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.)
U already know
Paul Wall Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Stay underground (on the grind) every day all day
They don't say much but they mean what they say
What they mind on the money and the game don't play
(Paul Wall)
When the base going down better protect ya neck
Boys steady dripping when they gone off the wet, 'cause
They have you scared to throw up ya hood on ya own set, 'cause
I'm talking bout those boys running from cops
They don't run they mouth, they too busy running they block
Ya better be fast thinking you can run from a glock
Snap, crackle, pop soon as you run up you get dropped
I know boys with out guns that'll still come jack you
Have you running from your car before they even attack you
If you scared you better not show it at all
Put a mug upon ya face like you ready to brawl
I know boys that's unemployed still working that work, patna (partner)
Curiosity will get boys hurt
You didn't see nothing, you didn't hear nothing, you don't know nothing
Spill ya beans they ready to blow something
(Chorus)
Oh no
When the lights off on the block
Don't go
Boys on the corner with glocks
Don't go
When ya hear shots in the parking lot
Don't go
It's about to go down
you ALREADY KNOW
(2X)
(Chamillionaire)
It's Koopa
Listen, here lizard, lizard, lizard
Say ya cocking and popping it
Say that ya glock a get
Unloaded leaving wet and suck in wash it get
Some nigga loading eject bullets like floppy disc
Some niggas talk like they will but they the opposite
Thugs and thieve with a dozen keys
Serve quarterpounders that don't come with cheese
Hustles breath with love with g's
And know they telling lies when they see the judge and plead You honor it wasn't me he get lock
And as soon as ya boy get hot
He start right where he stopped
Can't go on the block with a knot in ya sock and don't glock
Without making by way to getting got or get shot
Oh no
If ya scared to represent ya ghetto
Then don't throw
Up ya hood at all you ain't raw
Its going' show
We don't recognize real heated right
Just a little advice for the niggas living that life
(Chorus)
Oh no
When the lights off on the block
Don't go
Boys on the corner with glocks
Don't go
When ya hear shots in the parking lot
Don't go
It's about to go down
you ALREADY KNOW
(2X)
(Paul Wall)
I eat n sleep n shit n pour gin
My block be hotter than some muthafuckin pork skins
Ignore twin cause I be having attitudes
Ain't no such thing as gratitude on my avenue
Attitude adjustment we all need
I pray to lord two inch starters will in me
Come from the heart that's why boys are feeling me
I den whipped up soft and brought back some orgies
This is for my niggas in the jail, my niggas on probation
Knowing if they violate what kind of time they face
Hustling anyway minimum wage ain't nathin
You want cash right now, huh, fuck being patient
Live life every day like it's yo last day
Smoke some weed; dump your problems in the ashtray
On Sunday shine yo glass like cascade
Fuck moving slow, hop in the fast lane
(Chorus)
Oh no
When the lights off on the block
Don't go
Boys on the corner with glocks
Don't go
When ya hear shots in the parking lot
Don't go
It's about to go down
you ALREADY KNOW
(2X)
The lyrics of Paul Wall & Chamillionaire's song U Already Know paints the picture of the harsh realities of life in the hood. The song talks about the daily struggles of boys in the hood to make money, sometimes at the cost of their safety, as they run from the cops and sometimes each other. These boys have a singular focus, and that is to get money, which could explain why they do not talk a lot but always mean what they say. The song warns about the dangerous environment of the hood, where gun violence is a common occurrence and advises listeners to be careful when they hear gunshots in the parking lot or see boys with glocks on the corner.
Paul Wall's rap highlights the violent nature of the hood, where you can get robbed even without a weapon while emphasising the importance of putting on a bold face so as not to be seen as weak. Chamillionaire's verse talks about the fantasy created by some people in the hood who talk tough with their guns but are powerless when it comes to taking action. The chorus further re-emphasises the dangerous nature of the hood and advises caution when walking on the street. Overall, U Already Know is a commentary on the daily struggles of life in the hood, and the risks that come with being a part of the environment.
Line by Line Meaning
Boys in the hood 'bout making that pay
People in this neighborhood are focused on earning money.
Stay underground (on the grind) every day all day
They keep themselves hidden and work hard all day and every day.
They don't say much but they mean what they say
They are quiet but speak truthfully and with purpose.
What they mind on the money and the game don't play
They are thinking about money and are not here to play games.
When the base going down better protect ya neck
Be careful when the beat drops, things are about to get serious.
Boys steady dripping when they gone off the wet, 'cause
They are confident and smooth when they are high.
Ya better swallow ya project
Hide whatever you have so you won't get targeted.
They have you scared to throw up ya hood on ya own set, 'cause
They make you afraid to represent your own area.
I'm talking bout those boys running from cops
The people he's referring to are the ones evading law enforcement.
They don't run they mouth, they too busy running they block
They don't waste time talking, they are focused on their territory.
Ya better be fast thinking you can run from a glock
You can't outrun a bullet from a gun.
Snap, crackle, pop soon as you run up you get dropped
You'll get killed as soon as you approach them.
I know boys with out guns that'll still come jack you
There are people who'll rob you without using a firearm.
Have you running from your car before they even attack you
They'll make you flee before they even take action.
If you scared you better not show it at all
If you're afraid, don't let anyone see it.
Put a mug upon ya face like you ready to brawl
Put on a tough face to intimidate others.
I know boys that's unemployed still working that work, patna (partner)
Even if they don't have a job, they'll still find a way to make money.
Curiosity will get boys hurt
Being nosy will put you in danger.
You didn't see nothing, you didn't hear nothing, you don't know nothing
Be quiet about anything you've seen or heard to avoid retaliation.
Spill ya beans they ready to blow something
If you talk too much, they are ready to take violent action.
Oh no
Indicates danger and a warning.
When the lights off on the block
When the streetlights are off in the neighborhood.
Boys on the corner with glocks
There are armed individuals on the streets.
When ya hear shots in the parking lot
If you hear gunshots in the parking lot.
It's about to go down
Things are about to get violent or dangerous.
you ALREADY KNOW
They are already aware of the potential danger.
It's Koopa
A personal reference to the artist, Chamillionaire.
Listen, here lizard, lizard, lizard
A way of drawing attention before making a statement or claim.
Say ya cocking and popping it
Meaning someone is preparing a gun to fire it.
Say that ya glock a get
Someone is saying they have a gun to use on others.
Unloaded leaving wet and suck in wash it get
It's an assurance that someone else will take care of the mess after there's a shooting.
Some nigga loading eject bullets like floppy disc
A metaphor that implies someone is prepared to observe, plan, and take action.
Some niggas talk like they will but they the opposite
Some people talk tough but don't live up to their threats or promises.
Thugs and thieve with a dozen keys
People who engage in illegal activities and have dozens of keys (probably for stolen cars).
Serve quarterpounders that don't come with cheese
They are selling drugs, not fast food.
Hustles breath with love with g's
These people are making a living by scamming and hustling with gangsters.
And know they telling lies when they see the judge and plead
They will lie when they are standing in front of the judge.
You honor it wasn't me he get lock
In court, they claim they are not guilty.
And as soon as ya boy get hot
As soon as someone they know gets in trouble.
He start right where he stopped
They will start over as if nothing happened.
Can't go on the block with a knot in ya sock and don't glock
They need to carry a gun when they go out to the street.
Without making by way to getting got or get shot
Without taking action, they are putting themselves in danger.
If ya scared to represent ya ghetto
If someone is afraid to speak or represent their neighborhood.
Then don't throw up ya hood at all you ain't raw
They shouldn't represent their area if they aren't really about that life.
Its going' show
It will be obvious that they're not authentic.
We don't recognize real heated right
They won't acknowledge real talent or value.
Just a little advice for the niggas living that life
Advice for the people who live that lifestyle.
I eat n sleep n shit n pour gin
A simple and repetitive lifestyle where they consume and drink alcohol.
My block be hotter than some muthafuckin pork skins
The neighborhood is more dangerous and active than pork skins cooking in a pot.
Ignore twin cause I be having attitudes
Ignoring people who pretend to be his friend.
Ain't no such thing as gratitude on my avenue
There's no such thing as loyalty from people in his neighborhood.
Attitude adjustment we all need
Everyone should adjust the way they think and act.
I pray to lord two inch starters will in me
He wishes he had more confidence in himself.
Come from the heart that's why boys are feeling me
He's genuine, and that's why people like him.
I den whipped up soft and brought back some orgies
He's successful in selling drugs and profit from it.
This is for my niggas in the jail, my niggas on probation
This song is dedicated to those who are in jail or probation.
Knowing if they violate what kind of time they face
They know the consequences for violating their probation.
Hustling anyway minimum wage ain't nathin
They don't believe in working for minimum wage.
You want cash right now, huh, fuck being patient
They want cash instantly, and they don't want to wait for it.
Live life every day like it's yo last day
Live life to the fullest every day.
Smoke some weed; dump your problems in the ashtray
Use marijuana to forget about problems.
On Sunday shine yo glass like cascade
Polish your car like it's brand new.
Fuck moving slow, hop in the fast lane
They are not interested in slowing down; they want to live life in the fast lane.
Lyrics © THE ADMINISTRATION MP INC
Written by: Paul Michael Slayton, Hakeem Seriki
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Houston Hard Hitters
Still remember buying this CD in Beaumont TX at the mall in high school.
Noel Jamez Pisani
str8 rippin uP da trackzzzZ 😉😎
Chris Strickland
North Florida supported these boys when they was underground. That I 10 music connection.
Tharsan Jeyachandran
its lit.
David Swindle
Teenager bump in the fuck out this in Alabama love Houston flow
alberts1985
Bangin
Pat
I love all of chamillionaire work
Pat
They got some New Orleans flow in this like Juve towards the end
Tharsan Jeyachandran
legendary shit drink champs sent me.
Carly Eaves
ya boy ol school