"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.
Live At The O.M.N.I.
Goodie Mob Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You can't break me even though you try
One million niggas inside
Even though you hit me with everything you got
One million niggas inside
I still found truth even though you lied
One million niggas inside
When the rest are runnin' on instinct
Let me tell you something real
Plenty niggas sitting in jail just to eat a decent meal
But see the rest they running on instinct
And the way they treat me today like they shit don't stank
Make me mad a fuck and for that
A million niggas want to tear Alanta up
This that shit like to see
A gang of niggas working together
To put the devil straight to sleep
We sending his ass to the grave ain't no such thing
As a nineteen-ninety-five slave
You brought that shit on yo'self
But for me from the beginning a fucked-up hand was already dealt
I used to trust in my preacher
But now a days my mac-11 is my one and only teacher
Seems like youwould listen to reasons
I guess atlanta nuts are too deep in season
I went to jail fo' the cause and to black police
Wouldn't give 'em the sweat off my fuckin' balls
Suckin' on the devil's dick already kissin his ass fo a ten dolla' raise
Bitch beat me down fo' some petty cash, smilin' in my face
As the beast looked and laughed O.M.N.I.
One million niggas inside
You can't break me even though you try
One million niggas inside
Even though you hit me with everything you got
One million niggas inside
I still found truth even though you lied
One million niggas inside
When the rest are runnin' on instinct
On my nerves instinct has takin' over
Which is makin' me move slower so I don't miss shit
So I don't get too high when I had to trust ya
You betrayed the crew and I had to bust ya
Want to come back and take you
Worried about the wrong thing this paper ain't' gon' set you far
They 'bout to start the revolution to let you knew where tey are
And where they stand they got the upper hand
Listen to the swat's, let me tell ya how it is man
You got close and you realize what it is
We fighting each other in the streets of each
And you live and learn day by day
It could get worse, picture me driving a hearse on the day after
Hit a joint from a kid that I saw that didn't notice me on the street
War was the vibe now I'm locked in this time
One million niggas inside
One million niggas inside
You can't break me even though you try
One million niggas inside
Even though you hit me with everything you got
One million niggas inside
I still found truth even though you lied
One million niggas inside
When the rest are runnin' on instinct
Ain't no mo' you, ain't no mo' me
It's only us but no unity
Got yo' eyes open still can't see
You' soul is priceless but you'll die for free
Is it you don't know? Is it they don't show?
If it is, then realize them crackers don't owe you no explanation
Yo' hesitation to learn the truth will be yo' extermination
That's why we gotta put the bullshit to rest
Excuse me, I'm 'bout to get some shit off my chest
Niggas is still dying it ain't' no excuse
AIDS got it where the niggas can't reproduce
Niggas don't want to listen when you tell it like it is
Can't even get his own cause you worried 'bout his
Regardless where you from I'm your got-damn brother
We ain't never ever goin' make it without each other
Seek and you'll find but we goin' stay lost until
One million niggas inside this frame of mind
One million niggas inside
You can't break me even though you try
One million niggas inside
Even though you hit me with everything you got
One million niggas inside
I still found truth even though you lied
One million niggas inside
When the rest are runnin' on instinct
Blue skies, sweatin' hot rain, watching the floors fall is the game
Seeing one side of the federal building gone from the car
Came the storm right streets to garnett filled to the curb
No where to go but love joy, can't exit off here
Got me trapped on your high concrete want me to speak
Took away Mosley and Maddox for the weekend
Kept me on your one way streets
For the arrestee show no pity, siege be under the city
Hidden eyes on poles that light my path
Mutant is the mind frame, one million nigga's showed up at your door
To get it on, with the new clan coming live, from the omni
One million niggas inside
You can't break me even though you try
One million niggas inside
Even though you hit me with everything you got
One million niggas inside
I still found truth even though you lied
One million niggas inside
When the rest are runnin' on instinct
The song “Live At The O.M.N.I.” by Goodie Mob talks about the experiences of a black person living in Atlanta, Georgia. The first verse of the song describes the resilience of black people in the face of oppression. The repeated line “One million niggas inside” conveys a strong sense of unity and solidarity among black people. The person in the song says that they cannot be broken, even though they have been attacked with everything that someone could throw at them. Even when others lie, the person still manages to find truth. The verse ends with the person reflecting on the struggles of those who are incarcerated, highlighting the grim reality that many black people face.
In the second verse, the person expresses their frustration with those who are quick to turn on their own people, betraying their trust. The verse touches upon the themes of betrayal and loyalty. The person suggests that their loyalty lies not with their preacher, but with their weapon. The verse then talks about the divisions in the black community and how it hinders their collective progress. The line “we fighting each other in the streets” describes the self-destructive tendencies of black people in Atlanta. The final lines of the verse suggest that the person is resigned to the fact that there may be no immediate solution to the problems that afflict the black community.
Line by Line Meaning
One million niggas inside
There are many people in this struggle
You can't break me even though you try
I will not be defeated despite efforts to bring me down
Even though you hit me with everything you got
Despite all the challenges I've faced
I still found truth even though you lied
I still sought out the truth despite lies and deceit
When the rest are runnin' on instinct
Others may be driven purely by their gut feelings
Let me tell you something real
I have something to share that's honest and true
Plenty niggas sitting in jail just to eat a decent meal
Many are imprisoned and struggling to survive
But see the rest they running on instinct
But others are relying solely on their instincts
And the way they treat me today like they shit don't stank
Some people have an over-inflated sense of self-importance
Make me mad a fuck and for that
This makes me incredibly angry
A million niggas want to tear Alanta up
Many others are also angry and want to take action
This that shit like to see
This kind of unity and purpose is what we need
A gang of niggas working together
A group of people coming together to fight a common enemy
To put the devil straight to sleep
To defeat the oppressor or enemy
We sending his ass to the grave ain't no such thing
We will not be slaves in this time
As a nineteen-ninety-five slave
We refuse to be in a position of slavery in modern times
You brought that shit on yo'self
We are not responsible for our oppressor's actions
But for me from the beginning a fucked-up hand was already dealt
From the beginning, I was dealt a difficult hand
I used to trust in my preacher
I used to rely on religious or spiritual guidance
But now a days my mac-11 is my one and only teacher
Now, my weapon is my only protection
Seems like you would listen to reasons
You would think people would listen to common sense
I guess atlanta nuts are too deep in season
But maybe people in Atlanta are too set in their ways
I went to jail fo' the cause and to black police
I was arrested for standing up for what's right, even by black police
Wouldn't give 'em the sweat off my fuckin' balls
I wouldn't even give them an inch
Suckin' on the devil's dick already kissin his ass fo a ten dolla' raise
Some people are already aligning themselves with the oppressor for small rewards
Bitch beat me down fo' some petty cash, smilin' in my face
Some people will turn on you for money and act like nothing happened
As the beast looked and laughed O.M.N.I.
The oppressor is laughing and enjoying watching us suffer
On my nerves instinct has takin' over
I am feeling tense and anxious
Which is makin' me move slower so I don't miss shit
This is causing me to be more cautious and alert
So I don't get too high when I had to trust ya
So I don't get complacent and let my guard down
You betrayed the crew and I had to bust ya
You let the group down and I had to take action
Want to come back and take you
You want to exact revenge
Worried about the wrong thing this paper ain't' gon' set you far
Focusing on money won't take you as far as you think
They 'bout to start the revolution to let you knew where tey are
A revolution is starting to show where people stand
And where they stand they got the upper hand
Those who stand up for their rights have the power
Listen to the swat's, let me tell ya how it is man
Listen to those who are experienced and know what's going on
You got close and you realize what it is
You've gotten close to the truth and understand the situation
We fighting each other in the streets of each
We are fighting and dividing each other in our own neighborhoods
And you live and learn day by day
We must continue to learn and grow each day
It could get worse, picture me driving a hearse on the day after
Things could get even worse, to the point where I'm driving a hearse
Hit a joint from a kid that I saw that didn't notice me on the street
I smoked a joint given to me by a kid who didn't recognize me
War was the vibe now I'm locked in this time
The tension and conflict is in the air, and I'm stuck in this moment
Ain't no mo' you, ain't no mo' me
We are all in this together, there is no more individuality
It's only us but no unity
We need to come together as a collective
Got yo' eyes open still can't see
Even though you are aware, you are not fully understanding the situation
You' soul is pricelessbut you'll die for free
Our souls are priceless but we are dying for nothing
Is it you don't know? Is it they don't show?
Is it that you don't know the truth or that they're not showing it?
If it is, then realize them crackers don't owe you no explanation
If that's the case, understand that the oppressors don't owe you any explanation
Yo' hesitation to learn the truth will be yo' extermination
If you don't seek out the truth, you will be destroyed
That's why we gotta put the bullshit to rest
We need to stop focusing on the trivial matters and address the real issues
Excuse me, I'm 'bout to get some shit off my chest
I need to vent and express my frustrations
Niggas is still dying it ain't' no excuse
People are still dying, there is no excuse
AIDS got it where the niggas can't reproduce
AIDS is preventing people from reproducing
Niggas don't want to listen when you tell it like it is
People don't want to hear the harsh truth
Can't even get his own cause you worried 'bout his
You can't even support your own cause because you're worried about others
Regardless where you from I'm your got-damn brother
Despite where you come from, we are all brothers
We ain't never ever goin' make it without each other
We need each other to succeed
Seek and you'll find but we goin' stay lost until
We need to seek and find the truth, but we'll remain lost until
One million niggas inside this frame of mind
We need many people to understand and act upon this message
Blue skies, sweatin' hot rain, watching the floors fall is the game
We are witnessing destruction and chaos
Seeing one side of the federal building gone from the car
We see the damage of the conflict from afar
Came the storm right streets to garnett filled to the curb
The storm of conflict has taken over the streets
No where to go but love joy, can't exit off here
There is no escape, we are trapped in this situation
Got me trapped on your high concrete want me to speak
I feel stuck in trap, forced to speak out
Took away Mosley and Maddox for the weekend
They have taken away our leaders, leaving us vulnerable
Kept me on your one way street
They have limited my options and movement
For the arrestee show no pity, siege be under the city
There is no mercy for those arrested, the city is under attack
Hidden eyes on poles that light my path
I am being watched at every turn
Mutant is the mind frame, one million nigga's showed up at your door
The people have united with a new mentality, they have come to fight
To get it on, with the new clan coming live, from the omni
We are ready to take action, we are united and ready, this is our moment
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, ENTERTAINMENT ONE U.S. LP, Universal Music Publishing Group, OLE MEDIA MANAGEMENT LP
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