Wall's first music industry exposure came as a street team member on the Northwest side of Houston, promoting southern artists such as T.I. and labels like Cash Money and The New No Limit. He is also an accomplished and proficient mixtape and party DJ, known for producing mixtapes in the now-well-known screwed & chopped style, which was invented by the late DJ Screw. While he has recently stated on record that South LE. (in Houston's southside) is his base of operations, it is not the neighborhood that Paul Wall is actually from. Paul Wall has claimed several such neighborhoods over his career, starting with De Soto in Acres Homes (his original home neighborhood), then switching to Gulf Bank (also in Acres Homes).
Paul Wall, Chamillionaire and Jon Higgins were originally affiliated with Swishahouse Records, but left for Paid in Full Records a short time later. After several mixtape and independent releases, including the critically acclaimed 'Get Ya Mind Correct', the two parted ways on bad terms. Chamillionaire continued to release independent records, while Paul Wall returned to the Swishahouse fold. This move allowed him to appear on Mike Jones' first commercially distributed single, "Still Tippin'", from his first major label album 'Who Is Mike Jones?'.
His major label debut, 'The People's Champ', has produced a lead single, "Sittin' Sidewayz", which is receiving national radio and television play. In August, 2005, rumors began to circulate that Paul Wall and Chamillionaire had settled any differences that remained between them, and are again on good terms with one another. Paul Wall also appeared with GLC on the song "Drive Slow" on Kanye West's second solo album, 'Late Registration'.
Paul Wall is the owner and proprietor of TV Jewelry in Houston. The store specializes in the production of grills, silver, gold, or platinum caps and diamond inlays (usually princess-cut diamonds). Grills have become a growing trend in rap culture and have even influenced its own song. "Grillz", by Nelly featuring Paul Wall along with other artists, where at one point Paul raps "Call me George Foreman 'cause I'm sellin' everybody grillz.)
Big Ballin
Paul Wall Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Gridiron on the beat
Big house, big car
Hoes everywhere, ice everywhere, money everywhere
I'm ballin' man, I ain't braggin'
I'm just tellin' you what it is like, I'm ballin
Know'm talkin' bout? What up ?
I see you on the beat mo' betta
I'm comin' down, candy paint, sprayed by that Eddie
12 coats of that clear lookin' like some grape jelly
My paint's drippin' wet, my slab is superb
Park the truck and catchin' boppers down here in this dirty third
I hold it down for the block bleeders workin' overtime
Not concerned at all with petty shit, I'm occupied on the grind
I keep my mind on breakin' bread, makin' chess moevs, thinkin' ahead
I soaked up game at a early age, I'm built for this, I'ma seasoned vet
Swangers symbolize respect, cain't just anybody tip on Vogues
They'll catch you slippin' in the turnin' lane, and leave ya ass naked walkin home
Candy on chrome is how I drive, with screens fallin' in the back of the ride
My music screwed and my drank is purple, go and take a sip I'd be obliged
I'm comin straight from the land of the fry, the city of syrup and the home of Screw
I'm on the block with my potnah Gooch, stashin' cash in my Reebok shoe
What that do I can't complain, the candy gloss drippin' off the frame
Ball in the mix I'm off the chain, it's goin' down H-Town
[Chorus: x4]
I'm big ballin' baby, yeah, and I'm spendin' cheese
I'm on my grind all day makin' money with ease
I'm grippin' on that wood grain, I'm sippin' on that good drank
I'm showin' love to every side and every neighborhood man
I got them neon lights glowin', representin' my block
I'm on that 59 South, ridin' with my trunk popped
From that Homestead to that Spice Lane, I'm on Scott, in the turning lane
I'm headed straight to that Timmy Chan's, order up and let's get some wings
New Hawk on that channel, I'm on that dolly right
On the way to my gran-ty house, I'm navigated by bubble lights
I'm teded by that junior, I'm cut up by White Mike
Busted up by that Mr. Davis, sluggin' me is a beautiful night
That chrome is quite atrocious, complimented by candy gloss
I'm tiptoein on fo' swangers, eighty-fo's like Randy Moss
Open mouth and show platinum grill, it's like a disco ball
I got expensive tastes, courtesy of expensive jaws
They see me comin' grill and woman, truck bumpin
Knockin' pictures off the wall is nothin' cause I'm a baller
[Chorus]
When the speakers start bumpin' and that fifth relax
I make the trunk dance around like it's doin jumpin' jacks
I'm ridin' on them Spyders, them eighty-fo's tiptoein'
And that trunk is exalted with them neon lights glowin
The candy paint's immaculate, drippin' wet up off the fender
Beat the block up like a boxer, chop the street up like a blender
I got the flat screens fallin' down from the ceiling
And the platinum mouthpiece with diamonds in the filling
I'm big ballin', grippin' grain, breakin' bread, I'm stackin' change
Gettin' money I'm havin' things with two commas, I can't complain
Drippin' candy paint, off the frame, switchin' lanes
In the turning lane leavin' stains, cause I'm a baller
[Chorus]
The song "Big Ballin'" by Paul Wall, is a braggadocious track that highlights the Houston rapper's lavish lifestyle and love for his city. The lyrics are filled with references to expensive cars, jewelry, and drinks, all of which signify his status as a big spender. The chorus repeats the line "I'm big ballin' baby, yeah, and I'm spendin' cheese, I'm on my grind all day makin' money with ease," which further emphasize the theme of the song.
The first verse begins with a statement of confidence and pride, with Wall boasting about his balling lifestyle. He acknowledges that he has money and all the trappings that come with it, including women and expensive jewelry. The verse then ends with Wall shouting out his producer, Gridiron, and acknowledging his fellow rapper, Gooch.
The second verse goes into more detail about Wall's lifestyle, describing his candy-painted car, his love for Timmy Chan's wings, and his relationship with various members of his community. Wall also highlights the risks of living a lavish lifestyle, mentioning that not anyone can tip on vogues, and that the wrong turn in the turning lane can leave you naked and walking home.
Overall, "Big Ballin'" is a celebration of Houston culture, money, and success. Wall's lyrics are confident, boastful, and filled with references to the Texan city that he calls home.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm ballin' baby ('big ballin')
I am living the high life with all the money and success that comes with it.
Gridiron on the beat
The music producer is Gridiron, but the significance of this line is unclear.
Big house, big car
I have immense financial wealth and have purchased a large home and car as an outward display of that wealth.
Hoes everywhere, ice everywhere, money everywhere
I am surrounded by women, jewelry, and endless amounts of money.
I'm ballin' man, I ain't braggin'
I am simply stating the fact that I am living a luxurious life, I'm not trying to boast.
I'm just tellin' you what it is like, I'm ballin
I'm sharing my experiences of living the high life with you, unapologetically.
Know'm talkin' bout?
Do you understand what I am saying to you?
What up ?
A casual greeting to those listening.
I see you on the beat mo' betta
You have talent as a musician, I recognize you as someone who can make good music.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CALVIN EARL, PAUL WALL, PAUL MICHAEL SLAYTON, TODD BERRY, TODD EDWARDS BERRY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind