The group formed in East Orange, New Jersey, and first appeared on the music scene in the late 1980's releasing an album titled The Independent Leaders, under their then name The New Style. The album generated the minor hit "Scuffin' Those Knees". After the release of their first album, the group was subsequently mentored by fellow New Jersey native Queen Latifah and consequently changed their name.
Their first hit as Naughty By Nature was a track titled "O.P.P." ("Other People's Parts"), which sampled the The Jackson 5's hit "ABC" and was released in 1991 on their self-titled debut album. The album also generated another hit titled "Ghetto Bastard" (the track is often referred to as "Everything's Gonna Be Alright"). Fellow New Jersey native Tony D, accused Naughty by Nature of stealing a sample from his breakbeat album Music Makes You Move and using it on their track "O.P.P.". The matter was settled out of court. Later they had multiple hits from their third and fourth albums, titled 19 Naughty III and Poverty's Paradise respectively.
"Hip Hop Hooray" was a success from the album 19 Naughty III. Its video was directed by Spike Lee and featured other hip-hop artists popular in the early 1990's, including Queen Latifah, Eazy-E, and Kris Kross.
The group also scored a major hit with the track "Uptown Anthem", from the soundtrack to the 2Pac movie Juice.
In later years, Naughty by Nature started their own music imprint, Illtown Records, and released an album from their proteges the Rottin Razkals. The group (mainly Kaygee) worked closely with a number of rnb groups over the years particularly Zhané and Next.
An ongoing dispute between Kaygee and Treach saw Kaygee leave Naughty by Nature in late 2000 to concentrate on his Divine Mill label. The remainder of the group released an album in 2002 titled IIcons, using a variety of different producers including Da Beatminerz - the album however received a lukewarm reception from the public. Treach is rumoured to be releasing a solo album soon. Kaygee has been extremely successful building his Divine Mill imprint with 2 platinum plus albums on both (Divine Mill acts) Jaheim and Next as well as songs on albums from Syleena Johnson and Charlie Wilson among others. In May 2006 Kay Gee reunited with Treach and Naughty by Nature at a concert at B.B. King's nightclub. They will be working together on their next album.
Thug Love
Naughty By Nature Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I got love for my Bloods, got love for my Crips
Got love for my thugs, and we don't trip, we get rich
Love for my disciples, love for my lords
Pitchforks and five stars, street soldiers for sure
Got love for Latin kings, and love for Mexico !
S.A.'s and L.K.'s joint, coast to coast
Love the everyday hustling, bustling, muscling but what
[Treach]
I got a plan, a pound, a payment; let's roll
I'm seeing red, the blue, the brown, black, and gold
Time to stand as one and snatch back the soul
Gangsters, we all can jack back control
Got the bitches coming with the booty and bubbly
Time to discuss streets 'cause shit got ugly
I thought they all facing enemy to enemy
Cause ain't a motherfucking thing here industry
Who in here banging over money, or a bitch that you ain't sure to get
Or soon as you get it, split it
Over a block that's hot, or a chain that he got
The nigga he popped, or over the dimes that HE dropped
Either way we got a bil' a day
Cause nowadays it's kids that spray, they feel that way
And if we chill and wait, and don't delibirate
You see they feel that way, and then they kill that way
[Chorus]
[Vinnie]
I love my niggas to the death of me
I think it's my motherfucking destiny
My homies bringing out the best in me
Shout to my people out on the streets who don't be stressing me
See what you fake niggas can't feel
Is that the real recognize real
Niggas who rob and steal,
could give a fuck about image and sex appeal
So when they see you on the streets (Nigga you know the deal)
hey yo these so-called gangsters, as so-called hard
I seen 'em rolling with a million man entourage
But then they still get touched on by the law
That makes me think, what the fuck they even hired 'em for
You see we all in the same gang
Because we've all hit the same thang
But now it's time niggas game changed
And while he's sleeping calling us 'lost souls'
We send a million O.G.'s straight to the pole
[Chorus]
[Treach: x2]
You got my back, I got yo' back
You got yo' strap, I got my strap
We got it, and you know it
We got it, and you know it
[Treach]
As our people with a purpose, see the shit surface
They get us, 'cause the feds is the nigga you do the dirt with
Sick of pleading 'Your Honor' fuck you, contempt on getting calmer
Sick of these warrants, and drinking and driving drama
Time to, get connected, and stop making them records
Bout slanging and banging, but they can't hold it when it get hectic
A lot of niggas live soft and act hard
A lot of rappers be claiming they be gangsters but trackstars
A lot of cops kick ass, for quick cash, and fast cars
The bottom of the beaten niggas with the last scars
I'ma do Diallo, I feel dog he was hollow
If we don't fight today, it's nothing to fight for tomorrow
[Chorus: x2]
The lyrics of Naughty By Nature's song "Thug Love" express a sense of unity and love among various street gangs and communities. The chorus emphasizes the love and respect the artists have for the Bloods, Crips, thugs, disciples, lords, Latin Kings, and other groups. They acknowledge the struggles these individuals face in their everyday lives, whether it's hustling, dealing with violence, or battling for control. Despite the conflicts that may arise between these groups, the artists emphasize the importance of coming together and standing united.
In the verses, Treach describes a plan to reclaim control and unity among gangsters. He mentions the different colors representing various gangs (red, blue, brown, black, and gold) and calls for solidarity. He criticizes the greed, rivalries, and materialistic values that can lead to violence or betrayal within the community. Treach points out that the younger generation is increasingly prone to carrying weapons and resorting to violence, emphasizing the need for immediate action and dialogue.
Vinnie follows up with his verse, expressing his love and loyalty to his fellow brothers on the street. He highlights the importance of authenticity and being true to oneself. He criticizes those who feign toughness and gangster personas but ultimately fall victim to the law or external pressures. Vinnie emphasizes that they are all part of the same gang, having experienced similar struggles and encouragements them to adapt and evolve in the changing times.
Overall, the song "Thug Love" shows an understanding of the challenges faced by street gangs and communities and encourages unity, peace, and a movement towards positive change.
Line by Line Meaning
I got love for my Bloods, got love for my Crips
I have deep respect and loyalty for the members of the Bloods and Crips gangs.
Got love for my thugs, and we don't trip, we get rich
I have love and admiration for my fellow gang members, and we focus on achieving financial success instead of causing conflicts.
Love for my disciples, love for my lords
I have a strong bond and affection for the members of my gang and the leaders who guide us.
Pitchforks and five stars, street soldiers for sure
We proudly represent the Gangster Disciples and the Latin Kings, two influential and respected gangs, and we are committed to being dedicated foot soldiers in the streets.
Got love for Latin kings, and love for Mexico !
I have love and respect for the members of the Latin Kings gang, as well as the entire country of Mexico.
S.A.'s and L.K.'s joint, coast to coast
The South Americanos and Latin Kings are united across the country, from one coast to another, in a strong and formidable alliance.
Love the everyday hustling, bustling, muscling but what
I find satisfaction and embrace the challenging lifestyle of hustling, thriving amidst the hustle and bustle, and overcoming obstacles through strength and determination.
When we war, we stay struggling
During times of conflict and violence, we endure hardships and continue to face challenges, refusing to back down.
I got a plan, a pound, a payment; let's roll
I have devised a detailed strategy, a valuable quantity of drugs, and the necessary funds to execute our plan effectively. Let's take action.
I'm seeing red, the blue, the brown, black, and gold
I am aware of the different gang colors, representing the Bloods, Crips, Hispanic gangs, African-American gangs, and Latin Kings, which surround me in the streets.
Time to stand as one and snatch back the soul
It is the moment for all of us to unite and reclaim our power, identity, and essence as a collective group.
Gangsters, we all can jack back control
As gang members, we possess the capability to regain control and authority over our communities and territories.
Got the bitches coming with the booty and bubbly
We have women who accompany us with their attractive assets and energetic personalities.
Time to discuss streets 'cause shit got ugly
It is necessary to engage in serious conversations about the street life, as things have become chaotic and unpleasant.
I thought they all facing enemy to enemy
I assumed that everyone was confronting their adversaries directly, one-on-one.
Cause ain't a motherfucking thing here industry
Because the environment we are in is not simply an entertainment business, but a tough and dangerous reality.
Who in here banging over money, or a bitch that you ain't sure to get
Who here is engaging in violent conflicts over monetary disputes or pursuing women who are uncertain to be won over.
Or soon as you get it, split it
Or as soon as you acquire something valuable, you divide it among your associates.
Over a block that's hot, or a chain that he got
Fighting over a territory that attracts a lot of attention from law enforcement or an expensive necklace that someone possesses.
The nigga he popped, or over the dimes that HE dropped
Arguing over a person that he killed or lost his credibility due to his actions.
Either way we got a bil' a day
Regardless of the reason for the conflict, we are making a significant amount of money daily.
Cause nowadays it's kids that spray, they feel that way
Because in current times, there are young individuals who are armed and willing to use their weapons, expressing their emotions in that manner.
And if we chill and wait, and don't deliberate
If we relax and remain passive without contemplating our actions,
You see they feel that way, and then they kill that way
It will become apparent that they harbor those feelings, and then they employ lethal methods to execute their intentions.
I love my niggas to the death of me
I deeply care and have an unbreakable bond with my close friends, even to the point of sacrificing my life for them.
I think it's my motherfucking destiny
I believe that it is my undeniable fate and purpose in life.
My homies bringing out the best in me
My friends inspire and encourage me to reach my full potential and showcase my finest qualities.
Shout to my people out on the streets who don't be stressing me
I want to give a shout-out to the individuals in the street who do not cause unnecessary distress in my life.
Is that the real recognize real
Authentic individuals possess the ability to identify and acknowledge one another based on their genuine nature and shared experiences.
Niggas who rob and steal, could give a fuck about image and sex appeal
Individuals who engage in criminal activities, such as robbery and theft, are not concerned about their public image or attractiveness.
So when they see you on the streets (Nigga you know the deal)
When these individuals encounter you in the streets, they already know what to expect from you and the situation.
hey yo these so-called gangsters, as so-called hard
These individuals who claim to be gangsters and act tough
I seen 'em rolling with a million man entourage
I have witnessed them moving around with a large group of individuals, acting as their entourage.
But then they still get touched on by the law
However, they still end up facing legal consequences and being targeted by law enforcement.
That makes me think, what the fuck they even hired 'em for
This leads me to question the purpose and effectiveness of having hired them as bodyguards or associates in the first place.
You see we all in the same gang
We are all part of the same gang or community.
Because we've all hit the same thang
Because we have all been involved in the same type of illicit activities.
But now it's time niggas game changed
But now, the dynamics of the situation have shifted, and our approach needs to adapt accordingly.
And while he's sleeping calling us 'lost souls'
While the rest of society remains ignorant and dismissive of us, labeling us as lost and damned individuals.
We send a million O.G.'s straight to the pole
We, as experienced gang members, are willing to sacrifice ourselves in large numbers for the sake of our cause and principles.
You got my back, I got yo' back
You can count on me for support and protection, just as I can rely on you.
You got yo' strap, I got my strap
You possess your weapon, and I have mine, indicating that we are both armed.
We got it, and you know it
We are fully capable and equipped to handle any situation that comes our way, and you are aware of our capabilities.
As our people with a purpose, see the shit surface
We, as individuals with a clear mission and collective identity, can witness the emergence and exposure of the current issues and challenges we face.
They get us, 'cause the feds is the nigga you do the dirt with
Law enforcement agencies target us because the individuals we associate with and engage in illegal activities with are often working secretly as informants for them.
Sick of pleading 'Your Honor' fuck you, contempt on getting calmer
We are tired of begging and appealing to judges, expressing our anger and disdain towards their lack of empathy and increasing our resilience.
Sick of these warrants, and drinking and driving drama
We are exhausted from dealing with arrest warrants and the unnecessary problems caused by drinking alcohol and driving recklessly.
Time to, get connected, and stop making them records
It is crucial for us to establish strong connections and alliances while refraining from leaving incriminating evidence or records of our actions.
Bout slanging and banging, but they can't hold it when it get hectic
Talking about engaging in drug dealing and gang-related fights, but when things become chaotic and intense, they are unable to handle the pressure.
A lot of niggas live soft and act hard
Many individuals portray a tough and aggressive image but actually live a comfortable and weak lifestyle.
A lot of rappers be claiming they be gangsters but trackstars
Numerous rappers pretend to be involved in street gang activities, but in reality, they are only focused on their music careers and lack real street credibility.
A lot of cops kick ass, for quick cash, and fast cars
Many police officers abuse their authority for personal financial gain and luxurious possessions, such as expensive cars.
The bottom of the beaten niggas with the last scars
The individuals who have suffered the most and endured the harshest experiences, often located at the lowest level of society, showcase their scars as symbols of their resilience.
I'ma do Diallo, I feel dog he was hollow
I am going to seek justice for Amadou Diallo, as I understand the emotional emptiness his tragic death left behind.
If we don't fight today, it's nothing to fight for tomorrow
If we do not stand up and fight for what we believe in today, we will have nothing worth fighting for in the future.
Lyrics © Royalty Network, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: BROWN, BUCK
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
canibusnj
I wonder who's idea was it to add that sick chant vocal bit to the classic Cha Cha Cha sample, Walt or Paul?? I guess we'll never know!! Some truly John Blaze shit right here for sure. Thanks for sharing!!!
97.7 Outlaw Radio FM (Radio Station)
I am interviewing Baby Paul tomorrow night (09/09/2021) on our radio station and i have this question in my list just for you! it might be 5 years late but you are getting your question answered
Kareem Moye
Goddamn, Naughty by Nature is back 4 yall!!! Oh and me too. I missed you guys!
Ben Wilks
Luv it
Lorenzo dtandberry
It's about time
Stefan Heuser
Daumen Hoch
Wesley
Ill.