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 Swallow’s release, on an EP distributed by Bigtyme Recordz; appropriately enough, the EP was titled Banned.
Their sophomore album Super Tight… 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, Ridin’ Dirty. It performed better than either of its predecessors, and almost broke into the Hot 200’s top-ten, before stopping short at #15. Ridin’ Dirty would also be UGK’s 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-Z’s 2000 smash hit “Big Pimpin” and also appeared on Three 6 Mafia’s hit “Sippin’ on Some Sizzurp” 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, 2001’s 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 “Free Pimp C!” or “Free the Pimp” chant. Many of UGK’s 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 C’s incarceration, both members of UGK began solo careers out of necessity. Rap-A-Lot Records released Pimp C’s 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 Billboard’s 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 Int’l Players Anthem (I Choose You). The single featured OutKast, and used a beat created by Three 6 Mafia’s 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 Hollywood’s La Mondrian hotel in Los Angeles, California, where he had been playing shows with Too $hort. According to the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office Pimp C died from accidental overdose of Promethazine/Codeine “syrup” 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.
Diamonds & Wood
UGK Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Know I'm looking good
I'm banging "Screw", nigga
Diamonds up against that wood
I fli, I flips down the Ave
Know I'm looking good
I'm banging "Screw", nigga
I flip down the Ave., you know I'm looking tight
These jealous niggas looking at me and my car so shife
Wanna take my life, and wanna jack, but I see all through that
Never let these bitch niggas take what's mine, nigga never do that
Who say he going through a thang, when y'all ain't never lied
I gotta baby, but his mama act like he ain't mine
Wicked women, using children to live on
Wanna hurt and try to hate, 'cause she know the thrill is gone
Say man, I stopped smoking wit' haters back in ninety-four
But niggas thinking that a Sweet gong get him through my door
But niggas talk alotta shit, in a safe place
I know 'cause he can't look me eye-to-eye when he in my face
Now nigga listen to my beats, and see just what I mean
Nigga I ride dirty everyday, but still I shine so clean
Glitter and gleam, ain't all what it look like
So I keep swanging, out here clanging tryna live my life
I fli, I flips down the Ave
Know I'm looking good
I'm banging "Screw", nigga
Diamonds up against that wood
I fli, I flips down the Ave
Know I'm looking good
I'm banging "Screw", nigga
Diamonds up against that wood
I fli, I flips down the Ave
Know I'm looking good
I'm banging "Screw", nigga
Diamonds up against that wood
I fli, I flips down the Ave
Know I'm looking good
I'm banging "Screw", nigga
Diamonds up against that wood
I fli, I flips down the Ave
I see these niggas and days, go and come
And for me, just to wake, I know I'm blessed
I grab my 'ses and split my Swisher wit' my thumb
Some of my Sweets be tight, now some of my Sweets be fucked up
But all of my Sweets gon' blow, so killa' smoke get sucked up
I lucked today and didn't fall prey to none of that pistol play
But who is to say, tomorrow they won't be blasting this-a-way
I'm puffin' spliff's of hay, still upset about the drama here
At this time of year, I'm wiping away my dead homies mama tears (Shit)
But naturally, them fucking laws was always after me
So I have to be, in that manor on that five-oh-three
I'm living dastardly, must be all about survival 'g
These niggas passing me, streets just keep on getting live wit' me
They said there has to be another way, but I ain't feeling that
They tried to steal a Lac, and my wig, they wanna peel it back
But still the fact remains, it's all about the 'cain
"Swang and Bang", peace to ESG and all the victims of the game, mang
I fli, I flips down the Ave
Know I'm looking good
I'm banging "Screw", nigga
Diamonds up against that wood
I fli, I flips down the Ave
Know I'm looking good
I'm banging "Screw", nigga
Diamonds up against that wood
I fli, I flips down the Ave
Know I'm looking good
I'm banging "Screw", nigga
Diamonds up against that wood
I fli, I flips down the Ave
Know I'm looking good
I'm banging "Screw", nigga
Diamonds up against that wood
I fli, I flips down the Ave
Flipping through the Ave, tryna see some good
But everythang is still the same, in my neighborhood
Niggas frown when you up, and smile when you down
And when you change for the better, shife fools stop coming around
I see the jealousy and hating and the wicked ways
We all lost children, praisin' paper, smoking our life away
Got to the point where I could not decipher day from night
She say she love me, but all we do now is fuck and fight
My conscience fuck wit' me so much that I can't eat or sleep
The other side of selling dope and out there running the streets
And even though I'm gaining street fame, coming from this rap game
Lustful thinking and compulsive drinking is a normal thang
Some get erased and misplaced, trying to win the race
Some try to hold on to they place, by smoking wit' lace
But see drugs and plastic thugs ain't gon' change the hood
I'm smoking skunk and popping the trunk to make me feel good
I fli, I flips down the Ave
Know I'm looking good
I'm banging "Screw", nigga
Diamonds up against that wood
I fli, I flips down the Ave
Know I'm looking good
I'm banging "Screw", nigga
Diamonds up against that wood
I fli, I flips down the Ave
Know I'm looking good
I'm banging "Screw", nigga
Diamonds up against that wood
I fli, I flips down the Ave
Know I'm looking good
I'm banging "Screw", nigga
Diamonds up against that wood, so is your life
In the song "Diamonds & Wood" by UGK, the lyrics describe the realities of living as a black man in a rough neighborhood. The singer of the song, likely inspired by UGK member Bun B's own experiences, talks about the jealousy and violence he faces from other men in the area who want to rob him of his possessions, including his car and jewelry ("diamonds up against that wood"). He also touches on the struggle of being a father to a child while dealing with a difficult relationship with the child's mother.
The lyrics also touch on the larger social issues that contribute to the difficulties faced by the singer and the people around him. The drug trade is a major part of this, as he describes the lure of easy money for young people in the neighborhood who end up getting "erased and misplaced" in their attempts to get ahead. Along with the drugs and violence, the lyrics also address the way that societal expectations and social structures can contribute to the cycle of poverty and struggle in his community.
Line by Line Meaning
I fli, I flips down the Ave
I drive slowly down the avenue, showing off my ride
Know I'm looking good
I am confident and stylish
I'm banging "Screw", nigga
I am playing music by DJ Screw, a popular Houston artist
Diamonds up against that wood
I am wearing expensive jewelry and cruising in my luxury car
I flip down the Ave., you know I'm looking tight
I slowly drive down the street, looking cool and impressive
These jealous niggas looking at me and my car so shife
Other people are envious of me and my vehicle
Wanna take my life, and wanna jack, but I see all through that
Some people want to harm or rob me, but I am aware of their intentions
Never let these bitch niggas take what's mine, nigga never do that
I will always protect my possessions and never let anyone take them from me
Who say he going through a thang, when y'all ain't never lied
Some people claim to be struggling, but I know they are lying
I gotta baby, but his mama act like he ain't mine
I have a child, but his mother denies that he is mine
Wicked women, using children to live on
Some women exploit their children for their own gain
Wanna hurt and try to hate, 'cause she know the thrill is gone
Some women become hostile and resentful when their relationships end
Say man, I stopped smoking wit' haters back in ninety-four
I stopped smoking weed with people who don't like me in 1994
But niggas talking a lot of shit, in a safe place
Some people talk trash about me when they are not in my presence
I know 'cause he can't look me eye-to-eye when he in my face
I know they are lying because they avoid making eye contact with me
Now nigga listen to my beats, and see just what I mean
Listen to my music and understand my perspective
Nigga I ride dirty everyday, but still I shine so clean
I drive around with illegal substances, but I still look fresh and clean
Glitter and gleam, ain't all what it look like
Looking flashy and successful doesn't always reflect reality
So I keep swanging, out here clanging tryna live my life
I continue to cruise around and live my life to the fullest
I see these niggas and days, go and come
People come and go in my life
And for me, just to wake, I know I'm blessed
I am grateful for waking up and being alive
I grab my 'ses and split my Swisher wit' my thumb
I roll and smoke marijuana with a cigar wrapper
Some of my Sweets be tight, now some of my Sweets be fucked up
Some of my cigars are high quality, while others are not
But all of my Sweets gon' blow, so killa' smoke get sucked up
Regardless of their quality, all of my cigars will be smoked
I lucked today and didn't fall prey to none of that pistol play
I was fortunate to avoid any gunfire today
But who is to say, tomorrow they won't be blasting this-a-way
However, I may not be so lucky tomorrow and could be shot
I'm puffin' spliff's of hay, still upset about the drama here
I smoke marijuana and am still bothered by the conflicts in my life
At this time of year, I'm wiping away my dead homies mama tears (Shit)
During this season, I am mourning the loss of my deceased friends and consoling their mothers
But naturally, them fucking laws was always after me
The police are constantly targeting me
So I have to be, in that manor on that five-oh-three
I must conduct myself cautiously when I encounter the police
I'm living dastardly, must be all about survival 'g
I am living recklessly and must do whatever it takes to survive
These niggas passing me, streets just keep on getting live wit' me
Life goes on around me and the streets remain lively
They said there has to be another way, but I ain't feeling that
People have suggested that I find another path in life, but I am not interested
They tried to steal a Lac, and my wig, they wanna peel it back
Someone tried to steal my car and harm me
But still the fact remains, it's all about the 'cain
The drug trafficking industry is driven by the pursuit of money
"Swang and Bang", peace to ESG and all the victims of the game, mang
I pay tribute to ESG, a local rapper, and all of the people affected by crime
Flipping through the Ave, tryna see some good
I am cruising around, hoping to witness something positive
But everything is still the same, in my neighborhood
Despite my efforts, my community remains plagued by poverty and crime
Niggas frown when you up, and smile when you down
People act differently towards me based on my current state of wealth
And when you change for the better, shife fools stop coming around
When I improve my life, some people who do not have my best interests at heart stop associating with me
I see the jealousy and hating and the wicked ways
I observe the resentment and malicious behavior in others
We all lost children, praisin' paper, smoking our life away
We are all struggling and using drugs to cope with our problems
Got to the point where I could not decipher day from night
My addiction to drugs has caused me to lose track of time
She say she love me, but all we do now is fuck and fight
My partner claims to love me, but our relationship is now characterized by sex and arguments
My conscience fuck wit' me so much that I can't eat or sleep
I am tormented by my own thoughts and it is affecting my appetite and rest
The other side of selling dope and out there running the streets
The consequences of selling drugs and living a dangerous lifestyle
And even though I'm gaining street fame, coming from this rap game
Despite achieving success as a rapper, I am still living a dangerous and risky lifestyle
Lustful thinking and compulsive drinking is a normal thang
Sexual thoughts and excessive drinking are commonplace in my life
Some get erased and misplaced, trying to win the race
Some people lose their lives or their way while trying to succeed
Some try to hold on to they place, by smoking wit' lace
Some people use drugs to cope with the stress of competition
But see drugs and plastic thugs ain't gon' change the hood
Drug use and fake tough guys will not improve our community
I'm smoking skunk and popping the trunk to make me feel good
I smoke marijuana and blast music from my car to feel better
Diamonds up against that wood, so is your life
Just as my jewelry clashes against my car, our lives can be chaotic and unpredictable
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Chad Butler, George Clinton Jr., William Bootsy Collins, Gary Cooper, Bernard Freeman, Garry Shider
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Pride317
Lyrics
[Interlude]
Niggas in here, man, they outta sight
And what's fucked up about it
The motherfuckers from your own city
Your little town or whatever, you know what I'm saying
Them be the worst ones
Niggas in here, man, can't stand to see a nigga having nothing, nigga
I be eating free world steak and shrimp
And shit like that, know what I'm saying?
Choking like a motherfucker got a bone in his throat
On that smin-oke, they can't stand it
You know?
But fuck 'em
[Intro: Pimp C]
Yeah, huh
Coming down
Dedicated to them boys riding slab
[Chorus]
I fli— I flips down the Ave., know I'm looking good
I'm banging Screw, nigga, diamonds up against that wood
I fli— I flips down the Ave., know I'm looking good
I'm banging Screw, nigga, diamonds up against that wood
[Verse 1: Pimp C]
I fli— I flip down the Ave., you know I'm looking tight
These jealous niggas looking at me and my car so shife
Wanna take my life and wanna jack, but I see all through that
Never let these bitch niggas take what's mine, nigga, never do that
Who say he going through a thang when y'all ain't never lied
I got a baby, but his mama act like he ain't mine
Wicked women using children to live on
Wanna hurt and try to hate 'cause she know the thrill is gone
Say, man, I stopped smoking with haters back in '94
But niggas thinking that a Sweet gonna get 'em through my door
And niggas talk a lot of shit in a safe place
I know 'cause he can't look me eye-to-eye when he in my face
Now, nigga, listen to my beats and see just what I mean
Nigga, I ride dirty every day, but still I shine so clean
Glitter and gleam ain't all what it look like
So I keep swanging out here clanging tryna live my life
[Chorus]
I fli— I flips down the Ave., know I'm looking good
I'm banging Screw, nigga, diamonds up against that wood
I fli— I flips down the Ave., know I'm looking good
I'm banging Screw, nigga, diamonds up against that wood
I fli— I flips down the Ave., know I'm looking good
I'm banging Screw, nigga, diamonds up against that wood
I fli— I flips down the Ave., know I'm looking good
I'm banging Screw, nigga, diamonds up against that wood
[Verse 2: Bun B]
I fli— I flips down the Ave. and see these niggas and days go and come
And for me, just to wake, I know I'm blessed,
I grab my sess and split my Swisher with my thumb
Some of my Sweets be tight, now some of my Sweets be fucked up
But all of my Sweets gon' blow, so killa, smoke get sucked up
I lucked up today and didn't fall prey to none of that pistol play
But who is to say tomorrow they won't be blasting this-a-way
I'm puffin' spliffs of hay, still upset about the drama here
At this time of year, I'm wiping away my dead homies mama tears (Shit)
But naturally, them fucking laws was always after me
So I have to be in that manor on that five-oh-three
I'm living dastardly, must be all about survival, G
These niggas passing me, streets just keep on getting live with me
They said there has to be another way, but I ain't feeling that
They tried to steal a 'Lac, and my wig, they wanna peel it back
But still the fact remains, it's all about the caine
Swang and bang, peace to ESG and all the victims of the game, mane
[Chorus]
I fli— I flips down the Ave., know I'm looking good
I'm banging Screw, nigga, diamonds up against that wood
I fli— I flips down the Ave., know I'm looking good
I'm banging Screw, nigga, diamonds up against that wood
I fli— I flips down the Ave., know I'm looking good
I'm banging Screw, nigga, diamonds up against that wood
I fli— I flips down the Ave., know I'm looking good
I'm banging Screw, nigga, diamonds up against that wood
[Verse 3: Pimp C]
Flipping through P.A., I'm tryna see some good
But everything is still the same in my neighborhood
Niggas frown when you up and smile when you down
And when you change for the better, shife fools stop coming around
I see the jealousy and hating and the wicked ways
We all lost children, praising paper, smoking our life away
Got to the point where I could not decipher day from night
She say she love me, but all we do now is fuck and fight
My conscience fuck with me so much that I can't eat or sleep
The other side of selling dope and out there running the streets
And even though I'm gaining street fame coming from this rap game
Lustful thinking and compulsive drinking is a normal thang
Some get erased and misplaced trying to win the race
Some try to hold on to they place by smoking wet lace
But, see, drugs and plastic thugs ain't gon' change the hood
I'm smoking skunk and popping the trunk to make me feel good
[Chorus]
I fli— I flips down the Ave., know I'm looking good
I'm banging Screw, nigga, diamonds up against that wood
(I'm smoking skunk and popping the trunk to make me feel good)
I fli— I flips down the Ave., know I'm looking good
I'm banging Screw, nigga, diamonds up against that wood
I fli— I flips down the Ave., know I'm looking good
I'm banging Screw, nigga, diamonds up against that wood
I fli— I flips down the Ave., know I'm looking good
I'm banging Screw, aggin, diamonds up against that wood
So it's your life
@Kingyayolittlevillagke
Who still jamming this on 2023!!! Never gets old
@pawpits7697
This was on my mind this morning
@JBarbee83
Jamming it like just came out yesterday. Classics never get old. Long Live C.L Butler BKA Chad “Pimp C Butler 👑
@countryboy6855
👋 👋 😂
@cvhowell
To this day
@lonnycactus5593
I am
@tholensaab
2023 and this track still rings true today and comes hard af.
@emceedamage8604
I can't believe there is only 3 million views on this track. It is one of the realist, and illest no debate. Rest in paint pimpc
@whitneysanders1310
Same bruh. Niggas don’t know real music. But that’s aight leave it to the real ones.
@YouTubeBBQ
I was just about to post the same thang😁