Red Café is a Flatbush, Brooklyn rapper of Afro-Guyanese descent. He has been called "Red" all his life, a nickname inherited from his father. He often refers to himself simply as "R" on songs he appears on by saying "It's R." Red Cafe began his career in a group called Da Franchise (or as often referred to Franchise) with Bed-Stuy artist Gravy and Flatbush rapper Q Da Kid appeared on many Whoo Kid and Kay Slay mixtapes under Franchise. Due to disagreements between the three, they split up and went separate ways. In early 2006, Red Cafe was to release his first major-label debut I Got a Story to Tell, on Capitol Records in conjunction with Mack 10's Hoo Bangin' imprint, set to include singles "Bling Blao" featuring Fabolous and "Diddy Bop". Also believed to be on that album were his songs that received radio play "Jeep Shit", which features Fabolous & Paul Wall and the remix of "Diddy Bop" which features Fabolous, Kardinal Offishall, Coco Chanel and Curren$y. However this never eventuated. Red Cafe has also contributed to the Coach Carter soundtrack. He has also ghostwritten for many popular rappers over the years. As an underground rapper, his work is not internationally recognized, though he has been rapping on the circuit since the late 1990s.Red Cafe also made a cameo appearance in the biopic "NOTORIOUS" playing primo in which he battled biggie at the age of 17.This battle was based on a real battle biggie and a fellow Brooklyn rapper had and includes the same bar for bar lines biggie used in the movie.
Red Café signed with several major labels over the years, including Arista in 2003,Capitol Records, and RCA, but circumstances dictated that albums were not released. Red commented "I just kept running into jams where the people who believed in me they lost their positions, or just the tables turned while I was at the company and you know things change and I wasn’t able to get the support that I needed".
Red Cafe released a mixtape with DJ Envy, The Co-Op, on October 9, 2007 with distribution by Koch Records. Remy Ma was featured on the album, while Cafe's new song "Paper Touchin Remix" features Fat Joe.
Red Café signed to Akon's Universal Records-distributed Konvict Muzik label in 2007, with his major-label debut album, The Shakedown, announced as due in 2008. In 2009, Red Café signed to Bad Boy Records, with The Shakedown still unreleased.
He was also recently cast in the Biggie Smalls biographic movie, Notorious as Primo, the freestyle battle rapper.
In late April 2009, Red Cafe's 2009 single "Hottest In Da Hood" was officially remixed by Diddy, Jadakiss, Rick Ross, Fabolous and OJ Da Juiceman. He later said an interview that there will be 2 more remixes of that song. The 2nd remix features Juelz Santana, Lore'l, Lloyd Banks and Busta Rhymes. The 3rd features Papoose, Kardinal Offishall, Juggernot, Uncle Murda, Ross Fortune & Diddy. The 2nd remix preimered on May 5 2009 at Power 105.1. Red Cafe has yet to release a solo album in his career.
Do It For The Hood 2
Red Cafe Lyrics
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Shout to Rock City shout to Akon
Shout to that boy Maino brooklyn what up
The LA Leakers baby whoo Kid
Riding through the city with my top down
And haters hate to see me when I come around
Cause they already know I'm
No matter where I'm at I always
Do it for the hood
I still hustle even on the holidays
I'm getting to this money each and everyday
They told me I should stop I do it anyway
No matter where I'm at I always
Do it for the hood
Wake up in the morning making President
Dirty rags still hood residential
Deep in them back blocks plotting on a lick
Pop up on them blindside make the pussy strip
I want it all looks my niggas all crooks
Make them suckas do the dance crooks
On the rise dealer call him Godzilla
Making pies, super size, be my enterprise
Certified hustler, we should be televised
(What else)
I'm a dogg from the big big city
Boy I want it all believe
That my hands sticky
And I'm coming strapped with
Goons and couple cliqueys
Live from the hood my nigga, no Pretty Rickys
Lighting up sour high, as the Sears Tower
Tell them hoes now we open 25 hours
For them kids whose fathers was gang members
In a world where judges just hang niggas
Going at with rivals we bang niggas
Then we end up in jail with them same niggas
For them mothers who coping with lost sons
Cops yelling freeze say fuck'em
And still run hoping on that visit we
Praying that girl come
On my mind I'm still from
Do for my shooters and
Young substance abusers
Growing up trapped the world
Calling us losers
Do it for my doggs who hustle
To get a hold of life
Street nigga made it, look I'm the prototype
Look me in my eyes, I'm a one of one
Niggas can you quit, ain't no one on one
Ready for them dark days
There some more to come
They gone say I kept it
Hood way before I'm done
Ever since I was a pup I've been a general
Every scheme I ever thought about was federal
Slinging medicine, but it wasn't medical
Half the buildings in the
Neighborhood looking edible
Steak on my dinner plate
Mansion on the interstate
Hit the hood renovate
Watch the paper generate
With them snow bunnies, I got'em no worries
We in the town so you know it's gone be snow
(What else) raised in the projects
Getting cash no checks
Where all the homies push weights
Not Bow-flex
Legalize hustle, I'm a "G" for life
A dozen for the hood, I always beat the price
Big wheel, big bank roll, bad broad
Riding through the city
Serving what they ask for
Last year I clocked about 44 blocks
And made them strips all white, no Clorox
The lyrics to Red Cafe's song "What It Do" depict the rapper's dedication to his hometown, the struggles he and others from his community face, and his determination to overcome adversity and succeed in the music industry. He opens the song with shoutouts to fellow artists and influential figures, emphasizing the connections he has and the support he receives.
The first verse describes Red Cafe riding through the city with his convertible top down, which symbolizes his confidence and his refusal to hide who he is. Despite facing hate and jealousy from others, he asserts that he will "shut it down," meaning he will excel and prove his worth. The repetition of "Do it for the hood" highlights his commitment to representing and uplifting his community.
Moving on to the second verse, Red Cafe talks about his hustle and ambition. He wakes up in the morning, eager to make money and elevate his status. He references his humble background and still being rooted in his neighborhood, suggesting that his success doesn't change who he is. He refers to himself as a "certified hustler" who should be recognized and applauded for his entrepreneurial spirit.
The third verse delves into the harsh realities faced by individuals in his community. He mentions the influence of gang culture and the unjust criminal justice system. Red Cafe acknowledges the complexities of life in the hood and the struggle to escape its negative cycle. He expresses empathy towards mothers who have lost their sons to violence and the desire of those in prison for loved ones to visit. He emphasizes that he remains connected to his upbringing and is determined to uplift those who face similar struggles.
In the final verse, Red Cafe highlights his success and status as a street-savvy artist. He asserts his uniqueness and ability to transcend competition. Despite the challenges he has faced and anticipates in the future, he remains true to his roots and committed to representing his neighborhood. He concludes by emphasizing his ability to generate wealth and transform his surroundings, alluding to his entrepreneurial endeavors in the drug trade, but with a focus on financial growth and improving the community.
Line by Line Meaning
Ahh this shit crazy right here
This situation is incredibly intense and exciting
Shout to Rock City shout to Akon
Sending recognition and appreciation to Rock City and Akon
Shout to that boy Maino brooklyn what up
Acknowledging and greeting Maino from Brooklyn
The LA Leakers baby whoo Kid
Giving a shoutout to The LA Leakers and DJ Whoo Kid
Riding through the city with my top down
Driving around town with the roof of my car down
And haters hate to see me when I come around
People who dislike me feel bothered when I'm present
Cause they already know I'm gonna shut it down
Because they are aware that I will dominate and achieve success
No matter where I'm at I always do it for the hood
I consistently work for the betterment of the neighborhood I come from
I still hustle even on the holidays
I continue to work hard and strive for success, even during festive seasons
I'm getting to this money each and everyday
I am actively pursuing wealth and financial gain on a daily basis
They told me I should stop I do it anyway
Despite being advised to quit, I persist and continue my endeavors
Wake up in the morning making President
Starting my day by engaging in profitable activities
Dirty rags still hood residential
Despite my humble upbringing and modest appearance, I remain grounded in my neighborhood
Deep in them back blocks plotting on a lick
Strategizing and planning illegal activities in secluded areas
Pop up on them blindside make the pussy strip
Surprising and overpowering my enemies, causing them to surrender
I want it all looks my niggas all crooks
I desire success and material wealth, associating with individuals involved in illicit activities
Make them suckas do the dance crooks
Forcing my enemies to submit or comply with my demands
On the rise dealer call him Godzilla
Referring to myself as a dominating force in the drug trade industry
Making pies, super size, be my enterprise
Engaging in drug production on a large scale, building a lucrative business
Certified hustler, we should be televised
Being an expert in the art of hustling, we deserve to be featured on television
(What else) I'm a dogg from the big big city
In addition, I am a street-smart individual from a bustling metropolis
Boy I want it all believe that my hands sticky
I am determined to acquire everything I desire and succeed, even if it involves engaging in illegal activities
And I'm coming strapped with goons and couple cliqueys
I am armed and accompanied by a group of loyal and trusted individuals
Live from the hood my nigga, no Pretty Rickys
Representing and broadcasting live from the neighborhood, without any pretentiousness or false personas
Lighting up sour high, as the Sears Tower
Smoking potent marijuana and experiencing a powerful high comparable to the height of the Sears Tower
Tell them hoes now we open 25 hours
Informing women that our availability and dedication extend beyond the usual 24-hour day
For them kids whose fathers was gang members
Dedicating this to children whose fathers were affiliated with gangs
In a world where judges just hang niggas
In a society where judges unfairly convict and sentence black people
Going at with rivals we bang niggas
Engaging in conflicts and violent confrontations with our enemies
Then we end up in jail with them same niggas
Subsequently, we find ourselves incarcerated alongside these very enemies
For them mothers who coping with lost sons
This is dedicated to mothers who are dealing with the loss of their sons
Cops yelling freeze say fuck'em
Showing defiance towards the police and refusing to comply with their orders
And still run hoping on that visit we praying that girl come
Continuing to evade law enforcement, relying on visits from loved ones for emotional support
On my mind I'm still from
I am consistently mindful of my origins
Do for my shooters and young substance abusers
Working and providing support for my associates involved in criminal activities and struggling with addiction
Growing up trapped the world calling us losers
Being raised in an environment that confines us, society often labels us as failures
Do it for my doggs who hustle to get a hold of life
Engaging in endeavors for my loyal friends who strive to improve their circumstances
Street nigga made it, look I'm the prototype
As a successful individual from the streets, I embody the ideal or original version of success
Look me in my eyes, I'm a one of one
Acknowledge my uniqueness and rarity by looking directly into my eyes
Niggas can you quit, ain't no one on one
Challenging others and stating that there will be no simple one-on-one confrontation
Ready for them dark days, there some more to come
Prepared to face and overcome difficult times, knowing that more challenges lie ahead
They gone say I kept it hood way before I'm done
People will acknowledge that I have maintained my authenticity and loyalty to the streets throughout my journey
Ever since I was a pup I've been a general
From a young age, I have possessed leadership qualities and have been in command
Every scheme I ever thought about was federal
All my plans and strategies have revolved around illegal activities with national implications
Slinging medicine, but it wasn't medical
Engaging in drug dealing as a means of making a living, despite it being illegal
Half the buildings in the neighborhood looking edible
The condition of many structures in the neighborhood is deteriorating, appearing as if they could be consumed
Steak on my dinner plate, mansion on the interstate
Enjoying a luxurious lifestyle with expensive meals and owning a grand residence near the highway
Hit the hood renovate, watch the paper generate
Investing in and improving the neighborhood, while witnessing a steady flow of money
With them snow bunnies, I got'em no worries
Having white women attracted to me, causing me to feel confident and unconcerned
We in the town so you know it's gone be snow (What else)
Being in a location where illegal drugs, particularly cocaine, are prevalent
Raised in the projects, getting cash no checks
Growing up in low-income housing, acquiring money through illicit means rather than formal employment
Where all the homies push weights, not Bow-flex
In our community, our friends are involved in drug trafficking, not simply exercising with a specific machine
Legalize hustle, I'm a 'G' for life
Advocating for the legitimization of street hustling, expressing my lifetime commitment to this lifestyle
A dozen for the hood, I always beat the price
Providing discounted goods or services to the neighborhood, consistently offering better deals than competitors
Big wheel, big bank roll, bad broad
Displaying wealth and financial success, accompanied by an attractive and desirable woman
Riding through the city serving what they ask for
Driving around town fulfilling the demands of customers, providing them with desired products
Last year I clocked about 44 blocks
During the previous year, I successfully navigated and operated within various neighborhoods
And made them strips all white, no Clorox
I converted locations of illegal activity into profitable areas, turning them into places associated with financial success rather than cleaning products
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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