UGK, from Port Arthur, TX, the neighboring city to Beaumont, TX, released their debut EP The Southern Way in 1992. It was distributed by local record label Bigtyme Recordz and only available as an audio cassette. They quickly caught the attention of Jive Records, and were signed to a five album record contract. Their major label debut album Too Hard to Swallow was released later that same year, on November 10. While it featured several new recordings, it also featured several songs that had been culled from The Southern Way. However, several songs that had been intended to be included on the album were excised at the last minute, apparently due to their overly explicit content. Five of these songs would surface two months before Too Hard to Swallowβs release, on an EP distributed by Bigtyme Recordz; appropriately enough, the EP was titled Banned.
Their sophomore album Super Tightβ¦ was released two years later, on August 30. Unlike their previous effort, it managed to break into the Billboard Hot 200, but ultimately peaked at a disappointing #95. Two more years passed before the release of their third album, Ridinβ Dirty. It performed better than either of its predecessors, and almost broke into the Hot 200βs top-ten, before stopping short at #15. Ridinβ Dirty would also be UGKβs last album for the time being, as they went on a five year hiatus not long afterward.
In the interim, UGK made a high-profile guest appearance on Jay-Zβs 2000 smash hit βBig Pimpinβ and also appeared on Three 6 Mafiaβs hit βSippinβ on Some Sizzurpβ later the very same year. Both of these collaborations greatly increased their reputation, and helped fuel anticipation for their next project. Unfortunately, Jive failed to capitalize on this new-found interest in the duo, as their sixth album, 2001βs Dirty Money, came and went with little or no fanfare.
Further problems arose in 2002, when Pimp C was incarcerated for an aggravated gun assault charge on January 28. Throughout the time of his incarceration, Bun B carried on the UGK name by making numerous guest appearances on songs by other artists, with every appearance either mentioning Pimp C or featuring a βFree Pimp C!β or βFree the Pimpβ chant. Many of UGKβs peers did the same, and mentioned Pimp C in their own songs with or without Bun B. During this period, Jive released a Best of UGK album, as well as a Chopped & Screwed remix album.
As a result of Pimp Cβs incarceration, both members of UGK began solo careers out of necessity. Rap-A-Lot Records released Pimp Cβs solo debut, Sweet James Jones Stories, on March 1, 2005. Bun B later released his own solo foray, Trill, on October 18, 2005. It opened at #6 on the Billboard Hot 200, and also peaked at #1 on Billboardβs Top R&B/Hip-hop Album chart. It was quickly certified gold by the RIAA.
On December 30, 2005, Pimp C was released from prison and was scheduled to be on parole until December 2009. He released his first post-incarceration album, titled Pimpalation, on July 25, 2006.
UGK released Underground Kingz, their 7th studio album in August 2007. The two-disc, 26-track album hit #1 on the Billboard charts after selling 157,000 copies in its first week, strongly supported by the hit single Intβl Players Anthem (I Choose You). The single featured OutKast, and used a beat created by Three 6 Mafiaβs DJ Paul and Juicy J, which was originally used in a song by Project Pat.
On December 4th, 2007, Pimp C was found dead at age 33 in his room at Hollywoodβs La Mondrian hotel in Los Angeles, California, where he had been playing shows with Too $hort. According to the Los Angeles County Coronerβs Office Pimp C died from accidental overdose of Promethazine/Codeine βsyrupβ combined with a preexisting medical condition known as sleep apnea, which causes a person to stop breathing during sleep. He was buried on December 11th, 2007 in his hometown of Port Arthur, TX.
Da Game Been Good To Me
UGK Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
CD flopped, you ain't hot
The game been good to me
(Hol' up, hol' up, bitch)
You lost your cars and yo' house
Now you sleep on yo' mama's couch
But the game been good to me
Uhh, first album went platinum, now you can't go gold
Made ya deal with the devil but you sold yo' soul
You rent a lotta cars, rent a mansion and them hoes
You say you sold your Phantom, bitch they took yo' Rolls
Get disrespected everywhere you go
Big bodyguards when you come for the shows
They already know you got shit on your name
Nigga, you a pussy, they gon' take yo' chain
Take yo' piece, rings and watch
You play rich, boy you need to stop
I ain't dissin' nobody, no particular name
Ya shoe fit nigga, get the fuck up out the game, lil' bitch
You lost yo' spot when you went pop
CD flopped, you ain't hot
The game been good to me
(Hol' up, hol' up, bitch)
You lost your cars and yo' house
Now you sleep on yo' mama's couch
The game been good to me
(Pussy nigguh)
I'm a Down South MC, I'm cold on the mic
I say it how I feel and I do it how I like
I write what I see, what I do and what I know
And keep it one hundred off top from the do'
Now whether at a show, in the booth or on the street
No matter where I go and no matter who I meet
Everybody tryna tell me how they feel 'bout the South
On the cool, them haters need to shut they fuckin' mouth
'Cause we grip grain, nigga we pop trunk
We to' straps and we ready for the funk
Some niggaz two step, some niggaz dance
Some niggaz just ball wit' a bottle in they hands
Sell a couple ringtones niggaz, that's bread
You hatin' on paper get that fuck up out yo' head
Worryin' 'bout my cheese, getcha own stack
It's goin' down in the South, you don't like it
Click clack, motherfucker
You lost yo' spot when you went pop
CD flopped, you ain't hot
The game been good to me
(Hol' up, hol' up bitch)
You lost your cars and yo' house
Now you sleep on yo' mama's couch
The game been good to me
(Pussy nigguh)
You got caught with that work on 10
Made a deal with the state to turn your foul partner in
But he took 15, befo' you could tell
He ain't witchu no mo' hoe, you got twenty in a cell
I sent you a lawyer, you ain't listened that time
Ain't no appeal but they dropped it to five?
Who you had to fuck to give back that time?
Textin' me from a cell phone, bitch, yo lost yo' fuckin' mind?
How dare you tryna get me on conspiracy, Jack?
If the feds hit me, I'ma hit yo' ass back
You fight witcho tongue, I send 'em killa
Transcript writer, I'll kill you nigguh
You lost yo' spot when you went pop
CD flopped, you ain't hot
The game been good to me
(Hol' up, hol' up bitch)
You lost your cars and yo' house
Now you sleep on yo' mama's couch
The game been good to me
(Smoke sum'hin, bitch)
Got caught with the shit, twenty years
You'se a snitch, you turned bitch
The game been good to me
(Hol' up, bitch)
I took yo' hoe, she's a pro
Bought me all, of yo' dough
The game been good to me
(Pussy nigguh)
The lyrics of "Da Game Been Good To Me" by UGK is a commentary on the current state of the rap industry. The verses talk about the losses within the industry, from losing cars and houses to sleeping on mothers' couches. The game, in this context, refers to the rap industry and how it has seemingly taken a toll on artists, especially those who went pop, lost money, and couldn't keep up. Meanwhile, the hook, "The game been good to me," serves as a sarcastic take on the hardships of the industry.
Throughout the lyrics, UGK mentioned how some artists, who were once relevant, have now faded from the industry, both musically and financially. The lines "You lost yo' spot when you went pop, CD flopped, you ain't hot" points out how some artists lose their edge when they start focusing on pop music instead of sticking to the rap style that made them famous. The lines "Made ya deal with the devil, but you sold yo' soul" suggests that some people in the industry make insincere deals just to stay on top.
Moreover, the song's lyrics also conveys a sense of pride for the South, with lines like "Sell a couple ringtones niggaz, that's bread, You hatin' on paper get that fuck up out yo' head, Worryin' 'bout my cheese, getcha own stack, It's goin' down in the South." The lines speak to the success of certain Southern rappers in the game and the pride felt by their fans and fellow musicians.
Line by Line Meaning
You lost yo' spot when you went pop
Your popularity declined when you changed your style to be more mainstream
CD flopped, you ain't hot
Your album sales plummeted and you lost relevance in the music industry
The game been good to me
I have achieved success in the music industry despite challenges and obstacles
You lost your cars and yo' house
You no longer have personal possessions due to financial struggles
Now you sleep on yo' mama's couch
You are currently living with your mother because you cannot afford your own place
Uhh, first album went platinum, now you can't go gold
Your first album was extremely successful, but subsequent albums have not been as popular
Made ya deal with the devil but you sold yo' soul
You compromised your artistic integrity for fame and success
You rent a lotta cars, rent a mansion and them hoes
You try to appear wealthy, but it is all a facade
You say you sold your Phantom, bitch they took yo' Rolls
You claimed to have sold your expensive car, but it was actually repossessed
Get disrespected everywhere you go
People do not treat you with respect or admiration
Big bodyguards when you come for the shows
You need bodyguards to protect you from potential threats at performances
They already know you got shit on your name
People are aware of your negative reputation
Nigga, you a pussy, they gon' take yo' chain
You are weak and vulnerable to theft or robbery
Take yo' piece, rings and watch
Thieves will steal your jewelry and accessories
You play rich, boy you need to stop
You pretend to be wealthy, but you are not
I ain't dissin' nobody, no particular name
I am not insulting any specific person
Ya shoe fit nigga, get the fuck up out the game, lil' bitch
If my lyrics apply to you, you should leave the music industry
I'm a Down South MC, I'm cold on the mic
I am a rapper from the southern US and I am talented
I say it how I feel and I do it how I like
I am honest with my music and do not conform to anyone else's expectations
I write what I see, what I do and what I know
My music reflects my personal experiences and observations
And keep it one hundred off top from the do'
I always speak the truth and do not fabricate my lyrics
No matter where I go and no matter who I meet
I encounter people with differing opinions no matter where I go
Everybody tryna tell me how they feel 'bout the South
People often express their opinions about Southern culture to me
On the cool, them haters need to shut they fuckin' mouth
People who do not appreciate Southern culture should keep their negative opinions to themselves
'Cause we grip grain, nigga we pop trunk
We have a culture of driving cars with large wheels and showing off expensive sound systems
We to' straps and we ready for the funk
We are armed and prepared to defend ourselves
Sell a couple ringtones niggaz, that's bread
Making money from ringtones is profitable
You hatin' on paper get that fuck up out yo' head
Stop hating on other people's success and focus on your own
Worryin' 'bout my cheese, getcha own stack
Stop being preoccupied with my money and focus on making your own
It's goin' down in the South, you don't like it
Southern culture is thriving and if you do not appreciate it, that is your problem
You got caught with that work on 10
You were arrested for drug trafficking
Made a deal with the state to turn your foul partner in
You agreed to reveal information about your criminal accomplice to reduce your own sentence
But he took 15, befo' you could tell
Your accomplice was sentenced to a longer prison term than you expected
He ain't witchu no mo' hoe, you got twenty in a cell
Your former accomplice is no longer on your side and you are serving a long prison sentence
I sent you a lawyer, you ain't listened that time
I tried to help you with legal assistance, but you did not take my advice
Ain't no appeal but they dropped it to five?
You were not eligible for an appeal, but your sentence was reduced to five years
Who you had to fuck to give back that time?
You must have had to make a deal or compromise to reduce your sentence
Textin' me from a cell phone, bitch, yo lost yo' fuckin' mind?
It is ridiculous for you to text me from prison as if everything is normal
How dare you tryna get me on conspiracy, Jack?
It is not right for you to accuse me of being involved in illegal activity
If the feds hit me, I'ma hit yo' ass back
If I am investigated by the government, I will retaliate against you
You fight witcho tongue, I send 'em killa
If you cause me trouble with your words, I will respond with violence
Transcript writer, I'll kill you nigguh
If you write transcripts of my conversations with the intention of using them against me, I will harm you
Got caught with the shit, twenty years
You were sentenced to twenty years in prison for drug-related crimes
You'se a snitch, you turned bitch
You betrayed your accomplices and are now viewed as a coward
I took yo' hoe, she's a pro
I took your girlfriend and she is now a prostitute
Bought me all, of yo' dough
I used your money to acquire wealth
Pussy nigguh
I am insulting you by calling you weak and cowardly
Lyrics Β© BMG Rights Management, Songtrust Ave
Written by: CHAD BUTLER, BERNARD FREEMAN, AVERY DIVELLE HARRIS, Avery Harris
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
gu1l7y5p4rkfiles
You lost yo' spot when you went pop
CD flopped, you ain't hot..
But the game been good to meeeee...
(Hol' up, hol' up bitch!)
You lost your cars, and yo' house
Now you sleep on yo' mama's couch
But the game been good to meeeee...
[Pimp C - Verse One]
UHH, first album went platinum, now you can't go gold
Made ya deal with the devil, but you sold yo' soul
You rent a lotta cars, rent a mansion and them hoes
You say you sold your Phantom, bitch they took yo' Rolls
Get disrespected everywhere you go
Big bodyguards when you come for the shows
They already know you got shit on your name
Nigga, you a pussy, they gon' take yo' chain
Take yo' piece, rings and watch
You play rich, boy you need to stop
I ain't dissin nobody, no particular name
Ya shoe fit nigga, get the fuck up out the game - lil' BITCH!
[Hook]
(Pussy nigguuuh..)
[Bun B - Verse Two]
I'm a Down South MC, I'm cold on the mic
I say it how I feel and I do it how I like
I write what I see, what I do, and what I know
And keep it one hundred off top from the do'
Now whether at a show, in the booth, or on the street
No matter where I go and no matter who I meet
Everybody tryna tell me how they feel 'bout the South
On the cool, them haters need to shut they fuckin mouth
Cause we grip grain, nigga we pop trunk
We to' straps and we ready for the funk
Some niggas two-step, some niggas dance
Some niggas just ball wit' a bottle in they hands
Sell a couple ringtones niggas, that's bread
You hatin on paper get that FUCK up out yo' head
Worryin 'bout my cheese, getcha own stack
It's goin down in the South, you don't like it
Click clack, motherfucker!
[Hook]
(Pussy nigguuuh..)
[Pimp C - Verse Three]
You got caught with that work on 10
Made a deal with the state to turn your foul partner in
But he took 15, befo' you could tell
He ain't witchu no mo' ho, you got twenty in a cell
I sent you a lawyer, you ain't listened that time
Ain't no appeal, but they dropped it to five?
Who you had to fuck to give back that time?
Textin me from a cell phone - bitch, yo lost YO' FUCKIN MIND?
How dare you tryna get me on conspiracy, Jack?
If the feds hit me, I'mma hit yo' ass BACK!
You fight witcho tounge, I send 'em killa
Transcript writer, I'll kill you nigguuuh!
[Hook]
(Smoke sum'hin, bitch..)
[Hook 2: Pimp C singing]
Got caught with the shit, twenty years
Youse a snitch, you turned biiii-tch..
The game been good to meeeee...
(Hol' up, bitch!)
I took yo' ho, she's a pro
Bought me all, of yo' dough..
The game been good to meeeee...
(Pussy nigguuuh..)
Kras IV
The way UGK incorporate the strings, organs and guitar in their music was dope. Those guitar hooks are just dope. Pimp C ... gone too soon.
Rosa Oliver
For Me;To RO RO, Houston Texas, He and his music; Was the way slot of saw; did; basically still affiliated,U DiG ..,....., Legend...R.I H. Miss You
9500Blk Rob
@Rosa Oliver WoRd up
J C
Go listen to 5th Ward. PWA Instrumental. You gon' hear the greatest guitar solo ever laid on a rap song. EVER.. Starts at 4,mins 30 secs. Joseph Bythewood Sr played that. JB Money was an incredible, inspirational guitar player who was taken from this earth farrrrrr too soon. JB, was murdered by his own adult son a few years ago. Smdh. So sad. Rest in Peace, JB!
All, this to say they was takin after the GIANTS who came before them. They know good shiz when they hear it and knew they wanted that in their music too
Terry Payne
@Rosa Oliver u 788
Child Of GOD
Guitars strings strike a great nerve in our soul
loveganjaa
I honestly have no idea how a person can dislike this.
Duke THA DON
Real talk smh
Freda Fry
@Duke THA DON Γ qaqq
Enedelia Rivera
@Duke THA DON qqqq