"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.
Soul Food
Goodie Mob Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But I'm from Southwest and every
Now and then I get put to the test
But I can't be stopped
Cause I gotta come true ain't go no gun
But I got my crew
Didn't come for no beef cause I don't eat steak
I got a plate of soul food chicken, rice and gravy
Drinking a cup of punch, tropical
Every last Thursday of the month
Daddy put tha hot grits on my chest in tha morning
When I was sick Mary had tha hot soup boiling
Didn't know why but it felt so good
Like some waffles in that morning
Headed back to tha woods
Now I'm full as tick
Got some soul on blast in tha cassette
Food for my brain
I haven't stopped learning yet
Hot wings from Mo-Joes
Got my forehead sweating
Celery and blue cheese on my menu next
Southern Fry won't allow my body to lie still
Tied face goons surround me like cancer drill
Me with second-hand obstables
But, only to make matters worse
Plus I'm getting pimped by this temp lady Jackie
From Optima staffing figure laughing
Shut up clown don't talk to me
Like that looking stupid of course
Living day by day and you ain't hard
Trick hell you say?
It's such a blessing when my eyes
Get to see the sun rise
I'm ready to begin, another chance to get further away from where I've been
What I'll never forget everythang I went through
I appreciate the shit because
If I hada went and took the easy way
I wouldn't be the strong nigga that I am today
Everythang that I did
Different thangs I was told
Just ended up being food for my soul
Come and get yo' soul food, well well
Good old-fashioned soul food, all right
Everythang is for free
As good as it can be
Come and get some soul food
Sunday morning where you eating at?
I'm on 1365 Wichita Drive
Ole' burd working the stove ride
Churches dropping chicken in yesterday's grease
Didn't go together with this quart of Mickey's
Last night hanging over from a good time
Yeah beef is cheaper but
It's pumped with "red dye" between two pieces of bread
Shawty look good with dem hairy legs
Wish I could cut her up but, ma stomach come before sex
A house full of hoes now what's the ingredient
Spaghetty plus her monthly flow
They know they making it hard on the yard
Fuck Chris Darden, fuck Marcia Clark
Taking us when we're in the spotlight for a joke
Changing by the day I see it's getting bigga in my square
Looking at Lenox from the outside
With a stare no money to go inside
Tameka and Tiffany outside tripping
And skipping rope to the beats from my jeep
As I speak wuz up from the driver seat
A heaping helping of fried chicken
Macaroni and cheese and collard greens
Too big for my jeans
Smoke steams from under the lid that's on the pot
Ain't never had allot but thankful for
The little that I got why not be
Fast food got me feeling sick
Them crackers think they slick
By trying to make this bullshit affordable
I thank the Lord that my voice was recordable
(Come an get your soul food, well, well)
Hold up C it's what I write
And Miss Lady acting like we in jail
Says she ain't got no extra hush puppis to sell
Bankhead seafood making me hit that door
With a mind full of attitude
It was a line at tha beautiful
Jj's Ribshack was packed too
Looking to be one of dem days
When Momma ain't cooking
Everybody's out hunting with tha family
Looking for a little soul food
Come and get yo' soul food, well well
Good old-fashioned soul food, all right
Everythang is for free
As good as it can be
Come and get some soul food
The lyrics to Goodie Mob's song "Soul Food" highlight the importance of soul food in the African American community, and it also touches on various aspects of Southern black culture. The first verse speaks of the singer's pride in his background, representing the Southwest, and the challenges he faces as a result. However, he remains steadfast, and even though he does not have a weapon, he is not afraid for he has his crew. He also emphasizes that he is not interested in conflict, but instead, he prefers a plate of soul food which includes rice, gravy, chicken, and punch to drink every last Thursday of the month.
The second verse reflects on the nurturing and healing aspects of soul food. The singer reminisces about how his father would bring him hot grits when he was sick, while his mother would prepare hot soup for him. He also mentions how listening to music on a cassette is analogous to good food for the brain that keeps him learning despite his circumstances. While eating hot wings, he admits to sweating but still enjoys every moment.
The chorus speaks to the power of soul food to bring people together. It encourages listeners to go and get some soul food, emphasizing that it's good old-fashioned soul food, and everything is for free. The verse that follows recalls a typical Sunday morning routine for many southern African Americans, where they would go to church, and then to a soul food joint to feast on dishes like fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, and collard greens. The song also touches on sensitive issues like racism, poverty, and drug abuse.
Line by Line Meaning
My old boy from the point
I grew up with my childhood friend from the same neighborhood
But I'm from Southwest and every
But I come from a different side of town and
Now and then I get put to the test
Occasionally, I face challenges and difficulties
But I can't be stopped
However, I refuse to be defeated
Cause I gotta come true ain't go no gun
Because I need to stay true to myself and my values, without resorting to violence
But I got my crew
But I have my group of supportive friends
Didn't come for no beef cause I don't eat steak
I didn't come here looking for trouble because I don't engage in unnecessary conflicts
I got a plate of soul food chicken, rice and gravy
Instead, I have a plate of nourishing soul food - chicken, rice, and gravy
Not covered in too much
Not overloaded with unnecessary distractions
Drinking a cup of punch, tropical
Enjoying a refreshing tropical punch drink
Every last Thursday of the month
Every month, on the final Thursday, I indulge in this ritual
Daddy put tha hot grits on my chest in tha morning
My father used to soothe me by placing warm grits on my chest in the morning
When I was sick Mary had tha hot soup boiling
When I was unwell, Mary always had a piping hot bowl of soup ready
Didn't know why but it felt so good
I didn't understand the reason, but it brought immense comfort
Like some waffles in that morning
Just like the taste of waffles on a bright morning
Headed back to tha woods
Returning to my roots in nature
Now I'm full as tick
Now I am completely satisfied
Got some soul on blast in tha cassette
Listening to soulful music at full volume on the cassette
Food for my brain
Nourishment for my mind
I haven't stopped learning yet
I am constantly seeking knowledge and growth
Hot wings from Mo-Joes
Eating hot wings from Mo-Joes restaurant
Got my forehead sweating
Causing me to break a sweat on my forehead
Celery and blue cheese on my menu next
Deciding that celery and blue cheese will be my next food choice
Southern Fry won't allow my body to lie still
The tantalizing Southern fried food keeps me active and energetic
Tied face goons surround me like cancer drill
I am constantly surrounded by intimidating individuals like cancerous cells
Me with second-hand obstables
I have to deal with second-hand obstacles and difficulties
But, only to make matters worse
Unfortunately, these obstacles only exacerbate the situation
Plus I'm getting pimped by this temp lady Jackie
Furthermore, I am being taken advantage of by this temporary woman named Jackie
From Optima staffing figure laughing
She works for Optima staffing agency and finds amusement in exploiting me
Shut up clown don't talk to me
I won't tolerate your foolishness, don't speak to me
Like that looking stupid of course
You're being ridiculous, obviously
Living day by day and you ain't hard
I am surviving day by day, and you're not tough
Trick hell you say?
Who do you think you're fooling?
It's such a blessing when my eyes
I feel incredibly grateful when I see
Get to see the sun rise
The beauty of the sunrise each day
I'm ready to begin, another chance to get further away from where I've been
I am eager to start anew, moving away from my past and striving for progress
What I'll never forget everythang I went through
I will never forget the trials and hardships I endured
I appreciate the shit because
I value those experiences because
If I hada went and took the easy way
If I had chosen the path of least resistance
I wouldn't be the strong nigga that I am today
I wouldn't have developed the resilience and strength that I possess today
Everythang that I did
Every action I took
Different thangs I was told
The varied advice I received
Just ended up being food for my soul
Ultimately nourished and enriched my soul
Come and get yo' soul food, well well
Come and experience the nourishment of soul food
Good old-fashioned soul food, all right
Delicious and traditional soul food
Everythang is for free
Everything is provided without charge
As good as it can be
It's the highest quality it can be
Come and get some soul food
Join us and indulge in soul food
Sunday morning where you eating at?
On Sunday morning, where do you enjoy your meal?
I'm on 1365 Wichita Drive
I'm located at 1365 Wichita Drive
Ole' burd working the stove ride
The experienced cook is hard at work on the stove
Churches dropping chicken in yesterday's grease
Churches restaurant is frying chicken in used oil from yesterday
Didn't go together with this quart of Mickey's
Doesn't pair well with this quart of Mickey's malt liquor
Last night hanging over from a good time
Feeling the effects of a fun night from the previous day
Yeah beef is cheaper but
Sure, beef is more affordable, but
It's pumped with 'red dye' between two pieces of bread
It's filled with harmful additives and placed between two slices of bread
Shawty look good with dem hairy legs
That woman looks attractive despite her hairy legs
Wish I could cut her up but, ma stomach come before sex
Although I desire her, my hunger takes precedence over sex
A house full of hoes now what's the ingredient
A gathering filled with promiscuous women, what's the main factor?
Spaghetty plus her monthly flow
Spaghetti combined with her menstruation
They know they making it hard on the yard
They are intentionally making the situation difficult for us
Fuck Chris Darden, fuck Marcia Clark
I express my frustration towards Chris Darden and Marcia Clark
Taking us when we're in the spotlight for a joke
Using our fame and public attention as a source of humor
Changing by the day I see it's getting bigga in my square
Things are evolving rapidly, and I notice an increase in my influence and impact
Looking at Lenox from the outside
Observing Lenox from a distance
With a stare no money to go inside
Longing to enter the establishment, but lacking the funds
Tameka and Tiffany outside tripping
Witnessing Tameka and Tiffany arguing outside
And skipping rope to the beats from my jeep
Skipping rope to the rhythm of music playing from my jeep
As I speak wuz up from the driver seat
As I speak while sitting behind the wheel
A heaping helping of fried chicken
A generous portion of crispy fried chicken
Macaroni and cheese and collard greens
Accompanied by macaroni and cheese and collard greens
Too big for my jeans
Making me feel uncomfortably full
Smoke steams from under the lid that's on the pot
Steam and delicious aromas emerge from the covered pot
Ain't never had allot but thankful for
Although I never had a lot, I am grateful
The little that I got why not be
For the small amount I possess, why not appreciate it?
Fast food got me feeling sick
Consuming fast food makes me feel unwell
Them crackers think they slick
They believe they're clever and deceptive
By trying to make this bullshit affordable
By attempting to make this substandard food inexpensive
I thank the Lord that my voice was recordable
I express gratitude to God for allowing my voice to be heard and recorded
(Come an get your soul food, well, well)
(Come and enjoy soul food, well, well)
Hold up C it's what I write
Wait a minute, let me explain what I write
And Miss Lady acting like we in jail
And this lady is behaving as if we are in prison
Says she ain't got no extra hush puppis to sell
She claims she doesn't have any extra hush puppies to sell
Bankhead seafood making me hit that door
Bankhead seafood restaurant is enticing me to enter
With a mind full of attitude
Carrying a mindset of defiance
It was a line at tha beautiful
There was a queue at the beautiful
Jj's Ribshack was packed too
Jj's Ribshack was also crowded
Looking to be one of dem days
Seems like it's going to be one of those days
When Momma ain't cooking
When Momma isn't preparing the food
Everybody's out hunting with tha family
Everyone is out hunting with their families
Looking for a little soul food
In search of some soul food
Come and get yo' soul food, well well
Come and experience the nourishment of soul food
Good old-fashioned soul food, all right
Delicious and traditional soul food
Everythang is for free
Everything is provided without charge
As good as it can be
It's the highest quality it can be
Come and get some soul food
Join us and indulge in soul food
Lyrics ยฉ BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Brandon Bennett, Cameron Gipp, Patrick Brown, Raymon Murray, Rico Wade, Robert Barnett, Thomas Burton, Willie Knighton
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@inspirelivesdaily
This song will never get old!!!!!!!!!!
@feleciaclemons5074
Never Ever!
@RalphDaVillain
#Timeless
@mrzog12
Give me chills the level of respect they had for their culture, community, and themselves.
@basednigel
well said
@johnnytate4374
THE DEEPEST DAPP"๐ถ THE GREATEST LEVEL OF RESPECT EVER POSTED FROM A TRUE HIP HOP HEAD THANK YOU SIR FOR THE RESPECT AND LOVE YOU SHOWED GOODIE MOB THANK YOU BRO ๐ถ I'M SITTING HERE OVERJOYED AND IN F**** TEARS THAT S*** WAS DEEP ๐ถ THANK YOU BRUH....!
@anwav-
My eyes well up when I listen to the passion of every verse.
@celestesands8753
Kt๐@@johnnytate4374
@oldzenn8768
SALUTE BRO! You said it PERFECTLY. Does my โค good to know I'm not only one. KEEP PUSHING!!
@cjfrench5401
I swear Goodie Mob are criminally underrated, I always loved them. Right up there with OutKast and Wu Tang imo