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 cityβs underground rap scene before going on to become national superstars. Next up to bat is Yo Gotti, M-Townβs 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 Southβs 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. βBeing from the hood things like hustling will come your way,β says Yo Gotti. βEverybody in my family hustled in some kinda way.β 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 Gottiβs 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 cityβs 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 magazineβs 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. βIt sold about 40 or 50,000, with no promotions or video,β says Yo Gotti. βThat record did what it did on its own.β But as the old saying goes when one door is closed another opened. Gottiβs 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 didnβt do the type of big number heβd hope for youβd 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.
βThe 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. Thatβs why I call my record Back 2 Da Basics.β
Produced by DJ Thoomp, Mannie Fresh, Carlos Brody and newcomers Street Tunes, Back 2 Da Basics offers fans a gritty, insiderβs view into the real streets of Memphis as seen through the eyes of Yo Gotti. Nowhere is this viewpoint more intense than on βFull Time,β the amped up lead single βand featured in the MTV Filmsβ Hustle & Flow movie - with a thunderous bass and intoxicating beat that espouses Gottiβs formula to success βhustle full time.
βA lotta cats wanna be a rapper or a street hustler but they donβt wanna put in the time that it takes,β says Yo Gotti. βThey want the money and the cars and the girls, but they donβt wanna work hard for it. But to be successful at anything you gotta grind for it.β On the song βMama We Gone Be Alright,β 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. βMama We Gone Be Alrightβ along with the gripping tune βMy Storyβ emerges as two of the most interesting songs on Back 2 Da Basics. These three titles along with club banging songs like βShortyβ featuring Baby make Back 2 Da Basics one of the best albums of the year.
Giving Back
Yo Gotti Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah
(I just want to make you my own)
I forever love my city
House on a riverside, ridin' down Poplar
Niggas ain't seeing us (at all), 'less they got binoculars
I just left Prive went to Love, I'm still poppin' out
Gotti in the city, lowkey, still poppin' out
Bulletproof and AR, and nigga, I'll walk you down
Got her drinkin' Ace of Spades, never drink you down
All my niggas talk me up and they'll never talk me down
Love for the Northside, yeah, I'm sittin' courtside
Damon with the sport ties, I don't need no allies
CMG the mafia and we do not franchise
We are not into saving you hoes, go get baptized
We don't do the back and forth, you niggas already know it
I probably done robbed your brother, I probably done shot your boys
I flew out your baby mama
I was in her DM, I don't got her number
Coldhearted nigga, but I sponsor the hot girl summer
(I just want to make you my own)
See, that's what I told her, even though I was lying to her
(I just want to make you my own)
You know these hoes believe anything
I know I'm a rich nigga, bitches wanna charge me
I'ma play the game whether this shit make my heart beat
They like, "You a gentleman, didn't know you was so sweet"
I just might send the bitch flowers for like six weeks
You know how we play (how?), put her on a PJ
She never flew private
She doing shit with me in public she wouldn't even do private
I got her wide open, she don't even know how to hide it
Let's go have a foursome, she said she ain't never tried it
I'ma post her booty, she be doing lashes
Head like she got no teeth, she should teach classes
Like me 'cause I'm so street, nah, I ain't cashin' out
She know I ain't no sucker and I'ma fuck her 'til she passin' out
She got a real one, she be braggin' 'bout
You bought her a bag, she don't respect you, I call that crashin' out
Took a lil' bitch out the city, called it givin' back
A Memphis bitch in Calabasas, she don't know how to act
(I just want to make you my own)
See, that's what I told her, even though I was lying to her
(I just want to make you my own)
You know these hoes believe anything
In the song "Giving Back" by Yo Gotti, the lyrics portray a narrative about the artist's lifestyle and relationships with women. The opening verse describes Yo Gotti's pride and love for his city, with references to specific locations and his prominence within the local scene. He emphasizes his presence and stature by mentioning his visits to popular establishments and his affiliation with the CMG (Cocaine Muzik Group) recording label.
The lyrics also delve into Yo Gotti's interactions with women, showcasing his player persona. He highlights his seductive abilities and the power he holds over women who fall for his charm. Despite knowing that he is not being genuine with his intentions, he admits that these women believe anything he tells them. He boasts about his financial status, noting how women try to take advantage of him by charging for their companionship. However, he believes in playing the game, even if it doesn't align with his emotions. The lyrics touch on his willingness to engage in casual relationships and explore sexual experiences with multiple partners.
Overall, "Giving Back" presents Yo Gotti as a confident and manipulative figure who enjoys the perks of his success and uses his charm to navigate his relationships with women.
Line by Line Meaning
House on a riverside, ridin' down Poplar
I have a luxurious home by the river and I drive along Poplar street
Niggas ain't seeing us (at all), 'less they got binoculars
People can't notice us unless they use binoculars
I just left Prive went to Love, I'm still poppin' out
I recently left a club called Prive and now I'm attending another popular club called Love
"Gotti left the city," I'm like what the fuck you talkin' 'bout?
When someone says I left the city, I have no clue what they're talking about
Gotti in the city, lowkey, still poppin' out
Even though I'm in the city discreetly, I'm still making appearances
Bulletproof and AR, and nigga, I'll walk you down
I have a bulletproof vehicle and a high-powered rifle, and I am willing to confront and intimidate anyone
Got her drinkin' Ace of Spades, never drink you down
I have her drinking expensive champagne but I would never waste my time with you
All my niggas talk me up and they'll never talk me down
My friends always speak highly of me and never criticize me
Love for the Northside, yeah, I'm sittin' courtside
I have great affection for the Northside and I have VIP seats at basketball games
Damon with the sport ties, I don't need no allies
I have connections with Damon, who is influential in the sports industry, so I don't require any alliances
CMG the mafia and we do not franchise
My music label CMG is like a powerful mafia and we don't enter into any franchise agreements
We are not into saving you hoes, go get baptized
We have no interest in helping or rescuing promiscuous women, they should seek spiritual cleansing instead
We don't do the back and forth, you niggas already know it
We don't engage in pointless arguments or discussions, everyone is aware of this
I probably done robbed your brother, I probably done shot your boys
It's likely that I have stolen from your sibling or harmed your friends
I flew out your baby mama
I was in her DM, I don't got her number
I paid for your child's mother to travel and I communicated with her through direct messages, not having her phone number
Coldhearted nigga, but I sponsor the hot girl summer
I may be emotionally disconnected, but I financially support the lifestyle of attractive and desirable women
I know I'm a rich nigga, bitches wanna charge me
I am aware that as a wealthy individual, women want to exploit me for money
I'ma play the game whether this shit make my heart beat
I will continue to participate in this lifestyle, even if it doesn't bring me true happiness
They like, "You a gentleman, didn't know you was so sweet"
People are surprised to discover that I can be kind and polite
I just might send the bitch flowers for like six weeks
I am considering sending the woman flowers consistently for a prolonged period
You know how we play (how?), put her on a PJ
You are familiar with our lifestyle, we put her on a private jet
She never flew private
She has never experienced flying privately before
She doing shit with me in public she wouldn't even do private
She engages in public activities with me that she refuses to do in private
I got her wide open, she don't even know how to hide it
I have her completely infatuated and she can't conceal her emotions
Let's go have a foursome, she said she ain't never tried it
I suggested having a sexual encounter with four participants, and she admitted to never having experienced it before
I'ma post her booty, she be doing lashes
I will share pictures of her buttocks on social media, and she is skilled in applying false eyelashes
Head like she got no teeth, she should teach classes
She gives exceptional oral sex, as if she has no teeth, and she should give lessons to others
Like me 'cause I'm so street, nah, I ain't cashin' out
She is attracted to me because of my street credibility, and I am not spending lavishly
She know I ain't no sucker and I'ma fuck her 'til she passin' out
She understands that I am not weak and I will have sex with her until she exhausts herself
She got a real one, she be braggin' 'bout
She has a genuine partner and she boasts about it
You bought her a bag, she don't respect you, I call that crashin' out
Even though you purchased a designer bag for her, she doesn't value your worth. I consider that a failure
Took a lil' bitch out the city, called it givin' back
I brought a young woman out of her hometown, and I referred to it as giving back
A Memphis bitch in Calabasas, she don't know how to act
A woman from Memphis is now in Calabasas, and she behaves in an uncivilized manner
See, that's what I told her, even though I was lying to her
That's the story I fed her, despite the fact that it wasn't true
You know these hoes believe anything
These promiscuous women tend to believe anything they are told
Lyrics Β© Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Mario Mims, Salomon Nicholas Naar, Julian Bohorquez, Brian White
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
DropTopStunna
Memphis stand up π‴οΈ
Dee Ward
@407donkridnFOODCRITIC Thats for sure...WestTennessee Checkin In...That boy ain't foolin real onez...He aint givin a dam thang...Pac/Biggie
Free Game
https://youtu.be/tDgoTwn90ds
Foreva Faded
@407donkridnFOODCRITIC But you here though ? Why
Dwight Pickens
πππ #Northside #northmemphis
Rose Mo
Stand up for genocide? Lol stfd
Avalon
Damn Gotti did it again. That boy snapped & ion care what nobody got to say bcuz this song was the truthβ¦ I know he got his share of haters but honestly, I donβt think Yo Gotti had nothing to do with Young Dolphβs murder. I could be wrong but I seriously doubt it they would have had lawyers the same day they were arrested if it was Gottiβs work.
πΈBabedollπΈ
Gotti should have been giving back the whole time he been out here in my opinion π
cari murel
He always have gave back
Brian Bonner
Yo Gotti man we got love for you in Detroit man much love to you my n** you a real one shout out to CMG shout out to yo Gotti man this song a classic right here I'm riding on the freeway with to this all summer