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.
The Truth
Lil' O Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Too many brothers locked, there'll be too many dying
And if I set it up out, then I'd be lying
(Hook - 2x)
You want the truth (yeah), bujt you can't handle the truth (no)
Us niggaz ain't free, we just running round loose (right)
They say what monkey see, monkey gon do (oh-no-no-no-no-no-no-oh)
(Lil' O)
My lil' partna stole a half, from a crooked ass law
He chopped it up and heat it in, it's time he Hilfiger drawas
See hit the cut before you run, young G's gotta crawl
And he was hitting every lick, even soaked his ma
And when he stacked a lil' change, he went straight to the mall
And bought some POLO and some Guess, to let hoes know that he ball
But I recall a time when blacks, couldn't buy shit at all
And when you mention slavery, no one sounded upauled
They said ay free the slaves, see loves blacks don't believe it
Slavery came to an end, cause slavery wasn't needed
New technology, provided quantities at high volume
Cheaper than maintaining slaves, now we got us a problem
Cause now we can make these goods, and astonishing figures
Without the labor tell me, what we gon do with these niggaz
Should we gun em down with triggas, send em back to they land
Or should we keep em all in chains, till we get us a plan
Well here's a plan let's give em jobs, better jobs than we
No just enough, so they can get the minimal wants and needs
They'll still be in poverty, but with they hard earned bucks
They'll make us rich by buying shit, that was made by us you see
(Hook - 2x)
(Lil' O)
Now if you worked all your life, but still ain't had shit
If you seen a man slipping, would you grab his shit
I'm talking gun a man down, straight robbing and stealing
Or commit genocide, for pride we straight drug dealing
And I know you know the feeling, (man I ain't got shit
Man these whites living good, I got's to have that shit)
Even though we can't afford it, man we still gotta get it
Black people love to floss, I swear to God it's embedded
Now you can curse all you want, you can scream and shout
But only a nigga'll buy him a Benz, before he buy him a house
And when the new Jordans come out, we spend our money like fools
When these whites won't pay, more than eighty dollars for shoes
We got the whole game confused, we being played like fools
But playa who am I to lie, I do the same shit too
Cause I done jacked me some niggaz, I done been on the grind
But playa peep how smart they is, they getting paid off our crime
It's big business in the 90's, sending niggaz to jail
You can buy stock in the Penn, think they ain't making mail
(*talking*)
See, as long as niggaz keep dropping out of school
To chase this fast change
We doing exactly, what they want us to do
(Hook - 2x)
(Lil' O)
As slavery passed whites asked, are we really that dense
A man convinced that we are, pressing blacks is a sense
Yeah a man ain't really lynched, had a plan for us brothers
He said you keep them blacks divided, and they'll keep down eachother
Put field nigga against house nigga, put dark skin against light
They won't worry bout us whites, all they'll do is just fight
And the sad thing he's right, look how us young niggaz trip
Look how we split eachother's wig, over Blood and Crip
Look how we quick to start tripping, damn you stepped on my shoes
Then we mean mug eachother, what you looking at fool
Why is it cool to be a killer, fraud to be about peace
Why we can't understand, too many of us deceased
Do we hate ourselves, some think the mo' yellow the better
Then compare the way we act, to Mr. Will and inch letter
Yeah it's all a big set up, look in books you'll find proof
But they won't teach you this in school, cause you can't handle the truth you see
(Hook - 2x)
(*talking*)
Man, I'm missing that Lil' Norris
That Lil' Gator, that Fat Pat, that Mafio
That Lil' Al, that Marcus Grey
All my partnas on lock, Big Spider, Big Mark
You know I love y'all, Black Ass hold ya head
Kinfolk, I love you baby
Sean Blaze, hold ya head
Wool, you know it's on when you get home baby
Lawson I love you baby, all my partnas on lock
All my partnas in the grave, I love y'all
We gon make it through the storm
Cause that's what playas do
Maintain under pressure, you feel me
(Billy Cook)
Too many brothers locked, there'll be too many dying
And if I set it up out, then I'd be lying
The song “The Truth” by Lil’ O is a powerful and insightful commentary on the struggles that black people face in America. The song touches on issues of poverty, racism, slavery, and crime, and raises important questions about the way society treats black people. The first verse features a chorus by Billy Cook, who sings about the high rates of incarceration and death among black people. Lil’ O then takes over and tells the story of a young black man who turns to crime to survive. The verse discusses the history of slavery and how it shaped modern-day racism, and how black people continue to be exploited by the system.
The second verse of the song is a call to action for black people to take control of their lives and stop perpetuating the cycle of poverty and crime. Lil’ O urges listeners to focus on getting an education and creating opportunity for themselves instead of turning to crime. He also calls out the stereotypes and divides that exist within the black community and how it is often used to keep them from uniting and making meaningful change.
Overall, “The Truth” is a powerful piece of social commentary that highlights the systemic issues that black people face in America. It raises important questions about race, poverty, and crime, and underscores the need for unity and action among black people to create a better future for themselves and their communities.
Line by Line Meaning
Too many brothers locked, there'll be too many dying
There are too many Black brothers in prison, and this only leads to more deaths and destruction within the community.
You want the truth (yeah), bujt you can't handle the truth (no)
Many people claim they want the truth, but in reality, they cannot handle the harsh realities that surround them.
Us niggaz ain't free, we just running round loose (right)
As Black people, we are not truly free. Rather, we are running around aimlessly in a society that values us less than others.
They say what monkey see, monkey gon do (oh-no-no-no-no-no-no-oh)
The media often depicts Black people as monkey-like creatures who follow trends mindlessly, without any real intelligence or thoughtfulness.
This song pertains to every thug nigga, even you
This song is relevant to every Black person who has lived through the struggles of being marginalized in society, including those who have resorted to violence or criminal activity to survive.
My lil' partna stole a half, from a crooked ass law
One of Lil' O's acquaintances stole drugs from corrupt police officers in order to make a living for himself.
He chopped it up and heat it in, it's time he Hilfiger drawas
He divided and cooked the drugs in his Tommy Hilfiger underwear, implying that he was successful in selling them.
And when he stacked a lil' change, he went straight to the mall
When he earned some money, he immediately spent it on material possessions to show off his perceived success.
But I recall a time when blacks, couldn't buy shit at all
Lil' O remembers a time when Black people were unable to purchase anything due to systemic racism and poverty.
And when you mention slavery, no one sounded upauled
When people talk about the history of slavery, few are moved or outraged by the injustices that occurred.
They said ay free the slaves, see loves blacks don't believe it
Many people support the idea of Black freedom, but in practice, they do not truly care about the well-being or equality of Black people.
New technology, provided quantities at high volume
New inventions and technology allowed people to create goods more efficiently and in larger quantities than ever before.
Cheaper than maintaining slaves, now we got us a problem
Innovation made it more cost-effective to produce goods without slave labor, which created a new issue of what to do with the large population of displaced Black people.
Cause now we can make these goods, and astonishing figures
Without the need for slave labor, companies were able to produce more goods and generate higher profits.
Without the labor tell me, what we gon do with these niggaz
Now that there is no need for slaves, society must decide what to do with Black people who have been oppressed and discriminated against for generations.
Should we gun em down with triggas, send em back to they land
Some propose resorting to violence or deportation to get rid of Black people, rather than facing the harsh realities of systemic racism and working towards equality.
Or should we keep em all in chains, till we get us a plan
Others suggest that Black people should continue to be oppressed and suffer until society comes up with a solution to address systemic racism and inequality.
Well here's a plan let's give em jobs, better jobs than we
Lil' O suggests that one solution could be to provide Black people with better job opportunities and give them a chance to build a secure financial future for themselves.
No just enough, so they can get the minimal wants and needs
Rather than just providing the bare minimum, society should strive to provide Black people with the means to live and thrive in our society.
They'll still be in poverty, but with they hard earned bucks
Even with better job opportunities, many Black people will still live in poverty due to systemic racism and inequality.
They'll make us rich by buying shit, that was made by us you see
Even though Black people may not earn as much money as others, they still can contribute to the economy and make others wealthy by purchasing goods and services.
Now if you worked all your life, but still ain't had shit
Many Black people work hard their entire lives but still struggle due to the systemic racism and inequality that pervades our society.
If you seen a man slipping, would you grab his shit
Lil' O questions the morality of stealing from others, even if one is in a desperate situation.
I'm talking gun a man down, straight robbing and stealing
Lil' O is referring to the violence and crime that some resort to in order to make a living or get ahead in a society that has systematically marginalized them.
Or commit genocide, for pride we straight drug dealing
Lil' O acknowledges that some Black people turn to drug dealing to make money, but suggests that it is a form of self-harm that hurts the community and contributes to a culture of violence.
And I know you know the feeling, (man I ain't got shit
Lil' O recognizes that many Black people feel hopeless and trapped in a society that has systematically disadvantaged them and left them with few options.
Even though we can't afford it, man we still gotta get it
Despite the fact that many Black people do not have the means to purchase expensive material possessions, they still feel pressure to do so in order to fit in or feel successful.
Now you can curse all you want, you can scream and shout
Many Black people express their anger and frustration at the injustices they face, but it often goes unheard or dismissed by those in power.
But only a nigga'll buy him a Benz, before he buy him a house
Lil' O is critiquing the culture of materialism and the preference for flashy cars over more practical investments, like owning a home.
And when the new Jordans come out, we spend our money like fools
Lil' O is criticizing the rampant consumerism and materialism that pervades Black culture, particularly as it relates to expensive sneakers.
When these whites won't pay, more than eighty dollars for shoes
Lil' O also acknowledges that there is a double standard in consumer culture, where Black people are expected to pay exorbitant prices for products that are sold more cheaply to others.
We got the whole game confused, we being played like fools
Lil' O recognizes that Black people have become pawns in a larger system that does not value or prioritize their well-being, and that we are often unaware of the ways in which we are being manipulated.
But playa who am I to lie, I do the same shit too
Lil' O is admitting that he is also guilty of participating in the consumerism and materialism that he is criticizing.
Cause I done jacked me some niggaz, I done been on the grind
Lil' O acknowledges that he has also resorted to violence and crime in order to make a living and support his family.
But playa peep how smart they is, they getting paid off our crime
Lil' O is recognizing that there are larger, systemic issues that contribute to the cycle of poverty and crime in Black communities, and that there are those who profit off of our struggles.
It's big business in the 90's, sending niggaz to jail
Lil' O is pointing out the ways in which mass incarceration and the prison industrial complex have become enormous industries that profit off of the over-policing and over-criminalization of Black people.
You can buy stock in the Penn, think they ain't making mail
Lil' O is suggesting that there is a financial incentive for those in power to incarcerate as many Black people as possible, regardless of the actual crimes they may have committed.
As slavery passed whites asked, are we really that dense
After slavery was abolished, some white people questioned whether Black people could truly succeed or integrate into society, implying that there might be something inherently wrong or lacking in Black people themselves.
A man convinced that we are, pressing blacks is a sense
Despite the fact that there are many societal and systemic factors that limit the success of Black people, some believe that any progress or success that Black people achieve is due largely to their own individual efforts and abilities.
Put field nigga against house nigga, put dark skin against light
Historically, some white people have pitted different groups of Black people against each other in order to maintain power and prevent a sense of solidarity among Black people.
They won't worry bout us whites, all they'll do is just fight
When Black people are divided and fighting among themselves, they are not working together to address larger systemic issues that affect them all.
Look how we split eachother's wig, over Blood and Crip
Lil' O is referencing the violence that has occurred between different gang affiliations, which is often driven by larger social and economic factors but manifests itself in petty infighting and violence.
Why is it cool to be a killer, fraud to be about peace
Lil' O is questioning the problematic ways in which some Black people glorify violence and criminality, while criticizing those who pursue peace and nonviolence.
Why we can't understand, too many of us deceased
Lil' O is asking why there is such a lack of understanding and unity among Black people, despite the fact that so many of us have died in the struggle for equality and justice.
Do we hate ourselves, some think the mo' yellow the better
Lil' O is suggesting that there are deep-seated issues of colorism and self-hatred within the Black community, in which lighter-skinned Black people are prized over darker-skinned Black people.
Then compare the way we act, to Mr. Will and inch letter
Lil' O is pointing out the ways in which Black people are unfairly compared to white people, who have enjoyed centuries of advantage and privilege in America.
Yeah it's all a big set up, look in books you'll find proof
Lil' O argues that there is ample evidence in history and literature to suggest that Black people have been systematically oppressed and disadvantaged in America.
But they won't teach you this in school, cause you can't handle the truth you see
Despite the abundance of evidence and scholarship that supports the idea of systemic racism and inequality, much of this information is left out of what is taught in schools, for fear of upsetting young people or challenging the status quo.
Contributed by Ian F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.