M.I was born to Pastor and Mrs Aba… Read Full Bio ↴Profile on M.I(pronounced em eye)
M.I was born to Pastor and Mrs Abaga, both active members of the local Church choir in Jos, Plateau, Nigeria . His mother taught the basic music notations and later bought him 7-key mini piano ,which launched him early into the world of music.
M.I’s encounter with Hip-Hop started with sampling the works of DMX and Lauryn Hill in 1998 . He later delved into writing poetry. In 1999, MI left for Calvin College, Michigan, USA to pursue a degree in business and economics. There he interacted with the budding Michigan hip-hop community. He performed at all the major hip-hop and R&B shows and concerts in school and later came third in the Calvin College “Hip hopera” 2003.
M.I returned to Plateau, Nigeria in 2005 to find the local music industry on the verge of a revolution and was set to take African Hip-Hop to new heights. A proficient producer, lyricist, songwriter and instrumentalist, M.I has been described by DIV as the future of African Hip-Hop.
He has produced and featured on the works of artists like Jeremiah Gyang, Djinee, Shifi (Style Plus), Jesse Jags, Ice Prince,Ruby, Lindsy , Leone e.t.c.
His Music
Crowd Mentality – the first single off his album “Pyeri Boy” has topped every major chart in and around Nigeria and is currently number one on the Creative economy website www.creativeconomy.org.uk Soundtrack, besting music from Nine other countries around the world! The video is enjoying tremendous airplay and was No3 @ Sound City Video charts in July 2007.
His much anticipated album “ Talk About it” is due for release in Early 2008 after his world tour.
Performances, Tours & Appearances
· ‘Bring the Noise 2007’ of Africa and the UK, performed on tour in Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania, Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya and the UK.
· Future Awards 2008 – Headline Performance
· Big Brother Eviction Party Abuja (the Dome)2006
· Rhythm Unplugged, Lagos , Rhythm Unplugged, Abuja 2006
· Opening for Grammy winners Black Ladysmith Mambazo, and Keb Mo in Michigan , USA 2004
· Host WAPI(words and pictures)- British Council Lagos (2007)
· Mode Men Black Party – June 2007 by Mode Men Magazine
· Host Chocolate City “The Jam Sessions”2007
· Interviewed on Live BBC Hip Hop Forum with two other artists from Senegal and Cameroon.
· Interviewed live on African Essence in London.
· Interviewed live for BBC African Youth Program from Abuja.
Discography
· Single Crowd Mentality # 1 Cool Fm Abuja, # 1 Rhythm Top 7 at 7, and Numerous other stations round the country.
· Crowd Mentality selected # 1 for British Council International Young Music Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
· Crowd Mentality # 1 Hip Hop Charts in Uganda, Tanzania and Malaysia.
· “Crowd Mentality” is currently representing Nigeria at the www.creativeconomy.org.uk website music competition .
· Featured on two underground College CD compilations released in US
· Featured in “Baby Girl” Smash single( On Jimmy Jatt’s The Definition Album 2007)
Videos
· Video Crowd Mentality # 1 Buzz Fm TV show, # 1 NTA Lagos, Abuja, Selected # 1 Sound City Star Host.
· ‘Top Ten Best Videos Of The Year’ Buzz FM TV show.
RECENT NEWS
MI was recently selected to participate in the “Bring the Noise” Project organized by the British Council International. He will be representing Nigeria on a two-week tour of the UK, East Africa and West Africa, which commences from October 2007 and will culminate in a world tour in 2008. His nomination is as a result of his high level of artistry and proficiency in revolutionizing Hip hop in Africa. Other countries participating in the prestigious project include Senegal, Sierra Leone, Cameroon, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Kenya, Ghana, Uganda and the UK.
He is currently signed on the International award winning Chocolate City label.
Contact : chocolatecitynig@yahoo.co.uk
Myspace.com/pyeriboy
www.chocolatecitymusic.net
Wild Wild West
M.I. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Verse
20s & 50s & 100s we came up from nothing young N*gga might run through yo house!
Js was swinging da door no catching me lacking I gotta few straps in da couch.
Shit can get popping like Wild Wild West, you really gone die bout some clout!
She say ima dog like now wow that baby, I bet that lil p*ssy get wet.
Having baguettes, ride with the Tec, know ima die bout respect, send me the pack, I tripled up , I made a 20 off that!
I got the stick In the back, hell nawl they don’t want em pull up.
You know we count up the racks
I got some cuts on my thumbs
I bet she gone fuck fah the money, I shoot at these duck like I’m hunting!
I’m in Raq witta sack in the back of a Lac like I’m do or die.
I got some wolves in the pack the gone pull up like they seen the moon light.
Shoota a bullseye, I brought the jewels out
I had to cool down, look how we move now.
I got the juice like I’m Bishop, shoot at the N*gga’s dismiss em!
Having some rifles and missiles, I heard he got bags like Christmas!
[HOOK]
Rags to riches left my old h*e got a badder b*tch
I stay on some savage sh*t
I remember we wasn’t having sh*t
We went rags to riches (woah)
Rags to riches (woah)
Rags to riches (let’s go)
Rags to riches (woah)
Rags to riches (let’s go)
[VERSE]
All of that talk you gotta stand on it
young N*gga might put them bands on yah
Ain tryna out my hands on yah
Ima spray like a tan on yah
Smacking shit pulling scams on em
BOA free bands on em
Exotic depths gotta bad odor
We had to kill what we eat birch’s ima beast yeah ima dog dog dog
These N*gga’s gone end up deceased f*cking with me, please don’t call my phone.
I was talking to my N*gga H I told em that we gone get it.
Know I’m this syndicate shit you know that Curtis my n*gga.
Long long way from home ain seen em in a minute, talk to momma I’m replenished
I been keep ammunition, I miss my brother reminiscing
Hot in the pocket, what you gone do for them dollars, you know I finessed it.
I was outside tryna get momma sorry ain got time to be doing no dishes.
Look at these diamonds they hitting
Rolley it’s matching the pendant
15 on the Cuban just to say that I did it
Shaking them ass and them titties ion care that she paid for em
I had to bring out the wraith for em
I’m in a place it ain’t safe for em.
[HOOK]
Rags to riches left my old h*e got a badder b*tch
I stay on some savage shit
I remember we wasn’t having sh*t
We went rags to riches (woah)
Rags to riches (woah)
Rags to riches (let’s go)
Rags to riches (woah)
Rags to riches (let’s go)
In "Wild Wild West," M.I. reflects on the harsh realities of life for a young black man growing up in America. He explores the idea that in order to become successful, he had to come from "rags to riches" by any means necessary. He begins by bragging about his wealth and his guns, which he keeps close at hand. He warns that life can be deadly, especially when people are chasing fame or trying to make a name for themselves. He compares his life to the Wild Wild West, where anything could happen and violence is always lurking in the shadows.
Throughout the song, M.I. reminds us that he didn't come from a privileged background. He recalls the days when he had nothing and how he had to work hard to make a name for himself. He is unapologetic about his past, and he speaks candidly about the violence and drug dealing that marked his early years. The tone of the song is dark, reflecting the danger and uncertainty that comes with living in the Wild Wild West.
Overall, "Wild Wild West" is a powerful commentary on the state of the American dream for young black men. It speaks to the constant struggle for survival and success in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.
Line by Line Meaning
20s & 50s & 100s we came up from nothing young N*gga might run through yo house!
We started from no money and now have big bills. I have the potential to rob someone's house.
Js was swinging da door no catching me lacking I gotta few straps in da couch.
I am so alert that I would notice if anyone approached my house, and I keep guns in concealed locations.
Shit can get popping like Wild Wild West, you really gone die bout some clout!
Things could turn violent quickly, and people are willing to kill for social status.
She say ima dog like now wow that baby, I bet that lil p*ssy get wet.
A woman is calling me a player, and I think it's funny that it turns her on.
Having baguettes, ride with the Tec, know ima die bout respect, send me the pack, I tripled up , I made a 20 off that!
I have diamonds, bring my gun with me, I value my reputation and will die to protect it. I made a lot of money selling drugs.
Momma wasn’t raising no scrub, hell nawl ain showing no love.
My mother raised me to be tough and independent, and I don't show affection.
I got the stick In the back, hell nawl they don’t want em pull up.
I have a weapon in my car, and people know not to mess with me.
You know we count up the racks, I got some cuts on my thumbs
I count my money and got injuries because of it.
I bet she gone fuck fah the money, I shoot at these duck like I’m hunting!
I think a woman will sleep with me for money, and I shoot at people like I'm hunting animals.
I’m in Raq witta sack in the back of a Lac like I’m do or die.
I am in a dangerous location with drugs in my car and have to be brave.
I got some wolves in the pack the gone pull up like they seen the moon light.
I have tough friends who will arrive quickly when I call them.
Shoota a bullseye, I brought the jewels out
I aim guns well and show off my jewelry.
I had to cool down, look how we move now.
I had to calm down and now act smarter.
I got the juice like I’m Bishop, shoot at the N*gga’s dismiss em!
I have power and influence and will shoot people if I don't respect them.
Having some rifles and missiles, I heard he got bags like Christmas!
I have weapons, and I heard someone else has a lot of money.
Rags to riches left my old h*e got a badder b*tch
I went from being broke to having money and upgrading my girlfriend.
I stay on some savage sh*t
I am always doing something wild and dangerous.
We went rags to riches (woah)
We had no money and now have a lot.
All of that talk you gotta stand on it
If you talk big, you have to back it up.
young N*gga might put them bands on yah
I could give someone money if I feel like it.
Ima spray like a tan on yah
I will shoot someone quickly and without hesitation.
Smacking shit pulling scams on em
I am tricking people and sometimes getting violent.
We had to kill what we eat birch’s ima beast yeah ima dog dog dog
We had to struggle to get money and have become wild and aggressive because of it.
These N*gga’s gone end up deceased f*cking with me, please don’t call my phone.
People who mess with me will die, so don't contact me to complain later.
Hot in the pocket, what you gone do for them dollars, you know I finessed it.
Money burns a hole in my pocket, and I know I can trick people to get more.
Look at these diamonds they hitting
My diamonds look impressive.
Rolley it’s matching the pendant 15 on the Cuban just to say that I did it
My watch and necklace look good, and I spent a lot of money on them.
Shaking them ass and them titties ion care that she paid for em
A woman is dancing for me, and I don't care if she paid for her body alterations.
I had to bring out the wraith for em
I needed to impress people and drove an expensive car.
I’m in a place it ain’t safe for em.
I am in a dangerous location.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Thomas Marbury, Ishonthebeat
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind