There are at least two bands with this name:
(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".

Hang On
Outlawz Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Uh
What (Hang on) wherever you at
Hold your head
Put your head to the sky
For my ankle bracelet niggas (Hang on)
25 to life niggas
Outlawz hang on (Hang on)
Hang on

All my thugs hang on (Hang on)
Hang on (Hang on)
Yeah

Verse 1: Young Noble

For all my thug niggas I got on the block (Hang on)
For all the little homies running from the cops (Hang on)
If you a fiend around the way coked out (Hang on)
If you a ex-drug dealer smoked out (Hang on)
If you a soldier locked down in the hole (Hang on)
No heat in your house and its cold (Hang on)
No job just got laid off (Hang on)
You did your verse but we taking you off (Hang on)
You had your ears all ready for the Lawz (Hang on)
And if you think about sniffing that rock (Hang on)
You about to hop in your homies stolen car (Hang on)
You got a dream to be a big rap star (Hang on)
You gotta hustle but you keep getting robbed (Hang on)
And now you paying for protection from the mob (Hang on)
Your baby mama want half of your check (Hang on)
And your little homies give you no respect (Hang on)
And now you waiting for your time to come around (Hang on)
Be offered work and you turning it down (Hang on)
And now your homies looking at you all funny (Hang on)
You been clocking for 12 years and no money (Hang on)

Chorus: Young Noble

Hang on
If you're out in the cold with nowhere to go you gotta (Hang on)
You 15 and you feel real old youngster (Hang on)
You only 21 and you ain't even coming home soldier (Hang on)
Four kids and make enough to feed one homie (Hang on)

Verse 2: Young Noble

Hang on
If you a thug (Hang on)
You on drugs (Hang on)
You took slugs (Hang on)
You shed blood (Hang on)
You got it bad (Hang on)
You niggas mad (Hang on)
You unprotected
Hand on
And now she pregnant (Hang on)
You pop shit and you don't even got a glock (Hang on)
You from the streets and you don't even got a block (Hang on)
You got the nerve to try to criticize me (Hang on)
Trying to judge the Young N-O-be -L-E (Hang on)
My homie Swift locked down right now (Hang on)
You got dough for some pounds right now (Hang on)
Too many niggas on your block for you to eat (Hang on)
Them out of town niggas steady trying to creep (Hang on)

Chorus

Verse 3: Ya Yo

If you single 'cause your man ain't shit (Hang on)
Independent ain't pressed for the dick (Hang on)
cool-Aid money with Cristal taste (Hang on)
You ain't think that I will punch you in your face (Hang on)
All my ladies in the struggle like me (Hang on)
All my ladies trying to bubble like me (Hang on)
You go to school or you strip for a living (Hang on)
Only 20 and you got 3 children (Hang on)

Verse 4: Mil

If you got your test back and it's positive (Hang on)
If your bitch left you 'cause she know you got it (Hang on)
You friends disrespect you for not riding (Hang on)
You did for 3 years and couldn't call nobody (Hang on)
You caught another charge in jail added to the robbery (Hang on)
You in the county can't get a visit from your family (Hang on)
Your baby mother fucking one of your homies (Hang on)
You in the ?? (Hang on)
Don't nobody give a fuck about me
Little Nob hold on
I'm a young G
I always stay strong

Chorus 2: Young Noble

You signed a bogus contract now want to get out you better (Hang on)
Your mama kicked your ass out 'cause you chose that route you better (Hang on)
And if you wonder how long we gonna be on top you need to (Hang on)
You niggas wish but you never gonna be like Pac they better (Hang on)

They better hang on
They better hang on

Overall Meaning

The song "Hang On" by Outlawz is a heartfelt declaration of survival in the midst of difficult circumstances. The verses paint a raw portrait of a diverse range of struggles, ranging from poverty, drug addiction, to incarceration. The chorus repeats the phrase "Hang on," which serves as a motivational call to anyone listening facing hardship. It is a song that resonates with anyone who has ever faced adversity and had to keep fighting to overcome it. The lyrics highlight the band's commitment to their fans, urging them to persevere through the struggles of life, and never give up.

The first verse of the song is addressed to those stuck in a cycle of poverty, drug users, and those incarcerated, all told to "hang on." The second verse, dedicated to women, encourages resilience and independence. The third verse deals with those living with HIV, having trouble with relationships or those stuck in jail, reminding them of their strength and power that lies within them. The final verse addresses anyone who feels as if they have been wronged and are facing life on their own but encourages them to stay strong.

Line by Line Meaning

For all my thug niggas I got on the block (Hang on)
To all of the tough individuals I have encountered in the neighborhood, stay resilient and hold on.

For all the little homies running from the cops (Hang on)
To all the young individuals who are evading law enforcement, keep persevering and don't give up.

If you a fiend around the way coked out (Hang on)
If you are a drug addict in this neighborhood consumed by cocaine, stay strong and endure.

If you a ex-drug dealer smoked out (Hang on)
If you are a former drug dealer now struggling with addiction, hold on and keep fighting.

If you a soldier locked down in the hole (Hang on)
If you are a soldier confined in isolation in prison, maintain your resilience and persevere.

No heat in your house and its cold (Hang on)
If you don't have heating in your home and the temperature is freezing, stay strong and endure.

No job just got laid off (Hang on)
If you recently lost your job and are unemployed, hold on and don't lose hope.

You did your verse but we taking you off (Hang on)
You contributed your part to the song, but unfortunately, we are removing you from it. Stay strong and don't give up.

You had your ears all ready for the Lawz (Hang on)
You were eagerly anticipating the lyrics and message from the Outlawz. Keep holding on and waiting.

And if you think about sniffing that rock (Hang on)
If you are contemplating using cocaine, pause and endure. Resist the temptation.

You about to hop in your homies stolen car (Hang on)
You are considering getting into a stolen vehicle belonging to your friend. Hold on and think twice.

You got a dream to be a big rap star (Hang on)
You aspire to become a successful rap artist. Stay determined and don't give up on your dreams.

You gotta hustle but you keep getting robbed (Hang on)
You need to engage in constant hard work, but you keep falling victim to theft. Continue persevering despite the setbacks.

And now you paying for protection from the mob (Hang on)
You are now paying for security and protection services from a criminal organization. Stay resilient and endure.

Your baby mama want half of your check (Hang on)
Your child's mother demands half of your paycheck as support. Stay strong and hold on.

And your little homies give you no respect (Hang on)
Your younger friends lack respect for you. Stay resilient and don't lose hope in their regard.

And now you waiting for your time to come around (Hang on)
You are patiently waiting for your opportunity to arise. Hold on and stay patient.

Be offered work and you turning it down (Hang on)
You are declining job offers that are presented to you. Stay strong and consider other opportunities.

And now your homies looking at you all funny (Hang on)
Your friends are treating you strangely and with suspicion. Stay resilient and don't let it affect you.

You been clocking for 12 years and no money (Hang on)
You have been working consistently for twelve years with little financial reward. Hold on and keep working hard.

If you're out in the cold with nowhere to go you gotta (Hang on)
If you find yourself in the freezing cold without anywhere to seek refuge, stay strong and persevere.

You 15 and you feel real old youngster (Hang on)
If you are only fifteen years old but feel mature beyond your age, hold on and embrace the challenges ahead.

You only 21 and you ain't even coming home soldier (Hang on)
If you are merely twenty-one years old and not returning home from war, stay strong and endure the hardships.

Four kids and make enough to feed one homie (Hang on)
You have four children but struggle to earn enough money to provide for even one of them. Hold on and keep trying.

If you a thug (Hang on)
If you consider yourself a ruthless criminal, hold on and stay strong.

You on drugs (Hang on)
If you are addicted to drugs, stay strong and endure the challenges associated with addiction.

You took slugs (Hang on)
If you have been shot or wounded in a violent incident, hold on and strive for recovery.

You shed blood (Hang on)
If you have experienced significant bloodshed or violence, stay strong and endure the aftermath.

You got it bad (Hang on)
If you find yourself in a difficult or unfortunate situation, hold on and keep pushing forward.

You niggas mad (Hang on)
If others are envious or angry at you, stay strong and don't let their negativity affect you.

You unprotected
If you lack protection or support, hold on and stay resilient.

Hand on
Keep your hand on, don't let go.

And now she pregnant (Hang on)
And now she is expecting a child. Stay strong and prepare for the responsibilities ahead.

You pop shit and you don't even got a glock (Hang on)
You talk tough and boast about gun possession, even though you don't actually have a gun. Hold on and stay true to yourself.

You from the streets and you don't even got a block (Hang on)
You claim to be from the streets but don't have your own territory or neighborhood. Stay strong and prove yourself.

You got the nerve to try to criticize me (Hang on)
You have the audacity to attempt to judge or condemn me. Hold on and let me continue on my path.

Trying to judge the Young N-O-be-L-E (Hang on)
Trying to pass judgment on the young and powerful individual known as Young Noble. Stay resilient and don't let the criticism affect you.

My homie Swift locked down right now (Hang on)
My friend Swift is currently incarcerated. Stay strong and hold on until his release.

You got dough for some pounds right now (Hang on)
You currently have money to purchase large quantities of drugs. Hold on and consider your choices carefully.

Too many niggas on your block for you to eat (Hang on)
Your neighborhood is overcrowded with individuals hindering your opportunity for success. Stay strong and find a way to thrive.

Them out of town niggas steady trying to creep (Hang on)
Individuals from other locations are constantly attempting to invade your territory. Hold on and defend your home.

If you single 'cause your man ain't shit (Hang on)
If you are currently single because your partner is unreliable or unsupportive, stay strong and persevere.

Independent ain't pressed for the dick (Hang on)
You are independent and not desperate for sexual encounters. Hold on and stay true to yourself.

Cool-Aid money with Cristal taste (Hang on)
You have limited funds but aspire to indulge in luxury. Stay strong and manage your finances wisely.

You ain't think that I will punch you in your face (Hang on)
You didn't anticipate that I would physically assault you. Hold on and be cautious of your actions.

All my ladies in the struggle like me (Hang on)
All the women facing hardships and challenges similar to mine, stay strong and endure.

All my ladies trying to bubble like me (Hang on)
All the women striving for success and prosperity like I am, hold on and keep working towards your goals.

You go to school or you strip for a living (Hang on)
You either attend school or work as a stripper to make a living. Hold on and persevere through your chosen path.

Only 20 and you got 3 children (Hang on)
You are only twenty years old and already have three children. Stay strong and navigate the challenges of parenthood.

If you got your test back and it's positive (Hang on)
If you received your test results and they confirm a positive outcome (possibly relating to a disease or illness), stay strong and seek proper treatment.

If your bitch left you 'cause she know you got it (Hang on)
If your partner abandoned you because she discovered your condition (possibly an STD), hold on and find the strength to move forward.

You friends disrespect you for not riding (Hang on)
Your friends disrespect and belittle you for not engaging in criminal activities or supporting their endeavors. Hold on and stay true to yourself.

You did for 3 years and couldn't call nobody (Hang on)
You were incarcerated for three years and couldn't contact anyone. Stay strong and endure the isolation.

You caught another charge in jail added to the robbery (Hang on)
While in prison, you were charged with an additional offense, adding to your original robbery charge. Hold on and keep fighting.

You in the county can't get a visit from your family (Hang on)
You are currently housed in a county jail and unable to receive visits from your family. Stay strong and wait for their support.

Your baby mother fucking one of your homies (Hang on)
Your child's mother is engaging in a sexual relationship with one of your close friends. Hold on and find the strength to cope with this betrayal.

You in the ?? (Hang on)
You are in an unfamiliar or potentially dangerous situation. Stay strong and endure until circumstances change.

Don't nobody give a fuck about me
No one cares about me or my well-being. Hold on and remember your worth.

Little Nob hold on
Young Noble, stay strong and endure through your struggles.

I'm a young G
I am a young gangster or individual of great influence. Hold on and stay true to myself.

You signed a bogus contract now want to get out you better (Hang on)
You signed a fraudulent contract and now want to terminate it. Hold on and take proper legal action.

Your mama kicked your ass out 'cause you chose that route you better (Hang on)
Your mother expelled you from her home because you chose a certain path in life. Stay strong and forge your own path.

And if you wonder how long we gonna be on top you need to (Hang on)
If you are curious about how long we will remain at the pinnacle of success, you need to stay resilient and continue supporting us.

You niggas wish but you never gonna be like Pac they better (Hang on)
You individuals desire to be like Tupac, but you will never achieve that level of greatness. Hold on and accept your own capabilities.

They better hang on
They better hold on and endure, just like we have.

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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