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)
LOYALTY
Twista Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Saw a little motherfucker and why'all was ready to bend
Left the mob for something petty but then fetti got thin
Now you back where you begin while I'm livin on ten
Got inns sittin in a Benz wit rims sippin on Hen
Wit Stokes, Twist, and Mayze while you broke bitch I'm paid
Should of stayed but betrayed look at the cheddar you could have made
You started with the mob thought you was harder than the mob
Swear to god, for why'all see-Wall ain't got love
No only one that's gonna be on you side is this hot slug
For the dead and locked I'm throwin my mob up
Cock and bust to all why'all bitches die for crossin us
[Liffy Stokes]
I smell some bitch niggas amongst us, now they gone
And when you see me on the streets be strapped cause I'm at you dome
And that's wit or without a mask on, cause I'ma blast on sight
Even if it's in traffic in broad daylight
The only way you live if it don't spray right
But you out your death wish so if I miss you'll be facin barrels by midknight
And that's on these four fingers I hold high
Anybody who crosses my mobsta family they die
I hollered at my boy James to bless me wit some mo' thangs
A mobstaz hard to kill like stopping off of cocaine
I'm leavin out sweated no dynasty clicks crushin bitches wit this
Nigga your songs ain't shit, they can't even fade our skits eat a dick
[Chorus]
Nigga cross the mob so what's up
In every destination retaliation gotta fuck 'em up
Nigga cross the mob so what's up
In every destination retaliation gotta get 'em up
Shit are why'all about ready to die for this fetti fuck everyting that's petty
Down to do dirt lets put in work
Stay together whether we rappin of slangin ye together
Get the paper but don't cross the mob and get hurt loyalty's first
[Traxster]
When everything was all good why'all niggas threw the wall up
But when the shit hit the fan I watch you bitches ball up
Now you time is all up, fuck who you call up
My niggas all bust, my killas all nuts
What the fuck you call us, what you say about see-Wall
Playa hatin how we ball, nigga we'll be to see why'all
And you mob gonna end up the same homie, put this pain on you
No love my slugs got them thugs name on 'em
If he wit his kids I'm blow his brains on 'em, put the chains on 'em
Go insane on em', guess he done wit that work range on em
Rain over, so nigga respect my mob like royalty
'Till I'm dead why'all hoes dred my love, life, and loyalty
[Twista]
When you come strapped in a circle
No I'm finna hurt you
Cause the mob put me peeped all of your loopholes
Cause the trigger work you
Bust all of you bitches and all of you hoes
When the bruh come
Thugs betta run shit look at what thugs want
See what drugs done
When held the gun got you runnin from a loved one
Thought you was down to die but you been found to lie
So fuck you can't trust you, gotta bust you
Crush you now you can't lick hits and hustle
Try to flex your muscle
But my criteria gotta over comes yo strategies
Try to make a mob out of peas
I can ride on you wit Money-T and an amount of cheese
Plus I had a lot of bud in 'em
I get mad at the budgin' 'em
Whippin out the stud in 'em
But I ain't even studying
If again and it's on I just put a slug in him
Duggin him dead and headin hoes off at the pass
Open up a can of kick ass
Toy wit me loyalty die quick blast
[Maze]
I roll wit straight mobsta leaners
That always carry beamers
And exercising trigger fingers on niggas who come between us
Shockin' the world wit young slingers
And we can't be defeated, even if you triple team us
Cause this game got my mod deranged if you in pain
Kamokaze like my nigga Lo if we loose to you man
So ready to aim cause it ain't shit to explain
Shots to exchange plenty of paper in the game
To help us remain on top of the world until we go bang
Doin our thang while why'all niggas just hate and complain in vain
But it'ws still gonna be the same we gonna mob forever
And out shine all you bitch ass niggas together
[Chorus]
The lyrics to Twista's song "Loyalty" speak to the rapper's commitment to his mob and the importance of loyalty in the dangerous world they operate in. The song features several other rappers on its verses, all echoing the themes of unity and retribution against those who betray their loyalty. The opening verse from Toxic sets the tone for the song, detailing the consequences of turning on the mob in pursuit of money. He accuses those who betray the mob of being short-sighted and foolish. Liffy Stokes adds to the harsh rhetoric, promising retaliation against anyone who crosses his mobsta family. The chorus asserts the idea that loyalty is the number one priority, even above the pursuit of money.
Traxster's verse is perhaps the most aggressive, railing against those who were "playa hatin'" when the mob had success only to turn to them when things fell apart. He expresses a willingness to do anything to maintain his power, even suggesting that he would kill someone in front of their children. Twista's verse continues the theme of violent retribution, stating that anyone who comes strapped to a mob meeting is done for. He reinforces the importance of loyalty in building and maintaining the mob's power.
Overall, the song expresses a sense of unity and a need for loyalty to operate effectively in a dangerous world. Anyone who dares to cross them will face harsh consequences. The song is a warning to those who would try to take advantage of the mob's success and a rallying cry for those who understand the importance of mutual trust and loyalty.
Line by Line Meaning
Saw a little motherfucker and why'all was ready to bend
I noticed a small-time criminal and you all were eager to submit
Left the mob for something petty but then fetti got thin
You betrayed the criminal organization for a trivial reason, but then money became scarce
Now you back where you begin while I'm livin on ten
Now you're back to your starting point while I'm living a lavish lifestyle
Got inns sittin in a Benz wit rims sippin on Hen
I have women interested in me, sitting in a luxurious Benz with customized rims, enjoying Hennessy
Wit Stokes, Twist, and Mayze while you broke bitch I'm paid
I'm with Stokes, Twist, and Mayze, while you, broke bitch, are financially struggling
Should of stayed but betrayed look at the cheddar you could have made
You should have remained loyal, but instead you betrayed us. Look at the money you could have earned
You started with the mob thought you was harder than the mob
You joined the criminal organization thinking you were tougher than everyone else in the mob
But ain't no one motherfucker larger than this mob
But no individual is more powerful or important than this mob
Swear to god, for why'all see-Wall ain't got love
I swear, for all of you to see, that see-Wall (someone's name) does not have any love or loyalty
No only one that's gonna be on you side is this hot slug
The only thing that will be on your side is a bullet, ready to end your life
For the dead and locked I'm throwin my mob up
I'm showing my allegiance and support for those who are deceased or incarcerated
Cock and bust to all why'all bitches die for crossin us
I will shoot and kill all of you snitches who dare to cross our path
I smell some bitch niggas amongst us, now they gone
I detect some cowardly individuals among us, and now they are no longer present
And when you see me on the streets be strapped cause I'm at you dome
If you encounter me in the streets, be ready with a weapon because I'm aiming for your head
And that's wit or without a mask on, cause I'ma blast on sight
It doesn't matter if I'm wearing a disguise, I will still shoot at you immediately
Even if it's in traffic in broad daylight
Even if it's in the midst of traffic during the daytime
The only way you live if it don't spray right
The only way for you to survive is if the bullets miss their target
But you out your death wish so if I miss you'll be facin barrels by midknight
But you are endangering your life, so if I miss, you will face the barrels of my guns at midnight
And that's on these four fingers I hold high
And I swear by raising these four fingers in the air
Anybody who crosses my mobsta family they die
Anyone who betrays or crosses my mobster family will meet their demise
I hollered at my boy James to bless me wit some mo' thangs
I asked my associate James to provide me with more weapons
A mobstaz hard to kill like stopping off of cocaine
A mobster is difficult to eliminate, similar to stopping the effects of cocaine
I'm leavin out sweated no dynasty clicks crushin bitches wit this
I'm exiting without any worries, crushing enemies with my powerful connections
Nigga your songs ain't shit, they can't even fade our skits eat a dick
Your songs are meaningless and cannot compete with our powerful verses. Go insult someone else
Nigga cross the mob so what's up
If a person betrays the mob, what will they face?
In every destination retaliation gotta fuck 'em up
In every situation, we must take revenge and harm them severely
Shit are why'all about ready to die for this fetti fuck everyting that's petty
Are you all prepared to die for money? Forget about all trivial matters
Down to do dirt lets put in work
Ready to engage in criminal activities, let's get to work
Stay together whether we rappin of slangin ye together
We will stick together whether we're focused on music or involved in drug dealing
Get the paper but don't cross the mob and get hurt loyalty's first
Make money, but never betray the mob because if you do, you'll face severe consequences. Loyalty is the most important thing
When everything was all good why'all niggas threw the wall up
When everything was fine, you all built a wall, isolating yourselves from us
But when the shit hit the fan I watch you bitches ball up
But when a difficult situation arose, I saw you all cower and retreat
Now you time is all up, fuck who you call up
Now your time has run out, I don't care who you bring for help
My niggas all bust, my killas all nuts
My associates are all ready to shoot, my assassins are all crazy
What the fuck you call us, what you say about see-Wall
How dare you insult us! What did you say about see-Wall (someone's name)?
Playa hatin how we ball, nigga we'll be to see why'all
You're jealous of our success, how we excel. We'll come to see and confront you
And you mob gonna end up the same homie, put this pain on you
And you will meet the same fate as us, friend. We will inflict this suffering upon you
No love my slugs got them thugs name on 'em
There's no mercy, my bullets have the names of my gang members on them
If he wit his kids I'm blow his brains on 'em, put the chains on 'em
Even if he's with his children, I will shoot and kill him, and then put his body in chains
Go insane on em', guess he done wit that work range on em
I will become crazy and unpredictable. He should have realized that engaging with me was a dangerous decision
Rain over, so nigga respect my mob like royalty
I have dominance and control over the situation, so you better respect my gang as if they were kings
'Till I'm dead why'all hoes dred my love, life, and loyalty
Until I die, you assholes will fear my love, my life, and my loyalty to the gang
When you come strapped in a circle
When you approach us armed and ready
No I'm finna hurt you
Know that I'm about to cause you pain
Cause the mob put me peeped all of your loopholes
Because the gang has discovered all of your weaknesses and escape routes
Cause the trigger work you
Because the gun will harm and defeat you
Bust all of you bitches and all of you hoes
Shoot all of you cowards, both men and women
When the bruh come
When I arrive
Thugs betta run shit look at what thugs want
Criminals better run away, see what criminals desire
See what drugs done
Observe the consequences of drug use
When held the gun got you runnin from a loved one
When I hold a gun, it makes you run away from someone you care about
Thought you was down to die but you been found to lie
I believed you were willing to die for the cause, but I discovered that you were deceitful
So fuck you can't trust you, gotta bust you
So fuck you, I can't trust you. I have to shoot and kill you
Crush you now you can't lick hits and hustle
I will crush you, and now you can no longer sell drugs or engage in criminal activities
Try to flex your muscle
You attempted to show off and exert your power
But my criteria gotta over comes yo strategies
But my standards and requirements surpass and overcome your strategies
Try to make a mob out of peas
You tried to build your own gang with insignificant individuals
I can ride on you wit Money-T and an amount of cheese
I can confront and defeat you with Money-T (someone's name) and a large sum of money
Plus I had a lot of bud in 'em
Additionally, I had large quantities of cannabis with me
I get mad at the budgin' 'em
I become angry at those who provoke or annoy me
Whippin out the stud in 'em
Retrieving and using the gun I have concealed
But I ain't even studying
But I'm not even focused on that
If again and it's on I just put a slug in him
If you provoke me again, it's on, and I will shoot and kill you
Duggin him dead and headin hoes off at the pass
Digging his grave and intercepting women at the designated location
Open up a can of kick ass
Unleashing a fierce and powerful attack
Toy wit me loyalty die quick blast
Don't play around with me, or your loyalty to the mob will result in a swift and deadly attack
I roll wit straight mobsta leaners
I associate with true mobsters who possess a strong and fearless demeanor
That always carry beamers
Who always have firearms with them
And exercising trigger fingers on niggas who come between us
And they are quick to pull the trigger on anyone who tries to interfere with our activities
Shockin' the world wit young slingers
Surprising the world with our young, talented criminals who excel at illegal activities
And we can't be defeated, even if you triple team us
And we cannot be overcome, even if you engage us with three times the manpower
Cause this game got my mod deranged if you in pain
Because this criminal lifestyle has driven me insane. If you're experiencing pain, it's your own fault
Kamokaze like my nigga Lo if we loose to you man
We are willing to risk everything, just like my friend Lo. If we lose to you, it's unacceptable
So ready to aim cause it ain't shit to explain
So we're ready to take aim because we don't need to explain ourselves
Shots to exchange plenty of paper in the game
We will trade gunshots, earning a lot of money through criminal activities
To help us remain on top of the world until we go bang
To ensure our dominance and control over the world until we meet our demise
Doin our thang while why'all niggas just hate and complain in vain
We are doing what we do best, while you all just express pointless hate and complaints
But it'ws still gonna be the same we gonna mob forever
But things will remain the same, we will continue to be a mob forever
And out shine all you bitch ass niggas together
And we will outperform and overshadow all of you cowardly individuals combined
Nigga cross the mob so what's up
If an individual betrays the mob, what will happen?
In every destination retaliation gotta fuck 'em up
In every situation, we must seek revenge and severely harm them
Shit are why'all about ready to die for this fetti fuck everyting that's petty
Are all of you prepared to die for money? Forget about all trivial matters
Down to do dirt lets put in work
We are ready to engage in illegal activities, let's get to work
Stay together whether we rappin of slangin ye together
We will stick together whether we're focused on music or involved in drug dealing
Get the paper but don't cross the mob and get hurt loyalty's first
Make money, but never betray the mob because if you do, you'll face severe consequences. Loyalty is the most important thing
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Samuel C. Lindley, Carl Terrell Mitchell, Jabari Bristow, Fredrick Taylor, Calvin Thomas
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind