(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".
Get Paid
Outlawz Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah, from the bottom
For the depths, for the bottom
We come from there, but we still here
We still breath, so long as we got air in these lungs *exhale*
We gonna get something, no matter how, no matter what
Listen
Yo, my whole block family, we all argue and fight
But if you not family, keep talkin alright?
Will you get them Nikes? Oh you like them yeah?
They look good on me, you wanna cop a pair
Though it takes some time, we still love everybody
Them like my thug sisters, so I'm fuckin every mommy
Everybody know my face, everybody know my name
As I walk through I heard em sayin 'Noble do his thing'
I'm flowin through this game like I'm slidin on ice
Brought these niggaz insane like I'm slidin in dice
Applyin the wife, but ain't nobody dyin tonight
We fryin the rice, dinner on the steps tonight
I bet your life I just might stretch your wife
Stretch your dime, stretch your doe, and stretch your time
It might sound short, then I'll stretch the rhyme
Nothin but another day, know I ain't gonna lie
[Chorus - TQ]
I still remember when a nigga didn't have a thang
Curb surfin on the corner each and every day (every day)
For all the people cause I never find a better way
Ain't gonna stop me from hittin when I see some paper (I'm gettin it nigga)
Somebody tell me what's the price for a better day
But it don't matter, I'm gonna get mine anyway
But in the scene It's like I still hear my feet the same
Can we get paid? just want to get paid
[EDI Mean - Verse 2]
Man I wasn't born with it
But I'm gonna get it
Let it be known I'm on a mission
>From boss livin, no bullshittin'
And I don't sit around in this who don't want nothin
And I don't kick it with these bitches who always want somethin
I'm my own man, own plan, been that way
Lost my father, shit got harder man, and since that day
I never ever really trust the world again
Age ten, feel frustration
No patience when it all forego
Fuck takin it slow
I'd rather take it and blow
I still roll daily
Only stoppin for my babies
I'm a hard=luck nigga
Keep your guard up nigga
Large cut getta
I gotta have my piece
I'll chop it up with ya man
But I gotta have my piece
You cannot be mad at me
I'm game tight on all sides
Obstacles cannot damage my pride
I manage to ride, but be it wasn't easy
Young struggla, livin for the love of us
Outlaw
Chorus
[Kastro - Verse 3]
I'm bluntin, so I'm strapped, and I'm starred and cautious
Ain't nothin but a day at the office
I stand alone so I cut my losses
And sometimes I drink until I feel nauseous (ha)
It's not easy, believe me, it's no fun
Still I chase my paper, till I can't run
And I was still just a kid till I had one
If not for bad luck, I probably wouldn't have nothin
It's two G's and I just can't quit yet
Through all they mind so I just can't sit back
I stand strong so you know I don't get checked
The born Outlaw so you know I ain't wit' that
My younger days in the day tryin to figure out
A million ways to get paid in a bigger amount
I ain't a mystery, it's elementary
Cash rules, and that's the way it was meant to be
[Napolean - Verse 4]
Eat now, I'm kinda low in the pockets
House lookin like shit, volts is climbin out the sockets
But that's how it is in twenty-three a.m.
Brick City, N-J
Besides Cali, it's the home of the A-K
I'm paid to roll, was raised too low
But at least in my heart, I've always felt alone
I stayed strong through all the times I supposed to
I pray to God daily, you barely when you supposed to
Close to the money cause it's close to my heart
In my life, death ain't nothin but a walk in the park
Hard times gettin sweeter now
I guess Allah must have blessed us cause we eatin now
Come on
[Young Noble - Verse 5]
(TQ = Can I get paid X 3)
Reminiscin of the days we was broke man (broke man)
We still missin tryin to get it, it's a sure thang (sure thang)
The forecast for today said it's gonna rain (gonna rain)
Heat showers on the block, still we gonna hang (gonna hang)
Live yours, and you know I'm tryin to live mine (live mine)
Get yours, cause I ain't tryin to give mine (give mine)
Everybody comin out at the same time (same time)
Nothin but another day, know I can't lie
Reminiscin of the days we was broke man (broke man)
Heat showers on the block, still we gonna hang (still we gonna hang)
The song "Get Paid" by Outlawz featuring TQ is a rap song about overcoming struggles and difficulties to achieve success and get paid. The song consists of five verses and a chorus sung by TQ. Each verse is performed by a different member of the Outlawz. The first verse, performed by Young Noble, talks about his upbringing, being from the streets, and how he loves his family. He also talks about his love for his community and expresses a desire to help everyone he can. The Chorus sung by TQ talks about how he remembers when he didn't have anything, so he is always hustling to get something. He talks about how he will do whatever is necessary to get paid.
The second verse is performed by EDI Mean, who talks about his mission to get paid and that he does not trust people easily, especially those who always want something from him. He talks about his past and how he lost his father when he was young, making his childhood more difficult. Despite everything, he remains a hard worker and shows pride in his work. The third verse, performed by Kastro, talks about how he is always working and chases the paper. He mentions that he has had bad luck but still remains devoted to work. He talks about how he grew up trying to figure out how to get paid and emphasizes that cash rules everything.
The fourth verse is performed by Napoleon, who talks about his current financial situation, how his house is in bad shape, but he keeps going. He also mentions where he is from (Brick City, N-J) and how that's the home of the A-K. He talks about how he has always had to work hard to stay afloat but remains grateful for everything he has. Lastly, Young Noble finishes off the song with the last verse, where he talks about reminiscing about past struggles, and how, despite them, he is still pushing through.
Overall, the song's message is about the struggle to get paid, and how one must continue to work hard to overcome challenges and obstacles to succeed. The members of Outlawz also express their love for their family and community.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah, from the bottom
We started from the lowest point, with nothing
For the depths, for the bottom
We come from the depths of poverty and struggle
We come from there, but we still here
Despite our difficult past, we have survived and are still present
We still breath, so long as we got air in these lungs *exhale*
As long as we are alive, we will continue to persevere and strive
We gonna get something, no matter how, no matter what
We are determined to achieve success, regardless of the obstacles we face
Yo, my whole block family, we all argue and fight
In our community, we may have disagreements and conflicts
But if you not family, keep talkin alright?
If you are not part of our close-knit group, your opinions do not matter
Will you get them Nikes? Oh you like them yeah?
Are you going to buy those Nike shoes? Oh, you're interested in them?
They look good on me, you wanna cop a pair
They look good on me, do you want to buy a pair too?
Though it takes some time, we still love everybody
Even though it may take time, we still have love for everyone
Them like my thug sisters, so I'm fuckin every mommy
They are like my close sisters, so I have intimate relations with every woman
Everybody know my face, everybody know my name
My face and name are well-known to everyone
As I walk through I heard em sayin 'Noble do his thing'
As I walk through, I hear people praising and encouraging me
I'm flowin through this game like I'm slidin on ice
I am smoothly navigating through the music industry, effortlessly
Brought these niggaz insane like I'm slidin in dice
My talent and presence in the industry drive these rappers crazy
Applyin the wife, but ain't nobody dyin tonight
Engaging in violence, but nobody is getting killed tonight
We fryin the rice, dinner on the steps tonight
We are cooking rice and having dinner on the steps tonight
I bet your life I just might stretch your wife
I am confident enough to say that I might have an affair with your wife
Stretch your dime, stretch your doe, and stretch your time
I can make your money and time go further than you can
It might sound short, then I'll stretch the rhyme
If my verse sounds short, I will extend it with additional lyrics
Nothin but another day, know I ain't gonna lie
Just another day, and I'm being truthful about it
I still remember when a nigga didn't have a thang
I vividly recall the times when I had nothing
Curb surfin on the corner each and every day (every day)
Spending time on the street corner every day
For all the people cause I never find a better way
Doing it for the people and searching for a better way, but haven't found it yet
Ain't gonna stop me from hittin when I see some paper (I'm gettin it nigga)
I will not be deterred from making money when I see the opportunity
Somebody tell me what's the price for a better day
Can someone let me know the cost of achieving a better life?
But it don't matter, I'm gonna get mine anyway
But it doesn't matter, I will find a way to achieve my goals regardless
But in the scene It's like I still hear my feet the same
Despite my success, I still feel connected to my humble beginnings
Can we get paid? just want to get paid
Can we achieve financial success? That's all I desire
Man I wasn't born with it
I didn't start with wealth or privilege
But I'm gonna get it
But I am determined to acquire it
Let it be known I'm on a mission
I want to make it clear that I have a specific goal
From boss livin, no bullshittin'
Living like a boss, no time for nonsense
And I don't sit around in this who don't want nothin
I don't associate with people who lack ambition or goals
And I don't kick it with these bitches who always want somethin
I don't spend time with women who are always looking for something
I'm my own man, own plan, been that way
I am independent and have always had my own plans
Lost my father, shit got harder man, and since that day
When I lost my father, life became more challenging, but I've persevered
I never ever really trust the world again
I have lost trust in the world and its intentions
Age ten, feel frustration
Since I was ten years old, I have experienced frustration
No patience when it all forego
I have little patience when it comes to sacrificing for success
Fuck takin it slow
I don't believe in taking things slowly
I'd rather take it and blow
I prefer to take risks and go all-in
I still roll daily
I continue to face challenges every day
Only stoppin for my babies
I only pause in my pursuit of success for the sake of my children
I'm a hard=luck nigga
I have faced many hardships in life
Keep your guard up nigga
Stay vigilant and protect yourself
Large cut getta
I aim for a large share of the profits
I gotta have my piece
I need to secure my portion
I'll chop it up with ya man
I will discuss and negotiate with anyone
But I gotta have my piece
But I must ensure I receive my share
You cannot be mad at me
You cannot hold resentment towards me
I'm game tight on all sides
I am skilled and experienced in various aspects of life
Obstacles cannot damage my pride
Challenges and obstacles cannot diminish my self-esteem
I manage to ride, but be it wasn't easy
I continue to persevere, but it hasn't been easy
Young struggla, livin for the love of us
I am a young individual who fights to support and protect my community
I'm bluntin, so I'm strapped, and I'm starred and cautious
I am cautious and alert, armed and ready for anything
Ain't nothin but a day at the office
Dealing with challenges is just another day in the life
I stand alone so I cut my losses
I am independent and willing to let go of anything that holds me back
And sometimes I drink until I feel nauseous (ha)
Sometimes I drink to the point of feeling sick
It's not easy, believe me, it's no fun
It's not easy, trust me, and it's not enjoyable
Still I chase my paper, till I can't run
Nevertheless, I continue to pursue financial success until I am unable to
And I was still just a kid till I had one
I was still young and immature until I became a parent
If not for bad luck, I probably wouldn't have nothin
If it weren't for bad luck, I likely wouldn't have anything
It's two G's and I just can't quit yet
I have $2000 and I am not ready to give up
Through all they mind so I just can't sit back
Despite what others may think, I cannot be complacent
I stand strong so you know I don't get checked
I remain resilient, and others should know better than to test me
The born Outlaw so you know I ain't wit' that
Being an Outlaw by nature, I don't tolerate such behavior
My younger days in the day tryin to figure out
During my younger years, I spent my days trying to find solutions
A million ways to get paid in a bigger amount
Exploring numerous ways to make more money
I ain't a mystery, it's elementary
My methods are simple and easy to understand
Cash rules, and that's the way it was meant to be
Money holds power and control, and that's the way the world operates
Eat now, I'm kinda low in the pockets
Currently, I am financially struggling
House lookin like shit, volts is climbin out the sockets
My house is in a poor condition, and electrical issues are apparent
But that's how it is in twenty-three a.m.
But that's the reality of my life at this early hour of the day
Brick City, N-J
I am from Brick City, New Jersey
Besides Cali, it's the home of the A-K
Apart from California, it is known for being a place of gang activity
I'm paid to roll, was raised too low
I have learned to survive and adapt, despite my disadvantaged upbringing
But at least in my heart, I've always felt alone
Although I often feel alone, I find solace in my own heart
I stayed strong through all the times I supposed to
I have remained resilient during all the challenging times I faced
I pray to God daily, you barely when you supposed to
I pray to God every day, unlike those who only do so occasionally or when they feel like it
Close to the money cause it's close to my heart
I am dedicated to making money because it holds great importance to me
In my life, death ain't nothin but a walk in the park
To me, death holds little fear or significance
Hard times gettin sweeter now
Difficult times are becoming more manageable
I guess Allah must have blessed us cause we eatin now
I believe that God has blessed us with abundance and prosperity
Reminiscin of the days we was broke man (broke man)
Remembering the times when we were financially struggling
We still missin tryin to get it, it's a sure thang (sure thang)
We still have a strong desire to succeed and achieve financial stability
The forecast for today said it's gonna rain (gonna rain)
The forecast predicts rain for today, implying hardships
Heat showers on the block, still we gonna hang (gonna hang)
Despite the challenges, we will continue to survive and stay united
Live yours, and you know I'm tryin to live mine (live mine)
You live your life, and I am focused on living mine
Get yours, cause I ain't tryin to give mine (give mine)
You should pursue your own success, as I am not willing to share mine
Everybody comin out at the same time (same time)
Everyone is trying to make it in the world simultaneously
Nothin but another day, know I can't lie
It's just another day, and I'm being honest about it
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