Born Dedrick D'Mon Rolison in 1971, Mack 10 perpetually represented Inglewood, California throughout his career, the Los Angeles neighborhood he called home. His professional rap career began in 1995 when he signed with Priority, the premier label for West Coast rap at the time, and released his self-titled album. The West Coast gangsta movement was peaking around this time, and Mack 10 capitalized on the trend with "Foe Life," a song he wrote with Ice Cube, one of the West Coast's reigning talents. The partnership struck gold, and the song became a coastal anthem, opening the door for a successive single, "On Them Thangs." Mack 10 then partnered with Ice Cube again a year later to form the West Coast supergroup Westside Connection along with another Los Angeles rapper, WC. The three had united for a standout song on Mack 10's debut album, "Westside Slaughterhouse," and hoped to reprise their camaraderie for the Westside Connection album. They certainly did so, recording the boastful lead single "Bow Down," which taunted the East Coast, along with several other songs discussing the East-West tension that dominated rap at the time.
Mack 10 followed the number two-charting Westside Connection album with his second album, Based on a True Story, and its lead single, "Backyard Boogie," in 1997. The album became his most successful, peaking at number 14 on the Billboard album chart, and confirmed his quick ascendance to fame. Moreover, the album is generally considered to be Mack 10's career highlight: it features a modest number of guests (Snoop Dogg, E-40, Ice Cube), top-notch G-funk-era producers (Ant Banks, Soopafly), and little of the filler that would begin to populate his successive releases. Mack 10 returned a year later with another Top 20 album, Recipe, which is notable for its abundance of guests. In fact, only one song featured Mack 10 alone; every other song featured at least one guest, if not more; everyone from Master P and Mystikal to Jermaine Dupri and Ol' Dirty Bastard. Following the extravagencies of Recipe in 1997, Mack 10's career began to slowly spiral downward, much like the West Coast gangsta rap scene he rode to fame. His only release in 1998 was Hoo Bangin': Mix Tape, more of a showcase for the many up-and-coming rappers on his Hoo Bangin' label than for himself, and listeners weren't very interested. When Mack 10 finally did return with another full-length of his own, The Paper Route, in 2000, three years after Recipe, listeners similarly weren't very interested.
The relative disappointment of The Paper Route brought Mack 10's souring relationship with Priority Records to an end, and along came Cash Money Records, who happily signed the rapper to a contract. The partnership seemed somewhat unlikely. Cash Money was a leading Dirty South label with a small roster of in-house rappers such as Juvenile and Lil Wayne; however, the label was looking to expand its roster as well as its reach, and Mack 10 offered it a great opportunity to unite the West Coast and Dirty South. The resulting album, Bang or Ball (2001), neither topped the charts nor garnered substantial attention despite boasting "Hate in Yo Eyes," a Dr. Dre production that interpolated the Bee Gees' "Stayin' Alive." The album nonetheless signaled a new direction for Mack 10, who sounded surprisingly comfortable working with one of the Dirty South's premier producers, Manny Fresh. Less than a year later in summer 2002 came Mack 10 Presents da Hood, a Hoo Bangin' release prominently featuring numerous up-and-coming West Coast rappers: K-Mac, Deviossi, Skoop, Cousteau, and Techniec. More importantly, though, the album featured "L.A. for Ya," an anthemic song that was customized for the West Coast's leading radio stations as well as for Lakers and Clippers home games. The customized versions worked, and the song garnered quite a bit of airplay on the West Coast, making it one of Mack 10's biggest hits in years. Ghetto, Gutter and Gangster appeared in 2003 followed by Hustla's Handbook two years later
Connected for Life
Mack 10 Lyrics
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Check all my traps and dodge the fair cold
I'm all about the mix like a fuckin collage
And out the gararge, is the Bentley Onage
With the brains blowed out, so is the suns beeming
I got a jacket drooming and the hoes feeming
Since I'm Westside Connected I got a streets on hype
I got big deals, big squeels, big wheels, big pipes
Twenty-inches row - going get these hoes
Pinky hoes - when I roll with my negros
Be a freak about it and I'm a see about it
Speak about it, not bitch I'ma be about it
Who want some of this, West running this
Mack 10 with the playboy bunny bitch
She's a dummy bitch - with a money pit?
You broke ass niggas can't even stomach this
What that connect nigga like three times selling
Six-double-0-west nigga selling rich roll delling
Throw it up, hold it up, guns bust fo' fingas up
Two twisted in the middle with the thumb cuffed
Chevy Nash and dippin at ass and king of the zaggin
Fo'-fo' macking and coat tacking
Dub the hood and I'm in blue friend at 'em
Front up the club, I'm duolete, do for talk and mack 'em trick
What is it like? Tossing 'em hoes
And rolling on fools on them fo's
Flossing 'em chain, we doing big thangs
And busting on punks at close range
This is the way us gangsta's roll
Sit back and watch it as it unfolds
Bitches on suck us done so cold
Ahhh! this is the life we chose
Dope money and rapping shit I'm all with it
And all I know is streets is how I spit it
Chickenhawk see a bird, I gotta get it
So if ya hood come up sho', then I'd probably get it
If lil momma dick then I gotta hit it
The trojan gotta be a magnum for me to fit it
If you sherm on 'em stick then I'd probably lit it
The red beam is on your wig so I probably split it
To all them bitches that think they bootylicious
I think they new tricious - I think they do dishes
I make 'em three wishes - I take 'em they pictures
And spendin' they riches and fuckin' they bitches
Ego maniac - little homies call me brainiac
Ice Cube's an asshole and it ain't an act
So take a hit at that - and remember that
Where my motherfuckin niggas and my bitches at?
Britches I get I'm Dub-C, the rider with the clique
Like a dragon it's nothin' but fire when I spit
And I can't shake these ghetto ways
A street rich nigga eatin a bag of Lays
And the rubber bands and brains
From the turf for the sirens and Neverlands
Where we keep the pistols smoking just like Afghanistan
It's gangsta the killa - the dope dealer
Back for mo' figgas - so trick bow down and po' the liquor bitch
What is it like? Tossong 'em hoes
And Rolling on fools on them folks
Flossing 'em chain, we doing big thangs
And busting on punks at close range
This is the ways us gangsta's roll
Sit back and watch as it unfolds
Bitches on suck us done so cold
Ahhh! this is the life we chose
What is it like? Tossong 'em hoes
And Rolling on fools on them folks
Flossing 'em chain, we doing big thangs
And busting on punks at close range
This is the ways us gangsta's roll
Sit back and watch as it unfolds
Bitches on suck us done so cold
Ahhh! this is the life we chose
It's plain to see, you can't change me
Cause I'ma be Connected For Life
It's plain to see, you can't change me
Cause I'ma be Connected For Life
Yeah!, West Connect gang for life
Butch Cassidy, Manny Fresh you're a fool for this b-boy
Uh, uh, uh
The lyrics to Mack 10's "Connected For Life" are a representation of the gangsta rap sub-genre, which often glorifies the gangster lifestyle. In the opening lines, Mack 10 speaks of his readiness to take on the day, and the traps he has prepared to avoid any problems or altercations. He boasts of having a plethora of material possessions, such as a Bentley with the brains blown out, big deals, big wheels, big pipes, and says that he is Westside Connected, the streets hype. The song then goes on to talk about tossing hoes, making big moves in the streets, busting on punks at close range, and that being the chosen lifestyle.
In the second verse, Mack 10 raps about his willingness to go after anything he wants, including women, money, and material goods. He refers to himself as an ego maniac and a brainiac, willing to do anything to gain power and respect. The song talks about gang life and the mentality of some of the people who live it. It glorifies violence, money, and power as the ultimate pursuits.
Line by Line Meaning
I jumped out the blocks like ready! set! go!
I started this race with the same enthusiasm and readiness as someone hearing the commands "ready, set, go!"
Check all my traps and dodge the fair cold
I'm always on the lookout and prepared for any obstacles or difficulties that may come my way
I'm all about the mix like a fuckin collage
I'm interested in a wide range of things and people, and I like to explore and combine different experiences and ideas
And out the gararge, is the Bentley Onage
I have a luxurious and expensive car, a Bentley, parked outside my garage
With the brains blowed out, so is the suns beeming
The car has its top down, and the sun is shining brightly
I got a jacket drooming and the hoes feeming
I have a nice jacket on, and the women are attracted to me and showing interest
Since I'm Westside Connected I got a streets on hype
I have strong connections to the Westside gang community, which has put me in a position of power and influence on the streets
I got big deals, big squeels, big wheels, big pipes
I have important business deals, expensive cars with loud engines, and flashy rims that show off my wealth and status
Twenty-inches row - going get these hoes
I have large rims on my car, and I'm going to find and pick up some women
Pinky hoes - when I roll with my negros
When I'm with my gang, we attract and spend time with women who wear flashy and expensive jewelry
Be a freak about it and I'm a see about it
If a woman is interested in being intimate and wild, I'm open to it and willing to pursue that with her
Speak about it, not bitch I'ma be about it
I don't waste time talking about things, I take action and follow through with what I say I will do
Who want some of this, West running this
I have a lot to offer, and the Westside gang and community is currently in power and control of our surroundings
Mack 10 with the playboy bunny bitch
I am with a woman who is similar to a playboy bunny in her looks and lifestyle
She's a dummy bitch - with a money pit?
She may not be very intelligent, but she has a lot of money and can support me
You broke ass niggas can't even stomach this
Poor people cannot even imagine or compete with the lifestyle and power I have
What that connect nigga like three times selling
My connections to the Westside community allow me to sell drugs at a high profit and get rich quickly
Six-double-0-west nigga selling rich roll delling
I'm from the 600 block of Westside, where I'm known for selling expensive and high-quality drugs
Throw it up, hold it up, guns bust fo' fingas up
I'm brandishing my guns in a show of power and intimidation, while throwing up gang signs
Two twisted in the middle with the thumb cuffed
I hold and load my gun with two fingers twisted in the middle, and my thumb cuffed over the back of the gun
Chevy Nash and dippin at ass and king of the zaggin
I'm driving a Chevy Nash and driving recklessly and quickly as the king of the block
Fo'-fo' macking and coat tacking
I have a .44 caliber gun and a large coat that I'm using to smuggle drugs or weapons
Dub the hood and I'm in blue friend at 'em
I'm in a car with rims that cost $20,000, and I'm showing off my wealth and status in the neighborhood
Front up the club, I'm duolete, do for talk and mack 'em trick
I'm going to the club to talk to women and show off my gang affiliation and power
Dope money and rapping shit I'm all with it
I'm involved in the drug trade, and I'm using my music to glorify and make money from that lifestyle
And all I know is streets is how I spit it
I write and perform music that reflects my experiences and knowledge of the gang and street lifestyle
Chickenhawk see a bird, I gotta get it
When I see a woman I'm interested in, I'm going to pursue her aggressively
So if ya hood come up sho', then I'd probably get it
If I'm in a neighborhood where I don't belong, but I see an opportunity to make money or get with a woman, I will take it
If lil momma dick then I gotta hit it
If a woman is interested in having sex with me, I am willing and ready to do so
The trojan gotta be a magnum for me to fit it
I have a large penis, so I need a larger condom size
If you sherm on 'em stick then I'd probably lit it
If someone is smoking PCP or other drugs, I may join and smoke with them
The red beam is on your wig so I probably split it
If I have my red laser sight aimed at you, I'm probably going to shoot and kill you
To all them bitches that think they bootylicious
To all the women who think they are attractive and sexy
I think they new tricious - I think they do dishes
I don't find those women attractive, and I think they are low-class and not worth my time
I make 'em three wishes - I take 'em they pictures
I'm willing to give these women attention and make their wishes come true, only to use them and take compromising photos of them for leverage later
And spendin' they riches and fuckin' they bitches
I'm going to use these women's money and resources, as well as sleep with them, to show off my power and domination
Ego maniac - little homies call me brainiac
I'm egotistical and think I'm smarter than most people, and my gang associates call me Brainiac as a nickname
Ice Cube's an asshole and it ain't an act
Ice Cube, a fellow rapper and celebrity, is known for being rude and unpleasant, and it's not just an act he puts on for the public
So take a hit at that - and remember that
You can criticize or insult me, but don't forget that I'm still powerful and influential in my gang community
Where my motherfuckin niggas and my bitches at?
Where are all my friends and women, who are loyal to me and willing to follow my lead?
Britches I get I'm Dub-C, the rider with the clique
I earn a lot of money, and I'm from Dub-C (Westside), and I'm a leader and respected member of my gang
Like a dragon it's nothin' but fire when I spit
When I rap, it's passionate and intense, like a dragon spitting fire
And I can't shake these ghetto ways
I come from poverty and the streets, and it's hard to escape or change that identity
A street rich nigga eatin a bag of Lays
I may appear rich and flashy, but I still enjoy simple snacks like a bag of Lays chips
And the rubber bands and brains
I carry rubber bands to wad up my money, and I also value intelligence and street smarts
From the turf for the sirens and Neverlands
I'm from the gang-infested and dangerous neighborhood, and I've seen a lot of violence and crime
Where we keep the pistols smoking just like Afghanistan
We carry and use guns often, and it's similar to the warzone in Afghanistan with constant gunfire
It's gangsta the killa - the dope dealer
I'm a gangster and a killer, and I also sell drugs for profit
Back for mo' figgas - so trick bow down and po' the liquor bitch
I'm back for more money and power, so anyone who opposes me should submit and give me their resources or accept the consequences
It's plain to see, you can't change me
I'm set in my ways and my lifestyle, and no one can convince me to change or leave the gang life
Cause I'ma be Connected For Life
I'm loyal and committed to my gang, and I will always be connected to that life
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: JR., B. THOMAS, DEDRICK D'MON ROLISON, O'SHEA JACKSON, WILLIAM CALHOUN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@DMwalkingKI
WC is so underrated. Deserve more respect and recognition 😎
@dgno02
This song is perfection. The crisp deliveries over that Smooth and laid-back melody. All the guitar nuances. It’s magic.
@emmagarcia3185
agree with your comment we need that people back 🫠🥰
@CharlieSegovia-kv1wc
Blessed
@stylescasino1006
Mannie fresh laced this track
@Merckmodz
Being stoned makes it even better. Lol
@user-ng2kn3xt2b
@@stylescasino1006
Mannie dope
@breakingcycles741
That beat has always been so fire. I love that slide guitar sound. This has to be one of Mannie Fresh's best beats of all time.
@collinsd70
He's a fool for this one 😁
@FreddyMcfly_dpr
Yes it is