Career
Mac Dre's music gained popularity in the early to mid 1990s throughout the Bay Area, eventually receiving national recognition through his independent record labels Romp and Thizz Entertainment. He released many hit singles, such as "Too Hard for the Radio", and most recently "Feelin' Myself". He was the creator of the "Thizzle Dance", a popular dance which holds no specific standard. Hardship and controversy were staples of Mac Dre's career. After recording his first three albums between 1989 and 1991, Mac was charged with conspiracy to commit bank robbery. His record label, Romp Productions, and his many references to "Romper Room" in his songs, coincided with a Vallejo robbery gang of the time calling themselves the "Romper Room Gang" and responsible for the robberies of many area banks and pizza parlours. Hicks was alleged to be a member of the gang. The rapper was sentenced to five years in prison in 1992.
In prison, Hicks gained some notoriety by recording the lyrics to songs directly over the Fresno County jail inmate telephone. His album, Young Black Brotha, was a result of such efforts, as well as guest appearances on fellow artists' songs, all while Hicks was still imprisoned. A later album, Back 'N Da Hood, was also made up of these prison-recorded songs.
After his release from prison in 1996, Mac Dre began releasing albums steadily, building pace in the early 21st century. Mac Dre's audience was growing, and mainstream hip-hop stations were beginning to give Hicks' music more airtime. Hicks relocated to Sacramento, California in 2001, where he began a label, Thizz Entertainment.
Death
On November 1, 2004, Mac Dre was shot to death while returning to his hotel after a performance in Kansas city. A car pulled up next to the white van carrying Dre along with other Thizz artists. Whether words where exchanged or not, the ordeal ended in the bloodshed of a bay area rap legend. The van swerved off the road and into a ravine where it ran into a tree. Word is that Dre was thrown from the van, but officials say they found him in the front seat, dead on arrival. Some believe that Mac Dre's killer was Kansas City rapper Anthony "Fat Tone" Watkins. In 2005 Watkins was murdered, allegedly by Bay Area rapper Mac Minister. In March 2006, Mac Minister was arrested by FBI officials.
Its All Gravy
Mac Dre Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A little bit of game is all it takes
A little bit of game goes a long long way
[Verse 1]
Cuddie I don't sleep much, 'cause when I close my eyes
I hear cries from my potna's who lost they lives
Visions of bloody brutality's reality
Them calories, they keep my pockets fat, I got to stack a grip
Try not to trip, and keep them gold diggers off my dick
I'm gettin' sick 'cause I drink 24-7
The way I'm livin' now, if I die, there's no heaven
Gotta help my potnas in the pen 'cause they livin' broke
This ain't no joke, on parole and I can't smoke
No sticky indo, roll down the window
'Cause if I breathe(?) the task is back ??? like Nintendo
Gotta play the game like a professional
If you ain't having money I got to let you go
I need to let you know the rules before you ???
Rule number one potna, never should you pimpatrate
I spit this pimpin' straight and cut no addatives
Just nouns and adjectives, how mad you get don't mattter bitch
I'm a player so I serve the game
Maintain campaign, and have thangs
[Chorus 2x]
[Verse 2]
Back in '92 I was drowned in them big cases
But now its '97 and I'm counting them big faces
I switched places with them sardines and squares
The ??? fillet mignon, and garlic bread
A hard head, big heart, and gorilla nuts
Got me mobbin' through the bay like I don't give a fuck
I'm whipped, equipped, and stay dipped in butter sauce
Pill if she's real, no scrill I cut her off
'Cause fine ass bitches with the empty bank book
Is worse than them ugly muthafuckas who can't cook
My game cooked for five years in the feds
Now its time for these game hungry niggas to get fed
I get bread, so them suckas down me
Smile in my face but clown me when they not around me
Talk down on my every move, but I couldnt give a damn
Playas do what they want, and suckas do what they can
[Chorus 2x]
[Verse 3]
7-5-70, my DOB, uhh
And I've been breakin' hoes since '83, what?
Money makers manual, handle my business discretly
don't give my home phone number out, beep me
'Cause ain't no tellin' who be tellin', or who they tell
And plus I heard that they be sellin' kinfolk the yayo
Boy get your mail, don't act like your lil sista
If you lackin' in this mackin' boy I bet you fist her
Get some get right as I come tight to this Doo Doo Dumb
Track, that cat K-Lou, knew how to come
With Mac Dre, that 3 see veteran
More game than March Madness, and dope as exederin
Hit big licks, wouldn't pull no small capers
I'm a be a dog and stay up like wall paper
Look at these break bitches like they stank
Collect my bank and stay sharp as a shank
[Chorus]
The song "All It Takes" emphasizes the importance of acquiring a little bit of knowledge, also known as "game," to succeed in life. The chorus emphasizes this point by repeating, "A little bit of game is all it takes, a little bit of game goes a long long way." The verses focus on the challenges of living a successful and prosperous life while surrounded by violence, drugs, and poverty. In verse one, Mac Dre discusses how he fears hearing the cries of his friends who have lost their lives due to the brutal reality of the streets. Despite this, he stays focused on making a lot of money, avoiding gold diggers and adhering to the rules of the game, such as never becoming a pimp.
In verse two, Mac Dre reflects on his past struggles and how he shifted his life into counting big money. He talks about the importance of choosing his partners carefully, describing how he only deals with real women and cuts out those without any drive. He also reflects on his time in prison, where he says his game cooked for five years before finally becoming a master at it. In the final verse, Mac Dre lays out his personal history and experience. He gives advice to the listener about being cautious while handling business and not giving out personal information. He also warns about the potential betrayal of people who could weaken your position.
Line by Line Meaning
A little bit of game is all it takes
Having a small amount of knowledge and experience goes a long way in life
A little bit of game goes a long long way
Even a small amount of knowledge and experience can have a significant impact on one's life
Cuddie I don't sleep much, 'cause when I close my eyes
I have trouble sleeping due to the haunting memories of my friends who lost their lives
I hear cries from my potna's who lost they lives
I constantly hear the screams and cries of my friends who died
Visions of bloody brutality's reality
I have vivid images of violent and bloody acts that are a harsh reality
Gotta stay focused and hope it don't affect my salary
I need to stay focused on my finances and hope that these traumatic experiences don't negatively impact my income
Them calories, they keep my pockets fat, I got to stack a grip
My hustling and financial dealings keep me wealthy with money to save and invest
Try not to trip, and keep them gold diggers off my dick
I try to avoid temptation and keep away from women who are only interested in my money and status
I'm gettin' sick 'cause I drink 24-7
My excessive drinking is taking a toll on me and making me feel sick
The way I'm livin' now, if I die, there's no heaven
My current lifestyle is far from virtuous, which makes me doubt that I will have a place in heaven after death
Gotta help my potnas in the pen 'cause they livin' broke
I need to provide support and financial help to my friends who are imprisoned and have limited resources
This ain't no joke, on parole and I can't smoke
This is a serious situation as I am on parole and cannot engage in any illegal activities such as smoking marijuana
No sticky indo, roll down the window
Instead of smoking marijuana, I have to roll down the car window to let some air in
'Cause if I breathe(?) the task is back ??? like Nintendo
If I am caught by the police, they will be all over me like a video game opponent being relentless like Nintendo game AI
Gotta play the game like a professional
I need to handle my life and my finances like a pro
If you ain't having money I got to let you go
I cannot be friends or associate with people who aren't financially stable as it will hinder my own financial goals
I need to let you know the rules before you ???
I need to inform you of the rules of the game before getting involved with you
Rule number one potna, never should you pimpatrate
The first rule of being a player is to never become a pimp or exploit anyone
I spit this pimpin' straight and cut no addatives
I am here to give you unfiltered, raw advice about hustling and being a successful player
Just nouns and adjectives, how mad you get don't matter bitch
I use simple words to explain my ideas, and I don't care if it makes you upset
I'm a player so I serve the game
I am a successful player who excels at the game of life
Maintain campaign, and have thangs
I continue my pursuit of wealth and success while staying true to my principles
Back in '92 I was drowned in them big cases
In 1992, I was involved in serious criminal cases that could have resulted in long imprisonment
But now its '97 and I'm counting them big faces
Now, in 1997, I am counting large sums of money from my successful hustling and financial dealings
I switched places with them sardines and squares
I went from living the life of a low-income individual to being a successful player
The ??? fillet mignon, and garlic bread
I now enjoy high-end food such as filet mignon and garlic bread
A hard head, big heart, and gorilla nuts
I am stubborn, but also have a kind heart and the courage to succeed
Got me mobbin' through the bay like I don't give a fuck
I move around in my city confidently and without fear
I'm whipped, equipped, and stay dipped in butter sauce
I am well-prepared and dressed in high-end clothes, showing off my wealth and success
Pill if she's real, no scrill I cut her off
I only stick with women who are genuine and real, ignoring those who are only interested in my money
'Cause fine ass bitches with the empty bank book
Attractive women who have no financial stability or resources are not worth pursuing
Is worse than them ugly muthafuckas who can't cook
These women who are only attractive but lacking financial stability or cooking skills are worth less than ugly women who can cook
My game cooked for five years in the feds
I learned how to hustle and become a successful player while serving a five-year prison term
Now its time for these game hungry niggas to get fed
I am ready to share my knowledge and success with others who are eager to learn the game and make money
I get bread, so them suckas down me
I make a lot of money, which makes my haters envious and angry
Smile in my face but clown me when they not around me
My haters pretend to be friendly in front of me but then talk badly about me behind my back
Talk down on my every move, but I couldnt give a damn
My haters criticize my every move, but I do not care about their opinions
Playas do what they want, and suckas do what they can
Successful players do whatever they want in life, while unsuccessful people do what they are able to do
7-5-70, my DOB, uhh
My date of birth is July 5th, 1970
And I've been breakin' hoes since '83, what?
I have been hustling and breaking women's hearts since 1983
Money makers manual, handle my business discretely
I follow a strict code of ethics in order to successfully handle my financial dealings without getting caught
don't give my home phone number out, beep me
I do not share my personal phone number, but instead ask people to page me
'Cause ain't no tellin' who be tellin', or who they tell
I do not trust anyone with sensitive information, as it is impossible to know who they might tell
And plus I heard that they be sellin' kinfolk the yayo
I have heard rumors that even trusted friends might be involved in drug dealing
Boy get your mail, don't act like your lil sista
I urge you to focus on your own goals and not let your sister's life decisions influence you
If you lackin' in this mackin' boy I bet you fist her
If you are not successful in the game of hustling and being a player, you might resort to violence
Get some get right as I come tight to this Doo Doo Dumb
I advise you to get your life in order and focus as I share my knowledge and experience with you
Track, that cat K-Lou, knew how to come
K-Lou produced this track and knew how to create a successful sound
With Mac Dre, that 3 see veteran
I am a well-respected and experienced player in the game
More game than March Madness, and dope as exederin
I have an immense amount of knowledge about hustling and life, which is comparable to the level of excitement during the March Madness basketball tournament, and is as valuable as the pain relief medication, Excedrin
Hit big licks, wouldn't pull no small capers
I only take on high-earning deals and do not waste my time with low-profit ventures
I'm a be a dog and stay up like wall paper
I will remain strong and successful like wallpaper that never falls off the wall
Look at these break bitches like they stank
I view these women who try to hustle me as if they are dirty and smelly
Collect my bank and stay sharp as a shank
I focus on making and keeping my money, while also keeping myself safe and prepared for any situation.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind