Lil Rob debuted as an artist in 1992, prior to the release of his album Twelve Eighteen Part 1, he regularly moved as many as 100,000 units for each independent CD he recorded. The number Twelve Eighteen, which is also tattooed on Lil Rob's arms, represent the numeric value of the letters L and R, respectively, which are Lil Rob's initials. The number was used by Lil Rob during his days as a graffiti tagger.
In 1994 at the age of 18, Lil Rob's chin was shattered when he was shot in the jaw. Over time Lil Rob renounced his gang affiliations and called for "Brown Pride" and unity between all Chicanos.
Lil Rob has found commercial success with the release of Twelve Eighteen Part 1, which had been in regular rotation on radio stations outside of the West Coast thanks to the singles "Summer Nights", and "Bring Out The Freak In You".
I Remember
Lil Rob Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And think about all those wonderful times that we used to have here
Now I know things aren't the way they use to be right now
But they are going to get better some day
And I know that
Ever since I was about 12 that's when they documented me
A gang member let me tell you my autobiography
To get in trouble with the law take when I break
I'm strapped from the balls that's what I use to do
Smoking a joint or two Lil' Rob getting a little blaze
Welcome to my concrete maze, remember the days
I remember going to school, we meet by the track smoking a sack
With the vato I sold it too, get him stoned
Then I jack it back, remember the guero use to look at us all
Funny and strange, cause my pants was bigger then theirs
But now they all wear them the same
I used to get jealous, wondering why I didn't have the same rights
Is it because I'm running up and down, eating Menudo, frijoles and rice?
Someone explain to me, all of this insanity
I'm not understanding you, never understanding me
When a minority, gets their priorities straight
We become the majority, inflate
Incredible rate, controlling our fate
Controlling our states, and I can't wait
Remember you told me I would never amount to anything
That I'll probably be on the streets sellin mota or methamphetamines
So what? It made me an extra buck when I was shit outta my life
You'd do the same thing homie if you were stuck
And I remember, when times was easy
That's what everybody says
But not me, wicked ass times on S.D. streets
But I still loved them (But I still love them)
And had to have them. (And had to have them)
And I remember!
Remembering the things we used to do
The places we used to go
And I remember kicking under the street lamps, smokin a J
Hearing my Homie say, Homie pass the joint this way
And this was everyday and every night was the same
We didn't call each other by our first or last, but by nicknames
Dreamer, Peewee, Oso Negro to name a few
One passed away, rest in peace
The others locked away in prison blues
One of the things we use to do
Can't nobody take it away from us
We used to live life dangerous, time flew away like angel dust
Never known as presentado levas
Stay away from metiches, and chepas
Talking mentiras, cause they can't beat us
Mira Lil' Rob on his lowrider bicicleta
Looking for muรฑecas, beautiful like aztecas
But when it comes to love, before the agony for the ecstacy
What comes around goes around
So baby don't mess with me don't be testing me
Cause Lil' Rob be one of a kind original individual
Unforgettable memorable indelible incredible inferable
And I remember, when times was easy
That's what everybody says
But not me, wicked ass times on S.D. streets
But I still loved them (But I still love them)
And had to have them. (And had to have them)
And I remember!
Remembering the things we used to do
The places we used to go
Give all of my love to mi madre padre brother and sister
And all of my sangre
Enemies? Chale me vale verga estas afuera mirando padentro
You wanna come in but you can't
Cause we're not in love with no mensos
Figuring it out like a pencil
Treat one like a stencil
Just when you think you've got a grip on life
That's when you let go, ready set go
It's a race to the finish and only the best gonna win this
And I'm prepared to take it to outer limits or until it's finished business
What is this? Gente becoming witnesses
I don't know nothing, I don't hear nothing, I don't see nothing
Something I learned as a kid
Along with respect those who respect you
Forget about the ones that will forget about you
My recollection is a collection of a big section of mi vida
Memories I need ya, like a junky needs his chiba
I wish that I could go back and do it all over again
But I know that that ain't happening, so I sit remembering
And I remember, when times was easy
That's what everybody says
But not me, wicked ass times on S.D. streets
But I still loved them (But I still love them)
And had to have them. (And had to have them)
And I remember!
Remembering the things we used to do
The places we used to go
In the song "I Remember", Lil Rob takes listeners on a nostalgic trip back to his childhood and adolescent years spent growing up in the gang-ridden streets of San Diego. The song is a poignant reflection on the joys and struggles of growing up in a tough neighborhood, complete with flashbacks to youthful indiscretions, lost friends, and broken dreams. Lil Rob uses vivid imagery to paint a picture of the world he grew up in, where life was tough but also rich in its own way. He remembers the simple pleasures of smoking joints, hanging out with his homies, and chasing girls, all while fighting to survive in a hostile environment.
One of the most striking things about "I Remember" is the honesty with which Lil Rob presents his life story. He doesn't hold back as he recounts his brush with gang life, his run-ins with the law, and his struggle to find his place in the world. Part of what makes the song so powerful is the way Lil Rob seems to channel his pain and frustration into his lyrics. He knows that life in the barrio isn't easy, but he takes pride in the experiences that shaped him, for better or for worse.
Line by Line Meaning
I want you to sit back, close your eyes
Take a moment to reminisce about our past, our memories.
And think about all those wonderful times that we used to have here
Reflecting on all the good times we've had in this place.
Now I know things aren't the way they use to be right now
Acknowledging that things have changed and the present is different from the past.
But they are going to get better some day
Hoping that things will improve someday.
Ever since I was about 12 that's when they documented me
I became involved in gang life at a young age and it was noted by authorities.
A gang member let me tell you my autobiography
Sharing my story of being a gang member.
Ay I can't let it to be frenetic, it must have been genetic
My behavior may have been inherited and it's important to not let it consume me.
To get in trouble with the law take when I break
Getting in trouble with law enforcement when I break the law.
I'm strapped from the balls that's what I use to do
Carrying a weapon was a regular part of my life.
Smoking a joint or two Lil' Rob getting a little blaze
Using marijuana was a regular part of my life.
Welcome to my concrete maze, remember the days
Showing you my life in the rough concrete jungle, remembering past experiences.
I remember going to school, we meet by the track smoking a sack
Reflecting on memories of smoking marijuana with friends during high school.
With the vato I sold it too, get him stoned
Smoking marijuana with the person I sold it to.
Then I jack it back, remember the guero use to look at us all
Taking back the marijuana I sold, reflecting on how others viewed us.
Funny and strange, cause my pants was bigger then theirs
The size of my pants made me stand out from others, causing amusement and confusion.
But now they all wear them the same
The trend of wearing baggy pants became mainstream over time.
I used to get jealous, wondering why I didn't have the same rights
Feeling envious towards others who had more freedom than I did.
Is it because I'm running up and down, eating Menudo, frijoles and rice?
Questioning why my lifestyle may have differed from others due to cultural differences.
Someone explain to me, all of this insanity
Asking for an explanation for the crazy thoughts and actions of those around me.
I'm not understanding you, never understanding me
Feeling a disconnect with others and their inability to comprehend my experiences.
When a minority, gets their priorities straight
When people from minority groups focus on what's important.
We become the majority, inflate
Minorities become more powerful and have a greater influence.
Incredible rate, controlling our fate
Developing influence quickly and determining our own destiny.
Controlling our states, and I can't wait
Having influence over our own lives and future, and looking forward to it.
Remember you told me I would never amount to anything
Reflecting on how others doubted my potential for success.
That I'll probably be on the streets sellin mota or methamphetamines
Others predicted that I would end up selling drugs on the streets.
So what? It made me an extra buck when I was shit outta my life
Accepting that selling drugs provided me with money during a difficult time in my life.
You'd do the same thing homie if you were stuck
Others would likely do the same if they were in a similar situation.
And I remember, when times was easy
Reflecting on times in the past when life was simpler.
But not me, wicked ass times on S.D. streets
My life was not easy due to the dangerous environment of the streets of San Diego.
But I still loved them (But I still love them)
Despite the difficulties, I still have fondness for the San Diego streets.
And had to have them. (And had to have them)
Feeling a strong desire to remain a part of the dangerous San Diego streets.
Remembering the things we used to do
Reflecting on activities and experiences from the past.
The places we used to go
Thinking about locations that hold memories from the past.
And I remember kicking under the street lamps, smokin a J
Recalling smoking marijuana with friends under street lamps.
Hearing my Homie say, Homie pass the joint this way
Remembering friends asking to smoke marijuana and passing it to them.
And this was everyday and every night was the same
Smoking marijuana with friends was a regular occurrence in my life.
We didn't call each other by our first or last, but by nicknames
Referring to one another by unique nicknames.
Dreamer, Peewee, Oso Negro to name a few
Listing some of the unique nicknames used amongst friends.
One passed away, rest in peace
One friend has passed away, offering condolences.
The others locked away in prison blues
Acknowledging that some friends are now in jail.
Can't nobody take it away from us
Acknowledging that memories cannot be taken away from us.
We used to live life dangerous
Recalling the dangerous lifestyle that was once lived.
Time flew away like angel dust
Time passed by quickly, like it was nothing.
Never known as presentado levas
Not known for being presented as a police suspect.
Stay away from metiches, and chepas
Avoiding troublemakers and nosy individuals.
Talking mentiras, cause they can't beat us
Others speak lies about us because they are envious of our way of life.
Mira Lil' Rob on his lowrider bicicleta
Pointing out my lowrider bicycle as a symbol of my lifestyle.
Looking for muรฑecas, beautiful like aztecas
Searching for beautiful women, reminiscent of the Aztec culture.
But when it comes to love, before the agony for the ecstacy
Prioritizing deeper emotions and connections over fleeting moments of pleasure.
What comes around goes around
Believing that karma exists and that actions have consequences.
So baby don't mess with me don't be testing me
Encouraging others to not provoke or test my patience.
Cause Lil' Rob be one of a kind original individual
Acknowledging that I am unique and different from others.
Unforgettable memorable indelible incredible inferable
Describing myself with powerful adjectives that emphasize my distinctiveness.
Give all of my love to mi madre padre brother and sister
Expressing love and appreciation towards my family members.
And all of my sangre
Acknowledging the connection I have with my family and heritage.
Enemies? Chale me vale verga estas afuera mirando padentro
Dismissing enemies by saying they are outside looking in and I do not care about their opinions.
You wanna come in but you can't
Others want to be a part of my life, but they cannot because they do not understand it.
Figuring it out like a pencil
Navigating through life and trying to understand it like a pencil doing its job.
Treat one like a stencil
Treating others like a template, rather than as unique individuals.
Just when you think you've got a grip on life
When you feel like you understand and have control over your life.
That's when you let go, ready set go
Realizing that life can quickly change and it's important to be ready and adaptable.
It's a race to the finish and only the best gonna win this
Life is a competition and the most skilled and determined will come out on top.
And I'm prepared to take it to outer limits or until it's finished business
I am ready to push myself to my limits and keep working until the task is completed.
What is this? Gente becoming witnesses
Noticing more people watching and paying attention to what is happening around them.
I don't know nothing, I don't hear nothing, I don't see nothing
Shrugging off involvement in any illegal or harmful activities.
Something I learned as a kid
Reflecting on a lesson learned in youth.
Along with respect those who respect you
Believing in the importance of mutual respect in all relationships.
Forget about the ones that will forget about you
Not dwelling on those who do not value your relationship or friendship.
My recollection is a collection of a big section of mi vida
My memories are a significant part of my life and identity.
Memories I need ya, like a junky needs his chiba
Reflecting on how important memories are to me, like an addict needs their drug.
I wish that I could go back and do it all over again
Expressing a desire to relive past experiences and memories.
But I know that that ain't happening, so I sit remembering
Acknowledging that the past cannot be changed, so I must cherish my memories.
Lyrics ยฉ Ultra Tunes, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JACOBY WHITE, SONNY UWAEZUOKE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Zanches Zanches
I want you to sit back, close your eyes
And think about all those wonderful times that we used to have here
Now I know things aren't the way they use to be right now
But they are going to get better some day
And I know that
Ever since I was about 12 that's when they documented me
A gang member let me tell you my autobiography
Ay I can't let it to be frenetic, it must have been genetic
To get in trouble with the law take when I break
I'm strapped from the balls that's what I use to do
Smoking a joint or two Lil' Rob getting a little blaze
Welcome to my concrete maze, remember the days
I remember going to school, we meet by the track smoking a sack
With the vato I sold it too, get him stoned
Then I jack it back, remember the guero use to look at us all
Funny and strange, cause my pants was bigger then theirs
But now they all wear them the same
I used to get jealous, wondering why I didn't have the same rights
Is it because I'm running up and down, eating Menudo, frijoles and rice?
Someone explain to me, all of this insanity
I'm not understanding you, never understanding me
When a minority, gets their priorities straight
We become the majority, inflate
Incredible rate, controlling our fate
Controlling our states, and I can't wait
Remember you told me I would never amount to anything
That I'll probably be on the streets sellin mota or methamphetamines
So what? It made me an extra buck when I was shit outta my life
You'd do the same thing homie if you were stuck
And I remember, when times was easy
That's what everybody says
But not me, wicked ass times on S.D. streets
But I still loved them (But I still love them)
And had to have them. (And had to have them)
And I remember!
Remembering the things we used to do
The places we used to go
And I remember kicking under the street lamps, smokin a J
Hearing my Homie say, Homie pass the joint this way
And this was everyday and every night was the same
We didn't call each other by our first or last, but by nicknames
Dreamer, Peewee, Oso Negro to name a few
One passed away, rest in peace
The others locked away in prison blues
One of the things we use to do
Can't nobody take it away from us
We used to live life dangerous, time flew away like angel dust
Never known as presentado levas
Stay away from metiches, and chepas
Talking mentiras, cause they can't beat us
Mira Lil' Rob on his lowrider bicicleta
Looking for muรฑecas, beautiful like aztecas
But when it comes to love, before the agony for the ecstacy
What comes around goes around
So baby don't mess with me don't be testing me
Cause Lil' Rob be one of a kind original individual
Unforgettable memorable indelible incredible inferable
And I remember, when times was easy
That's what everybody says
But not me, wicked ass times on S.D. streets
But I still loved them (But I still love them)
And had to have them. (And had to have them)
And I remember!
Remembering the things we used to do
The places we used to go
Give all of my love to mi madre padre brother and sister
And all of my sangre
Enemies? Chale me vale verga estas afuera mirando padentro
You wanna come in but you can't
Cause we're not in love with no mensos
Figuring it out like a pencil
Treat one like a stencil
Just when you think you've got a grip on life
That's when you let go, ready set go
It's a race to the finish and only the best gonna win this
And I'm prepared to take it to outer limits or until it's finished business
What is this? Gente becoming witnesses
I don't know nothing, I don't hear nothing, I don't see nothing
Something I learned as a kid
Along with respect those who respect you
Forget about the ones that will forget about you
My recollection is a collection of a big section of mi vida
Memories I need ya, like a junky needs his chiba
I wish that I could go back and do it all over again
But I know that that ain't happening, so I sit remembering
And I remember, when times was easy
That's what everybody says
But not me, wicked ass times on S.D. streets
But I still loved them (But I still love them)
And had to have them. (And had to have them)
And I remember!
Remembering the things we used to do
The places we used to go
Flores164
Lil Rob's music will always be part of my childhood memories.
Mรธnลกtrรธsidรฟ
Iโm 14 and Iโve been listening to lil rob since 2
George&Candy Alaniz
Se=rrrrrrrrrio que si
Jerry Rivera
Ya me too..u still have summer days Texas old scul G....puro Tejas,Harlingen
Aaron Torres
Me too.
keepyaheadup2Pacthug
"I used to get jealous, wondering why I didn't have the same rights
Is it because I'm running up and down, eating Menudo, frijoles and rice?"
One of the realest lines
Nabil Hernandez
@Michelle Hernandez They donโt know what theyโre missing out
Michelle Hernandez
IS IT BECAUSE IM BROWN AND ALWAYS THROW DOWN EATING fIJOLES AND Rice
Sara Denisse
FORGET ABOUT THE ONES THAT WILL FORGET ABOUT YOU. DAMN THIS SONG BRINGS BACK SO MANY MEMORIES! I REMEMBER LISTENING TO THIS BACK IN MY HS YEARS.
ElKompa ABRAN
2020 still bumping this shit viva la raza๐ฏ๐ฒ๐ฝ toda mi gente