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)
Poppin Tags
Twista Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And we gon' stay showin' off that jewelry that we bought
And we gon' stay leavin' out the stores with heavy bags
'Cause we be poppin' tags, pimpin', we be poppin' tags
And we gon' stay hustlin' on that block until we caught
And we gon' stay showin' off that jewelry that we bought
And we gon' stay leavin' out the stores with heavy bags
'Cause we be poppin' tags, pimpin', we be poppin' tags
We arose, let's go
So fresh so clean" like 'Kast
Jay-Z be poppin' tags
Leavin' the mall with heavy bags
You know the boy got a love for the cash
Ah fuck, there he go again
Talkin' 'bout hoes and dough again
Yup, can't hold it in
I'm surprised I got so much dough to spend
But, back when I was poorer then
You wasn't focusin', about the dough I spend
But I was holdin in, I was a roller then
I was a baller back then, all of that man
Fall back, I fought that
What would you do if you was in my shoes?
Leave dudes in the rearview
V-12 engine, corners spinnin'
Twinkies shinin', pinky ring
Armadale, nigga stinky stink
Top, down, my cash is up
Gold chain, I don't give a fuck
Gold brain'll get you in the truck ma
That's right, you in luck ma
You see me cruisin' down, better step inside
Ain't enough room to fit you all in the ride
First come, first serve basis
You know Hov' be goin' to nice places
That's right, and I'm droppin' cash
Leave the mall with garbage bags
Gucci this, Prada that
Roll witcha boy you'll be poppin' tags
And we gon' stay hustlin' on that block until we caught
And we gon' stay showin' off that jewelry that we bought
And we gon' stay leavin' out the stores with heavy bags
'Cause we be poppin' tags, pimpin', we be poppin' tags
And we gon' stay hustlin' on that block until we caught
And we gon' stay showin' off that jewelry that we bought
And we gon' stay leavin' out the stores with heavy bags
'Cause we be poppin' tags, pimpin', we be poppin' tags
It's a party when I go up in the sto'
Shoppin' while I'm zooted off the dro'
Rollin like a nigga that just came up on a mill'
And I got 'em sweepin' and pickin' up tags off the flo'
Bag full of clothes I remember havin' rocks in the hall
On the corner with the Glock by the balls
Servin' up a jab and workin' security six to six
Then it's straight from the block to the mall
Now what's on the wall? Go ahead and treat yo'self
When you come up on some cheddar better pop that tag
Like when I dip off in the Prada then I go off
To the lot lay the paper down and cop that Jag
I got a closet full of ammunition and funds
Mink, Rocawear and some guns
Pelle and a fresh pair of Jordans, dro packs and Bo Jacks
And Air Maxes, throw back some ones, no max for none
(When I go up in the sto' a nigga never get enough)
I'm a baller and if you want it come and get it now
(Nigga come to a race with a car you won't catch up)
And the Twista kinda wicked when I spit it now
I be choppin' up cheddar with Kanye
Chop a little cheddar up with Jay
Chop it up with the O-to-the-Kizay
Poppin' big tags with the flow and the dough, we get bi-zay
And we gon' stay hustlin' on that block until we caught
And we gon' stay showin' off that jewelry that we bought
And we gon' stay leavin' out the stores with heavy bags
'Cause we be poppin' tags, pimpin', we be poppin' tags
And we gon' stay hustlin' on that block until we caught
And we gon' stay showin' off that jewelry that we bought
And we gon' stay leavin' out the stores with heavy bags
'Cause we be poppin' tags, pimpin', we be poppin' tags
My throwback game is wi-wicked
Saint Patties day, green pinstripe, number twenty Mark Spitz'n
Jersey ooh-wee with the matchin' New Era fitted
White boys say my style is bitchin'
Keepin' coke in the kitchen
Keep a Glock that will shock and bring the rest
Tucked underneath my Mitchell & Ness (ha)
Scramblin', handlin' with a .45 cannon
It's tucked in my Marc Buchanan
Extra clips and shells in the lambskin
Two deep by Pelle Pelle
Westside how they felly fell
More G's on me, than a late 80's Gucci leather
Worn by the great Rakim himself
Stitched by Dapper Dan, oh man with the gun in hand
I leave your blood squirting
No offense, I'll put your face on the chest of a sweatshirt drawn by Shirt Kings
I been fuckin' they hustle, married to a racket
Since the first Air Jordan's and Starter jackets
I slept with a package, under mattress
I carry guns heavy speak easy, slight with the fight words
I'll put somethin' hot through your motherfuckin' Iceberg
Got a project chica, named Rica
She keep a purse full of dro' reefer
Small, pinkies like that
Talk 'til the paper fat
I rock somethin', roll chief Sacks like Daddy Fat
And we gon' stay hustlin' on that block until we caught
And we gon' stay showin' off that jewelry that we bought
And we gon' stay leavin' out the stores with heavy bags
'Cause we be poppin' tags, pimpin', we be poppin' tags
And we gon' stay hustlin' on that block until we caught
And we gon' stay showin' off that jewelry that we bought
And we gon' stay leavin' out the stores with heavy bags
'Cause we be poppin' tags, pimpin', we be poppin' tags
Pop tags in reverse, you'll be needin' a nurse
Leave you layin' on your back in a Cadillac hearse
Now your mama in all black with a matchin' purse
I know you want to blow up, but a funeral hurts
What's worse, you can hit the mall and ball 'til you fall
Have to make a collect call, but your cell cut off
Trot to the mailbox expectin' a check but the mail's run short
No more MD, DD, LD
That means movie date, dinner date, lunch date, help me please
My sheets is gone
Long bread to the short bread, word is bond
Meticulously pimpously serve the song
Act a damn donkey
Like the pilgrims when they popped a tag on the Indians home
Drop top rag-o with the wings on
Chillin', bags in the trunk full of FEO Schwartz for the chill'uns
Spent a few shillings
Sip a few chickens, lick a few kittens, just kiddin'
A fresh bowl of milk is in the fridge and
Can you pop the tags on the honeycombs
Or are you actin' mad 'cause the money done
Slowed, down, just a little bit
Dipped, poked out, did some shull-bit
Actin' like a pitfall bull-pit
Dead game is the pul-pit
Leave a motherpumper with his John Doe toe tag clipped
Imperial classic, a lyrical thrashin'
A miracle happenin
Jay-Z, Killer Mike and Big Boi rappin' and rhymin' and smabbin'
Pop that tag on some of this game
Holla-tic, swallow and keep the change
And we gon' stay hustlin' on that block until we caught
And we gon' stay showin' off that jewelry that we bought
And we gon' stay leavin' out the stores with heavy bags
'Cause we be poppin' tags, pimpin', we be poppin' tags
And we gon' stay hustlin' on that block until we caught
And we gon' stay showin' off that jewelry that we bought
And we gon' stay leavin' out the stores with heavy bags
'Cause we be poppin' tags, pimpin', we be poppin' tags
The lyrics to Twista's "Poppin Tags" are all about living the high life, spending money on expensive clothing and jewelry, and using that spending as a way to "pimp" one's image. The song talks about the thrill of buying luxury items and the satisfaction that comes with showing those items off to others. Twista and his collaborators reference their own experiences with wealth, such as leaving stores with heavy bags and cruising around in fancy cars. They also acknowledge the risks involved with living this lifestyle, such as the danger of being caught by police while hustling on the block.
The overall message of the song seems to be that living in a world of material wealth is exhilarating but also dangerous, and that those who choose to live this lifestyle will continue to do so until they are caught. The lyrics suggest a certain amount of bravado and a willingness to take risks in order to maintain the lifestyle that comes with popping tags.
One key element of the song is the use of repetition - the chorus is repeated throughout the song, which reinforces the idea that popping tags is a key part of the artists' lives. The verses also repeat certain phrases, such as "leavin' out the stores with heavy bags," which again reinforces the theme of buying and acquiring luxury items.
Overall, "Poppin Tags" is a song about living the high life, taking risks, and enjoying the fruits of one's labor. It's an anthem for those who believe in the power of wealth and material luxury, and a reminder that living this way can be both thrilling and dangerous.
Line by Line Meaning
And we gon' stay hustlin' on that block until we caught
We will remain selling drugs on the streets until we get caught by the cops.
And we gon' stay showin' off that jewelry that we bought
We will continue to flaunt our expensive jewelry that we purchased.
And we gon' stay leavin' out the stores with heavy bags
We will keep exiting stores with numerous heavy shopping bags.
'Cause we be poppin' tags, pimpin', we be poppin' tags
We keep taking off the price tags from our newly bought items to flex and show off our wealth.
Jay-Z be poppin' tags
Jay-Z also takes off the price tags from his bought items.
Leavin' the mall with heavy bags
Exiting the mall with lots of heavy shopping bags containing newly purchased items.
You know the boy got a love for the cash
Twista loves money and will do anything to obtain it.
Talkin' 'bout hoes and dough again
Again, he is talking about women and money.
But, back when I was poorer then
In the past, when he was not as wealthy as he is now.
You wasn't focusin', about the dough I spend
You were not paying attention to how much money I was spending.
But I was holdin in, I was a roller then
He was hiding his wealth and was more of a hustler back then.
I was a baller back then, all of that man
He used to be a baller, but he still had to hide his wealth.
Gold brain'll get you in the truck ma
Having a beautiful and smart woman with you will attract others to you.
You see me cruisin' down, better step inside
If you see me driving by, quickly get into the car.
Ain't enough room to fit you all in the ride
I can only fit a limited amount of people in my car.
First come, first serve basis
Whoever gets to the car first can ride with me.
That's right, and I'm droppin' cash
He is spending a lot of money.
Leave the mall with garbage bags
Leaves the mall with so many shopping bags that they fill up garbage bags.
Gucci this, Prada that
He is purchasing items from luxury brands such as Gucci and Prada.
Roll witcha boy you'll be poppin' tags
If you hang out with him, you too will be taking off price tags to show off your wealth.
Shoppin' while I'm zooted off the dro'
He is high on marijuana while shopping.
Rollin like a nigga that just came up on a mill'
He is feeling like he has just won a million dollars.
And I got 'em sweepin' and pickin' up tags off the flo'
He has so much money that other people are willing to do menial tasks for him.
Slowed, down, just a little bit
He has slowed down his lifestyle a bit.
Keepin' coke in the kitchen
He is still dealing drugs, specifically cocaine.
Keep a Glock that will shock and bring the rest
He carries a Glock pistol that is capable of killing a person.
Westside how they felly fell
He flashes his wealth like the wealthy do on the Westside of America.
More G's on me, than a late 80's Gucci leather
He has more money on him than someone carrying a luxurious Gucci leather jacket in the 80s.
I know you want to blow up, but a funeral hurts
He knows others want to be successful, but sometimes success can lead to death.
What's worse, you can hit the mall and ball 'til you fall
It's worse to shop and spend extravagantly until you have no money left.
Have to make a collect call, but your cell cut off
You would have to use a landline telephone to call for assistance when you have no cell service.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, O/B/O CAPASSO, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: Shawn Carter, Carl Terrell Mitchell, Antwan Patton, Michael Santigo Render, Kanye West, William Jr. Robinson, Carl Mitchell, William Robinson Jr, Michael Render
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind