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.
Cold Blood
Yo Gotti Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Building to the sky now
Watch it fall down
How you gon’ survive now?
Yeah, it’s cold blood in a nigga
The streets left no love in a nigga
If I could paint a picture
Yeah, raw ass nigga
Popping pain killers
Praying for a call, four dogs with them pistols
Natural born killers
We sold crack to his mother, he turn his back on his brothers
Killed his partner for the plug
He think everything a hustle
Cold motherfucker
Oh no, I’m black hearted
No feelings, just a gun
We was raised in the trenches
Not to mention all the hoes had dissed him
So homes think the whole world against him
Played ball, coach benched him,
Grandpa Klan lynched him,
He raised in Mississippi but he moved up to Memphis
Kind of hard to adapt
So homes turned to the strap
To succeed tried rap, couldn’t fight got slapped
Shot dice threw craps, did time back out, damn
And from the ground
We build it to the sky now
Watch it fall down
How you gon’ survive now?
Yeah, it’s cold blood in a nigga
The streets left no love in a nigga
Started from the ground
Building to the sky now
Watch it fall down
How you gon’ survive now?
Yeah, it’s cold blood in a nigga
The streets left no love in a nigga
Here’s a voice for the voiceless
My words like multiple choice to the choiceless
Emerge like a search light in the darkness
For this young, black carcass
My niggas either join the Armed Forces, or they corpses now
In God we trust But it’s bucks that we worship, now
Boy that root of evil gon’ forever rule the people
See, I seen just what that fast money gon’ come and do to people
Hit a lick, it was a hit
He said, “Let's go and do the sequel”
But his, nigga wasn’t ‘bout it, nigga wasn’t ‘bout it, now
Feeling guilty, "What would Momma think about me?"
Told’ em, think about it nigga, won't you think about it now?
But he was money hungry
Plus he trigger happy
So they hopped up in the Caddy
Burners packed just like a stadium
Thirty minutes later, blood is leaking at the ATM
Momma in denial, like her baby boy on trial
For a murder that he ain’t commit
Tears soak the handkerchief
And from the ground
We build it to the sky now
Watch it fall down
How you gon’ survive now?
Yeah, it’s cold blood in a nigga
The streets left no love in a nigga
Started from the ground
Building to the sky now
Watch it fall down
How you gon’ survive now?
Yeah, it’s cold blood in a nigga
The streets left no love in a nigga
Lights off, no candles, roaches all around the kitchen
Nigga hungry, mom embarrassed so she don't want us to mention it
Grandma wanna help but mama ego kickin' in
She a hustler, she don’t need no help raisin her kids
Bills came, got evicted, stay strong
Swear that she ain’t never shown weakness, real shit
That created the hunger
And that make the monsters
Got the game from my mama, that’s some ill shit
13 on the block, he was a little kid
In the kitchen, on the stove like it’s a cook out
No nigga mouth to the game, could put a book out
Right when he thought it was over he got took out (bang)
Brains leaking, they sneaked him , he ain't even see it coming
He a hitter, he won’t focus so he died over nothing
No revenge, with his friends shooting dice
Bet again, win or lose, take it all, took out by his own men
And from the ground
We build it to the sky now
Watch it fall down
How you gon’ survive now?
Yeah, it’s cold blood in a nigga
The streets left no love in a nigga
Started from the ground
Building to the sky now
Watch it fall down
How you gon’ survive now?
Yeah, it’s cold blood in a nigga
The streets left no love in a nigga
They say the good die young, that’s the truth
My nigga floating up in heaven now, that’s the proof
I ain’t make it to the funeral, but homie rest in peace
If this world get too cold, I hope one day you rescue me
Nigga maybe we can fly someday
Oh we can fly someday
Yeah up in the sky someday
Do real niggas get to heaven?
That’s that shit I ask the reverend
They say the good die young, that’s the truth
My nigga floating up in heaven now, that’s the proof
I ain’t make it to the funeral, but homie rest in peace
If this world get too cold, I hope one day you rescue me
Nigga maybe we can fly someday
Oh we can fly someday
Yeah up in the sky someday
Do real niggas get to heaven?
That’s that shit I ask the reverend
The lyrics of Yo Gotti's song Cold Blood paint a picture of the harsh realities of growing up in inner-city America. The song details the struggles of Black youth starting from the bottom and building their way up but ultimately falling victim to the "cold blood" of the streets. The lyrics describe a world where love and affection are replaced by money, drugs, and guns. The song also explores the theme of betrayal as friends turn on each other in search of wealth and success.
Throughout the song, the lyrics are characterized by a sense of disillusionment and hopelessness. The imagery presented in the song describes the struggles that Black people face while living in poverty. The lyrics talk about how people turn to drugs and violence to escape their situations but ultimately end up becoming victims of the brutal reality they were trying to escape. The chorus of the song emphasizes the idea that the streets have no love for anyone, making survival an even more challenging feat.
The song provides insight into the realities of life in inner-city America. Yo Gotti explores themes of violence, betrayal, and survival in a way that is raw and honest. The pain and frustration are palpable, and the lyrics paint a vivid picture of the struggles of Black youth in America.
Line by Line Meaning
Started from the ground
Began from nothing
Building to the sky now
Building a better life and career
Watch it fall down
Seeing everything crumble and fall apart
How you gon’ survive now?
Asking how one will make it through tough times
Yeah, it’s cold blood in a nigga
Referring to the icy, dispassionate demeanor of a person
The streets left no love in a nigga
The rough environment and experiences one goes through can make them feel unloved and untrusting
If I could paint a picture
Metaphorically depicting a scenario
I would show the image of a dog ass nigga
A depiction of a disloyal and treacherous person
Yeah, raw ass nigga
A dangerous and unpredictable person
Popping pain killers
Taking drugs to numb emotional pain
Praying for a call, four dogs with them pistols
Wishing for a job or opportunity for a crime with accomplices
Natural born killers
A reference to the movie about two serial killers
We sold crack to his mother, he turn his back on his brothers
A story of betrayal and lack of brotherhood
Killed his partner for the plug
Murdering someone for a drug supply
He think everything a hustle
The idea that everything is about making money or taking advantage of others
Cold motherfucker
A cruel, heartless person
Oh no, I’m black hearted
Suggesting that the person lacks empathy and is evil
No feelings, just a gun
Not having emotions but using violence to solve problems
We was raised in the trenches
Growing up in a harsh, tough environment
Not to mention all the hoes had dissed him
Being rejected and disrespected by women
So homes think the whole world against him
Feeling like the entire world is against him
Played ball, coach benched him, Grandpa Klan lynched him
A series of obstacles such as being benched in a sport, or racism
He raised in Mississippi but he moved up to Memphis
Growing up in Mississippi but moving to Memphis for a change of environment
Kind of hard to adapt
Struggling to adjust to new surroundings
So homes turned to the strap
Turning to violence and a weapon for protection or power
To succeed tried rap, couldn’t fight got slapped
Attempting success by trying a career in rap, but failing and being defeated
Shot dice threw craps, did time back out, damn
Gambling, getting arrested, and then released
Here’s a voice for the voiceless
Standing up for those who are not heard or represented
My words like multiple choice to the choiceless
Offering options and guidance to those who feel they have none
Emerge like a search light in the darkness
Acting as a beacon of hope and guidance in a difficult situation
For this young, black carcass
Referring to a young black person who may feel like a victim
My niggas either join the Armed Forces, or they corpses now
The limited options black people often feel they have
In God we trust But it’s bucks that we worship, now
A critique on how money has overtaken religion in society
Boy that root of evil gon’ forever rule the people
Money will always be the source of evil and problems
Hit a lick, it was a hit
Robbing someone successfully
He said, “Let's go and do the sequel”
Planning to rob again and continue the cycle
But his, nigga wasn’t ‘bout it, nigga wasn’t ‘bout it, now
The accomplice wasn't ready or willing to engage in another crime
Feeling guilty, "What would Momma think about me?"
Regretting one's actions and feeling the weight of shame and disapproval
Told’ em, think about it nigga, won't you think about it now?
Hoping the guilty accomplice will reflect on his actions
But he was money hungry
Being excessively motivated by money
Plus he trigger happy
Being quick to use violence
So they hopped up in the Caddy
Getting into a car to escape or commit a crime
Burners packed just like a stadium
Carrying guns like a big event or show
Thirty minutes later, blood is leaking at the ATM
A violent crime occurring at an ATM, with bloodshed
Momma in denial, like her baby boy on trial
A mother being unable to accept or face the reality of her son committing a crime
For a murder that he ain’t commit
Being falsely accused and blamed for a murder he did not commit
Tears soak the handkerchief
Crying and grieving together with others
Lights off, no candles, roaches all around the kitchen
Living in poverty, without power or light and surrounded by bugs
Nigga hungry, mom embarrassed so she don't want us to mention it
Not having enough food, and the mother being ashamed and not wanting others to know
Grandma wanna help but mama ego kickin' in
The mother rejecting help from family due to pride or stubbornness
She a hustler, she don’t need no help raisin her kids
The mother being strong and independent, refusing to rely on others to raise her children
Bills came, got evicted, stay strong
Experiencing financial difficulties and getting kicked out of home
Swear that she ain’t never shown weakness, real shit
The mother's strength and determination to never show any form of weakness
That created the hunger
The hardships and struggles breeding desperation and a desire for success
And that make the monsters
The pain and struggles one experiences can turn them into violent or criminal people
Got the game from my mama, that’s some ill shit
Learning how to survive and succeed from the mother's example despite their struggles
13 on the block, he was a little kid
A young boy with limited opportunities due to his environment
In the kitchen, on the stove like it’s a cook out
Cooking drugs like one would cook food at a party
No nigga mouth to the game, could put a book out
Having knowledge and experience in the drug game that can't be taught through books
Right when he thought it was over he got took out (bang)
Dying unexpectedly and suddenly
Brains leaking, they sneaked him, he ain't even see it coming
Being fatally shot or attacked without warning or expectation
He a hitter, he won’t focus so he died over nothing
A life of violence and crime leading to a premature and meaningless death
No revenge, with his friends shooting dice
The friends not retaliating or seeking revenge through gambling instead
Bet again, win or lose, take it all, took out by his own men
Risking and losing everything through gambling, and ultimately dying at the hands of someone he knew
They say the good die young, that’s the truth
The idea that people who are virtuous or innocent often die unexpectedly or young
My nigga floating up in heaven now, that’s the proof
Believing that someone is in heaven after death as evidence
I ain’t make it to the funeral, but homie rest in peace
Not being able to attend someone's funeral, but expressing condolences
If this world get too cold, I hope one day you rescue me
Expressing hope that someone can rescue or help during a difficult time
Nigga maybe we can fly someday
The hope that one day they can escape their struggles and rise above them
Oh we can fly someday
Repeating the hope and dream of a better future
Yeah up in the sky someday
The ideal place in which they hope to someday be
Do real niggas get to heaven?
Questioning if good, real people can go to heaven
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DALE OSSMAN WARREN, JERMAINE L. COLE, MARIO SENTELL GIDEN, MICHAEL J. CLERVOIX
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Tiphany Lydecker
Life is about Yo Gotti change and growth. Wisdom is accepting rejection gracefully
What a track. No vulgarity, No use of AUTHENTICVIEWS and pure talent !!!
Created by Candi
this came out 2 months before my brother died... I remember this being one of the songs i listened to on the way to the funeral. Cole last verse hit so different after he passed.. Forever have a special place for this song in my heart.
Candice C
Song came out after my best patna dies same emotions...same name sis. Lifes crazy...smh may ya bro rip
Created by Candi
@Candice C same to your friend... & life is definitely crazy. never thought I'd be living a life without him.
WeekEnd Warrior Family
That’s what Brought me here now. One of them days
Warren Stegman
One of the greatest songs all time
Uri Andropov
This song will NEVER die!
Emily J
this is why i love sampling in hip hop. it adds such uniqueness in every song. its not the same bass over and over again. its adds character.
J
canei finch is a mastermind
Anthony Johnson
Emily J that true God bless you