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
Work
Mack 10 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Nigga want to hustle
Nigga want to sell dope where we grow up nigga
Ride with me and learn something nigga
If not - stay away my playground nigga
Yeah! - this shit right here is for real hustle niggas
Real street niggas - y'all follow me
Squared niggas - kick back and listen how is shit really go
[Verse One]
Cabbage work hoes goes spoke and pistols
Last in getting away hearin whistles
Scopin down map gestural back full of chips
A hot ass scraps ski mask and two in the clips
Scoop on 'em motophone let 'em know it's on
I pack use 'em draws homeboy - nigga we goners
Beep on 'em Mexican though - we won't work
No Baking Soda slides twenty on 'em for the dirt
Got 'em - strap on 'em my shell with ducktapes
See nervous - while the Greyhouse escpae across Interstate
Jumpin up in the friendly scotia down chicken weight
For the work show up - and really do - be straight
They pull up bread all the lookin flawless us a show dog
Twenty bird and rally car like she a mother law
Damn! - she'll need no duck the law
Bitch got us switch walkin with the work like motherfuck the law
[Hook]
That's the shit nigga ball fo'
How they dope that they wall fo'
Jumpin on ' em hoes
They floss the hoes
We carry choppers stole us on homies with calicos
With the funk kick - wishin y'all holy copy with those
Banged out, thanged out - everybody hangin' out
Whole crews anybody sayin we bust used
Go back - blast the gas about to shootin' us
For cabbage work hoes and hundred fo's
[Verse Two]
Now in the N and N.Y. talkin' to why dies with the bitch
And some load ki's me insider
It's now and never - turn back why should we
Let's turn this bitch upside down (how could we)
First to be unnoticed - I don't trust that bitch
She fine - but she mixed with rat the lil snitch
I don't feel right I know crass bustin bust pipe
And the fed I had up on punk ass snitch all night
Where we better do - is send that bitch to the ?
Take the ki's to the rally car and get that bitch the cap
She go be mad about it cause she getting cut out
But just let it know her job is done (bitch butt out)
Why we here for? - (nigga we here paper chasin')
Okay then - well let's made this put reservatoins
Bust - train or even train station
If you got motophone we can start this operation
[Hook]
That's the shit nigga ball fo'
How they dope that they wall fo'
Jumpin on 'em hoes
They floss the hoes
We carry choppers stole us on homies with calicos
With funk kick wishin' y'all holy copy with those
Banged out, thanged out - everybody hangin' out
Whole crews anybody sayin' we bust used
Go back - blast the gas about to shootin' us
For cabbage work hoes and hundred hoes
[Verse Three]
Now I'm the KING OF ROCK - for my work
One time shoot the block I did my sack about the dirt
Like a dream team - both feams tryin' around me like impressed
Takin' fifth G horse and spork the dope 'port
Like a hell is seen hot for shit - I ain't trippin'
Got folks in the bushes with the chop chop - so I ain't slippin'
None of these out of town see's and Beems
Niggas playin 'em gueens street they never seen the pontrees
Hobbed on the plane - I'm back on stinky greens
And Inglewood floss and faded the whole scene
1-0 back Ol' T - dope grindin'
Fresh gear, big wheels, jewels shinnin'
So I hit Shall Sunday - watchin' with low-low's hot
Me and my N.O. partners - on the strippin' new drops
Bentleys, Warreys, Benzes, Hummers
With none full of fall for the next twenty Summers
[Hook]
That's the shit nigga ball fo'
How they dope that they wall fo'
Jumpin on 'em hoes
They floss the hoes
We carry choppers stole us on homies with calicos
With the funk kick wishin' y'all holy copy with those
Banged out, thanged out - everybody hangin' out
Whole crews anybody sayin' we bust used
Go back - blast the gas about to shootin' us
For cabbage work hoes and hundred fo's
[Mack 10 {talking}]
And there you have it - that's how it go
From top to bottom - half heart, half money nigga
Oh - don't get it fucked up
I still got money for my first trip out of town
Haha!... you dig!
The lyrics of Mack 10's song "Work" focus on the struggles of street life and the illegal activities that come with it, such as drug dealing and hustling. The intro states that only real street niggas want to listen because it is about real hustle. The first verse sees Mack 10 describe the adrenaline-fueled rush of his involvement in the drug trade, alluding to skipping town and escaping by a hair's breadth.
The hook emphasizes the thrill of the hustle, with Mack 10 and his crew carrying weapons and being prepared to shoot. The second verse continues the themes of deception and mistrust, with Mack 10 discussing the need to keep a low profile and avoid trouble. The final verse is most boastful, with Mack 10 proclaiming himself the king of the drug trade and detailing his personal wealth from the illegal activities.
Line by Line Meaning
Nigga want to hustle
The singer notices that everyone wants to hustle.
Nigga want to sell dope where we grow up nigga
The singer acknowledges the problem of drug dealing in their community.
Ride with me and learn something nigga
The singer is inviting someone to join them and learn from their experience as a hustler.
If not - stay away my playground nigga
The artist warns those who are not interested in learning to stay away from their territory.
Cabbage work hoes goes spoke and pistols
The artist is describing items typically seen in the world of drug dealing.
Last in getting away hearin whistles
The singer is referring to the police and how they are usually the last ones to make an escape when they hear whistles.
Scopin down map gestural back full of chips
The singer is possibly referring to how people scope out the area before dealing and how this is a lucrative business where one can make a lot of money.
A hot ass scraps ski mask and two in the clips
The artist is describing how someone gets dressed and prepares before dealing in drugs, including having a ski mask and weapons with them.
Scoop on 'em motophone let 'em know it's on
The artist is talking about starting the hustle and letting others know that they're in business by texting or calling them on their mobile phone.
I pack use 'em draws homeboy - nigga we goners
The artist is saying that they are prepared and ready to take action, indicating that they may use their weapons if needed.
Beep on 'em Mexican though - we won't work
The singer is saying that they won't work with someone who is unreliable or not trustworthy, regardless of their ethnicity.
No Baking Soda slides twenty on 'em for the dirt
The artist is offering to pay $20 for someone to bring them a small amount of drugs to start off with.
Got 'em - strap on 'em my shell with ducktapes
The singer is describing how they would tie up someone who owes them money or drugs using duct tape.
See nervous - while the Greyhouse escpae across Interstate
The singer is describing a scene where they are tense and anxious while someone else is making their escape across the interstate.
Jumpin up in the friendly scotia down chicken weight
The singer is describing how they might quickly jump into a car with others to get away.
For the work show up - and really do - be straight
The artist is saying that they are reliable and will follow through with their work once it shows up.
They pull up bread all the lookin flawless us a show dog
The artist is describing how those who successfully sell drugs often show off their newfound wealth.
Twenty bird and rally car like she a mother law
The singer is describing how they are keeping a low profile and hiding from the police while driving around in a car that can attract attention.
Damn! - she'll need no duck the law
The singer is saying that they do not fear the police and are confident that they won't get caught.
Bitch got us switch walkin with the work like motherfuck the law
The artist is describing how they are walking around with drugs and being cautious as they do so.
That's the shit nigga ball fo'
The artist is saying that they are doing well and are successful at their hustling.
How they dope that they wall fo'
The artist is describing how others might react to their success and how their business has grown.
Jumpin on ' em hoes
The singer is describing how they quickly make deals with customers as soon as they arrive.
They floss the hoes
The artist is saying that they show off their success to their customers.
We carry choppers stole us on homies with calicos
The singer is saying that they carry guns with them and are protected by their allies who have similar weapons.
Whole crews anybody sayin we bust used
The singer is describing how their entire crew is successful and often spoken about in a favorable light.
Go back - blast the gas about to shootin' us
The singer is saying that they will shoot anyone who tries to steal from them or attack them.
For cabbage work hoes and hundred fo's
The artist is describing the drugs they sell and how much they're worth.
First to be unnoticed - I don't trust that bitch
The artist is saying that they won't trust anyone who draws too much attention to themselves.
She fine - but she mixed with rat the lil snitch
The singer is implying that someone might be good-looking but could also be a traitor.
Where we better do - is send that bitch to the ?
The singer is saying that they need to send the person away so that they won't be a liability.
Take the ki's to the rally car and get that bitch the cap
The artist is describing how they transport drugs and how they might cut someone out of the business if they cause problems.
Why we here for? - (nigga we here paper chasin')
The artist is saying that they are motivated by the desire to make money.
Okay then - well let's made this put reservatoins
The artist is suggesting that they make preparations for their next moves in the hustle.
Bust - train or even train station
The singer is suggesting that they could make deals in any location they choose.
If you got motophone we can start this operation
The artist is implying that people can quickly and easily get involved in the drug business by using their mobile phones to communicate.
Now I'm the KING OF ROCK - for my work
The singer is boasting about their success and how they have become the 'king' of their own world through their hard work selling drugs.
One time shoot the block I did my sack about the dirt
The singer is saying that they have previously been in trouble with the police but have learned from their mistakes.
Like a dream team - both feams tryin' around me like impressed
The singer is describing how they are surrounded by people who are impressed with them and their success.
Takin' fifth G horse and spork the dope 'port
The artist is describing how they transport their drugs in hidden spots in their cars.
Like a hell is seen hot for shit - I ain't trippin'
The artist is saying that they'll be successful no matter what obstacles come their way.
Got folks in the bushes with the chop chop - so I ain't slippin'
The singer is saying that they are well-protected and won't slip up in their business.
None of these out of town see's and Beems
The singer is saying that outsiders won't understand the hustle like they do.
Niggas playin 'em gueens street they never seen the pontrees
The artist is saying that people who pretend to be tough aren't really streetwise and will fail in the hustle.
Hobbed on the plane - I'm back on stinky greens
The artist is describing how they travel frequently to carry out business.
And Inglewood floss and faded the whole scene
The artist is describing how their territory is the center of attention and everyone wants to be like them.
1-0 back Ol' T - dope grindin'
The singer is proud of their success and how they have established themselves as a successful drug dealer.
Fresh gear, big wheels, jewels shinnin'
The artist is describing how successful they are by showing off their fashionable clothing, expensive cars, and jewelry.
So I hit Shall Sunday - watchin' with low-low's hot
The singer is describing how they enjoy hanging out with their friends and watching the scene in their lowrider cars.
Me and my N.O. partners - on the strippin' new drops
The singer is describing how they work with their partners from New Orleans and go to strip clubs together.
Bentleys, Warreys, Benzes, Hummers
The singer is describing the types of luxury cars that they and their partners drive.
With none full of fall for the next twenty Summers
The artist is saying that they will continue to be successful for the next twenty years and beyond.
And there you have it - that's how it go
The artist is concluding their song and giving a final statement about the hustle.
From top to bottom - half heart, half money nigga
The singer is saying that the hustle is a combination of both heart and money, and both are equally important.
Oh - don't get it fucked up
The singer is warning listeners not to underestimate them or their success.
I still got money for my first trip out of town
The artist is saying that they are still making money and can afford to travel out of town, just like they did when they first started out in the hustle.
Haha!... you dig!
The artist is adding a lighthearted ending to their song and emphasizing that listeners should understand their message.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DEDRICK D'MON ROLISON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind