His father was a doctor and Lil’ O and his four brothers and one sister had a middle class upbringing. His mother died from ovarian cancer when Lil’ O was 13 and suddenly his father’s strict Nigerian upbringing began to chase him to rebellion.
Soon after his mother’s death, Lil’ O began hanging in the streets with friends who were in the drug game, and he became addicted to the fast money that drug dealing brought in. “I got street fame, women, and a lot of money quickly and easily,” he says. Of course, he eventually got collared. After his arrest, his father kicked him out of the house and Lil’ O fell deeper into the lure of the drug game. While out on bond, he continued to sell drugs and was caught again. This time he attempted to swallow the evidence before the police could arrest him. He swallowed an ounce-and-a-half of crack cocaine and his lungs collapsed. He was put on life support and his father was told to prepare for his death. “It’s really a miracle that I woke up at all,” says Lil’ O. “I was breathing through tubes on my deathbed and I looked down and saw that my ankles were cuffed to the bed. I realized, if I recovered I was going to jail, and if I didn’t I was going to die.”
He went to Xavier University in New Orleans, where he studied business. Away from the drugs and the street life of Southwest Houston, Lil’ O also began to dabble in one of his first loves – hip hop. “Man, when I was growing up, LL Cool J came out with ‘Radio’ and that was it, I was hooked. I never thought about rapping as a career because I was making so much selling drugs, plus the money came faster than it does in the rap game,” says O. While at Xavier, in 1997, he recorded “Can’t Stop” – featuring vocal contributions from the ladies that would go on to earn renown as Destiny’s Child. The track soon became Lil’ O’s debut single and went on to score an instant local hit. Regardless, Lil’ O eventually found himself out of school and back in Texas, again exposed to the same lifestyle he’d tried to leave behind. In 1999, he then signed with the Houston-based indie label Game Face Entertainment, but also began selling drugs again. His debut album, Blood Money, sold 20,000 copies but he was unable to promote it due to spending time in jail.
After being released from prison, Lil’ O left the drug game behind for good and focused on his music completely. He also enrolled at the University of Houston–Downtown ("UHD") and majored in business. “Some days I wouldn’t feel like going to class, and then I would look across the street at the county jail and remember how I felt when I was in there. That would be all the motivation I would need to get myself to class,” says Lil’ O with a hearty laugh.
In 2001, his album "Da Fat Rat With The Cheeze" sold over 75,000. He collaborated with Big Hawk on the hit single "Back Back". "Back Back" led him back to a nationwide deal with Atlantic Records, which he later left in 2003.
Hold It Down
Lil' O Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Southsive for live, we balling in the mix
It's going down H-Town for real, pull it out
Let em know, we bout to steal the show
Pull up on 4's, kick down the do, what
[Chorus: Z-Ro]
Cause I'ma hold it down, and represent H-Town
But I'ma show em now, that we about to clown
Regulate for Texas state, baby I'ma hold it down yay-yay
[Lil' O]
Hey I'm young dumb full of cum, icy and numb
Block bleeder balla, pass the great pupon
My dress code stay thoed, they be like where you from
I tell em Third Coast Texas race, Houston
And I stop the piece, when my glocks release
Catch me on the Southwest, moving flocks of geese
Talking down on my city, you'll get rocked to sleep
Cause I keep a AK, ready to chop the streets
And I don't need no friends, but I need those ends
I'm trying to get the six double zero Benz
You try to stop that, it'll be your end
We bar none boys, we don't see no men
And we fear no coward, get money and the power
Reign in the states, with the flakes and the flower
Hit clubs on Dubs, standing out like a tower
Hop out in bitches shoes, leaving niggas sour, what
[Chorus: Z-Ro]
[BFK]
I'm a habitual hard knocker, and a menace as well
Blood thirsty like rotweilers, in the kitchen with scales
Chickens and mail, got us dodging prison and jail
Slipping your nail, my niggas off of timid and frail
Like toxic, come up with smells my aroma is stronger
Man water corona, stop on cobonas
We know the ray corners, like we the F-E-D's
Best believe when we squeeze, niggas chests gon bleed
Yes indeed, no doubt we bout to rest emcees
Baller naming as the greatest, full breaded pedigree
Lifestyle and profile, living big celebrity
Never push inside my pride or, integrity
My people deep as a river, bring it on we can rumble
Turning cowards over like fumbles, or my homies the jungle
Street smart and lion hearted, what I started I finish
We provoke it and cause commotion, by the time we done hit it
[Chorus: Z-Ro]
[BFK]
I'ma compose when paper fold, and my attitude's cocky
And dodging and breaking bones pockets, leaving your posse
Sluggish and sloppy, smoking like a broken solloppe
I shake fades and break bread, while I'm blowing on broccoli
My block bleeding blood hounds, stay down like flat tires
Convicted and pass bond, we glisten like selfox
Paper rock path find, ain't no sleeping's the motto
Dehydrated for our dollas, kottenmouth and can't swallow
We Dirty Third desperadoes, dumping ashes on bitches
Mashing on snitches, and pussy glasses matching my bridges
Slagging and slipping, never in my macking and pimping
I game spit your main bitch, never shackle a pigeon
My teeth glisten while they greeting, when I'm bending in women
I'm spinning that pimping, gangsta limping, off of vision and gripping
Adrenaline dripping when I'm pumping, with a passion for stacking
Stanking like walts I catch em, ?charlie hustle in mansions?
[Chorus: Z-Ro]
(Z-Ro in background)
Yay-ay - 13x
(*talking*)
Dedicated to the streets of H-Town Texas
The whole Dirty Third, everybody that held a playa down
When it wasn't going down, you know I'm saying
Much love from the Fat Rat With The Cheeze, Lil' O
BFK, Z-Ro, 89 hundred brat
The lyrics to Lil' O's song "Hold It Down" express a sense of pride and loyalty to Houston, Texas. One central theme is the idea that Lil' O will always represent H-Town and hold it down for his city. He references his Third Coast Texas roots multiple times and talks about how he keeps an AK ready to protect his city from anyone who talks down on it. Additionally, the song includes verses from BFK and Z-Ro, who also express their dedication to Houston and the Dirty Third. The chorus repeats the phrase "I'ma hold it down" and asserts that Houston will show everyone that they are about to "clown" and regulate for Texas state.
One interesting aspect of this song is the collaboration between Lil' O, BFK, and Z-Ro. BFK and Z-Ro are both known for their contributions to Southern rap music, and Lil' O has also made a name for himself in the Houston rap scene. Another noteworthy aspect of the song is the use of slang and regional references that are specific to Houston and the Dirty Third. For example, Lil' O talks about "moving flocks of geese" and references standing out "like a tower" in Houston clubs on Dubs. The use of these regional references and slang helps to solidify the sense of loyalty and pride that the artists express in the song.
Overall, "Hold It Down" is a tribute to Houston and the Dirty Third, and it highlights the artists' sense of dedication to their city and their fellow Houstonians. The use of colloquial language and regional references adds to the authenticity and emotional power of the song.
Line by Line Meaning
Southsive for live, we balling in the mix
Representing the south side of Houston, we are thriving and succeeding in life.
It's going down H-Town for real, pull it out
Houston is about to make a big impact and we're ready to show it.
Let em know, we bout to steal the show
We are going to capture everyone's attention and give them an unforgettable performance.
Pull up on 4's, kick down the do, what
Arriving in a car on rims, we are ready to make a grand entrance and make our presence known.
Cause I'ma hold it down, and represent H-Town
I will stand firm and represent Houston to the fullest.
They said we wouldn't make it, swore it wasn't going down
People doubted our potential for success and growth.
But I'ma show em now, that we about to clown
I'm going to prove them wrong and show that we are going to have a great time and rise to the top.
Regulate for Texas state, baby I'ma hold it down yay-yay
We will set things right in Texas and I'm going to play my role in doing so.
Hey I'm young dumb full of cum, icy and numb
I am young, naive, and reckless, but I have the resources to support my actions.
Block bleeder balla, pass the great pupon
I'm influential in my community and I have access to the finest luxuries.
My dress code stay thoed, they be like where you from
I always dress well and people can tell that I am from the Third Coast region of Texas.
I tell em Third Coast Texas race, Houston
I explain that I am from the Third Coast region of Texas, specifically Houston.
And I stop the piece, when my glocks release
When I fire my gun, it will make everything stop and everyone will pay attention.
Catch me on the Southwest, moving flocks of geese
You can find me in the southwestern area of Houston, with many people following me like a flock of geese.
Talking down on my city, you'll get rocked to sleep
If you speak ill of Houston, you will be put to rest in a permanent way.
Cause I keep a AK, ready to chop the streets
I carry an AK-47 and am prepared to use it to maintain control over the streets.
And I don't need no friends, but I need those ends
I don't value friendship as much as I value money and wealth.
I'm trying to get the six double zero Benz
I am working hard to buy and drive a Mercedes-Benz worth $600,000.
You try to stop that, it'll be your end
If you try to hinder my success, you will face dire consequences.
We bar none boys, we don't see no men
We are a group of tough boys who don't back down from anyone.
And we fear no coward, get money and the power
We are not afraid of cowards and prioritize gaining money and power in our lives.
Reign in the states, with the flakes and the flower
We are in charge of our region and reign supreme with our influence and prowess.
Hit clubs on Dubs, standing out like a tower
We arrive at clubs riding on rims and draw a lot of attention and awe.
Hop out in bitches shoes, leaving niggas sour, what
We confidently strut around in women's shoes, causing people to be envious and bitter.
I'm a habitual hard knocker, and a menace as well
I am a frequent trouble-maker and a cause for concern for others.
Blood thirsty like rotweilers, in the kitchen with scales
I am ruthless and eager for money, and am often found dealing drugs in the kitchen with my scales.
Chickens and mail, got us dodging prison and jail
We are constantly involved in illegal activities like selling drugs and stealing, which puts us at risk of being apprehended by the law.
Slipping your nail, my niggas off of timid and frail
It's dangerous to fall into our possession or to be around us if you are not bold and fearless.
Like toxic, come up with smells my aroma is stronger
Our influence and power are potent and overpowering like a strong smell.
Man water corona, stop on cobonas
We enjoy drinking and relaxing, and will not hesitate to enjoy ourselves with others who are like-minded.
We know the ray corners, like we the F-E-D's
We are well-informed of the corners and areas of our community, almost like we are law enforcement agents ourselves.
Best believe when we squeeze, niggas chests gon bleed
If we shoot, people will suffer serious harm and possibly death.
Yes indeed, no doubt we bout to rest emcees
We are confident in our skills and upcoming victory, and we are determined to defeat our rivals.
Baller naming as the greatest, full breaded pedigree
We are highly successful and influential people with a strong background and level of prestige.
Lifestyle and profile, living big celebrity
We enjoy living luxuriously and being seen and admired like famous celebrities.
Never push inside my pride or, integrity
We value our pride and integrity more than anything else, and will not tolerate anyone who tries to damage or impugn it.
My people deep as a river, bring it on we can rumble
I have a lot of friends and connections, and am confident that we can easily come together to fight if necessary.
Turning cowards over like fumbles, or my homies the jungle
Just as a skilled football player can force an opposing player to fumble, we can turn cowards into weak, defeated individuals with our power and influence.
Street smart and lion hearted, what I started I finish
We are both cunning and strong, and we always complete what we begin.
We provoke it and cause commotion, by the time we done hit it
We start trouble and draw attention wherever we go, and leave a lasting impact.
I'ma compose when paper fold, and my attitude's cocky
I am always confident and arrogant, especially when I am making a lot of money.
And dodging and breaking bones pockets, leaving your posse
We are adept at avoiding and thwarting those who try to steal from us, which often leaves their group without any money as well.
Sluggish and sloppy, smoking like a broken solloppe
Some of our opponents are slow-witted and unskilled, and seem like they are barely functioning or inebriated.
I shake fades and break bread, while I'm blowing on broccoli
I am able to escape and evade my opponents while also handling my business and smoking marijuana.
My block bleeding blood hounds, stay down like flat tires
My neighborhood is full of fierce and loyal followers who stay low and quiet, nearly indistinguishable from very flat tires.
Convicted and pass bond, we glisten like selfox
We have paid our dues by being arrested and having to pay bail, but we still glisten and shine like expensive jewelry or perfume.
Paper rock path find, ain't no sleeping's the motto
The only way to succeed is to work hard and stay awake and alert at all times.
Dehydrated for our dollas, kottenmouth and can't swallow
We are desperate to make money and are often thirsty or high due to the pressure and demands of our lifestyle.
We Dirty Third desperadoes, dumping ashes on bitches
We are notorious and tough individuals from the Third Coast region of Texas, and we often disrespect women by dumping our cigarette ashes on them.
Mashing on snitches, and pussy glasses matching my bridges
We are crushing and causing trouble for people who snitch and betray us, and our sunglasses reflect just how unabashedly we harass and frighten others.
Slagging and slipping, never in my macking and pimping
We are often slipping and at risk of being caught by law enforcement, but we remain skilled and astute in our roles as pimps and seducers.
I game spit your main bitch, never shackle a pigeon
I can easily charm and seduce anyone's girlfriend, but I will never commit to a serious relationship myself.
My teeth glisten while they greeting, when I'm bending in women
My teeth are sparkling white and impressive when I meet women and participate in sexual activities.
I'm spinning that pimping, gangsta limping, off of vision and gripping
I am very successful at being a pimp, and I rock back and forth in a gangsta way, getting pleasure and excitement out of my ability to hold power.
Adrenaline dripping when I'm pumping, with a passion for stacking
I get a rush of adrenaline and joy when I am making money and am highly motivated to continue accumulating wealth.
Stanking like walts I catch em, ?charlie hustle in mansions?
I am very stinky and smelly, but that doesn't stop me from getting money and living in lavish mansions with ease.
Dedicated to the streets of H-Town Texas
This song is specifically for the community and people of Houston, Texas.
The whole Dirty Third, everybody that held a playa down
This is for everyone from the Third Coast region of Texas who has supported us and helped us succeed.
When it wasn't going down, you know I'm saying
This is for those who have been there for us, even when things were difficult and challenging.
Much love from the Fat Rat With The Cheeze, Lil' O
I send my appreciation and regards to my fans and supporters as Lil' O, the 'Fat Rat With The Cheeze'.
BFK, Z-Ro, 89 hundred brat
I shout out and name my collaborators and friends, BFK, Z-Ro, and the 89 hundred brat.
Yay-ay - 13x
This is a celebratory and enthusiastic shout of 'yay-ay' repeated 13 times.
Contributed by Ian P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
2.0
Still jammin on replay in 2020 cuz! I’m wearing a Pac shirt cuz that’s the Hiphop great, but Zro is also the truth! 💯🤘🏾it’s a Texas thang.
Eric Benson
Ayeeeeeeeeeee Mannnmm