"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.
I Didn't Ask To Come
Goodie Mob Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What's the deal it's 1995
And a nigga wanna live the type of life that people dream
I want things, a crib, a car, while living the life of a king
I know I take for granted at times for what I got
Still hustlin' and bustlin'
And now and then I stand a pop or two to come up
A steady battle through the days
The system ain't given T-mo a chance
22 on the loose and black
Trying to get the noose a little slack around my neck
They making it hard for a brother to cope
It's still illegal to smoke cess cause they can't tax
I'm ready to go up in the warehouse with my ax
And chop up shit until they give my freedom back
Service to what, who
Damn, you got caught sought away out
The trait is getting full, calling up your pull
But pull ain't got it
I fell cold inside like
A man sleeping on pavement
Under the bridge of I-20 west
And stress on the face of the man
Cussing out the atmosphere with nobody close enough to hear
And who dat miss they fee
Cuz all they personal shit
Is sitting on the front lawn of Apple Tree
And for those who ain't got take
Before the owner shows back up with the U-haul
Police you call
But wasn't no marshall there to watch your stuff
See I stand tall to this world
Like a kid walking rapping his rhymes to himself
A book on a shelf of many
MC's seen them come and go
Style free with Cool Breeze
Til it's thick like dat fog
Stacking away my extra for a engine for tha hog
Dropping a point from the East
From a location out tha trees
360 degrees
Born into these crooked ways
I never even ask to come so now
I'm living in the days
I struggle and fight to stay alive
Hoping that one day I'd earn the chance to die
Pallbearer to this one, pallbearer to that one
Can't seem to get a grip cause, my palms is sweatin'
Niggas ain't getting no where fast but, closer to the hearse
Why sunbeam burst off baskets nearly blinding me
Almost dropped ma end of the casket
Woodgrain and the only thang on my brain
Is where this coward hang
(SWATS) South West Atlanta Fountain Lane
Forgot the batch niggah got thirty years
Lord forgive me and my foes I know
Revenge is best served when cold by those
Who feel no guilt
God don't care whether you got a spade or not
Ain't no turning in your playing hand you was dealt
Better tighten up your belt man, always go with
The first instinct because, I don't make the rules
Ooh, you know how it is in these streets
Victims rarely get a chance to think twice
As he laid in the final resting place
He had such a peaceful expression in his face
My visions blurry from crying
But it ain't hard to see that
At any time it coulda been me
It's about 90 degrees outside
But yet it felt like I'm froze
The ceremonies come to a close
I toss a rose but just can't seem to walk away yet
Damn I done fucked around and got upset
But it ain't nothing we can do
It's bigger than me and you
One day our time coming too
So ain't no use in being sad
Leaving here was probably the best gift he ever had
We should be glad
Maybe his life was something
That he had to give to show me
That I need to be responsible about how I live
I won't complain about my pain
But I just ain't gone let my niggas die in vain
So Bean I'm gone make it for you
The cycle that these young black men keep goin through
I'm gone break it for you
And start takin care of me
And me consist of all my friends and my family
From now on, until I'm gone
Born into these crooked ways
I never even ask to come so now
I'm living in the days
I struggle and fight to stay alive
Hoping that one day I'd earn the chance to die
Pallbearer to this one, pallbearer to that one
Can't seem to get a grip cause, my palms is sweatin
The lyrics to Goodie Mob’s song “I Didn’t Ask To Come” reflect the struggles faced by young black men in the United States in 1995. The first verse highlights the challenges of trying to attain success while facing discrimination from the system. The singer desires material possessions, but recognizes that he sometimes takes his current circumstances for granted. He also acknowledges the extra effort he has to put in to make it in society, which takes a toll on him. The second verse talks about the cyclical nature of violence that plagues many communities. The frustration of being born into a life of struggle and hardship without any choice is expressed. The third verse ends with the singer promising to break the cycle of violence to honor those who have passed and to take care of the people in his life.
The song was released in 1995 as part of the Goodie Mob’s debut album, “Soul Food.” “I Didn’t Ask To Come” is considered one of the standout tracks from the album.
Line by Line Meaning
Everyday somebody gets killed
Violence and death are a common occurrence in the world
What's the deal it's 1995
Although it is a new year, the issues of violence and death have not subsided
And a nigga wanna live the type of life that people dream
The singer desires the material possessions typically associated with success
I know I take for granted at times for what I got
The artist acknowledges that they don't always appreciate what they have
Still hustlin' and bustlin'
The artist continues to work hard to achieve their desires
And now and then I stand a pop or two to come up
The singer occasionally considers acting violently to achieve their goals
A steady battle through the days
Every day is a struggle for the singer
Mamma think I'm wrong because I wanna get paid
The artist's mother disapproves of their desire for money
The system ain't given T-mo a chance
The artist feels that the system is working against them
22 on the loose and black
The artist is young and black and feels vulnerable
Trying to get the noose a little slack around my neck
The singer is trying to improve their situation
They making it hard for a brother to cope
The artist believes that external factors are negatively affecting them
It's still illegal to smoke cess cause they can't tax
The singer believes that the government is motivated by money
I'm ready to go up in the warehouse with my ax
The singer is considering breaking the law to achieve their desires
And chop up shit until they give my freedom back
The singer wants to achieve their goals and feel free
Service to what, who
The artist is questioning the value and impact of their actions
Damn, you got caught sought away out
The artist has been caught and is looking for a way to escape trouble
The trait is getting full, calling up your pull
The negative consequences of illegal activity are becoming overwhelming
But pull ain't got it
The singer's contacts are not able to help them
I fell cold inside like
The artist feels emotionally numb
A man sleeping on pavement
The artist compares their inner turmoil to the image of a homeless person sleeping on the street
Under the bridge of I-20 west
The artist provides a specific location for their comparison image
And stress on the face of the man
The narration is picturing the facial expression of the homeless man
Cussing out the atmosphere with nobody close enough to hear
The homeless man is talking to himself or expressing his anger where no one can hear him
And who dat miss they fee
Someone has left their belongings unattended
Cuz all they personal shit
The belongings left behind are personal items
Is sitting on the front lawn of Apple Tree
The belongings have been left in front of a specific house
And for those who ain't got take
The artist suggests that those who have less might take the unattended belongings
Before the owner shows back up with the U-haul
The artist anticipates that the owner of the belongings will be back soon
Police you call
The singer suggests that someone could call the police for help
But wasn't no marshall there to watch your stuff
There was no one present to prevent theft of the unattended belongings
See I stand tall to this world
The artist is determined to face the world and overcome challenges
Like a kid walking rapping his rhymes to himself
The artist is comparing themselves to a child who raps to themselves as a form of self-expression and motivation
A book on a shelf of many
The artist is one of many aspiring rappers trying to make their mark
MC's seen them come and go
Many aspiring rappers have come and gone without achieving success
Style free with Cool Breeze
The artist is confident in their unique style and identity
Til it's thick like dat fog
The singer is striving to be recognized and appreciated for their talent and hard work
Stacking away my extra for a engine for tha hog
The singer is saving up to pay for car modifications for their motorcycle
Dropping a point from the East
The singer is representing their location (Eastern US) in their music
From a location out tha trees
The artist may come from a rural or less populated area
360 degrees
The artist is versatile and can adapt to different situations
Born into these crooked ways
The singer recognizes that society is flawed and unfair from the start
I never even ask to come so now
The singer never chose to be born, but must navigate the challenges of life regardless
I'm living in the days
The artist is living in the present, trying to make the best of their circumstances
I struggle and fight to stay alive
The artist must work hard to survive and achieve their goals
Hoping that one day I'd earn the chance to die
The artist is hoping to live a fulfilling life before eventually passing away
Pallbearer to this one, pallbearer to that one
The singer has attended many funerals in their life
Can't seem to get a grip cause, my palms is sweatin'
The artist is anxious and unable to fully control their emotions
Niggas ain't getting no where fast but, closer to the hearse
Many young black men are dying without achieving their goals
Why sunbeam burst off baskets nearly blinding me
The sun is shining brightly and temporarily impeding the singer's vision
Almost dropped ma end of the casket
The singer is carrying a casket and nearly loses their grip
Woodgrain and the only thang on my brain
The artist is focused on their material desires, specifically the woodgrain style
Is where this coward hang
The artist is searching for someone they dislike or want to harm
(SWATS) South West Atlanta Fountain Lane
The singer is providing a specific location in Atlanta where they are searching for someone
Forgot the batch niggah got thirty years
The singer is reflecting on the severity of the consequences for criminal behavior
Lord forgive me and my foes I know
The artist is asking for forgiveness and acknowledging the existence of their enemies
Revenge is best served when cold by those
The artist believes in seeking revenge but doing so calculatedly
Who feel no guilt
The artist believes that a lack of guilt is necessary to seek revenge
God don't care whether you got a spade or not
The singer suggests that God does not judge people based on their material possessions or status
Ain't no turning in your playing hand you was dealt
The artist believes that people cannot easily change their situations or circumstances
Better tighten up your belt man, always go with
The singer urges listeners to be prepared and make smart decisions
The first instinct because, I don't make the rules
The singer believes that following one's intuition is necessary in a world that is often unpredictable
Ooh, you know how it is in these streets
The singer acknowledges that the streets are dangerous and unpredictable
Victims rarely get a chance to think twice
Those who fall victim to violence or crime often don't have time to react or defend themselves
As he laid in the final resting place
The artist is at a funeral and observing the casket or burial site
He had such a peaceful expression in his face
The deceased person looks serene and at peace
My visions blurry from crying
The singer is overcome with emotion and their vision is obscured by tears
But it ain't hard to see that
Despite their tears, the artist can see that life is fleeting and unpredictable
At any time it coulda been me
The artist recognizes that anyone's life could be cut short at any moment
It's about 90 degrees outside
The temperature is hot and adds to the artist's discomfort and emotions
But yet it felt like I'm froze
Despite the heat, the singer feels emotionally frozen or numb
The ceremonies come to a close
The funeral is concluding and people are leaving
I toss a rose but just can't seem to walk away yet
The singer is not ready to leave the funeral or their emotions behind
Damn I done fucked around and got upset
The singer feels overwhelmed by their emotions
But it ain't nothing we can do
Despite their sadness and frustration, the singer recognizes that life goes on
It's bigger than me and you
The artist acknowledges that there are larger forces at work in life
One day our time coming too
Everyone will eventually pass away
So ain't no use in being sad
The singer is reminding themselves and others that sadness does not solve anything
Leaving here was probably the best gift he ever had
The singer suggests that death might be a relief and a release from the struggles of life
We should be glad
The artist suggests that people should be joyful and celebrate life
Maybe his life was something
The artist is contemplating the meaning and value of the deceased person's life
That he had to give to show me
The artist believes that the deceased person had something to teach or inspire them
That I need to be responsible about how I live
The singer has learned a lesson from the life and death of the person being mourned
I won't complain about my pain
The artist has gained perspective and will not focus on their own suffering
But I just ain't gone let my niggas die in vain
The singer wants to honor the memory of those who have died by making a change or achieving success
So Bean I'm gone make it for you
The singer is dedicating their future success to someone named Bean
The cycle that these young black men keep goin through
The singer recognizes that many young black men are stuck in a cycle of hardship and violence
I'm gone break it for you
The artist is committed to breaking the cycle and changing their own circumstances
And start takin care of me
The artist will prioritize their own well-being and success
And me consist of all my friends and my family
The singer's support system is important to their success and well-being
From now on, until I'm gone
The singer will continue to work hard and strive for success for as long as they are able
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CAMERON F. GIPP, PATRICK L. BROWN, RAYMON AMEER MURRAY, RICO RENARD WADE, ROBERT TERRANCE BARNETT, THOMAS DECARLO BURTON, WILLIE EDWARD KNIGHTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Zoie B
If you agree with these lyrics or they resonate with you, then you'll probably be an antinatalist. And if you're an antinatalist, you're a very wise, amazing person.
LYRICS:
Everyday somebody gets killed
What's the deal it's 1995
And a nigga wanna live the type of life that people dream
I want things, a crib, a car, while living the life of a king
I know I take for granted at times for what I got
Still hustlin' and bustlin'
And now and then I stand a pop or two to come up
A steady battle through the days
Mamma think I'm wrong because I wanna get paid
The system ain't given T-mo a chance
22 on the loose and black
Trying to get the noose a little slack around my neck
They making it hard for a brother to cope
It's still illegal to smoke cess cause they can't tax
I'm ready to go up in the warehouse with my ax
And chop up shit until they give my freedom back
Service to what, who
Damn, you got caught sought away out
The trait is getting full, calling up your pull
But pull ain't got it
I fell cold inside like
A man sleeping on pavement
Under the bridge of I-20 west
And stress on the face of the man
Cussing out the atmosphere with nobody close enough to hear
And who dat miss they fee
Cuz all they personal shit
Is sitting on the front lawn of Apple Tree
And for those who ain't got take
Before the owner shows back up with the U-haul
Police you call
But wasn't no marshall there to watch your stuff
See I stand tall to this world
Like a kid walking rapping his rhymes to himself
A book on a shelf of many
MC's seen them come and go
Style free with Cool Breeze
Til it's thick like dat fog
Stacking away my extra for a engine for tha hog
Dropping a point from the East
From a location out tha trees
360 degrees
Born into these crooked ways
I never even ask to come so now
I'm living in the days
I struggle and fight to stay alive
Hoping that one day I'd earn the chance to die
Pallbearer to this one, pallbearer to that one
Can't seem to get a grip cause, my palms is sweatin'
Niggas ain't getting no where fast but, closer to the hearse
Why sunbeam burst off baskets nearly blinding me
Almost dropped ma end of the casket
Woodgrain and the only thang on my brain
Is where this coward hang
(SWATS) South West Atlanta Fountain Lane
Forgot the batch niggah got thirty years
Lord forgive me and my foes I know
Revenge is best served when cold by those
Who feel no guilt
God don't care whether you got a spade or not
Ain't no turning in your playing hand you was dealt
Better tighten up your belt man, always go with
The first instinct because, I don't make the rules
Ooh, you know how it is in these streets
Victims rarely get a chance to think twice
As he laid in the final resting place
He had such a peaceful expression in his face
My visions blurry from crying
But it ain't hard to see that
At any time it coulda been me
It's about 90 degrees outside
But yet it felt like I'm froze
The ceremonies come to a close
I toss a rose but just can't seem to walk away yet
Damn I done fucked around and got upset
But it ain't nothing we can do
It's bigger than me and you
One day our time coming too
So ain't no use in being sad
Leaving here was probably the best gift he ever had
We should be glad
Maybe his life was something
That he had to give to show me
That I need to be responsible about how I live
I won't complain about my pain
But I just ain't gone let my niggas die in vain
So Bean I'm gone make it for you
The cycle that these young black men keep goin through
I'm gone break it for you
And start takin care of me
And me consist of all my friends and my family
From now on, until I'm gone
Born into these crooked ways
I never even ask to come so now
I'm living in the days
I struggle and fight to stay alive
Hoping that one day I'd earn the chance to die
Pallbearer to this one, pallbearer to that one
Can't seem to get a grip cause, my palms is sweatin
Source: LyricFind
T B
Another gold classic this generation is missing...
TheReal NickBeanie
Born in 96 and I still bought this album instead of just streaming it .
TheReal NickBeanie
Born in 96 and I love this album from intro to end
anti-rehab relapse
Not all of us. Anyway I force the shit on people. If they don't like it then at least they'll go away from my playing it
Mr C
i had this on cassette :) i feel they need to rediscover this . missing out
Matthew Mulkey
Greatest ATL rap album ever
Warren Jezzy
Yeah I think it is
Scotian Slim
This,ATLiens & Aquimini top 3 ATL Hip Hop albums EVER💯💯💯
KingsmanFilms
This shit bangs so hard
God bless the ninetys for such great hip hop
Tomas Acevedo
Thanks to organized noize for producing amazing bangers that slammed back then and still sounds good to this day. This will never get old and still speaks truth.