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.
Don't Wanna Go Back
Yo Gotti Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Drumma Boy, Drumma Boy
Yeah
Yuh
I am
I don't wanna go back
Sellin' no crack no more
Shootin' them MAC's no more (brrt)
I don't wanna go back (I don't want to)
But a nigga gon' make me
If I don't go back
I know the hood gon' hate me, yeah
I don't wanna go back (I don't wanna go back)
Sellin' no crack no more (Sellin' no crack no more)
I don't wanna go back (I don't wanna go)
Shootin' them MAC's no more (Shootin' no MAC's no more)
I don't wanna go back (I don't have to)
But a nigga gon' make me (nigga gon' make me)
If I don't go back
I know the hood gon' hate me, yeah
I came a long way
Started from the bottom
Ridgecrest apartments, M&M's I got 'em
Name duckin' no problem
Niggas know it so they tryin' to put the bait on me
How we from the same hood
Watch me make it out, but then you pour hate on me
Shame on you
I was finna put the chain on you
Now I gotta put the aim on you
How your enemies the same, homie
Damn homie
Big homie shit (get the bricks and bust 'em down with you)
War shit a thousand rounds with you
I'm wrappin' bricks and selling pounds with you
Now I'm on TV
Diamonds drippin', shit on Fiji
Deep inside you wanna be me
Federal 3 that shit on repeat
Reach for my chain, then it's 'free me' (aye)
Feelin' like Yeezy so I need a cape
Talkin' 'bout Kim or talking to A
Blac Chyna on the side of the Wraith
When it come to the bag they know I don't play
I don't wanna go back
Sellin' no crack no more
I don't wanna go back (I don't wanna go)
Shootin' them MAC's no more (brrt)
I don't wanna go back
But a nigga gon' make me
If I don't go back
I know the hood gon' hate me, yeah
I don't wanna go back (I don't wanna go back, I don't wanna go back, I don't wanna go back)
I don't wanna go back (I don't wanna go back)
Shootin' them MAC's no more
I don't wanna go back (I don't have to)
But a nigga gon' make me (nigga gon' make me)
And if I don't go back
I know the hood gon' hate me, yeah (gon' make 'em hate me)
Ain't gon' lie
Sometimes I wish I could retire
Wish I ain't have to tote the fire
I wish my name wasn't always in the news
I can't go no where without the tools
If you go against me you gon' lose (lose)
Million dollar deals closed every day
I barely made it outta school
Fuck credit, cash rules
They like tell Youngsta calm down
Put the guns down but I kinda feel him
You will never understand
You ain't from the hood, niggas tryin' to kill him
I'm tryin' to put my youngin' on the chart
They trying to trick my youngin' out his spot
You tryin' to cop a Benz off the lot
I'm tryin' to pull up in my own yacht
I got different dreams, different goals
We in different brackets, we got different hoes too
I don't feel you, I'm supposed to
Spread rumors, that's what hoes do
I was sick and tired, sick and tired of sellin' crack
If I have it my way I'm never goin' back
I hate a disloyal nigga and a rat
Fell in love with fast money and the strap
I don't wanna go back
Sellin' no crack no more
I don't wanna go back (I don't wanna go)
Shootin' them MAC's no more (brrt)
I don't wanna go back (I don't want to)
But a nigga gon' make me
If I don't go back
I know the hood gon' hate me, yeah
I don't wanna go back (I don't wanna go back)
Sellin' no crack no more (Sellin' no crack no more)
I don't wanna go back (I don't wanna go)
Shootin' them MAC's no more (Shootin' no MAC's no more)
I don't wanna go back (I don't have to)
But a nigga gon' make me (nigga gon' make me)
If I don't go back
I know the hood gon' hate me, yeah
Yeah
I'ma make 'em hate me
Fuck it
They already hatin' me
Fuck it
I'ma make 'em hate me
The lyrics of Yo Gotti's song Don't Wanna Go Back depict his desire to move away from his previous life involved in illegal activities. He states that he doesn't want to go back to selling crack or shooting MAC guns, indicating his intention to leave his criminal past behind. However, he acknowledges that others might try to force him to go back to that lifestyle, and he anticipates that his community may hate him if he doesn't comply.
Yo Gotti reflects on his journey from humble beginnings, starting from the bottom in Ridgecrest apartments. He mentions how people from his own neighborhood try to bring him down despite witnessing his success. He highlights the hypocrisy of those who were once supportive but now pour hate upon him. He contrasts his current position with the past, where he was involved in criminal activities like wrapping bricks and selling pounds. He expresses a sense of accomplishment, being on TV, sporting fancy diamonds, and feeling like Yeezy (Kanye West) as he references his relationship with Kim Kardashian and Blac Chyna.
In the third section, Yo Gotti admits to sometimes wishing he could retire and escape the dangers of his life. He shares his frustration that his name is always in the news and that he constantly needs to protect himself. He implies that those who try to understand him are those who have gone through similar experiences of living in a dangerous neighborhood. He conveys his desire to uplift his younger counterparts, mentoring them to achieve success and avoid being deceived by others. He emphasizes his dreams and goals are different from others, and he doesn't resonate with those who spread rumors or lack loyalty. He concludes by expressing his disdain for his past life, being tired of selling crack, falling in love with fast money, and associating with disloyal people.
Overall, the lyrics of "Don't Wanna Go Back" depict Yo Gotti's desire to distance himself from his past involvement in drugs and violence, his frustration with those who try to hinder his progress, and his determination to succeed and change the narrative of his community.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't wanna go back
I have no desire to return to my previous life
Sellin' no crack no more
I no longer want to be involved in selling drugs
Shootin' them MAC's no more
I no longer want to engage in gun violence
But a nigga gon' make me
However, if someone pushes me, I may have to resort back to my old ways
If I don't go back
If I resist the urge to go back
I know the hood gon' hate me, yeah
The community I come from will despise me for my success and leaving the street life
I came a long way
I have made significant progress in my journey
Started from the bottom
I began with nothing and faced many challenges
Ridgecrest apartments, M&M's I got 'em
I used to live in the Ridgecrest apartments, struggling to make ends meet
Name duckin' no problem
I have no issue with people knowing who I am now
Niggas know it so they tryin' to put the bait on me
People recognize my success and try to provoke me into negative situations
How we from the same hood
We come from the same neighborhood
Watch me make it out, but then you pour hate on me
You resent me for succeeding while you remain stuck
Shame on you
You should feel ashamed of yourself
I was finna put the chain on you
I was going to help uplift you and provide opportunities
Now I gotta put the aim on you
Now I have to protect myself from your negative intentions
How your enemies the same, homie
It's strange that the people who are against me are also from our neighborhood
Damn homie
It's disappointing
War shit a thousand rounds with you
I used to engage in dangerous activities and face many threats with you
I'm wrappin' bricks and selling pounds with you
We used to be involved in drug trafficking together
Now I'm on TV
Now I have achieved fame and success in the music industry
Diamonds drippin', shit on Fiji
I have expensive jewelry and live a luxurious lifestyle
Deep inside you wanna be me
You secretly envy my success and wish you were in my position
Federal 3 that shit on repeat
I constantly listen to my own album 'Federal 3', which represents my journey
Reach for my chain, then it's 'free me' (aye)
If you try to steal my jewelry, I will defend myself and it may lead to legal consequences
Feelin' like Yeezy so I need a cape
I feel like Kanye West, a successful and influential figure, so I need a superhero-like protection
Talkin' 'bout Kim or talking to A
Referring to Kim Kardashian or discussing my business with my associates
Blac Chyna on the side of the Wraith
Having Blac Chyna, a well-known celebrity, accompany me in my fancy car
When it come to the bag they know I don't play
When it comes to making money, I am serious and dedicated
Ain't gon' lie
I won't lie
Sometimes I wish I could retire
Occasionally, I desire to retire from the music industry and live a more relaxed life
Wish I ain't have to tote the fire
I wish I didn't have to carry a gun for protection
I wish my name wasn't always in the news
I wish my personal life and controversies weren't constantly in the media
I can't go no where without the tools
I have to carry weapons with me wherever I go for my own safety
If you go against me you gon' lose (lose)
If you oppose me or try to harm me, you will face defeat
Million dollar deals closed every day
I secure lucrative business deals on a regular basis
I barely made it outta school
I had a difficult time graduating from school
Fuck credit, cash rules
I prioritize using cash and don't rely on credit for financial transactions
They like tell Youngsta calm down
People often advise me, Youngsta, to stay calm and avoid conflicts
Put the guns down but I kinda feel him
Although I understand the call to stop using guns, I sympathize with those who resort to violence
You will never understand
You cannot comprehend my experiences and the dangers I've faced
You ain't from the hood, niggas tryin' to kill him
You don't come from the same neighborhood, where people are actively trying to harm me
I'm tryin' to put my youngin' on the chart
I want to help my younger associates achieve success in their music careers
They trying to trick my youngin' out his spot
Others attempt to deceive and exploit my protégé to take his position
You tryin' to cop a Benz off the lot
You aim to buy a brand new Mercedes-Benz from the dealership
I'm tryin' to pull up in my own yacht
I aspire to own and sail my own luxury yacht
I got different dreams, different goals
My aspirations and objectives are distinct from yours
We in different brackets, we got different hoes too
We belong to different social circles and attract different types of women
I don't feel you, I'm supposed to
I don't share your sentiments, even though we are supposed to be from the same background
Spread rumors, that's what hoes do
You are spreading rumors, behaving like a gossip
I was sick and tired, sick and tired of sellin' crack
I reached a point where I was exhausted and fed up with selling drugs
If I have it my way I'm never goin' back
If I have control over my life, I will never return to that lifestyle
I hate a disloyal nigga and a rat
I despise individuals who are unfaithful and betray others
Fell in love with fast money and the strap
I became infatuated with quick money and carrying a gun
Yeah
Yes
I'ma make 'em hate me
I will intentionally make people despise me
Fuck it
I don't care
They already hatin' me
People already have negative feelings towards me
Fuck it
I don't care
I'ma make 'em hate me
I will intentionally make people despise me
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Christopher Gholson, Mario Mims
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
J B
Que Hino!!!!!
Music Xscape
Crazy this is one of the hardest tracks on the album, and it has the least amount of views....#MemphisTN
Walter Frazier A.k.A Paul Weezy
YO 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 YO
Clapz
En Perú suena muy fuerte !!!! ❤
Dozzy Heart
If I was a computer 🖥️ and this was playing n my hard drive, I'd blow up 🔥🔥🔥 because this 💩 dumb lit 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥💯🤍🤍 I CAME A LONG WAY, STARTED FROM THE BOTTOM 🎧🎧🎶🎶🎵🎵💯💯💯
Dozzy Heart
SHAME ON YA, I WAS FINNA PUT A CHAIN ⛓️ ON YA, NOW I GOT PUT A AIM 🎯 ON YA 🎵🎶🎧
D420
Fire 🔥
Charles Lynch
🔥🔥🔥
Fil
Gotti new album is lit
badbitch
BRASIL here, your music is wonderful hahah loved it!