When he made the decision to rap, nobody would help him. He’d bring rhymes to his peers for beats, and no one jumped at the chance to collaborate. So, he went even harder and he did everything himself. By the age of 14, he had taught himself how to create beats, produce, and even mix and master. He’d become a wholly self-sufficient artist before tenth grade. Now 21, he recalls, “All I cared about was music. I would stay up all night working on tracks and go to school tired. It didn’t matter. I wanted to be heard.”
Inspired by everyone from Chris Brown and Usher to Jay-Z and Pharrell, he studied various genres inside and out. That determination and dedication eventually yielded a viral sensation.
In 2008, he dropped his first online track "You Should Know" on MySpace. It became a viral hit, generating over three million views and buzzing amongst listeners worldwide. Joining up with the famed crew HBK Gang, the Bay Area began to embrace him as he performed countless gigs, developed a local presence, and honed a sound of his own.
"Musically, it's a mixture of everything," he explains. "It's like going to McDonalds and pouring every drink in one cup. I want to start my own genre—like a crossover of R&B and Bay Area party hip-hop."
That crossover revs up on "Gas Pedal." This smash hit switches lanes between a club-ready beat and a swaggering hook. Sage's smooth flow coasts alongside a slick verse from HBK's Iamsu.
He continues, "It's a dancing song. I like to keep the violence to a minimum. Dancing helps kids in a big way that no one wants to pay attention to. If they're dancing, it's all good. I grew up listening to Iamsu. To have him on there is a blessing."
The song attracted Republic Records who inked a deal with him in 2013. Then, as part of the EP of the same name, "Gas Pedal" sped toward the top online and at radio, reaching #5 on the Billboard Hip-Hop Chart and racking up over 12 million YouTube/VEVO views. At the same time, countless fans uploaded their own takes on the song to both YouTube and Vine, making the impact simply seismic. Cumulatively, there are over 110 million viral views fueled by this immense audience response without radio. It also serves as a gateway to his forthcoming full-length debut album for the label.
Another banger "Red Nose" wiggles from an unshakable chorus and a massive groove, becoming an anthem in its own right. It showcases just how clever he really is too. "I wanted to say something that means 'ass-shaking' without simply saying it," he grins. "That's where the comparison to a red nose pit bull came from."
Ultimately though, everything about Sage stands out. Producing and writing, he architects his own vision completely from the music to the rhymes. Now, he's speeding towards the top.
"I want people to feel like they can live with me through the music," he concludes. "It's about having a good time together. The album's going to have turn-up and party songs as well some more emotional moments. It's everything, and everyone is welcome along for the ride."
Grip
Sage The Gemini Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
She got that grip, I got her dripping all night
She got that grip tight
She got that grip, I got her dripping all night
I might get the Balmain on you
It's so good, might put my name on you
You got that grip (Grip it, baby) tight (She grip it tight)
You got that grip (Grip it, baby)
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Goddamn, goddamn, I might see something
Grip good, grip good, I might clean something
Drop my girls an ATM, the rest don't mean nothing
Snatch they chains, they like
"Give it back 'cause it means something"
Drop top, roll with me, cruise, cruise, cruise
Might cop you a whip for good swimming, that's that carpool
Keep it quiet, you know other bitches hate
You don't talk much, but you got that Ricky Lake
I let you drive the whip, but you got your own shit
You so independent, you could flood your own wrists
She love a nigga who don't want her 'cause she spend
And I don't trip on who she with
My baby say she got that grip tight
She got that grip, I got her dripping all night
She got that grip tight
She got that grip, I got her dripping all night
I might get the Balmain on you
It's so good, might put my name on you
You got that grip (Grip it, baby) tight (She grip it tight)
You got that grip (Grip it, baby)
Got you dripping all night
I'm on call time, but ain't got time to call
My baby tried to walk before she tried to call
I think her name was Tyler, I told Tyler, "No"
And she know my head cold, that pussy diet
All I do is put my lips to hers, I call that dialogue
You still ain't good with all that effort, I don't try at all
You still be talking 'bout what you gon' do, I tried 'em all
Stiff at the end of the bed like you gon' die a log
She grip it, baby, yeah, she grip it tight
I called her my snow bunny and she gave me frostbite
You tripping, baby, won't pay your flight
My second single, bitch don't mind, it's alright
My baby say she got that grip tight
She got that grip, I got her dripping all night
My baby say she got that grip tight
She got that grip, I got her dripping all night
I might get the Balmain on you
It's so good, might put my name on you
You got that grip (Grip it, baby) tight (She grip it tight)
You got that grip (Grip it, baby)
Got you dripping all night
The lyrics in Sage the Gemini's song "Grip" revolve around the notion of a woman having a strong and tight grip, both physically and metaphorically. The song suggests that the woman possesses a powerful sexual prowess, with the repeated line, "She got that grip, I got her dripping all night." This line indicates that she is capable of satisfying the singer's desires and leaving a lasting impression on him.
The lyrics also touch on material aspects, such as the mention of Balmain, a luxury fashion brand. This reference suggests that the woman's grip is so good that it could make the singer want to invest in her and potentially claim her as his own.
In the second verse, the lyrics switch focus to the singer's love interest, who is described as independent and self-sufficient. The line "You so independent, you could flood your own wrists" signifies her capability to excel in life without relying on anyone else. However, the singer emphasizes that he still holds a special place for her in his life, even if he doesn't worry about who she's with.
Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of sexual attraction and admiration for a woman who possesses both physical and emotional strength. The phrase "grip" serves as a metaphor for her captivating abilities and allure.
Line by Line Meaning
My baby say she got that grip tight
My partner claims to have a strong hold or control over me
She got that grip, I got her dripping all night
Her hold on me is so intense that it arouses me continuously
I might get the Balmain on you
I may buy expensive designer clothing for you
It's so good, might put my name on you
Your grip (control) on me is so satisfying that I want to claim you as mine
You got that grip (Grip it, baby) tight (She grip it tight)
You possess a firm hold or control over me
Got you dripping all night
Your hold on me continuously arouses me
Goddamn, goddamn, I might see something
Wow, I might witness or experience something amazing
Grip good, grip good, I might clean something
Your hold on me is exceptionally pleasurable, I may achieve something significant
Drop my girls an ATM, the rest don't mean nothing
I generously provide money to my close female companions, the opinions of others hold no value
Snatch they chains, they like "Give it back 'cause it means something"
I take their jewelry forcefully and they plead for its return because it holds sentimental value
Drop top, roll with me, cruise, cruise, cruise
Let's drive with the top down, enjoy the ride with me, cruise continuously
Might cop you a whip for good swimming, that's that carpool
I might buy you a luxurious car to enhance your swimming skills, like a carpool lane
Keep it quiet, you know other bitches hate
Let's keep our relationship discreet because other women envy us
You don't talk much, but you got that Ricky Lake
You may not speak often, but your grip (control) on me is similar to the intense drama on the Ricky Lake talk show
I let you drive the whip, but you got your own shit
I allow you to drive my car, but you have your own belongings and independence
You so independent, you could flood your own wrists
You are incredibly self-sufficient, capable of wearing expensive jewelry on your wrists
She love a nigga who don't want her 'cause she spend
She is attracted to someone who doesn't desire her because she spends money lavishly
And I don't trip on who she with
I don't worry about the person she is with
I'm on call time, but ain't got time to call
I have a busy schedule and am always available via phone, but I don't have time to make calls
My baby tried to walk before she tried to call
My partner attempted to establish physical intimacy before reaching out to me
I think her name was Tyler, I told Tyler, "No"
I believe her name was Tyler, but I rejected her advances
And she know my head cold, that pussy diet
She understands that I have a detached or uninterested attitude towards sex
All I do is put my lips to hers, I call that dialogue
The only form of interaction I have with her is kissing, which I consider a form of communication
You still ain't good with all that effort, I don't try at all
Even with all the effort you put in, you still don't satisfy me, so I don't make any effort in return
You still be talking 'bout what you gon' do, I tried 'em all
You keep making promises about what you will do, but I have already experienced them all
Stiff at the end of the bed like you gon' die a log
You lay there motionless at the end of the bed, as if you are lifeless or about to die
She grip it, baby, yeah, she grip it tight
She holds or controls it (possibly referring to a sexual act) firmly and tightly
I called her my snow bunny and she gave me frostbite
I referred to her as my attractive white partner, but she emotionally hurt me
You tripping, baby, won't pay your flight
You're acting crazy, refusing to pay for your own flight
My second single, bitch don't mind, it's alright
This is my second single, and I don't care about any negative opinions or reactions
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Dominic Woods, Daryl Kent Jones
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Sarim Hashmi
Welcome to the world where some good shit always gets underrated ....... smh
Mike J
I've been playing this song on repeat for over a year now...this is way underrated
NBA Midboy
I never cared for Sage the Gemini's style of music but I have to admit, this is pretty cool. He should do more songs like this one.
Noo
When you replay it over over and over..
Myles Media
Most slept on song in 2017
the power of beans
positive vibes, fucking love this track
Daddylugosi
Dope! Keep it up!
TheRealAuntViv
That chorus is dope.This is a good collab.
Brax Wolff
2023, still underrated
Imma marry and birth kids and make them to listen to this.
the power of beans
My might and I played this track while smoking and driving, was so chill