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.
Ghetto America
Yo Gotti Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ah-ah, oh
Oh, oh, oh (Oh)
Ayy, yeah (Hey, hey)
I'm from the trenches where it's you and me
But I show love to all my brothers like I'm Huey P
Ain't no guidance, OG ain't worried 'bout truancy
Traumatized, my whole city been through cruelty
Send them shots, somebody died, it happens usually
On the block, them guys don't tolerate no foolery
Watch my young nigga spend them racks on jewelry (Yeah)
Young king, you just gotta stay focused
On the grind, gotta get it, ain't no feelin' hopeless
I done been through what you been through, why you mopin'?
Had to take that risk and put my wrist in motion
I was young and reckless, I know that I'm older
Stayed out late, so I came home with moms and Pepsi Cola
Stayed out late 'cause I was workin', whippin' up the cola
And I pray 'cause I got angels watchin' over shoulders
Baby, what's the hold up? I can't go for hold up
I can't trust too many bitches, they got plenty motors
You niggas was penny pinchin', they won't say they stole none'
I came from the city, ain't no pity, cross you over
Death before dishonor, that's just how I live
I don't mean no harm, but for my brothers, I'll kill
Got it from the bottom, grinded up for real
Remember we was starvin', grindin' for the meals
I'm from the trenches where it's you and me
But I show love to all my brothers like I'm Huey P
Ain't no guidance, OG ain't worried 'bout truancy
Shorty got caught up on that side, they beat him brutally
Traumatized, my whole city been through cruelty
Send them shots, somebody died, it happens usually
On the block, them guys don't tolerate no foolery
Watch my young nigga spend them racks on jewelry (Yeah)
See, my cousin, he got laced, he bought weed without the seal
And I'm steady losin' my mind, don't know if it's the demons or the pills
I was in the county jail when Sosa 'nem had signed a deal
I'ma self-defend myself like it was an accident I killed
See, my brother Will on trial, boy, niggas left him hangin'
They ain't even go to trial for him, his homie wrote a statement
If I ain't never signed to Def Jam, I told Gotti I'll sign to him
Shout out to the city, they gon' envy like I'm Calboy
I don't know what you heard 'bout me
Don't believe the media, nigga, you know you should be worried 'bout me
Police snatched me up, but they know they ain't get a word out me
Pillow talkin' to these hoes, why you ask a girl 'bout me? Mmh
Yeah, you got some nerves 'bout it
You comin' 'round to take some pics and get some syrup out me
Neighborhood hero
I done lost an oldhead who died over CeeLo
And my life a VEVO, yeah
I'm from the trenches where it's you and me
But I show love to all my brothers like I'm Huey P
Ain't no guidance, OG ain't worried 'bout truancy
Shorty got caught up on that side, they beat him brutally (Yeah)
Traumatized, my whole city been through cruelty (Yeah)
Send them shots, somebody died, it happens usually (Rrr)
On the block, them guys won't tolerate no foolery (For real)
Watch my young nigga spend them racks on jewelry (Real, look, look)
I just lost one of my dogs (Damn), they post it on a blog (For real?)
The case still open, social media the laws (Them niggas trippin')
I was re-in' up when these niggas was doin' fraud (Yeah)
Niggas scammin', I was grammin', givin' packs to my dawgs (Facts)
Check my history, nigga, I don't do battle rappin' (At all)
I'm like a hundred mil' up when I get tired of rappin' (I'm tall)
All time high, you should be tired of cappin'
When you put in some work, I don't wanna know what happened (Shh)
I'm really from the trenches, pull the Lam' in it (Skrrt)
Nigga, you ain't from that hood, you ain't sold a gram in it (Hah)
Your grandma live there, so you probably came and visit
Auntie never let you leave the house, that's a big difference (We ain't the same, homie)
Niggas claimin' shit that they won't die for (How?)
If you so real like you say, then what you lyin' for? (How?)
Never treat your main bitch worse than your side ho (Never)
And I can see a snake with a blindfold (Sneakin')
I'm from the trenches where it's you and me
But I show love to all my brothers like I'm Huey P
Ain't no guidance, OG ain't worried 'bout truancy
Shorty got caught up on that side, they beat him brutally
Traumatized, my whole city been through cruelty
Send them shots, somebody died, it happens usually
On the block, them guys don't tolerate no foolery
Watch my young nigga spend them racks on jewelry (Yeah)
Yeah
Ayy, look, Calboy
I might pull up in the Chi', nigga
With them Rolls trucks back to back, you hear me? Yeah
And jumpin' in with them drakes, nigga, look how we movin'
Yeah, we rich gangsters, nigga, facts
We gon' slide at 'em raw, rented that shit, nigga
Wreck it, jump out, leave it there
Yeah, that's how we movin'
On that rich gangster shit, nigga
You know what I mean? Hah
Frrt, beep
The lyrics of Yo Gotti's song "Ghetto America" depict the harsh realities of growing up in the trenches, where survival and brotherhood are paramount. The lyrics convey a sense of resilience and determination to overcome the challenges faced in this environment. Yo Gotti compares himself to Huey P. Newton, the co-founder of the Black Panther Party, highlighting his commitment to showing love and support to his fellow brothers.
The lyrics also touch on the lack of guidance and the brutal consequences of life in the streets. The reference to someone being beaten brutally indicates the violence that is all too common in the singer's city. The lyrics suggest that death is a usual occurrence and that foolery or any form of disrespect is not tolerated by those who control the blocks.
The second verse opens with a personal story of loss and the impact of drug use. The lyrics describe being in jail while others around him were achieving success in their music careers. The singer acknowledges his willingness to defend himself when necessary and speaks of envy and pillow talk, hinting at the constantly shifting dynamics and betrayals within his circle.
Overall, "Ghetto America" paints a vivid picture of the struggles, traumas, and survival instincts that exist in the singer's community. It emphasizes the importance of brotherhood, resilience, and staying focused on achieving success despite the challenges.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm from the trenches where it's you and me
I come from a rough neighborhood where we have to stick together and look out for each other
But I show love to all my brothers like I'm Huey P
I treat all my fellow black men with love and respect, just like Huey P Newton did
Ain't no guidance, OG ain't worried 'bout truancy
There's no one here to guide us, the older generation isn't concerned about our education
Shorty got caught up on that side, they beat him brutally
A young kid got caught up in some trouble and was violently beaten by the other side
Traumatized, my whole city been through cruelty
We've all experienced trauma and cruelty in this city
Send them shots, somebody died, it happens usually
Gunshots are fired and people die on a regular basis here
On the block, them guys don't tolerate no foolery
In this neighborhood, we don't tolerate any nonsense or foolishness
Watch my young nigga spend them racks on jewelry
I see my young friend spending a lot of money on jewelry
Young king, you just gotta stay focused
Young man, you need to stay determined and focused on your goals
On the grind, gotta get it, ain't no feelin' hopeless
You need to work hard and stay motivated, there's no room for feeling hopeless
I done been through what you been through, why you mopin'?
I've experienced the same struggles as you, so why are you feeling down?
Had to take that risk and put my wrist in motion
I had to take a chance and put myself out there
I was young and reckless, I know that I'm older
When I was young, I made careless decisions, but now I'm older and wiser
Stayed out late, so I came home with moms and Pepsi Cola
I used to stay out late, so my mom would give me a hard time and threaten me with a Pepsi Cola
And I pray 'cause I got angels watchin' over shoulders
I pray because I believe I have guardian angels watching over me
Death before dishonor, that's just how I live
I would rather die than bring shame to myself or my loved ones
I don't mean no harm, but for my brothers, I'll kill
I don't have any ill intentions, but I'm prepared to kill to protect my fellow black men
Got it from the bottom, grinded up for real
I started from the bottom and worked my way up through hard work and determination
Remember we was starvin', grindin' for the meals
We used to be hungry, working tirelessly to provide for ourselves
See, my cousin, he got laced, he bought weed without the seal
My cousin got tricked, he bought marijuana that wasn't properly sealed
And I'm steady losin' my mind, don't know if it's the demons or the pills
I'm going crazy and I don't know if it's because of my inner demons or the drugs I'm taking
I was in the county jail when Sosa 'nem had signed a deal
I was locked up in jail when Chief Keef and his crew signed a record deal
I'ma self-defend myself like it was an accident I killed
If someone comes after me, I will defend myself as if it was an unintentional act of killing
See, my brother Will on trial, boy, niggas left him hangin'
My brother Will is facing a trial and his friends abandoned him
They ain't even go to trial for him, his homie wrote a statement
They didn't even go to trial because his friend betrayed him by giving a statement
If I ain't never signed to Def Jam, I told Gotti I'll sign to him
If I didn't sign with a major record label, I would have signed with Yo Gotti
Shout out to the city, they gon' envy like I'm Calboy
I give a shout out to my city, even though they envy me like they do Calboy
I don't know what you heard 'bout me
I don't know what rumors or gossip you've heard about me
Don't believe the media, nigga, you know you should be worried 'bout me
Don't believe everything the media says, you should be concerned about me
Police snatched me up, but they know they ain't get a word out me
The police arrested me, but they couldn't get any information out of me
Pillow talkin' to these hoes, why you ask a girl 'bout me? Mmh
Why are you gossiping and asking girls about me?
Yeah, you got some nerves 'bout it
You have a lot of nerve when it comes to this
You comin' 'round to take some pics and get some syrup out me
You're only coming around to take pictures and get some money from me
I just lost one of my dogs (Damn), they post it on a blog (For real?)
I recently lost a close friend and it was shared on a gossip blog
The case still open, social media the laws (Them niggas trippin')
The legal case is still ongoing and social media is influencing public opinion
I was re-in' up when these niggas was doin' fraud (Yeah)
I was making money legitimately while these guys were committing fraud
Niggas scammin', I was grammin', givin' packs to my dawgs (Facts)
While these guys were scamming people, I was selling drugs to support my friends
Check my history, nigga, I don't do battle rappin' (At all)
Look at my background, I'm not known for participating in rap battles
I'm like a hundred mil' up when I get tired of rappin' (I'm tall)
I already have a hundred million dollars, so I don't need to rap anymore
All time high, you should be tired of cappin'
I'm at an all-time high, you should stop lying and pretending
When you put in some work, I don't wanna know what happened (Shh)
When you do something illegal, I don't want to be informed or involved
I'm really from the trenches, pull the Lam' in it (Skrrt)
I truly come from the rough streets, driving a Lamborghini in them
Nigga, you ain't from that hood, you ain't sold a gram in it (Hah)
You're not from my neighborhood, you haven't sold drugs in there
Your grandma live there, so you probably came and visited
Your grandma lives there, so you probably just came to visit
Auntie never let you leave the house, that's a big difference (We ain't the same, homie)
Your aunt never let you leave the house, that's a major difference between us
Niggas claimin' shit that they won't die for (How?)
These guys claim to be involved in dangerous activities that they wouldn't actually risk their lives for
If you so real like you say, then what you lyin' for? (How?)
If you're really as genuine as you claim to be, then why are you lying?
Never treat your main bitch worse than your side ho (Never)
Never treat your loyal girlfriend worse than your side chick
And I can see a snake with a blindfold (Sneakin')
I can easily recognize a deceitful person, even if they try to hide it
Yeah, we rich gangsters, nigga, facts
Yeah, we may be wealthy, but we're still street gangsters
We gon' slide at 'em raw, rented that shit, nigga Wreck it, jump out, leave it there
We're going to attack them without a plan, using a rented vehicle, wrecking it and leaving it behind
Yeah, that's how we movin' On that rich gangster shit, nigga
Yeah, that's the way we operate, living that luxurious gangster lifestyle
You know what I mean? Hah Frrt, beep
You understand what I'm saying? Hah, that's just me making a sound effect
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Calvin Woods, Durk Banks, Mario Mims
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Honey Badger Truckin
This shit beat in the trunk
Mr Charismatic
This the song that made me be a zilla fan
Jay Smith
on my playlist,💯🔥
J Blizzy
Love this shittt
Maria D Ramirez
Still here at 2019 ❤
Matthew Delfin
Yo Gotti for office soon!!
Malik Hoard
I fucks with this the long way
big jones boys
WORK but I dont punch no clock 🎶🎶🎶💯💯💯✔
Sydni Fortune
❤😍
Pippin U-Down Coleman Jr #LoveMyBabies #ForLife
Real shit gotti