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
The Testimony
Mack 10 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Everything ain't all gravy
If it ain't one thing, it's another
Why me, I believe in karma
So I know that answer is coming back on me
Life is driving me crazy
Everything ain't all gravy
Why me, I believe in karma
So I know that answer is coming back on me
If the Devil wasn't alive, Mack would be stressed
Riding around town in a bulletproof vest
Police everywhere amour cars and shh
Worried about being another victim of a hit
But my relationship too strong for real I'm a saint
A child of God and if you hate me then you ain't
Be the only G I know to take it all with no triggers
So I put my faith in Him and never no niggas
As a result of that I'm cool, seem like I'm never nervous
So catch me Sunday mornings in that 8:30 service
Told me ride with me son and I'll never leave you lonely
Yeah, troubles for a reason, 'cause now you got a testimony
Life is driving me crazy
Everything ain't all gravy
If it ain't one thing, it's another
Why me, I believe in karma
So I know that answer is coming back on me
Life is driving me crazy
Everything ain't all gravy
If it ain't one thing, it's another
Why me, I believe in karma
So I know that answer is coming back on me
Most people get outrageous when they hit they knees
But I'm a thank you for the simple things the grass and the trees
I'm grateful for everything my fame and good wealth
I'm blessed with good money but most of all with good health
God, if they don't think I'm sincere, they don't know me, never knew me
And I tear up every time I think how good You been to me
I should of lost a few times and walked away without any pay
But I got favored with You and You gave it to me anyway
So when you blind in a situation believe, He can show you
And if you ever need a hug then just believe He can hold you
So turn to the Lord for He's the best to consult you
And that's the realest thing that Mack 10 ever told you
Life is driving me crazy
Everything ain't all gravy
If it ain't one thing, it's another
Why me, I believe in karma
So I know that answer is coming back on me
Life is driving me crazy
Everything ain't all gravy
If it ain't one thing, it's another
Why me, I believe in karma
So I know that answer is coming back on me
Thank you for letting me conquer my enemies and they plots
And thank You for letting my momma survive them five shots
It was up close and personal a lot for a kid to see
All the stuff I been through how could I not be a G
I know you got a purpose for me, it ain't no if ands or maybes
God in case I never told You, I want to thank You for my babies
Although I'm a gangster, rapper I'm pretty smart and well rounded
I never sell my soul and I promise to stay grounded
He said all you got to do is just speak it and believe it
And everything I prayed for, I eventually receive it
While the Devil work overtime, the suckers stay doubting You
I'm aware of all my blessings and I know I'm nothing without You
Life is driving me crazy
Everything ain't all gravy
If it ain't one thing, it's another
Why me, I believe in karma
So I know that answer is coming back on me
Life is driving me crazy
Everything ain't all gravy
If it ain't one thing, it's another
Why me, I believe in karma
So I know that answer is coming back on me
When we were born we were just wrapped up with favor
Didn't say we were perfect, didn't say we didn't make mistakes
Didn't say we didn't put up a little bit
But we were just wrapped up in favor
Hallelujah, mmm
I wish I had somebody in here that knew you were highly in favor
[Incomprehensible] like you would hold on
In the end not only did He give you favor
But then He dropped a dream in your [?]
In Mack 10's song The Testimony, he talks about his emotions and struggles with life. He states that everything is not perfect and sometimes life throws unexpected hurdles, however, believing in karma, he knows whatever he puts out into the world will come back to him. He speaks about his relationship with God and how his faith has kept him calm even in tense situations such as being worried about being a target of violence. He feels blessed with both fame and wealth, but most of all, good health. He thanks God for his blessings and recounts some of the incidents he has survived, such as his mother's shooting and his own close encounters with danger. He acknowledges that he has made mistakes as a gangster rapper, but he will not sell his soul and will stay grounded in his faith.
Line by Line Meaning
Life is driving me crazy
The difficulties of life are overwhelming and causing stress.
Everything ain't all gravy
Not everything in life is easy and perfect - there are challenges and struggles.
If it ain't one thing, it's another
There is always something else to deal with, a new problem or issue.
Why me, I believe in karma
Mack wonders why he seems to be facing so many challenges despite believing in the concept of karma.
So I know that answer is coming back on me
Mack believes that these challenges may be a result of his past actions coming back to him.
If the Devil wasn't alive, Mack would be stressed
Mack believes that the presence of evil in the world is causing him stress and anxiety.
Riding around town in a bulletproof vest
Mack feels like he has to be constantly alert and prepared for danger.
Police everywhere amour cars and shh
There is a lot of police activity around, and Mack feels like law enforcement is always looking for reasons to arrest or target him.
Worried about being another victim of a hit
Mack is concerned that he may be the target of violence or retaliation from others in the community.
But my relationship too strong for real I'm a saint
Mack has a strong relationship with God, which he feels helps keep him grounded and focused on doing the right thing.
A child of God and if you hate me then you ain't
Mack believes that his faith makes him a good person, and that those who dislike or hate him must not understand or appreciate this about him.
Be the only G I know to take it all with no triggers
Mack feels like he is able to handle a lot of stress and pressure without resorting to violent behavior.
So I put my faith in Him and never no niggas
Mack prefers to rely on his faith and trust in God rather than relying on others who may not be trustworthy or reliable.
As a result of that I'm cool, seem like I'm never nervous
Because of his faith, Mack feels like he is able to remain calm and collected even in stressful situations.
So catch me Sunday mornings in that 8:30 service
Mack attends church regularly and finds comfort and solace in his faith.
Told me ride with me son and I'll never leave you lonely
Mack feels like God is always with him, and that he can rely on God for support and companionship even when he feels alone or hopeless.
Yeah, troubles for a reason, 'cause now you got a testimony
Mack believes that the difficulties and challenges he has faced in life have given him a unique story to share and a way to inspire others.
Most people get outrageous when they hit they knees
Many people become emotional when they pray or ask for help from God.
But I'm a thank you for the simple things the grass and the trees
Mack is grateful for the beauty and wonders of the natural world, and finds comfort and inspiration in these simple things.
I'm grateful for everything my fame and good wealth
Mack is thankful for his success and the material comforts he has in life.
I'm blessed with good money but most of all with good health
While he appreciates his wealth, Mack believes that his good health is the most important thing he has.
God, if they don't think I'm sincere, they don't know me, never knew me
Mack is confident in his faith and feels like those who doubt or question his sincerity are mistaken.
And I tear up every time I think how good You been to me
Mack feels incredibly grateful for all the blessings and good things that have come his way, and is emotional when he reflects on this.
I should of lost a few times and walked away without any pay
Mack feels like he has been lucky and should have faced more consequences for his actions in the past.
But I got favored with You and You gave it to me anyway
Despite his mistakes, Mack feels like God has been kind and generous to him throughout his life.
So when you blind in a situation believe, He can show you
Mack believes that in times of uncertainty or difficulty, turning to God can help provide clarity and guidance.
And if you ever need a hug then just believe He can hold you
Mack believes that God can provide comfort and support in times of need, and that he is always there for his followers.
So turn to the Lord for He's the best to consult you
Mack believes that God is the best source of wisdom and guidance, and encourages his listeners to seek help from Him when needed.
And that's the realest thing that Mack 10 ever told you
Mack believes that his faith is the most important aspect of his life, and that his listeners can benefit from learning about it and adopting it for themselves.
Thank you for letting me conquer my enemies and they plots
Mack is grateful for the protection and support he feels he has received from God, which has helped him overcome obstacles and challenges.
And thank You for letting my momma survive them five shots
Mack is thankful for the blessings and miracles he has experienced in his life, such as his mother surviving a traumatic event.
It was up close and personal a lot for a kid to see
Mack has witnessed and experienced many difficult and traumatic events throughout his life.
All the stuff I been through how could I not be a G
Mack feels like the challenges he has faced have made him stronger and more resilient, and that he is a true 'gangster' as a result.
I know you got a purpose for me, it ain't no if ands or maybes
Mack believes that God has a plan for his life and that he has a specific purpose to fulfill.
God in case I never told You, I want to thank You for my babies
Mack is thankful for his children and feels blessed to have them in his life.
Although I'm a gangster, rapper I'm pretty smart and well rounded
Despite his image as a 'gangster rapper', Mack sees himself as someone who is intelligent and multifaceted.
I never sell my soul and I promise to stay grounded
Mack believes that it is important to stay true to himself and his principles, and to avoid compromising his values or selling out for fame or money.
He said all you got to do is just speak it and believe it
Mack believes that faith and belief are powerful forces that can help people achieve their goals and change their lives for the better.
And everything I prayed for, I eventually receive it
Mack has seen the power of prayer and belief in his own life, and has had many of his wishes and goals come true as a result.
While the Devil work overtime, the suckers stay doubting You
Mack sees a lot of negativity and doubt in the world, but believes that his faith has helped him overcome these things.
I'm aware of all my blessings and I know I'm nothing without You
Mack is very grateful for all the good things in his life and knows that he owes everything to God.
When we were born we were just wrapped up with favor
Mack believes that everyone is born with good things and blessings, even if they do not always recognize or appreciate them.
Didn't say we were perfect, didn't say we didn't make mistakes
While everyone is blessed in their own way, no one is perfect or immune to failure or error.
Didn't say we didn't put up a little bit
Despite their blessings, everyone has to work hard and struggle sometimes.
But we were just wrapped up in favor
Above all, Mack believes that everyone is blessed and favored by God.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: Y, THERON OTIS FEEMSTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Joceline Rodriguez
Life is driving me crazy
Everything ain't all gravy
If it ain't one thing, it's another
Why me, I believe in karma
So I know that answer is coming back on me
Life is driving me crazy
Everything ain't all gravy
If it ain't one thing, it's another
Why me, I believe in karma
So I know that answer is coming back on me
If the Devil wasn't alive, Mack would be stressed
Riding around town in a bulletproof vest
Police everywhere amour cars and shh
Worried about being another victim of a hit
But my relationship too strong for real I'm a saint
A child of God and if you hate me then you ain't
Be the only G I know to take it all with no triggers
So I put my faith in Him and never no niggas
As a result of that I'm cool, seem like I'm never nervous
So catch me Sunday mornings in that 8:30 service
Told me ride with me son and I'll never leave you lonely
Yeah, troubles for a reason, 'cause now you got a testimony
Life is driving me crazy
Everything ain't all gravy
If it ain't one thing, it's another
Why me, I believe in karma
So I know that answer is coming back on me
Life is driving me crazy
Everything ain't all gravy
If it ain't one thing, it's another
Why me, I believe in karma
So I know that answer is coming back on me
Most people get outrageous when they hit they knees
But I'm a thank you for the simple things the grass and the trees
I'm grateful for everything my fame and good wealth
I'm blessed with good money but most of all with good health
God, if they don't think I'm sincere, they don't know me, never knew me
And I tear up every time I think how good You been to me
I should of lost a few times and walked away without any pay
But I got favored with You and You gave it to me anyway
So when you blind in a situation believe, He can show you
And if you ever need a hug then just believe He can hold you
So turn to the Lord for He's the best to consult you
And that's the realest thing that Mack 10 ever told you
Life is driving me crazy
Everything ain't all gravy
If it ain't one thing, it's another
Why me, I believe in karma
So I know that answer is coming back on me
Life is driving me crazy
Everything ain't all gravy
If it ain't one thing, it's another
Why me, I believe in karma
So I know that answer is coming back on me
Thank you for letting me conquer my enemies and they plots
And thank You for letting my momma survive them five shots
It was up close and personal a lot for a kid to see
All the stuff I been through how could I not be a G
I know you got a purpose for me, it ain't no if ands or maybes
God in case I never told You, I want to thank You for my babies
Although I'm a gangster, rapper I'm pretty smart and well rounded
I never sell my soul and I promise to stay grounded
He said all you got to do is just speak it and believe it
And everything I prayed for, I eventually receive it
While the Devil work overtime, the suckers stay doubting You
I'm aware of all my blessings and I know I'm nothing without You
Life is driving me crazy
Everything ain't all gravy
If it ain't one thing, it's another
Why me, I believe in karma
So I know that answer is coming back on me
Life is driving me crazy
Everything ain't all gravy
If it ain't one thing, it's another
Why me, I believe in karma
So I know that answer is coming back on me
When we were born we were just wrapped up with favor
Didn't say we were perfect, didn't say we didn't make mistakes
Didn't say we didn't put up a little bit
But we were just wrapped up in favor
Hallelujah, mmm
I wish I had somebody in here that knew you were highly in favor
[Incomprehensible] like you would hold on
In the end not only did He give you favor
But then He dropped a dream in your [?]
Dayanna Bryant
Anytime I feel down this song brings me back up, I hope everyone listening to this gets lost in God's love and grace.. God bless!
BIGdaddy1911
Amén
Jesus Ortiz
This song made me believe in god stronger than ever. Good bless :)
Rapchat app.AT.RecKleSs BaStArD
AMEN 🙏🏽
joshua foster
2 yrs later and your message is still being spread, God bless you!
Andrew Benitez
Whats up cutie
Julie Bullis
this song makes met think about my life & all the shit i been through. the poverty life i grew up in, the drugs, all the shit i seen, the physical/emotional abuse, the death of my father,the murder of cousins, the drug overdose of my brother.my family is far from perfect, the times i attempted suicide.all the things i been through!yet i'm still here! i thank God for all my blessings.i got my life on track & my future is looking bright. my son is living a life opposite of mine..thank God!!!!!
RAFAEL ARIAS
Beautiful
Jessica Griggs
GOD BLESS U AND ALL MY LOVE 💓 ❤ 😍 💖 ❣ 💕 💓 ❤ 😍 💖 ❣ 💕 💓 ❤
Jessica Griggs
GOD BLESS YOU SISTER I LOVE ❤ U