http://w8die.bandcamp.co… Read Full Bio ↴1) A droney surf-rock band from Champaign, IL.
http://w8die.bandcamp.com/album/terminally-chill
2) A rapper from California.
Fed up with a life of gang-related violence and hopelessness, Woodie dedicated himself to rap music and quickly rose through the ranks of the Cali Bay Area’s underground scene, eventually signing to Koch Records. Hailing from Antioch, CA, Woodie (born Ryan Wood) grew up in an environment filled with gangs, drugs, violence, and crime. Life was rough. For example, Woodie’s friend, Carlos “Blackbird” Ramirez, was shot to death by local police, another close friend, Gabriel “Snoop” Robinson, was locked up in Folsom Prison for a crime he didn’t commit, and Woodie himself had run-ins with the law, nearly charged with attempted murder. After all this drama, Woodie turned to the rap game, recording Yoc Influenced, his debut release. The record became a local sensation, selling thousands of copies throughout the Bay Area thanks to the Northern Cali anthem “Norte Sidin’.” Woodie then returned to the studio with executive producer D-Small to record the East Co Co compilation Northern Expozure, Vol. 1. The record showcased not only Woodie’s lyrical skills but also his production talents. Soon, underground gangsta rap magazine Murder Dog was praising his work, introducing Woodie to a national audience. This underground success culminated with Woodie being offered a record deal with Koch, a large, nationally distributed label with plenty of money and clout. Woodie’s first release for Koch, Demonz in My Sleep (2001), again showcased both his skills as an MC and as a producer — he produces all but three of the album’s songs.
Ryan "Woodie" Wood, a popular Northern California Norteno rapper, died Wednesday, March 7,2007. It seems impossible to find any official source of information his death. But the concensus seems to be that Woodie, despondent over the recent death of his girl friend whom he was to marry, shot himself. Although some speculate that his death was a gang killing set up to look like a suicide, most feel otherwise.
Mind Games
Woodie Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You know, that just made me hard an' shit
And I didn't like it when people tried to punk me
And people started carrying guns
Shit
Well anyways
In 94 Raymond he got shot
Which just started a big ol' thing
Enemies grab your strap cause Woodie's back
With an S.K. chop up on your ass
West twomp-norteno earn my stripes at a young age livin' fast
Strapped and young with a lot to prove,
Dared anyone to make a move
Buckin' at them scraps on west boulevard-way back in '92
It's '99, been to hell and back,
Blackbird is gone I dwell on that
Thinkin' what could I've done to change the way shit went down,
Wish I could bring him back
This gangbangin' done took its toll,
I drink old gold to keep control
To appease my soul where the demon grows,
God if you're true release its hold
It won't let go so I keep on ridin',
Slappin' the clip in the chop invitin'
Enemies... to come get at me and say your last goodbyes
Cause one of us dyin'
I know when it's time for me to go
I'm gonna die in a cloud of gun smoke
Had dreams of my death since the age of fourteen,
I'm surprised I ain't already done croaked
Put negative thoughts in the back of my mind,
Gotta find a way to make that cabbage
I'm tired of seein' the homiez broke,
Gotta plan to have us livin' lavish
Rappin' about this life we've lead,
Rappin' about this blood we shed
And all the different ways homiez have bled,
To keep each other one step ahead
When enemies approach
Should I run or should I kill
F*ck runnin' I'm gunnin' producin' murders with my steel
What if you're slippin' without your strap the chances
are most likely high
Come show up in these streets now they see bullets fly!
When enemies approach
Should I run or should I kill
F*ck runnin' I'm gunnin' producin' murders with my steel
I'm trying to keep my thoughts in check everyday
I struggle to keep my mind sane
Pull an AK and I can't tell
Heaven and hell keep playing mind games
From trials and tribulations
I've developed a knack for patience
So I'm camouflaged and waitin'
When it comes to retaliation
Infiltratin' surveyin' your spot,
Gotta plot so I don't get caught
My click is hot, by the cops were sought,
They'd love to empty out our knot
Therefore engagin' in tactics the average soldier couldn't grasp
But I'll leave it at that
Cause I know detectives try decodin' my raps
They tryin' to lock all of us up,
They might have killed the babies and los
They knew that snoop didn't kill nobody
Yet sentenced him to the most
No doubt the media's on their side,
The media feeds the nation lies
They just relay what the government say,
They're puppets for the public's eyes
This world's built up of gangs,
Some are bigger some are smaller
F.B.I, C.I.A, Norteno, Crip, Blood we all are... set trippin'
But the A.T.F decides how many straps we get,
The D.E.A decides just how much coke and heroin's smuggled in
And so on, it goes on from the top to the bottom
And we're at the bottom
Livin' up in these streets
So f*ck you pigs when you ask me why I shot 'em
When enemies approach
Should I run or should I kill
F*ck runnin' I'm gunnin' producin' murders with my steel
What if you're slippin' without your strap the chances
are most likely high
Come show up in these streets now they see bullets fly!
When enemies approach
Should I run or should I kill
F*ck runnin' I'm gunnin' producin' murders with my steel
I'm trying to keep my thoughts in check everyday
I struggle to keep my mind sane
Pull an AK and I can't tell
Heaven and hell keep playing mind games
I'd love to have a family,
Beautiful wife that understands me
Many sons and a daughter
But I'd be a father on the brink of sanity
Would it be fair? If one day daddy disappeared
Whether I lost my mind or I lost my life
Left with one mother to care
Would they end up like me?
It's definitely a possibility
Just one of a thousand questions
Eatin' me up inside it's killin' me
But if an unplanned child comes,
I'm stickin' by my loaded guns
I'll protect my little homie and have an army of sons
F*ck it! I'll teach 'em everything that I know,
Make sure they grow to become hogs
How to plot attacks and cover their tracks,
Loyalty above all laws
I gotta keep dreamin' to keep them demons out my head
So I don't snap
I might peel my wig back or your wig back,
I ain't dealin' with a full stack
Brain unstable but I remain able
To keep them shady thoughts cradled
Takin' it day by day
And when the sunsets hope the night ain't fatal
Look in the sky, pick a star,
That's blackbird tonight
I'm choppin' it up with my big homie
He might be gone but he's still in my life
Impossible to separate us we're one of the same spirit
His flesh is gone but his soul lives on
And when he speaks to me I hear it
The only difference is I'm walkin' the earth
Still caught up in drama
Until my numbers called game over
No more need for the bulletproof armor
When enemies approach
Should I run or should I kill
F*ck runnin' I'm gunnin' producin' murders with my steel
What if you're slippin' without your strap the chances
are most likely high
Come show up in these streets now they see bullets fly!
When enemies approach
Should I run or should I kill
F*ck runnin' I'm gunnin' producin' murders with my steel
I'm trying to keep my thoughts in check everyday
I struggle to keep my mind sane
Pull an AK and I can't tell
Heaven and hell keep playing mind games
Whenever you wanna talk to me,
I'll be listening don't worry
Hear that home boys,
He's still with us
Whenever you wanna talk to me,
I'll be listening don't worry
Just not in the flesh
Woodie watching over all of us
Whenever you wanna talk to me,
I'll be listening don't worry
I'll see you in a minute Los
I love ya
Whenever you wanna talk to me,
Whenever you wanna talk to me,
Whenever you wanna talk to me,
I'll be listening don't worry
Yeah and I love all my family
All my homies
Ya know
I never turn my back on any of ya
How could I
Look what snoop did
Loyalty above all laws!
The song "Mind Games" by Woodie is a deep and introspective exploration of gang life, its toll on the psyche and the relentless struggle for survival. The lyrics are a reflection on Woodie's personal experiences with gang violence and his inner demons. He talks about the year 1993 when some incidents made him "hard," leading him to not like people trying to punk him as they started carrying guns. In 1994, things turned more violent when Raymond got shot, which initiated a chain of events. All of these incidents helped to shape his fears, desires, hopes, and dreams.
As the song progresses, Woodie talks about his struggle to preserve his sanity while navigating the dangerous and cutthroat world of gangs. He talks about his dreams of living a "normal" life, free from violence, but recognizes that the life he has chosen is a double-edged sword. The haunting lyrics talk about the constant battle with conflicting thoughts of running or killing when enemies approach. He reflects on the media's role in shaping public perceptions of gang violence, just like a tool to favor those in power. Through it all, Woodie remains dedicated to his family and his homies, promising loyalty above all laws.
Line by Line Meaning
It's 1993, some things happened,
In 1993, certain events occurred that had a significant impact on me.
You know, that just made me hard an' shit
Those events made me emotionally tough and strong.
And I didn't like it when people tried to punk me
I felt uncomfortable when others attempted to intimidate or disrespect me.
And people started carrying guns
As a result, individuals in my surroundings began arming themselves.
Well anyways
Moving on...
In 94 Raymond he got shot
In 1994, Raymond was shot.
Which just started a big ol' thing
This incident sparked a significant conflict.
Then a whole bunch of stuff happened
Following that, numerous consequential events unfolded.
Enemies grab your strap cause Woodie's back
Enemies, be prepared for conflict because Woodie has returned.
With an S.K. chop up on your ass
Armed with an S.K. rifle, I am ready to retaliate against you.
West twomp-norteno earn my stripes at a young age livin' fast
Growing up quickly in the West Twomp area as a member of Norteno gang, I gained respect.
Strapped and young with a lot to prove,
Being armed and young, I had a strong desire to prove myself.
Dared anyone to make a move
I challenged anyone to test me.
Buckin' at them scraps on west boulevard-way back in '92
Engaging in gunfights with rival gang members on West Boulevard in 1992.
It's '99, been to hell and back,
Now in 1999, I have experienced severe hardships.
Blackbird is gone I dwell on that
I often reflect on the loss of Blackbird, feeling a deep sense of grief.
Thinkin' what could I've done to change the way shit went down,
I constantly ponder if there was anything I could have done differently to alter the outcome.
Wish I could bring him back
I yearn to have the power to resurrect him.
This gangbangin' done took its toll,
The lifestyle of gang involvement has negatively affected me.
I drink old gold to keep control
I consume Old Gold liquor to maintain a sense of control.
To appease my soul where the demon grows,
I drink to calm the inner turmoil and darkness within me.
God if you're true release its hold
I plea for God to free me from the grasp of my inner demons.
It won't let go so I keep on ridin',
Despite my struggles, I continue to navigate through life.
Slappin' the clip in the chop invitin'
Loading bullets into my gun, ready to confront and provoke my enemies.
Enemies... to come get at me and say your last goodbyes
Inviting my enemies to confront me, knowing it might lead to their own demise.
Cause one of us dyin'
Knowing that in our conflict, one of us will inevitably lose their life.
I know when it's time for me to go
I have an intuition of when my life will come to an end.
I'm gonna die in a cloud of gun smoke
I expect to meet my demise surrounded by the fog of gunpowder.
Had dreams of my death since the age of fourteen,
Since I was fourteen, I have had recurring dreams of my own death.
I'm surprised I ain't already done croaked
I find it astonishing that I haven't already met my death.
Put negative thoughts in the back of my mind,
I try to suppress negative thoughts and keep them buried deep within my mind.
Gotta find a way to make that cabbage
I must discover a means to earn money.
I'm tired of seein' the homiez broke,
I am sick of witnessing my friends living in financial hardship.
Gotta plan to have us livin' lavish
I have a strategy to ensure we live in luxury.
Rappin' about this life we've lead,
I express through my music the experiences and lifestyle we have lived.
Rappin' about this blood we shed
My lyrics revolve around the violence and bloodshed we have been involved in.
And all the different ways homiez have bled,
Highlighting the various instances where my friends have been injured.
To keep each other one step ahead
We engage in violence to protect and stay ahead of our rivals.
From trials and tribulations
Through various hardships and challenges
I've developed a knack for patience
I have learned to be patient.
So I'm camouflaged and waitin'
I remain hidden and wait for the right moment.
When it comes to retaliation
Regarding seeking revenge
Infiltratin' surveyin' your spot,
Infiltrating and carefully observing your location
Gotta plot so I don't get caught
I formulate a strategy to avoid being caught.
My click is hot, by the cops were sought,
The police are targeting and actively searching for members of my crew.
They'd love to empty out our knot
The authorities desire to seize and confiscate our money.
Therefore engagin' in tactics the average soldier couldn't grasp
Hence, we utilize tactics that the regular soldiers or individuals can't comprehend.
But I'll leave it at that
However, I won't elaborate further on this topic.
Cause I know detectives try decodin' my raps
Because I am aware that detectives attempt to decipher the hidden meanings in my lyrics.
They tryin' to lock all of us up,
Their goal is to arrest and imprison all of us.
They might have killed the babies and los
They may even be responsible for the deaths of innocent lives.
They knew that snoop didn't kill nobody
They were aware that Snoop Dogg was not involved in any murders.
Yet sentenced him to the most
Nevertheless, they imposed the harshest sentence upon him.
No doubt the media's on their side,
Undoubtedly, the media supports and favors them.
The media feeds the nation lies
The media spreads falsehoods and deceit across the nation.
They just relay what the government say,
They simply transmit the messages dictated by the government.
They're puppets for the public's eyes
They are mere puppets, catering to the public's perception.
This world's built up of gangs,
Our world is composed of various groups and organizations.
Some are bigger some are smaller
These groups vary in size and influence.
F.B.I, C.I.A, Norteno, Crip, Blood we all are... set trippin'
Including entities like the FBI, CIA, Norteno, Crip, and Blood, we are all involved in gang-related conflicts.
But the A.T.F decides how many straps we get,
However, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives controls the number of firearms we have access to.
The D.E.A decides just how much coke and heroin's smuggled in
Similarly, the Drug Enforcement Administration determines the extent of cocaine and heroin smuggling.
And so on, it goes on from the top to the bottom
This power dynamic exists at all levels, from the highest authorities to the lowest individuals.
And we're at the bottom
Unfortunately, we find ourselves at the bottom of this hierarchy.
Livin' up in these streets
Residing and surviving in these dangerous streets
So f*ck you pigs when you ask me why I shot 'em
Hence, I hold contempt towards the police when they question why I resorted to violence.
Whenever you wanna talk to me,
Whenever you need someone to talk to,
I'll be listening don't worry
I will be there to lend you an ear, don't worry.
Hear that home boys,
Listen closely, my friends,
He's still with us
He may not be physically present, but his spirit remains.
Just not in the flesh
He may not be in bodily form.
Woodie watching over all of us
Woodie is watching over and protecting all of us.
I'll see you in a minute Los
I will reunite with you in the afterlife, Los.
I love ya
I have deep affection for you.
Yeah and I love all my family
Yes, I also love my family.
All my homies
And all my close friends
Ya know
You understand, right?
I never turn my back on any of ya
I will never betray or abandon any of you.
How could I
It is not possible for me to do so.
Look what snoop did
Consider what happened to Snoop Dogg.
Loyalty above all laws!
Loyalty should always prevail over obedience to laws!
Writer(s): Ryan M. Wood
Contributed by Chase M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@drupey1878
“I’d love to have a family
A beautiful wife that understands me.
Many sons and a daughter
But to be a father on the brink of sanity
Would it be fair?
If one day daddy disappeared?
Whether I lost my mind or lost my life
Left with their mother to care
Would they end up like me?
It's definitely a possibility
Just one of a thousand questions eating me up inside it’s killin’ me.”
@ericjohn861
Woodie's beats are so dark and a lot of his lyrics are morbid asf, I fkng love it. Honestly, I truly believe and %100 stand behind the statement that Woodie was somewhere in the top 5 most talented and best rappers to ever do it, EVER! That still holds up today in my opinion
@silentsmilez503
Dude he's literally the best by a long shot. He ended the rap game for real
@JWSU
I agree. Not many Rappers on his level to this day!
@SKUNKOFFICIALLC
"This world's built up of gangs, some are bigger, some are smaller, FBI, CIA, Blood, Crip, We all are Set Tripping" That line right there is TOO REAL!! RIP Woodie man
@MiKLO-fw5hx
y0ungunz “FBI, CIA, Norteño, cripz, yeah we all are set trippin“
@jsacto1013
The illuminati runs all the street gangs and tells them what to do , now you see how that could get woodie in some trouble
@shiannefreer7180
@@jsacto1013 😂 na
@TheTruthIsAbsolute
@Blood Eagle 88 not the government. Look up "the federal reserve cartel"
@goldengateart8847
@@jsacto1013 How you know
@tehpanuychikon168
People don't even knooooow how TRUE and REAL this dude was! Street legend with the real talk of what's really going on in them streets. And the way he would spit about it, fucken GENIUS!
RIP Woodie