Smino is from a musical family, with his father playing keys, his mother singing, and his grandfather being a famous blues bassist. He began his musical career at seven when his father gave him a set of drums, which he played in his church’s band. He also started rapping around this time, forming the rap duo “Young Dumb and Outta Control” (YROC) with his friend Bari Allen. The duo released a self-titled mixtape and began to gain local popularity but had difficulties getting their music out into the world.
In 2012, Smino released his first solo mixtape, Smeezy Dot Com, and then moved to Chicago, Illinois, for college at Columbia College Chicago. While in Chicago, he met engineer Chris “Classik” Inumerable, who became his closest friend and is now his manager. In 2015, he released two EPs: S!Ck S!Ck S!Ck and blkjuptr. His debut studio album blkswn was released to critical acclaim on March 14, 2017, and his second studio album, NØIR, was released on November 8, 2018. His third studio album, Luv 4 Rent, was released on October 28, 2022.
Ricky Millions
Smino Lyrics
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My daddy rich
And my little nigga something to look up to, that's real
You feel, you feel?
Sometimes I feel like I should fast more
I need to sit back and relax more
Since Ferguson, days on Castro
Snakes big, grass low
Ashy lil' black boy
Northside bred, run that back for 'em
Shawty sling head like a Greek sword
Keep it 300, word to Keef
Add the keef when I chief, mama
Preached, follow the Lord
These days young niggas follow tweets more
Pray the evil backflip and we live more
Hittin' a notes, got my dough, hittin' notes
They rattrap my people, vamonos
Cuffed, slammed on the table, dominos
Got tired of eating Dominoes
Top Ramen tap danced in my abdominal
Girl you should know that
I ain't always been right
Had to swerve left on some hoes
Hit a two step, Ricky Martin
Floor got slick, cracked my skull
Then spilt my soul
Girl you should know that
I ain't always been right
Had to swerve left on some hoes
Hit a two step, Ricky Martin
Floor got slick, cracked my skull
Then spilt my soul, oh no
If I shed skin, sprout wings and took flight
Leave them all behind, would I be wrong?
Would I be wrong?
If I took some time on my mind
Left them all behind, would I be wrong?
Would I be? Would I be?
If I shed skin, sprout wings and took flight
Leave them all behind, would I be wrong?
Would I be wrong?
If I took my time, took my time
Would I be wrong?
How wrong could I be?
If I took care of me?
If I looked after me?
How wrong?
Girl you should know that
I ain't always been right
Had to swerve left on some hoes
Hit a two step, Ricky Martin
Floor got slick, cracked my skull
Then spilt my soul
Girl you should know that
I ain't always been right
Had to swerve left on some hoes
Hit a two step, Ricky Martin
Floor got slick, cracked my skull
Then spilt my soul, oh no
In Smino and Drea Smith's collaborative effort, "Ricky Millions," Smino explores feelings of responsibility and pressure to be a role model for those around him. He expresses a desire to make his mother proud, to provide his family with financial stability, and to set an example for his little brother. However, he also acknowledges that he needs to take time for himself and focus on self-care. He reflects on his experiences as a black man in America, referencing his awareness of the societal pressures and dangers that come with simply existing as a person of color. Smino contemplates shedding his skin and flying away, leaving everything behind, but ultimately decides to take care of himself and live his own life.
The lyrics also touch on Smino's ability to stay grounded despite the challenges that he faces. He references the many obstacles he has encountered, including losing his balance and cracking his skull, but reiterates that he has always found a way to regain his footing and continue moving forward. Additionally, he acknowledges the importance of staying connected to his roots and not forgetting where he came from.
Line by Line Meaning
Yo, I'm just tryna make my mama proud
I am striving to achieve something significant that would make my mom proud.
My daddy rich
My father is wealthy.
And my little nigga something to look up to, that's real
I want to be a role model for my younger brother, and I am determined to achieve that.
Sometimes I feel like I should fast more
I believe that fasting can help me relax and connect with my inner self more.
I need to sit back and relax more
I have a lot on my plate and need to take a break to recharge.
Since Ferguson, days on Castro
Ever since the events in Ferguson, I have been more aware of the racism and inequality that exist in society.
I knew what the black on my back hold
I am aware of the history and legacy that comes with being black.
Snakes big, grass low
There are people around me who seem friendly, but they have their hidden agenda, and I need to be cautious of them.
Ashy lil' black boy
I am a young black boy with dry skin.
Northside bred, run that back for 'em
I am from the north side, and I want to represent my hood well.
Shawty sling head like a Greek sword
My girlfriend has beautiful long hair that reminds me of a Greek sword.
Keep it 300, word to Keef
I want to keep it real, and I am inspired by Chief Keef, the rapper who also values authenticity in his music.
Add the keef when I chief, mama
I smoke weed to relax, and I think adding a bit of Chief Keef's music to the mix would make it better.
Preached, follow the Lord
My mother taught me to follow God's path.
These days young niggas follow tweets more
I see that social media is more influential than traditional religious teachings to the younger generation.
Pray the evil backflip and we live more
I believe that we can overcome evil if we stay positive and focused.
Hittin' a notes, got my dough, hittin' notes
I am making good music that people resonate with, and it is making me money.
They rattrap my people, vamonos
The system is trapping and oppressing black people, and I want to escape from it.
Cuffed, slammed on the table, dominos
I have been arrested and treated poorly by the police, and it feels like a domino effect of negative experiences.
Got tired of eating Dominoes
I am tired of eating bad food and being in a bad situation, and I want to change that.
Top Ramen tap danced in my abdominal
I have been living off of cheap, unhealthy food, and it is taking a toll on my health.
If I shed skin, sprout wings and took flight
If I could transform myself completely and be reborn, would that be wrong?
Leave them all behind, would I be wrong?
If I left all my problems and responsibilities behind, would that be wrong?
If I took some time on my mind
If I took the time to focus on myself and my well-being, would that be wrong?
Would I be?
Would I be judged or criticized for taking care of myself?
How wrong could I be?
Is it really so wrong to prioritize your own mental health and happiness?
If I took care of me?
If I focused on my own well-being and made myself a priority, would that be wrong?
If I looked after me?
If I took care of myself mentally and physically, would that be wrong?
Girl you should know that
I want to share this message specifically with my girlfriend.
I ain't always been right
I have made mistakes in the past.
Had to swerve left on some hoes
I had to cut off some girls who were no good for me or my relationship.
Hit a two step, Ricky Martin
I was dancing to Ricky Martin's music and feeling good.
Floor got slick, cracked my skull
I slipped and fell and hit my head hard on the floor.
Then spilt my soul
I felt like I opened up emotionally and spiritually after the fall.
oh no
This was a painful and potentially dangerous experience.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Chris Smith Jr.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind