Brooks was raised in an area known as "Cuban", a micro ghetto within the heart of Kingston, Jamaica's Cassava Piece community. His grandmother gave him his first musical experience at a young age, bringing him to church to sing. He also cites the music of Bounty Killer as an early influence.
The boyhood idol became his mentor when at the age of 15, Bounty took him under his wing to show him the ropes of the music industry. He decided to name himself "Mavado" after the Swiss watch company Movado, altering the spelling.
His debut single, "Real McKoy" on the Anger Management riddim in 2004, provided him instant success.He further established himself with the follow-up record “Weh Dem a Do”, on the Red Bull & Guinness riddim. After a string of hits in 2005 and 2006, Mavado released the album ''Gangsta for Life: The Symphony of David Brooks'' July 10, 2007 on VP Records. "Weh Dem A Do" and "Dying", two singles from the album, were featured heavily on R&B/hip-hop radio in New York.
That same year brought Mavado off-stage controversy, as he was arrested and booked by Jamaican police on what was later revealed to be gun charges. While in police custody, the singer claims he was thrown into a glass window, losing three fingers in the process, which were reattached at a local hospital. Police claimed Mavado escaped from custody while at the hospital. The incident caused him to be refused entry into the United States a short time later. He was again arrested and charged with shooting with intent and illegal possession of firearm in relation to an event occurring July 27, 2007. He was later freed of all charges.
In March 2008, Mavado was featured performing a rendition of his song "Real McKoy" for Grand Theft Auto IV] Trailer #4 "Everyone's a Rat". "Real McKoy", along with "Last Night" (both from the album ''Gangsta for Life''), were also featured in the game on the radio station "Massive B Radio".
In November 2009, Mavado lost out to Sean Paul for the Best Reggae Artist award at Soul Train Music Awards. He won the 2010 EME award for Male Singjay of the Year.
In 2008 Mavado was given the prestigious UK MOBO Award for Best Reggae Act.
In April 2010, Mavado starred as a gangster in Drake's song Find Your Love for Drake's album Thank Me Later
Mavado formed his own label, Mansion Records, in 2011, debuting with the single "Delilah".
Along with Bounty Killer, he has cited 2Pac as a childhood idol, comparing the late rapper's life to his own.
In 2011, Mavado recorded with U.K. Grime artist Chipmunk on the track "Every Gyal"
On 1 September 2011, Mavado appeared on the Angie Martinez show on New York's Hot 97 radio station to announce that he had signed a deal with DJ Khaled's record label We the Best Music Group. Mavado released two singles "Emergency" featuring Ace Hood and "Survivor" featuring Akon on We the Best Music Group.
Mavado has confirmed the first song on his next album. It is called "For Jamaica, for the world" part 2 Featuring DJ Khaled, Rick Ross and Birdman.
Let Me Go
Mavado Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Let it go
I'm a gangsta
I'm a gangsta for life
I'm a gangsta
Real gangsta, let it go
(Yeah)
I'm a gangsta for life
(Yeah)
I'm a gangsta
(Come on)
Real gangsta, let it go
(G, G, G, G you know)
Uh, the game took a turn crazy, it's all gravy
Thanks to 50 Cent and Shady, they gon' play me
These lil' niggaz can't fade me, they just babies
Play me and I'm crazy, I'm Tom Brady
Emeralds and baguettes when I'm hoppin? up off the jet
A nigga reach for that and I'm choppin? him in his neck
One big remix and she'll be on my penis
If my flow had a phoenix and my paws are the cleanest
9-millimeters in the bars and arenas
If you hood then you seen us with wood in the Beamers
I'm that new nigga, they all over Adidas
When they see us they don't charge that shit, they wanna be us
(Let it go)
When we pressed to go, body restin? up
They wan' mop up all that blood but he's testin? us
The moon eclipse, is a mess and ah
We'll compose the new and then test it oh
(Let it go)
I'm a gangsta
I'm a gangsta for life
I'm a gangsta
Don't fuck around and start some fight
(Yeah, yeah, let it go)
I'm Marvin Bernard, hip-hop goin? hard
Feds ran in the crib, squad all in my yard
I'm the high school dropout, crack game genius
The mac'll turn your back into Kill Bill arenas
I'm criminal minded, you've been blinded
Feds lookin? for my bricks but can't find it
Maneuver with the Ruger, the grip is rubber
My Frank Mueller, is dipped in them rainbow colors
Bein? broke is a disease, I need that guap and that cheddar
I learned that, in the Maybach with Fif' and Mayweather
Mix the milk with Amaretta, my beretta's in my leather
My tiger striped eagle make your people need weather
(Let it go)
When we pressed to go, body restin? up
They wan' mop up all that blood but he's testin? us
The moon eclipse, is a mess and ah
We'll compose the new and then test it oh
(Let it go)
When we pressed to go, body restin? up
They wan' mop up all that blood but he's testin? us
The moon eclipse, is a mess and ah
We'll compose the new and then test it oh
(Let it go)
I'm a gangsta
I'm a gangsta for life
I'm a gangsta
Don't fuck around and start some fight
I want to dance
I'm reachin? up and huh
The lyrics to Mavado's Let Me Go are centered on the narrative of an unrepentant gangster who is loyal to his gangster lifestyle. The singer declares himself a gangsta for life and urges others to accept his position and let go of resisting him. The high energy of the lyrics reflects the artist's aggressive delivery and his commitment to the genre of gangsta rap.
The artist begins by acknowledging the dramatic shift in rap music brought by 50 Cent and Shady. He cites his readiness to engage in violence and claims to be a seasoned veteran in the game. He brags about his lifestyle, which includes hopping off jets with emeralds and baguettes and being surrounded by 9-millimeters in bars and arenas. His boastful claims of wealth, unapologetic savagery, and willingness to use violence to maintain gangster culture form the foundation of the song. He then reflects on the futility of resisting him, contrasting his position with that of his enemies who he describes as small and insignificant.
The chorus of the song reinforces the message of the lyrics. The artist tries to cement his position as a gangsta for life, urging everyone else to accept that position and let go of resisting him. The final verse continues to focus on the life of a gangsta, with Mavado recounting his experiences with being a high school dropout, crack game genius, and fugitive on the run from the law. By the end of the song, Mavado has established himself as a formidable force to reckon with and a true gangsta.
Line by Line Meaning
I gangsta
I am a gangster
Let it go
Forget about it, don't worry about it
I'm a gangsta for life
I am and always will be a gangster
Real gangsta, let it go
True gangsters know to let things go
Uh, the game took a turn crazy, it's all gravy
The rap industry has changed for the worse, but it's still all good
Thanks to 50 Cent and Shady, they gon' play me
Legacy of 50 Cent and Shady Records will always give me a place in the game
These lil' niggaz can't fade me, they just babies
Young rappers aren't on my level, they're just inexperienced
Play me and I'm crazy, I'm Tom Brady
Don't mess with me, I'm like Tom Brady on game day
Emeralds and baguettes when I'm hoppin? up off the jet
My expensive jewelry shines when I'm getting off my private jet
A nigga reach for that and I'm choppin? him in his neck
If someone tries to steal my jewelry, they'll be sorry
One big remix and she'll be on my penis
One popular song remix and all the women will come running
If my flow had a phoenix and my paws are the cleanest
My rapping abilities are like a phoenix rising from the ashes, and my shoes are always clean
9-millimeters in the bars and arenas
I carry a gun everywhere, even at shows and concerts
If you hood then you seen us with wood in the Beamers
In the streets, people know we ride in luxury BMWs with wooden steering wheels
I'm that new nigga, they all over Adidas
I'm a new, fresh face in the rap game and already getting endorsement deals with Adidas
When they see us they don't charge that shit, they wanna be us
People admire us and want to emulate our lifestyle
When we pressed to go, body restin? up
We move quickly and efficiently, making sure bodies are hidden
They wan' mop up all that blood but he's testin'? us
Law enforcement is looking for evidence of our crimes but we're too smart for them
The moon eclipse, is a mess and ah
The world is in chaos
We'll compose the new and then test it oh
We'll create a new order and see if it works
Don't fuck around and start some fight
Don't mess with me or there will be trouble
I want to dance
I want to have a good time
I'm reachin' up and huh
I'm trying to enjoy myself and let loose
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group, MOON AND MUSKY MUSIC
Written by: RENEE JACKSON, JEFF ADAMS, ANDY ANDERSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind