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.
Back Gate
Yo Gotti Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You know when niggas down there
Cuttin' they shit off at the back gate
You want a ounce nigga meet me at the back gate
Pull up cut your car off
Never sip lean in the first place (nah that ain't for me)
'Cause I ain't never wanna nod off (gotta stay up)
Twenty five and a sawed off (boom)
Eight dimes for the eighty ho plus four in the back
Baby a quarter pound how a nigga had to start off
(Back gate)
Pumpin' like a mothafucka
(Back gate)
Jumpin' like a mothafucka
(Back gate)
Gettin' money like a mothafucka
(Back gate)
We was robbin' like a mothafucka
(Back gate)
Pull up at your own risk
(Back gate)
Knowin' we were with the shit
(Back gate)
Tryna down a lot of brick
(Back gate)
A lot of niggas got hit
At the (Back gate)
Aye I'm talkin' 'bout
That back gate made a nigga
I seen that same back gate break niggas
If you want official nigga I advise you stay on top
Yeah
Yuh
Law sneakin' in through the back gate
(Back gate)
Trap came fucked up the crime rate
(Back gate)
Old head fucked up my mind state
Watched him kill a nigga cold blood in the broad day
Aye, if I ain't know God I would have lost faith
Niggas couldn't eat while they lost weight
Niggas ain't goin' on no diet
Niggas kill a nigga by the price
Nigga gon' slide
Nigga gon' do twenty five in a cell 'fore a nigga switch sides
You can see it in my eyes, that's pain
Lost niggas to the game, it ain't the same
Did it for the check ain't do it for the fame
Only 10 shot a pistol at the mothafuckin' range
You a pussy if you gotta close your eyes 'fore you aim
(Back gate)
Pumpin' like a mothafucka
(Back gate)
Jumpin' like a mothafucka
(Back gate)
Gettin' money like a mothafucka
(Back gate)
We was robbin' like a mothafucka
(Back gate)
Pull up at your own risk
(Back gate)
Knowin' we were with the shit
(Back gate)
Tryna down a lot of brick
(Back gate)
A lot of niggas got hit
At the (Back gate)
Look, told the plug meet me at the bottom
Showed me two bricks then I shot him (damn my fault)
First time I ever did a robbery (what happened?)
Ever since then it been hard for me (I lost it)
I'm a cutthroat nigga arguably (I am)
I shouldn't be trusted, probably (nah)
Ridgecrest turned me to a savage (savage)
Used to cut flips on a pissy-ass mattress
I know a lot of killas that's active
And no I'm not a rapper that's actin'
Used to get my work from the plug, I would pay on the back end
That was back then when I was trappin'
First time I ever shot a pistol I was 13
Glock hold 17, black with the red beam
First time I ever shot a nigga, rival hood shootout, shit felt like a wet dream
Fell in love with the streets
Got a couple choppas fell in love with the beef (back gate)
Got a couple bricks and we all gon' eat (back gate)
Back gate jumpin' like the Carter (back gate)
Ain't no other hood trappin' harder (back gate)
Seen a hundred thou' when I was 16
I was gettin' 'em bricks for the sixteen
9mm hold 16
Turned the back gate to a crime scene
(Back gate)
Pumpin' like a mothafucka
(Back gate)
Jumpin' like a mothafucka
(Back gate)
Gettin' money like a mothafucka
(Back gate)
We was robbin' like a mothafucka
(Back gate)
Pull up at your own risk
(Back gate)
Knowin' we were with the shit
(Back gate)
Tryna down a lot of brick
(Back gate)
A lot of niggas got hit
At the (Back gate)
Back gate
In Yo Gotti's song "Back Gate," the lyrics depict a narrative centered around the illicit activities that take place at the back gate, a metaphorical representation of a hidden entrance or secret location where criminal activities occur. The back gate serves as a meeting point for drug deals and various illegal endeavors.
The lyrics also touch on the rapper's personal experiences and reflections on his upbringing in a tough neighborhood. Yo Gotti shares his decision to avoid using lean (a popular drug mixture) and his resolve to stay awake and alert, emphasizing his determination to avoid nodding off. Additionally, he mentions his involvement in cooking cocaine and carrying a sawed-off shotgun to protect himself, indicating his participation in criminal activities.
The phrase "Jumpin' like a mothafucka" is used to describe the high demand and fast-paced nature of their illegal operations. The use of "pumpin'" further emphasizes the intense and profitable nature of their criminal ventures. Yo Gotti and his crew are depicted as ruthless and money-driven individuals, who are not afraid to take risks by pulling up at their own peril.
The lyrics also touch on the consequences faced by those involved in criminal activities at the back gate. The line "A lot of niggas got hit" suggests that many individuals have faced violent retaliation or have been targeted for their involvement in illegal activities. The back gate becomes a symbol of danger and the potential consequences that come with such a lifestyle.
Yo Gotti also reminisces about his early encounters with the streets and how they shaped him into the person he has become. He discusses engaging in a robbery, witnessing cold-blooded murder, and experiencing loss and pain. The lyrics highlight the harsh realities of his surroundings, encompassing the themes of violence, survival, and the allure of the streets.
Overall, "Back Gate" offers a raw portrayal of the street life, exploring the illicit activities, consequences, and personal growth that Yo Gotti has experienced in his journey. The lyrics provide insight into the dynamics and complexities of this underground world, serving as a reflection of the realities faced by many individuals in similar circumstances.
Line by Line Meaning
Man I been slow as fuck all day
I have been unproductive and unmotivated all day.
You know when niggas down there
Cuttin' they shit off at the back gate
You know when people are down there cutting drugs and preparing them for sale at the back gate.
You want a ounce nigga meet me at the back gate
If you want to buy an ounce of drugs, meet me at the back gate.
Pull up cut your car off
When you arrive, turn off your car.
Never sip lean in the first place (nah that ain't for me)
I never started drinking lean in the first place because it's not for me.
'Cause I ain't never wanna nod off (gotta stay up)
Because I never wanted to fall asleep or lose consciousness.
I was cookin' cocaine gettin' hard off (hard off)
I was processing cocaine and getting high off it.
Twenty five and a sawed off (boom)
I had a twenty-five caliber gun and a sawed-off shotgun.
Eight dimes for the eighty ho plus four in the back
I sold eight various drugs weighing a total of eighty ounces, plus I had four more hidden in the back.
Baby a quarter pound how a nigga had to start off
Started off with a quarter pound of drugs, which is how I got into the drug dealing business.
(Back gate)
Pumpin' like a mothafucka
At the back gate, selling drugs aggressively and making a lot of money.
(Back gate)
Jumpin' like a mothafucka
At the back gate, hustling and being active in the drug trade.
(Back gate)
Gettin' money like a mothafucka
At the back gate, making a significant amount of money.
(Back gate)
We was robbin' like a mothafucka
At the back gate, we were involved in multiple robberies.
(Back gate)
Pull up at your own risk
If you come to the back gate, be aware that it may be dangerous.
(Back gate)
Knowin' we were with the shit
Knowing that we were involved in illegal activities and not to be messed with.
(Back gate)
Tryna down a lot of brick
Attempting to sell a significant amount of drugs.
(Back gate)
A lot of niggas got hit
Many people got shot or killed at the back gate.
Aye I'm talkin' 'bout
That back gate made a nigga
That back gate influenced and shaped me as a person.
I seen that same back gate break niggas
I witnessed the back gate leading to the downfall and ruin of many individuals.
If you want official nigga I advise you stay on top
If you want to be respected and recognized as a real person, I suggest you maintain power and control.
Law sneakin' in through the back gate
Police officers secretly entering through the back gate.
(Back gate)
Trap came fucked up the crime rate
The illegal activities happening at the back gate significantly increased the crime rate in the area.
(Back gate)
Old head fucked up my mind state
An older person corrupted and influenced my way of thinking.
Watched him kill a nigga cold blood in the broad day
Witnessed him murder someone without any remorse in broad daylight.
Aye, if I ain't know God I would have lost faith
If I didn't have faith in God, I would have lost hope and belief.
Niggas couldn't eat while they lost weight
People couldn't make money and were struggling financially.
Niggas ain't goin' on no diet
People are not going to stop their illegal activities and change their lifestyle.
Niggas kill a nigga by the price
People are willing to take someone's life for the right amount of money.
Nigga gon' slide
Someone will seek revenge and attack.
Nigga gon' do twenty five in a cell 'fore a nigga switch sides
Someone would rather spend twenty-five years in prison than betray their group or change alliance.
You can see it in my eyes, that's pain
You can perceive the pain I've experienced by looking into my eyes.
Lost niggas to the game, it ain't the same
I lost friends due to their involvement in illegal activities, and life has changed because of it.
Did it for the check ain't do it for the fame
I engaged in illegal activities for the monetary gain, not for fame or recognition.
Only 10 shot a pistol at the mothafuckin' range
I only need ten shots to hit a target accurately at the shooting range.
You a pussy if you gotta close your eyes 'fore you aim
If you're afraid and have to close your eyes before shooting, you're weak and cowardly.
Look, told the plug meet me at the bottom
I instructed the drug supplier to meet me at a less conspicuous and more discreet location.
Showed me two bricks then I shot him (damn my fault)
He showed me two kilograms of drugs, and then I killed him (regretting that action).
First time I ever did a robbery (what happened?)
Ever since then it been hard for me (I lost it)
My first time participating in a robbery had a significant impact on me, and life became more challenging afterwards.
I'm a cutthroat nigga arguably (I am)
I shouldn't be trusted, probably (nah)
I am undeniably ruthless and cannot be relied upon or trusted.
Ridgecrest turned me to a savage (savage)
Used to cut flips on a pissy-ass mattress
Growing up in the Ridgecrest neighborhood transformed me into a dangerous and violent person, even though I used to have limited resources.
I know a lot of killas that's active
And no I'm not a rapper that's actin'
I am acquainted with many killers who are active in the streets, and I assure you I am not pretending to be a rapper.
Used to get my work from the plug, I would pay on the back end
That was back then when I was trappin'
I used to obtain drugs from the supplier and pay for them later, but that was in the past when I was heavily involved in drug dealing.
First time I ever shot a pistol I was 13
Glock hold 17, black with the red beam
I fired a gun for the first time when I was thirteen years old. It was a Glock handgun with a seventeen-round magazine capacity, black in color, and equipped with a red laser sight.
First time I ever shot a nigga, rival hood shootout, shit felt like a wet dream
The first time I shot someone was during a shootout with a rival gang, and the experience felt extremely satisfying and euphoric.
Fell in love with the streets
Got a couple choppas fell in love with the beef (back gate)
I developed a deep affection for the lifestyle and activities associated with the streets. I acquired a few firearms and became invested in participating in violent conflicts.
Got a couple bricks and we all gon' eat (back gate)
Back gate jumpin' like the Carter (back gate)
Ain't no other hood trappin' harder (back gate)
With a significant stash of drugs, all of us will prosper financially. The back gate is as active and profitable as the Carter, a well-known drug hotspot. No other neighborhood is engaged in drug dealing more aggressively and successfully than us at the back gate.
Seen a hundred thou' when I was sixteen
I was gettin' 'em bricks for the sixteen
I saw one hundred thousand dollars in cash when I was only sixteen years old. At that age, I was already involved in purchasing large quantities of drugs.
9mm hold 16
Turned the back gate to a crime scene
My 9mm firearm magazine holds sixteen rounds, and as a result of my criminal activities, the back gate became a site associated with illegal incidents and criminal behavior.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Mario Mims, Benjamin Diehl, Khaled Khaled
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Eddie Martinez
One of the best songs ive ever heard . every time i hear it gives me chills
5 Centavos
Bom trabalho!! Brasil representando nesse som 🇧🇷
its the Leah challage
Huh
Devonte Williams
I pray for the ppl still living that “Back Gate” life🤫🤯🙏🏾
Cheedar Gang
Thank u✊✊
Milton Parker III
@John jones lpp0
L
Norton Mandrell
Thank you bru we need it
Brent Grigsby
God bless
reno69 rdrr
Devonte Williams 💯
427TRILL1
Still uh unrated song... This was fire, if u ever grew up in public housing u know bout that backgate