Mario Mims (born May 19, 1981 in Memphis, Tennessee), better known by his s… Read Full Bio ↴Mario Mims (born May 19, 1981 in Memphis, Tennessee), better known by his stage name Yo Gotti, is an American rapper signed to Cash Money Records. Formerly known as Lil Yo in the 90's, he released his first album, From Da Dope Game 2 Da Rap Game, in 2000. Since then he has released 2001's Self-Explanatory, 2003's Life, 2006's Back 2 Da Basics, 2008's Cocaine Muzik, 2009's CM2 (Cocaine Muzik 2 hosted by DJ Drama), and The Pyrex King: Street Runnaz Special Edition.

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.

Big Homie Rules
Yo Gotti Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

(Tell me, what you really did for any other motherfucker than yourself)

These big homie rules
I give my lil' homie jewels
Some shit they can use
You give your lil' homie tools
And tell 'em go do some shit that you wouldn't do
You breaking big homie rules

Big homie rules, this a big homie move
'Cause this what big homies do
Never fold, lead by example
Never let nothing come between the family
That's a big homie move, a big homie move
These are big homie rules, big homie rules

Rule number one, believe in your dreams (okay)
Always understand there's more than you, it's a team (what else?)
Rule number two, niggas bitches off limits
We don't do that in the family, no distractions while we winning
And rule three is kinda sensitive to me (what's that?)
This table full of plates, we make sure everybody eats
And communicate your issues, we can agree to disagree (I feel you)
But talking family business outside the family, that ain't G (you a real one)
Ain't no rats in here, so ain't no leaks (ain't no bitches)
I'm my brothers keeper, fuck these freaks (fuck these bitches)
And rule number four, if you ever get fronted
Despite what you hearing, always pay their money
And rule five, this the only rule I don't really like
Put a snake with a snake, get a bite for a bite
And rule six, you must protect the brand with your life
I'd rather help you get a million, than help you get a strike
And do you understand your publishing? (Not really)
Whether you rapping or you hustling, treat that like real estate and pay the government (okay)
Family first, money second
You ain't taking care of your family, I just can't respect it

These big homie rules
I give my lil' homie jewels
Some shit they can use
You give your lil' homie tools
And tell 'em go do some shit that you wouldn't do
You breaking big homie rules
Big homie rules, this a big homie move
'Cause this what big homies do
Never fold, lead by example
Never let nothing come between the family
That's a big homie move, a big homie move
These are big homie rules, big homie rules

Ain't no jealousy in the crew, 'cause if I got it, then you got it
Lil' homie got a problem, big homie solve it
Niggas talkin' boss talk, ain't never been a soldier
I just wanna cook up one more time to get some closure
When it come to this beef shit, it is what it is
Homie don't fuck with you, shit, it is what it is
They call it investment, I just believe in my dog
Bust it down how you wanna, I just wanna see you ball
You ain't a boss, you a mistake, nigga
How they put you in position when you fake, nigga?
You lie to your team, you sell your niggas dreams
When there's war somehow you always in between
The family and the opposition
Me, I like this nigga but know my position
So, it's fuck 'em and it's fuck 'em forever
I take loyalty to a whole 'nother level
I get the information, pass it down
My homies know, that's on my life, I always held 'em down
Last rule, if you gon' be a big homie
Treat your niggas with respect, not like a lil' homie

These big homie rules
I give my lil' homie jewels
Some shit they can use
You give your lil' homie tools
And tell 'em go do some shit that you wouldn't do
You breaking big homie rules
Big homie rules, this a big homie move
'Cause this what big homies do
Never fold, lead by example
Never let nothing come between the family

That's a big homie move, a big homie move
These are big homie rules, big homie rules

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Yo Gotti's song "Big Homie Rules" speak to the principles and values that should guide the actions and behavior of a "big homie" or an influential figure in a group. In these lyrics, Yo Gotti emphasizes the importance of leading by example, loyalty to family, and prioritizing the well-being and success of others.

The first paragraph addresses the idea of being a true big homie. Yo Gotti challenges listeners to reflect on what they have done for others and suggests that simply providing tools or resources is not enough. Instead, he encourages big homies to share wisdom and knowledge, empowering their "lil' homies" with valuable insights that they can use to better themselves.

The second and third paragraphs outline a set of rules or principles that define what it means to be a big homie. Rule number one stresses the importance of believing in one's dreams but also recognizing the power of teamwork. Rule number two emphasizes loyalty within the family, reminding listeners not to betray or distract their own people.

The fourth paragraph delves into the importance of integrity and honor. Yo Gotti emphasizes the avoidance of gossip and leaks that can damage the family's reputation. He also stresses the need for financial responsibility and understanding the value of one's work, be it in music or other hustles.

The final paragraph highlights the significance of supporting and protecting one's own. Yo Gotti emphasizes that a big homie should always have the best interests of their crew at heart, never allowing jealousy or personal gain to come between them. He encourages the elevation of one another, ensuring that everyone can thrive and succeed.

Overall, "Big Homie Rules" serves as a guidebook for those in influential positions within a group or community. It emphasizes leading through example, valuing loyalty and family, and taking care of others. Yo Gotti's lyrics offer insights into the responsibilities and principles that should guide big homies in their actions and decision-making.

Line by Line Meaning

(Tell me, what you really did for any other motherfucker than yourself)
Ask yourself, what have you actually done for anyone else besides yourself?

These big homie rules
These are the principles and guidelines of being a big homie

I give my lil' homie jewels
I provide valuable knowledge and wisdom to my younger homies

Some shit they can use
Information and advice that they can apply in their lives

You give your lil' homie tools
You provide them with equipment or resources to complete tasks

And tell 'em go do some shit that you wouldn't do
And instruct them to do things that you yourself would never do

You breaking big homie rules
You are violating the principles of being a big homie

Big homie rules, this a big homie move
Following these rules is a decisive act of a big homie

'Cause this what big homies do
Because this is how true big homies behave

Never fold, lead by example
Never give up, be a role model for others to follow

Never let nothing come between the family
Never allow anything to cause division within the family

That's a big homie move, a big homie move
That's an action demonstrating the qualities of a big homie

Rule number one, believe in your dreams (okay)
The first rule is to have faith in your aspirations

Always understand there's more than you, it's a team (what else?)
Always acknowledge the importance of the collective, it's about teamwork

Rule number two, niggas bitches off limits
The second rule is to never disrespect your fellow homies

We don't do that in the family, no distractions while we winning
We don't engage in such behavior within our community, it hinders our progress

And rule three is kinda sensitive to me (what's that?)
The third rule is a topic that holds personal significance to me

This table full of plates, we make sure everybody eats
We ensure that everyone in our circle is well taken care of

And communicate your issues, we can agree to disagree (I feel you)
Express your concerns openly, we can accept differing opinions

But talking family business outside the family, that ain't G (you a real one)
But discussing internal matters with outsiders, that's not being loyal (you're truly authentic)

Ain't no rats in here, so ain't no leaks (ain't no bitches)
We don't tolerate traitors, so there won't be any information leaks (or betrayal)

I'm my brothers keeper, fuck these freaks (fuck these bitches)
I prioritize taking care of my brothers, disregard those promiscuous individuals (disrespecting women)

And rule number four, if you ever get fronted
And the fourth rule, if you ever owe someone money upfront

Despite what you hearing, always pay their money
Regardless of what you may hear, always fulfill your financial obligations

And rule five, this the only rule I don't really like
And the fifth rule, is the only one I personally struggle with

Put a snake with a snake, get a bite for a bite
If you associate with deceitful individuals, you'll face the consequences

And rule six, you must protect the brand with your life
And the sixth rule, you must safeguard the reputation at all costs

I'd rather help you get a million, than help you get a strike
I prefer to assist you in achieving financial success, rather than getting in trouble

And do you understand your publishing? (Not really)
And do you comprehend the legal rights to your music royalties? (Not really)

Whether you rapping or you hustling, treat that like real estate and pay the government (okay)
Whether you're a rapper or a hustler, handle your finances wisely and fulfill your tax obligations

Family first, money second
Prioritize your family over wealth

You ain't taking care of your family, I just can't respect it
If you're not fulfilling your responsibilities towards your family, I cannot have respect for you

Ain't no jealousy in the crew, 'cause if I got it, then you got it
There's no envy among us, because if I possess something, you have access to it as well

Lil' homie got a problem, big homie solve it
When a younger homie encounters a problem, the older homie will resolve it

Niggas talkin' boss talk, ain't never been a soldier
Individuals brag about being leaders, but they have never experienced real struggle

I just wanna cook up one more time to get some closure
I desire to successfully execute one more venture to find emotional resolution

When it come to this beef shit, it is what it is
When it comes to conflicts and confrontations, there's no changing the reality

Homie don't fuck with you, shit, it is what it is
If someone in our circle doesn't associate with you, then it's simply the way it is

They call it investment, I just believe in my dog
They refer to it as an investment, but I simply have faith and trust in my friend

Bust it down how you wanna, I just wanna see you ball
Handle your success however you like, I just want to witness you thrive

You ain't a boss, you a mistake, nigga
You're not a true leader, you're a disservice to us

How they put you in position when you fake, nigga?
How did they allow you to attain power when you're not genuine?

You lie to your team, you sell your niggas dreams
You deceive your comrades, you give them false hopes and aspirations

When there's war somehow you always in between
During conflicts, you always find yourself caught in the middle

The family and the opposition
Torn between loyalty to the family and alliance with the opposition

Me, I like this nigga but know my position
Personally, I have a positive opinion of this person, but I understand where I stand

So, it's fuck 'em and it's fuck 'em forever
So, I disregard them and hold my grudge against them indefinitely

I take loyalty to a whole 'nother level
I prioritize loyalty above all else

I get the information, pass it down
I acquire information and disseminate it to others in the circle

My homies know, that's on my life, I always held 'em down
My friends are aware that I have always supported and protected them, I swear on my life

Last rule, if you gon' be a big homie
The final rule, if you aspire to be a big homie

Treat your niggas with respect, not like a lil' homie
Show respect to your comrades, don't treat them as inferior individuals