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 cityโs underground rap scene before going on to become national superstars. Next up to bat is Yo Gotti, M-Townโs 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 Southโs 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. โBeing from the hood things like hustling will come your way,โ says Yo Gotti. โEverybody in my family hustled in some kinda way.โ 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 Gottiโs 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 cityโs 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 magazineโs 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. โIt sold about 40 or 50,000, with no promotions or video,โ says Yo Gotti. โThat record did what it did on its own.โ But as the old saying goes when one door is closed another opened. Gottiโs 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 didnโt do the type of big number heโd hope for youโd 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.
โThe 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. Thatโs why I call my record Back 2 Da Basics.โ
Produced by DJ Thoomp, Mannie Fresh, Carlos Brody and newcomers Street Tunes, Back 2 Da Basics offers fans a gritty, insiderโs view into the real streets of Memphis as seen through the eyes of Yo Gotti. Nowhere is this viewpoint more intense than on โFull Time,โ the amped up lead single โand featured in the MTV Filmsโ Hustle & Flow movie - with a thunderous bass and intoxicating beat that espouses Gottiโs formula to success โhustle full time.
โA lotta cats wanna be a rapper or a street hustler but they donโt wanna put in the time that it takes,โ says Yo Gotti. โThey want the money and the cars and the girls, but they donโt wanna work hard for it. But to be successful at anything you gotta grind for it.โ On the song โMama We Gone Be Alright,โ 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. โMama We Gone Be Alrightโ along with the gripping tune โMy Storyโ emerges as two of the most interesting songs on Back 2 Da Basics. These three titles along with club banging songs like โShortyโ featuring Baby make Back 2 Da Basics one of the best albums of the year.
Four
Yo Gotti Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah
(DJ Meech, lil' bitch)
Ayy, Leo, don't stop me, this off top, part four
Alright, alright, we got it like ninety bars
Ayy, used to be the fed, now the paparazzi snappin'
Ayy, everybody smoking on somebody, boy, quit cappin'
Ask my last bitch, what happened?
Shoutout my last bitch, what's happenin'?
Real nigga, never bitter, what's pillow talk, I never seen a pillow
Bitch told me Richard Mille or bye-bye, I'ma miss her
FN hold baby missiles, it go through your bone gristle
High security, still tote the pistol
I don't rely on nan' nigga
Let's have some fun with this shit (I am)
I'ma slow down the flow (okay)
You know this CM10, this "Shoot Off" number four ("Shoot Off" number four)
You see that Phantom and that Cullinan and that Wraith and the Ghost
I fuck your bitch on a plane, double back for the throat
I'm investing in crypto
I be textin' in street code
Got more watches than jewelers (than jewelers)
Want my bitches in plurals
That's more than one a time
If she ain't with it, it's fine
She know I'm busy as fuck, that's my favorite line (shoot off)
When the beat breakdown, make me feel like I'm breakin' down them pounds
And my sister Tash' house, in the kitchen with that newspaper on the ground (keep going)
When them bricks came in, me and Nero had Ziplocs in them Ziplocs
Standin' over that stove, making that pot go do the beatbox (go, go)
Joe Biden with the big rocks, fifty pointers in the Rollie
Trackhawk and a Redeye, none of my shit stolen
Shirt off in that SL, might go luxury, uh-huh
Know I keep it on me so don't fuck with me, uh-huh
Ayy, I used to ride a Ford now I'm in the Forbes
I used to step on woodgrain now it's marble floors
I miss the Honda Accord, used to have a bitch in it with the bricks in it
Rental trucks tinted with the sticks in it, yeah, I been spinnin' (twenty-four left)
Yeah, I been winnin', big Gotti been gettin' it
No feelings, drug dealin', turned that shit to a business
Solo on all my mission, want no witness or codefendants
Never put no hoes in the business
No cap, no kiddin', I take this shit to the graveyard
I got a million in that Goyard
I made a half a million, ask my grandma, yeah, I trap, boomin'
I'm eatin' noodles serving consumers
Locked in with the streets, never move off rumors
Facts only
This that Cocaine Muzik, yeah, I'm right back on it (almost there)
Gave my nigga a hundred K, turned his back on me
Ain't no love in these streets, ain't no loyalty
How opps beefing with me but they avoiding me
(Alright, just make sure I get my credit)
In "Shoot Off Part 4," Yo Gotti reflects on his past experiences and current success. He starts by acknowledging how he used to be a target for law enforcement, but now he attracts attention from the paparazzi. He dismisses those who claim to be smoking someone, calling them out for lying. Yo Gotti also gives a shoutout to producer Tay Keith, praising his talent. He mentions his past relationship and implies that his former partner may have left because she wanted expensive gifts like a Richard Mille watch. He boasts about his weapons and security measures. The lyrics also mention Yo Gotti's enjoyment of texting in street code and his investment in cryptocurrency. He talks about his abundance of watches and desires to have multiple women at once. Additionally, he reflects on his drug-dealing past, including cooking drugs with his friend Nero and making huge profits. Yo Gotti averts any attachment to emotions in his criminal endeavors, emphasizing that he operates in a businesslike manner. He states that his success has enabled him to upgrade from a Honda Accord to a luxurious lifestyle with marble floors. The lyrics end with Yo Gotti expressing his lack of trust in others and the street code of silence he adheres to.
Line by Line Meaning
(Tay Keith, fuck these niggas up)
Starting the song off with a bang, bringing energy and aggression to the track.
Ayy, used to be the fed, now the paparazzi snappin'
I transitioned from being a criminal to gaining fame, and now the media is constantly taking pictures of me.
Ayy, everybody smoking on somebody, boy, quit cappin'
Everyone claims to be involved in illegal activities, but they're just lying, trying to sound tough.
Ayy, somebody tell Tay Keith he a fool, this bitch slappin'
Acknowledging the incredible production skills of Tay Keith and how the beat is hitting hard.
Ask my last bitch, what happened?
Referring to a past relationship and questioning what went wrong.
Shoutout my last bitch, what's happenin'?
Giving a shoutout to the ex-girlfriend, wondering what she's up to now.
Real nigga, never bitter, what's pillow talk, I never seen a pillow
As a real and authentic person, I don't participate in gossip or intimate conversations.
Bitch told me Richard Mille or bye-bye, I'ma miss her
My girlfriend gave me an ultimatum โ buy her an expensive watch or she'll leave me โ and now I'm reminiscing about her.
FN hold baby missiles, it go through your bone gristle
The FN firearm I possess has powerful bullets that can penetrate your body.
High security, still tote the pistol
Despite increased security measures, I still carry a gun for my own protection.
I don't rely on nan' nigga
I am self-reliant and don't depend on anyone else.
Let's have some fun with this shit (I am)
Let's enjoy and have a good time with this song and the music.
I'ma slow down the flow (okay)
I'm going to reduce my rhyming speed and deliver a slower flow.
You know this CM10, this 'Shoot Off' number four ('Shoot Off' number four)
This is the tenth installment of Cocaine Muzik, and this specific track is the fourth installment of the 'Shoot Off' series.
You see that Phantom and that Cullinan and that Wraith and the Ghost
I proudly showcase my luxury cars, including a Phantom, Cullinan, Wraith, and Ghost model.
I fuck your bitch on a plane, double back for the throat
I engage in sexual activities with your girlfriend while traveling on a plane, then return for oral sex.
I'm investing in crypto
I'm putting my money into cryptocurrency investments.
I be textin' in street code
I communicate using coded language and slang commonly used in the streets.
Got more watches than jewelers (than jewelers)
I own a significant number of watches, even more than professional jewelers.
Want my bitches in plurals
I desire to have multiple women in my life, not just one.
That's more than one a time
I want to be involved with multiple women simultaneously.
If she ain't with it, it's fine
If a woman isn't interested in being part of a polygamous relationship, that's okay with me.
She know I'm busy as fuck, that's my favorite line (shoot off)
I often use the excuse of being extremely busy to avoid commitment or further obligations to women.
When the beat breakdown, make me feel like I'm breakin' down them pounds
When the instrumental breaks down, it gives me a feeling similar to when I'm breaking down large quantities of drugs for distribution.
And my sister Tash' house, in the kitchen with that newspaper on the ground (keep going)
I recall moments of being at my sister's house, in the kitchen preparing drugs, with newspapers spread out on the floor for easy clean-up.
When them bricks came in, me and Nero had Ziplocs in them Ziplocs
When we received shipments of drugs, me and my partner Nero packaged them in multiple layers of Ziploc bags for maximum security.
Standin' over that stove, making that pot go do the beatbox (go, go)
As I cook drugs over the stovetop, the sound of the boiling pot resembles the beatbox rhythm, adding to the musical atmosphere.
Joe Biden with the big rocks, fifty pointers in the Rollie
Comparing my large diamond jewelry to the big rocks owned by President Joe Biden, specifically highlighting 50-point diamonds in my Rolex watch.
Trackhawk and a Redeye, none of my shit stolen
I own a Jeep Trackhawk and a Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye, both acquired through legal means.
Shirt off in that SL, might go luxury, uh-huh
I enjoy driving my Mercedes-Benz SL with the top down, potentially cruising with a luxurious lifestyle.
Know I keep it on me so don't fuck with me, uh-huh
I always carry a weapon for self-defense, so it's advisable not to mess with me.
Ayy, I used to ride a Ford now I'm in the Forbes
I transitioned from driving a Ford vehicle to being recognized by Forbes for my financial success and achievements.
I used to step on woodgrain now it's marble floors
In the past, I walked on wooden floors, but now I enjoy the luxury of marble flooring.
I miss the Honda Accord, used to have a bitch in it with the bricks in it
I reminisce about the old days when I had a Honda Accord, and there was a woman with me, involved in our drug dealing operations.
Rental trucks tinted with the sticks in it, yeah, I been spinnin' (twenty-four left)
I used to rent trucks and tint the windows to hide illegal weapons inside, and I've been successfully making profit and living a lavish lifestyle (referring to spinning rims on cars).
Yeah, I been winnin', big Gotti been gettin' it
I've been consistently winning and experiencing success, as the renowned Yo Gotti.
No feelings, drug dealin', turned that shit to a business
I approach drug dealing without emotional attachment, treating it as a legitimate business venture.
Solo on all my mission, want no witness or codefendants
I prefer to handle all my criminal activities alone, avoiding any witnesses or co-conspirators.
Never put no hoes in the business
I never involve women in my illegal affairs or mix personal relationships with criminal activities.
No cap, no kiddin', I take this shit to the graveyard
I speak with complete honesty and seriousness, taking my lifestyle and actions to the grave.
I got a million in that Goyard
I possess one million dollars stored in my Goyard bag, a luxurious brand synonymous with wealth.
I made a half a million, ask my grandma, yeah, I trap, boomin'
By engaging in illegal activities, I generated earnings of five hundred thousand dollars, and my grandmother can attest to my success.
I'm eatin' noodles serving consumers
While I enjoy a humble meal of noodles, I am still actively serving and satisfying my drug-consumer clientele.
Locked in with the streets, never move off rumors
I am deeply connected to the streets and rely on firsthand information rather than base decisions on rumors or hearsay.
Facts only
I only speak and acknowledge the truth, dealing with reality rather than fiction.
This that Cocaine Muzik, yeah, I'm right back on it (almost there)
This song belongs to the Cocaine Muzik series, reflecting my return to the genre and style I am known for.
Gave my nigga a hundred K, turned his back on me
I generously gave my friend a hundred thousand dollars, but in return, he betrayed me and showed disloyalty.
Ain't no love in these streets, ain't no loyalty
The streets are devoid of love and loyalty โ it's a harsh reality where people are driven by personal gain and betrayal.
How opps beefing with me but they avoiding me
It's ironic how my enemies engage in conflicts with me but choose to avoid direct confrontation.
(Alright, just make sure I get my credit)
Acknowledging the importance of receiving proper credit and recognition for his work.
Lyrics ยฉ Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Mario Mims, Leo Goff, Brytavious Chambers
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jayyjones2285
This was the era when music was music no cap
@jaydab
FACTSโผ๏ธ I miss this era...
@rodneyrice-qy3yi
It was legendary back den
@TONE60643
Free KK ๐๐ผโก๏ธ๐ฑ
@ajstraughter8568
๐๐๐๐
@keyanabush3740
For yโall age it wasโฆno jabs I still bump this
@NewportBox100s
This shit used to set the club off here in the South ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ
@rasannadubose3255
I donโt care what anyone says this is still a banger
@InglewoodFamily77
Facts๐ฏ
@twizzy585ful
2021 still ๐ฅ