Mario Mendell Winans (born August 29, 1974 in Orangeburg, SC) is an America… Read Full Bio ↴Mario Mendell Winans (born August 29, 1974 in Orangeburg, SC) is an American R&B producer, singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist best known for his 2004 song "I Don't Wanna Know", which reached number 2 in the United States and number 1 in the United Kingdom. Winans also won a Grammy Award for Best Gospel Performance for co-writing CeCe Winans's song "Pray".

Early career:
Mario Winans was born in Orangeburg, South Carolina but grew up in Detroit. He is a member of gospel music's most notable family, the Winans, being the son of Marvin Winans and Vickie Winans. He is also the nephew of gospel singers BeBe Winans and CeCe Winans.

Winans started out learning music in school learning piano, keyboards, and drums. His mother Vicki Winans bought him a roomful of recording equipment, and he learnt the function of every piece of equipment. He started producing gospel groups straight out of high school and soon accumulated credits for Fred Hammond, The Anointed, and the Clark Sisters as well as various Winans family member albums.

In the mid-1990's, he signed a production deal with Dallas Austin's Rowdy Records. His breakthrough came with credits on the tracks "I Can't Sleep Baby" and "You Remind Me Of Something" on R. Kelly's R. Kelly album in 1995. Work with Pebbles and 98 Degrees soon followed.

Winans released his debut album Story of my Heart on Motown in 1997. While the song "Don't Know" reached the U.S. R&B top 50, the album failed to chart.

Soon after, Winans teamed up with P. Diddy and his Bad Boy roster. His first work with Bad Boy was playing drums on "Come With Me" in 1998 by Diddy and Jimmy Page, based on the classic Led Zeppelin song "Kashmir" from their 1975 album Physical Graffiti.

Over the past few years, Winans has racked a sizeable list of production credits for Bad Boy artists including Diddy, The Notorious B.I.G., Lil' Kim, Faith Evans, Loon, Black Rob, and 112. He has also worked with notable artists outside Bad Boy including Mary J. Blige, Whitney Houston, Jennifer Lopez, Ice Cube, Tamia, and Brian McKnight.

Winans co-wrote the 2-part song "I Need a Girl" with P. Diddy and appeared on the "Pt. 2" version with Loon, Ginuwine, and Diddy, which became a hit recording in 2002. He also produced the Bad Boy remix compilation We Invented The Remix in 2002.

Solo Success:

Winans recorded his second album Hurt No More in 2001, 2002, and 2003 in between his busy schedule working with other artists. The album is based on stories of love and betrayal.

The first single "I Don't Wanna Know" was based on a sample of the Fugees' 1996 hit single "Ready Or Not", which itself was based on a slowed-down sample of the instrumental track "Boadicea" by Enya from her 1987 self-titled album. Enya and her representatives became annoyed since Winans did not seek her approval for the sample, as he was unaware that the Fugees sample he had used had itself been a sample. So, a compromise was reached to credit the single as "Mario Winans featuring P. Diddy and Enya". [1]. The song features a rap by P. Diddy and radio programmers and club DJs started playing the track when it started appearing on mixtapes. The song was released as the single in early 2004 and became a worldwide hit going to #1 in Germany and on the rhythmic top 40 radio chart in the United States; to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100, on the U.S. R&B/Hip-Hop singles chart, and on the world internet download charts; and to #3 on a composite world R&B chart (based on the R&B charts in the U.S., UK, Germany, France, and Australia) and on both the Australian and Norwegian singles charts. It also reached the top ten on a composite European singles chart.

Hurt No More was released on April 20, 2004 in the U.S. and, by early June 2004, had reached #1 on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, #2 on the Billboard 200, and #3 on the UK's album chart.

The album's second single, "Never Really Was", used a sample of the orchestrated beginning of Madonna's 1986 hit, "Papa Don't Preach", as its background music. However, the song failed to chart in America.

The Game
Mario Winans Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Yeah
Uh, uh oh
Startin' to feel this
Startin' to feel it

[Black Rob]
Yo, who these cats think they is takin' they biz that's round here?
Yo, dog, don't even go there

This is ours; we built this from the ground on up
Now it's flowers; I think you best a round on up
Your entourage - slim chance of y'all gettin' large
It's non-cipher; that's because B.R.'s in charge
It's set here; cats is known for gettin' wet here
And left here, till the cops come pick us up

[Mark Curry]
Step in a territory that's corrupt, pushin' your luck
Intrudin' wishes is already sowed up; n**** fold up
You and your crew and peoples will get slain
This ain't the place to try and gain fame from
You gets burnt in the streets a n**** worked hard to make
And I'll be damned if I let another brother take it
Alive for his own sake; they better vacate
Promptly, 'fore they get they a** stomped
Listen, take heed to what we sayin', n****s

[Chorus]
We won't lie; sometimes we stick 'em up
Last time, it was enough, though word life some hos did 'em up
And nine glocks set 'em up
I know it was your dough 'cause I was right there when they split it up
I could tell you where to find the corpse
But that cheddar - I'm afraid, dog, that's gone forever

[Mark Curry]
Greed for wealth got us stingy
We got a spot that's hot
N****s envy the fact that we clock mad dough
They want to see us shut down, but, no
I don't think so; the crew is still rakin' the cash flow
For every dime bag sold on this block, we want in
One slug behind the back; it's under the skin
When n****s try to step to the block and Bogard
We can't see it happenin'
Warn them first; get the f*** out of dodge
Better believe that; test it
See if we won't put you on your back, n****s

[Chorus]

[Black Rob]
Now bein' that it's all out war
I'm bringin' more than that four-by-four
Watch me dispose of all y'all
Y'all fraud a** n****s
Tape me reboard a** n****s
Gun bigger than sword a** n****s
Now enter in the ring, gun drawn, makin' moves like pawns
Two at a time, comin' for mine
Like a song, n****, CBS, he can't be serious finesse
He don't believe I keep a gun in the vest

[Mark Curry]
You think you can disgrace this empire we built from scratch?
You stupid; I wouldn't care how ruthless your crew is
We got defense on this area; try to attack
Mad n****s on the barriers that's dyin' of blast back
There be no givin' and no takin', definitely no breakin'
Laws we lay down; here's the situation
Severe torture is what those who don't feel us face
I show no love for a punk-a** n**** we hate
Try to pay me no bribe, then come up missin'
Happens to hard-headed n****s when they don't listen
I gave you fair warnin' 'bout the danger you're messin' with
A stranger invadin' the street corners are goners
Try me, if you think it's a lie, the attitude many n****s had
But in the process many die
Thinkin' they can step to the block and Bogard
And couldn't see it happenin'
Warned 'em first: get the f*** outta dodge

[Chorus]

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Mario Winans's song "The Game" portray a vivid picture of the struggles of an underground street gang. The verses are delivered by Black Rob and Mark Curry, who rap about their territory and the dangers of intruding on their property. The streets are corrupt, and the gang members will do whatever it takes to protect what they have built from the ground up. The chorus describes a past crime in which the gang robbed someone of their money, but the money is now gone forever. The final verse is delivered by Black Rob, where he confidently boasts about his ability to handle any threat that comes his way.

The song's main theme is the fearlessness that comes with being in a street gang. The lyrics depict a group of people who are willing to defend their territory to the death, and who will not hesitate to use violence to protect what they have built. The lyrics are gritty, aggressive, and raw, which is typical of songs in the hip-hop genre.

Overall, "The Game" is a powerful depiction of the street life and the struggles that come with it. It is a song that speaks to the feeling of invincibility that street gangs often possess and to the lengths that they will go in order to preserve their power and their way of life.

Line by Line Meaning

Yeah
Expressing affirmative response, indicating agreement or acknowledgement

Uh, uh oh
Exclamation expressing surprise or realization

Startin' to feel this
Beginning to become aware or sense something

Startin' to feel it
Continuing to become aware or sense something

Yo, who these cats think they is takin' they biz that's round here?
Questioning the identity and actions of those who are trying to conduct business in their territory

Yo, dog, don't even go there
Suggesting that the person should not pursue the line of thought or action they were considering

This is ours; we built this from the ground on up
Stating ownership of their territory and indicating the hard work they put into establishing it

Now it's flowers; I think you best a round on up
Implying that the person trying to challenge their authority will not succeed and should leave before meeting a bad end

Your entourage - slim chance of y'all gettin' large
Implying that even if the person has supporters, their chances of survival are slim

It's non-cipher; that's because B.R.'s in charge
Indicating that their dominance in the area is not up for debate, and Black Rob is the one in charge

It's set here; cats is known for gettin' wet here
Implying that violence is a common occurrence in their territory and outsiders should be aware of the dangers

And left here, till the cops come pick us up
Suggesting that they will not leave unless forced to by law enforcement and disregarding the consequences of their actions

Step in a territory that's corrupt, pushin' your luck
Warning outsiders that the area they're trying to enter is corrupt and suggesting they should reconsider

Intrudin' wishes is already sowed up; n**** fold up
Implying that any intentions the person has for that area, they've already been taken care of or outmaneuvered, and they should retreat or face consequences

You and your crew and peoples will get slain
Threatening severe consequences, including death, for anyone who tries to challenge their authority

This ain't the place to try and gain fame from
Indicating that the place they're referring to is not where someone should come to gain notoriety

You gets burnt in the streets a n**** worked hard to make
Implying that attempting to take anything from that area will result in violence and that that violence is necessary because the owner worked hard for what they have

And I'll be damned if I let another brother take it
Asserting a high level of ownership over their territory and indicating they will fight hard to protect it

Alive for his own sake; they better vacate
Suggesting that the person should leave the area to avoid getting hurt or being killed

Promptly, 'fore they get they a** stomped
Advising immediate action to avoid violence and severe physical harm

Listen, take heed to what we sayin', n****s
Commanding the listener to listen carefully and take the warning seriously

We won't lie; sometimes we stick 'em up
Admitting to past criminal activity, such as robbery

Last time, it was enough, though word life some hos did 'em up
Implying that the last robbery was successful, but some women took the money from the robbers

And nine glocks set 'em up
Suggesting that the robbers used firearms, specifically Glock handguns, to carry out their crime

I know it was your dough 'cause I was right there when they split it up
Suggesting that the person they robbed was carrying money with them, and the robbers were present when the money was divided amongst the crew

I could tell you where to find the corpse
Implying that the robbers killed someone during the course of their criminal activity

But that cheddar - I'm afraid, dog, that's gone forever
Admitting that the money is gone and cannot be retrieved by the robbed person

Greed for wealth got us stingy
Acknowledging that their desire for wealth has made them greedy and selfish with what they have

We got a spot that's hot
Indicating that they have a successful area of business or territory that is in high demand

N****s envy the fact that we clock mad dough
Suggesting that other people are jealous of their success and the amount of money they make

They want to see us shut down, but, no
Acknowledging the desire of others to bring them down but stating that they will not allow it to happen

The crew is still rakin' the cash flow
Stating that their business or enterprise is still making a lot of money

For every dime bag sold on this block, we want in
Claiming a stake in the profits of the drug trade happening in their area

One slug behind the back; it's under the skin
Implying that they will shoot someone from behind and fatally wound them

When n****s try to step to the block and Bogard
Suggesting that they will retaliate against anyone who tries to challenge their authority or disrupt their business

We can't see it happenin'
Refusing to even entertain the possibility of someone else winning or taking control

Warn them first; get the f*** out of dodge
Advising potential challengers to leave the area before they get hurt

Better believe that; test it
Challenging someone to try and test their ability to defend their territory or enterprise

See if we won't put you on your back, n****s
Threatening severe physical harm or even death if they are challenged or threatened

Now bein' that it's all out war
Acknowledging that the situation has escalated to a level of war or conflict

I'm bringin' more than that four-by-four
Suggesting that they are bringing more than just a weapon, such as a truck or other backup

Watch me dispose of all y'all
Threatening to get rid of anyone who tries to challenge or disrupt their business

Y'all fraud a** n****s
Calling out anyone trying to act fake or deceitful

Tape me reboard a** n****s
Commanding someone to film or document their actions or victory

Gun bigger than sword a** n****s
Asserting that a gun is more powerful and deadly than a sword or any other melee weapon

Now enter in the ring, gun drawn, makin' moves like pawns
Suggesting that they are ready for battle and the other party is just moving around and trying to gain a tactical advantage

Two at a time, comin' for mine
Preparing for multiple enemies to come at them and indicating that they are ready to face them

Like a song, n****, CBS, he can't be serious finesse
Using a metaphor to compare their ability to win a confrontation to a catchy, unforgettable melody

He don't believe I keep a gun in the vest
Asserting that the other party does not think they are capable of being armed and dangerous

You think you can disgrace this empire we built from scratch?
Challenging the intentions of someone who is trying to challenge their territory or enterprise

You stupid; I wouldn't care how ruthless your crew is
Insulting the intelligence of the other party and indicating that their ruthlessness will not be enough to disrupt their empire

We got defense on this area; try to attack
Stating that they have the necessary protection and resources to defend their territory against any attackers

Mad n****s on the barriers that's dyin' of blast back
Referring to the members of their crew who will fight and die if necessary to protect their empire

There be no givin' and no takin', definitely no breakin'
Asserting that they will not give up or allow others to take what they have built, and they will not break under any pressure or challenge

Laws we lay down; here's the situation
Stating that they have their own set of laws and expectations for anyone trying to enter or conduct business in their area

Severe torture is what those who don't feel us face
Threatening severe consequences, such as torture, for anyone who does not adhere to their laws or try to challenge their empire

I show no love for a punk-a** n**** we hate
Indicating that they have strong negative feelings for anyone who tries to challenge or disrupt their business

Try to pay me no bribe, then come up missin'
Suggesting that someone who does not give them bribe money will suffer severe consequences, possibly even disappearing altogether

Happens to hard-headed n****s when they don't listen
Implying that anyone who does not listen to their warnings or adhere to their laws will face violence or even death

I gave you fair warnin' 'bout the danger you're messin' with
Asserting that they did warn the other party about the consequences of their actions and implying that they are responsible for what happens next

A stranger invadin' the street corners are goners
Suggesting that any outsider who tries to challenge or take over their territory will not succeed and possibly meet a fatal end

Thinkin' they can step to the block and Bogard
Challenging the audacity of anyone who thinks they can assert themselves or take over their enterprise

And couldn't see it happenin'
Indicating that anyone who tries to take over or challenge their enterprise will underestimate their ability to win or defend their territory

Warned 'em first: get the f*** outta dodge
Reiterating the warning to leave their territory before facing consequences

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: CARL THOMAS, MARIO MENDELL WINANS, MARK CURRY, ROBERT ROSS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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