(1) a U.S. Rapcrew
(2) a… Read Full Bio ↴There are at least two bands with this name:
(1) a U.S. Rapcrew
(2) a Dutch Punkband
(1)
Katari Cox and Malcolm Greenidge grew up together in New York. They knew each other through Cox's mother and Greenidge's father who were close friends. They and their families later moved to New Jersey where they became friends with Yafeu Fula. Cox's cousin and Fula's Godbrother, Tupac Amaru Shakur, used to look out for them and when he became famous he moved them out of the ghetto and bought them homes in Atlanta, Georgia.
In 1992, Cox, Greenridge and Fula formed a trio. Cox's alias was K-Dog, Greenridge's was Big Malcolm and Fula's was Young Hollywood. The trio went under several names including the Thoro Headz and the Young Thugs. Big Malcolm and K-Dog made their debut on "Flex" on Tupac's "Holler If Ya Hear Me" single which was released on February 4, 1993. In 1994, Young Hollywood's mother and Tupac's aunt, Yassmyn Fula, told Tupac about Mutah Wasin Shabazz Beale, a 16-year-old who witnessed his parents being murdered when he was three or four-years-old. The story made Tupac cry. He decided he wanted to met Beale. They met and soon Beale joined the group. He didn't go under an alias, just his first name, Mutah.
On November 30, Tupac was robbed and shot four times at Quad Recording Studios in New York. The next day he was arrested for sexual abuse. He was found guilty and on February 14, 1995, he was sent to prison to serve up to four and a half years. On April 5, his LP, Me Against The World, was released. The group now known as Dramacydal appeared on two songs, "Me Against The World" and "Outlaw." On June 27, Tupac's "So Many Tears" single was released. It featured "Hard To Imagine," a song by Big Malcolm, K-Dog and Mutah.
Dramacydal almost signed with Interscope Records, but on October 12, Death Row Records, Interscope Records and Time Warner paid a $1.4 million bail to have Tupac released. In return he had to sign a three album deal with Death Row Records. When he was released, he and Dramacydal flew to Death Row Records in Los Angeles, California and started working on his double LP, All Eyez On Me.
When Tupac was serving time he planned to form a new group. He asked Young Hollywood to start searching for members. Of course him, Big Malcolm, K-Dog and Mutah would be members of it, but more were needed. Young Hollywood told Tupac about his friend, Bruce Washington. He said that once when Big Malcolm and K-Dog visited him in Montclair, New Jersey they were robbed of their hats so he went to Washington and asked him to get their hats back. Washington confronted the thieves and they returned their hats. Young Hollywood asked if he could bring Washington with him, Tupac agreed.
Young Hollywood told Washington that he's helping Tupac to search for members for a group they were forming and asked him to be a part of it. Washington didn't believe him and it wasn't brought up again until Yaasmyn Fula mentioned it. At that point he realized that Young Hollywood had been serious. The next day, they visited Tupac. Before he had any chance to introduce himself Tupac asked Washington to drop a few verses. Soon he joined the group. Tupac's brother Mopreme Shakur and Tyruss "Big Syke" Himes of Thug Life joined the group as well.
Tupac gave each member of the group an alias taken from an enemy of America. Big Malcolm's alias was E.D.I. after Ugandian president Idi Amin, Big Syke's was Moozaliny after Italian president Benito Mussolini, K-Dog's was Kastro after Cuban president Fidel Castro, Mopreme's was Komani after Iranian Ayatollah Ruholla Khomeini, Mutah's was Napoleon after French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, Washington's was Hussein Fatal which was later changed to Fatal Hussein after Iraq president Saddam Hussein and Young Hollywood's was Kadafi after Lybian colonel Muammar Al-Qadaafi. Tupac named himself Makaveli The Don after Italian philosopher Niccolò Machiavelli.
Now all that was left was to come up with a name for the group. Tupac liked Lil' Homies, but Fatal who was almost as old as Tupac didn't want people to refer to him as a lil' homie, instead he suggested Outlaw Immortalz which Tupac agreed with.. On February 16, 1996, All Eyez On Me was released. The group guest appeared on "When We Ride" and they made solo guest appearances on "All About U," "Tradin' War Stories," "Thug Passion," "Picture Me Rollin'," "Check Out Time," "All Eyez On Me" and "Run Tha Streetz." After the release Komani and Moozaliny left the group for unknown reasons and female rapper Donna "Storm" Hunter joined the group who changed its name from the Outlaw Immortalz to the Outlawz. Outlawz stands for Operating Under Thug Laws As WarriorZ.
On June 14, Tupac's "How Do U Want It" single was released. It featured "Hit 'Em Up" featuring the Outlawz. It's the most notorious dis song in history. Bad Boy Entertainment, Chino XL, Junior M.A.F.I.A. and Mobb Deep is dissed on it. Tupac claimed he had sex with Bad Boy Entertainment recording artist The Notorious B.I.G.'s wife, Faith Evans. The video which was made for the song was the first Tupac video the Outlawz appeared in. Kadafi and Fatal had their friend, Rufus "Young Noble" Cooper, to join the Outlawz.
On September 7, 1996, Tupac was shot four times in a drive-by-shooting in Las Vegas, Nevada. He was taken to University Medical Center where he died a week later. E.D.I. and Kadafi were in the car behind the one Tupac was riding in. E.D.I. said he couldn't identify the murderer, but Kadafi said he might be able to. The police lead was never followed and Kadafi moved with the rest of the Outlawz back to New Jersey before the police could question him. On November 5, Tupac's LP, The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory, was released. The Outlawz guest appeared on four songs, "Bomb First (My Second Reply)," "Hail Mary," "Life Of An Outlaw" and "Just Like Daddy." "Hail Mary" was the third single and video. Death Row Records didn't credit the Outlawz for being on it and they cut them out of the video.
On November 10, after visiting his girlfriend, Kadafi was shot and killed.. He was found by the police in a third floor hallway of an apartment building in Irvington, New Jersey. He was taken to University Hospital where he died on the afternoon. Who killed him remained unknown to the public until September, 2000, when Napoleon revealed in The Source that it was his cousin, Roddy, who killed him. Roddy claimed it was an accident, Napoleon believed him, but not everyone did; Fatal was one of them.
All of the Outlawz with the exception of Fatal moved back to Los Angeles, California. Although Tupac told them serveral times not to sign with Death Row, the Outlawz signed a contract with Death Row Records. Between 1997 and 1999, you didn't hear much from the Outlawz who were obviously wondering where to go from there. They appeared on other artists' albums, compilations and soundtracks. They guest appeared on "Still Ballin' (remix)," the first single and video of Yukmouth's double LP, Thugged Out: The Albulation. In late 1997, Fatal signed a solo contract with Relativity Records who released his debut single, "Everyday," on March 17, 1998 and his debut LP, In The Line Of Fire, on March 31. Former Kausion member Gonzoe joined the group, but left after three months due to beef with the rest of the members.
Death Row Records and Rap-A-Lot Records almost worked out a deal which would let the Outlawz sign with Rap-A-Lot. They even advertised their upcoming Rap-A-Lot album, Neva Surrenda, in The Source. But the Outlawz changed their minds at the last minute and never signed with Rap-A-Lot. Fatal however signed with them as a solo artist.
On December 21, 1999, their debut album, Still I Rise, was finally released. Tupac appeared on 14 out of 15 songs and Fatal was removed from the songs he originally was on due to beef with the rest of the group. The first single and video of the LP was "Baby Don't Cry (Keep Ya Head Up II)." The LP suffered sales because Death Row Records' CEO Marion "Suge" Knight ordered Interscope Records not to promote it because the Outlawz refused to sign with Suge Publishing. It still went double platinum.
On April 1, the Outlawz filed a $4.5 million lawsuit against Suge, Death Row Records, Interscope Records, Suge Knight Films and Suge Publishing claiming breach of contract, unfair business practices, intentional interference with prospective economic advantages, racketeering and others. They won the lawsuit. With Death Row Records behind them, they felt it was time for them to pursue a deal with another major label. But with each offer they got something would go wrong. So they came to the solution where there's nothing else to do, besides starting their own label.
In February, 2000, the Outlawz were on Live From L.A. and stated they were starting their own label, Outlaw Recordz. They signed Noble's step-daughter, Baby Girle, Dirty Bert, Napoleon's little brother, Hellraza, and Lil' D. Then they looked for distribution. Bay area rapper Spice 1 told his distributor, Bayside Entertainment Distribution, about this. They contacted the Outlawz and signed a distribution deal. On November 7, 2000, the Outlawz's second LP and Outlaw Recordz's first release, Ride Wit Us Or Collide Wit Us, was released. It debuted at the ninth position on the Billboard independent album charts and became the best selling independent rap album of 2000. The first and second single and video were "Black Rain" and "Thug With Me."
In 2001, Napoleon made his film debut in Thug Life which also starred The Lady Of Rage and Willie D. New Child from Harlem, New York joined the group. Tupac always wanted someone from New York to be a member of the Outlawz and Fatal felt New Child was exactly what Pac was looking for before his death. On October 23, Big Syke's label, RideOnUm Record Group, released Thug Law Chapter 1, a collaboration album between the Outlawz and Thug Life.
The Outlawz felt Bayside Entertainment Distribution was too small for them. They left and signed a distribution deal with KOCH Records instead. On November 6, their third LP, Novakane, was released. It debuted at the 100th position on the Billboard 200 and third on the Billboard independent album charts. The first single and video was "World Wide" featuring Tupac and T-Low. The LP also featured "Loyalty," a dis directed at Fatal. There had been beef between Fatal and the rest of the Outlawz for a long time, but it wasn't known for the public until we interviewed Fatal in 2001. Fatal said he was angry at them for not being there for Tupac when he was shot and for "forgiving" Roddy for Kadafi's killing, which Fatal may or may not believe was an accident but felt there was no reason to point a gun at Kadafi's head, period. As Fatal said, accident or not, the outcome is the same. Fatal also questioned their judgement because they signed with Death Row Records although Tupac told them not to.
The future looks bright for the Outlawz. Next year, Fatal's second album, Death Before Dishonor, and New Child's debut album, S.O.G. (Son Of A Gangster) are coming out. Outlaw Recordz is releasing Napoleon's solo debut album, Bonapartes, Noble's solo debut album, Noble Justice, E.D.I. and Kastro's collaboration album, Blood Brothers, and the fourth group album. Fortress Entertainment is releasing their homevideo, World Wide, and E.D.I. is writing a screen play. They've got Outlaw Films and O.G. (Outlaw Gear) coming soon. Let's just hope they can squash their beef, like Tupac said, "Let no man separate what we create!"
(2)
The Dutch punkband formed in november 1981 and were first named Koi Boys. With Jeroen on bass, Maarten and David on guitars and Barend played the drums, vocals were done by Fokkie. The Outlawz split up in july 11983. Numbers by them may be found on the two albums "Als je Haar maar goed Zit".
Black Diamond
Outlawz Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Thug children, it's just a little somethin for y'all
We won't front for y'all, I'ma be blunt with y'all
What you want to be when you grow up?
I want to be a Outlaw just so I can blow up
Damn skippy, one love to young thugs that ran with me as a young'n
Playin kick ball, hide and go seek or somethin
Right on the corner of New, yeah, I remember
We need winners, little homie, stay in school
That machine in between your two ears is a tool
A precious jewel, like my two nieces
Shawniece and Kayla smile, make it all around Christmas
[Name] gettin bigger, [Name] gettin smarter
Think I'm gettin older, watch em like vultures
[Name] got my nephew on the way soon
Want to raise Khalil to be a man like you
Oh damn, and little Janet gettin big fast
But I'ma help [Name] point her down the right path
Times have changed, it all started with the kids
Ghetto children, let's live
[ Kastro ]
Please know this is true, nothing come before you
I couldn't afford jewels before I had you
Now I got one, and I named you Jewel
Daddy don't love much but I sho' love you
You my all, my heartbeat and my feet
And I don't sleep for weeks just so you can eat
And [Names]
And the precious Black Diamonds all alone on the streets
I live for y'all, y'all need me more more than I do
Don't let em lead you wrong, this is y'all song, y'all special
And y'all got my heart right where it need to be
I smile for you cause y'all the destiny
Outlawz love the kids
[ EDI ]
Listen, Malik and Milan
From deep within me, you shine
I know you deserve more of my time
But I'm out here on this grind
Tryin to make a life better for you
Cause money makes the world go round and that's gon' forever stay true
Still when I'm with you it seems like time movin slower
Cause God gave me a chance to give you game 'fore you grow up
Daddy's little soldier, I been born again twice
The strength that I need to go on with this life
Now as I sing this song for you, I'm here to let you know
The world belongs to you, go 'head and get that dough
And let no man stop ya, protect your sister and your mama
And when times get hard, remember, you got your father
My Black Diamond
Black Diamonds
Yes
This goes out to all the black children of the world
All the precious black children
From the Outlawz
We love you
I want to send a special shout-out to [Name] kids, all 7 of em
Yeah
The Black Diamonds
Black Diamonds
The song "Black Diamond" by Outlawz is an homage to the love and responsibility the artists feel towards their children. The verses of the song are dedicated to each of their children by name. Young Noble speaks to the young thugs out there, remembering his own childhood playing on the corner of New York, and how important it is to stay in school and use your mind as a tool to succeed. Kastro speaks specifically to his daughter, named Jewel. He talks about how much he loves her and how everything he does is for her and her siblings. EDI dedicates his verse to his children, Malik and Milan, saying how much he wishes he could spend more time with them but knows that providing for them is important. He tells them to protect their family and to remember they have their father to support them.
The theme of this song is clear: these artists love their children more than anything and will do anything to provide for them and help them succeed. They grew up in tough neighborhoods and want their children to have a better future. It's a message of hope and encouragement to all the kids out there - that they can succeed and that their parents are there for them. The refrain of the song, "Black Diamonds," refers to the children themselves, as they are precious and valuable.
Line by Line Meaning
Thug children, it's just a little somethin for y'all
The Outlawz are dedicating this song to all the young thug children out there
We won't front for y'all, I'ma be blunt with y'all
They aren't going to hide the truth and will be honest with the children
What you want to be when you grow up?
Asking the children what their aspirations are in life
I want to be a Outlaw just so I can blow up
One child wants to join the Outlawz because they believe it will make them famous
Damn skippy, one love to young thugs that ran with me as a young'n
Acknowledging the young thugs that they grew up with
Playin kick ball, hide and go seek or somethin
Remembering the childhood games they used to play
Right on the corner of New, yeah, I remember
Reminiscing about the place they grew up
So much fun as a kid, I ain't want to go in to eat dinner
They had so much fun as a kid that they didn't want to stop playing even for dinner
We need winners, little homie, stay in school
Encouraging the children to stay in school and strive to succeed
That machine in between your two ears is a tool
The brain is a valuable tool that should be utilized to its fullest potential.
A precious jewel, like my two nieces
Comparing the value of his two nieces to that of a precious jewel
Shawniece and Kayla smile, make it all around Christmas
The smiles of his nieces bring joy to their family during the holiday season
[Name] gettin bigger, [Name] gettin smarter
Noting the growth and development of two specific children
Think I'm gettin older, watch em like vultures
As he ages, he becomes more protective of the young ones under his care
[Name] got my nephew on the way soon
One of the children will soon be a father and he wants to set a good example for him
Want to raise Khalil to be a man like you
He wants to be a good role model for his nephew so that he grows up to be a respectable man
Oh damn, and little Janet gettin big fast
One child is growing up quickly
But I'ma help [Name] point her down the right path
He wants to assist one of the children in making wise decisions about her life
Times have changed, it all started with the kids
The children are the future with the power to make a difference
Ghetto children, let's live
Encouraging the children to enjoy their lives to the fullest despite the challenges they may face
Please know this is true, nothing come before you
The rapper's children are his top priority
I couldn't afford jewels before I had you
Before having children, he didn't have anything of great value
Now I got one, and I named you Jewel
Referring to his child as a precious jewel
Daddy don't love much but I sho' love you
He may not express his love often, but he loves his child very much
You my all, my heartbeat and my feet
His child is essential to his existence
And I don't sleep for weeks just so you can eat
He is willing to sacrifice his own wellbeing to provide for his child
And [Names]
Mentioning more of his children by name
And the precious Black Diamonds all alone on the streets
The children of the Black community are valuable and need to be protected
I live for y'all, y'all need me more more than I do
His reason for living is to provide for his children
Don't let em lead you wrong, this is y'all song, y'all special
He wants his children to stay true to themselves and not be influenced by negative forces
And y'all got my heart right where it need to be
The children hold a special place in his heart
I smile for you cause y'all the destiny
He takes pride in his children's potential and futures
Listen, Malik and Milan
Addressing two specific children by name
From deep within me, you shine
His children are a source of light in his life
I know you deserve more of my time
He wishes he could spend more time with his children
But I'm out here on this grind
Working hard to provide for his family
Cause money makes the world go round and that's gon' forever stay true
Money is important in today's world and will always be a factor
Still when I'm with you it seems like time movin slower
When he's with his children, time seems to slow down
Cause God gave me a chance to give you game 'fore you grow up
He sees it as his role to impart wisdom to his children so they can succeed in life
Daddy's little soldier, I been born again twice
His child is like a little soldier and he has undergone a spiritual rebirth because of them
The strength that I need to go on with this life
His children give him the strength to keep moving forward in life
Now as I sing this song for you, I'm here to let you know
He is using this song as a way to express his love and gratitude for his children
The world belongs to you, go 'head and get that dough
Encouraging his children to pursue their dreams and make the most of their opportunities
And let no man stop ya, protect your sister and your mama
Advising his children to be protective of their family
And when times get hard, remember, you got your father
He wants his children to know that he will always be there for them, even in tough times
My Black Diamond
Referring to his child as a valuable gem
This goes out to all the black children of the world
Dedicating the song to all black children
All the precious black children
Recognizing the value of black children in society
Outlawz love the kids
The Outlawz express their love for the children
I want to send a special shout-out to [Name] kids, all 7 of em
Giving a shout-out to a specific family with seven children
Yeah
An expression of agreement or understanding
The Black Diamonds
Referring to black children as precious jewels
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Odiwuor Ocholla
on Leave the Past Behind
BEST SONG EVER, TOO BAD I'M LISTENING TO IT LATE
Odiwuor Ocholla
on Leave the Past Behind
BEST SONG EVER, TOO BAD I'M LISTENING TO IT LATE
Odiwuor Ocholla
on Leave the Past Behind
BEST SONG EVER, TOO BAD I'M LISTENING TO IT LATE