"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.
Power
Goodie Mob Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Cuz I'm doing 'yeah
Chill out
From now I got the power, well I hadn't for so long
And it wasn't until I realize I was wrong
See I wouldn't be
But now I had to do
So what are you talking about
'use that money
So it's nothing 'bout black or white
It's about see the green
I really don't understand what they mean
Have power
Come on get mad nigga
So I can bust on the '
Some of you on the 'nigga
Go ahead do the mad nigga
Kiss my intelligent as nigga
Don't expect me to give you shit
Yeah, it's nine, nine, nine
The lyrics to Goodie Mob's song, "Power", speak about the idea of gaining power and how it can change a person. The artist claims that he waited in the tunnel for a while, and he had to do something about gaining power. He realizes that he had been wrong, and he hadn't had the power for so long. It was until he realized this that he finally had the power he sought. This suggests that gaining power requires recognizing one's shortcomings and being willing to make necessary changes.
The song also speaks about how the color of one's skin doesn't matter when it comes to gaining power. Instead, it's all about seeing green, which likely refers to money. The artist suggests that he doesn't understand what people mean when they speak of race when power is the ultimate goal. This highlights the idea that power can overcome barriers that are often created by societal norms.
The lyrics then turn to aggression, telling "mad niggas" to come and face him. The artist claims that he can take on anyone and isn't afraid of confrontation. He tells people not to expect him to give them anything, which suggests that he's had to fight for his power and isn't willing to hand it over to anyone else.
Overall, the song speaks to the idea of power and how it can change a person. The artist suggests that gaining power often requires recognizing one's weaknesses, seeing past boundaries that people try to create, and being willing to confront anyone who stands in your way.
Line by Line Meaning
Alright let's do it, I wait in the tunnel a while
I'm ready to take action and I'm willing to wait patiently until the time is right.
Cuz I'm doing 'yeah
I'm feeling good and confident about my abilities.
Chill out
Take it easy and relax, there's no need to rush.
From now I got the power, well I hadn't for so long
I feel empowered and capable now, something that I haven't felt in a long time.
And it wasn't until I realize I was wrong
I had to admit my mistakes before I could make a positive change.
See I wouldn't be
I wouldn't be where I am today without recognizing my faults and working to correct them.
But now I had to do
Now that I've learned from my past mistakes, it's time to take action and move forward.
So what are you talking about
I don't understand what you're trying to say.
What you looking funny at
Why are you giving me a strange look?
'use that money
Invest your money wisely and make it work for you.
So it's nothing 'bout black or white
The issue at hand has nothing to do with race, it's all about money and power.
It's about see the green
Money is what matters in this situation.
I really don't understand what they mean
I'm confused and unsure about what is being discussed.
Have power
I possess the ability to make things happen.
Come on get mad nigga
Don't be complacent, get angry and motivated to make a change.
So I can bust on the '
So I can use my power and influence to take down those who oppose me.
Some of you on the 'nigga
Some of you are still stuck in the past and unable to move forward.
Go ahead do the mad nigga
Let your anger fuel you to take action and make a difference.
Kiss my intelligent as nigga
Recognize and respect my intelligence.
Don't expect me to give you shit
I'm not going to do anything for you, you have to make it happen for yourself.
Yeah, it's nine, nine, nine
The time is now, it's time to take action and make a change.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: THOMAS CALLAWAY, CAMERON F. GIPP, ROBERT TERRANCE BARNETT, WILLIE EDWARD KNIGHTON, JUSTIN HAYWARD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ig3100_Deandre
If you listening to this in 2024 you a real OG Old school Atlanta stand up
@valuepack2
I'm a 40yo white dude from the country in New Hampshire, can't relate at all. But damn if Goodie Mob hasn't been blowing me away since '95.
@paxsopranodynasty7555
I'm from Gary, Indiana ...when this hit in 95 me and my homies were hooked. We fuck with The entire Dungeon Family forever. Khujo's verse may be the most underrated and under appreciated verse in rap's history....
@themalvaezshow5640
Hell yuhh
@boogerbuns
Born and raised in Atlanta. This song randomly popped in my head when i woke up this morning. Had to stop on by and give Goodie mob another listen 💯
@deeyoung8109
Born and raised in the uk that’s how far goodie mob music was reaching
@NJGhost34
The irony of this song is even more powerful today.
@travisrobbins4991
That's because they were rapping about the future
@DermDZL1
Leaders of the New School was on that tip, too
@gocpng4699
Wild, Prevail