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)
Me and You
Twista Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Especially when I bust "Adrenaline Rush", crush, pennin' from us
Venomous flowin' is hard, look at the ice, oh, look at the walk
In the presence of a god, see how he thinks, oh, look how he talks
And I'mma come with the style, most of 'em like, then, most of 'em bite
Whether they go write it down, or spit it then, they, move a device
Niggas could never compete, they lesser than me, I'm, destined to be
Run the Midwest and the reason the lesson'll be, one of the best in the streets
If you wanna take it and be, with knowledge of self, there's no better weapon than me
And I hope you got the kush, gimme the woods, cause, I gotta smoke
And if you don't got the dough, then it'll be, adios, I gotta go
Unless you got somethin' to say, look at the time, no, look at the mind
Don't think about what I'mma do if it ain't about money or you don't say nothin' divine
I'm ? that you in the way, I wanna get, that, power and guap'
Remember I used to get break, now I don't sleep, nope, now I don't stop
I do it for me and you
They wanna know why do I work work (c'mon)
Why do I smoke?
So I could be turnt turnt (c'mon)
Why do I grind?
So we can floss floss (c'mon)
And why do I shine?
Because I'm a boss boss
I do it for me and you, c'mon
I do it for me and you, c'mon
I want you to visualize and just, look at the stage, look at the bright lights
C'mon, look at the rage, look at the night life
Listen to a dope individual, not one of them niggas who flowin' so pitiful
Hopin' that you would do so when you bring the attention your focus is critical
Snappin' like a Kodak'll be, hope you get the picture, now Twista you notice I beast
Don't flow after me, I'll eat 'em up and then say "Bon appétit"
And it'll be so depressin' if I talk about everything that bother me
Millionaires livin' in the same country as people in poverty
So fuck you and your opinion, I'm on my own dominion
Street scriptures, hieroglyphics that ain't the book of the Gideons
An infinite era I'm in, travellin' through a multiverse
Keepin' it smooth, I tell a motherfucker come insult me first
Can I get ahead of us and I can see you be scared of us
And you be talkin' et cetera, et cetera, but everybody'll know what you spit is a replica
of what I do so I'mma just stay hot
And I be makin' the cash, and when she ask why I'm away a lot
I do it for me and you
They wanna know why do I work work (c'mon)
Why do I smoke?
So I could be turnt turnt (c'mon)
Why do I grind?
So we can floss floss (c'mon)
And why do I shine?
Because I'm a boss boss
I do it for me and you, c'mon
I do it for me and you, c'mon
In Twista's song Me and You, the artist confidently raps about his success and his reasons for working hard. He describes his impressive possessions, including a plush truck and ice, as well as his notable talent and skill as an MC. He reflects on his rise to being one of the best in the streets and emphasizes his dedication to his craft, doing it not only for himself but for his fans as well. Twista is unapologetic in his ambition and clearly states that money is always on his mind. Throughout the song, he assures his listeners that he will never stop working hard and chasing his dreams.
The lyrics showcase Twista's confidence and determination to succeed in the rap industry. He seems to be proud of his success and is not afraid to talk about it. The song encourages listeners to follow their dreams and work hard towards achieving their goals.
Line by Line Meaning
Look at the plush, truck, women'll blush
Twista boasts about his wealth, including his plush truck, which is sure to impress women.
Especially when I bust "Adrenaline Rush", crush, pennin' from us
Twista references his successful album, "Adrenaline Rush", and his ability to crush the competition while making money.
Venomous flowin' is hard, look at the ice, oh, look at the walk
Twista prides himself on his impressive rap skills and expensive jewelry, and his confident walk demonstrates his status and power.
In the presence of a god, see how he thinks, oh, look how he talks
Twista sees himself as a god-like figure, with superior intelligence and communication skills.
And I'mma come with the style, most of 'em like, then, most of 'em bite
Twista knows his rap style is popular and influential, and other rappers try to mimic his style.
Whether they go write it down, or spit it then, they, move a device
Other rappers may try to emulate Twista's flow and lyrics, whether they write them down or freestyle.
Niggas could never compete, they lesser than me, I'm, destined to be
Twista has no true competition and sees himself as superior to other rappers, believing he was destined for greatness.
Run the Midwest and the reason the lesson'll be, one of the best in the streets
Twista is considered one of the best rappers in the Midwest and has important lessons to share with other rappers.
Takin' a lesson from me cause I'm wreckin' the beat, a molecular special MC
Twista's rap skills are so impressive that he can be compared to a scientist, with his ability to break down and manipulate language.
If you wanna take it and be, with knowledge of self, there's no better weapon than me
If you want to improve your rap skills and understand yourself better, Twista is the best teacher and weapon you could ask for.
And I hope you got the kush, gimme the woods, cause, I gotta smoke
Twista enjoys smoking marijuana and hopes his friends have some for him to use.
And if you don't got the dough, then it'll be, adios, I gotta go
If his friends don't have money to contribute, Twista will have to leave and find another group to smoke with.
Unless you got somethin' to say, look at the time, no, look at the mind
Twista is only interested in spending time with friends who have meaningful things to say, not who waste his time with trivial conversation or activities.
Don't think about what I'mma do if it ain't about money or you don't say nothin' divine
If his friends aren't talking about money or something important, Twista doesn't want to waste his time with them.
I'm ? that you in the way, I wanna get, that, power and guap'
Twista views anyone in his way of success and wealth as an obstacle that needs to be removed.
Remember I used to get break, now I don't sleep, nope, now I don't stop
Twista used to take breaks and rest, but now he is constantly working and striving for success.
I do it for me and you
Twista works hard and achieves success for both himself and his friends/fans.
They wanna know why do I work work (c'mon)
People are curious about why Twista works so hard and achieves so much.
Why do I smoke? So I could be turnt turnt (c'mon)
Twista smokes marijuana to achieve a certain level of intoxication and enjoyment.
Why do I grind? So we can floss floss (c'mon)
Twista works hard so he and his friends/fans can show off their wealth and status.
And why do I shine? Because I'm a boss boss
Twista shines with his impressive wealth, status and reputation, and sees himself as a boss in the rap world.
I want you to visualize and just, look at the stage, look at the bright lights
Twista wants his fans to imagine performing on stage and seeing all the bright lights.
C'mon, look at the rage, look at the night life
Twista wants his fans to experience the excitement and passion that comes with the rap lifestyle.
Listen to a dope individual, not one of them niggas who flowin' so pitiful
Twista wants his fans to listen to him, a skilled and impressive rapper, instead of other lesser rappers.
Hopin' that you would do so when you bring the attention your focus is critical
If Twista brought attention to another rapper, he hopes they would use it wisely and improve their skills.
Snappin' like a Kodak'll be, hope you get the picture, now Twista you notice I beast
He hopes his fans understand his lyrics and impressive rap skills and that he dominates the rap industry.
Don't flow after me, I'll eat 'em up and then say "Bon appétit"
Twista warns other rappers not to try to imitate his flow or he will easily surpass them and leave them behind.
And it'll be so depressin' if I talk about everything that bother me
Twista has many issues that bother him, but he chooses not to focus on them or bring others down with him.
Millionaires livin' in the same country as people in poverty
Twista is aware of the wealth disparity in America between the rich and poor.
So fuck you and your opinion, I'm on my own dominion
Twista doesn't value others' opinions and feels like he is in control of his own life and destiny.
Street scriptures, hieroglyphics that ain't the book of the Gideons
Twista's lyrics are like ancient, valuable texts that hold hidden meanings and insights.
An infinite era I'm in, travellin' through a multiverse
Twista sees himself as a timeless, transcendent rapper, moving through multiple realms of existence.
Keepin' it smooth, I tell a motherfucker come insult me first
Twista is confident in his skills and reputation, and won't let anyone insult him without provocation.
Can I get ahead of us and I can see you be scared of us
Twista wants to surpass all competition and sees his opponents as being intimidated by his skills.
And you be talkin' et cetera, et cetera, but everybody'll know what you spit is a replica
Twista dismisses other rappers as being unoriginal and predictable with their lyrics and flow.
of what I do so I'mma just stay hot
Twista will continue to maintain his impressive skills and consistency.
And I be makin' the cash, and when she ask why I'm away a lot
Twista is making a lot of money but has to be away from home and his partner frequently, which is hard for them.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: SAMUEL LINDLEY, CARL TERRELL MITCHELL, DEBORA SPENCER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind