Born in Bay Shore, New York, and raised between St. Albans, New York and Hollis, New York in the borough of Queens. The only child of Ondrea (née Griffith) and James Smith, Jr. Smith is of both African American and Native American descent. He spent his youth singing in the church choir, participating in the Boy Scouts and delivering newspapers.
Def Jam released his first record, the 12" single "I Need a Beat" in 1983. The single sold over 100,000 copies. The success of "I Need a Beat" helped lead to a distribution deal with Def Jam and Columbia Records in 1985. Soon after, he dropped out of Andrew Jackson High School to record his debut album.
He is known for romantic ballads such as I Need Love and Hey Lover as well as pioneering hip-hop such as I Can't Live Without My Radio, I'm Bad, The Boomin' System, Mama Said Knock You Out, and 4, 3, 2, 1. L has also appeared in several films. LL Cool J is one of a few hip-hop stars of his era to sustain a successful recording career for more than two decades. He has released 12 albums and a greatest hits compilation so far, with his next album, Exit 13, set to be released in September, 2008. The album will be the last for LL's record deal with Def Jam Recordings, a deal which has lasted for over twenty two years, making it the longest single hip hop deal to date. He now resides in Manhasset, NY with his wife and four children.
Clockin' G's
LL Cool J Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Huh yaknahmean?
Uh, bounce, yeah
Uh bounce, yeah
Uh you heard it from hearsay
Uh you heard it from hearsay
Day-dreamin', bout slidin in that Bentley door
Cuban chain tucked in so the back'll show
Whip it out in front of chicks, they react to dough
Fo' karats in each ear, lettin dude know
That homes still flow like twenty-twos of snow
Yankee over doo-rags, extra wristbands
Pass the Heineken, you're not a Crist' fan
Ice is the tightest, broads breakin' they neck and catchin' arthritis
To bag a ghetto Midas
Jeans saggin down (uh) with the Michael Vick jersey
The white on whites from Uptown
Wife beater underneath
If it's totally necessary, some gold teeth, it's on you
Pull up to the club real slow, leanin' back on the cell
What the hell, these clowns is pointin' at?
[Chorus]
(If you got the time then I've got the time) You clockin' G's
You're monopoly, and you property
(Tell homes over there to step off) You clockin' G's
(If you got the time then I've got the time) You clockin' G's
You're monopoly, and you property
(Tell homes over there to step off) You clockin' G's
Uh, slide out slow (slow)
Argue on the phone (uh) glance at the chrome (yea)
Hand on your waist just in case it's on
Fully prepared to go to war 'til the break of dawn
Slid a twenty to the bouncer, hold down the car
Rollin up {?) to rush into the bar
It's a simple recipe, I-see-E
S-H-I-N-E equals free P
Mad birds in the jump-off (uh) lookin' thirsty
Hot and broke, daddy have mercy
She want Prada, the pearl of drawers
The new Fendi mink so she can act stink
The camouflage Pumas with the crystal stripes
The Mz. Gatrak joints to keep her weave tight
One clown tried to throw your vibe off all night
Not knowin that you 20 deep, and you aight
[Chorus]
It's that, head-boppin', neck-jerkin
Keep you on the block cold focused, straight workin'
Head-boppin, neck-jerkin
Keep you on the block cold focused, straight workin'
Head-boppin', neck-jerkin
Keep you on the block cold focused, straight workin'
Head-boppin', neck-jerkin
Keep you on the block cold focused, straight workin'
Huh waffle house, three-thirty
You ain't really hungry, you do it for the birdies
(Fly pelican fly) And they do it for you
Even though they always tell you what they not gon' do
You know the game, you a patient killer
Whisper sweet nothings, then switch gorilla
She want to ride in the 6, pick CD's
'Cause it's lookin' so sick, with six TV's
While you leanin' back laughin', doin' twenty-five
Ridin' real slow that's how gangstas ride
You want to bang her bang her bang her 'til you can't no more
Dream over, you're closin' the Bentley door, out
[Chorus: x2]
In LL Cool J's song "Clockin' G's," he explores the flashy, materialistic lifestyle of a wealthy player. The opening lyrics refer to his desire to make a beat that the ladies can dance to and the subsequent verses describe the opulent life this player can afford. He discusses the expensive cars, diamond jewelry, designer clothing, and how these possessions attract women. He urges his listeners to live life like monopoly by clocking G's, a phrase that refers to the accumulation of money. The chorus repeats this message, stating that they are "monopoly and your property."
The song is an interesting commentary on the hip-hop culture that has always celebrated the ostentatious displays of wealth through material objects. It is a reminder that in society, we measure someone's success and status by what they have rather than who they are. LL Cool J's lyrics capture the desire for material wealth and how it can become all-encompassing. The constant refrain of "bang her, bang her" represents the culture's obsession with sexual conquests, which are almost always connected to displays of wealth.
Overall, "Clockin' G's" provides an insightful look into the behavior and mentality of a certain subset of people within hip-hop culture. It is a warning to those who may fall into the trap of valuing possessions over their own humanity, as it can lead to emptiness and an unhealthy obsession with keeping up appearances.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah but they need a beat that they can freak to
They require a groovy tune to dance to.
Huh yaknahmean?
Do you comprehend what I am saying?
Uh, bounce, yeah
Here comes the groovy beat!
Uh bounce, yeah
The rhythm is addictive!
Uh you heard it from hearsay
You got it from somebody else's words!
Uh you heard it from hearsay
You got it from somebody else's words!
You want to bang 'em bang 'em bang 'em 'til you can't no more
Aiming to engage physically until exhaustion.
Day-dreamin', bout slidin in that Bentley door
Imagining to fit gracefully into a luxury car.
Cuban chain tucked in so the back'll show
Safely securing the gold necklace's back for show-off.
Whip it out in front of chicks, they react to dough
Unveiling the wealth in front of women to see how they respond.
Fo' karats in each ear, lettin dude know
Wearing four carats of diamond in each ear to signal personal status.
That homes still flow like twenty-twos of snow
Ability to produce and sell illegal drugs continuously.
Yankee over doo-rags, extra wristbands
Double-decker headwear and extra wristbands to appear fashionable.
Pass the Heineken, you're not a Crist' fan
Preferring beer over expensive champagne.
Ice is the tightest, broads breakin' they neck and catchin' arthritis
Flaunting the best bling, causing women to turn heads and experience soreness.
To bag a ghetto Midas
Attracting a wealthy person from the ghetto.
Jeans saggin down (uh) with the Michael Vick jersey
Wearing loose jeans and a Michael Vick jersey.
The white on whites from Uptown
Sporting sneakers that are entirely white from Uptown.
Wife beater underneath
Wearing a sleeveless undershirt.
If it's totally necessary, some gold teeth, it's on you
Getting gold teeth only if it's mandatory.
Pull up to the club real slow, leanin' back on the cell
Driving to the club calmly, relaxing in the car.
What the hell, these clowns is pointin' at?
Why are these individuals pointing fingers?
(If you got the time then I've got the time) You clockin' G's
You are making money.
You're monopoly, and you property
Establishing monopoly and owning assets.
(Tell homes over there to step off) You clockin' G's
Informing others to stay away as you are making money.
(If you got the time then I've got the time) You clockin' G's
You are making money.
You're monopoly, and you property
Establishing monopoly and owning assets.
(Tell homes over there to step off) You clockin' G's
Informing others to stay away as you are making money.
Uh, slide out slow (slow)
Slowly exit the area.
Argue on the phone (uh) glance at the chrome (yea)
Arguing on the phone while taking a quick glance at the gun.
Hand on your waist just in case it's on
Keeping a hand on the waist in preparation of a potential fight.
Fully prepared to go to war 'til the break of dawn
Prepared to fight all night if need be.
Slid a twenty to the bouncer, hold down the car
Gave the bouncer a twenty dollar bill to take care of the car.
Rollin up {?) to rush into the bar
Arriving at the club entry to enter quickly.
It's a simple recipe, I-see-E
The business plan is simple, 'I-C-E' (a reference to the rapper's name).
S-H-I-N-E equals free P
By shining (displaying wealth), one can gain 'free p' (money/attention).
Mad birds in the jump-off (uh) lookin' thirsty
Many women in the club seeking to gain attention.
Hot and broke, daddy have mercy
The women are attractive but financially unstable.
She want Prada, the pearl of drawers
Women desiring top-quality Prada merchandise.
The new Fendi mink so she can act stink
Purchasing a new high-end Fendi fur coat to flaunt her wealth/arrogance.
The camouflage Pumas with the crystal stripes
Wearing camouflage Puma shoes with luxurious crystal stripes.
The Mz. Gatrak joints to keep her weave tight
Owning Mz. Gatrak hair extensions to maintain styled hair.
One clown tried to throw your vibe off all night
A person attempted to ruin one's mood throughout the night.
Not knowin that you 20 deep, and you aight
Unaware that there are 20 other people in the crew and everything is okay.
It's that, head-boppin', neck-jerkin
The rhythm makes one bob their head and jerk their neck.
Keep you on the block cold focused, straight workin'
The rhythm keeps one working hard and remaining focused.
Head-boppin, neck-jerkin
The rhythm makes one bob their head and jerk their neck.
Keep you on the block cold focused, straight workin'
The rhythm keeps one working hard and remaining focused.
Head-boppin', neck-jerkin
The rhythm makes one bob their head and jerk their neck.
Keep you on the block cold focused, straight workin'
The rhythm keeps one working hard and remaining focused.
Head-boppin', neck-jerkin
The rhythm makes one bob their head and jerk their neck.
Keep you on the block cold focused, straight workin'
The rhythm keeps one working hard and remaining focused.
Huh waffle house, three-thirty
Heading to Waffle House at 3:30 AM.
You ain't really hungry, you do it for the birdies
Not actually hungry, but seeking potential hook-ups.
(Fly pelican fly) And they do it for you
Women seeking each other's attention.
Even though they always tell you what they not gon' do
Although women claim certain things, it may not be true.
You know the game, you a patient killer
Understand the principles and have a steady approach in achieving success.
Whisper sweet nothings, then switch gorilla
Acting charming initially and then abruptly changing demeanor.
She want to ride in the 6, pick CD's
Women hoping to ride in a luxury car and select the music.
'Cause it's lookin' so sick, with six TV's
The car looks marvelous with six televisions.
While you leanin' back laughin', doin' twenty-five
Sitting back and laughing while driving slowly (25 mph).
Ridin' real slow that's how gangstas ride
Gangsters drive at a slow pace to display dominance.
Dream over, you're closin' the Bentley door, out
The dream is over and it's time to exit the car.
[Chorus: x2]
Repeating the chorus twice.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: HUGO, SMITH, WILLIAMS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind