His debut single, "All Gold Everything" has charted at 77 on the US Billboard Hot 100. It's from his debut mixtape, Don't Be S.A.F.E., released on October 16, 2012. Like many other artists in the Hip-Hop industry, Trinidad James found his way to the mainstream audience via The Source Magazine's Unsigned Hype column.
There's no hotter commodity in hip-hop right now than Trinidad James. After we named him one of the new Atlanta rappers to watch out for, the 25-year-old rapper has blown-up overnight, propelled by his viral smash βAll Gold Everything," thanks in large to an irresistibly charming music video and a really catchy lyric about Molly.
... he played his first headlining show in NYC and it was absolute pandemonium with fans, celebrities, and industry insiders stuck standing outside after the venue was packed to capacity. Inside, James proved that even if you're skeptical of the hype, he puts on one hell of a show, and the hundreds of camera phones on-hand caught video clips that serve as sufficient proof of that.
If you sit down with James, itβs obvious that he's intelligent, self-aware, and a natural born hustler. He hasn't been rapping professionally for long, but he clearly understands hip-hop, its culture, and most importantly, the genre's trends.
The day after his Big Apple performance, we had ATL's newly-minted star stop by the Complex office (he showed up on time, the rarest of feats for a rapper) for a conversation in which we attempted to find out, Who Is Trinidad James? James told us about being recruited by labels, his relationship with A$AP Rocky, hustling PokΓ©mon cards, his city's buzzing music scene, and much more.
As told to Insanul Ahmed (@Incilin)"
Givin No F*cks
Trinidad Jame$ Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The word perfect is like my, favorite word
Let me tell you
About my journey for perfection and why I should've got off the train along time ago
But for some reason the doors, they just won't open for me man, life
High as fuck, turnt up
Nigga giving no fucks
Nigga giving no fucks
High as fuck, turnt up
Nigga giving no fucks
I'm 24 years old, and you can ask anybody about me
They probably tell you the same thing
He fly as hell, he fresh as fuck
He probably feelin' some type of way
I already know what they was gon' say
Cause they the reason I feel this way
But they'll never say it, they'll never say it
So the only soul I fuck with, is my Jordan's and my mama
And both girls I ever loved, had to call it quits cause the drama
So I stop searching for love, and kept smoking this loud
Cause I thought when you this high, that you couldn't feel this down
I was wrong again (these hoes are ridiculous)
I was wrong again (real ridiculous)
Niggas gon' hear this song and probably think I'm going in (them niggas lame too)
But if you a real nigga, and you think that you know me
And you say that you my homie, then you shouldn't have to worry
Cause this song for them fuck niggas, and niggas who I don't fuck with
Now you wonder who he talkin bout
If you had to wonder, then the shoe fits
I don't understand these people just like I don't understand this government
All I see is these new buildings, but single mothers still struggling
I still see these homeless children, they ain't got no role models
And my flow is like flat screen, and y'all niggas is floor models
I get legal money and illegal money, but even legal money ain't legal homie
Cause the government gon' take it from us, so my middle finger is up (fuck 'em)
The best part about being me, is I ain't nothing like you
And if you were me then you probably wouldn't like you
The best part about life man, just should be living it
But everytime I try man, I just keep getting into shit
So I ain't changing for nobody, if you don't like me that's your problem
We can shoot the one if need to, cause real niggas gon' stay true
It always surprise me, that the realest niggas be the fakest man
And the underdog be greatest man, I said the underdog be the greatest man
I just wish I had a little help, like Marlon Wayans in 6th man
But I don't see it happening, might drop a tape and never rap again
Got a couple fans, hope they female
Went from selling clothes to weed sales
If I had yo bitch, nigga don't ask me no details
Yea man, that's pretty much
That's the end of the tape
Hope you enjoyed
If you didn't
What can I tell u
You listened
Fuck nigga
In Trinidad Jame$βs song βGivin' No Fucks,β he describes his feelings of detachment and disillusionment towards the people around him. He begins by expressing that his life is βperfectly terrible,β suggesting that he is caught between two worlds, one that he has worked hard to attain, and one that he does not feel fully comfortable in. He explains that the people around him never truly support him, and he has consequently stopped searching for love and begun smoking weed more frequently. Trinidad also raps about his frustration with social structures, including the government and the lack of resources for single mothers and homeless children. Throughout the song, Trinidad continues to emphasize his independence and willingness to stand out from the crowd, even if it means not being liked by everyone.
One possible interpretation of this song is that it reflects the struggles of a young man who is trying to establish his own identity and make his own way in the world. Trinidadβs lyrics suggest that he is facing a lot of pressure to conform to societal expectations, but he feels that he is not getting any support from his peers or the government. As a result, he turns to drugs and other vices in an attempt to cope with his frustration and isolation. At the same time, he refuses to compromise his authenticity, even if it means that he is not always seen in a positive light.
Line by Line Meaning
My life is perfectly terrible
My life may seem perfect to outsiders, but in reality, it's a mess.
The word perfect is like my, favorite word
I constantly strive for perfection, but it's an unattainable goal.
About my journey for perfection and why I should've got off the train along time ago
I've been pursuing perfection for a long time, but it's time to give up.
But for some reason the doors, they just won't open for me man, life
Despite my efforts, life seems to be working against me and I can't seem to catch a break.
I'm 24 years old, and you can ask anybody about me
I'm still young, but I've made a big impact on those around me.
He fly as hell, he fresh as fuck
People often compliment me on my stylish appearance.
He probably feelin' some type of way
People assume that my appearance makes me feel confident, but that's not always the case.
I already know what they was gon' say
I'm used to hearing the same compliments and criticisms from people.
Cause they the reason I feel this way
The opinions of others have shaped my self-esteem and confidence.
But they'll never say it, they'll never say it
People don't have the courage to say what they really think to my face.
So the only soul I fuck with, is my Jordan's and my mama
The only things/people that bring me joy and comfort are my shoes and my mother.
And both girls I ever loved, had to call it quits cause the drama
Relationships have been a source of drama and pain for me.
So I stop searching for love, and kept smoking this loud
I've given up on love and have turned to drugs to cope with my problems.
Cause I thought when you this high, that you couldn't feel this down
I believed that being high would numb my emotions, but it only made things worse.
I was wrong again (these hoes are ridiculous)
I've made mistakes before and I'm still learning.
Niggas gon' hear this song and probably think I'm going in (them niggas lame too)
Some people will misinterpret my lyrics and think I'm attacking them.
But if you a real nigga, and you think that you know me
If you're a genuine person and truly know me, you won't be offended by my words.
And you say that you my homie, then you shouldn't have to worry
If you're really my friend, you won't take offense to what I say in my music.
Cause this song for them fuck niggas, and niggas who I don't fuck with
This song is directed at people who have wronged me and those I don't associate with.
Now you wonder who he talkin bout
Some listeners may wonder who I'm directing my lyrics towards.
If you had to wonder, then the shoe fits
If you're questioning whether I'm talking about you, then you probably are guilty of what I'm accusing you of.
I don't understand these people just like I don't understand this government
I don't understand the actions and motives of others, just like I don't understand the workings of the government.
All I see is these new buildings, but single mothers still struggling
Despite progress in the world, there are still societal issues that need to be addressed.
I still see these homeless children, they ain't got no role models
I witness the struggles of innocent children who have no guidance or support.
And my flow is like flat screen, and y'all niggas is floor models
My rap style is superior to others, who pale in comparison.
I get legal money and illegal money, but even legal money ain't legal homie
I make money through various means, but even legitimate income is subject to unfair taxes and regulations.
Cause the government gon' take it from us, so my middle finger is up (fuck 'em)
The government is greedy and takes advantage of its citizens, so I reject their authority and laws.
The best part about being me, is I ain't nothing like you
I'm unique and different from others, and I embrace that fact.
And if you were me then you probably wouldn't like you
If others were in my shoes, they wouldn't be able to handle the struggles and hardships that I endure.
The best part about life man, just should be living it
Life itself is a gift and we should appreciate the opportunity to experience it.
But everytime I try man, I just keep getting into shit
Despite trying to live a better life, I often find myself facing challenges and obstacles.
So I ain't changing for nobody, if you don't like me that's your problem
I won't change who I am to please others, and if they don't like me, it's not my concern.
We can shoot the one if need to, cause real niggas gon' stay true
If someone has a problem with me, we can confront each other and remain loyal to our beliefs.
It always surprise me, that the realest niggas be the fakest man
I'm often disappointed to discover that those who claim to be genuine and honest are actually deceitful and fake.
And the underdog be greatest man, I said the underdog be the greatest man
Those who are underestimated and overlooked often have the greatest potential and success.
I just wish I had a little help, like Marlon Wayans in 6th man
I sometimes feel overwhelmed and wish I had support and encouragement, like in the movie '6th man'.
But I don't see it happening, might drop a tape and never rap again
I don't have high hopes for my situation improving, and I may quit rapping altogether.
Got a couple fans, hope they female
I have a small following, and I hope that they are primarily women.
Went from selling clothes to weed sales
I've made a living selling clothing and then transitioned to selling drugs.
If I had yo bitch, nigga don't ask me no details
If I have a sexual encounter with someone else's partner, I won't reveal any information about it.
Yea man, that's pretty much
In summary, that's the essence of my message.
That's the end of the tape
This concludes my music project.
Hope you enjoyed
I hope my listeners appreciated my work.
If you didn't
If you didn't enjoy it,
What can I tell u
I can't please everyone, and there's nothing more I can do.
You listened
At least you gave me a chance and listened to what I had to say.
Fuck nigga
An exclamation of frustration towards someone who has wronged me.
Lyrics Β© OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@robertbackmon7005
this song is the meaning of rap people miss everyday... it's so ridiculous how much truth is being slept... if you listen this describes the struggle of life..people.. and being a real person
@majinbenproductions1038
This song has so much meaning to it.
@andthefamily36
still the best song james ever did. i STILL listen to this shit everyday
@yurpdurp8332
yeah i wish james stuck to this style over being checking and shit if he stuck to this he would have made it a lot further
@gumbie19xx
Everyday since i heard it. Complete banger
@biguglyduck540
I thought he was the next one after this jam.
@MrOdaddy2011
The best part about being me is i aint nothing like you and if you were me then you probably wouldnt like you. Exactly how i feel.
@gtamblackirish4671
This whole album was dope AF!!
@Hardhathealth
This song changed my whole life no joke
@Mohameddiop1
I felt the same back in 2013