Originally the group started as family, who all had an interest in music. It wasn't until 2008 that this trio took their talent seriously, and put together and released their first project "Juug Season" in 2011. The group later released another mixtape titled "No Label" in 2012, which featured "Bando", a track that was soon labeled a "dope-boy anthem".
In 2013, Migos released their breakout single "Versace". The single was produced by Zaytoven and peaked at number 99 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. Later that year, Canadian rapper Drake brought the single more recognition when he remixed the song, adding a verse, which he would later perform at the 2013 iHeartRadio Music Festival. On June 13, Migos released their mixtape Y.R.N. (Young Rich N***as), which features the lead single "Versace", to critical acclaim. Brandon Soderberg of Spin gave it 8 out of 10 stars, commenting that it "is a super-cut of Dirty South vibes" and compared the three members to Gucci Mane, Soulja Boy, and Future.
On June 15, 2013, the group performed at rap radio station Hot 107.9's Birthday Bash. In October 2013, the group was featured in XXL's section "Show & Prove". "Versace" was placed in multiple year-end lists of 2013, including number three on XXL's "The 25 Best Songs of 2013", number four on Complex's "The 50 Best Songs of 2013", number five on SPIN's "50 Best Songs of 2013," number 38 on Pitchfork's "The Top 100 Tracks of 2013" and number 69 on Rolling Stone's "The 100 Best Songs of 2013." Y.R.N. (Young Rich N***as) was named the 27th-best album of 2013 and sixth-best hip-hop album of 2013 by SPIN.
Migos released their debut album Yung Rich Nation in July 2015, through Quality Control Music and 300 Entertainment. Their second album, Culture, was released in January 2017 also through both record labels, and debuted atop the US Billboard 200 chart. The group later signed a deal with Motown and Capitol Records in February 2017, and followed up the latter album with Culture II in January 2018, giving the group their second number one album in the United States.
On October 28, 2016, Migos released the first single of their new album Culture. The single was titled "Bad and Boujee". The song was produced by Metro Boomin and features vocals from fellow American rapper Lil Uzi Vert. The music video for the single was released on October 31. The single went on to top the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Migos' first number one single in the US. Their second album, Culture, was released on January 27, 2017. In April 2017, Migos were featured on Katy Perry song "Bon Appétit" from her fifth studio album, Witness.
On May 30, 2017, Migos (branded by Quality Control) released "Too Hotty" which is featured on the compilation album, Quality Control: Control the Streets Vol. 1 that was released on December 19, 2017. The single was officially released on streaming service on August 24, 2017. The music video was released on August 25.
On October 27, Migos officially released "MotorSport", the lead single off their second studio album Culture II, along with Cardi B and Nicki Minaj. The second single, "Stir Fry", was released on December 20, 2017 on the official Migos YouTube channel. The song was produced by Pharrell Williams. The song was used for the 2018 NBA All-Star Weekend. A promotional single was released on January 22, 2018, titled, "Supastars". It was produced by Honorable C.N.O.T.E., Buddah Bless, and Quavo; it was co-produced by DJ Durel. Culture II was released on January 26, 2018. The album contains twenty-four tracks, featuring production from Metro Boomin, Dun Deal, Murda Beatz, Travis Scott, Zaytoven and others.
In October 2018, Quavo stated that Culture III would be released in early 2019. The album was then delayed and re-scheduled for release in early 2020. However, the album was pushed back again, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Quavo spoke to Billboard in March 2020, and announced the group's decision to hold off on the release of Culture III, explaining it was largely due to their inability to properly roll out the album once social distancing rules went into effect in most states in the US. Instead, the group will first release Quarantine Mixtape in the lead-up to Culture III.
Gangsta Rap
Migos Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We're not against rappers
But we are against those Migos
Gangsta rap is back
Gangsta rap is back
Is back, is back
Gangsta rap is back
Gangsta rap is back
Is back
Gangsta rap is back (Quavo)
Fuck the media
They hatin' on a young gangsta
We put the bando in the Wikipedia
Still these niggas ain't thankful
Migo Gang, we the most dangerous
Narcotics made a nigga famous
If you bangin' twist your fingers
Throw a party for the gangstas
We the biggest gangstas at the top of the list
Get my brothers snow bunnies and say they off like wrist
They recordin', reportin' 4.5 on my dick
I just gave them information 'bout my new bitch
They asking me questions no information
No participatin' ain't no conversation
They hatin' I made it, speculatin'
Takin' 'bout how many drugs, they fakin'
Gangsta rap comin' back like a nigga got 80's crack
With an eight-track
Come in your house, where the safe at?
Homie don't play that
Young niggas we bringin' back gangsta rap
I put that dope right up where your bitch anal at
My brothers keep a girlfriend in my cal-de-sac
When the white people see me have a heart attack, cause of that
Gangsta rap is back
Gangsta rap is back
Is back, is back
Gangsta rap is back
Gangsta, gangsta, gangsta
Gangsta rap is back
Is back
Gangsta rap is back
The song "Gangsta Rap" by Migos presents a defense of traditional gangsta rap in the face of criticism from the media and the wider public. The introductory lines state that the Migos aren't against rap or rappers in general, but they take issue with people who specifically criticize gangsta rap. The repeated refrain "gangsta rap is back" serves as a declaration that the style is still relevant and important.
The verses go on to boast about the Migos' own gangsta credentials, referencing their danger, drug use, and parties. The lyrics also criticize journalists for their speculative coverage of the Migos, insinuating that the media is only interested in sensationalizing their criminal pasts. However, the Migos are unapologetic, even bragging about their illegal activities.
Overall, "Gangsta Rap" is a strong statement of support for a controversial rap subgenre that has faced criticism for its glorification of violence and criminal activity. The Migos reject this criticism and instead embrace the gritty, edgy nature of gangsta rap as part of their own identity.
Line by Line Meaning
We're not against rap
We don't have a problem with the genre of music called rap
We're not against rappers
We don't have a problem with musicians who make rap music
But we are against those Migos
But we specifically have a problem with the music made by the group Migos
Gangsta rap is back
The subgenre of rap called gangsta rap is making a resurgence
Is back, is back
It's coming back strong
Gangsta, gangsta, gangsta
The music is all about gangster lifestyles and attitudes
Fuck the media
We don't care about the opinions of the press
They hatin' on a young gangsta
They don't respect us because we represent a dangerous way of life
We put the bando in the Wikipedia
We've made our illegal drug operations so well-known, they even have a page on the website Wikipedia
Still these niggas ain't thankful
Even though we've made a name for ourselves, some people are still ungrateful and act like their lives are the same as ours
Migo Gang, we the most dangerous
Our group is the most threatening of all rap groups
Narcotics made a nigga famous
Our use and distribution of illegal drugs has brought us notoriety
If you bangin' twist your fingers
If you're a gang member, you show allegiance by making certain hand gestures
Throw a party for the gangstas
We celebrate our thug lifestyles and connections by having parties with other gang members
We the biggest gangstas at the top of the list
We're the most important and successful gang members
Get my brothers snow bunnies and say they off like wrist
We give our friends white women and brag about how quickly we can talk them into sex
They recordin', reportin' 4.5 on my dick
People in the media are following us constantly and reporting on every aspect of our lives
I just gave them information 'bout my new bitch
I purposefully fed the media false or misleading information about my girlfriend
They asking me questions no information
They keep interrogating me without providing any useful information themselves
No participatin' ain't no conversation
I won't engage with someone who doesn't contribute equally to a conversation
They hatin' I made it, speculatin'
People are jealous of our success and create rumors about us
Takin' 'bout how many drugs, they fakin'
People who don't actually know anything about the drug trade pretend to be experts and make false statements
Gangsta rap comin' back like a nigga got 80's crack
Gangsta rap is making a huge comeback like it did in the 1980s
With an eight-track
Using outdated, low-quality technology
Come in your house, where the safe at?
We're threatening to rob people and steal their valuables
Homie don't play that
We're not messing around
Young niggas we bringin' back gangsta rap
We're a new generation of artists and we're reviving the old-school style of gangsta rap
I put that dope right up where your bitch anal at
I stash my drugs in a place where your girlfriend keeps her anal sex toys
My brothers keep a girlfriend in my cal-de-sac
My friends have their girlfriends live in my neighborhood
When the white people see me have a heart attack, cause of that
White people are shocked and appalled when they see me and my lifestyle
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Daryl Lee, Grant Andrew Decouto, Joshua Parker, Kiari Kendrell Cephus, Kirsnick Khari Ball, Quavious Keyate Marshall
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind