Founded in late 1994 with no intention to record an album, La Coka Nostra was more a loose collective of artists connected through Danny Boy than a group. Having taken time off from rap after the break-up of House of Pain, Danny Boy took to working in video production and fashion as well as mentoring other artists. He met Slaine in Boston and, impressed with his writing, brought him to L.A. to record some tracks. Eventually it turned into more of a group effort including the former members of House of Pain and Ill Bill, as well as associates from Psycho Realm, Special Teamz and others. It was not until early 2006 that an actual line up solidified. Plans to release an album were first voiced later the same year.
In late 2008, the group signed to Suburban Noize Records and released the long delayed debut album A Brand You Can Trust on July 14, 2009. The album took so long to complete due to Danny Boy's refusal to have the members collaborate via e-mail; instead, he would gather everyone at the studio. This took time due to the recording of Ill Bill and Everlast's solo albums as well as various tours and other commitments. A Brand You Can Trust features fifteen tracks and guest appearances from Snoop Dogg, Bun B, Sick Jacken, B-Real, Sen Dog, Immortal Technique, Big Left and Q-Unique. Though similar stylistically to the group's prior online releases, it features songs grounded more in reality. Subjects touched upon include politics, death, drug addiction, raising a child and terrorism.
On March 2, 2012, it was announced that Everlast would be leaving La Coka Nostra due to his daughter's medical issues.
Mind Your Business
La Coka Nostra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Do you and your brother have beef?
Did Eric ditch La Coka?
Asking me all types of complicated personal shit
Weirdos on twitter gossiping 'bout who's verse is legit
'fuck do you care? Girls got some TMZ for pussies and housewives
Who finger themselves to our lives
Mind your business, don't worry 'bout the next man's plans
And fuck facebook, in the real world, if you and me met?
I'd sign your CD, snap a flick and you'd respectfully step
So mind your business, Ben Franklin put it on the coin, Google it
Read a book, Donald Gorge made it humorous
Exposing the planet, stop being nosy and scandalous
Spoken language, part English, half spoken in Spanglish
Speak it every time, those beyond the average prevail
Even the deaf and blind know it, sign language and braille
Mind your business
Back in the days when I was coming up
I'm hungry as fuck
Got no Air Max no Amex no gun in the truck
No wheels, no deals, ain't no fun and no luck
Just a pack of hot headed goons running amok
Dudes got checked when they talked shit to even it out
Shocked, the feard one had started never leaving the house
Nowadays I sit back and gotta laugh at these little dudes
Fronting on the Internet but act like they criminals
We know the difference who the bitches and girls are
Nah, I ain't as rich as them snitches at WorldStar
But I can spot a rat with the camera phone
Who only beefs when he's with his man cause he can't alone
I've been the nice guy, but what am I? A jerk now?
This shit is no good, something's gotta get worked out
Your homie's coming out his face, is that your sidekick?
I see the way that it is, and I don't like it
Mind your business
If you worry 'bout mines, you ain't handling yours
Counting a real hustler's papers by flapping your jaws
Only a ho worry 'bout what a pimp got in his pocket
Only broke motherfuckers got spare time to gossip
I'm too busy and never broke
Amongst the clever folk
La Coka Nostra, we forever dope, homie check the quote
This ain't complicated like hieroglyphics or rocket scientific
Just keep your your money on your mind and mind your business
So stop staring at me man, with your neck tattoo
Fuck your life and your wife, she can get slapped too
Who the fuck is he? Bitch, you ain't met that dude?
This is my business you best respect that too
You might seen me on the silver screen
Heard I'm an alcoholic shooting guns at the movies
Coming back to snatch your wallet
Fist fights and high living
That was my way up
You stacked the odds against me and now its time to pay up
Mind your business
The lyrics to La Coka Nostra's "Mind Your Business" are an admonishment to nosy individuals who are overly concerned with the personal lives of others. The song's opening stanza addresses the persistent rumors surrounding the breakup of Non Phixion, a hip hop group that included two of La Coka Nostra's members, Everlast and DJ Lethal. The line "Weirdos on twitter gossiping 'bout who's verse is legit" highlights the absurdity of those who are fixated on trivialities, rather than appreciating the art being created. The chorus is a straightforward message, "Mind your business," a plea for people to avoid concerning themselves with the affairs of others and focus on their own lives.
The second stanza delves into the difficulty of coming up in the music world, with a nod to the necessity of standing up for oneself in the face of adversity. The line "Counting a real hustler's papers by flapping your jaws" is a call to action, urging people to focus on their own financial gain instead of counting someone else’s money. The final stanza is a warning to those who might cross the members of La Coka Nostra; a threat backed by the bravado of the group's hard-lived history.
Overall, "Mind Your Business" is a song that emphasizes the importance of individual respect for privacy and personal space. It attacks the tendency for people to become overly involved in other people's lives and offers a warning to those who attempt to cross La Coka Nostra's path.
Line by Line Meaning
Ayo I been heard the rumors, people asking me why Non Phixion broke up
People ask me intrusive questions about my personal life and the lives of others.
Do you and your brother have beef?
People inquire whether there is conflict between me and my brother.
Did Eric ditch La Coka?
People ask whether Eric abandoned La Coka Nostra.
Asking me all types of complicated personal shit
People pry into my private affairs with complex and intrusive questions.
'fuck do you care? Girls got some TMZ for pussies and housewives
The subject of your interest is none of your concern; gossip is only fit for those who lack substance and insight.
Who finger themselves to our lives
Some people are obsessed with the lives of others and derive pleasure from fantasizing about them.
Mind your business, don't worry 'bout the next man's plans
Focus on your own life and do not interfere with the affairs of others.
'Cause there's a very thin line between a fan and a Stan
There is a fine distinction between a genuine admirer and an obsessive fanatic.
And fuck facebook, in the real world, if you and me met?
Social media is not a reliable medium for communication; in person, I would show you respect and take a photo with you.
I'd sign your CD, snap a flick and you'd respectfully step
I would kindly autograph your CD and take a photo with you before parting ways.
So mind your business, Ben Franklin put it on the coin, Google it
Ben Franklin coined the phrase 'mind your business' which means to focus on yourself and not on others' affairs.
Read a book, Donald Gorge made it humorous
Donald Gorge made a comical interpretation of the phrase 'mind your business'; educate yourself by reading.
Exposing the planet, stop being nosy and scandalous
Stop being curious and exploiting others for drama and scandal.
Spoken language, part English, half spoken in Spanglish
The song is a fusion of English and Spanish dialects.
Speak it every time, those beyond the average prevail
Those who use this language and are not average have the ability to succeed.
Even the deaf and blind know it, sign language and braille
Even those who are deaf and blind can understand this language through sign language and braille.
Back in the days when I was coming up
During my upbringing and ascent to success.
I'm hungry as fuck
I was highly motivated and determined.
Got no Air Max no Amex no gun in the truck
I had limited resources and no material luxuries or weapons.
No wheels, no deals, ain't no fun and no luck
I was not privileged with a car, opportunities or good fortune.
Just a pack of hot headed goons running amuck
I was part of a group of reckless and impulsive individuals causing chaos.
Dudes got checked when they talked shit to even it out
Those who talked negatively were confronted to balance the situation.
Shocked, the feared one had started never leaving the house
The previously intimidating individual was now afraid and stayed home.
Nowadays I sit back and gotta laugh at these little dudes
Nowadays, I chuckle at the behavior of immature individuals.
Fronting on the Internet but act like they criminals
People often act tough and criminal on the internet but don't act the same in real life.
We know the difference who the bitches and girls are
We know who the cowards and females are.
Nah, I ain't as rich as them snitches at WorldStar
I am not as wealthy as those who reveal private or personal information for fame.
But I can spot a rat with the camera phone
I can identify a person who records and exposes information for negative purposes.
Who only beefs when he's with his man cause he can't alone
Someone who only confronts others when they have backup because they are not strong enough to do it alone.
I've been the nice guy, but what am I? A jerk now?
I used to be a pleasant person, but now I am perceived as rude or unpleasant for protecting my privacy.
This shit is no good, something's gotta get worked out
The current state of things is not satisfactory; a solution needs to be found.
Your homie's coming out his face, is that your sidekick?
Your friend is talking negatively about me; are you going to support him?
I see the way that it is, and I don't like it
I see how things are and I am dissatisfied with them.
If you worry 'bout mines, you ain't handling yours
If you are concerned with my life, then you are not properly taking care of yours.
Counting a real hustler's papers by flapping your jaws
Talking instead of working hard is not an effective way to make money.
Only a ho worry 'bout what a pimp got in his pocket
Only an untrustworthy individual worries about how much money someone else has.
Only broke motherfuckers got spare time to gossip
Only those who lack wealth have time to gossip about others.
I'm too busy and never broke
I am too busy working hard and making money to be broke.
Amongst the clever folk
I am among the intelligent and resourceful people.
La Coka Nostra, we forever dope, homie check the quote
The group La Coka Nostra is always impressive and successful; check out our reputation.
This ain't complicated like hieroglyphics or rocket scientific
This is not overly complex and is easy to understand.
Just keep your your money on your mind and mind your business
Focus on making money and tending to your own affairs rather than interfering with others' affairs.
So stop staring at me man, with your neck tattoo
Stop staring and being confrontational with me, especially because you have a visible tattoo that signals your involvement in negative activities.
Fuck your life and your wife, she can get slapped too
I don't care about your life or your wife; she is not immune to violence either.
Who the fuck is he? Bitch, you ain't met that dude?
Do you even know who they are or are you just talking recklessly?
This is my business you best respect that too
My personal life is my own affair and you should respect that as well.
You might seen me on the silver screen
You may have seen me in movies.
Heard I'm an alcoholic shooting guns at the movies
You may have heard rumors that I have an addiction and was involved in gun violence on set.
Coming back to snatch your wallet
I am coming back to take advantage of you or cheat you out of money.
Fist fights and high living
Physical altercations and indulging in luxurious experiences.
That was my way up
That behavior and lifestyle contributed to my rise and success.
You stacked the odds against me and now its time to pay up
You made it difficult for me to succeed and now you have to make reparations.
Mind your business
Stay out of other people's affairs and focus on your own.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Christopher E. Martin, George Carroll, William Braunstein
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
TempleOfbooM 88INYOURFACE
Ill Bill is one of the best rap artists ever. NO COMPETITION!!
MetalFaceVic
Saw La Coka Nostra live Tuesday night, they killed it! Real Hip Hop is alive and kicking! Ill Bill, Slaine, Danny Boy and DJ Eclypse did their thing! Masters of the Dark Arts out now.
intense34
God bless Dj Premier he is the 5th element of hip - hop! Such a badass beat and great lyrics!
EvilToxicJ
Bump this song in my car all the time, bass is hideously awesome. Whole album bumps.
israel zaragoza
esta con madre es la pura vieja escuela del hip hop no se pierde el estilo
MRGENERATIONADD
Respect to coka always, and respect to Everlast always for stepping up like the real man he is and taking care of his daughter.
teempc5000
I look at it like this Primo drop stuff for underground artists and no one mainstream...I'm loving that..it's not about money it's about just making good music...you may not like the artist flow or what he saying but the beat itself is pure hip hop...that's what's needed in this day and age... I'm lovin the flow and everything...this is killer...youtube need a repeat button
Twojej Starej Kat
LACN rules! Even Polish rappers such as Słoń and Shellerini of you say! Respect from Poland.
Danil Marks
can't imagine this being better than Heavy Metal Kings but this track is hard....looking forward to the album and hopefully a tour that hits up New Orleans
Silje Molteberg
Can't wait for the rest of the album. THIS is music.