As one of the six epicenters of Southern hip hop, Memphis has always had a thriving underground capable of producing major platinum superstars such as Eightball & MJG, 3-6 Mafia and Project Pat,Skip a.k.a Gianni Booker. All of the above-mentioned artists at one point in time literally dominated the city’s underground rap scene before going on to become national superstars. Next up to bat is Yo Gotti, M-Town’s current underground rap kingpin. Like his namesake John Gotti, the Memphis based rapper has been running the Southern underground scene with an iron fist for the past. Known and respected throughout the South for his skill and finesse on the microphone, Yo Gotti is one the South’s most respected young rappers.
Born Mario Mims, Yo Gotti grew up in the infamous Ridge Crest Apartments in a North Memphis neighborhood called Frazier. His childhood was typical for a poor ghetto youth in the Deep South. Raised in a family of hustlers and exposed to hard times 24 hours a day the Tennessee rap titan soon turned to the only thing that he knew could get him paid, hustling. “Being from the hood things like hustling will come your way,” says Yo Gotti. “Everybody in my family hustled in some kinda way.” Ironically, hustling is what ultimately led Yo Gotti to rapping.
Taking his cue from Memphis rap legends such as Eightball & MJG, Al Kapone, Gangsta Black, Triple 6 Mafia and Kingpin Skinny Pimp, all of whom he lists as influences, Yo Gotti released his own underground tape entitled, Youngster on the Come Up and placed it on consignment at local mom & pop record stores as well as hustling it out the trunk. The tape sold like hotcakes on the street and made Yo Gotti the hottest rapper on the streets of Memphis. From the Dope Game to the Rap Game, Yo Gotti’s sophomore effort sold so well that Select-O-Hits, a local based independent distributor offered him a small deal and the Memphis rapper more than doubled his fan base with absolutely no marketing or promotions. Soon he found himself ranked among the city’s top rappers. In addition to being featured on the cover of Murderdog Magazine along side his idols Kingpin Skinny Pimp and Al Kapone his record From the Dope Game to the Rap Game made the list for the magazine’s top independent record for the year 2000.
Two years later he inked a distribution deal with TVT Records and released the critically acclaimed album Life, which did respectable numbers for an independent label. “It sold about 40 or 50,000, with no promotions or video,” says Yo Gotti. “That record did what it did on its own.” But as the old saying goes when one door is closed another opened. Gotti’s reputation as the king of Memphis continued to spread and that eventually led him to a production deal with Cash Money/Universal records for his group the Block Burnaz. With his TVT sophomore album entitled Back 2 Da Basics, Yo Gotti returns with the same hardcore street flavor that his die-hard fans have come to know and love, only this time around the true king of Memphis has elevated his game a bit. Given the fact that his last record didn’t do the type of big number he’d hope for you’d think that Yo Gotti would switch up his style to reach a larger audience. Right? Wrong! According to Gotti his street credibility with his underground fans means more to him than gold or platinum status.
“The one thing that you have to understand is that when you create a fan base off of street product the last thing you wanna do is disrespect them by changing because of the record companies and stuff like that. When you do that you change what created you. To me it is very important that I keep in tune with the people that helped to sell 40,000 records independently. That’s why I call my record Back 2 Da Basics.”
Produced by DJ Thoomp, Mannie Fresh, Carlos Brody and newcomers Street Tunes, Back 2 Da Basics offers fans a gritty, insider’s view into the real streets of Memphis as seen through the eyes of Yo Gotti. Nowhere is this viewpoint more intense than on “Full Time,” the amped up lead single –and featured in the MTV Films’ Hustle & Flow movie - with a thunderous bass and intoxicating beat that espouses Gotti’s formula to success –hustle full time.
“A lotta cats wanna be a rapper or a street hustler but they don’t wanna put in the time that it takes,” says Yo Gotti. “They want the money and the cars and the girls, but they don’t wanna work hard for it. But to be successful at anything you gotta grind for it.” On the song “Mama We Gone Be Alright,” he waxes introspective by reflecting on all of the hard times that he and his family have suffered through the years and offers her hope-filled words encouragement. “Mama We Gone Be Alright” along with the gripping tune “My Story” emerges as two of the most interesting songs on Back 2 Da Basics. These three titles along with club banging songs like “Shorty” featuring Baby make Back 2 Da Basics one of the best albums of the year.
1st Hunnid Bands
Yo Gotti Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My first hundred bands
Thank the hood for my first hundred grand (for motivational purposes only)
Was runnin' plays for my first hundred bands
Let's thank the J's for my first hundred grand (I showed you so)
My first hundred grand, thought I was a millionaire
My first hundred P's in the whip, can barely fit in there (woo)
Fives, tens, and twenties, my first hundred grand (grand)
I grew up with nothin' (nothin'), watched my mama suffer (damn)
Idolized my father (my father), looked up to my brother (brother)
Both of them were hustlers (hustlers), both of them were gangsters (gangster)
Grandview Elementary, in sixth grade, I had a banger (what I do, pow)
Always had a problem (problem), couldn't deal with my anger (couldn't deal with my anger)
Never talk 'round bitches (shh), never spoke 'round strangers (quiet)
I wanted to get money, somehow I ended up famous (how?)
But God know, my first hundred thousand came from slinging (yeah)
Lord knows, I never been a pussy nigga, ain't I?
My favorite room in the house the kitchen
Never goin' broke 'bout no bitches (never)
It's a difference 'tween gettin' money and trickin'
A hundred K on my missus
It's a difference when you playin' with a hundred million
My first hundred grand (grand), thought I was a millionaire (I am)
My first hundred P's (hundred P's) in the whip, can barely fit in there (woo)
Ten stacks of tens stacked in rubber bands (that's a hundred)
Fives, tens, and twenties, my first hundred grand (a hundred)
My first hundred grand (hundred) thought I was a millionaire
My first hundred P's in the whip, can barely fit in there (woo)
Ten stacks of tens stacked in rubber bands (that's a huncho)
Fives, tens, and twenties, my first hundred grand (yeah)
Started with an ounce (oz), better yet, a half (half)
Nigga, I'm talkin' fourteen grams still in the bag (plastic)
Four O's in a split (split), it's one twenty-five (woo)
That's a half a quarter (quarter), I pay twenty-five (cash)
Now I got a nine (nine), that's a quarter ki' (ki')
I feel like the plug (I am), you can buy it off of me
Got a half a chicken (a chicken), got fronted a half a chicken (give me that)
Now I got a brick (a what?) standin' in the kitchen (woo)
Microwave tricks, niggas showed my how to whip it (whip it)
Summertime, I ran up a cool quarter ticket
I ain't fuck it up (what I do?), Re'd up, flipped it (what I do?)
Re'd up, flipped it (flipped it), re'd up, flipped it (flipped it)
My first hundred grand (grand), thought I was a millionaire (I am)
My first hundred P's in the whip, can barely fit in there (woo)
Ten stacks of tens stacked in rubber bands
Fives, tens, and twenties, my first hundred grand
My first hundred grand, thought I was a millionaire (I am)
My first hundred P's in the whip, can barely fit in there
Ten stacks of tens stacked in rubber bands (that's a huncho)
Fives, tens, and twenties, my first hundred grand (yeah)
(Gangsta Grillz, Dee, you poppin' your shit, nigga)
Hunnid grand or more these days for me to talk that shit on your mixtape
And that's just pocket money
In Yo Gotti's song "1st Hunnid Bands," the lyrics tell a story of the artist's journey from humble beginnings to achieving financial success. He gives credit to the neighborhood and the streets for his first hundred grand, implying that he made his money through less conventional means. He expresses pride in his early accomplishments, feeling like a millionaire with his first hundred thousand dollars. The mention of rubber bands signifies the traditional method of holding and organizing large amounts of cash.
The lyrics also touch on Yo Gotti's upbringing, growing up with little and witnessing his mother's struggles. He looked up to his father and brother, both of whom were hustlers and gangsters. This environment influenced him, and by sixth grade, he had already experienced violence firsthand. Yo Gotti acknowledges that his first hundred thousand came from illegal activities, but he asserts that he has never been a cowardly individual.
He further emphasizes his focus on money and success, highlighting the importance of his kitchen, which is possibly where he counted his earnings. Yo Gotti makes a distinction between merely getting money and being a trick, indicating that he is not frivolously spending his wealth on women. He then mentions his significant other, implying that he has spent a hundred thousand dollars on her. Finally, he declares that there is a notable difference between playing with a hundred million dollars versus a hundred grand, further emphasizing his aspirations for greater success.
Throughout the song, Yo Gotti reflects on his come-up, his early financial gains, and his ambitions for even greater wealth. The lyrics depict a sense of pride in his accomplishments and a determination to continue striving for success.
Line by Line Meaning
(Dee, you poppin' your shit, nigga)
Dee, you're confidently expressing yourself and boasting about your accomplishments, my friend
My first hundred bands
I earned my initial one hundred thousand dollars through hard work and determination
Thank the hood for my first hundred grand (for motivational purposes only)
I acknowledge and express gratitude to the neighborhood I grew up in for providing the opportunity to earn my first substantial amount of money, this statement is intended to inspire others
Was runnin' plays for my first hundred bands
I engaged in strategic maneuvers and schemes to achieve my initial one hundred thousand dollars
Let's thank the J's for my first hundred grand (I showed you so)
Let's appreciate the Jordan brand sneakers, which I may have used as a reference point to showcase my success and gratitude
My first hundred grand, thought I was a millionaire
When I earned my first one hundred thousand dollars, I felt as if I had become a millionaire due to the significant amount of money
My first hundred P's in the whip, can barely fit in there (woo)
I had my first one hundred pounds of drugs in the car, and it was a struggle to fit them all due to the large quantity (expressing excitement)
Ten stacks of tens stacked in rubber bands (bands)
I had organized ten stacks of ten thousand dollars each, held together by rubber bands, representing my first one hundred thousand dollars
Fives, tens, and twenties, my first hundred grand (grand)
The combination of five-dollar bills, ten-dollar bills, and twenty-dollar bills made up my initial one hundred thousand dollars
I grew up with nothin' (nothin'), watched my mama suffer (damn)
I came from a disadvantaged background, witnessing my mother endure hardships and difficult circumstances
Idolized my father (my father), looked up to my brother (brother)
I admired and respected my father, serving as a role model, and held my brother in high regard as well
Both of them were hustlers (hustlers), both of them were gangsters (gangster)
My father and brother were both hardworking individuals who knew how to navigate the streets and engage in illegal activities
Grandview Elementary, in sixth grade, I had a banger (what I do, pow)
During my time at Grandview Elementary School, specifically in the sixth grade, I possessed and carried a firearm illegally (exclamatory sound effect indicating shooting)
Always had a problem (problem), couldn't deal with my anger (couldn't deal with my anger)
I frequently faced challenging situations and struggled to control my anger and emotions
Never talk 'round bitches (shh), never spoke 'round strangers (quiet)
I refrained from speaking in the presence of females (using a shushing sound effect) and avoided conversing with unfamiliar individuals (using a quiet sound effect)
I wanted to get money, somehow I ended up famous (how?)
My initial motivation was to accumulate wealth, but somehow I found myself becoming well-known and recognized
But God know, my first hundred thousand came from slinging (yeah)
God is aware that I earned my first one hundred thousand dollars through the illegal distribution of drugs (expressing confidence)
Lord knows, I never been a pussy nigga, ain't I?
God knows I've never been a weak or fearful individual, haven't I?
My favorite room in the house the kitchen
I have a strong affinity for the kitchen, as it represents a place where I can engage in cooking and, metaphorically, in illicit activities
Never goin' broke 'bout no bitches (never)
I will never allow myself to experience financial difficulties due to romantic relationships with women (emphasizing a resolute stance)
It's a difference 'tween gettin' money and trickin'
There is a distinction between legitimately earning money and frivolously spending it on women (highlighting the importance of financial responsibility)
A hundred K on my missus
I spent one hundred thousand dollars on my significant other (referring to a romantic partner)
It's a difference when you playin' with a hundred million
There is a notable contrast when one deals with one hundred million dollars, as the stakes and impact are significantly greater (emphasizing the magnitude of wealth)
Started with an ounce (oz), better yet, a half (half)
I began my involvement in the drug trade with one ounce of substances, or even better, a half ounce
Nigga, I'm talkin' fourteen grams still in the bag (plastic)
I'm referring to the fact that I had fourteen grams of drugs that were still untouched and packaged in a plastic bag
Four O's in a split (split), it's one twenty-five (woo)
When dividing my drugs into four portions, each portion's weight adds up to one hundred and twenty-five grams (expressing satisfaction and excitement)
That's a half a quarter (quarter), I pay twenty-five (cash)
That amount constitutes half of a quarter-pound of drugs, and I paid twenty-five thousand dollars for it (indicating a cash transaction)
Now I got a nine (nine), that's a quarter ki' (ki')
Presently, I possess a nine-millimeter firearm, and I sell quarter-kilograms of drugs (emphasizing both the firearm and the drug quantity)
I feel like the plug (I am), you can buy it off of me
I consider myself to be the primary source or connection for purchasing drugs, and you can acquire them from me
Got a half a chicken (a chicken), got fronted a half a chicken (give me that)
I obtained half of a kilogram of cocaine, and someone granted me credit or advanced half of a kilogram of cocaine (demanding the immediate transfer)
Now I got a brick (a what?) standin' in the kitchen (woo)
I currently possess one kilogram of drugs, specifically referring to cocaine (expressing excitement), which is kept in the kitchen
Microwave tricks, niggas showed my how to whip it (whip it)
I learned various techniques involving microwaves, as other individuals taught me how to effectively prepare and process drugs (using the term 'whip' as slang for drug preparation)
Summertime, I ran up a cool quarter ticket
During the summer, I managed to accumulate an impressive amount of money, specifically a quarter of a million dollars
I ain't fuck it up (what I do?), Re'd up, flipped it (what I do?)
I did not squander or waste the money; instead, I reinvested it, replenished my supply, and generated even more wealth (repeating the actions for emphasis)
(Gangsta Grillz, Dee, you poppin' your shit, nigga)
This mixtape is presented by DJ Drama, acknowledging and praising Dee for his confident and boastful statements
Hunnid grand or more these days for me to talk that shit on your mixtape
Currently, it requires at least one hundred thousand dollars for me to confidently express myself and boast on someone else's mixtape
And that's just pocket money
Furthermore, that amount is considered insignificant to me, as it is merely money I keep in my pocket for personal expenses
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Darius Henry, Mario Mims, Viktor Sudobin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
ZOMBIE HO
Hit different when you can relate
Yes Sorir
how u made it
Camila Tejada
@Yes SorirLmfao 😂
Tobias Wilson
@Yes Sorirlmao 😂😂
Wymon Parham
Big Facts
Abdullah
Absolutely!!!!!
Boy.
Yo Gotti went in. Too insane🔥🔥
KESH MULA
This insane is crazy asf
SmileDee
Nah Fr
Dat1guy
No Autotunes and no nursery rhymes this is the real Yo Gotti from his Back to the Basics days this is Yo Gotti the savage spitting flames🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥