"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.
Just Do It
Goodie Mob Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We'll I'm just gonna tell you
We ain't bout' that talking homeboy, we'll do it
And all that acting you doing, we see through it
Fuck hollering and screaming lets get to it, lets get to it
(Cee-Lo)
Passion and positive energy
Y'all talk about killing, it don't surprise me
Tripping bout' a nigga, don't judge me wisely
But I ain't bout' to holler or scream at you
You can look in my eyes and tell what I'd do
I'm a charge at niggas and you know I'm true
But goddammit, fuck nigga this one for you
I know how it go, I done been out there before
Heard its goddamn ?time to blow?
Stomping niggas down till they don't want no more
Trying to get some Polo's straight out the store
Some gone, some just can't let it go
I might laugh and joke, but I'll let a nigga know
I'm the same motherfucker from 84
And I still do it in the aftershow
And I don't like to feel like I'm being tried
I ain't bullet-proof, plenty nigga done died
But I damn sho' ain't finna go and hide
I got one on me, and I'm down to ride
I ain't trying to say I got all the game
I got fame, but a million I can't claim
So respect me playa, and I'll do the same
But neither one is guaranteed to have the best aim
hook
(T-Mo)
The revolution has begun...........
Handle your business playa
Devoted to the game, and dope cut-throat ways will get you paid in full
Pull a rabbit out the hat trick, magical quick
Slick its like a porn flick
Umm... Imagine having money so big
It makes you look like a pig
Get your big behind
You remind me of swine with your fat nose
Stuck in your pose and ?thread bed? that shawty
Lame with your game, put it all on the table
Got your label and your fast cars, and your bodyguard looking hard
Throwing your cheese, for them rats its snacks
I'm like a egg bout' to hatch
Tony, horny, I'm macaroni
Commercialize suckers looking like busters
I'd ride for the kings and queens of my motherfucking team
Spark in the night, ummmm we bout to fight
Haters, come and say that shit,
Dammit these fools gonna have to take us together
How the fuck, ever you want it, get to it
SWATS
hook
(Khujo)
The streets making you feel like a real G
But we Georgia finest, our Fulton County fleet
You still putting thangs up in your mouth
Cause you been pacifired, since you was knee-high
All your life in school, thats the reason why you couldn't learn nothing
Runt, at the tender age of 18, books no longer hold your attention span
Short term, but you can sho' enough count that green
Something you just can't coach
Don't sing it, bring it
I usually caught me at least one fool a game
You can only phanthom pain, I don't have to
But don't let me get on a case of this drank
Leak to my heart, elevate to my brain
Make you wanna walk that plank
You'd better swim motherfucker
Cause bullshit don't float
You are what you eat
See you remind of this goat that I had by the hairs of his chinny-chin-chin
Curbing over some yellow rice, you can't do shit
Might as well hit the graveyard shift
Somewhere at McDonalds or Burger King
Grab a taste or spill, over some hairs, nobody cares
And we do assholes that grip leather chairs
hook
(Big Gipp)
I used to hang out, smoke out, fuck out, bang out
Run your mouth wrong, got your front tooth took out
On the spot bodies with no heads, no legs, no feet
Left em' out in the open scoping that ass out for weeks
Never speaking, busting, breaking brains
Berettas brought the rain back and forth
Trigger action, snatch it up, load it up
Hit the door, gotta call, yo' he at the mall
Fuck it all, hit em' one, two, three times
I was scared the first shot, but liked the second and third
Left him hollering and screaming, dreaming for another chance to live
Had it up yesterday, but today its mine
Bust your ass one more time, for the niggas on the grind
So go and hide
hook
The lyrics to Goodie Mob's "Just Do It" are straightforward and unapologetic, as the group directly addresses those who talk the talk, but never walk the walk. The hook sets the tone by declaring that they aren't interested in listening to someone's empty promises, but instead, they'll do what it takes to achieve their goals. Cee-Lo's verse sets the stage for the song's themes of passion and energy, as he raps about how his lyrics are a reflection of his enemies. He doesn't engage in meaningless shouting matches but instead looks his opponents in the eye, showing them that he has the conviction to act on his words. T-Mo's verse rallies against those who are all talk and no action, emphasizing the importance of being devoted to the game and using cut-throat ways to achieve success. Khujo's verse acknowledges the street life and the temptation to resort to violence and criminal activity, yet he expresses a desire to rise above the chaos and stay focused on the bigger picture. Finally, Big Gipp's verse talks about how he used to be involved in negative activities but has since moved on and is now focused on success and leaving his past behind.
Overall, "Just Do It" showcases Goodie Mob's raw energy and determination, delivering a message about the importance of following through on your words and never giving up. The song speaks to those who know the hustle and grind of a tough life, yet it also serves as an inspiration to keep pushing forward and make something of yourself.
Line by Line Meaning
We'll I'm just gonna tell you
I'm not going to sugarcoat anything
We ain't bout' that talking homeboy, we'll do it
We're action-oriented, not just talk
And all that acting you doing, we see through it
We're not fooled by anyone pretending to be something they're not
Fuck hollering and screaming lets get to it, lets get to it
Let's cut to the chase and get things done
Now I say my rap reflect the enemy
I use my music to speak out against our oppressors
Passion and positive energy
My music is fueled by my emotions and positivity
Y'all talk about killing, it don't surprise me
I'm not surprised by the violent rhetoric used by others
Tripping bout' a nigga, don't judge me wisely
Don't judge me based on stereotypes or assumptions
But I ain't bout' to holler or scream at you
I'm not going to waste my breath on useless yelling and screaming
You can look in my eyes and tell what I'd do
My actions speak louder than my words
I'm a charge at niggas and you know I'm true
I'm not afraid to confront my enemies head on
But goddammit, fuck nigga this one for you
This message is specifically directed towards someone who deserves it
I know how it go, I done been out there before
I've lived through the experiences I rap about
Heard its goddamn ?time to blow?
I know when it's necessary to take action and fight back
Stomping niggas down till they don't want no more
I won't stop until the enemy is defeated
Trying to get some Polo's straight out the store
I'm not just fighting for survival, but also for the finer things in life
I might laugh and joke, but I'll let a nigga know
I have a sense of humor, but I also know how to be serious when the situation calls for it
I'm the same motherfucker from 84
I haven't changed and I'm still true to myself
And I still do it in the aftershow
I continue to live my life on my own terms, even after performances
And I don't like to feel like I'm being tried
I don't appreciate being tested or challenged
I ain't bullet-proof, plenty nigga done died
I'm not invincible and I know the risks of what I do
But I damn sho' ain't finna go and hide
I'm not going to run from danger or back down from a fight
I got one on me, and I'm down to ride
I have a weapon and I'm prepared to use it if necessary
I ain't trying to say I got all the game
I don't claim to know everything
I got fame, but a million I can't claim
I may be famous, but it doesn't mean I'm rich
So respect me playa, and I'll do the same
Respect is a two-way street
But neither one is guaranteed to have the best aim
We both have our faults and weaknesses
The revolution has begun...........
We're fighting to create change and stability
Handle your business playa
Take care of your responsibilities and obligations
Devoted to the game, and dope cut-throat ways will get you paid in full
We're dedicated to success and will do whatever it takes to achieve it
Pull a rabbit out the hat trick, magical quick
We're resourceful and can make the impossible happen
Slick its like a porn flick
We're smooth and skilled at what we do
Umm... Imagine having money so big
Just imagine the wealth we could acquire
It makes you look like a pig
Our wealth would be so immense, it could be seen as greedy
Get your big behind
Get ready for the riches, because we're coming
You remind me of swine with your fat nose
You remind me of a greedy pig, because of your actions
Stuck in your pose and ?thread bed? that shawty
You're overly concerned with your image and material possessions
Lame with your game, put it all on the table
You're not skilled or impressive, and you're too transparent
Got your label and your fast cars, and your bodyguard looking hard
You have material possessions, but you're still insecure and fearful
Throwing your cheese, for them rats its snacks
You're throwing your wealth around, but it's not really that impressive
I'm like a egg bout' to hatch
I'm about to burst with potential
Tony, horny, I'm macaroni
We're confident, energetic and entertaining
Commercialize suckers looking like busters
Others are trying to capitalize on our success, but they're not as skilled or impressive
I'd ride for the kings and queens of my motherfucking team
We're dedicated to our group and willing to fight for them
Spark in the night, ummmm we bout to fight
We're ready to take on any challenge or obstacle
Haters, come and say that shit,
We're not afraid to face or confront our enemies
Dammit these fools gonna have to take us together
We're united and won't be defeated easily
How the fuck, ever you want it, get to it
Do whatever it takes to get what you want
The streets making you feel like a real G
The streets can give a false sense of power and confidence
But we Georgia finest, our Fulton County fleet
We're proud of where we come from and the people we represent
You still putting thangs up in your mouth
You're still participating in childish behavior, despite being an adult
Cause you been pacifired, since you was knee-high
You've been overly sheltered and protected your whole life
All your life in school, thats the reason why you couldn't learn nothing
Your education wasn't effective or useful
Runt, at the tender age of 18, books no longer hold your attention span
You've lost interest in learning and personal growth at a young age
Short term, but you can sho' enough count that green
You may not be thinking about the future, but you're still obsessed with money
Something you just can't coach
Some things can't be taught or learned, but are innate
Don't sing it, bring it
Actions speak louder than words
I usually caught me at least one fool a game
I usually have to confront and defeat a challenger in every situation
You can only phanthom pain, I don't have to
I'm not afraid of the pain or danger that comes with what I do
But don't let me get on a case of this drank
I may become unpredictable or irrational if I drink too much
Leak to my heart, elevate to my brain
Alcohol can affect my emotions and judgement
Make you wanna walk that plank
I can become so unpredictable that people will want to get away from me
You'd better swim motherfucker
If you mess with us, you better have a way to defend yourself
Cause bullshit don't float
Falsehoods and lies won't hold up or be accepted
You are what you eat
You are a reflection of what you consume, both physically and mentally
See you remind of this goat that I had by the hairs of his chinny-chin-chin
You remind me of an animal that was barely holding on to life
Curbing over some yellow rice, you can't do shit
You're powerless and can't do anything to stop us
Might as well hit the graveyard shift
You might as well give up or die trying to fight us
Somewhere at McDonalds or Burger King
Your future prospects are in fast food restaurants, not success or fame
Grab a taste or spill, over some hairs, nobody cares
You're not worth our time or attention
And we do assholes that grip leather chairs
We're successful and powerful, and we don't tolerate those who are weak or incompetent
I used to hang out, smoke out, fuck out, bang out
I used to participate in vices and violence
Run your mouth wrong, got your front tooth took out
If you talk too much or say the wrong thing, you'll get hurt
On the spot bodies with no heads, no legs, no feet
I've seen violence and brutality firsthand
Left em' out in the open scoping that ass out for weeks
I've seen the aftermath of violence and how it impacts the community.
Never speaking, busting, breaking brains
I've seen the impact of violence on the human psyche and mind
Berettas brought the rain back and forth
Guns were the cause of suffering and death, back and forth
Trigger action, snatch it up, load it up
I know how to use a gun and I'm prepared for violence
Hit the door, gotta call, yo' he at the mall
I'm always alert and prepared for danger, even when in a public place
Fuck it all, hit em' one, two, three times
If I have to take action, I'll do so with full force and no hesitation
I was scared the first shot, but liked the second and third
I may feel fear, but I'm also capable of enjoying the violence
Left him hollering and screaming, dreaming for another chance to live
I've caused pain and suffering, and I know what it's like to be a victim
Had it up yesterday, but today its mine
I may have experienced hardship in the past, but I am now in control of my life
Bust your ass one more time, for the niggas on the grind
I'm willing to fight and work hard for my community and supporters
So go and hide
Those who oppose us should be afraid and avoid us at all costs
Contributed by Penelope N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.