The members of the group met while studying at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The group consists of Kentucky and Oakland, California natives Skinny DeVille, B. Stille, Ron Clutch, Big V, R. Prophet, and Fishscales.
Their debut album Country Fried Cess was released in 1998. Eventually, they were signed to the major label Atlantic Records and rose to fame with their first album on the label, 2002's Watermelon, Chicken & Gritz. The album featured the singles "Headz up", "Awnaw" (whose remix featured Marcos Curiel), and "Po' Folks" (featuring Anthony Hamilton). Their next album Wooden Leather, released in 2003, featured the singles "Roun' the Globe" and "Sick and Tired" (featuring Anthony Hamilton). This critically acclaimed, major label follow up album, "Wooden Leather" featured production from Kanye West, David Banner and Lil Jon.
Since the release of Wooden Leather they are back to being independent artists, and have started their own label, N.R.E.G (Nappy Roots Entertainment Group) with distribution through Fontana/Universal Music Group. On July 31, 2007, they released their first album as independent artists, Innerstate Music featuring singles "Good Day" and "Keep It Real". This was actually an internet album, similar to a modern day mixtape. It was intended to be a precursor to their 2008 album, The Humdinger which was released on August 5th 2008.
In 2008, the Nappy Roots returned to the spotlight with an internet campaign targeting the mega-popular hip-hop sites such as Allhiphop, HiphopDX, Sohh, 2dopeboyz, Dubcnn, XXL Mag and BallerStatus, etc.[3] The critically-acclaimed album, The Humdinger features guest appearances from Anthony Hamilton, Greg Nice, Greg Street and Slick & Rose, with production from Sol Messiah, Groove Chambers, Big Al, Joe Hop and more. The Humdinger entered the Billboard Rap Charts at #7 and R&B/Hip-Hop Albums at #13.
Nappy Roots last toured across the country on the "Pursuit of Nappyness" tour. Fish Scales, Skinny DeVille, and Big V began their Humdinger Winter Tour on January 14, 2009 in Chicago, IL.
In 2009, NREG anticipates the release of 40 Akerz from Fish Scales and Skinny DeVille as well as an independent project from Big V.
Nappy Roots will kick off 2010 with their highly anticipated new album, "Pursuit of Nappiness", due to release April 20, 2010. The album will feature songs produced by a quickly emerging production duo from Atlanta, GA by the name of Phivestarr Productions.
Hustla
Nappy Roots Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Pork rinds and a soda pop
I told a cop I`d beat it, lost
At 3 a.m., they told up "stop"
We got it real real, to the top
A G like 30 feet away from the county line
The weed flyin, the golden smilin
Man, fuck
How denyin` my damn luck,
This ain`t no find if we get stuck I`m doin time
Don`t get messy with the Prezzy
A quarter pound ain`t worth the rizzy
Drunk as hell, then hurl the fifth
Back an forth we swerve and dip
Pumpkin pie
Bust a cop
I`ll be damned, they took my crop
Shook `em wit that lead foot an hit about a hunid fi (105)
Miles per hour
In the country wit the pudin, good an chunky
40 acre, mule an donkey, hell with that, just get the money
Got to be that early bird
To grind an get what I deserve
Quick to burn an an can`t mesquite it
Lord I need it fore the third
Serve anybody? Hell naw, got to be for sure
Standin on the standard curb
Days begin to bend an blurred
Homegrown bacon
Yeah, I`m havin the wage
Tendency of a 50 hit, when its about gettin payed
Came along with a ragin thief hidin under the shade
An momma won`t quit buggin me about my heathenish ways
Now I`ve wasted more tears then my mouth cold beer
Gotta be a Man on these rolls, overcomin my fears
Body too quick to gaze, with they head on bob
Get dee, life is foul but the dirt is hard, yeah! (hustla)
[Chorus]
If you play the cards you delt, then you stuggle, got to put in work (hustla)
And I got to be the early bird to grind and get what I deserve (hustla)
If you play the cards you delt, then you stuggle, got to put in work (hustla)
And I got to be the early bird to grind and get what I deserve (hustla)
Ain't no tenth, 35%
Dent in my hub caps, sticks in my dove sacks, fifth till I cuts that
Look, my baby husband got to eat some mo
Dough is what I'm reachin fo
Money low, need some mo
Hustlin these streets alone
Now everyday I work, 75
A&R tellin me lies
Fore I die, want to drive big bodies wit bubbla die
Now peep the otha side, ova them hills
Rich dude that own them mills
Tha candy sto is open for sale
These junkies gone smoke it to death
Money, hos, clothes, auto-mobiles, gold grills
No scrill, no deal, fifth weel, big grill
Wood grain sturnweel, weigh it up, be still
Lay it on the fish scales
I`m assed out in the back seat of the Pont-I-ac
Got a cup full of Con-I-ac
Quarter out of hunny sacks
Tell me get my money back
Still broke, feel like I ain`t got shit to live fo
So much to kill fo
C`mon, this niggas transition, ain`t no use in sittin round wishin
But my hands ichin, poppa need a new transmition
Get my grind on, hustle that bustle to make my grip in any time zone
Bundle that bubble, lets make it split
We buy: peices, ounces, keys, weed, Xs, Zs
Nigga, please, anything you ask fo, we got what you need
To these college degrees we applyin to streets, cause I`m a (hustla)
[Chorus]
If you play the cards you delt, then you stuggle, got to put in work (hustla)
And I got to be the early bird to grind and get what I deserve (hustla)
If you play the cards you delt, then you stuggle, got to put in work (hustla)
And I got to be the early bird to grind and get what I deserve (hustla)
[spoken]
Hustla. Carry many meanings..
Whether you a crook in them books
Whether you usin your mind or usin a 9
Bootleg alcohol, or runnin the ball
You must get it in. You was born a hustla
An you a die a hustla. Prophit, hit `em wit it
[/spoken]
I pause and refine a mighty floss, et cetera
For life in a ballance, of it
Lyin an shinin a beddy ro
I gotta be worse than a hust fa mine (I mean)
If I don`t crush it then Imma bust the 9
I tell ya dog, get on the blocks in over-alls, its over y`all
Wit all dem boys stay hot, said if we blow out finna go a billion time
Ya know me dog, neva be a oldie dog
My state of mind`s on the grind like a eighths of raw
Don't go trickin `em all, Imma have you bust for all my yiggas
Live for the days so we can hustle `em all, aww!
What? What? What? Aw! Aww!
The lyrics to Nappy Rootsā āHustlaā paint a picture of a life on the wrong side of the law. The song focuses on the harsh realities of making ends meet and the struggles that come with it, including dealing with law enforcement and getting involved with drugs, gangs, and other unscrupulous activities. The lyrics are vivid and evocative, touching on themes of desperation and the hustle that is often required to survive in a world that is stacked against you.
At times mournful and at others defiant, āHustlaā is a powerful exploration of the difficult choices that people make in life when they are dealt a bad hand. The song is ultimately about resilience and perseverance in the face of insurmountable odds, even if that means doing things that are illegal or morally questionable. Itās a raw and honest look at the consequences of these choices and the price that people often pay to survive.
Overall, the lyrics to āHustlaā are an insightful and piercing commentary on the harsh realities of life on the margins of society. They contain a depth and nuance that is often missing from mainstream music, and offer a powerful commentary on the lengths that people will go to in order to survive and thrive.
Line by Line Meaning
Got a cheese sandwich on the hunnid spoke
I have a modest meal and a flashy car.
Pork rinds and a soda pop
Simple, inexpensive snacks.
I told a cop I'd beat it, lost
I tried to evade the police but failed.
At 3 a.m., they told up 'stop'
The police stopped me late at night.
We got it real real, to the top
We have achieved success and reached the pinnacle.
A G like 30 feet away from the county line
I am close to crossing into a different jurisdiction with a significant amount of money.
The weed flyin, the golden smilin
There is a pleasant atmosphere with marijuana and valuable possessions.
Wip it nice and then they sign
I show off my possessions and receive approval from others.
Man, fuck
Expressing frustration or disbelief.
How denyin' my damn luck
I cannot deny the luck I have.
This ain't no find if we get stuck I'm doin time
If I get caught, it won't be a fortunate discovery; I will be imprisoned.
Don't get messy with the Prezzy
Avoid getting involved in conflicts or disputes.
A quarter pound ain't worth the rizzy
A small amount of money is not significant.
Drunk as hell, then hurl the fifth
Being heavily intoxicated and then vomiting.
Back an forth we swerve and dip
Driving recklessly and changing lanes frequently.
Pumpkin pie
An exclamation or interjection lacking specific meaning.
Bust a cop
Avoid getting caught by the police.
I'll be damned, they took my crop
I am shocked and upset that my stash of drugs was seized.
Shook 'em wit that lead foot and hit about a hunid fi (105)
I accelerated rapidly with my car to escape, reaching a speed of 105 mph.
Miles per hour
The measurement of speed.
In the country wit the pudin, good an chunky
Living in a rural area with delicious and appealing food.
40 acre, mule an donkey, hell with that, just get the money
Rather than relying on outdated practices, focus on acquiring wealth.
Got to be that early bird
You must take initiative and be proactive to achieve success.
To grind an get what I deserve
I need to work hard and attain what I believe I am entitled to.
Quick to burn an an can't mesquite it
I am prone to wasting opportunities and cannot handle them skillfully.
Lord I need it fore the third
I require it urgently before a specific time.
Serve anybody? Hell naw, got to be for sure
I won't offer my services to just anyone, only if it's guaranteed.
Standin on the standard curb
I am in a stable and recognized position.
Days begin to bend an blurred
The passage of time becomes distorted and unclear.
Homegrown bacon
Self-made money or success.
Yeah, I'm havin the wage
I am experiencing financial prosperity.
Tendency of a 50 hit, when its about gettin payed
I have a natural inclination to pursue wealth and earnings.
Came along with a ragin thief hidin under the shade
I associate with someone who is both energetic and deceitful.
An momma won't quit buggin me about my heathenish ways
My mother continuously nags me regarding my immoral and rebellious behavior.
Now I've wasted more tears then my mouth cold beer
I have shed more tears than I have consumed cold beer.
Gotta be a Man on these rolls, overcomin my fears
I must show strength and bravery in the face of adversity.
Body too quick to gaze, with they head on bob
People are quick to judge and assume based on appearances.
Get dee, life is foul but the dirt is hard, yeah! (hustla)
Life may be challenging, but I am resilient and determined to succeed.
If you play the cards you delt, then you stuggle, got to put in work (hustla)
If you accept the hand you're dealt, you will face challenges and need to work hard to overcome them.
And I got to be the early bird to grind and get what I deserve (hustla)
I must be proactive and hardworking to achieve the success I believe I deserve.
Ain't no tenth, 35%
There is no margin for error, only a 35% chance of success.
Dent in my hub caps, sticks in my dove sacks, fifth till I cuts that
My car has damage, my money is running low, and I will consume alcohol until it's depleted.
Look, my baby husband got to eat some mo
I need to provide for my dependents and ensure they are fed.
Dough is what I'm reachin fo
I am striving to acquire money.
Money low, need some mo
I have insufficient funds and require more.
Hustlin these streets alone
I am engaging in street-level illegal activities by myself.
Now everyday I work, 75
I work every day, giving it my all.
A&R tellin me lies
People in the music industry are deceiving me.
Fore I die, want to drive big bodies wit bubbla die
Before I pass away, I desire to own luxurious vehicles and assets.
Now peep the otha side, ova them hills
Take a look at the different perspective and opportunities beyond the horizon.
Rich dude that own them mills
A wealthy individual who possesses industrial operations.
Tha candy sto is open for sale
An illegal establishment is available for business.
These junkies gone smoke it to death
Addicts will consume substances excessively until their demise.
Money, hos, clothes, auto-mobiles, gold grills
I am pursuing wealth, companionship, fashion, luxurious cars, and ostentatious jewelry.
No scrill, no deal, fifth weel, big grill
Without money, there are no opportunities, and a large grille is a symbol of success.
Wood grain sturnweel, weigh it up, be still
The wooden steering wheel represents luxury, and I need to analyze my situation and remain calm.
Lay it on the fish scales
Evaluate the value of a substance using a balance.
I'm assed out in the back seat of the Pont-I-ac
I am broke and stranded in the rear seat of a Pontiac.
Got a cup full of Con-I-ac
I possess a cup filled with Cognac.
Quarter out of hunny sacks
I withdrew twenty-five cents from a bag of money.
Tell me get my money back
I demand a refund for my expenditure.
Still broke, feel like I ain't got shit to live fo
I remain impoverished and lack a purpose in life.
So much to kill fo
I am motivated and ready to strive for success.
C'mon, this niggas transition, ain't no use in sittin round wishin
I am going through a transformation, there is no point in merely wishing for improvement.
But my hands ichin, poppa need a new transmition
I am eager for change, and my father requires a replacement for his vehicle's transmission.
Get my grind on, hustle that bustle to make my grip in any time zone
I will work hard and engage in various activities to establish my influence and financial stability across different time zones.
Bundle that bubble, lets make it split
Let's consolidate our profits and divide them.
We buy: peices, ounces, keys, weed, Xs, Zs
We purchase various quantities of drugs (such as marijuana and MDMA) to sell.
Nigga, please, anything you ask fo, we got what you need
Don't worry, we can provide anything you want or need.
To these college degrees we applyin to streets, cause I'm a (hustla)
We are using the skills we learned in college to thrive in the streets because we are hustlers.
Hustla. Carry many meanings..
The term 'hustler' can be interpreted in multiple ways.
Whether you a crook in them books
Whether you are engaging in illegal activities within educational materials or institutions.
Whether you usin your mind or usin a 9
Whether you are utilizing intelligence or a firearm.
Bootleg alcohol, or runnin the ball
Producing and selling illicit alcohol or playing sports at a high level.
You must get it in
You need to achieve success and acquire wealth.
You was born a hustla
You have always possessed the traits of a hustler.
An you a die a hustla
You will continue to be a hustler until the day you die.
Prophit, hit 'em wit it
Prophet, provide them with the knowledge or insight.
Lyrics Ā© Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DAMEON SEAN HUGHES, MICHAEL ANGELO GARCIA, SEBASTIAN BARNABY ROBERTSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Refresh The Tree
one of the best albums ever_ and the chorus in this song is the shit!
Closed Loop
HUSTLAAAAAAAAAAA
Closed Loop
Love this beat and the hook
Jeffrey Reardon
JOhn Dawg nah, the change
Tony Z
Listen to this through some 12s or 15s! The bass is tremendous! Sweet cut!
I am Who I am
That wha Iām playing this song on now 12s boomin
Asiah Flores
" Hustla. Carry many meanings..
Whether you a crook in them books
whether you usin your mind or usin a 9
bootleg alcohol, or runnin the ball
you must get it in. You was born a hustla"
Britloves Quincy
The outro ššæ
RickyRockstarTNS
2 of the rappers in this group went solo and still haven't dropped their first solo albums yet. Makes you wonder what they went solo for.
Emiro Miranda
That's the record industry for ya...