Obie Trice III was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan by his mother, along with three brothers. He is of African American and German descent. Trice was given a karaoke machine by his mother when he was eleven and he used it to rhyme over instrumentals from artists such as N.W.A. By the age of fourteen, he was attending rap battle spots around Detroit, notably including the Hip Hop Shop.
Obie Trice went by the name of Obie 1 during this time, but when he first met Proof, who was about to introduce him at the Hip Hop Shop, Proof asked him, "What's your name? Your real name, no gimmicks." He was then introduced as Obie Trice, and has kept his real name as his rap name. Trice was introduced to Eminem through D12 member Bizarre. Hot Rapper: Obie Trice. Rolling Stone. Accessed January 22, 2008. Later, Trice received a call from his manager informing him that he would be having dinner with Eminem, and later that night they went to a Kid Rock party.
Before first major release, early years on Shady Records
As an acquaintance of D12 member Bizarre, Obie was signed after a personal introduction to Eminem allowed him to impress the Detroit rap legend in-person. The general public were first introduced to Obie on D12's Devil's Night album on a skit. His one-line opener ("Obie Trice: Real name, no gimmicks" - taken from his song "Rap Name" and referring to the lack of a rap pseudonym) on Eminem's lead single; "Without Me", off the critically-acclaimed and commercially successful The Eminem Show increased public awareness of his name and slogan. Obie also appeared in the video for the song, body-slamming a dummy representing Moby. Appearances on DJ Green Lantern's official Shady Records Invasion mixtape series, allowed him to further his public recognition.
In 2002, Trice appeared in 8 Mile as one of the rappers in the Chin Tiki parking lot scene. Trice also has a featured appearance as Big Pimpin' in the Detroit made independent feature film Life Goes On, which will premiere at the Cannes International Film Festival in May 2006.
A short while before the first Invasion mixtape was released, he became involved in the Eminem-Benzino beef after being called out by Benzino with the line "Obie Trice/You's a buster" in a diss-track directed at Eminem and Shady Records. In response to Benzino, Obie released the track "Welcome to Detroit City" (a track over the beat from Cam'ron's song "Welcome to New York City") on the first Invasion mixtape. He also joined his label-mates in the highly publicised Ja Rule-50 Cent beef but never received a direct response from Ja Rule.
Cheers
His debut album Cheers was released on September 23, 2003 with its first single "Got Some Teeth" being well received on radio in a number of countries. He also released the songs "Don't Come Down" and "The Set Up". The album consists of 17 tracks with production from Eminem, Dr. Dre, Timbaland, Mike Elizondo, Emile, Fredwreck and Denaun Porter. Artists featuring on Cheers include Busta Rhymes, Eminem, Dr. Dre, Nate Dogg and D12 among others. The album was eventually certified platinum by the RIAA.
Second Rounds On Me
As of 2005 he has begun work on his second album, entitled 2nd Rounds On Me, which was expected later that year. Never making the 2005 calendar mark, Obie set sights on releasing it in 2006. Although the album will be released by Shady Records, it will feature a lineup primarily comprised of local Detroit rappers with decreased presence from Eminem and other Shady/Aftermath artists.
Shooting
On December 31, 2005, Trice was shot twice while driving on the Lodge Expressway by Wyoming Avenue in Detroit. One of the bullets entered his skull. Trice was able to drive off the expressway, where his girlfriend waved down police. He was taken to Providence Hospital and released later that day. Doctors are still contemplating whether or not to remove the bullet which entered his head, as it may be too dangerous to operate.
Leaving Shady Records, current situation
Obie Trice left Shady Records on June 26, 2008, because of a dispute because Interscope claimed they would not fund another Obie Trice CD. This news was first put into circulation by Hip-Hop blog Urban Lookout; a few days after they broke the news, a track (Giants) leaked confirming the rumor. Even though Obie has left Shady Records, Eminem's manager Paul Rosenberg says that Eminem and Obie are still close friends, and that Eminem will still work with Obie Trice on future projects.
Discography:
Cheers (2003) - Platinum
2nd Rounds On Me (2006) Released:August 15, 2006
Featured/Other songs:
"Doe Ray Me": D12 and Obie Trice
"Love Me": Eminem, 50 Cent and Obie Trice
"Drips": Eminem and Obie Trice
"Spend Some Time": Eminem, 50 Cent, Stat Quo and Obie Trice
"Adrenaline Rush": Obie Trice
"Fok de Macht": The Opposites and Obie Trice
"Loyalty": D12 and Obie Trice
"Doctor Doctor": Bizarre and Obie Trice
"72nd & Central": Proof, J-Hill and Obie Trice
"Stay Bout It": Obie Trice and Stat Quo
"Growing Up in the Hood": The Game and Obie Trice
"Hennessey": 2Pac and Obie Trice
"Drama Setter": Tony Yayo, Eminem, and Obie Trice
"It Has Been Said": Eminem, Diddy and Obie Trice
"War": Trick Trick and Obie Trice
"Hustler": 50 Cent and Obie Trice
"Get That Money": 50 Cent, Obie Trice, and Lloyd Banks
"Get That Money (remix)": 50 Cent, Obie Trice, Lloyd Banks, and Krondon
Detroit State of Mind
Obie Trice Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Jokes on us
Everything in the city ain't pretty
When you're looking at the curvy, thick
Trying to make a way to survive
Even though it ain't right
I'm trying to preach another ghetto hymn
Hustling to come up all my life
Testify, it's just a Detroit state of mind
Detroit win'er, cold in December
Hustle on the corner, tether on the fibula
N_ wanna stick 'em up cause O's getting richerer
That ain't a word, but birds they speak literature
Literally hood house, semi in the couch
Figuring life out with this last half an ounce
We just trying to defeat the drought, make ends meet
Flous like a motherfucking bous
Slim Thugger Sig Deuce ninety
Drug smuggler, they ain't got love for us
Cuff us, throw us in jail for being hustlers
We on that knuckle so why would you fuck with us?
Y'all don't know Pacific
Just to be 'pecific, N_, came out of Michigan
No pot to piss in
Just a few rocks in this pocket for flippin'
Everything in the city ain't pretty
When you're looking at the curvy, thick
Trying to make a way to survive
Even though it ain't right
I'm trying to preach another ghetto hymn
A state that doers be
Hustling to come up all my life
Testify, it's just a Detroit state of mind
Turn this shit the fuck up
I come up amongst the monster youngsters
Blazin' ass, wrong facing time
They'll blow out a N_ state of mind
Real talk, white lines
That's real chalk, night time we peel off
Through pipelines, we deal raw, real boss
Seen it all through my optical at spots
Aunties and uncles coppin the blow
In areas not many cops can go
If possible, I got a purpose
God put me here on purpose, or worse
Or am I worthless? I wish life was picture perfect
The feds taking pictures, snitches working
Them dealers lurking, through the traffic
Pushers pushing the package
Neighborhood full of addicts, graveyard full of caskets
They asking, time waits for a dboy
Where the street noise it's the real deep d voice
Evading the decoy, all shooters on deploy
Fuck the crime rate, my mind state is Detroit
Everything in the city ain't pretty
When you're looking at the curvy, thick
Trying to make a way to survive
Even though it ain't right
I'm trying to preach another ghetto hymn
A state that doers be
Hustling to come up all my life
Testify, it's just a Detroit state of mind
Everything in the city ain't pretty
When you're looking at the curvy, thick
Trying to make a way to survive
Even though it ain't right
I'm trying to preach another ghetto hymn
A state that doers be
Hustling to come up all my life
Testify, it's just a Detroit state of mind
The lyrics to Obie Trice's song "Detroit State of Mind" depict the harsh realities of life in Detroit, Michigan. The song highlights the struggles of trying to make a living in a city where drug dealing, violence, and poverty are prevalent. Trice describes the city as full of hustlers who are constantly struggling to make ends meet, and who are often forced into illegal activities just to survive.
The first verse of the song discusses the difficulties of living in Detroit and trying to find a way to survive. Trice talks about the curvy, thick women in the city and how he's trying to make it despite the obstacles he faces. He mentions trying to preach another ghetto hymn, indicating that he's trying to spread hope and positivity in a place where it's hard to find.
The second verse delves into the drug culture in Detroit. Trice talks about dealing drugs and the dangers that come with it, including the risk of violence and getting arrested. He also touches on the corruption within the police force, where they may unfairly target and arrest those who are simply trying to survive.
Overall, "Detroit State of Mind" is an honest portrayal of life in a city known for its struggles. Trice highlights the challenges that many face on a daily basis and sheds light on the harsh realities of poverty and drug culture.
Line by Line Meaning
What up
Greetings or salutations
Jokes on us
The situation is worse than it appears
Everything in the city ain't pretty
Negativity often surrounds one in the city
When you're looking at the curvy, thick
Referring to Detroit's hazardous urban landscape
Trying to make a way to survive
Doing whatever it takes to make ends meet
Even though it ain't right
Survival may involve unsavory activities
I'm trying to preach another ghetto hymn
Spreading a message of hope among Detroit's deprived residents
A state that doers be
A place where hard-working individuals hustle and grind
Hustling to come up all my life
Determined to achieve success despite unfortunate surroundings
Testify, it's just a Detroit state of mind
Unfortunate conditions in Detroit shape one's mentality
Detroit win'er, cold in December
Detroit's cold winters are brutal
Hustle on the corner, tether on the fibula
Residents hustle on the streets, with danger always present
N_ wanna stick 'em up cause O's getting richerer
Jealousy often leads to violence and theft
That ain't a word, but birds they speak literature
Slang is common in Detroit, even if it's not grammatically correct
Literally hood house, semi in the couch
Houses in Detroit are often in poor condition and unsafe
Figuring life out with this last half an ounce
Surviving on meager resources, making the most of every opportunity
We just trying to defeat the drought, make ends meet
Working hard to overcome poverty and lack of resources
Flous like a motherfucking bous
Hoping to achieve financial success and stability
Drug smuggler, they ain't got love for us
Dealing drugs may lead to ostracism, even within one's own community
Cuff us, throw us in jail for being hustlers
Police often target individuals for simply trying to make a living
We on that knuckle so why would you fuck with us?
Living on the edge creates an attitude of toughness and resiliency
Y'all don't know Pacific
You don't understand where we come from in Detroit
Just to be 'pecific, N_, came out of Michigan
A proud Michigan native, despite the difficulties
No pot to piss in
Living in poverty, with few resources or options
Just a few rocks in this pocket for flippin'
Making the most of limited resources to try and earn a living
Turn this shit the fuck up
Request to increase the volume of the music
I come up amongst the monster youngsters
Growing up among gangs and violence
Blazin' ass, wrong facing time
Engaging in dangerous activities, risking imprisonment
They'll blow out a N_ state of mind
The harsh realities of Detroit can break one's spirit
Real talk, white lines
Speaking truth about the prevalence of drugs in the city
That's real chalk, night time we peel off
Leaving the scene of a crime under the cover of darkness
Through pipelines, we deal raw, real boss
Drugs are smuggled into the city through various means
Seen it all through my optical at spots
Witnessing the violence and struggle in Detroit
Aunties and uncles coppin the blow
Even family members can be involved in drug activity
In areas not many cops can go
Certain neighborhoods in Detroit are too dangerous for police to patrol
If possible, I got a purpose
Despite the challenges, striving to find a reason for living
God put me here on purpose, or worse
Believing that one's existence serves a greater purpose, or that there is no purpose at all
Or am I worthless?
Questioning one's value and place in society
I wish life was picture perfect
Longing for a life free of struggle and hardship
The feds taking pictures, snitches working
The fear of being caught by law enforcement or betrayed by a fellow criminal
Them dealers lurking, through the traffic
Drug dealers operate covertly, often in busy areas
Pushers pushing the package
Dealers continually seek out customers for their drugs
Neighborhood full of addicts, graveyard full of caskets
The impact of drugs and crime is visible throughout the city
They asking, time waits for a dboy
Drug dealing is a high-risk, high-reward profession with potentially severe consequences
Where the street noise it's the real deep d voice
The sounds of the city can be overwhelming and contribute to one's mentality
Evading the decoy, all shooters on deploy
Always aware of the possibility of danger and the presence of law enforcement
Fuck the crime rate, my mind state is Detroit
Regardless of what the statistics say, the realities and experiences of Detroit shape one's mentality
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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