Raised in Gadsden, Alabama, Atha appeared on the reality series The Road to Stardom with Missy Elliott and released his independent debut album Creek Water in 2005. Two years later, Atha signed to Columbia Records and released the single "Kickin'" from his unreleased first studio album, before being released from the label later that same year. From 2008 to 2010, Atha released an extended play and four mixtapes with Ghet-O-Vision Entertainment. Trunk Muzik 0-60, Atha's fourth mixtape, was also released by Interscope Records. In 2011, Atha signed to Shady Records and his debut studio album Radioactive was released on November 21, 2011 to positive reviews. It entered the Billboard 200 at number 27. He spent much of his childhood in various locations around the southern United States, including Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Atlanta, Georgia, and Antioch, Tennessee.
Atha is half white and Cherokee, and the name Yelawolf is a reference to his Native American roots.
Yelawolf is an avid skateboarder and made attempts at a professional skateboarding career but was forced to abandon due to injuries. Yelawolf began releasing mixtapes independently in 2007. He was briefly signed to Columbia Records in 2007 and left the label the same year.
In 2009, Yelawolf was featured on the Slim Thug album Boss of All Bosses, and in the lead single Mixin' Up the Medicine from Juelz Santana's upcoming album Born to Lose, Built to Win. In 2010 he appeared in the track Down This Road from Bizarre's third studio album Friday Night at St. Andrews, in Big Boi's first solo album Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty track "You Ain't No DJ" which was produced by André 3000, and his most recent appareance is in Paul Wall's fifth studio album Heart of a Champion track "Live It" which also features Jay Electronica and Raekwon, produced by Travis Barker. In 2010, Atha confirmed he has signed with Interscope Records, he announced that he is working in his debut studio album with the label, and has a desire to work with Eminem.
In 2011 Yelawolf revealed that he went to visit Eminem in Detroit, Michigan and has subsequently been signed to Shady Records.
I Wish
Yelawolf Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You know what it do man
Just sit back, relax
Yelawolf what up
Raekwon in the building
I'm Alabama's own buddy
Flinstone Caprice, 1987 cuddi'
Can I keep it crystal clear?
Chipped tooth type of people
Illiterate pigs who wanna see you killed type of evil
Confederate flags, I see 'em
In a truck with the windows down
Why is he playing Beanie Siegel?
"Cause his daddy was a dope man
Lynard Skynard didn't talk about moving keys of coke man
Ain't no such thing as a free bird
Billy's got that street work and he's packing a nasty heater
Trailer home trap spot
Chevys on the center blocks
Still doing donuts in the gravel parking lot
Gold ropes, cousins in a group home
And he knows every word to every Yelawolf song, bitch
I wish a motherfucka' would
Tell me that I ain't hip hop bitch you ain't hip hop
I wish a motherfucka' would
Tell me that my shit gon' flop bitch your shit gon' flop
I wish a motherfucka' would
Tell me that I ain't hip hop bitch you ain't hip hop
I wish a motherfucker would, hell naw, I wish a motherfucker would
Now let me tell you something youngsters
I'm never gonna sell you something
Unless it's that snow white we might mail you something
Me, I'm straight raw hood with it
Be at your door quick four on your jaw I got a new lick
My click a murderer niggas who love hip hop
You fuck with Yelawolf and them niggas your head goin' pop
I'm just sincere, fresh cut all up in the leer, listen
Yo leave 'em alone he brought me along
Rap, he got it I'm the crew pilot
Flyin' trains, planes, automobiles we bout it, bout it
Yo Wolf, I think they got you twisted flow
I got the biscuit on me spit in his face I'm bout to piss on homie
Who dem niggas just some Staten Island niggas
You could call us Shaolin when niggas get drunk
They hold you down my nigga
Yelawolf, Alabama's vandal scramble, this is the true ramble
Aye yo give 'em yo' handle though
I wish a motherfucka' would
Tell me that I ain't hip hop bitch you ain't hip hop
I wish a motherfucka' would
Tell me that my shit gon' flop bitch your shit gon' flop
I wish a motherfucka' would
Tell me that I ain't hip hop bitch you ain't hip hop
I wish a motherfucker would, hell naw, I wish a motherfucker would
I appreciate it Rea'
Sling shot me in quick like Talledega Motor Speed Way
King shit blue ribbon rap
Baking sodas on the kitchen rack
Chef what you need these fiends gotta hit you back
Get busy crack
I'll be in the cut just call me Mr. Is he back?
And you don't gotta call my black
I got direction, I'm a road map I'm an almanac
I'm in awe of these hogs who call on rap to ball and brag
F*ck all of that
Wu-Tang's in 'Bama bitch
Get a grip handle it
Yelas in the revival tent
Vandalist, evangelist daddies got the cannabis
Make a wish the candles lit
White boys follow this
Mamas thirty-aught-six, Long-range hollow tips
Trash huffing glue you build a airline model with
In the gutter like a empty PBR bottle is
I wish a motherfucka' would
Tell me that I ain't hip hop bitch you ain't hip hop
I wish a motherfucka' would
Tell me that my shit gon' flop bitch your shit gon' flop
I wish a motherfucka' would
Tell me that I ain't hip hop bitch you ain't hip hop
I wish a motherfucker would, hell naw, I wish a motherfucker would
I wish a motherfucka' would
I wish a motherfucka' would
I wish a motherfucka' would
I wish a motherfucka' would
I wish a motherfucka' would
I wish a motherfucka' would
The lyrics of Yelawolf's song "I Wish" describe his experiences growing up in Alabama and the struggles he faced in the hip hop industry. The song celebrates his background and unique perspective, but also defends his authenticity and artistic vision. Throughout the song, Yelawolf reflects on the social and cultural aspects of his hometown, acknowledging the presence of Confederate flags, illiterate individuals, and drug dealers.
However, he also embraces the proud history of southern culture, specifically referencing Lynard Skynard’s music and his own Alabama roots. Alongside this, Yelawolf pays homage to fellow artists who have inspired him, such as Beanie Siegel and Raekwon. The chorus of “I wish a motherf*cka would” is a definitive and assertive statement that Yelawolf refuses to be underestimated, and is determined to prove himself as a hip hop artist.
Overall, "I Wish" is a bold statement from Yelawolf about his identity as a southern hip hop artist and the pride he has in his background. The lyrics show his commitment to his music and his own unique style, while also acknowledging the challenges he faced along the way.
Line by Line Meaning
Chill chill chill, let 'em rhyme man
Take it easy and let the other rapper do their thing.
You know what it do man
You know how we do this.
Just sit back, relax
Just chill out and enjoy the rap.
Yelawolf what up
What's up, Yelawolf?
Raekwon in the building
Raekwon is here.
I'm Alabama's own buddy
I'm from Alabama.
Flinstone Caprice, 1987 cuddi'
I drive a 1987 Chevy Caprice like Fred Flinstone.
Backyard moonshine steel methadone laboratory real
I make moonshine and methadone in my backyard for real.
Can I keep it crystal clear?
Can I be honest and clear about something?
Chipped tooth type of people
I come from people who may not have perfect teeth.
Illiterate pigs who wanna see you killed type of evil
People who are uneducated and violent.
Confederate flags, I see 'em
I see people who fly Confederate flags.
In a truck with the windows down
They're driving a truck with the windows down.
Why is he playing Beanie Siegel?
Why is he playing Beanie Siegel's music?
"Cause his daddy was a dope man
Because his father was a drug dealer.
Lynard Skynard didn't talk about moving keys of coke man
The band didn't sing about dealing cocaine.
Ain't no such thing as a free bird
There's no such thing as true freedom.
Billy's got that street work and he's packing a nasty heater
Billy is involved in illegal activities and has a dangerous weapon.
Trailer home trap spot
A trailer park used for drug activity.
Chevys on the center blocks
Cars with flat tires sitting on concrete blocks.
Still doing donuts in the gravel parking lot
They're still spinning their cars in circles in the parking lot.
Gold ropes, cousins in a group home
Wearing expensive jewelry, but having family members in a group home.
And he knows every word to every Yelawolf song, bitch
He's a big fan of Yelawolf's music and knows all the lyrics.
Now let me tell you something youngsters
Listen here, young people.
I'm never gonna sell you something
I'm not going to deceive you.
Unless it's that snow white we might mail you something
Unless it's cocaine, we might send it to you.
Me, I'm straight raw hood with it
I am real and come from the streets.
Be at your door quick four on your jaw I got a new lick
I'll come to your door quickly and hit you hard, and I have a new plan for making money illegally.
My click a murderer niggas who love hip hop
My friends are killers who also love hip hop.
You fuck with Yelawolf and them niggas your head goin' pop
If you mess with Yelawolf or his crew, you will be in trouble.
I'm just sincere, fresh cut all up in the leer, listen
I'm being honest, I just got a fresh haircut and am driving a luxury car, listen to what I'm saying.
Yo leave 'em alone he brought me along
Don't bother Yelawolf, he's with me.
Rap, he got it I'm the crew pilot
Yelawolf writes the lyrics, I'm just guiding the crew.
Flyin' trains, planes, automobiles we bout it, bout it
We're ready for anything, whether it's trains, planes, or cars.
Yo Wolf, I think they got you twisted flow
Yelawolf, people are not understanding your style.
I got the biscuit on me spit in his face I'm bout to piss on homie
I have a gun with me and will disrespect the person who is causing trouble.
Who dem niggas just some Staten Island niggas
Who are those guys? They are from Staten Island.
You could call us Shaolin when niggas get drunk
You could say we belong to the Wu-Tang Clan when we get drunk.
They hold you down my nigga
They have your back, my friend.
Yelawolf, Alabama's vandal scramble, this is the true ramble
Yelawolf is a troublemaker from Alabama, this is true.
Aye yo give 'em yo' handle though
Tell them your name.
I appreciate it Rea'
Thanks, Raekwon.
Sling shot me in quick like Talledega Motor Speed Way
Help me out fast, like in a car race.
King shit blue ribbon rap
I'm the best in the game.
Baking sodas on the kitchen rack
Drugs are cooking in my kitchen.
Chef what you need these fiends gotta hit you back
What do you need, customers for these drugs will pay you back.
Get busy crack
Start working and making money selling cocaine.
I'll be in the cut just call me Mr. Is he back?
I'll be waiting in the background. Call me when I'm needed.
And you don't gotta call my black
Don't call me a black person.
I got direction, I'm a road map I'm an almanac
I know where I'm going and can give you accurate information.
I'm in awe of these hogs who call on rap to ball and brag
I'm impressed with these group of people who rap about their wealth and success.
F*ck all of that
I don't care about that.
Wu-Tang's in 'Bama bitch
The Wu-Tang Clan is in Alabama.
Get a grip handle it
Deal with it.
Yelas in the revival tent
Yelawolf is at a religious event.
Vandalist, evangelist daddies got the cannabis
He's a troublemaker and also a religious preacher who has marijuana.
Make a wish the candles lit
Make a wish while blowing out a candle.
White boys follow this
White people should listen to this.
Mamas thirty-aught-six, Long-range hollow tips
Mothers have guns and ammunition for long range shooting.
Trash huffing glue you build a airline model with
People sniff glue and use it to build airplanes.
In the gutter like a empty PBR bottle is
They're in the lowest of lows, like an empty PBR bottle on the ground.
I wish a motherfucka' would
I dare someone to try something with me.
Tell me that I ain't hip hop bitch you ain't hip hop
Don't say that I am not a rapper, because you aren't either.
Tell me that my shit gon' flop bitch your shit gon' flop
Don't criticize my work, because yours isn't any better.
Hell naw, I wish a motherfucker would
There's no way I would let someone disrespect me like that.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Michael Woods, Nathan Duvall, Phillippe Marc Anquetil, Victoria Christina Hesketh
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Nine2Five
10 years later and this song is the song me and my friends reference when we all hang. 26 now and we walk up to greet each other we say I wish a mother fucker would tell me I ain’t hip hop... homies reply that ain’t kush in my zip lock.. it’s crazy how music can just change someone’s life
Mike Oxsmall
@teatime kev why would somebody type a full paragraph about a lie like this? you must be white, young, & remedial
teatime kev
This does not happen outside your head G
DirtyDirt
2019...9 years later and this is still one of my favorites
Drew Hebert
Same this shit is good
chrisc2131
I JUST heard this I thot it was fukin new.....10 years old wtffffffffff
Tara khan
same here...still listening to my extending Yelawolf playlist..one of faves too..Love Yelawolf..
Pepijn de Groot
I can really appreciate Yelawolf. He's authentic and he's real. Hopefully, he won't get pulled into the status quo of talking bullshit. Keep up the good work, Yela! Big up from the Netherlands.
truman6964
Fast forward he’s still doin his thing and killin it..
Hero2many
I love this song. Its a masterpiece. I will remember this track when I"m 89 years old and I will tell my great grandchildren about this classic track.