"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.
Understanding
Goodie Mob Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I know I'm not your lady and your house isn't mine
Just need some understanding just to keep me in line
I know you grindin' baby but see you're bout me sometime, sometime
Listen, I'm tryin' to put some distance in between things
But damn it's a dream team
Nothing anyone should have to hurt for
I know you're wondering what is this
You're so much more than just a mistress
Babe, go get whatever you want on your wish list
But don't ask me about my business
Now with that being said, baby I love you
She's beside you, not above you
Hmmm, there's goes a smile, see I know you tough
Plus I gotta ho underneath you to hold you up
I need some understanding cause I'm losing my mind
I know I'm not your lady and your house isn't mine
Just need some understanding just to keep me in line
I know you grindin' baby but see you're bout me sometime, sometime
Baby, come help me take my hair down
With my back to you, you in this stare down
I got two shoes, you got new shoes
While you mad cause I keep another pair around
Smile, you ain't acting the same today
Guess I can't fuck all the pain away
I'm a real nigga, I can't let you hurt
Damn, I wish I had a met you first
I need some understanding cause I'm losing my mind
I know I'm not your lady and your house isn't mine
Just need some understanding just to keep me in line
I know you grindin' baby but see you're bout me sometime, sometime
(Big Gipp)
Understand little mama you ain't the main squeeze
But shit, you got some house keys
I can't put you on the same boat
But I can dock at the same port
I'mma fuck you in the sun hon
But I'mma run when the moon come
I don't love but I like hard
I don't kiss but the dick hard
I need some understanding cause I'm losing my mind
I know I'm not your lady and your house isn't mine
Just need some understanding just to keep me in line
I know you grindin' baby but see you're bout me sometime, sometime
(T-Mo)
I feel guilty just to think about it
Trying to find ways to think around it
When I look at you I can see her
I be wishing you could be her
It's obvious, I'm overzealous for you
If she met you, she'd be jealous of you
You scare me woman cause you're every woman
I could change you, but don't you let me woman
I need some understanding cause I'm losing my mind
I know I'm not your lady and your house isn't mine
Just need some understanding just to keep me in line
I know you grindin' baby but see you're bout me sometime, sometime
The song "Understanding" by Goodie Mob is a reflection on the complexities of a romantic relationship built on lies and hidden agendas. The main theme of the song is the need for understanding from both partners involved in the relationship. The lyrics talk about a man who is cheating on his partner and is struggling with the guilt and emotional turmoil that comes with it. He is seeking empathy and understanding from his mistress as well as from his partner. He wants his partner to see that he is still invested in their relationship, even though he is not fully committed to her.
The angst is palpable in the lyrics as the singer grapples with his inner demons. He is aware of the damage he is causing to both himself and the people around him, but he is unable to control his impulses. He wants love and comfort, but at the same time, he is unwilling to sacrifice his own wants and desires for the sake of others.
The chorus of the song echoes the need for understanding and compassion from the people involved. It is a plea for peace and serenity in a tumultuous relationship. The final verse is a moment of realization where the singer acknowledges his own self-destructive behavior and the harm it is causing to those around him.
Overall, "Understanding" is a poignant reflection on the complexities of love and infidelity. It is a reminder that even in the most challenging of situations, understanding and empathy can be the key to healing.
Line by Line Meaning
I need some understanding cause I'm losing my mind
I need someone to empathize with me because I feel like I'm going insane
I know I'm not your lady and your house isn't mine
I understand that I am not in a committed relationship with you and I don't have ownership of your home
Just need some understanding just to keep me in line
I only need someone to listen and support me so that I can stay level-headed
I know you grindin' baby but see you're bout me sometime, sometime
I understand that you are busy with your own life, but I still need you to make time for me occasionally
Listen, I'm tryin' to put some distance in between things
I am attempting to create some physical and emotional space between us
But damn it's a dream team
Despite my efforts to distance myself, I am finding it difficult to break away because we work so well together
Nothing anyone should have to hurt for
I believe that we shouldn't have to suffer any pain or heartache for being together
But tell me who does number two work for
This line is a play on words from the movie Austin Powers. The artist is questioning who is really in charge here and looking for some clarity and direction
I know you're wondering what is this
I understand that you may be confused about our relationship and where we stand
You're so much more than just a mistress
I see you as more than just a side piece or casual fling
Babe, go get whatever you want on your wish list
I want you to have whatever makes you happy and fulfilled, regardless of our relationship status
But don't ask me about my business
I have personal affairs that I don't want to discuss or involve you in
Now with that being said, baby I love you
Despite everything, I have genuine feelings of love towards you
She's beside you, not above you
I view you as an equal rather than someone I am superior to
Hmmm, there's goes a smile, see I know you tough
I can tell that you are strong and capable, even when facing adversity
Plus I gotta ho underneath you to hold you up
This line is a metaphor, stating that the artist needs something or someone to support them, even if it's something they don't necessarily approve of
Baby, come help me take my hair down
The artist is asking for help and intimacy from their partner
With my back to you, you in this stare down
The singer is in a vulnerable position and wants their partner to support them even when they can't see their face
I got two shoes, you got new shoes
The singer is pointing out the differences and inequalities in their relationship
While you mad cause I keep another pair around
The artist is acknowledging that their partner may be jealous or upset that they are not the only one in their life
Smile, you ain't acting the same today
The artist is noticing a change in their partner's behavior
Guess I can't fuck all the pain away
The artist realizes that sex is not always the solution to their problems or disagreements
I'm a real nigga, I can't let you hurt
The singer needs their partner to know that they don't want to cause them any harm or hurt their feelings
Damn, I wish I had a met you first
The artist laments that they didn't meet their partner earlier in life, when things might have been different
Understand little mama you ain't the main squeeze
The singer wants their partner to know that they are not their primary romantic partner
But shit, you got some house keys
The singer acknowledges that their partner has some level of access and significance in their life
I can't put you on the same boat
The singer is saying that they can't elevate their partner to the same level as their primary romantic partner
But I can dock at the same port
The artist is saying that even though their partner can't be on the same level as their primary partner, they can still be involved and present
I'mma fuck you in the sun hon
The artist is saying that they will have sex with their partner in the daylight, which could be interpreted as a sign of intimacy and closeness
But I'mma run when the moon come
The singer will distance themselves from their partner when things become more serious or complicated
I don't love but I like hard
The singer is saying that even though they don't have romantic feelings towards their partner, they still care for them deeply
I don't kiss but the dick hard
This is a vulgar way of saying that the artist is sexually attracted to their partner
Trying to find ways to think around it
The artist is trying to come up with a solution to their problem, but it's not an easy fix
When I look at you I can see her
The artist is reminded of their primary romantic partner when they look at their secondary partner
I be wishing you could be her
The singer fantasizes about their secondary partner being more like their primary romantic partner
It's obvious, I'm overzealous for you
The artist is showing excessive enthusiasm or desire for their secondary partner
If she met you, she'd be jealous of you
The singer believes that their primary romantic partner would be envious of their secondary partner
You scare me woman cause you're every woman
The singer is intimidated by their secondary partner because they represent all of the characteristics and traits that the singer finds attractive in women
I could change you, but don't you let me woman
The singer realizes that they cannot change or control their partner, and they don't want to harm or manipulate them in any way
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: THOMAS CALLAWAY, CAMERON F. GIPP, ROBERT TERRANCE BARNETT, WILLIE EDWARD KNIGHTON, LEON III DOUGLAS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
pstroy99
I wish this album was marketed better... EXACTLY what the hip hop community is lacking... cool laid back track... my ringtone at the moment
donte bosley
this song is so underrated
Anonymous User
this is my shit!!!
too bad its so hard to find the latest album...
REAL MUSIC BABY...
TopFlightSecurity415
hip hop gospel music
Conserned1
about time ! good look LO
mthomasiv
The ONLY good song on this album. Such a disappointment.
rog815
+mthomasiv so true!!!!!!
Laurence Sledge
mthomasiv true
Randolph Binford III
This the sound they are known for, the other songs sound like they were going into Gnarls Barkley territory. I guess they went that direction in order to gain more of a mainstream fanbase.
Sunshine Sunflowerz 🌻
Album is dope! Stays true to who they are