Born Clifford Smith in Kingston, Jamaica, he was given the nickname Mr. Vegas by his cousin for the neon pink shorts he wore on the football field; in addition to his athletic skills Mr. Vegas also demonstrated musical talents early on. However an unfortunate dispute over the ownership of a DAT resulted in Vegas being hit in the jaw with an iron pipe; after the assault Vegas' mouth was wired shut so he was forced to create a unique method of vocalizing through his teeth. That style was first heard on "Nike Air", the song that initially positioned Vegas on the dancehall charts. Characterized by uplifting lyrics aimed (especially) at young women, he followed "Nike Air" with another affirming and very appealing tune "Heads High" which reached number one in Jamaica, hit the British Top Ten and found its way onto several urban stations across America.
Vegas' 1997 debut album "Heads High" (Greensleeves Records) further displayed his captivating vocal capabilities on songs like "Jacket", "Sweet Pineapple" and "Everywhere I Go"; it also earned him a British Mobo Award as Best Reggae artist, while establishing his fan base beyond the Jamaican dancehall.
However Vegas demonstrated even greater versatility on his 2001 sophomore release "Damn Right" (Greensleeves) which featured a stronger R&B and hip-hop flavor on the hits "Girls Time" and "She's A Ho", sensitive singing on the roots rocking "Rise" and a sensational duet with Sean Paul "Hot Gal Today".
With his move to the Los Angeles based independent label Delicious Vinyl Vegas released his third CD "Pull Up". The title track was recorded on Scatta Burrell's wildly popular Coolie Dance riddim, entered the Billboard charts and took Vegas' music into previously uncharted territory. Another single from "Pull Up" "Tamale" also did well, particularly in Europe.
Vegas has just completed his fourth and finest CD so far "Constant Spring" which presents an amalgam of styles including reggaeton productions by the red hot duo Luny/Tunes on the tracks "Johnny" and "Papito" and Latin tinged duets with Don Omar ("Pobre Diablo") and El Medico ("Penicilin"). Another scorching combination "Burnin" features soca sensation Kevin Lyttle. Vegas' long time associate Jamaica's Richard "Shams" Browne produced several tracks including "Million Dollar Baby" and "Slow Wine" while veteran dancehall hit makers Steely and Clevie's Sleepy Dog riddim scampers under Vegas' current Jamaican chart topper, the CDs title track "Constant Spring". Another Jamaican hit that is currently finding popularity throughout Europe is Vegas' self-produced, uncharacteristically contemplative "More Love", his emotive singing lamenting Jamaica's upwardly spiraling crime rate but the song's lyrics are applicable to many troubled territories throughout the world:
"I walk these Kingston streets, everyday a bare a beat/I can't get no sleep all I hear is AKs when they speak/ I walk Spanish town all I hear is people get gunned down, when I look around all I see is bodies on the ground. My shadow's afraid to even walk beside me, my shadow's afraid to even walk this city gun dawg and his friend full the morgue in Kingston city/too many guns in town."
"Crime, violence, war, it affects everyone," Vegas says, "and there is nothing in that song that doesn't relate to what is going on everywhere, especially Kingston. We want this album to be versatile so a Latino person a hip hop person, urban kids or all nationalities will listen to it."
Reflecting the ongoing changes within the music industry, Vegas and his manager Leslie Cooney of the Los Angeles based company Addict Management will be taking a very different approach regarding the release of "Constant Spring": they will not be signing to just one label. "We have found that as an independent artist Vegas can better exploit his appeal in every territory without the expectations and limitations of being signed to one label," says Ms. Cooney. "Instead, we will directly supply his fans with music worldwide and will seek licenses with different labels in their respective territories. Whether by an actual record or digital distribution, if there is a demand for Vegas it can now be met without waiting for the record label machinery to spring into action. We are taking matters in our own hands and Vegas is planning his own future."
And for Mr. Vegas the future appears to be shining even brighter than the flashing neon lights that abound in the Nevada city that is his namesake. www.mr-vegas.com
Up and Live
Mr. Vegas Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What's happening playboy
I'm up here thugging with my niggas
Tuff Guys, Tru Records, No Limit You heard me
Man most of these nigga ain't nothing but hoes
I'm an weed smoker, pistol tooter, blowing on an optimo
Tru records, Deadly Sounds, gang affiliated real niggas
Man who in the fuck said the south ain't hard
Man bring them niggaas to Louisiana and watch me pull they cards
Oh my god, y'all don't fuck around and jump into this mix
Hating on Ke'Noe and Mr. Marcelo get you hit bitch
I'm an rugging nigga screaming Tru till I die ho
Say Doe run the hook and I'm off to the liquor store
[Chorus: x2]
y'all niggas can't fuck with us
It's No Limit and Tuff Guys from Tuff
y'all niggas better get the fuck
Tru niggas gonna live it up
I'm gonna let you know off top brah
Never leave home with my glock brah
Stay strap with the chopper
Prepare to bring heat to the coppers
Y'all niggas can't stop us
It ain't my fault they jock us
I'll close your shop brah
Black talents come and they hot brah
I'm bout whatever nigga
Finger on the trigger on the lever nigga
better got shit together before I come through plucking
your feathers nigga
Y'all heard of me Marcelo
Low down dirty deep from the ghetto
Keep shit mellow, Keep shit mellow
Y'all don't want to fuck with the big game fellow
I lay it down, if it's beef on the street I'll heat your town
Don't fuck around cause I don't clown, I distribute rounds
Yea I roll with them Tru niggas
Tuff Guys ride or die leave you off in code blue nigga uh
[Chorus: x2]
Yea mutherfuckers ,yea
Tuff Guys, No Limit, Tru
Yea this shit going down
Ke' Noe, Master P, my nigga see ya dig
This that real shit ya dig
These niggas ain't ready for this ya dig
But we still gonna hit you with that gangsta shit
Cause it real like that
You know what I'm talking about
If it go any further than that
we'll go get that gats nigga
cause we rowdy rowdy and Bout it Bout it
The lyrics of Mr. Vegas's song "Up and Live" portray a sense of pride and loyalty to his crew, Tuff Guys and Tru Records, as well as his affiliation with No Limit. He starts off by asserting that many of the people he encounters are fake and weak, while he identifies himself as a marijuana smoker and someone who carries a pistol. He proudly claims his association with Tru Records and Deadly Sounds, emphasizing that they are made up of genuine and gang-affiliated individuals from his hometown of Louisiana.
Mr. Vegas challenges anyone who doubts the toughness of the South, specifically Louisiana, and warns that he will expose their true nature. He expresses his readiness to defend himself and his crew, suggesting that he and Ke'Noe are prepared to respond with violence if provoked. The chorus reiterates the dominance and superiority of No Limit and Tuff Guys, emphasizing that they cannot be matched.
In the second verse, Mr. Vegas continues to assert his readiness to engage in violence if necessary. He emphasizes his preparedness to use his gun and warns his opposition to be careful. He also asserts his reputation as a respected and dangerous individual from the streets. He acknowledges the presence of Tru niggas and Tuff Guys at his side, establishing their loyalty and unity.
The final lines of the song further emphasize their affiliation and readiness for confrontation. Mr. Vegas, along with Ke'Noe and Master P, proclaim their authenticity, claiming superiority over those who underestimate them. They proudly assert their willingness to resort to firearms if the situation escalates, highlighting their aggressive and unafraid demeanor.
Line by Line Meaning
Man play that fucking beat
Please play the instrumental of this song, emphasizing the high energy and provocative nature.
What's happening playboy
What is going on, my friend? Informally addressing someone.
I'm up here thugging with my niggas
I am currently engaged in criminal activities with my close friends.
Tuff Guys, Tru Records, No Limit You heard me
Referring to the group Tuff Guys, Tru Records, and No Limit, indicating their prominence in the music industry.
Man most of these niggas ain't nothing but hoes
A large portion of these individuals are weak and untrustworthy.
I'm a weed smoker, pistol tooter, blowing on an optimo
I frequently partake in marijuana, carry firearms, and enjoy smoking optimo cigars.
Tru records, Deadly Sounds, gang affiliated real niggas
Associated with Tru Records and Deadly Sounds, both representing an alliance with gang-affiliated individuals who are authentic and true to their origins.
Uptown that's my hood country speaking ill niggas
I proudly identify with Uptown, my neighborhood, where the local language includes derogatory terms for disrespectful individuals.
Man who in the fuck said the south ain't hard
Expressing disagreement with anyone claiming the southern region lacks toughness or resilience.
Man bring them niggas to Louisiana and watch me pull their cards
If these individuals were to visit Louisiana, I would expose their true nature and intentions.
Oh my god, y'all don't fuck around and jump into this mix
Expressing surprise and caution to those who may enter this situation without fully understanding the consequences.
Hating on Ke'Noe and Mr. Marcelo get you hit bitch
Any negative actions or words against Ke'Noe and Mr. Marcelo may result in severe consequences.
I'm an rugging nigga screaming Tru till I die ho
I am an unyielding individual who passionately proclaims loyalty to the Tru lifestyle until death.
Say Doe run the hook and I'm off to the liquor store
Doe is responsible for the chorus, and after his part, I will quickly go to the liquor store.
[Chorus: x2]
Repeating the chorus twice for emphasis.
Y'all niggas can't fuck with us
None of you individuals can contend with or defeat us.
It's No Limit and Tuff Guys from Tuff
We represent the powerful combination of No Limit and Tuff Guys, originating from a tough environment.
Y'all niggas better get the fuck
All of you individuals should quickly leave or take action to avoid negative consequences.
Tru niggas gonna live it up
The authentic individuals associated with Tru will fully enjoy and embrace their lifestyle.
I'm gonna let you know off top brah
I will immediately inform you, my friend.
Never leave home with my glock brah
I always carry my firearm with me, my friend.
Stay strap with the chopper
I consistently equip myself with a powerful firearm.
Prepare to bring heat to the coppers
I am ready to engage in a confrontation with the police.
Y'all niggas can't stop us
None of you individuals possess the ability to halt or impede our progress.
It ain't my fault they jock us
I am not responsible for the fact that others imitate or admire us.
I'll close your shop brah
I will forcibly cease your business operations, my friend.
Black talents come and they hot brah
Talented individuals, primarily of African descent, arrive and bring intense heat or exceptional skills, my friend.
I'm bout whatever nigga
I am prepared and willing to engage in any situation, my friend.
Finger on the trigger on the lever nigga
I am consistently ready to pull the trigger of my firearm, my friend.
Better got shit together before I come through plucking your feathers nigga
You should quickly organize and resolve any issues before I disrupt and dismantle your reputation, my friend.
Y'all heard of me Marcelo
You all have been made aware of my presence, Marcelo.
Low down dirty deep from the ghetto
I come from a disadvantaged and impoverished background, characterized by immoral and gritty behavior.
Keep shit mellow, Keep shit mellow
Maintain a calm and relaxed atmosphere, advocating for peace and harmony.
Y'all don't want to fuck with the big game fellow
You do not desire to engage with me, a dominant and influential individual.
I lay it down, if it's beef on the street I'll heat your town
I assert myself with force, causing conflict in the streets and impacting the safety of your community.
Don't fuck around cause I don't clown, I distribute rounds
Do not engage in foolishness since I do not entertain nonsense, instead, I dispense bullets.
Yea I roll with them Tru niggas
Indeed, I associate with authentic individuals from the Tru crew.
Tuff Guys ride or die, leave you off in code blue nigga uh
The Tuff Guys remain loyal until death, and our actions may result in your demise, emphasizing the seriousness and urgency.
Yea motherfuckers, yea
Yes, individuals who inspire anger or annoyance.
Tuff Guys, No Limit, Tru
Referring to the collective known as Tuff Guys, No Limit, and Tru, highlighting the associations.
Yea this shit going down
Yes, this situation or event is currently happening or about to occur.
Ke' Noe, Master P, my nigga see ya dig
Acknowledging Ke' Noe and Master P, expressing camaraderie and mutual understanding.
This that real shit ya dig
The content or message conveyed holds true significance and authenticity, do you understand?
These niggas ain't ready for this ya dig
These individuals are unprepared for the impact or intensity of this situation, do you understand?
But we still gonna hit you with that gangsta shit
Nevertheless, we will continue to provide you with authentic gangster-themed music or lifestyle elements.
Cause it real like that
Since it is genuine and representative of reality.
You know what I'm talking about
You understand the meaning and implications of what I am saying.
If it go any further than that, we'll go get that gats nigga
If the situation escalates, we are prepared to retrieve our firearms, my friend.
Cause we rowdy rowdy and Bout it Bout it
Because we exhibit a wild and aggressive demeanor, fully committed and engaged in our gangster identity.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Maurice Jordan, Carlos Marcelo
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind