Anthony Forte was born March 2, 1968 and grew up in San Francisco's Fillmore District. He has a twin sister. He has a son as well as three daughters.
Right after high school, 4-Tay made his debut on the Too Short album Life Is...Too Short. He was later convicted on drug charges and served ten months in prison. Upon his release from prison he released his debut album Rappin' 4-Tay Is Back in 1991, and followed up in 1994 with Don't Fight the Feelin', which included the hits "Playaz Club" (which sampled the song "Private Number" by William Bell and Judy Clay and hit number 36 on the Billboard Hot 100), the "Dank Season" featuring Seff Tha Gaffla, and "I'll Be Around" (which hit number 39 on the US Hot 100, number 59 in Australia, and number one in New Zealand).
In 1995, two Rappin' 4-Tay songs—"Problems" and "A Message for Your Mind"—were featured on the Dangerous Minds soundtrack. "A Message For Your Mind" sampled "I Want You Back" by The Jackson 5.
Rappin' 4-Tay's mainstream success has been scarce since then, but he was featured on 2Pac's All Eyez on Me album on the track "Only God Can Judge Me" in 1996 and Master P's West Coast Bad Boyz II compilation in 1997. 4-Tay was also an original member of Bay Area supergroup T.W.D.Y. in 1999.
In 2003 Rappin' 4-Tay released the album Gangsta Gumbo with the single "Burning, Burning", followed up by the album That's What You Thought in 2007. In 2010 He was featured on R&B Artist E. Broussard's song titled Big Game Droppin'.
He was featured on the song "My Alphabets" on fellow Bay Area rap veteran Mac Dre's 2004 album The Genie of the Lamp. Dec 06 2011 Rappin' 4-Tay, E-40 and Playalitical collaborated on a song entitled "Bounce It Like a Bad Check" which was featured on the Political Playboy Music album released by Playalitical. In 2012 Rappin' 4-Tay collaborated on the song "Picture a Nigga" with Lil' Gang$ta, as well as helping with his debut album.
In 2013, he headlined the main stage of Seattle Hempfest with artists Ditch, Tony Tag, Brian Meyers and more.
In May 2014, he appeared with E Bone415 in a music video about Alcatraz Island.
Two's Up
Rappin' 4-Tay Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Forever throwing 4s telling niggaz Warren up
Since mi nigga switched up I been buying switches up
Still the same nigga in the trenches tryna get up
never put the pack down trying put t 2 milli up
Put a nigga in pack rell thro em in a blunt
I'll Roll up spark the wood I ain't tawking blunts
Nigga so what we in yo hood don't get to Ass buss
All these bully at the crib I coulda it a chicken up
I just put the 40 up big 10 milli tucked
All these pistols in the crib coulda bought another truck
Pair of gloves in mi room just to load mi poles up
Told her come n choked the dick n ima beat her til she nut
Told her when she take pictures keep ring finger tucked
eastside warren or u can throw the 4s up
Tell mi bihh to roll up while mix this 4 up
Smack a faygo with a script this that baby don't touch
Still getting active nigga ion bring up old stuff
I'm that same nigga on a scwinn with the pole tucked
Throw up BH looking threw mi fingers yelling Warren up
I'm be shiting on you niggaz that's it that's the bar
All these shots on mi hip this clip that's a bar
I been rolling around bihh bring a slip fa the jars
And they potin round this bihh you gone know them bihhs our
In these lyrics, Rappin' 4-Tay is asserting his dominance and influence in his neighborhood. He starts by proclaiming that he is well-connected and capable of causing harm to anyone who crosses him. He also mentions his allegiance to Warren, presumably a reference to his affiliation with a certain group or gang.
The lyrics go on to discuss how Rappin' 4-Tay remains true to himself despite others changing around him. He emphasizes that he is still the same person grinding in the streets, trying to come up and make money. He mentions the dedication he has towards his hustle, never putting down the pack (drugs) and constantly working towards accumulating wealth.
Rappin' 4-Tay also boasts about his ability to handle conflict and engage in violence if necessary. He mentions his presence in rival neighborhoods and warns others about the potential consequences if they mess with him. He remains focused on his mission of making money, accumulating wealth, and asserting power.
The lyrics take a shift in tone as Rappin' 4-Tay switches to talking about his sexual encounters. He mentions engaging in rough sexual acts, implying his dominance in the bedroom as well. He advises his partner to keep her ring finger hidden in photos, indicating that it's just a casual relationship and not something serious.
Rappin' 4-Tay emphasizes his affiliation with his neighborhood, Warren, once again. He encourages his partner to roll a joint and mix drinks while he prepares a potent concoction for them. He playfully mentions smacking a Faygo soda bottle with a prescription drug, perhaps indicating a rebellious and carefree attitude.
The final lines highlight Rappin' 4-Tay's street credibility. He makes it clear that he is still active and engaged in illegal activities, with guns and drugs readily available. He proudly throws up the BH (likely his neighborhood or group sign) sign, reaffirming his loyalty and connection to his community.
Overall, these lyrics showcase Rappin' 4-Tay's bravado, his dedication to his hustle, and his prominence within his neighborhood. They also touch upon themes of violence, sex, and the harsh realities of street life.
Line by Line Meaning
Bihh I'm tapped in mr get u touched
I am well-connected and capable of arranging harm for others.
Forever throwing 4s telling niggaz Warren up
Continuously representing my gang affiliation and asserting dominance in the Warren neighborhood.
Since mi nigga switched up I been buying switches up
Ever since my friend changed his behavior, I have been acquiring different weapons.
Still the same nigga in the trenches tryna get up
I have not changed despite facing challenging circumstances, and I am still striving for success.
never put the pack down trying put t 2 milli up
I am constantly involved in drug dealing, aiming to accumulate two million dollars.
Put a nigga in pack rell thro em in a blunt
I would pack drugs into a cigar and smoke it, metaphorically disposing of my enemies.
I'll Roll up spark the wood I ain't tawking blunts
I will roll and light marijuana joints, emphasizing that I am not referring to regular tobacco cigars.
Nigga so what we in yo hood don't get to Ass buss
I am confident and unafraid to cause trouble in your neighborhood.
I been focus on mi mission tryna put that chicken up
I have been dedicated to achieving my goals and accumulating wealth.
All these bully at the crib I coulda it a chicken up
There are so many firearms in my home that it could have been mistaken for a weapons stockpile.
I just put the 40 up big 10 milli tucked
I recently concealed a .40 caliber firearm with ten million dollars in cash.
All these pistols in the crib coulda bought another truck
The amount of guns I possess could have been used to purchase an additional vehicle.
Pair of gloves in mi room just to load mi poles up
I keep gloves in my room specifically for handling and loading firearms.
Told her come n choked the dick n ima beat her til she nut
I instructed a woman to perform oral sex on me and assured her that I will sexually gratify her.
Told her when she take pictures keep ring finger tucked
I advised her to hide her engagement ring while taking photographs.
eastside warren or u can throw the 4s up
I am proudly representing the Eastside of Warren, and you can also display the hand gesture of our gang.
Tell mi bihh to roll up while mix this 4 up
Instructing my partner to prepare a marijuana joint while I mix a drink containing codeine.
Smack a faygo with a script this that baby don't touch
I will hit a bottle of Faygo soda with a prescription drug (codeine), a combination that should not be consumed by others.
Still getting active nigga ion bring up old stuff
My reputation for engaging in criminal activities remains intact, and I prefer not to discuss past events.
I'm that same nigga on a scwinn with the pole tucked
I have not changed; I am still riding a Schwinn bicycle, discreetly carrying a concealed firearm.
Throw up BH looking threw mi fingers yelling Warren up
I raise my index and pinky fingers in the shape of the letter 'B,' a gesture associated with my gang, while shouting 'Warren up.'
I'm be shiting on you niggaz that's it that's the bar
I will consistently outshine and outperform my adversaries, that's the standard I set.
All these shots on mi hip this clip that's a bar
I carry multiple loaded guns on my waist, illustrating my preparedness and intimidating presence.
I been rolling around bihh bring a slip fa the jars
I have been driving around with drugs, specifically requesting a paper slip for the jars.
And they potin round this bihh you gone know them bihhs our
There are individuals scheming and plotting in this area, and they will quickly become aware of our presence.
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: D Tay
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind