the toots in blue, badges
Who are the biggest gangs?
In Babylon, dyin slowly but surely
Malicious drivers with hairpin triggers
On the loose like juice
And white America couldn't stand it
LAPD plannin incriminatin evidence
Jurors under jag order
But we talkin outside the courtrooms
Shootin birds at the judges
Fuck Teks and go and plug us out on racial slurs
Destroyin documents or complaints from black workers
Chorus:
The battles no longer physical, it's from within
You live to die and you die to live again
But you can't win for losing, what sides are you choosin?
Decisions, Decisions to make
Decisions, Decisions to make
Verse 3: Khujo, Cee-Lo
Legalise the dope and make paper
Think it's time to pull another caper
outta my bag of tricks
These niggas ain't recognisin how they usin us to get rich
Niggas dyin and shit
I putta, broke my back for the *?scress?*
That's what I did when I was a kid
Always had the thought of doin a bid
In the back of my mind, a life of crime
was the last resort, I knew that goin to court drama wasn't likely
I nicked scrimis like a chemist
Cookin up a pan like the Witch Doctor
Stroll beside cha like a thousand volts
Over the edge pf the Hope with the CIA sellin coke
To make them bloat, float up the river Key Louie
Liquor sipper as I strategise a plan to infiltrate the crooked
new, what?, ways to live a life
Who we got to fight?
Kid, it bite, are you dyin tonight?
Relentless realism regardless represents
South West goes out, possess the manifest that's heaven sent
What's said is meant to the fullest extent
No nonsense because my conscience wouldn't be content
But just a little wealth, a little fame
But your mind-frame will keep you living the same
And it's a shame that niggas would settle with the ghetto
Huh, hoes have some clothes that ain't makin what you suppose
Let your eyes close to what your contract shows
and fine print, they gotta get back every cent you spent
You content 'cause, you do what everybody does
The industry that change you from the person you was
Knee-deep in the struggle
Two part-time jobs to juggle
Gotta lady and a see that you can't hardly feed
Any day your life could end so you depend
on the reciting and the writing when you got the spare time to spend
To keep you stable, hopin one day you'll be able
To be a commodity on somebody's record label
Got your chance, twenty thousand dollar advance
and a car and all of a sudden you a star at the bar
ballin, callin the waiter to bring one of they finest wines
Then you started snortin lines, your life defines
the misconception of stayin down
You can't be influenced by everybody you hang round
You shoulda been more appreciative
of the life that you were blessed to live
A hundred percent is what you got to give
'cause ain't no tellin, yo' bullshit start smellin
And you wonder why your record ain't sellin
no more, endin up with no dough
and no respect back in the projects
and building 23, right next door to me, heheheh
Chorus
Hook
The song "Decisions Decisions" by Goodie Mob is an introspective look into the lives of individuals living in the south. The first verse, delivered by Big Gipp, describes a life of pain and struggle. He talks about people putting themselves in dangerous situations, trying to make a quick buck by selling products on street corners. The hook of the song, "up out your guts, fear, up for what? Nothing but them Goodie," seems to question the worth of it all.
The next verse, delivered by T-Bu, talks about violence and gangs in the South. The lyrics mention how simple things like colors and badges can lead to bloody wars between rival gangs. The north and south divisions of the country are also noted, and how the South remains quiet even with all the violence occurring. The chorus then highlights how the battle is no longer just physical, but takes on internal battles within oneself. Making decisions on what side to choose becomes necessary.
The final verse is split between Khujo and Cee-Lo. In it, they talk about the drug trade and how it affects people's lives. Khujo then discusses the desire for fame and fortune, but notes how these desires can change a person. He then talks about staying true to oneself despite the temptations of the entertainment industry. The song ends with a reflection on the struggles of life and how one's choices define how they live.
Line by Line Meaning
It's a stray man, living in these veins man
Feeling lost and aimless, struggling with addiction and its effects on the body and mind
Suckin on a piece of sugar pain, chucking chains
Using drugs to numb emotional pain and escaping reality through substance abuse
Take the wind out through
Feeling defeated and having lost all hope to overcome addiction and the struggles of life
We never wash away the pain, so let the stain soak
Holding onto past traumas and pain instead of finding ways to heal and move on
Who's in the wave? I dids fingertips
Feeling disconnected from the world and oneself, longing for a sense of belonging and purpose
carry language computer, Ray had Dad removed
Using technology as a means of communication and self-expression, while also acknowledging the impact of absent fathers
Swimsuits with green bags
Observing the superficial and materialistic nature of society, where people value items over personal connections and experiences
I'm on the corner with my butt up, sellin you product
Being stuck in a cycle of drug dealing and criminal activity, feeling trapped and unable to break free
Women puttin theyself in positions to get cut up
Not valuing oneself and engaging in risky behavior, putting oneself in harm's way
Up out'cha guts, fear, up for what?
Being confronted with the harsh reality of life and questioning the reasons for one's actions and decisions
Nothin but them Goodie
The only thing left to hold onto is one's identity and sense of self
Osmosis, with that thang up under the pillow crush
Living in constant fear and danger, always being prepared to defend oneself
Caught in the crossfire between Yankees and 49ers
Being caught in the middle of conflicts and tensions between different groups or communities
Rivals, but the South remain calm
Despite being in the midst of conflict and divisiveness, the South remains resilient and unphased
Neutral but we see blood that make homeboys hate at each other's lives
Trying to remain neutral but witnessing the violence and hate that arises from conflicts, leading to strained relationships and broken bonds
Over colours and thangs, that they can bring
Fighting over material possessions and symbols of identity, leading to unnecessary divisions and animosity
To the next plain, but the toots in blue, badges
Trying to escape and transcend the negative cycles and patterns of life, but being held back and controlled by those in positions of power
Who are the biggest gangs?
Questioning the true nature of gangs and who the true oppressors and perpetrators of violence are
In Babylon, dyin slowly but surely
Living in a society full of corruption and deception, slowly losing oneself and succumbing to the harsh reality of life
Malicious drivers with hairpin triggers
Encountering dangerous and malicious individuals who are quick to act out in violence and aggression
On the loose like juice
Living in a world where danger and destruction seem to be everywhere, with no sense of control or safety
And white America couldn't stand it
Being faced with the harsh truth that white America cannot handle and cope with the realities of black America's struggles and traumas
LAPD plannin incriminatin evidence
The law enforcement system actively working against black individuals and communities, planting evidence and fabricating crimes
Jurors under jag order
Witnessing the corrupt system in which even the jurors and judges are influenced and controlled by outside forces
But we talkin outside the courtrooms
Recognizing that true justice cannot always be found within the legal system, and that change must come from outside efforts as well
Shootin birds at the judges
Expressing anger and disillusionment towards the justice system and those in positions of power
The battles no longer physical, it's from within
Understanding that the true battles and struggles of life are internal, within one's own mind and emotions
You live to die and you die to live again
Struggling to find purpose and meaning in life, feeling trapped in a cycle of pain and suffering
But you can't win for losing, what sides are you choosin?
Feeling as though no matter what choices or decisions are made, they will ultimately lead to negative outcomes and pain
Decisions, Decisions to make
Being faced with difficult choices and decisions in life, where none of the options seem to be ideal or positive
Legalise the dope and make paper
Advocating for the legalization of drugs as a means of generating profit and income
Think it's time to pull another caper outta my bag of tricks
Looking for new and innovative ways to succeed and thrive, even if it means engaging in criminal activity
These niggas ain't recognisin how they usin us to get rich
Feeling exploited and used by those in power, who only seek to profit off of one's struggles and misfortunes
Niggas dyin and shit
Bearing witness to the devastating effects of drugs and violence on individuals and communities
I putta, broke my back for the *?scress?*
Working tirelessly and relentlessly to achieve success, even if it means sacrificing one's own well-being and health
Always had the thought of doin a bid
Growing up with the expectation and inevitability of ending up in prison or engaging in criminal activity
In the back of my mind, a life of crime was the last resort, I knew that goin to court drama wasn't likely
Feeling as though a life of crime was the only path available, recognizing that the justice system was not designed to serve black individuals and communities
I nicked scrimis like a chemist
Using one's intelligence and skills to engage in drug production and sale
Cookin up a pan like the Witch Doctor
Metaphorically comparing drug production and sale to a dark, mystical practice
Stroll beside cha like a thousand volts
Walking with an intense energy and determination, ready to handle any challenges or obstacles
Over the edge pf the Hope with the CIA sellin coke
Confronting the reality of government involvement in and profiting off of drug production and sale
To make them bloat, float up the river Key Louie
The government and powerful individuals becoming wealthy off of the suffering and destruction of black communities
Liquor sipper as I strategise a plan to infiltrate the crooked new, what?, ways to live a life
Using alcohol and other substances as a means of coping and finding inspiration to navigate through life
Who we got to fight? Kid, it bite, are you dyin tonight?
Questioning who the true enemy is, recognizing the danger and risks that come with this lifestyle
Relentless realism regardless represents
Embracing a sense of realism and practicality, even when it may be difficult or painful
South West goes out, possess the manifest that's heaven sent
Acknowledging the strength and resilience of the South and its people
What's said is meant to the fullest extent
Expressing oneself with clarity, conviction, and authenticity
No nonsense because my conscience wouldn't be content
Taking a principled and moral stance, aligning oneself with their beliefs and values
But just a little wealth, a little fame
Feeling tempted by the allure of wealth and fame, despite the negative consequences it may bring
But your mind-frame will keep you living the same
Realizing that one's mindset and beliefs dictate the course of one's life, and that change must come from within
And it's a shame that niggas would settle with the ghetto
Recognizing the unfortunate reality that many individuals become complacent and resigned to a life of poverty and struggle
Huh, hoes have some clothes that ain't makin what you suppose
Noticing the materialistic and superficial nature of society, where people value appearance and possessions over true connection and relationships
Let your eyes close to what your contract shows
Being aware and cautious of contracts and agreements that may not be in one's best interest, reading between the lines and not being blinded by promises and fame
and fine print, they gotta get back every cent you spent
Reading and understanding the fine print of a contract, knowing that everything one spends will come with a cost and consequences
You content 'cause, you do what everybody does
Feeling content with conforming and following societal norms and expectations, even if they are not truly fulfilling or enjoyable
The industry that change you from the person you was
Acknowledging the changes and sacrifices that come with entering and succeeding in certain industries, recognizing that it can fundamentally change who a person is
Knee-deep in the struggle
Being fully immersed and entrenched in one's struggles and difficulties
Two part-time jobs to juggle
Working tirelessly and relentlessly to make ends meet, often juggling multiple jobs to survive
Gotta lady and a see that you can't hardly feed
Struggling to provide for one's family and loved ones, feeling powerless and ashamed
Any day your life could end so you depend on the reciting and the writing when you got the spare time to spend
Acknowledging the fragility and unpredictability of life, finding solace and purpose in music and self-expression
To keep you stable, hopin one day you'll be able
Using music and creativity as a means of coping and finding stability in an otherwise unstable and harsh reality
To be a commodity on somebody's record label
Hoping to succeed in the music industry and become a marketable and profitable artist
Got your chance, twenty thousand dollar advance
Being given an opportunity to succeed in the industry through a small advance and financial backing
and a car and all of a sudden you a star at the bar
Elevating to fame and success seemingly overnight, feeling overwhelmed and unprepared for the newfound attention and scrutiny
ballin, callin the waiter to bring one of they finest wines
Indulging in the luxuries and excesses that come with fame and wealth, enjoying the newfound lifestyle
Then you started snortin lines, your life defines the misconception of stayin down
Falling into addiction and substance abuse, losing oneself and falling off the path of true success and fulfillment
You can't be influenced by everybody you hang round
Recognizing the power and impact of one's social circle and the importance of surrounding oneself with positive influences and role models
You shoulda been more appreciative of the life that you were blessed to live
Reflecting on the opportunities and blessings in one's life, acknowledging that they should have been more grateful and humble
A hundred percent is what you got to give
Recognizing that true success and fulfillment come from giving one's all and putting in maximum effort
'cause ain't no tellin, yo' bullshit start smellin
Warning against taking one's blessings and opportunities for granted, recognizing that things can quickly turn negative if one becomes complacent or arrogant
And you wonder why your record ain't sellin no more, endin up with no dough
Feeling the harsh reality of the music industry and the fickleness of fame and loyalty, struggling financially and emotionally
and no respect back in the projects and building 23, right next door to me, heheheh
Returning to the realities and struggles of life after fame, feeling stuck and powerless in the same environment that launched one to success, surrounded by the same people and circumstances as before
Up out'cha guts, fear, up for what?
Questioning the motivations and reasons behind one's actions and decisions, recognizing the true source of fear and uncertainty in life
Nothin but them Goodie
Holding onto the core values and identity that make one who they are, even amid the chaos and struggles of life
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CAMERON F. GIPP, LARRY E. MUGGERUD, ROBERT TERRANCE BARNETT, THOMAS DECARLO BURTON, WILLIE EDWARD KNIGHTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@poetaescribas
Atlanta: Gateway to the South
Verse 1: Big Gipp
It's a stray man, living in these veins man
Suckin on a piece of sugar pain, chucking chains
Take the wind out through
We never wash away the pain, so let the stain soak
Who's in the wave? I dids fingertips
carry language computer, Ray had Dad removed
Swimsuits with green bags
I'm on the corner with my butt up, sellin you product
Women puttin theyself in positions to get cut up
Up out'cha guts, fear, up for what?
Nothin but them Goodie
Osmosis, with that thang up under the pillow crush
Caught in the crossfire between Yankees and 49ers
Rivals, but the South remain calm
Neutral but we see blood that make homeboys hate at each other's lives
Over colours and thangs, that they can bring
To the next plain, but the toots in blue, badges
Who are the biggest gangs?
In Babylon, dyin slowly but surely
Malicious drivers with hairpin triggers
On the loose like juice
And white America couldn't stand it
LAPD plannin incriminatin evidence
Jurors under jag order
But we talkin outside the courtrooms
Shootin birds at the judges
Fuck Teks and go and plug us out on racial slurs
Destroyin documents or complaints from black workers
The battles no longer physical, it's from within
You live to die and you die to live again
But you can't win for losing, what sides are you choosin?
Decisions, Decisions to make
Decisions, Decisions to make
Legalise the dope and make paper
Think it's time to pull another caper
outta my bag of tricks
These niggas ain't recognisin how they usin us to get rich
Niggas dyin and shit
I putta, broke my back for the ?scress?
That's what I did when I was a kid
Always had the thought of doin a bid
In the back of my mind, a life of crime
was the last resort, I knew that goin to court drama wasn't likely
I nicked scrimis like a chemist
Cookin up a pan like the Witch Doctor
Stroll beside cha like a thousand volts
Over the edge pf the Hope with the CIA sellin coke
To make them bloat, float up the river Key Louie
Liquor sipper as I strategise a plan to infiltrate the crooked
new, what?, ways to live a life
Who we got to fight?
Kid, it bite, are you dyin tonight?
Relentless realism regardless represents
South West goes out, possess the manifest that's heaven sent
What's said is meant to the fullest extent
No nonsense because my conscience wouldn't be content
But just a little wealth, a little fame
But your mind-frame will keep you living the same
And it's a shame that niggas would settle with the ghetto
Huh, hoes have some clothes that ain't makin what you suppose
Let your eyes close to what your contract shows
and fine print, they gotta get back every cent you spent
You content 'cause, you do what everybody does
The industry that change you from the person you was
Knee-deep in the struggle
Two part-time jobs to juggle
Gotta lady and a see that you can't hardly feed
Any day your life could end so you depend
on the reciting and the writing when you got the spare time to spend
To keep you stable, hopin one day you'll be able
To be a commodity on somebody's record label
Got your chance, twenty thousand dollar advance
and a car and all of a sudden you a star at the bar
ballin, callin the waiter to bring one of they finest wines
Then you started snortin lines, your life defines
the misconception of stayin down
You can't be influenced by everybody you hang round
You shoulda been more appreciative
of the life that you were blessed to live
A hundred percent is what you got to give
'cause ain't no tellin, yo' bullshit start smellin
And you wonder why your record ain't sellin
no more, endin up with no dough
and no respect back in the projects
and building 23, right next door to me, heheheh
Up out'cha guts, fear, up for what?
Nothin but them Goodie
Traducir al español
@stacyblue1980
still.. dirty South. Yup. Nothin changed. But everybody livin the same kinda way.
Black. White. Indian. Whoever.
Its alright.
Just livin' mayne.
My heart to anyone who needs it.
Peace to those who need it right NOW!
NOW.
NOW.
Cuz now is all you have right now.
How you feel right NOW.
and you cant change yesterday and tomorra' is no promise.
♥
@eternalyfeful
Ceelo's verse is one of the best verses I've ever heard from any emcee from any era!
@johnsabourin9719
Correction: IS the BEST verse... ever. Hands down.
@jiveAt5
Just another YouTube cat check out Sesame street on their debut
@eternalyfeful
jiveAt5...oh I know, I'm straight out the SWATS!!!
@mcfluff1740
Truth
@COkid78
Agreed...Ceelo Barkley got bars for months...
@readmedotexe
I was a metal head in 1996. Never thought hip hop could move me. Turns out all I'd ever heard was radio bullshit. This album, this track in particular, blew my damn mind. Hail DJ Muggs
@wittafa
Jeremy Galjour Respect 💯
@TheMizarc1
Welcome To The Real...
@recheetos2347
All radio hip hop is Garbage...