Been Down
Nipsey Hussle Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Never sell out
Sometimes you gotta talk that talk to 'em Nipsey
Sometimes they can't handle it though
But we don't care

Yeah, it's a moment this special
This what happens stay down game bless you
This what happens don't fold the game test you
If you pass it you gone they can't catch you and its permanent
I been down I deserve this shit
Ruff Ryder Roc-A-Fella on my Murda shit
Tryna threat me with the fame ain't concerned with it
Only worry about the green I'm a herbalist
Even though next level look still achieving those
Seven digits model bitches and arena shows
Hundred-thousand make a transfer 'cause my Visa low
Every week I send a text like that to GSO
In the back feeling like Jigga in the GS4
Me and Boogie on some need to know
Watching ATL nigga on the PS4
See they mad at us
They hating on us I don't even know
Nipsey Hussle in a league his own
Niggas lame but to each his own
Changed the game, now I need a throne
Half a mil to Uncle Sam hate to see it go
All money in the squad nigga even though

Man it's hot like a kettle
Calling from the ghetto
Live from the ghetto
Live from the ghetto
We ain't like you
We don't like you
We don't like you
We ain't nothing like you
Goddamn we'd snipe you
Calling from the ghetto
Calling from the ghetto
We need help down here food around here
Or we gon' spray everything down here
Calling from the ghetto
Live from the ghetto
Pick up my call from the ghetto
Pick up my call from the ghetto
We ain't like you
We ain't never like you
We ain't even like your type
Man we'll snipe your type
Live from the ghetto
Man it's live from the ghetto
Came from nothing and made it something
Now I got the whole hood jumping
Tell me what you want now
Calling from the ghetto
Got the block hot like a kettle




Can't even come back to your hood
Everywhere and we here yeah we good yeah

Overall Meaning

In the song "Been Down," Nipsey Hussle and Swizz Beatz reflect on their rise to success and the difficulties they faced along the way. The lyrics speak of staying true to oneself and not "selling out" in the face of fame and fortune. The song highlights the importance of perseverance and the strength it takes to stay grounded in the midst of success.


The first verse talks about the challenges and tests that come with success, and how it can be difficult to pass them, but the reward is permanent. Nipsey mentions his affiliation with Ruff Ryder and Roc-A-Fella and his focus on the money rather than the fame. He also references his achievements, such as making seven-figure deals, being with models, and performing in arenas.


The second verse emphasizes their authenticity and roots, calling from the ghetto and letting people know they are different from those who only pretend to understand the struggle. They speak of their willingness to defend their community by any means necessary and their ability to make something out of nothing, giving hope to those still trapped in poverty.


The chorus repeats the phrase "calling from the ghetto," emphasizing the importance of speaking up for the voiceless and reminding people of where they come from. The song ends with a message of resilience and triumph, with the line "Got the block hot like a kettle, can't even come back to your hood, everywhere and we here, yeah we good, yeah."


Line by Line Meaning

Never sell out
Always be true to yourself and your principles, even if it means not taking the easy path of compromising your values for success.


Sometimes you gotta talk that talk to 'em Nipsey
There are times when you need to assert yourself and speak your truth, even if it may not be popular or well-received by others.


Sometimes they can't handle it though
However, not everyone may have the capacity or willingness to accept the message you are conveying.


But we don't care
Regardless of whether others can handle it or not, it is important to stay true to yourself and your beliefs.


Yeah, it's a moment this special
Recognizing that this is a significant point in time that should be celebrated and appreciated.


This what happens stay down game bless you
Persevering through adversity and sticking to your goals and ambitions will eventually bring success and good fortune.


This what happens don't fold the game test you
Getting involved in the game means that you will be challenged in various ways, but you must stay strong and not give up.


If you pass it you gone they can't catch you and its permanent
Overcoming the obstacles in the game and succeeding means that you will have reached a point of permanence where others cannot catch up to your level of achievement.


I been down I deserve this shit
Having gone through tough times and struggles, it feels satisfying and well-deserved to finally achieve success.


Ruff Ryder Roc-A-Fella on my Murda shit
Drawing inspiration from other successful musical ventures like Ruff Ryder and Roc-A-Fella, and embracing the gritty, street-oriented style of music and lifestyle that comes with it.


Tryna threat me with the fame ain't concerned with it
While fame may be seen as a threat or a potential problem, it is not a major concern for the artist at the moment.


Only worry about the green I'm a herbalist
Focusing on financial success and growth, while still referencing his passion for weed and natural remedies as a 'herbalist.'


Even though next level look still achieving those
Despite already reaching a certain level of success, the artist is still striving to achieve more and reach new heights.


Seven digits model bitches and arena shows
Referring to the high amount of money being made with model girlfriends and large-scale arena concerts, highlighting the luxurious lifestyle now available through hard work and success.


Hundred-thousand make a transfer 'cause my Visa low
Even though the artist has achieved success, there are still some financial struggles or drawbacks, such as low credit card limits requiring a constant transfer of funds.


Every week I send a text like that to GSO
Maintaining business relationships and ensuring that transactions and agreements are followed through with regularly.


In the back feeling like Jigga in the GS4
Feeling accomplished and successful like Jay-Z in his GS4 car, representing how far the artist has come and the aspirations he has for his own musical career.


Me and Boogie on some need to know
Discussing sensitive or confidential information that requires a higher level of trust and discretion.


Watching ATL nigga on the PS4
Enjoying leisure time by playing video games, observing the culture and lifestyle of Atlanta depicted in the game.


See they mad at us
Other people may feel angry or resentful towards the artist and his success.


They hating on us I don't even know
It is unclear why people are hating on the artist, which may reflect a sense of confusion and frustration towards the negativity.


Nipsey Hussle in a league his own
Acknowledging that the artist has made a significant impact on the music industry and carved out his own unique identity and sound.


Niggas lame but to each his own
Other people may be considered lame or uncool, but everyone has their own preferences and lifestyles that they are entitled to.


Changed the game, now I need a throne
Having disrupted and revolutionized the music industry with his innovative style and approach, the artist now desires to be recognized as a leader and king of the game.


Half a mil to Uncle Sam hate to see it go
Despite the wealth and success that has been achieved, a significant portion of it is lost to taxes and other government-related expenses.


All money in the squad nigga even though
Emphasizing that despite the financial expenses, the artist is still putting all of his money and effort into his squad and supporting his team.


Man it's hot like a kettle
Describing the tense and high-pressure environment and situation.


Calling from the ghetto
Making a plea or call for help from the impoverished and struggling neighborhood.


Live from the ghetto
Presenting the raw, authentic perspective and experience of living in the ghetto.


We ain't like you
Highlighting the differences in lifestyle and values between those in the ghetto versus others.


We don't like you
Perhaps referring to those who do not understand or support their struggles and situation.


We ain't nothing like you
Reiterating the idea that the people in the ghetto have unique experiences and characteristics that set them apart from others.


Goddamn we'd snipe you
Feeling a sense of animosity or anger towards those who do not support or understand them, potentially resulting in violent tendencies.


We need help down here food around here
Making a plea for basic necessities and assistance in the impoverished neighborhood.


Or we gon' spray everything down here
Warning of potential violence or destruction if help and resources are not provided to the neighborhood.


Pick up my call from the ghetto
Asking for attention and consideration towards the struggles and challenges faced by those living in the ghetto.


We ain't never like you
Reinforcing the idea that those living in the ghetto are different from others and have unique experiences and perspectives.


We ain't even like your type
Rejecting or disliking those who do not understand or support their lifestyle and struggles.


Man we'll snipe your type
Emphasizing the feelings of anger or animosity towards those who do not understand or support their situation, and the potential for violence as a result.


Live from the ghetto
Continuing to present the raw authenticity of living in the ghetto and the struggles faced by those in the community.


Man it's live from the ghetto
Highlighting the intense and high-pressure environment that comes with life in the ghetto.


Came from nothing and made it something
Having overcome adversity and difficult circumstances to achieve success and create a better life.


Now I got the whole hood jumping
Celebrating and acknowledging the positive impact and influence that the artist has had on the neighborhood and community.


Tell me what you want now
Asking for feedback or input on how to continue creating a positive impact on the neighborhood and beyond.


Got the block hot like a kettle
Having generated a lot of interest and attention in the neighborhood through musical success and other achievements.


Can't even come back to your hood
Feeling a sense of exclusion or disconnect from one's own community due to newfound wealth and success.


Everywhere and we here yeah we good yeah
Despite the challenges and struggles, the artist and his team have made it, and feel confident and secure in their position.




Lyrics Β© DistroKid, Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Ermias Joseph Asghedom, Kasseem Dean, Christopher Steven Brown, ERMIAS ASGHEDOM, LARRANCE LEVAR DOPSON, MARTY KUPERSMITH

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@siddhivinayak3712

Never sell out
Sometimes you gotta talk that talk to 'em Nipsey
Sometimes they can't handle it though
But we don't care
Yeah, it's a moment this special
This what happens stay down game bless you
This what happens don't fold the game test you
If you pass it you gone they can't catch you and its permanent
I been down I deserve this shit
Ruff Ryder Roc-A-Fella on my Murda shit
Tryna threat me with the fame ain't concerned with it
Only worry about the green I'm a herbalist
Even though next level look still achieving those
Seven digits model bitches and arena shows
Hundred-thousand make a transfer 'cause my Visa low
Every week I send a text like that to GSO
In the back feeling like Jigga in the GS4
Me and Boogie on some need to know
Watching ATL nigga on the PS4
See they mad at us
They hating on us I don't even know
Nipsey Hussle in a league his own
Niggas lame but to each his own
Changed the game, now I need a throne
Half a mil to Uncle Sam hate to see it go
All money in the squad nigga even though
Man it's hot like a kettle
Calling from the ghetto
Live from the ghetto
Live from the ghetto
We ain't like you
We don't like you
We don't like you
We ain't nothing like you
Goddamn we'd snipe you
Calling from the ghetto
Calling from the ghetto
We need help down here food around here
Or we gon' spray everything down here
Calling from the ghetto
Live from the ghetto
Pick up my call from the ghetto
Pick up my call from the ghetto
We ain't like you
We ain't never like you
We ain't even like your type
Man we'll snipe your type
Live from the ghetto
Man it's live from the ghetto
Came from nothing and made it something
Now I got the whole hood jumping
Tell me what you want now
Calling from the ghetto
Got the block hot like a kettle
Can't even come back to your hood
Everywhere and we here yeah we good yea



All comments from YouTube:

@Brix267

Nipsey was too powerful his presence spoke in volumes....miss you bro you ain't deserve death TMC....facts

@coneyoster1275

213 million plus intelligence definitely =power.

@savorreybrown3763

Facts πŸ’―

@teermusk

1000 facts

@orlandocruz9473

Only when someone passes they mean alot to people smh.

@beforethemayflowermanofhue5435

Brix267 death is a promise to us all.

19 More Replies...

@mottymorganlukhele4371

Still mourning his untimely death. Almost 3 years and I don't think I'll ever get over it😭

@wizcold9103

Same cuhh

@abdouhydara1757

I myself and I think all hip hop lovers can't stop mouring for great nip#we love you ❀️

@geo3263

@abdou hydara facts

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