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)
Talk to Me
Twista Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Talk to me
That's the only way I can find out whats going on
Now how and the fuck am I supposed to know whats goin' on
You knowin' the truth but you steady just be holdin' on
You harboring feelings but you don't be tellin' me
When you be see'n me would it be better if we was hollin' on the phone
Baby the twista got tha cure that can solve it I got the answer
Too many guys, too many guns
Plenty muscle when I hustle
You think a nigga was takin' enhancers
We need to holla and get it resolved like gentlemen
Because if we don't I got thumpers that turn niggas feminine
I'm a pursue when I pop it to'em they're goin to be choppin'
And screwin' as if I swallowed a bottle of benalyn
I'm a just goin' to end up and dumpin' if we just don't holla bout somethin'
Because you just might makin a plot to come murder me
Oh, your word to be, open heart surgery
Yeah you got a white t but I'm a be turnin' motherfucker burgundy
I think there's a better way that we can handle this
So sit down and talk at the table, we got to be adamant
Takin' a ride, and choppin' it up in the phantom
As two niggas breakin' it down like an analyst off the with cannabis
He say, she say
A nigga was steady be hearin' the bogus remarks
Thought I was goin' to have to go get it when it get dark
We talked about it, shit squashed
[Chorus: x4]
Now how will I ever be knowin' about when struggles arrive
If you don't be open enough to let me see inside
Right on the surface of things you thinkin' that he's still alive
But since he's been incarcerated his spirit has died
He's sittin' off up in the county while he goin' be fightin' a case
I'm seein' the pain cause I'm lookin' him right in his face
Never got caught off for pushin' a bird
Now he goin' be lookin' and thirty for murder
Even though he ain't on the tape
Soon as he got locked up I had to visit him early
The truth was the homies and none of those niggas was worthy
He gave me my game and told me how bitches'll burn me
Damn, I want to kill off the district attorney
The loser aka the prosecutor was a steady accuser
Of my boy as bein' around as the number one shooter
They sayin' that the evidence is a rugger, a steady pursuer
What it do and make you disappear like the Bermuda triangle
Why dangle a weapon in front of the court that I know he won't use
Now you in deep shit
Now I just gotta go pay off my lawyer's retainer
Homie gonna have a better defense
And I know that you ain't really feel like talkin' about it
You want your freedom and just to put it past you
This is the only way that we can fight 'em, dog
So me and my lawyer goin sit down and ask you
[Chorus: x4]
The song "Talk to Me" by Twista revolves around the concept of the importance of communication in a relationship. The chorus acts as a catalyst, urging the listener to talk it out for a better understanding of the situation. The lyrics portray the artist's frustration with his partner, who is keeping her feelings to herself, making it challenging for him to understand what's going on in their relationship. The artist talks about how effective communication can help resolve conflicts, which might otherwise lead to severe issues, including violence and murder. Twista reflects on how he can't help her if she doesn't speak her heart out and urges her to communicate even if it's painful.
The song is also an exploration of various themes, including friendship, loyalty, struggle, and street culture. Twista talks about how he has been wrongly accused of crimes and reflects on a friend who is fighting a murder case. Through the lyrics, the artist portrays the dilemma of growing up in the streets, where conflicts can arise for various reasons, and how communication can help avoid or resolve such situations.
Line by Line Meaning
Talk to me
The only way to find out what's going on is if you communicate with me.
That's the only way I can find out what's going on
Communication is necessary for understanding and resolving issues.
Now how and the fuck am I supposed to know what's goin' on
It's difficult for me to understand what's happening if you don't tell me.
You knowing the truth but you steady just be holdin' on
You're aware of the issue, but refuse to communicate and address it.
You harboring feelings but you don't be tellin' me
You have pent-up emotions, but you choose not to disclose them to me.
When you be see'n me would it be better if we was hollin' on the phone
Perhaps it would be easier for you to communicate your feelings over the phone, rather than in person.
They tellin' me you got a problem, if its a cancer
I've heard rumors that you have an issue, but I'm not sure if it's true.
Baby the twista got tha cure that can solve it I got the answer
I can help you overcome any problem you may have if you communicate with me and let me know what's going on.
Too many guys, too many guns
There's too much violence going on.
Plenty muscle when I hustle
I have the skills to handle myself in any situation.
You think a nigga was takin' enhancers
I don't use performance-enhancing drugs, but I have the strength and ability to handle myself if necessary.
We need to holla and get it resolved like gentlemen
We should communicate and resolve our issues in a civil and respectful manner.
Because if we don't I got thumpers that turn niggas feminine
If we don't resolve our issues, I will resort to violence and make you feel weak.
I'm a pursue when I pop it to'em they're goin to be choppin
If necessary, I will chase you down and handle the situation violently.
And screwin' as if I swallowed a bottle of benalyn
The aftermath of the violence will be severe and overwhelming.
I'm a just goin' to end up and dumpin' if we just don't holla bout somethin'
If we can't communicate and resolve our issues peacefully, I will resort to violence and possibly kill you.
Because you just might makin a plot to come murder me
I'm concerned that you may have violent intentions towards me.
Oh, your word to be, open heart surgery
You need to be honest and open with me, even if it's difficult.
Yeah you got a white t but I'm a be turnin' motherfucker burgundy
I will resort to violence and leave you bloody if necessary.
I think there's a better way that we can handle this
We should try to find a better, more peaceful way to resolve our issues.
So sit down and talk at the table, we got to be adamant
Let's sit down and have an honest, open conversation about our issues and remain determined to find a resolution.
Takin' a ride, and choppin' it up in the phantom
We can take a drive and talk about our problems in a luxurious car.
As two niggas breakin' it down like an analyst off the with cannabis
We can talk about our problems like two intellectuals, aided by cannabis.
He say, she say
Rumors and gossip are circulating about our issues.
A nigga was steady be hearin' the bogus remarks
I'm hearing false, unfounded rumors about our problems.
Thought I was goin' to have to go get it when it get dark
I believed that the situation would escalate to violence if we couldn't resolve our issues peacefully.
We talked about it, shit squashed
We communicated and resolved our issues.
Now how will I ever be knowin' about when struggles arrive
If you don't communicate with me, I won't know about your struggles and issues.
If you don't be open enough to let me see inside
You need to be honest and open with me if you want me to understand and help with your issues.
Right on the surface of things you thinkin' that he's still alive
Superficially, things seem fine, but beneath the surface there may be serious issues.
But since he's been incarcerated his spirit has died
Since he's been in jail, he's become depressed and lost hope.
He's sittin' off up in the county while he goin' be fightin' a case
He's in jail and facing a legal battle.
I'm seein' the pain cause I'm lookin' him right in his face
I can see the emotional pain he's going through just by looking at him.
Never got caught off for pushin' a bird
He's never been caught selling drugs.
Now he goin' be lookin' and thirty for murder
He's now facing charges that could result in a 30-year sentence for murder.
Even though he ain't on the tape
Even though there's no evidence against him.
Soon as he got locked up I had to visit him early
I immediately went to visit him as soon as he was arrested.
The truth was the homies and none of those niggas was worthy
The truth is, his friends didn't have his back and weren't good influences.
He gave me my game and told me how bitches'll burn me
He gave me advice on women and relationships.
Damn, I want to kill off the district attorney
I'm angry at the prosecutor and want to harm them.
The loser aka the prosecutor was a steady accuser
The prosecutor constantly accused him of the crime.
Of my boy as bein' around as the number one shooter
The prosecutor wrongly accused my friend of being the primary shooter in the crime.
They sayin' that the evidence is a rugger, a steady pursuer
The evidence against my friend is believed to be a gun that was constantly present at the crime scene.
What it do and make you disappear like the Bermuda triangle
The situation is so serious that someone could disappear, or face a long prison sentence.
Why dangle a weapon in front of the court that I know he won't use
The prosecutor is using a weapon, which my friend didn't use, as evidence against him.
Now you in deep shit
The situation is serious and difficult to overcome.
Now I just gotta go pay off my lawyer's retainer
I need to pay my lawyer money to defend my friend.
Homie gonna have a better defense
My friend will have a better chance of success with a good lawyer.
And I know that you ain't really feel like talkin' about it
I know it's difficult to talk about this, but it's necessary.
You want your freedom and just to put it past you
You want to forget about this and move on with your life.
This is the only way that we can fight 'em, dog
The only way to fight the accusations against you is to communicate and work with me and a good lawyer.
So me and my lawyer goin sit down and ask you
My lawyer and I will talk to you and try to come up with a plan to defend you.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: JENNIFER MERLE KARR, CARL TERRELL MITCHELL, GREGORY ALLEN BIECK, TYLER HAYES, MICHAEL MOORE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@destiny9849
My dad use to bring me to elementary school while twistas album was playing in the car. This was always my favorite song.
@user-kk5tm4nx5z
😘
@kennywhitis9211
Your dad knows his music.
@psychosid3215
On god
@destiny9849
@Tater Salad i am a child
@destiny9849
@@eastsideog2054 ??
@jamierhunt7725
Used to bump this whole album as a kid when I was 13. This & Fire was my favorite songs
@musiqmark
This, American Gangsta, Fire & Gotta Get Me One Are My Favorite Songs Off This Album
@dixionkash6495
There will NEVER be another like him period
@senadam93
finally I found the song I've been looking for..Twista not many people know about cuz u ain't blasted in the radio. u the baddest and ur flow nobody can beat. NOBODY.