Trae Tha Truth first gained exposure on the Houston rap scene in 1998, when he made his rapping debut with a guest appearance on Z-Ro's album Look What You Did to Me. In 2003, he began his solo career with the album Losing Composure. 2004's Same Thing Different Day, 2006's Restless, and 2007's Life Goes On followed shortly after. Trae Tha Truth has also worked relentlessly with fellow Houston rapper Chamillionaire on his various Mixtape Messiah series.
He also collaborated with Z-Ro to form the duo ABN or Assholes by Nature. They have released two albums, Assholes by Nature (2003) and It Is What It Is (2008).
Trae Tha Truth was involved in a fight with Texas rapper Mike Jones at the 2008 Ozone Awards. Both later apologized for the incident. It was recently suspected that Trae Tha Truth's music was banned from Houston's local radio Station, 97.9 The Boxx.
After creating a buzz online and in the streets, on March 1, 2012, T.I. announced he signed Trae Tha Truth to Grand Hustle Records.
In 2008, Trae Tha Truth was awarded by the mayor of Houston, Bill White, and Council Member Peter Brown with his own day, Trae Day, in honor of his outstanding work within the community. This is the first time the honor has been extended to a rap artist. Trae Day was celebrated July 22, 2008.
In the Hood
Trae tha Truth Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Track #3 of Restless,
An Album By Houston Gangsta Rapper Trae
Tha Truth Features Big Pokey & Yung... read more
(*talking*)
Now see, the definition of a real nigga
You know, it took two real niggas to collab
And make some motherfucking shit happen man
It's your boy Yung Joc, you know Block Entertainment
And my motherfucking nigga Trae, Asshole By Nature
Ay Trae, tell me what you is nigga
I'm a gangsta to the end, riding for the set
Black Chevrolet, with the paint still wet
J's on my toes, locs on my eyes
Crawling on 4's, everytime I slide by
Nothing less than the truth, on the streets of the South
Hoes on my swag, cause the diamonds in my mouth
But I move low key, posted in the trap
Raw with the rap, to put my hood on the map
I'ma do this one for H.A.W.K., and his brother named Pat
And my partna named Screw, so I let the trunk crack
What they know about that, haters better chill
Plus I'm packing somnething, that they classify steel
Repping my block, still doing my thang
Trunk full of bang, holding A.B.N. gang
Screwed Up Click, I'ma let the world know
Before it's all over, we gon make the world slow
You can find me in the hood, swanging in a drop
Trunk popped up, now I'm letting back the top
Locs on my face, and my grill so clean
Thirty grand talk, boppers hopping on my team
Moving so slow, banging my Screw
Moving so slow, banging my Screw
Moving so slow, banging my Screw
Hop out on the block, still hollin' what it do
'65 Impala, Cheve SS
The top disappear, see the clear VVS
I guess you know the name, I ain't even gotta say it
When I say it's going down, SK start spraying
Block E-N-T, and A.B.N. niggas in charge
Ery'body mugging, nigga face different starch
I'ma let you pull your card, but watch how quick I pull it
Ay fuck a semi-auto, my niggas pack fullest
We bullies on the block, the hustle don't stop
It's eat what you kill, that's the motto off top
Yeah it's the A-Town, and the H-Town
Tell em this the shake down, lay face down
Me and my nigga Trae, getting cake now
Split it down the middle, 50-50 that's the break down
Baby keep your face down, and don't talk back
You can find me in the hood, nigga distributing packs
My guns go off, when my fists is hard
Mobbed up cuz, nigga pistols'll scar
You got your knife on you homie, that's for twisting cigars
I got my knife on me homie, that's for twisting your guards
These niggas, wanna play you for weak
It's going down, motherfuckers drizzown when they playing it deep
I do the damn thang, niggas talking about it
I'm a problem run into it, you ain't walking up out it
Sensei'll fade the pack, I get mean
Lean on you with this beam, till you fade to black
Cuffing broads, cause I mack on chicks
I go hard same nigga hit your hard, put your Lac on bricks
Niggas a trip, crock bull give niggas the clip
Slap niggas in they trap, when they giving me lip
S.U.C. my nigga, we missing H.A.W.K
I'm gon live through the rest of the click, that's real talk
Hop out on the block, like I'm still hitting stangs
Platinum in the hood, so they tend to know my name
Yellow VS-1's, got me switching up the game
Might hop fly, top dropping like the rain
Hoes talk down, Trae never get mad
Niggas old school, still jacking my swag'
Y'all concerned about a playa, since the day of my birth
Grab a couple mill, and I can show you what I'm worth
Sitting so low, everytime I come down
Trunk just popped, so I'm showing my surround
84's got me tipping, so low to the ground
Still hitting licks, moving off the Greyhound
Watching for the laws, I ain't fucking with the time
Bitch I'm in my prime, ain't no stopping my shine
I advise, that they lead the truth to the throne
If you say I ain't the realest, say bitch you dead wrong
The lyrics of the song "In the Hood" by Trae tha Truth featuring Yung Joc and Big Pokey describe the lifestyle of living in the hood. The song starts with Yung Joc's talking about the definition of a real nigga, which led to the collaboration with Trae tha Truth, who's known for his gangsta rap music. Trae is introduced as a gangster who's riding for his set and drives a black Chevrolet with the paint still wet. He's often seen wearing locs on his eyes and J's on his toes as he crawls on 4's every time he slides by. Trae states that he only speaks the truth and does not tolerate any lies and deception on the streets of the South.
Trae also mentions that he keeps a low profile, posts in the trap, and is raw with the rap, putting his hood on the map. He dedicates this song to H.A.W.K. and his brother Pat, who were also gangsters in their respective hoods, and his partner named Screw, so he lets the trunk crack. He represents his block and is still doing his own thing with the A.B.N. gang and Screwed Up Click. The chorus of the song is about Trae popping up the trunk of his car and letting the back-top go down, then attracting the attention of boppers hopping on his team.
The song highlights the rough realities of living in the hood and portrays the image of an unstoppable gangster who's serving as a representative of his block. He's respected by many, and his presence is known on the street. His style, attitude, and swagger are all attributed to his resilience and determination. Trae also mentions he dedicates the song to a lot of his gangster friends who have passed away, such as H.A.W.K, who he refers to as his brother.
Line by Line Meaning
Now see, the definition of a real nigga
The following song represents the image and lifestyle of a real gangster.
Is about it, in this motherfucking song right here
The lyrics in this song reflect what it takes to be a real gangster.
You know, it took two real niggas to collab
The collaboration of Trae and Yung Joc showcases how two real gangsters come together to create music.
And make some motherfucking shit happen man
Together, Trae and Yung Joc create powerful music that embodies the lifestyle of real gangsters.
I'm a gangsta to the end, riding for the set
I will always remain a gangster and stay true to my roots.
Black Chevrolet, with the paint still wet
I drive a newly painted black Chevrolet.
J's on my toes, locs on my eyes
I am wearing Jordans on my feet and sunglasses on my eyes.
Crawling on 4's, everytime I slide by
I am cruising in my car on four wheels, moving slowly through my block.
Nothing less than the truth, on the streets of the South
I always speak the truth and stay true to my values as a gangster in the southern United States.
Hoes on my swag, cause the diamonds in my mouth
Women are attracted to me because of the diamonds in my mouth that represent wealth and status.
But I move low key, posted in the trap
Despite my gangster status, I remain low-key and operate in the shadows of the streets.
Raw with the rap, to put my hood on the map
Through my music, I want to represent my neighborhood and make a name for it.
I'ma do this one for H.A.W.K., and his brother named Pat
This song is dedicated to H.A.W.K. and Pat, brothers who were important members of the rap community and are now deceased.
And my partna named Screw, so I let the trunk crack
I am paying tribute to my friend Screw, another deceased rapper who I honor by blasting his music in my car.
What they know about that, haters better chill
Haters need to back off when it comes to my music and my gangster lifestyle.
Plus I'm packing somnething, that they classify steel
I am carrying a weapon that is made of steel, which I will not hesitate to use to protect myself.
Repping my block, still doing my thang
I am representing my neighborhood and staying true to my gangster lifestyle.
Trunk full of bang, holding A.B.N. gang
I am carrying illegal drugs in my trunk and represent the Asshole By Nature gang.
Screwed Up Click, I'ma let the world know
I am part of the Screwed Up Click and want to spread the word about our music and lifestyle.
Before it's all over, we gon make the world slow
Our music will become so widespread that the entire world will adopt our gangster lifestyle and values.
You can find me in the hood, swanging in a drop
I can usually be found driving around in the hood in a convertible.
Trunk popped up, now I'm letting back the top
I have opened my trunk and am showing off my car and lifestyle.
Locs on my face, and my grill so clean
I am wearing sunglasses and my teeth are clean and bedazzled.
Thirty grand talk, boppers hopping on my team
I have a lot of money and women are attracted to me.
Moving so slow, banging my Screw
I am playing Screw's music and driving slowly through the streets.
Hop out on the block, still hollin' what it do
I am still active on the block and greeting my fellow gangsters.
'65 Impala, Cheve SS
I drive a 1965 Impala and a Chevrolet Super Sport.
The top disappear, see the clear VVS
My convertible top can be removed and reveals the clear, high-quality diamonds on my jewelry.
I guess you know the name, I ain't even gotta say it
My gangster reputation precedes me, and I don't even need to introduce myself.
When I say it's going down, SK start spraying
When I say things are going to get violent, my gang is prepared to use firearms.
Block E-N-T, and A.B.N. niggas in charge
The Asshole By Nature gang and Block Entertainment are powerful forces in the gangster community.
Ery'body mugging, nigga face different starch
Everyone is staring at us with hostility and aggression, making them look stiff and uncomfortable.
I'ma let you pull your card, but watch how quick I pull it
I will let you test me and see how tough I am, but be prepared for me to react quickly and aggressively.
Ay fuck a semi-auto, my niggas pack fullest
We don't need semi-automatic weapons, my gang carries the most powerful firearms available.
We bullies on the block, the hustle don't stop
We intimidate others on the block and our illegal activities never cease.
It's eat what you kill, that's the motto off top
We live by a survival of the fittest mentality, and only the strongest will succeed.
Yeah it's the A-Town, and the H-Town
I am representing both Atlanta and Houston in my music.
Tell em this the shake down, lay face down
This is how we operate when we are robbing people or collecting money – everyone must comply or be punished violently.
Me and my nigga Trae, getting cake now
Trae and I are making a lot of money doing what we do.
Split it down the middle, 50-50 that's the break down
We split the money we make equally between us.
Baby keep your face down, and don't talk back
Women need to keep quiet and obey the rules when they are around us.
My guns go off, when my fists is hard
I am not afraid to use my fists or my firearms to protect myself and my gang.
Mobbed up cuz, nigga pistols'll scar
When we band together as a gang, our firearms are powerful enough to leave permanent scars.
You got your knife on you homie, that's for twisting cigars
Why do you have a knife on you? Is it just for show and not actually for protection?
I got my knife on me homie, that's for twisting your guards
I always have a knife on me for protection and am prepared to use it if necessary.
These niggas, wanna play you for weak
Other gangsters want to test my strength to see if I am weak.
It's going down, motherfuckers drizzown when they playing it deep
When things get serious, people who thought they were safe will be taken down.
I do the damn thang, niggas talking about it
I do what needs to be done and people talk about it.
I'm a problem run into it, you ain't walking up out it
I am not someone to mess with – if you cross me, you won't make it out unscathed.
Sensei'll fade the pack, I get mean
I am the leader of the pack and I strike fear into my enemies.
Lean on you with this beam, till you fade to black
I will shoot you with my gun until you are dead.
Cuffing broads, cause I mack on chicks
I am attracting and pursuing many women.
I go hard same nigga hit your hard, put your Lac on bricks
I am a tough and aggressive person, and can take down someone with ease.
Niggas a trip, crock bull give niggas the clip
Gangsters are unpredictable and can turn violent at any moment.
Slap niggas in they trap, when they giving me lip
I will physically harm other gangsters who talk back to me.
S.U.C. my nigga, we missing H.A.W.K
The Screwed Up Click is a strong gang and we are still mourning the loss of our fellow gang member H.A.W.K.
I'm gon live through the rest of the click, that's real talk
I will carry on the legacy of the Screwed Up Click and keep the gang's spirit alive.
Hop out on the block, like I'm still hitting stangs
I am still active on the block, cruising in my car and representing my gang.
Platinum in the hood, so they tend to know my name
I am rich and my status is well-known in my neighborhood.
Yellow VS-1's, got me switching up the game
My diamonds are rare and high-quality, elevating my status and reputation.
Might hop fly, top dropping like the rain
I might switch up the car I am driving and ride around in a convertible.
Hoes talk down, Trae never get mad
Women may talk badly about me, but I don't let it affect my emotional state.
Niggas old school, still jacking my swag'
Even older gangsters are trying to copy and emulate my style.
Y'all concerned about a playa, since the day of my birth
People have been paying attention to me since I was born and have been watching my every move.
Grab a couple mill, and I can show you what I'm worth
If I had a lot of money, I could show people how valuable and powerful I really am.
Sitting so low, everytime I come down
My car is lowered and I am always cruising slowly through the neighborhood.
Trunk just popped, so I'm showing my surround
I have opened my trunk and am showing off the expensive sound system.
84's got me tipping, so low to the ground
I am driving around in a car with 84-inch wheels, making it very close to the ground.
Still hitting licks, moving off the Greyhound
I am still participating in illegal activities, traveling around on the Greyhound bus to different locations.
Watching for the laws, I ain't fucking with the time
I am always aware of law enforcement and do not want to get caught and face jail time.
Bitch I'm in my prime, ain't no stopping my shine
I am at the height of my gangster career and no one can prevent me from succeeding.
I advise, that they lead the truth to the throne
I recommend that everyone follows the lifestyle and values of being a true gangster.
If you say I ain't the realest, say bitch you dead wrong
If anyone claims that I am not a true gangster, they are seriously mistaken.
Writer(s): Frazier Thompson, Leroy Williams, Jasiel Robinson
Contributed by Eliana I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@biggdangelo6980
One of my favorite Trae tracks.......this beat is crazy
@joshsoto762
Love this beat 🌆🌆🤘🏽🤘🏽🤘🏽💀🔩💀🔩💀🛰🛰🛰
@edemsuley4774
Trae's voice and the beat is just authoritative
@jessikaminshew93
I remember the first time they played this on 97.9 the box. They liked it so much that they played it a second time. Truth!
@JAYDOTEnt
Too bad they don't play him at all now.
@ederhernandez6102
The beat*
@vincebryant8510
Jay dot I really wish they did.
@corywhite2709
facts lol js❤
@reginaldrichmond9485
Which city is that radio station in?
@xVenu5
Bangin' this since i was 16 in '06 n it still bangs.