His first recorded performance was on Lil Jon & the East Side Boyz album Kings of Crunk in 2002, after which he released his debut album, M.I.A.M.I., in 2004. He has since released 2006's El Mariel, 2007's The Boatlift and 2009's Rebelution, which debuted at #8 on the Billboard 200.
Pitbull's breakout hit was the Lil Jon collabo "Culo" produced by Lil Jon & The Diaz Brothers. In addition, Pitbull has also released several mixtapes, the most recent being Unleashed Volume 6, which are mostly composed of freestyles and remixes of popular rap music. Both thematically and musically, the 25-year-old is seen as a modern-day equivalent of earlier Miami rappers such as the 2 Live Crew and Afro-Rican. It was in fact former 2 Live Crew leader Luther Campbell who gave the up and coming rapper his first chance to shine. Apart from Crunk, his album shows clear influences from both Miami bass and freestyle. In addition to his musical work, Pitbull has also been featured in The Source expressing his stance on freedom fighter revolutionary leader Fidel Castro and he was also part of their Unsigned Hype Section. He contributed to an essay published in the New York Post that criticized freedom fighter revolutionary Che Guevara's iconization in clothing and other areas. In video games, Pitbull's hit single "Dammit Man" produced by Jim Jonsin is featured in Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition, and he also plays himself in the upcoming video game based on the 1980's Scarface. His super hit "Toma" is featured in WWE Day of Reckoning 2. Also, an album cut, "Back Up" produced by The Diaz Brothers, is featured on the EA game Fight Night: Round 2. In late 2005 he re-released "M.I.A.M.I." as a separate charting entry, whilst his "Welcome to the 305" mixtape was released. In January 2006 he guest-starred in UPN's South Beach. Also in 2006 he recorded "Nuestro Himno" in collaboration with Wyclef Jean, Carlos Ponce, and Olga Tañón.
The first single from El Mariel has been released, entitled "Bojangles". The album, slated for an October 31st release, will feature guest artists Lil Jon, Ken-Y of Rakim y Ken-Y, Rick Ross, Bun B and the Ying Yang Twins. El Mariel will lead up to Pitbull's 2007 release of an all-Spanish album entitled "Armando", which will have an Afro-Cuban feel[1]
The cover of Pitbull's 2005 album Money Is Still A Major Issue.Pitbull has a global music publishing deal with BMG Music Publishing.
Pitbull has contributed much to the Reggaeton music movement. He has worked alongside Zion Y Lennox in the song "Jump & Spread Out" featuring Miri Ben-Ari. He also participated in Daddy Yankee's "Gasolina" remix featuring N.O.R.E.. He was also featured in Yaga & Mackie Rank's "Muevete" hot Reggaeton single, and Elephant Man's "Rah Rah Medley" Remix. He appeared in Don Omar's pobre diabla remix and otra noche remix.
Pitbull is also known to appear in various remixes like an alternative remix to Salt Shaker by the Ying Yang Twins, Here We Go by Dirtbag & Timbaland, Promiscuous by Nelly Furtado & Timbaland , and Lovers and Friends by Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz featuring Usher & Ludacris by adding his own verses to the songs. In October 2006, Pitbull hosted a mixtape which featured him in remixes, side by side today's hottest rappers. The Mixtape was created by Blend DJ, DJ ACV. The two worked together in 2005, aswell. The mixtape has since been avaliable for download on the dj's website djknowskillz.com
In 2007 Pitbull and Stevie B. collaborated to do a remake of his dance hit "Spring Love" which is now titled as "Spring Love 2007".
Blood is thicker than water
Pitbull Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But what I'm a do know is try and describe my life to y'all
Sometimes I fell like I'm loosing it
My life is upside down
A gift and a curse that's my life now
There is no looking or turning back
I used to watch coke turn to crack that's what made me turn to rap
Confused but blessed with extravagance
I thank god for all the opportunities
Given the opportunity dem boys would put two in me (bla bla bla)
We live in the land of the free, hustlers and thieves
I made money now I got uncle Sam hustling
Me for a quarter of what I make
Hand a quarter sentence to a fake and watch them turn state (that's right)
Blood is thicker than water (at least they say it is)
Until the fed's step in (that's just the way it is)
Most of these fools are characters
Men with no character welcome to America
Where we fight for freedom
If ain't about oil than we don't need them
Ain't that the truth?
Pitbull I'm just tell y'all the way I fell
Thank god that god made me to keep it real
[Chorus]
Blood is thicker than water (at least they say it is)
Until the fed's step in (that just the way it is)
Blood is thicker than water (at least they say it is)
Till that fame step in (that's just the way it is)
Blood is thicker than water (at least they say it is)
Till dem bitches step in (that's just the way it is)
Blood is thicker than water (at least they say it is)
Till that money step in (that's just the way it is)
Huh hun yo
After the turf war the smoke clears
All these years around these busta I'm convinced there ain't no hope here
In the past four years of my lifetime
I witness leaders sacrifice freedom just to get this pipeline
Guess I'm chosen at the right time mama stress
Facing the table and she's snorting up white line
Blood is thicker than water
In a few cases your daughter can have touched for the money that in dem suit case
Tighten my shoelaces the fugitive running
In fear of a criminal past 'cause dem folks is coming
I've been wrongfully judged being from this environment
The city gangs planning retirement
I'm a a Dade nigga
Voicing my set 'cause a spray quick
Took some of the same steps through little Haiti
As these main nigga (like who) hit man, big dog, and she hound
Y'all predict it back then shit I see it know
[Chorus]
I escape poverty (poverty)
I don't own jewelry motherfucker I own property
You can send dem tsunamis that hit Indonesia (but but but)
Ain't no motherfucking thing stopping me
Like good coke I'm a good swimmer
God knows I done lost but god dam I'm a good winner
It feels great to make something out of nothing
Yea I'm humble but I tell y'all to push a chicos buttons
And watch how them thing get to dumping
Real estate New York game now you saying something
I only talk about what I know about
Illegal turn legal this year that's what I'm all about
I'm from the south and I ain't gonna lie
At fist time I preach ye till god struck me with pride
I was confused now I'm like let's ride
Three o five till I die
Three o five till I die
[Chorus]
In Pitbull's song "Blood Is Thicker Than Water," the artist delves into his life and experiences, expressing his confusion about his fame and success while recognizing the challenges he has faced. The song starts with the realization that people listen to his music but he seeks to describe his life to them. He then shares how he feels like he is losing himself, and how his life is both a gift and a curse. Pitbull admits there is no turning back from his life, the life that made him choose to turn to rap after watching cocaine turn into crack. He likens his confusion to that of Keanu Reeves in the movie Devil's Advocate, acknowledging the extravagance that comes with it but also grateful for the opportunities. The artist is quick to recognize that in America, where freedom comes at a high price, hustlers and thieves abound. He made his money, but now he has to deal with uncle Sam who wants a quarter of his earnings. Pitbull understands that blood is thicker than water, but the feds' intervention can change everything. The song ends with Pitbull recognizing that he is from the South and will die there.
The song reflects Pitbull's belief that he has made something out of nothing, as he escaped poverty and now owns property. He is clearly passionate about his community and his city, which he mentions several times. In the line "the city gangs planning retirement," Pitbull hints at the violence and crime that has plagued his town. The song captures his resilience and determination when he says, "you can send dem tsunamis that hit Indonesia, ain't no motherfucking thing stopping me," indicating that he will succeed no matter what.
"Blood Is Thicker Than Water" is a powerful song that showcases Pitbull's talent as a rapper and a storyteller, peeling back the layers of his life and experiences. He speaks to the struggles of living in poverty while navigating the temptations of drug abuse and gang violence. The theme of loyalty and the conflict between family and outside forces are prevalent throughout the song.
Line by Line Meaning
I know y'all listen to my music (red eyes)
I acknowledge that people listen to my music as indicated by the red eyes, but I want to describe my life to everyone.
Sometimes I fell like I'm loosing it
At times, life feels overwhelming and confusing.
My life is upside down
My life has its ups and downs.
A gift and a curse that's my life now
My life has both positive and negative aspects.
There is no looking or turning back
There is no way to change the past or return to it.
I used to watch coke turn to crack that's what made me turn to rap
I witnessed the dangers of drugs and their impact on people's lives, which inspired me to pursue music instead.
I fell like Keanu Reeves in the movie Devils Advocate / Confused but blessed with extravagance
Similar to the character played by Keanu Reeves, I feel confused at times but still feel grateful for the blessings in my life.
I thank god for all the opportunities
I express gratitude for the opportunities I have been given.
Given the opportunity dem boys would put two in me (bla bla bla)
If given the chance, some people would try to harm me.
We live in the land of the free, hustlers and thieves
America may be called the land of the free, but there are also many people who engage in illegal activities, such as hustling and thieving.
I made money now I got uncle Sam hustling / Me for a quarter of what I make
Now that I have financial success, the government is demanding a large percentage of my earnings.
Hand a quarter sentence to a fake and watch them turn state (that's right)
Giving someone who is not trustworthy even a slight punishment can cause them to become a government informant.
Blood is thicker than water (at least they say it is) / Until the fed's step in (that's just the way it is)
Family loyalty may be considered strong, but it may change when the government gets involved and pressures people to cooperate with them.
Most of these fools are characters / Men with no character welcome to America
Many people in America have fake personalities or lack integrity.
Where we fight for freedom / If ain't about oil than we don't need them / Ain't that the truth?
America may be known for fighting for freedom, but some people believe that the government is only interested in fighting for resources, such as oil.
Pitbull I'm just tell y'all the way I fell / Thank god that god made me to keep it real
I am sharing my personal feelings and perspective with my listeners and expressing gratitude for being true to myself.
After the turf war the smoke clears / All these years around these busta I'm convinced there ain't no hope here
Seeing the aftermath of gang violence has led me to lose hope for positive change in my community.
In the past four years of my lifetime / I witness leaders sacrifice freedom just to get this pipeline
I have witnessed government officials making decisions that prioritize financial gain over people's basic freedoms and well-being.
Till dem bitches step in (that's just the way it is) / Till that money step in (that's just the way it is)
Even strong relationships may change when money or fame gets involved.
I escape poverty (poverty) / I don't own jewelry motherfucker I own property
I managed to overcome poverty and accumulate wealth through owning property rather than material possessions.
You can send dem tsunamis that hit Indonesia (but but but) / Ain't no motherfucking thing stopping me
Nothing can prevent me from pursuing my goals and succeeding.
God knows I done lost but god dam I'm a good winner
Although I have experienced losses, I have also had great successes.
I only talk about what I know about / Illegal turn legal this year that's what I'm all about
I choose to only speak on topics I am knowledgeable about and am currently focused on legally transforming certain things.
I'm from the south and I ain't gonna lie / At fist time I preach ye till god struck me with pride
Initially, I followed the religious teachings of my southern roots, but over time, I became more proud and confident in myself.
I was confused now I'm like let's ride / Three o five till I die
Although I may have felt uncertain before, I now feel motivated and am dedicated to my community, representing it through my music.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: ARMANDO CHRISTIAN PEREZ, MICHAEL JOSEPH CIPRIANO, JAMES PIERRE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Anas Bajji
on I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)
GAY!