Learning from their cohort Lord Finesse, the two started an underground buzz by street promoting their demos then selling the tapes out of the trunks of their cars. The street sales helped them polish their debut single "Soul Clap" b/w "Party Groove," a cut that banged dance clubs and got love on Yo! MTV Raps for many a week, a self-titled EP was released in March of 1992. Their debut album, Runaway Slave, followed in the fall and is seen as an early-'90s hip-hop essential. The album brought a bouncing hardcore sound of crisp, jazzy horns, stiff drum kicks, and snapping snares that could get a party hopping but could also satisfy the non-dancing purist nodding his head in the back of the club. The album truly is a D.I.T.C. family affair and introduced such legendary names as the late Big L, Fat Joe, and Diamond D, whose classic debut solo album Stunts, Blunts, and Hip Hop dropped the same week in 1992.
The albatross of making unadulterated rap music is that it sometimes costs a crew acclaim, for Show and A.G. are some of rap's disturbingly underrated. The sequel to their raw, stripped sound came in 1995 with the under-appreciated Goodfellas and the two were major contributors to D.I.T.C.'s eponymous debut album in 2000.
Fat Pockets
Showbiz & A.G. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
"I like my pockets fat not flat" "So get back" (repeat 4x)
[Showbiz]
My pockets stay fat, and they always like that
Not only in pocket but in my bank there's stacks and stacks of dough
Cause I move slow, I get my cash flow, and then I go
Some get mad cause they can't understand
That I'm 23 years old, I'm in command
I'm down with DITC, that's "Diggin' in the Crates"
And my partner A.G., we always keep crazy papes
I'm staying fat, cause what comes around goes around
I always help out and help a brother when he's down
And out like a boyscout, brothers always shout
"Good lookin out Show" Yeah, without a doubt
But don't try and take advantage
I'll just leave you alone instead of putting that ass in bandages
Signing off is Show be -I-Z
And next up is A.G., he likes his pockets F-A-T
"I like my pockets fat not flat" (repeat 4x)
[A.G.]
Check it out yo, A.G. is living fat
In the mental, in other words can I get a soul clap?
Diggin' in the crates for something smooth
Showbiz & A.G., yo money, we make the party groove
And I'm a top-notch competitor
Carrying dough like a treasurer
Getting pussy, oh that's regular
But the sex I never take
Cause if that bitch screams rape, like Mike Tyson, I'm upstate
And you know that's a fact, black
So if she says no, that means no, and that's that
No matter how cute or how desperate
(Ayo she gotta get the boot) Yeah, she gotta see the exit
But I'm not mad I didn't hit it
I just dial seven digits and some skins that's with it
Bones in the closet, that's my logic
You gotta be smart and keep a downlow in the projects
Watch your step and take it easy
Or act like Stevie Wonder because you know you can't see me
Don't sniff no coke, but I might drink a brew
Or maybe two (Andre the Giant, not you)
Yeah, wrecking MC's with just my demo
And pulling all the cuties with no problemo
That's right, because I'm a gamer
Your girl let you for me, A.G., I don't blame her
Step back, get your sticks and your bats
Know you step up because my pockets are fat
"I like my pockets fat not flat" (repeat 3x)
[Showbiz]
It's time to take the brothers from the corner
Clean up they act, and give them a chance to do what the want to
I'm not trying to be a bum with a 40
That's not my style, I gotta work hard like Naughty
By Nature, you should understand
To get yours in this land, you gotta work for yours, black man
You think it's easy because I rap?
So don't ask me for a dollar motherfucker, you ain't handicapped
And if you was, you'd still have the chance
Look how I flip "ain't this a bitch" now I'm making you dance
Yeah it's Show be -I-Z from your neighbor H-double-O-D, I are-A-P
Cause I want to stay fat
To keep clothes on my back and you know I never slack
For all the bums that said I forgot where I came from
Eating crumbs on the corner in the slums
I'm hungry enough to grow fangs
Here's a dollar, go to the store, but give me back my fucking change
I'm not trying to spend on so-called friends
Not even with skins, put that bullshit to an end
So fuck the groupies on tour
I'm trying to make a million dollars, some shit I never saw before
So save that bullshit for later
So when I'm large, hoes give me head on an escalator
Yeah, I like to flow, I'm Show be -I-Z
A.K.A. Mr. F-A-T
The song Fat Pockets by Showbiz & A.G. is about having money and enjoying the good life. The repeated lyric “I like my pockets fat not flat” emphasizes their desire for wealth and success, and their determination to keep it that way. Showbiz raps about his financial success and ability to make money without resorting to illegal activities. He is proud to be a part of the Diggin’ in the Crates crew and grateful for their support. A.G. also brags about his money, but also speaks about the importance of being smart with it and not getting involved in dangerous situations. He also references his ability to attract women, while also being responsible and respectful towards them.
Overall, the song is a celebration of financial success and living life to the fullest, while also being responsible and smart about it. It is a message about hard work and determination, and how success can be achieved with the right mindset and actions.
Line by Line Meaning
I like my pockets fat not flat
I prefer my pockets to be full of money
So get back
Back off, don't come close to me
My pockets stay fat, and they always like that
I consistently have a lot of money in my pockets
Not only in pocket but in my bank there's stacks and stacks of dough
I also have a lot of money in my bank account
Cause I move slow, I get my cash flow, and then I go
I take my time to make money, but once I have it, I leave quickly
And brother's don't know, I'm on the down low
Other people don't realize that I'm secretly making a lot of money
Some get mad cause they can't understand
Others get upset because they don't comprehend how I'm making so much money
That I'm 23 years old, I'm in command
Despite my young age, I have control over my financial situation
I'm down with DITC, that's "Diggin' in the Crates"
I'm associated with a group that finds valuable things
And my partner A.G., we always keep crazy papes
My partner and I always have lots of money
I'm staying fat, cause what comes around goes around
I am accumulating wealth because I believe in good karma
I always help out and help a brother when he's down
I share my wealth with those in need
"Good lookin out Show" Yeah, without a doubt
Others appreciate my generosity
But don't try and take advantage
Don't try to exploit my good intentions
I'll just leave you alone instead of putting that ass in bandages
I prefer to avoid violence, but I won't tolerate being taken advantage of
Signing off is Show be-I-Z
I'm done rapping for now
And next up is A.G., he likes his pockets F-A-T
The next person to rap is A.G. who also likes having a lot of money
Check it out yo, A.G. is living fat
A.G. has a lot of money
In the mental, in other words can I get a soul clap?
Can I get some applause for how rich I am?
Diggin' in the crates for something smooth
We are searching for good things to enjoy
Showbiz & A.G., yo money, we make the party groove
Our wealth allows us to make the party lively
And I'm a top-notch competitor
I'm a skilled and successful person
Carrying dough like a treasurer
I always have a lot of money
Getting pussy, oh that's regular
I frequently have sex with women
But the sex I never take
I never force anyone to have sex with me
Cause if that bitch screams rape, like Mike Tyson, I'm upstate
If a woman accuses me of rape, I will go to prison like Mike Tyson did
And you know that's a fact, black
That's definitely true
So if she says no, that means no, and that's that
If a woman says no to sex, I accept it and move on
No matter how cute or how desperate
It doesn't matter how attractive or needy the woman is
(Ayo she gotta get the boot) Yeah, she gotta see the exit
She needs to leave if she's not interested in sex without drama
But I'm not mad I didn't hit it
I don't get upset if I don't have sex with someone
I just dial seven digits and some skins that's with it
I call someone else who is interested
Bones in the closet, that's my logic
I keep secrets hidden away
You gotta be smart and keep a downlow in the projects
I have to be careful with who I have sex with in my neighborhood
Watch your step and take it easy
Be careful and calm
Or act like Stevie Wonder because you know you can't see me
Stay away from me because I don't want to associate with you
Don't sniff no coke, but I might drink a brew
I don't use cocaine, but I may drink beer
Or maybe two (Andre the Giant, not you)
I may have a lot of beer, but not as much as Andre the Giant
Yeah, wrecking MC's with just my demo
I am successful as a rapper even without any official albums
And pulling all the cuties with no problemo
I easily attract beautiful women
That's right, because I'm a gamer
I know how to be successful in life and with women
Your girl let you for me, A.G., I don't blame her
I don't feel guilty for stealing another man's girlfriend
Step back, get your sticks and your bats
Stay away from me because I have a lot of money and power
Know you step up because my pockets are fat
People are interested in me because of my wealth
It's time to take the brothers from the corner
We need to help young people in difficult situations
Clean up they act, and give them a chance to do what the want to
We need to encourage them to make good decisions and pursue their goals
I'm not trying to be a bum with a 40
I don't want to be poor and drinking alcohol
That's not my style, I gotta work hard like Naughty
I prefer to work hard and have a good reputation like Naughty by Nature
You should understand
You need to realize
To get yours in this land, you gotta work for yours, black man
To be successful, you need to work hard and earn your money
You think it's easy because I rap?
You assume I have an easy life because I'm a rapper?
So don't ask me for a dollar motherfucker, you ain't handicapped
Don't ask me for money if you're capable of earning it yourself
And if you was, you'd still have the chance
Even if you were handicapped, you still have opportunities to succeed
Look how I flip "ain't this a bitch" now I'm making you dance
See how I changed the conversation and controlled the situation?
I'm hungry enough to grow fangs
I'm motivated and determined to be successful
Here's a dollar, go to the store, but give me back my fucking change
I'm willing to help you, but don't take advantage of me
I'm not trying to spend on so-called friends
I'm cautious about who I spend my money on
Not even with skins, put that bullshit to an end
I won't waste my money on fake relationships or sexual partners
So fuck the groupies on tour
I don't care about the women who throw themselves at me on tour
I'm trying to make a million dollars, some shit I never saw before
I'm focused on becoming extremely wealthy
So save that bullshit for later
Don't waste your time and energy on me right now
So when I'm large, hoes give me head on an escalator
In the future, women will be even more attracted to me because of my success
A.K.A. Mr. F-A-T
My nickname is Mr. Fat Pockets
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ANDRE MAURICE BARNES, RODNEY LEMAY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Hii Power
[Verse Three: Showbiz]
It's time to take the brothers from the corner
Clean up they act, and give them a chance to do what the wanna
I'm not trying to be a bum with a 40
That's not my style, I gotta work hard like Naughty
By Nature, you should understand
To get yours in this land, you gotta work for yours, black man
You think it's easy because I rap?
So don't ask me for a dollar motherfucker, you ain't handicapped
This has got to be the best part of the track. Showbiz understands the American dream.
Jay King
This beat is still crazy after all of these years.
Omar Archer
Facts! I'm bopping my head at the moment 💯👍
Charlie Jordan
I concur, sir!🤩
NickelPlatePete
Yes indeed
lifestraight
Props to AG for his anti-rape verse. Much respect!!
Gabe Doiron
Yea a good message indeed
BLR Radio
This is still rocking!!!!!!30 years later! Showbiz and AG still one of favorite groups. Yessir!!!
Omar Archer
no doubt! 💯
Eff Taroza
Word up!!!
Anton Sherar
It's too bad Showbiz only raps on their first songs, he's friggin good!