When Lil B titled his last digital label released mixtape I'm Gay, he received several death threats. Although he is heterosexual, he says the title is a message of support to the LGBT community. Referring to the alternative definition of gay, he says he is gay because he is happy. Following the death threats, he added "I'm Happy" in parenthesis to the album's title. I'm Gay received positive reviews with many fans commenting on the album's wide variety of positive messages and noting the unique beats and lyrical styles not common to mainstream hip hop. He raps about many controversial issues including race relations, poverty, humanity, and the justice system. The album also, according to many fans, shows the "true" side of Lil B. It entered the Billboard R&B/Hip Hop Albums chart at #56 and the Heatseekers Albums chart at #20 for the week of July 16, 2011. It is for sale on iTunes but Lil B also uploaded it to the Internet for free, posting a link to it on Twitter and Facebook saying, "for all my fans who don't have $10 to buy my album, here it is for free."
Lil B typically releases at least one mixtape every month; so far in 2012 he has released 13 mixtapes - 4 in July alone. One of those released in July was the massive 848-song, nearly 5GB collection of Based Freestyles, which is his largest release to date. In 2013, hip-hop listeners voted Lil B as the greatest rapper of all time.
Berkeley
Lil B Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
1989 when I was born
Thanks mom and dad for making me yours
I don't care what the news
Say cause it's okay
So I put on my clothes and start my day
I walked outside and took a breath
You gotta watch your step
I look to the left and look to the right
Walking Telegraph on Friday night
You could hear the bass when
You're in the place
I made this song for every race
Light up your joint and sip your wine
And don't worry, it'll be just fine
We chilling high as Mount Rushmore
Yeah baby I'm the drug store
We in downtown Berkeley
I'm not rich but I'm working
Berkeley, that's where I stay
This is verse two, it's better than my first
It's a sunny day so why would I curse
I said roll your joints and light your weed
I'm fresh off work so let's get keyed
I hip and I hop, I rock and I roll
It's getting late so let's go home
You could live in the woods
Or stay in the hood
When I throw a party, it's all good
You're invited, even on the guest list
So read your text message
I'll send you directions
My address, where's the affection
I'm looking for a girlfriend
I don't wanna be alone when the world end
When I'm in Richmond I drive Lexus
Worldwide from Cali to Texas
Berkeley, that's where I stay
This is verse three and you made it through
I love when she wears those Daisy Dukes
I'm looking for a girl with
A mind and a heart
It's not about sex, that's the lamest part
Who can I trust in this world of lies
When you want the truth, I'm a stand up guy
So we slip and slide, and we rock the boat
Rule number one, just make sure it float
Turn the lights on when I'm in the room
I'm a superstar like MF DOOM
The party don't stop, it's all night long
So rock your body, rock-rock your body
Save the dance for me and you
If you accept, that'd be cool
Cause I think you're cute and
You think I'm fine
So what you think? Girl be mine
Berkeley, that's where I stay
In the song "Berkeley" by Lil B, the artist reflects on his hometown and the experiences he has had growing up there. The lyrics express a sense of pride for being from Berkeley and a nostalgic appreciation for the community and its atmosphere. Lil B starts by acknowledging his birth year in 1989 and expressing gratitude to his parents for bringing him into the world. He disregards negative news or perceptions about his city, emphasizing that it's okay and he is content with his life.
As Lil B starts his day, he walks outside and is aware of the need to be cautious when coming from the hood. He describes walking down Telegraph Avenue on a Friday night, where the bass can be heard and people from all races come together. The lyrics convey a laid-back atmosphere, where joints are being lit and wine is being enjoyed. Lil B compares the height and ecstasy of their chill session to "Mount Rushmore" and refers to himself as the "drug store." Despite not being rich, he takes pride in being a hardworking individual in downtown Berkeley.
The second verse continues the sunny day theme, emphasizing the positivity and enjoyment of life. Lil B encourages rolling joints and getting high, reflecting on the late hours of the night and the inviting nature of his parties. Everyone is welcome at his gatherings, as he sends directions and shows affection to those on the guest list. Lil B mentions his desire for a girlfriend to share his experiences with, someone to be there when the world ends. He then shares his love for a girl in Daisy Dukes and emphasizes the importance of finding someone with a genuine mind and heart, downplaying the significance of sex. Lil B asserts his trustworthiness and seeks a connection beyond superficialities, inviting the girl to accept his invitation and be together.
Overall, "Berkeley" is a song that expresses Lil B's love and appreciation for his hometown, the experiences it has given him, and the people he has encountered there. The lyrics convey a carefree and positive attitude, celebrating the simple pleasures of life and the desire for genuine connection.
Line by Line Meaning
Berkeley, that's where I stay
I reside in Berkeley, California
1989 when I was born
I was born in the year 1989
Thanks mom and dad for making me yours
I express gratitude to my parents for bringing me into this world
I don't care what the news Say cause it's okay
I disregard negative news because I remain unaffected
So I put on my clothes and start my day
I get dressed and begin my daily activities
I walked outside and took a breath
I step outdoors and inhale
Cause when you from the hood You gotta watch your step
Living in a marginalized area requires vigilance
I look to the left and look to the right
I check my surroundings from both sides
Walking Telegraph on Friday night
Strolling along Telegraph Avenue during Friday evenings
You could hear the bass when You're in the place
The bass sound is audible within the vicinity
I made this song for every race
This song is dedicated to people of all races
Light up your joint and sip your wine
Smoke your marijuana and drink your wine
And don't worry, it'll be just fine
There's no need to worry, everything will be alright
We chilling high as Mount Rushmore
We are relaxing, feeling elevated like Mount Rushmore
Yeah baby I'm the drug store
I possess a variety of substances or experiences
We in downtown Berkeley
We are currently in the downtown area of Berkeley
I'm not rich but I'm working
I may not be wealthy, but I am actively employed
This is verse two, it's better than my first
The second verse of the song is an improvement compared to the first
It's a sunny day so why would I curse
Since it's a pleasant day, there's no reason to be negative
I said roll your joints and light your weed
I suggest rolling marijuana joints and igniting them
I'm fresh off work so let's get keyed
Having just finished work, let's relax and enjoy
I hip and I hop, I rock and I roll
I engage in hip hop, rocking, and rolling
It's getting late so let's go home
As it is becoming late, we should return to our residence
You could live in the woods Or stay in the hood
One can choose to reside either in a rural area or an urban neighborhood
When I throw a party, it's all good
Whenever I host a gathering, everything goes smoothly
You're invited, even on the guest list
You are invited to attend, even if you're not specifically on the guest list
So read your text message I'll send you directions
Read the text message I send you, it contains instructions
My address, where's the affection
I share my address, hoping to receive warmth and love
I'm looking for a girlfriend
I am seeking a romantic partner
I don't wanna be alone when the world end
I desire companionship during the potential end of the world
When I'm in Richmond I drive Lexus
When I'm in Richmond, I drive a Lexus vehicle
Worldwide from Cali to Texas
Known worldwide, with influence extending from California to Texas
This is verse three and you made it through
Entering the third verse, congratulations on reaching this point
I love when she wears those Daisy Dukes
I greatly admire her when she dons Daisy Dukes shorts
I'm looking for a girl with A mind and a heart
I seek a female partner who possesses intellect and compassion
It's not about sex, that's the lamest part
The focus is not solely on sexual interaction, as that is uninteresting
Who can I trust in this world of lies
Amidst a deceitful world, whom can I rely on?
When you want the truth, I'm a stand up guy
When seeking honesty, I am a reliable and upright individual
So we slip and slide, and we rock the boat
We engage in smooth and rhythmic movements, causing movement
Rule number one, just make sure it float
The primary rule is to ensure that it stays afloat
Turn the lights on when I'm in the room
Illuminate the room when I am present
I'm a superstar like MF DOOM
I possess an exceptional level of fame, akin to MF DOOM
The party don't stop, it's all night long
The celebration continues without interruption throughout the entire night
So rock your body, rock-rock your body
Move your body rhythmically, rocking back and forth
Save the dance for me and you
Reserve the dance for our exclusive enjoyment
If you accept, that'd be cool
If you agree to my proposal, it would be wonderful
Cause I think you're cute and You think I'm fine
Because I find you attractive and you hold me in high regard
So what you think? Girl be mine
What are your thoughts? Will you be my girlfriend?
Berkeley, that's where I stay
I continue to reside in Berkeley, California
Lyrics © TUNECORE INC, TuneCore Inc.
Written by: BRANDON MCCARTNEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind