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)
Is This The End
Twista Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But she never told me when
She told me it would happen when I was much older
Wish it would've happened then Is this the end?
Sometimes I be wakin' up at high noon
Sayin', "Why me Lord?" folks thinkin' I'ma die soon
I just tell em keep seekin', but when they sleepin'
I'm just tryin' to maintin', because the future is untold
Till the static unfolds that the good die young
Please God let a Bad Boy die old
Do you think I wanna lie cold
Or better yet have many shots come close to the head
Shirt soaked til it's red
The most that was said was that my homies had a toast to the dead
Do I need a pack a vest for stress so I can rest
Cause even though I'm blessed in my flesh
It all came down to a test
A motherfucker wanna go and put a tattoo on my chest
Now I'm caught up in the mix and I can't do shit, but still
I can't ride with program, fearing no man
Hit the car door let the door slam it's a blessing that he had slow hands
But he's still right behind me
All these heartless fools is steady comin' after my P
So many phony niggas lovin' to hate Sean
So many cheddar niggas comin' after my cheese
Is it my car that they're losin, are we all for the choosin'?
Or is it all in confusion? Better yet all an illusion
Shots rang through the hall bullets cruisin' for bruisin'
Don't let this heartless bastard take my life away
I don't wanna conceive takin' his either
Dipped into the back and took a breather
Heard steps steady in closin' with the bullet skeezer
Gotta do somethin', I ain't scared to go
But yet my heart is steady pumpin' for somethin'
I refuse to be the one that they be dumpin'
Gotta get away before the techs start gunnin'
Bodies start jumpin', wreckin' my brain not to try and understand
But withstand, is it cause I'm a rich man
Or just to try to put a brother down in the dirt like quicksand
But no matter what the reason, I don't wanna stop breathin'
There's dreams to fulfill still
Can't complete em with a still kill
Face to face with enemies still grill
Forgive me for the pain I've caused and the sins I've committed
Even though I'm not hopin' to go
I wish someone would open the do
This man's holding the trigger and his finger's steady choking it slow
Is this the end?
Momma told me one day it was gonna happen
But she never told me when
She told me it would happen when I was much older
Wish it would've happened then Is this the end?
Just, can't, let, go Is this the end?
I, just, don't, know
Wish it would've happened then
Did I just hear a tight jam, now it's on let make my maneuver
Hit the alley saw a man in a Land Cruiser
In his hand was a Ruger, dipped in a Lex like Luger
Heard shots from a steel bruiser
Teflon in the seat took a pale stress
Felt the hate on my chest as I placed on my vest
What's wrong with the brakes in the LX?
Ran straight into a light pole, just before I got my life stole
A car came to the rescue
I bailed in and said, "Bless you
But what made me the man you would wanna show help to?"
I proceeded to ask him, and he said with a passion
I could never watch a soul die, plus you the man lookin' too fly
But who are you? The pimp nigga named Twista from the cold Chi
When the sun's shy gotta keep one eye, nigga I been shot at and stole on
No protection from one time, only caught for my prime
So I asked the Father what I did so wrong?
Cause shit it's been hard for me besides chief
And the smell of sweet news when the beef brew
Motherfuckers steady ballin' but steady fallin'
Right in detours, bout to hit my feet soon
So I just presume, deep into the rhymes of a rapper
Prepare my mind for the capture
Thinkin' Ginuwine like the bachelor
But why these niggas wanna make us into crime with the rapture?
Ego for dispersin' us, don't even hurt the clutch
Cause he's coldblooded and merciless
Steady bustin' shots at both of us, was the strap close to us
Then for survival we both to bust
But Renault's get to roast to crush, cause he steady gettin' closer
Paranoid like a crack fiend when the gat seen
Scream when the bullet hit me in the shoulder
Don't wanna die til I get older
Try to visualize the beholder, he's inconceivable
So now my sight is gettin' dark a lot
Best to step off in this parking lot where them dogs bark a lot
And try to wait until his ma get hot
I can make a person fight to survive whether good or connivin'
You never know when it's your time to leave
Smokin' weed to keep my mind at ease, let's go back to the car
But wait, I can't find the keys
Plus we didn't chill long enough, the footsteps are comin' close
Is it one of them unholy men?
With a strap ready to boldly sin
Mama told me it was comin', but I wish she woulda told me when
Is this the end?
Momma told me one day it was gonna happen
But she never told me when
She told me it would happen when I was much older
Wish it would've happened then Is this the end?
Momma told me one day it was gonna happen
But she never told me when
She told me it would happen when I was much older
Wish it would've happened then Is this the end?
Just, can't, let, go Is this the end?
I, just, don't, know
Wish it would've happened then
"Is This The End" is a song by Twista that explores the theme of mortality and the inevitability of death. Throughout the song, Twista reflects on his experiences with violence and mortality in his life, acknowledging that he might not be alive for much longer.
The song starts with a reflection on his mother's warning that someday he would die; he thinks that he wishes it had happened when he was much younger. He then delves into his current situation, waking up daily wondering if he will live to see another day as people think he is going to die soon. He reflects on the possibility of being involved in gun violence and trying to maintain a peaceful life, while recognizing the reality of the phrase "the good die young."
Twista's gripping verses are punctuated by the refrain that repeats throughout the song: "Is this the end?" The song explores the universal feeling of impotence and hopelessness in the face of situations one has no control over, which often leads to a reflection on individual mortality.
Line by Line Meaning
Momma told me one day it was gonna happen
My mother warned me that something bad would occur in my life
But she never told me when
However, she did not specify when it would happen
She told me it would happen when I was much older
She mentioned that it would happen when I had grown up
Wish it would've happened then Is this the end?
I wish it had happened at that time, now I wonder if this is the end of everything
Sometimes I be wakin' up at high noon
Occasionally, I find myself waking up at noon
Sayin', "Why me Lord?" folks thinkin' I'ma die soon
Asking, 'Why is this happening to me, God?' People believe that I will die soon
I just tell em keep seekin', but when they sleepin'
I advise them to continue searching for answers, but they don't understand
I be concealed up in my room, knowin' that it could happen
I hide in my room, aware that the unfortunate event could occur
I'm just tryin' to maintin', because the future is untold
I am trying to maintain stability in my life because I cannot predict what the future holds
Till the static unfolds that the good die young
Until the unpredictable chaos reveals that good people often die at a young age
Please God let a Bad Boy die old
I pray to God to let people with bad intentions live longer lives
Do you think I wanna lie cold
Do you think I want to end up dead and lifeless?
Or better yet have many shots come close to the head
Or even worse, endure numerous close calls with gunshots aimed at my head
Shirt soaked til it's red
My shirt covered in blood, soaked until it turns red
The most that was said was that my homies had a toast to the dead
The only solace found in the situation was when my friends raised a glass to honor the deceased
Do I need a pack a vest for stress so I can rest
Should I wear a bulletproof vest to ease my anxiety and find peace?
Cause even though I'm blessed in my flesh
Even though I am fortunate in terms of my physical well-being
It all came down to a test
Everything boiled down to a difficult challenge or trial
A motherfucker wanna go and put a tattoo on my chest
Someone wants to leave a permanent mark or inflict harm upon me
Now I'm caught up in the mix and I can't do shit, but still
Now I am entangled in a complicated situation, unable to do anything about it, yet I persist
I can't ride with program, fearing no man
I can't conform to the expectations of others, unafraid of any individual
Hit the car door let the door slam it's a blessing that he had slow hands
I quickly entered a car and slammed the door shut, grateful that the person chasing me had slow reflexes
But he's still right behind me
However, he is still pursuing me closely
All these heartless fools is steady comin' after my P
Numerous ruthless individuals are persistently targeting me and my possessions
So many phony niggas lovin' to hate Sean
There are many fake people who enjoy despising me, whose name is Sean
So many cheddar niggas comin' after my cheese
There are also plenty of wealth-seeking individuals who covet my money
Is it my car that they're losin, are we all for the choosin'?
Are they jealous of my car or do we simply live in a world where we are constantly being compared and judged?
Or is it all in confusion? Better yet all an illusion
Perhaps it is all a big misunderstanding or even a complete illusion
Shots rang through the hall bullets cruisin' for bruisin'
Gunshots were fired and the bullets were traveling through the hallway, seeking victims to harm
Don't let this heartless bastard take my life away
I plead for protection from this cruel individual who is trying to end my life
I don't wanna conceive takin' his either
I do not wish to imagine myself taking his life either
Dipped into the back and took a breather
I quickly moved to the back and took a moment to catch my breath
Heard steps steady in closin' with the bullet skeezer
I could hear footsteps getting closer, along with the person holding the gun
Gotta do somethin', I ain't scared to go
I have to take action, I am not afraid to confront this situation
But yet my heart is steady pumpin' for somethin'
Although I am brave, my heart is racing with fear and anticipation
I refuse to be the one that they be dumpin'
I am determined not to be the target of their attacks
Gotta get away before the techs start gunnin'
I need to escape before they start shooting their guns
Bodies start jumpin', wreckin' my brain not to try and understand
People start falling and chaos ensues, making it difficult for me to comprehend the situation
But withstand, is it cause I'm a rich man
Despite everything, I try to persevere and wonder if it is because I am wealthy
Or just to try to put a brother down in the dirt like quicksand
Or is it simply an attempt to bring me down and destroy me, much like quicksand engulfing a person
But no matter what the reason, I don't wanna stop breathin'
Regardless of the motive, I have no desire to cease living
There's dreams to fulfill still
There are still dreams I want to achieve and fulfill
Can't complete em with a still kill
I cannot accomplish them if I am killed by a gun
Face to face with enemies still grill
I confront my enemies directly and their hostile expressions remain unchanged
Forgive me for the pain I've caused and the sins I've committed
I ask for forgiveness for the pain I have inflicted and the wrongdoings I have committed
Even though I'm not hopin' to go
Although I am not actively seeking to die
I wish someone would open the do
I hope someone would come and help me, open the door to my escape
This man's holding the trigger and his finger's steady choking it slow
The person holding the gun has their finger on the trigger, slowly squeezing it
Just, can't, let, go Is this the end?
I am unable to release the grip, is this the end of everything?
Did I just hear a tight jam, now it's on let make my maneuver
Did I just hear an exciting song? Now the situation has escalated, I need to make my move
Hit the alley saw a man in a Land Cruiser
I entered the alley and noticed a man in a Land Cruiser vehicle
In his hand was a Ruger, dipped in a Lex like Luger
He was holding a Ruger firearm, situated in a Lexus like a professional wrestler named Lex Luger
Heard shots from a steel bruiser
I heard gunshots coming from a large and powerful weapon
Teflon in the seat took a pale stress
I found a bulletproof vest in the car and felt a wave of relief
Felt the hate on my chest as I placed on my vest
I sensed the animosity directed towards me as I put on the protective vest
What's wrong with the brakes in the LX?
Why are the brakes malfunctioning in the Lexus car?
Ran straight into a light pole, just before I got my life stole
I crashed into a light pole, narrowly escaping death
A car came to the rescue
Fortunately, another car arrived to provide assistance
I bailed in and said, "Bless you
I quickly entered the car and expressed gratitude to the driver
But what made me the man you would wanna show help to?"
I questioned why I was the person deserving of their assistance and kindness
I proceeded to ask him, and he said with a passion
I continued to inquire, and he responded with strong emotion
I could never watch a soul die, plus you the man lookin' too fly
I could never bear to witness someone's death, especially when you are a well-dressed individual
But who are you? The pimp nigga named Twista from the cold Chi
But who are you? You are the pimp named Twista from the cold city of Chicago
When the sun's shy gotta keep one eye, nigga I been shot at and stole on
In this dangerous neighborhood, I must always remain vigilant and watchful, as I have experienced being shot at and robbed before
No protection from one time, only caught for my prime
I have no protection from the police, and I have only been caught during the most active and prosperous time of my life
So I asked the Father what I did so wrong?
So I asked God what I did to deserve such a difficult life
Cause shit it's been hard for me besides chief
Because, in reality, life has been extremely challenging for me, regardless of my involvement in illegal activities
And the smell of sweet news when the beef brew
And the satisfaction I feel when rumors of conflict and competition arise
Motherfuckers steady ballin' but steady fallin'
People appear to be successful and thriving, but in reality, they are gradually declining and losing their positions
Right in detours, bout to hit my feet soon
They are encountering obstacles and setbacks, while I am about to make significant progress
So I just presume, deep into the rhymes of a rapper
Therefore, I make the assumption and immerse myself in the lyrics of a fellow rapper
Prepare my mind for the capture
I mentally ready myself for the inevitable confrontation or capture
Thinkin' Ginuwine like the bachelor
Contemplating life decisions, similar to the thought process of the television show 'The Bachelor'
But why these niggas wanna make us into crime with the rapture?
But why do these individuals want to associate us, rappers, with criminal behavior?
Ego for dispersin' us, don't even hurt the clutch
Their egos drive them to separate and alienate us, not even considering the consequences
Cause he's coldblooded and merciless
Because their actions are calculating and cruel, showing no mercy
Steady bustin' shots at both of us, was the strap close to us
They continuously shoot at us, and the gun is dangerously near
Then for survival we both to bust
In order to survive, both of us begin shooting
But Renault's get to roast to crush, cause he steady gettin' closer
But unfortunately, Renault gets hit and collapses because the attacker is getting closer
Paranoid like a crack fiend when the gat seen
Feeling extremely paranoid, similar to a crack addict, when the gun is seen
Scream when the bullet hit me in the shoulder
I let out a scream of pain when a bullet strikes me in the shoulder
Don't wanna die til I get older
I do not want to die until I have lived a longer life
Try to visualize the beholder, he's inconceivable
I try to imagine or understand the person behind all these attacks, but he is impossible to comprehend
So now my sight is gettin' dark a lot
Now, my vision is becoming darker and more limited
Best to step off in this parking lot where them dogs bark a lot
It is best to exit this area and find safety in a parking lot where there are frequent confrontations
And try to wait until his ma get hot
I will attempt to wait until his mother becomes angry or distracted
I can make a person fight to survive whether good or connivin'
I have the ability to motivate someone to fight for their survival, regardless of whether they are righteous or deceitful
You never know when it's your time to leave
You can never predict when it is your time to die
Smokin' weed to keep my mind at ease, let's go back to the car
I smoke marijuana to calm my mind and relax, let's return to the car
But wait, I can't find the keys
But wait, I cannot locate the car keys
Plus we didn't chill long enough, the footsteps are comin' close
And we did not stay hidden for a sufficient amount of time, the sound of footsteps is getting closer
Is it one of them unholy men?
Is it one of those wicked individuals?
With a strap ready to boldly sin
Carrying a weapon, prepared to commit heinous acts
Mama told me it was comin', but I wish she woulda told me when
My mother warned me that something bad would occur, but I wish she had specified when it would happen
Just, can't, let, go Is this the end?
I am unable to release my grip, is this the end of everything?
Momma told me one day it was gonna happen
My mother warned me that something bad would occur in my life
But she never told me when
However, she did not specify when it would happen
She told me it would happen when I was much older
She mentioned that it would happen when I had grown up
Wish it would've happened then Is this the end?
I wish it had happened at that time, now I wonder if this is the end of everything
Just, can't, let, go Is this the end?
I am unable to release my grip, is this the end of everything?
I, just, don't, know
I simply do not know
Wish it would've happened then
I wish it had happened at that time
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Downtown Music Publishing, Cloud9, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CARL TERRELL MITCHELL, LARRY JOHNSON, LARRY CURTIS JOHNSON, MICHAEL EDWIN JOHNSON, SEAN COMBS, STEVEN A JORDAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind