"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.
Red Dog
Goodie Mob Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hey man, it's straight shoota man
Man how many times bro?
Hit me three times man, let me see them talkin'
Aight
Aight brutha
*BOOM*
This is the Red Dog police department!
Get down and get your god damn!
Get your hands across your head!
Get your god damn hands...
The verse from Goodie Mob's song Red Dog describes a situation where someone is knocking on the door and announcing themselves as "straight shoota man" and requesting to be let in. The scene seems to be set in a neighborhood where the presence of the Red Dog police department is felt, as they burst on the scene with a resounding "BOOM" and order everyone to get down and put their hands in the air. It is clear from the lyrics that there is a lot of tension and paranoia in this environment, as people are constantly on edge and aware of the potential for violence.
The use of vivid imagery in the lyrics helps to create a powerful sense of atmosphere and tension. The repeated use of the phrase "get your god damn" creates a sense of urgency and aggression, and the abrupt and sudden nature of the Red Dog police department's arrival is jarring and disturbing. Overall, the lyrics of Red Dog are a powerful commentary on the impact of police brutality and the ways in which law enforcement can create an environment of fear and intimidation in marginalized communities.
Line by Line Meaning
*knock knock knock* WHO IZIT?
Someone is knocking on the door and asking who is there.
Hey man, it's straight shoota man
The person outside is identifying themselves as a 'straight shooter.'
Man how many times bro?
The person inside wants to know how many times they should hit the door to identify themselves.
Hit me three times man, let me see them talkin'
The person inside instructs the other person to hit the door three times so they can verify who they are.
Aight brutha
The person inside acknowledges that they heard the instructions.
*BOOM*
There is a loud noise, maybe a gunshot or an explosion.
This is the Red Dog police department!
The people outside are identifying themselves as members of the Red Dog police department.
Just get on the ground!
The police are telling someone to get on the ground.
Get down and get your god damn!
The police are instructing the individual to get down and follow their commands.
Get your hands across your head!
The police are instructing the individual to put their hands on their head.
Get your god damn hands...
The police start to say something else, but the lyrics end before we get the full sentence.
Contributed by Max M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
yellowmellow941
Way before it's time..these dudes were speaking it
Kevin Straker
DON'T FLUSH IT DON'T You FLUSH IT!!! Lol
Classic
Corey Griffin
Got to get it