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.
Check
Yo Gotti Lyrics
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Spent another hour thinking 'bout some money
These nigga' want the fame, bitch I want some money
See ain't nothing changed, I just want some money
This for them hatin' niggas and them hatin' hoes I can't forget
I been on the Avion all night, you know I'm lit
She say Young your neck sick look like it need a check up
I say bitch one thing about I try to run the check up
My neck's game killin', wrist game killin'
Hop up out this motherfucker smelling like some millions
Right hand cross your heart, other hand to the ceiling
Say bitch I was born broke just know I'm dying with these millions
Wrist game proper, keep that chopper
And take surgery with them squares I play doctor
Go to sleep thinking check, wake up thinking check
And Young will not rest till all my niggas get a check
Bitch you know I'm 'bout it and you know I got it
Like my cars, like my bitches and my bitches they exotic
No need for a money counter, we'll just thumb through it
We'll count the 10's and the 5's, would you let the ones do it
I say I want that paper, need that paper
Hustling in my veins, I just bleed that paper
Nothing on my mind but some money, Las Vegas
When you run it up old bitches catch vapors
I just wanna check, I just need a check
See I can't even lie right now I'm thinkin' 'bout a check
Put somethin' in my safe, put a lock around my neck
That's why I'm always on my grind 'cause I'm tryna run up checks
Whoever said money was root of all evil never had none
And rappers that say record sales don't matter, never went platinum
I'm not a gold rapper but these women call me Magnum
And the baddest bitches live in Atlanta just in case you never had one
99 problems and money'll solve most of 'em
Sisters havin' issues and my penis'll solve both of 'em
Haters takin' shots, I pop some bottles and toast to 'em
Got a DUI, bought a Phantom now someone chauffeurs 'em
Money don't buy happiness but buy a place to sleep
I'd rather cry up in my mansion than to cry out in the streets
Used to exercise daily but fuck it I'm really fed up
Now the only exercise I do is run the check up
I say I want that paper, need that paper
Hustling in my veins, I just bleed that paper
Nothing on my mind but some money, Las Vegas
When you run it up old bitches catch vapors
I just wanna check, I just need a check
See I can't even lie right now I'm thinkin' 'bout a check
Put somethin' in my safe, put a lock around my neck
That's why I'm always on my grind 'cause I'm tryna run up checks
One thing about it nigga, I'mma run the check up
Whip game sick, yeah my shit might need a check up
See first you get the money then you get the haters
Don't let that shit distract you gotta be focused on your paper
100 for a 16, used to pay 16 for a kilo
Lord bless the trap and hallelujah to my migos
Tryna get a check know the check right up
Bought my bitch a Ghost, got one just like her
Chopper shoot like a jet fighter
Touch more keys than a typewriter
I was in the kitchen after school call that shit detention
I'm the star player, I'm was on fire, you was on the benches
Yeah coach got it, Calipari shit
Feds ridin', that's some scary shit
I got old money but the new money, I don't want nothin' but them Harriets
Tell 'em
I say I want that paper, need that paper
Hustling in my veins, I just bleed that paper
Nothing on my mind but some money, Las Vegas
When you run it up old bitches catch vapors
I just wanna check, I just need a check
See I can't even lie right now I'm thinkin' 'bout a check
Put somethin' in my safe, put a lock around my neck
That's why I'm always on my grind 'cause I'm tryna run up checks
The lyrics to Yo Gotti's song "Check" are all about the pursuit of money. The singer opens the song by proclaiming that he is "smelling like some money" after getting out of the shower, and that he has spent the last hour thinking about nothing but money. He then expresses his desire for wealth and his frustration with people who crave fame instead of fortune. Throughout the song, he talks about his work ethic and his dedication to making as much money as possible. He boasts about his expensive jewelry and cars and makes it clear that he is driven by the idea of "running up checks."
The second verse delves into the complexities of money and its relationship to happiness. The singer acknowledges that money can't buy happiness, but argues that it can buy a comfortable life. He also suggests that in some cases, money can solve problems that might otherwise seem insurmountable.
Overall, the lyrics to "Check" are a concise and unapologetic declaration of Yo Gotti's financial aspirations. He doesn't seem to care about anything besides making as much money as he can, and he's unafraid to say so. The song is a testament to the enduring appeal of wealth and the ways in which it can motivate people to strive for success.
Line by Line Meaning
Fresh up out the shower, smelling like some money
I'm clean and fresh, and I'm ready to hustle and make some money.
Spent another hour thinking 'bout some money
I can't stop thinking about money and how to make more of it.
These nigga' want the fame, bitch I want some money
Other rappers care about being famous, but I'm all about getting paid.
See ain't nothing changed, I just want some money
Despite any success or fame, my one true motivation is to make money.
This for them hatin' niggas and them hatin' hoes I can't forget
This song is dedicated to all the people who hate on me and my hustle.
I been on the Avion all night, you know I'm lit
I've been drinking Avion tequila all night and I'm feeling great.
She say Young your neck sick look like it need a check up
A woman said my jewelry looks expensive and I need to get it appraised.
I say bitch one thing about I try to run the check up
I'm always trying to make more money and increase my wealth.
My neck's game killin', wrist game killin'
My jewelry is impressive and expensive.
Hop up out this motherfucker smelling like some millions
I'll come out of anywhere smelling like big money.
Right hand cross your heart, other hand to the ceiling
I'm making a promise to be truthful and honest while also being grateful for my blessings.
Say bitch I was born broke just know I'm dying with these millions
I came from poverty and worked hard to earn my wealth, and I plan to die with my riches intact.
Wrist game proper, keep that chopper
My jewelry is impressive, and I'm always carrying a firearm for protection.
And take surgery with them squares I play doctor
I'm so good at dealing with drugs and money that it's like I'm a surgeon or a doctor.
Go to sleep thinking check, wake up thinking check
Money is always on my mind - I'm always thinking about how to make more of it.
And Young will not rest till all my niggas get a check
I won't stop hustling until all my friends and associates have made significant money as well.
Bitch you know I'm 'bout it and you know I got it
I'm serious about making money and have the wealth to back it up.
Like my cars, like my bitches and my bitches they exotic
I have a taste for expensive cars and beautiful women, especially ones who are unique and exotic.
No need for a money counter, we'll just thumb through it
I have so much money that counting it with a machine is unnecessary - we can just count it by hand.
We'll count the 10's and the 5's, would you let the ones do it
We'll count the larger bills ourselves and leave the smaller ones to someone else.
Whoever said money was root of all evil never had none
Whoever thinks money is the cause of all evil has probably never experienced poverty.
And rappers that say record sales don't matter
Some rappers claim that they don't care about album sales or the money they bring in.
never went platinum
These rappers have never achieved platinum status, which is a milestone in record sales.
I'm not a gold rapper but these women call me Magnum
I may not be the most successful rapper, but I still have a way with women and they find me attractive.
And the baddest bitches live in Atlanta just in case you never had one
Atlanta is home to some of the most beautiful women around, in case you've never been with one.
99 problems and money'll solve most of 'em
Money can solve most of life's problems, including the ones that seem insurmountable.
Sisters havin' issues and my penis'll solve both of 'em
I can solve more than just financial problems - I can also please women sexually.
Haters takin' shots, I pop some bottles and toast to 'em
When my enemies try to bring me down, I celebrate with expensive champagne and mock them.
Got a DUI, bought a Phantom now someone chauffeurs 'em
After getting a DUI, I bought a Rolls Royce Phantom and hired a driver so I wouldn't get behind the wheel drunk again.
Money don't buy happiness but buy a place to sleep
Money can't bring happiness, but it can provide a comfortable place to live and rest.
I'd rather cry up in my mansion than to cry out in the streets
I'd rather have material wealth and cry in comfort than be poor and have to suffer on the streets.
Used to exercise daily but fuck it I'm really fed up
I used to care about exercising and staying fit, but now I don't care as much and am fed up with it all.
Now the only exercise I do is run the check up
The only 'exercise' I care about now is hustling and making money.
One thing about it nigga, I'mma run the check up
I'm determined to make as much money as possible and will always work hard to achieve that goal.
Whip game sick, yeah my shit might need a check up
My cars are impressive, but they may need some maintenance or repair work done.
See first you get the money then you get the haters
Once you start making significant money, people will start to dislike or envy you for your wealth.
Don't let that shit distract you gotta be focused on your paper
I can't let my haters or distractions get in the way of my main goal - making as much money as possible.
100 for a 16, used to pay 16 for a kilo
I used to pay a small amount for a lot of drugs, but now I pay a lot of money for a smaller amount of drugs.
Lord bless the trap and hallelujah to my migos
I pray for the success of my drug dealing operation and give thanks to my trusted associates.
Tryna get a check know the check right up
I'm always motivated to make more money and know exactly how to do it.
Bought my bitch a Ghost, got one just like her
I bought my girlfriend a Rolls Royce Ghost and also have one for myself, matching in style and luxury.
Chopper shoot like a jet fighter
My firearm is powerful and deadly like a fighter jet.
Touch more keys than a typewriter
I deal with more drugs and money than a typist handles keys on a keyboard.
I was in the kitchen after school call that shit detention
I used to be involved in drug dealing as a student and treated it like detention (a form of punishment).
I'm the star player, I'm was on fire, you was on the benches
I was highly successful in drug dealing and was the top player, while others were not as successful and remained benchwarmers.
Yeah coach got it, Calipari shit
My drug dealing 'coach' understands what I'm capable of and encourages my success.
Feds ridin', that's some scary shit
I'm being pursued by the FBI or other law enforcement, which is dangerous and frightening.
I got old money but the new money, I don't want nothin' but them Harriets
I have wealth that I've had for a long time, but I'm more interested in making new money (perhaps illegally) than spending my old money.
Put somethin' in my safe, put a lock around my neck
I'm always looking to protect my wealth and keep it secure, whether through investments or simply wearing expensive jewelry.
That's why I'm always on my grind 'cause I'm tryna run up checks
I'm always hustling and working hard to make as much money as possible.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: MARIO MIMS, JAY JENKINS, CHRISTOPHER BRIDGES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind