Goodie Mob, based in Atlanta, Georgia, is widely considered one of the foun… Read Full Bio ↴Goodie Mob, based in Atlanta, Georgia, is widely considered one of the founding hip hop acts of the (commerically viable) Dirty South movement. Members Cee-Lo (Thomas Callaway), Khujo Goodie (Willie Knighton, Jr.), T-Mo Goodie (Robert Barnett), and Big Gipp (Cameron Gipp) make up the group, which has been functioning since 1995.

"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.

The Coming
Goodie Mob Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

As I begin fall in, I spark da riot
No longer quiet, I got a voice that's in ya ear
Stand clear, it's madness everywhere I look
But can't see so much I can't explain how I feel on da real
Everyday is like a ferris, looking to find some wheels
Homey after homey dying over humbug
Keeping my mind immune to pain
I'm going insane just thinking about the past

At last it's a future I can see much more that I got older
So I know how the game goes telling me like I can't cope
It's the dope you smoke that's why you looking at me ready to jack
Cause that crack got your back broke
Have to learn the hard way out the hood
Thank it's real when it's flaw I saw
This nigga get shot in front of my school it wasn't cool
That gangsta shit affects not poppin off just da 'jects
360 degrees all due with respect

It's da comin' of da killin' tool click
Atlanta's got a killin' tool, watch me rule bitch
Killin' tool click, watch the killin' tool click

Waa-taaah, tha angelical Ninja when ya blink
You'll need a shrink, how da fuck did you think
Dat I could be sniped nigga, see you fuckin' right
I'm mo' try to kill ya, straight drill ya, I take my fuckin life serious
You attack my self defense is war period
I know niggas all over the SWATS
Niggas that'll get in yo' ass on the spot
Concoct like a wise wizard juts cuz I wear tha red eye
You may think I'm a high nigga, but looks could be deceiving
God lives within me and brother I feel him
I speak to God before I take my gat and juice ya
Cause he tha one that's holding my future
See as you learn me you journey out of time
Cause your present state I gotta take ya out ya mind
Y'all done let tha devil tear your perfect world up
Got men sleepin wit men and girls wit girls
Seems all right to you, hey but to me that's taboo, yes I do
Fuck that dumb shit I comes out wit
Drums hit some get tha hummin'
Comin from tha witch doctor's gun in killin' tool click
Atlanta's gotta killin' tool click

Bill wash my mouth out with soap sent you home with yo' shit pokin out
The loft shoutin' out obscenities
No it's just a dream, but I'm a sore loser
Figg murder, crosses burnin' in my front yard
KKK throwin up rallies but not no more in these parts
Trespassers gets penalized
2:13 A.M. basic nine channel surfin'
This one-eyed monster servin it's purpose
Clampett's biggest hustle, nineteen-ninety-nine
Three dollars plus shippin'n'handlin
Majory credit card holders accepted
But I'm a minority septic tank on ABC
Turner Broadcasting figures already done took over this bitch
System just still runnin to be or not to be done in
At the push of a button is the question
I think they got this beh rigged to blow up in my face
Duddy the first Afro-can American to walk in space
Now who you think had the pleasure of tryin on they new suit
The nightmare continues, are we just penny gig's

It's da comin' of da killin' tool click
Come back to prove it
Comin' of da killin' tool click
Atlanta's got a killin' tool click
Comeback to rule bitch
Comin' of da killin' tool click

East Point
On this concrete is where I make my money at
On this concrete is where I make my livin' at
On this concrete is where your blood can flow
On this concrete fool if I don't get tha dough
I'm pumpin thangs out of suite 116
Got the Arab sewed up, stitched up, buckle up, buckle down, hit the sto'
7-Tre-1 as soon as I exit 166, traffic gettin' stuck, but fuck this
I hit tha back streets, ended up coming down Childress
Ain't no space, cut through the Fina, so I park, I hit my usual
I fuck and hold, flip and fold, no life insurance, but I got my Grady card
Depress me, stress me, tha same that exploit me
Suppress me, break Cam, run thinkin' of a son trying to see through tha fog
Just to see how far who's coming out the woods

And I suggest you don't fuck wit us
(Ha ha ha) cracker you stuck wit us
And you know how long we been waiting for you
Devil, we know what you been contemplating to do
We have been here before, but surprise again
It is time for niggas to uprise again
But we've been down for so long that you wondering how
It ain't a weapon taht you got that can stop me now
Because we don't die we won't die
And won't never get no better if we don't try
But don't get scared niggas get prepared, I gotta care
Cause them fuckin' devils never cared so come and find us
Get behind us
If you ain't hear the message clear, then rewind us
Cause we comin'

It's da comin' of da killin' tool click
Come back to prove it
Atlanta's got a killin' tool click
Watch the tool click
Atlanta's got a killin' tool click

East point got a killin' tool click
College park killin' tool click

Overall Meaning

Goodie Mob's song, The Coming is a reflection on the state of society during its time, and a call for action in the face of prejudice and oppression. The lyrics express a sense of frustration with the unrelenting violence and poverty that the singer sees in his community. He speaks of riding the ferris wheel of life, trying to find his way, but always confronted with the harsh reality of urban decay. He also touches on the effects of drug addiction and gang violence, as well as the self-destructive behavior that it breeds.

The song contains a lot of powerful imagery that is meant to shock and provoke the listener, as well as to convey the urgent need for change. It makes references to Ku Klux Klan rallies, minority suppression, and the degradation of societal norms—themes that are still topical today. The refrain “It's the coming of the killing tool click" is a warning to the oppressors of the world, stating that those who have been silenced for so long are no longer willing to be silent.

Line by Line Meaning

As I begin fall in, I spark da riot
As I immerse myself in the chaos, I ignite a rebellion

No longer quiet, I got a voice that's in ya ear
I refuse to stay silent, my voice is loud and influential

Stand clear, it's madness everywhere I look
Beware, there's chaos and insanity surrounding me

But can't see so much I can't explain how I feel on da real
There's so much going on that I can't fully comprehend or express my emotions

Everyday is like a ferris, looking to find some wheels
Each day feels like a never-ending search for progress or success

Homey after homey dying over humbug
Friends are losing their lives over trivial matters

Keeping my mind immune to pain
I'm trying to protect my mind from experiencing more suffering

I'm going insane just thinking about the past
The memories of the past are driving me crazy

At last it's a future I can see much more that I got older
Finally, as I've grown older, I can envision a brighter future

So I know how the game goes telling me like I can't cope
I understand the rules of life, even if it seems overwhelming

It's the dope you smoke that's why you looking at me ready to jack
Your drug addiction is the reason you're eyeing me with the intention to steal

Cause that crack got your back broke
Crack cocaine has destroyed your life and support system

Have to learn the hard way out the hood
I had to experience adversity and struggle to escape the neighborhood

Thank it's real when it's flaw I saw
I used to believe that the flaws in our reality were genuine

This nigga get shot in front of my school it wasn't cool
Witnessing someone being shot in front of my school was disturbing and unacceptable

That gangsta shit affects not poppin off just da 'jects
The gangster lifestyle impacts not only the projects but also the entire community

360 degrees all due with respect
Looking at the entire situation from all angles with proper regard

Waa-taaah, tha angelical Ninja when ya blink
I am an agile and powerful ninja, appearing when you least expect it

You'll need a shrink, how da fuck did you think
You'll require therapy, how could you underestimate me

Dat I could be sniped nigga, see you fuckin' right
That I could be killed easily, yes, you are correct

I'm mo' try to kill ya, straight drill ya, I take my fuckin life serious
I will actively attempt to end your life, I am deadly serious about it

You attack my self defense is war period
If you provoke me, I will defend myself aggressively, it's a war

I know niggas all over the SWATS
I am familiar with individuals from various neighborhoods in Atlanta (Southwest Atlanta, SWATS)

Niggas that'll get in yo' ass on the spot
People who are willing to confront and attack you immediately

Concoct like a wise wizard juts cuz I wear tha red eye
Crafting plans and strategies like a knowledgeable wizard, solely based on my focused and sharp demeanor

You may think I'm a high nigga, but looks could be deceiving
You might assume I'm intoxicated, but appearances can be misleading

God lives within me and brother I feel him
I have a spiritual connection with God, I sense His presence

I speak to God before I take my gat and juice ya
I communicate with God before resorting to violence and gunning you down

Cause he tha one that's holding my future
God is in control of my destiny

See as you learn me you journey out of time
As you understand my true self, you explore a different dimension

Cause your present state I gotta take ya out ya mind
Because your current mindset is detrimental, I must remove you from it

Y'all done let tha devil tear your perfect world up
You all allowed the devil to destroy your once flawless world

Got men sleepin wit men and girls wit girls
Men engaging in homosexual relationships, and girls doing the same

Seems all right to you, hey but to me that's taboo, yes I do
You might find it acceptable, but to me, it's considered inappropriate and forbidden

Fuck that dumb shit I comes out wit
I reject and criticize nonsensical ideas or behavior

Drums hit some get tha hummin'
When the drums play, some become energized and excited

Comin from tha witch doctor's gun in killin' tool click
Originating from the witch doctor's firearm, a group with deadly intentions is approaching

Watch me rule bitch, killin' tool click
Witness my dominance, as the group with destructive weapons takes control