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.)
Live It
Paul Wall Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I go outside and breathe, roll down my sleeves and have a ball
Still got these bills to pay and a family, I'm workin' hard
But I got a life too, so I throw on my shoes and I live it y'all
I'm fresher than a peppermint and cold as a cough
When I pull up in that foreign and I break boys off
Super ballin' is a product of a hard knock life
From a Buick to a Beamer, ambitions of a dreamer
Motivated by Mob Figgaz and Andre Nickatina
I'm gettin' paper while you're in the shade drinkin Zima
I'm a schemer, you just waitin' on your check from FEMA
Been evadin' the subpoena to appear in court
Different hustle every season like I'm playin' a sport
"Life is too short, wouldn't you agree?"
See, the best time I ever had in my life was free
My best friend wasn't real, he came with a fee
Reduced time for your sentence come with a plea
Livin' in the free world and I'm blessed
Paper chasin' is my quest, I grind with no rest
I deserve to play, it's been a few days, ain't showed it all
I go outside and breathe, roll down my sleeves and have a ball
Still got these bills to pay and a family, I'm workin' hard
But I got a life too, so I throw on my shoes and I live it y'all
I'm not a actor, a role model with soul or clapper
I work hard, a good gangsta nigga, blow a stack up
Time still movin' and shit, stay on the grind, it's just excuses
Girls lookin' at you, you useless (word?)
When everything is wrong, it look like it'll fall
I'm on the job, feet first with direction and all
I like coca and then gotta come home and stroke her
Take time, clean my rims and go lock' her
Just wanna lay up, damn
I need two minutes to rest, go 'head and take the Lex' out, scram
Then it's beef in the jump off, 'cause I needed one off
It's like you drew your gun on me in a gun off
Shit won't change, so move with it (move with it)
This is my life, I'm only livin' it, so don't go and ruin it
Words from a legend, keep your dome up in the sky
Listen to Paul Wall and Chef Fly (get high)
I deserve to play, it's been a few days, ain't showed it all
I go outside and breathe, roll down my sleeves and have a ball
Still got these bills to pay and a family, I'm workin' hard
But I got a life too, so I throw on my shoes and I live it y'all
Dear Mr. President, have you seen FEMA?
Have you seen the lower 9th Ward, post Katrina?
Niggas scufflin' tryin' to find something tangible
The MP's is treatin' all the youth like animals
Then wonder why the cops gettin rocked like Mosley
Why niggas on the TV in the spot like cozy
Now Houston got a problem, Atlanta got a problem
Dallas, Alabama and Miami got a problem
Niggas wildin' out, livin' free, yellin' sovereign
.38 revolvin', crack rock ballin'
Tats on they face that say Uptown New Orleans
Blastin' on sight, fuck fightin', fuck arguin'
Meanwhile boat loads of cash go to Israel
Soldiers in Iraq pray to God for a miracle
Sam Cooke said that change was comin'
If not, you can bet your ass, danger's comin'
I deserve to play, it's been a few days, ain't showed it all
Go outside and breathe, roll down my sleeves and have a ball
Still got these bills to pay and a family, I'm workin' hard
But I got a life too, so I throw on my shoes and I live it y'all
In Paul Wall's song "Live It," the rapper expresses the need to balance work and life. He acknowledges the responsibility of caring for his family and paying bills, but also recognizes the importance of enjoying his own life. Throughout the verses, Paul Wall references his rise to success as a rapper, and his ability to "get paper" and leave behind the struggles of his past. He also touches on larger societal issues, such as the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and the struggles faced by youth in inner-city communities. In the chorus, Paul Wall emphasizes his desire to live life to the fullest and enjoy the moments when he is able to take a break from work.
Overall, the song's message is about the importance of work-life balance and enjoying life's simple pleasures. The lyrics also touch on themes of ambition and overcoming obstacles, as well as larger societal issues that affect marginalized communities. Through his personal experiences, Paul Wall encourages listeners to pursue their dreams while also finding time to enjoy the present.
Line by Line Meaning
I deserve to play, it's been a few days, ain't showed it all
After working hard, I now have the right to enjoy myself and have fun
I go outside and breathe, roll down my sleeves and have a ball
I take a break from my daily routine and enjoy the fresh air while having fun
Still got these bills to pay and a family, I'm workin' hard
Despite my responsibilities, I still work hard to meet my obligations
But I got a life too, so I throw on my shoes and I live it y'all
I recognize the importance of living life to the fullest, so I make time to enjoy myself
I'm fresher than a peppermint and cold as a cough
When I arrive in my luxurious car, I am well-dressed and confident
When I pull up in that foreign and I break boys off
My arrival in my expensive car attracts attention and admiration
Super ballin' is a product of a hard knock life
Earning wealth through hard work and perseverance is a result of overcoming difficulties in life
No more Ramen noodle spread, no more struggle and strife
I am no longer struggling to make ends meet and can now afford a better life
From a Buick to a Beamer, ambitions of a dreamer
I have progressed from a modest car to a luxury one, which is a result of my ambition and dreams
Motivated by Mob Figgaz and Andre Nickatina
Inspiration from successful rappers has motivated me to achieve success
I'm gettin' paper while you're in the shade drinkin Zima
I am earning money while others are wasting time drinking and not being productive
I'm a schemer, you just waitin' on your check from FEMA
I am a strategic thinker and do not rely on government aid, unlike others who wait for assistance
Been evadin' the subpoena to appear in court
I have been avoiding being summoned to court for an unknown reason
Different hustle every season like I'm playin' a sport
I adapt my strategy and approach to earning money to suit the current situation, like a player adapting to different seasons in a sport
"Life is too short, wouldn't you agree?"
Life is too brief, so we should make the most of it
See, the best time I ever had in my life was free
The best memories I have were not associated with money or wealth
My best friend wasn't real, he came with a fee
The people I thought were my friends were only interested in my money
Reduced time for your sentence come with a plea
Making a plea deal can result in a shorter prison sentence
Livin' in the free world and I'm blessed
I am grateful for being able to live in a free country
Paper chasin' is my quest, I grind with no rest
My goal is to earn more money, and I work tirelessly to achieve it
I'm not a actor, a role model with soul or clapper
I am not an actor, a model to follow or a coward who claps like a seal
I work hard, a good gangsta nigga, blow a stack up
I am a hard worker and a responsible individual who saves money
Time still movin' and shit, stay on the grind, it's just excuses
Time does not stop, and making excuses instead of working hard is ineffectual
Girls lookin' at you, you useless (word?)
Females are attracted to confidence not idleness
When everything is wrong, it look like it'll fall
When things seem hopeless, everything appears as if it will crumble
I'm on the job, feet first with direction and all
I am determined to work hard and stay on track to achieve my goals
I like coca and then gotta come home and stroke her
I enjoy drinking Coca-Cola, but I must also take care of my partner at home
Take time, clean my rims and go lock' her
I prioritize taking care of my car's rims and then secure my home
Just wanna lay up, damn
I just want to rest and relax for a little bit
I need two minutes to rest, go 'head and take the Lex' out, scram
I need a short break, you can take my vehicle and leave
Then it's beef in the jump off, 'cause I needed one off
If you take advantage of my break, we will have conflict
It's like you drew your gun on me in a gun off
It is as if you are threatening me with a weapon, despite us being on equal footing
Shit won't change, so move with it (move with it)
The situation will not change, so adapt to it
This is my life, I'm only livin' it, so don't go and ruin it
This is my life, and I am making the most of it, so do not interfere or take that away from me
Words from a legend, keep your dome up in the sky
These words come from a respected individual, so pay attention and stay hopeful
Listen to Paul Wall and Chef Fly (get high)
Listen to me and take my advice to alleviate your problems and have fun
Dear Mr. President, have you seen FEMA?
A question to the president that implies FEMA may not be doing enough for those who need assistance
Have you seen the lower 9th Ward, post Katrina?
A question implying that the president is aware of the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina and is not doing enough to help
Niggas scufflin' tryin' to find something tangible
People are struggling to find something meaningful or useful in their situation
The MP's is treatin' all the youth like animals
Military personnel are mistreating young people as if they were wild animals
Then wonder why the cops gettin rocked like Mosley
They are surprised when the police are met with resistance and violence
Why niggas on the TV in the spot like cozy
People are appearing on TV in comfortable situations, while others are struggling
Now Houston got a problem, Atlanta got a problem, Dallas, Alabama and Miami got a problem
Various cities across the US are facing problems and challenges
Niggas wildin' out, livin' free, yellin' sovereign
People are behaving recklessly and living without restraint, claiming to be independent and self-governing
.38 revolvin', crack rock ballin'
There is a dangerous situation involving illegal drugs and firearms
Tats on they face that say Uptown New Orleans
People have tattoos on their face indicating they are from a specific area of the city
Blastin' on sight, fuck fightin', fuck arguin'
People are resorting to violence without bothering to try to resolve conflicts peacefully
Meanwhile boat loads of cash go to Israel
While people in the US are struggling, money is being sent to another country
Soldiers in Iraq pray to God for a miracle
Soldiers serving in Iraq are in a dangerous situation and hoping for divine intervention or assistance
Sam Cooke said that change was comin'
A reference to musician Sam Cooke's song, which speaks of the hope for change and progress
If not, you can bet your ass, danger's comin'
If change does not come, there will be serious consequences and danger ahead
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: COREY WOODS, TRAVIS L. BARKER, ARCHIBALD HIGHTWATER, PAUL MICHAEL SLAYTON, TIMOTHY E. THEDFORD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@opydopy
Dont get me wrong man, Raekwon is one of my favourite artists and goes hard as hell on this track. What I'm trying to say is after I listened to this song, I thought nothing of the hook. I only thought of the verses and this dope beat. In my opinion Jay elec is one of the realest artists out there right now, along with everyone from wu tang ofcourse. keep it cool. cheeers
@ATLBaby71291
Jay Electronica and Yelawolf are the future....I could give a f*ck less on how old they are, they are the future. Look at Yela's discography , and listen to Jay E concepts, and how he delivers em in his songs......Their both geniuses, and the game needs to support em. And with K.R.I.T. on the production, it sounds like the South is getting its soul back.....Im loving it.
@jeffro1074
Only 219 comments, still a banger how this never went mainstream is beyond me
@camacho3201
UNa base bien hecha y una letra perfecta
@Shakedown600
I don't know when's the first time I heard this but I'm still listening. Classic!
@FortWhatever
TOO HOT, I love how Paul Wall is progressing and working with great artists....
@halflifeproductionz
wow that verse by jay was amazing!
@peri552
I love this track
@MrFloraly
that beat goes hard <3
@Flavorblade
Paul Wall verse was nice - clear thought, underrated flow.