Initially, the group was comprised of rappers JT Money, and Debonaire (not to be confused with Miami Bass producer Claudio "Debonaire" Barrella). Discovered by 2 Live Crew's DJ/producer Mr. Mixx at local a talent show, they quickly were signed to Luke Skyywalker Records and released their debut album "2 Low Life Muthas" produced by Mr. Mixx. The group briefly took the subtitle "Baby 2 Live Crew" as a way to market themselves. Upon release, they received most of their attention due to the Miami Bass club hit "Dance All Night", a track that stylistically did not match the album's thuggish content.
Debonaire left the group to spearhead his NYC Hip-Hop inspired act, "Home Team". JT Money continued on as Poison Clan, releasing the album "Poisionous Mentality" in 1992. It was again the act's Miami Bass single, "Shake Whatcha Mama Gave Ya", that gained them the most attention during this time, thanks in part to production by Kenneth "Devastator" Terry. Unlike "Dance All Night", this single was a major hit outside of the Southern club scene, and more importantly, became a blueprint for Miami Bass inspired acts for nearly the remainder of the decade.
Successive albums include 1993's "Ruff Town Behavior", and and 1995's "Strait Zooism", which maintained the act's core following, setting the climate for other Miami based thug rappers such as Trick Daddy. However, much like the bulk of the Luke Records roster, JT Money began quesioning the label's practices, including the amount of unpaid royalties to him. JT left the label and reemerged as a solo artist in the late 1990s.
Fugitive
Poison Clan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What you're about to hear is basically on the minds of all young black men.
The only way they figure they can get out of this run-down society, the
Only way to live, ... they consider theyself as fugitives.
[Verse 1: JT Money]
So what? I got a dark complexion and gold teeth
Is that a reason to call the police?
They wanna throw my ass in the back seat
But a nigga can't stand it
The whole system's underhanded; I'm looked at as a bandit
So I go start a riot, but they gon' have to
Bust a cap in my ass to keep me quiet
'Cause I can't be held down
I'ma fight for my shit so that makes me jail-bound
Here come the boys in blue to harass me
But all them punk mah'fuckers can kiss my ass, see
A nigga ain't scared to do time
I did it before; it's all in the mind
But I ain't tryin' to go back
And I'ma give all these motherfuckers hell, black
'Cause that's what they gave me
And ain't one bitch out there who can save me
But before they take me,
They gotta catch me. What the fuck that make me?
A FUGITIVE. [x2]
[Verse 2: JT Money]
Here's the truth about my youth and my childhood
A buck wild and reckless, point blank and wild hood
Always up to no good, I had big dreams
Started movin' them thangs at age 16
Now I'm a young nigga sittin on G's
Only dealin' with O-Z's and keys
Every now and then I move a few quarters
To niggas scowlin' at me, I'm givin' orders
I never bag or flaunt, 'cause I'm a cool youth
Thinkin' of a plan that's fool-proof
Of how to increase my wealth
Made up my mind, it's time to go for self
Now here's somethin' that you never seen
A young nigga run his own shit at age 17
A year later, I'm greater than the average nigga
And my operation's still gettin' bigger
Of course I had to fly a few hits
Now I got a rep; I'm runnin' from the feds
Fuck 'em! A nigga just can't win
They wanna see me rot in the state pen
Huh. But I can't see it, black!
And I'ma haul ass like I'm runnin' track
'Cause I know they gon' fry me
So I move out of town, change my whole ID
Better yet, change my look before they seize me
Or a fool'l recognize me on TV
But before they can take me,
They gotta catch me. What the fuck that make me?
A FUGITIVE. [x3]
The song "Fugitive" by Poison Clan is a powerful reflection on the experiences of young black men in a society that views them as outsiders. The lyrics express the frustration, anger, and sense of hopelessness that many feel when faced with discrimination and oppression. JT Money, the rapper behind the song, speaks to the reality of being looked at as a criminal simply because of his skin color and the stereotypes that come with it. He talks about the unfairness of a system that is designed to keep him down and offers a glimpse into the choices he has had to make to survive.
In the first verse, JT Money talks about his experience with the police, who view him as a threat simply because of the way he looks. He expresses his defiance and determination to fight back against a system that seeks to keep him in chains. He talks about the ways he has had to become a leader and take charge of his own destiny, even if that means breaking the law. In the second verse, he reflects on his past and how he got to where he is, highlighting the difficult choices he has had to make and the sacrifices he has had to endure. He knows that he is considered a fugitive by society's standards, but he refuses to be caught and will continue to do what he feels he must to survive.
Overall, the song is a powerful commentary on the experiences of black men in America and the struggle that many face simply to exist. It speaks to the frustration and anger that builds up in response to the injustices and discrimination faced by those who are seen as different. It also highlights the strength, resilience, and determination of those who refuse to be held down and are willing to fight back against a system that seeks to keep them oppressed.
Line by Line Meaning
What you're about to hear is basically on the minds of all young black men.
This song addresses the thoughts and experiences of many young black men who feel persecuted by society.
So what? I got a dark complexion and gold teeth
Is that a reason to call the police?
JT Money is frustrated that he is targeted by the police solely because of his appearance, despite not having done anything wrong.
But a nigga can't stand it
The whole system's underhanded; I'm looked at as a bandit
JT Money feels that the justice system is rigged against him and that he is unfairly labeled as a criminal.
I'ma fight for my shit so that makes me jail-bound
Here come the boys in blue to harass me
JT Money feels like he has no choice but to stand up for himself and his rights, even if it means risking jail time. However, as soon as he tries to assert himself, the police try to shut him down.
But all them punk mah'fuckers can kiss my ass, see
A nigga ain't scared to do time
JT Money has had enough of being harassed by the police and is not afraid to go to jail for his beliefs and actions.
I never bag or flaunt, 'cause I'm a cool youth
Thinkin' of a plan that's fool-proof
JT Money is intelligent and strategic with his criminal activities, and tries to keep a low profile to avoid getting caught.
Of how to increase my wealth
Made up my mind, it's time to go for self
JT Money is determined to become successful and wealthy, and sees his criminal activities as a means to achieve that goal.
But I can't see it, black!
And I'ma haul ass like I'm runnin' track
'Cause I know they gon' fry me
JT Money is aware of the potential consequences of his actions, but is still unwilling to give up his freedom and go to jail.
Better yet, change my look before they seize me
Or a fool'l recognize me on TV
JT Money is taking measures to avoid being captured by the police, including changing his appearance and going into hiding.
But before they can take me,
They gotta catch me. What the fuck that make me?
A FUGITIVE. [x3]
JT Money sees himself as a fugitive, constantly on the run from the law, but also proud of his ability to evade capture and keep fighting for his rights and freedoms.
Contributed by Skyler M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.