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.)
C&S Dat's What Dat Is
Paul Wall Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In the motherfucking building nigga
Y'all already know, Killa kill putting it down
New South Movement, mo'fucker
New South Movement, South Lee Southwest Click
That's what that is pimp
That's what that is pimp
That's what that is pimp
That's what that is pimp
That's what that is pimp
That's what that is pimp
That's what that is pimp
That's what that is pimp
Now loving, is the size of my shoe
And that's the new size that'll hold you, let your shit come through
See one deep I'm whooping clicks, gangs
With my 50 Cal. click, bang I'm gangsta walking with that trick aim
My nuts hang, like D-boys on the corner
And I could send a bitch nigga, a Bengal like Ty Warner
I'm standing on a soap box, preaching the gospel
On how you should move them coke rocks, and protect yo glocks
And turn your projects, into Ft. Knox
It just a fo' night, with two 44 glocks
Now rise and shine it's a kick do', for your pies and pine
I'm riding off in the sunset, the horizon's mine
Everybody dies in time, but how will you pass
In a million dollar mansion, or dead broke on your ass
Think fast, cause your number is coming up
And ain't no second chances, when the killers is running up
That's what that is pimp
That's what that is pimp
That's what that is pimp
That's what that is pimp
That's what that is pimp
That's what that is pimp
That's what that is pimp
That's what that is pimp
That's what that is pimp
I step into the club, in a fresh white T
Looking for a one night wife, to delight me
A lot of dudes claim, to be gangsta like Ice-T
When in actuality, they sweeter than ice tea
Get your weight up homie, only the strong survive
Get off the bus and pay your dues, you don't belong on this ride
I'm a full time playa, all about my hustle
Demonstrating my muscle, if I get in a tussle
If you got plex, I suggest you keep it hush-hush
Cause boys wet up on that water, and you might get bust
I got to stay up on my note, so my game is sharper
I can't be wiped out, I'm like a permanent marker
Boys mean mugging in the club, repping they hood
It's understood but cross that line, homie it ain't good
It's survival of the fittest, I'm the last one breathing
While you in your bed sleeping, I'm still out here creeping
That's what that is pimp
That's what that is pimp
That's what that is pimp
That's what that is pimp
That's what that is pimp
That's what that is pimp
That's what that is pimp
That's what that is pimp
That's what that is pimp
Take your ass to church nigga, if you wanna learn better
Join Mase and Bethle-fuck him, I'm trying to get cheddar
My stack will clearly show, my talent for moving blow
And it's gangsta music, so fuck the status quote
Grown men talking, who let the children in
Get the nine to spit it in, leave him smelling like chit-lens
I ain't playing I ain't joking, I'm rolling loaded and open
It's best you not provoking, this man when he pistol toting
The 4-fiftha, will tuck turn toss twist you
Split you right down the middle, like a brand new swisha
When the bullet hit you nigga, it rip and tear tissue
Bullet bang, turn brains into baby batter
Turn great matter, into antimatter
Fuck your chitter-chatter, who's good better best badder
Let the shotgun splitter splatter, who it hit child or bitch
It don't matter, niggaz just handling bis'
Primetime guerilla gang, get his what it is
Last but not least, it's H.A. Dub
Buckshot slugs, you covered in blood
Feel me cuz, or get drug in the mud
By these Texas thugs, who really don't show no love
That's what it is nigga, handle your bis nigga
This ain't your year nigga, I'll split your wig nigga
Take a qwig nigga, this is the new South
We coming hola, what you talking bout
You niggaz still learning, we got they heads turning
We got the streets burning, this is a street sermon
That's what it is dummy, you niggaz chasing honey
We out here chasing money, jacked by G and running
That's what that is pimp
That's what that is pimp
That's what that is pimp
That's what that is pimp
That's what that is pimp
That's what that is pimp
That's what that is pimp
That's what that is pimp
That's what that is pimp
That's what that is pimp
That's what that is pimp
That's what that is pimp
That's what that is pimp
That's what that is pimp
That's what that is pimp
That's what that is pimp
The song "Dat’s What Dat Is" by Paul Wall featuring Killer Mike and H.A.W.K. is a bold and unapologetic song that speaks on a variety of topics like gang culture, violence, and survival in the streets. The song also touches on how one should move and conduct their business, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing making money over trying to prove oneself in the streets.
The song starts off by introducing Killer Mike and H.A.W.K, both from the South, who put it down with their verses. The chorus repeats the phrase “That's what that is pimp” several times, which is believed to be a reference to the song's straightforwardness, authenticity, and honesty.
As the song progresses, Paul Wall addresses several themes like gang violence, drug dealing, protecting oneself, and the importance of being streetwise. He speaks about enforcing his power in the streets by using his 50 cal. click, which is a reference to his firearm. He also emphasizes the importance of being financially stable, as well as the inevitability of death, and how one must prepare for it.
Overall, "Dat’s What Dat Is" is a classic example of a Southern hip-hop song that does not shy away from addressing controversial and complex topics that exist within oppressed communities. It puts an emphasis on the importance of surviving the streets by being street smart and doing what needs to be done to get ahead.
Line by Line Meaning
Killer kill from the Ville, Killer Mike
I am Killer Kill from the Ville, Killer Mike
In the motherfucking building nigga
I am currently present and active in this building
Y'all already know, Killa kill putting it down
You are already aware that I, Killa Kill, am handling my business
New South Movement, mo'fucker
I represent the New South Movement
New South Movement, South Lee Southwest Click
The New South Movement is comprised of the South Lee Southwest Click
That's what that is pimp
That is the current state of things
That's what that is pimp
That is the current state of things
Now loving, is the size of my shoe
The person I am pursuing only values material possessions
And that's the new size that'll hold you, let your shit come through
I have acquired expensive clothing to impress my potential partner
See one deep I'm whooping clicks, gangs
I am capable of defeating entire groups of rival gang members on my own
With my 50 Cal. click, bang I'm gangsta walking with that trick aim
I carry a powerful 50 caliber firearm and confidently walk like a gangster with precise aim
My nuts hang, like D-boys on the corner
My confidence and masculinity are comparable to drug dealers on the street corner
And I could send a bitch nigga, a Bengal like Ty Warner
I have the ability to hurt or even kill those who disrespect me
I'm standing on a soap box, preaching the gospel
I am using my platform to share my knowledge and advice
On how you should move them coke rocks, and protect yo glocks
I am offering advice on how to properly sell drugs and protect your firearms
And turn your projects, into Ft. Knox
I suggest you fortify your neighborhood to protect yourself and your property
It just a fo' night, with two 44 glocks
I am always armed with two 44 caliber firearms
Now rise and shine it's a kick do', for your pies and pine
It is time to wake up and hustle for money
I'm riding off in the sunset, the horizon's mine
I am retiring from the game to enjoy my success
Everybody dies in time, but how will you pass
Death is inevitable, but how will you be remembered?
In a million dollar mansion, or dead broke on your ass
Will you die wealthy and successful, or poor and unhappy?
Think fast, cause your number is coming up
Death can come unexpectedly, so always be prepared
And ain't no second chances, when the killers is running up
If you are not cautious, you will not survive an attack from killers
I step into the club, in a fresh white T
I enter the club looking stylish
Looking for a one night wife, to delight me
I am pursuing a temporary partner for the night
A lot of dudes claim, to be gangsta like Ice-T
Many people claim to be gangsters, but are actually soft like Ice-T
When in actuality, they sweeter than ice tea
In reality, they are not tough at all
Get your weight up homie, only the strong survive
You need to become stronger in order to survive in this world
Get off the bus and pay your dues, you don't belong on this ride
You need to demonstrate your worth and earn your place
I'm a full time playa, all about my hustle
I am always hustling and pursuing money
Demonstrating my muscle, if I get in a tussle
I am always ready for a physical altercation if necessary
If you got plex, I suggest you keep it hush-hush
If you have a problem with me, keep it quiet and to yourself
Cause boys wet up on that water, and you might get bust
If you try to cause trouble, you will likely be shot
I got to stay up on my note, so my game is sharper
I must remain sharp and focused to stay ahead
I can't be wiped out, I'm like a permanent marker
I cannot be easily removed or forgotten
Boys mean mugging in the club, repping they hood
Rival gang members are present in the club, representing their neighborhood
It's understood but cross that line, homie it ain't good
They can stare, but causing trouble will not end well
It's survival of the fittest, I'm the last one breathing
Life is a competition and I am the strongest and most enduring
While you in your bed sleeping, I'm still out here creeping
While you are resting, I am still active and hustling
Take your ass to church nigga, if you wanna learn better
If you want to improve yourself, go to church
Join Mase and Bethle-fuck him, I'm trying to get cheddar
I am focused on making money, not religious improvement
My stack will clearly show, my talent for moving blow
My money will prove my skill at selling drugs
And it's gangsta music, so fuck the status quote
This is gangster music and we do not care about societal expectations
Grown men talking, who let the children in
People who should know better are acting immature
Get the nine to spit it in, leave him smelling like chit-lens
Use your gun to kill him and leave his body smelling bad
I ain't playing I ain't joking, I'm rolling loaded and open
I am not joking around, I am ready for a fight
It's best you not provoking, this man when he pistol toting
You do not want to provoke a man with a gun
The 4-fiftha, will tuck turn toss twist you
The 45 caliber gun will harm and disorient you
Split you right down the middle, like a brand new swisha
You will be killed in a way similar to how a cigar is split in half
When the bullet hit you nigga, it rip and tear tissue
When you are hit by a bullet, your body will be severely damaged
Bullet bang, turn brains into baby batter
A gunshot can turn someone's brain into a liquid substance
Turn great matter, into antimatter
A bullet can convert a large object into a small one
Fuck your chitter-chatter, who's good better best badder
I do not care about your talk, I am only focused on being the best
Let the shotgun splitter splatter, who it hit child or bitch
The shotgun will harm anyone in its path, regardless of who they are
It don't matter, niggaz just handling bis'
We do not care who we hurt, we are just handling our business
Primetime guerilla gang, get his what it is
We are a gang that is active and aggressive
Last but not least, it's H.A. Dub
Finally, allow me to introduce myself as H.A. Dub
Buckshot slugs, you covered in blood
I am using buckshots that will make you bleed
Feel me cuz, or get drug in the mud
Understand me or face serious consequences
By these Texas thugs, who really don't show no love
We are Texas gangsters who do not have much compassion
That's what it is nigga, handle your bis nigga
This is the reality, handle your business accordingly
This ain't your year nigga, I'll split your wig nigga
You will not be successful this year and I will harm you
Take a qwig nigga, this is the new South
Pay attention to what is happening, this is the New South
We coming hola, what you talking bout
We are coming through, what are you talking about?
You niggaz still learning, we got they heads turning
You are still learning while we are already ahead
We got the streets burning, this is a street sermon
Our gang is active and influential, this is a message to the streets
That's what it is dummy, you niggaz chasing honey
This is the reality, you are chasing temporary pleasure
We out here chasing money, jacked by G and running
We are out here pursuing money, using violence if necessary
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: EUGENE RECORD, PAUL WALL, PAUL MICHAEL SLAYTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind