Twista grew up in the K-Town area on the west side of Chicago. He started rapping at the age of 12. However, before starting his professional career, he worked at several other jobs including working at a factory, selling shoes, working at McDonald's, working as a security guard, and even cutting hair.
Twista was one of the first artists to sign with Loud Records. In 1991, he released Runnin' off at da Mouth under the name of Tung Twista. Due to his rapid-fire pace of delivery, he was listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the world's fastest rapper. Despite this recognition, the album achieved little success. Tung Twista dropped the "Tung" off of his name in his second album Resurrection, which was never released outside of Chicago's underground.
In 1996, he teamed with fellow Chicago act "Do or Die" on the track "Po' Pimp" leading to a contract with Atlantic Records. He released Adrenaline Rush in 1997 followed by Mobstability in 1998. Twista then formed his own Legit Ballin' label which has released two compilation albums Legit Ballin' in 1999 and Legit Ballin' Vol. 2: Street Scriptures in 2001. The label later released Respect The Game,Vol. 3 in 2002 and Volume 4: Tha Truth in 2006.
Twista developed a good reputation in rap circles leading to work with Mariah Carey, P. Diddy (then Puff Daddy),Lil kim, Drag-on, Jay-Z, Timbaland, Ras Kass, Ludacris, Royce Da 5'9", Shaquille O'Neal, and Da Brat. However, it would take him until 2004 to achieve a platinum, number-one record under his own name.
On his website, Twista stated that he made Kamikaze to show that he was still true to the ideals that he had when he started out. "I represent for the MCs that have skills, not just make music for the hell of it. I take the time to concentrate. Otherwise, I could have 10 albums out there, easy. I could sit down all day and write something. But I write when I get in a zone more than writing because I’ve got to do this. I represent the artists that keep it true to what really is, to be able to make rappers want to write."
"I want to show the streets that I’m back and that I’m true to the game. Musically, I want to show that I’m still out here doing my thing. After all the people that were out when I was out years ago fell off, I’m still out here competing with the shorties. I also want to gain platinum success. It’s something that I haven’t done."
The first single, "Slow Jamz", featured Kanye West and Jamie Foxx. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 and world R&B charts in early 2004, and eventually reached number 3 on the UK singles charts. Kamikaze built on the success of "Slow Jamz" to reach the top of the Billboard 200 album chart upon its release in January 2004 and went platinum by March 2004. The second single, "Overnight Celebrity", became another top 10 Hot 100 hit and a UK top 40 entry, while the third, "So Sexy" (featuring R. Kelly), made the top 40 of the Hot 100. In the UK, the album track "Sunshine", which featured R&B singer Anthony Hamilton and lifted its chorus from Bill Withers' "Lovely Day", was extracted as a third single and became a big hit; this track received comparatively little exposure in the U.S., perhaps because rapper Lil' Flip had a huge hit there at the same time with a different song of the same title.
Albums
Runnin' off at da Mouth (1991, as Tung Twista) (US Certification: Gold)
Resurrection (1994, as Twista) (Never officialy released outside of Chicago's underground)
Adrenaline Rush (1997) #77 US (US Certification: Gold)
Mobstability (with The Speedknot Mobstaz) (1998, as Twista) #34 US
Kamikaze (2004) #1 US, #19 UK (US Certification: Platinum)
The Day After (2005) #2 US (US Certification: Gold)
Adrenaline Rush 2007 (2007)
Higher
Twista Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Yeah!) Got to let them know who is this? (Ludacris!)
And who else nigga? (Twista, wo, ah!)
Uh, uh (check it out)
Sometimes I think that I got to see a little bit of brighter days
Cause I confine myself to a city near you in a solid cage
And you could look to the left or the right but I'm trapped on center stage
I still hear a fool and I track them, distract them, and whack them
Jack a nigga for the day to days and I yak them, attack them, and sack them
Get a weapon and I crack his brain cause I'm a hustler, baller, pro
And it wouldn't be right for me to be around busters, and crawlers, and hoes
But I'm a pimp at night, so talk shit and I'm a lift them up off of they toes
With a street sweeper regulating quarters, and ki's, and o's
In a two-seater, Ludacris and Twista with bags of dro
Smoking, choking, get them open, croaking
It's so potent - I'm hoping to keep on floating
Soaking wet and you can bet, people I'm high
I'm seeing lions, and tigers and bears - oh my!
And I can't hide it or keep it hidden, good riddance I'm felling good
I'm weapon-concealing, stealing my neighborhood
Would, could, and should break a nigga off
They'll see you later, go to the doctor, hold my balls and (cough)
You caused some vapors and I caught the throne, brain blown, honey I'm home
Give me the microphone, and fools is like, "leave me alone!"
[Chorus]
Throw it up if you get high, get blow, get drunk
If you want what I'm on, come on and kick it
Let's ride, smoke dro, beat the trunk
All the bad ass bitches that want to party
Just shake it, great players get pumped
Me and my thugs, and hustlers in the party
Get money fuck hoes, get crunk
(Look out!) I put a little bit of hash on some motherfucking purple haze
I feel it all over my body, adrenaline with the Bacardi
Got me up and then ripping shit in a rage
In the netti cofetti with a belly, Gucci
Timberland stepping on the petal up in the Cadillac truck
Want to get me for the wood
Better get the whole motherfucking hood to come and give you some back up
We can get into it and if you want to do it
I'm leaking the fluids out of the bodies that want to come at this
If they all get some blood for fucking with thugs that I bury
My adversaries better not want none of Twis'
Represent for my city, anybody that different with me
Got to get him for thinking it's a game
And whether you from my city or not, talk shit
I'ma kill him especially if he say my name
I've been up on him - I handle my business
And I'm a stick him up for the scrilla, from K-Tilla, smoking on a fat piller
Murder haters that don't feel a
Niggaz claiming they want to bring it, but really don't be killers
Balling out so hard the size of my rims grow to a hellafied sight-scene
When the dough become no bigger, I'm going to drop that 2003 on 19"
[Chorus]
We balling out of control, I floss on, play on, pimp on
A speed demon, pedal to the metal when I'm in the zone
Hang on cause here I'm gone
In the motherfucking wind when I'm sippin on Henn'
I got paper, you owe something
And I done came a long way from letting me hold something, to roll something
Find a body, then fill him up with some adrenaline
And then kill him and send him to the cemetery
With a flow for the whole world like a poet,
Check icy cold, your Pop's so hungry, he mends a berry
Shit, and when it come to shipping good
Who that?, who that?, I got the sack open
And the herb got the flow so strong
Hot them on crack, the track is for back-to-back smoking
Never come up with it unwise, and he
Nigga you ain't untouchable when I spark the heat
Coming at you like sharks to meat
The blood is softly, I can tell when a mark is hard as we
Come fully loaded cause I'm hard to beat
Always screaming where a beat and the dro at?
You know we love that cut up
In the back of the club with purple in the back crying
Twis' and Ludacris get fucked up
[Chorus]
Pass me the
Let me smoke my
(Yeah, this a Wild style production
Twista and Ludacris collabo, get it, get it
Get it, uh, yeah)
The lyrics to Twista's "Higher" explore different themes including the rapper's feelings of confinement as well as his baller lifestyle, with references to alcohol and drugs. The opening lyrics express a sense of anticipation and excitement for the upcoming collaboration between Ludacris and Twista. Twista then delves into how he feels trapped in a cage, despite being on center stage. He talks about how he acquired a hustler mentality that might not allow him to move from his current lifestyle, but he still dreams of something more.
Twista then moves on to talk about his nocturnal alter ego as a pimp. He also mentions how he enjoys smoking marijuana and drinking Bacardi, showing how he parties hard. He urges everyone else to join in on the fun and "get high, get blow, get drunk," indicating that going all out in a party is the ultimate way to live life. The chorus emphasizes this by calling for people to let loose and have fun, irrespective of their social status. The rest of the lyrics describe Twista's lifestyle as a baller, enjoying the fruits of his labor and showing off his wealth.
Line by Line Meaning
Sometimes I think that I got to see a little bit of brighter days
Occasionally, I feel the need to experience a more positive and hopeful future
Cause I confine myself to a city near you in a solid cage
Because I restrict myself to a particular city, feeling trapped and confined
And you could look to the left or the right but I'm trapped on center stage
No matter where you look, I am always in the spotlight and unable to escape it
And I could rap to the beat, but I don't know how to change my ways
While I have the skill to rap well, I struggle with changing my behavior and mindset
I still hear a fool and I track them, distract them, and whack them
I continue to encounter foolish individuals, so I observe, divert their attention, and defeat them
Jack a nigga for the day to days and I yak them, attack them, and sack them
I steal from and overpower individuals in their daily lives, causing chaos and dominating them
Get a weapon and I crack his brain cause I'm a hustler, baller, pro
I use a weapon to harm someone's mind because I am skilled in street business and sports
And it wouldn't be right for me to be around busters, and crawlers, and hoes
It is not appropriate for me to associate with fake people, weak individuals, and promiscuous women
But I'm a pimp at night, so talk shit and I'm a lift them up off of they toes
However, during the night, I take on the role of a pimp and will physically attack anyone who disrespects me
With a street sweeper regulating quarters, and ki's, and o's
Using a powerful firearm, I control and manage the distribution of drugs and money
In a two-seater, Ludacris and Twista with bags of dro
Ludacris and I ride in a two-seat car while carrying bags of marijuana
Smoking, choking, get them open, croaking
We smoke marijuana, causing others to also indulge and struggle to breathe
It's so potent - I'm hoping to keep on floating
The marijuana's effects are strong, and I hope to continue feeling high and carefree
Soaking wet and you can bet, people I'm high
I am extremely intoxicated and there is no doubt about it, everyone can see it
I'm seeing lions, and tigers and bears - oh my!
My hallucinations make me perceive dangerous and intimidating creatures
And I can't hide it or keep it hidden, good riddance I'm felling good
I cannot conceal or suppress my intoxicated state, but I don't mind because it brings me pleasure
I'm weapon-concealing, stealing my neighborhood
I carry weapons and engage in criminal activities within my community
Would, could, and should break a nigga off
I have the ability and inclination to harm someone
They'll see you later, go to the doctor, hold my balls and (cough)
If anyone tries to confront me, they will suffer severe consequences, even needing medical attention and choking
You caused some vapors and I caught the throne, brain blown, honey I'm home
Your actions provoked a strong reaction from me, and I have seized control, leaving you mentally overwhelmed
Give me the microphone, and fools is like, "leave me alone!"
Once I take the stage and start rapping, people realize my talent and want to stay away from me
Throw it up if you get high, get blow, get drunk
Raise your hands if you are intoxicated or under the influence of drugs or alcohol
If you want what I'm on, come on and kick it
If you desire the same state of mind as me, join me and enjoy it
Let's ride, smoke dro, beat the trunk
Let's go for a drive, smoke marijuana, and play loud music in the car
All the bad ass bitches that want to party
Referring to attractive and assertive women who are eager to have a good time
Just shake it, great players get pumped
Ladies, show off your dancing skills and energy, as it excites and motivates the impressive men around
Me and my thugs, and hustlers in the party
I am attending the party with my gang members and hardworking individuals
Get money fuck hoes, get crunk
Our main goal is to make money and have a wild, energetic time, disregarding women
I put a little bit of hash on some motherfucking purple haze
I added a small amount of concentrated cannabis to a strong strain of marijuana
I feel it all over my body, adrenaline with the Bacardi
The combination of alcohol and drugs gives me a rush and intensifies my physical sensations
Got me up and then ripping shit in a rage
This mixture has energized me and caused me to engage in destructive and aggressive behavior
In the netti cofetti with a belly, Gucci
I am driving a luxurious car with a flashy interior, feeling comfortable and stylish
Timberland stepping on the petal up in the Cadillac truck
I am wearing Timberland boots while accelerating in a powerful Cadillac truck
Want to get me for the wood
Someone wants to confront me and potentially rob me
Better get the whole motherfucking hood to come and give you some back up
If you plan to challenge me, gather a large group from your entire neighborhood for support
We can get into it and if you want to do it
We can engage in a physical altercation if that's what you desire
I'm leaking the fluids out of the bodies that want to come at this
I am causing harm to those who try to challenge or attack me
If they all get some blood for fucking with thugs that I bury
In their attempts to confront me and my gang, they will shed blood and suffer fatal consequences
My adversaries better not want none of Twis'
Those who oppose me should think twice before coming after me
Represent for my city, anybody that different with me
I proudly stand up for my hometown, willing to confront anyone who disagrees with me
Got to get him for thinking it's a game
I have to teach him a lesson for underestimating the seriousness of the situation
And whether you from my city or not, talk shit
Regardless of your place of origin, if you disrespect me verbally
I'ma kill him especially if he say my name
I will violently harm him, especially if he mentions my name disrespectfully
I've been up on him - I handle my business
I have been aware of his actions and I handle my own affairs effectively
And I'm a stick him up for the scrilla, from K-Tilla, smoking on a fat piller
I will rob him for money, representing my neighborhood, while enjoying a large marijuana joint
Murder haters that don't feel a
I will kill those who hate me without any remorse
Niggaz claiming they want to bring it, but really don't be killers
People who assert they are prepared for conflict are often not truly experienced in violence
Balling out so hard the size of my rims grow to a hellafied sight-scene
I am living a luxurious lifestyle to an extent that my car's rims become extremely impressive to onlookers
When the dough become no bigger, I'm going to drop that 2003 on 19"
If my finances no longer improve, I will downgrade my lifestyle and acquire a 2003 car worth $19,000
We balling out of control, I floss on, play on, pimp on
We are living an extravagant life without any restraints, engaging in flashy and dominant behavior
A speed demon, pedal to the metal when I'm in the zone
I drive recklessly and at high speeds when I am focused and determined
Hang on cause here I'm gone
Hold on tight because I am about to accelerate rapidly and leave
In the motherfucking wind when I'm sippin on Henn'
I am carefree and untethered while consuming Hennessy alcohol
I got paper, you owe something
I have significant wealth, while you are indebted to me
And I done came a long way from letting me hold something, to roll something
I have progressed significantly, from borrowing small amounts of money to being capable of rolling expensive items
Find a body, then fill him up with some adrenaline
Once I identify a target, I will inject them with adrenaline to agitate and excite them
And then kill him and send him to the cemetery
I will subsequently murder the person and dispose of their body in a burial ground
With a flow for the whole world like a poet
My rap style is admired by people all around the world, comparable to that of a talented poet
Check icy cold, your Pop's so hungry, he mends a berry
My style is extremely cool and impressive, leaving your father wishing he had the same abilities
Shit, and when it come to shipping good
When it comes to distributing drugs
Who that?, who that?, I got the sack open
Who is the person in charge? That's me, and I am ready to sell drugs
And the herb got the flow so strong
The marijuana I possess has a highly potent effect
Hot them on crack, the track is for back-to-back smoking
The intoxicating effects of the drugs are so intense that the music track is perfect for continuous smoking
Never come up with it unwise, and he
Those who underestimate the consequences of getting involved with me
Nigga you ain't untouchable when I spark the heat
You are not invincible when I ignite my firearm
Coming at you like sharks to meat
I will aggressively attack you like a group of hungry sharks going after meat
The blood is softly, I can tell when a mark is hard as we
I can easily sense when someone is a potential victim, even if they try to appear tough
Come fully loaded cause I'm hard to beat
I am always prepared for any situation and difficult to overcome or defeat
Always screaming where a beat and the dro at?
I constantly ask where the music beat and marijuana are located
You know we love that cut up
It is well-known that we thoroughly enjoy the art of mixing music
In the back of the club with purple in the back crying
We are located at the rear of the club, consuming purple marijuana and experiencing its effects
Twis' and Ludacris get fucked up
Twista and Ludacris become heavily intoxicated
Lyrics © DistroKid, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JOSHUA MITCHELL, NIKISHA REYES PILE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind