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.
Good Die Young
Yo Gotti Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Countin' money and thinkin' bout the business, yeah
I love my city, yeah, but when I think of Memphis man
I think about them pussy ass niggas, yeah, my enemies
I think about my past, down to my last
Sellin' gas, shootin' dice, fuck around and lost a bag
Jump on I-40 with a 40 in a brown bag
And a black Mac, hit it to the hood, bump it, trap or die
If I don't, if I call my Mexicans, get what I want
If I die my family good forever
Ya niggas gon' be bitches fo' eva
They say the good die young where I'm from (North Memphis)
The good die young where I'm from (Nigga's know where I'm from)
They say them youngins tote guns where I'm from (Say what you want, play how you want)
Runnin' around drums where I'm from ('Cause you know what I'm about to do)
Don't you picture me this way
I see the hate on their face
And na na na na na
I'm prayin' fo' betta days, to try to make it through the day
And na na na na na
Nigga, I made my own way
I came a long long way
I came a long long way
They say the good die young where I'm from
The good die young where I'm from
I know a lotta people didn't believe me, they wanna see me dead
I know they prayin' I'mma die for it cuz they wanna see me lose
Nigga, the shit that happened ova night I really really went through
You don't understand what I had to do, what I been through
What I had to lose
I done came a long way, nigga
I don't know no way nigga
Nobody helped me, I done made my own way nigga
The hate it been real, violence been sealed
Foreign whip to get in, I done cracked the windshield
Now 8G's to fix it, damn, picture me this way
All they eva did was hate
All they eva had was fake
Y'all rich nigga made a way
Y'all rich nigga made a way
They say the good die young where I'm from
The good die young where I'm from
They say them youngins tote guns where I'm from
Runnin' around drums where I'm from
Don't you picture me this way
I see the hate on their face
And na na na na na
I'm prayin' fo' betta days, to try to make it through the day
And na na na na na
Nigga, I made my own way
I came a long long way
I came a long long way
They say the good die young where I'm from
The good die young where I'm from
If I make it to see 21 will I live the long life
Good die young, fuck it round 'em up then
Southside thug life
All we know if spinnin' Benz
Right or wrong, thick or thin
The good always leave though
Hated on 'em, killed them for a kilo
(My uncle told me)
If I don't make it to 18 I'm a zero
I go to jail, this cup of grain ain't fed a repo
You a hatin' ass nigga, I'm hero
I'mma Craig if you thinkin' you a Deebo
Why I plead, God to left me in the dark
Too many women getting found up in park
Went to the club after dark
College athlete murdered
Shot straight through the heart
They say the good die young where I'm from (Boosie Badazz)
The good die young where I'm from
They say them youngins tote guns where I'm from (Nigga tote a 100 where I'm from)
Runnin' around drums where I'm from (Nigga!)
Don't you picture me this way (Hey picture this shit raggedy ass-)
I see the hate on their face
And na na na na na
I'm prayin' fo' betta days, to try to make it through the day
And na na na na na
Nigga, I made my own way
I came a long long way
I came a long long way
They say the good die young where I'm from
The good die young where I'm from
In the song "Good Die Young" by Yo Gotti, the lyrics reflect the artist's thoughts on his environment and the struggles he has faced in his life. He starts by describing his current situation, riding through his city while listening to music and taking drugs. He mentions his love for his city, but also acknowledges the presence of his enemies and the negative experiences he has had with them. Yo Gotti reflects on his past, where he was involved in illegal activities such as selling drugs and gambling, which ultimately led to him losing a significant amount of money. Despite these challenges, he remains resilient and determined to succeed.
The chorus emphasizes the idea that in his neighborhood, North Memphis, the good often die at a young age. He also mentions the prevalence of gun violence among the youth and the constant presence of danger. However, Yo Gotti refuses to let these circumstances define him. He prays for better days and tries to stay positive, acknowledging that he has come a long way and made his own path in life. The song highlights his resilience, the obstacles he has overcome, and his determination to defy the expectations set for him.
Overall, "Good Die Young" is a reflection on the struggles and challenges that Yo Gotti has faced throughout his life. It illustrates the harsh realities of his neighborhood while emphasizing his resilience and determination to succeed despite the odds stacked against him.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm just ridin' through this seat, bumpin' glizzy, poppin' pills
I am casually driving around, listening to music and taking drugs.
Countin' money and thinkin' bout the business, yeah
I am focused on making money and handling my business affairs.
I love my city, yeah, but when I think of Memphis man
I have a strong affection for my hometown, Memphis, but it also reminds me of certain individuals I despise.
I think about them pussy ass niggas, yeah, my enemies
Memphis brings to mind the weak and cowardly people who are my foes.
I think about my past, down to my last
Reflecting on my history, particularly the times when I was financially struggling.
Sellin' gas, shootin' dice, fuck around and lost a bag
Engaging in illegal activities such as selling drugs and gambling, which resulted in a significant loss of money.
Jump on I-40 with a 40 in a brown bag
Taking a journey on Interstate 40 while carrying a 40 caliber weapon concealed in a brown bag.
And a black Mac, hit it to the hood, bump it, trap or die
Carrying a black machine gun and driving into the neighborhood, embracing the street life mentality of hustling or risking death.
If I die from trappin', if I make it rappin'
Whether I perish due to my involvement in illegal activities or succeed as a rapper.
If I don't, if I call my Mexicans, get what I want
If I fail, I will reach out to my Mexican associates who can provide me with whatever I desire.
If I die my family good forever
In the unfortunate event of my death, my family will be financially secure indefinitely.
Ya niggas gon' be bitches fo' eva
The individuals who oppose me will forever be weak and cowardly.
They say the good die young where I'm from (North Memphis)
In my hometown of North Memphis, it is believed that virtuous individuals often meet untimely deaths.
The good die young where I'm from (Nigga's know where I'm from)
This belief about the premature demise of honorable individuals is widely known and acknowledged in my community.
They say them youngins tote guns where I'm from (Say what you want, play how you want)
It is said that the youth in my area carry firearms, and people can say whatever they want or behave as they please.
Runnin' around drums where I'm from ('Cause you know what I'm about to do)
Engaging in dangerous activities involving guns, symbolized by the term 'drums,' because others already know my intentions.
Don't you picture me this way
Do not perceive me solely based on the stereotypes and assumptions associated with where I come from.
I see the hate on their face
I can observe the animosity and resentment directed towards me in their facial expressions.
I'm prayin' fo' betta days, to try to make it through the day
I am hoping for improved circumstances and seeking strength to survive each day's challenges.
Nigga, I made my own way
I have achieved success and independence through my own efforts.
I came a long long way
I have traveled a significant distance both figuratively and literally to reach my current position.
They say the good die young where I'm from
Once again, it is believed that genuine and righteous people often experience premature deaths in my hometown.
I know a lotta people didn't believe me, they wanna see me dead
Numerous individuals doubted my abilities and desired my demise.
I know they prayin' I'mma die for it cuz they wanna see me lose
People genuinely hope that I die because they want me to fail.
Nigga, the shit that happened ova night I really really went through
The events that unfolded overnight were genuinely challenging and impactful for me.
You don't understand what I had to do, what I been through
You cannot comprehend the actions I had to take or the hardships I have faced.
What I had to lose
The significant sacrifices and potential losses I had to confront.
I done came a long way, nigga
I have made remarkable progress and overcome numerous obstacles, my friend.
I don't know no way nigga
I am not familiar with any shortcuts or easy paths to success, my friend.
Nobody helped me, I done made my own way nigga
I received no assistance; I forged my own path to success, my friend.
The hate it been real, violence been sealed
The animosity towards me has been genuine, and the threat of violence has been ever-present.
Foreign whip to get in, I done cracked the windshield
I acquired a luxury car, but unfortunately, I damaged the windshield.
Now 8G's to fix it, damn, picture me this way
It will cost 8,000 dollars to repair, which frustrates me. It is difficult to accept this reality.
All they eva did was hate
The only thing they have consistently done is show hatred towards me.
All they eva had was fake
Everything they presented to me was always inauthentic and insincere.
Y'all rich nigga made a way
You wealthy individuals have created a path for yourselves.
If I make it to see 21 will I live the long life
If I manage to survive until the age of 21, will I be blessed with a long and prosperous life?
Good die young, fuck it round 'em up then
It is commonly believed that good people die young, so we may as well gather them all together.
Southside thug life
Embracing the lifestyle of a tough individual from the Southside.
All we know if spinnin' Benz
Our typical behavior involves driving expensive Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
Right or wrong, thick or thin
Regardless of whether our actions are morally correct or incorrect, we stick together through challenging situations.
The good always leave though
Unfortunately, virtuous individuals tend to depart from this world prematurely.
Hated on 'em, killed them for a kilo
Somebody despised them and took their life in exchange for a kilogram of drugs.
(My uncle told me) If I don't make it to 18 I'm a zero
My uncle warned me that if I do not survive until the age of 18, my life will be deemed insignificant.
I go to jail, this cup of grain ain't fed a repo
If I end up incarcerated, this alcoholic beverage will not prevent the repossession of my property.
You a hatin' ass nigga, I'm hero
You are simply someone who harbors resentment and envy, while I am seen as a heroic figure.
I'mma Craig if you thinkin' you a Deebo
If you mistakenly believe that you are a dominant figure like Deebo, I will become a formidable opponent like Craig.
Why I plead, God to left me in the dark
I question why God has abandoned and left me in a state of uncertainty.
Too many women getting found up in park
An excessive number of women are being discovered injured or dead in the park.
Went to the club after dark
I visited the nightclub during late hours of the night.
College athlete murdered
A student-athlete enrolled in college was tragically killed.
Shot straight through the heart
The individual was fatally shot, with the bullet directly hitting their heart.
Lyrics Β© Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Brandon Michael Henshaw, Erik Komatsu, Mario Mims, Rez Zamor, Samuel Benson, Torrence Hatch
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ginny Poturich
Losing my brother was hard. I love this song!
Jesus Leon
Truly feel this pain loosing a lil bother to the streets. Respect to all trying to conquer this painπͺ
Crystal Mills
Ok
Rodney West
Facts bro I lost my little brother
This shit reql
Don Orias
This song, the message and especially the end is relevant and needed in the times we are struggling to survive as a nation. Salute.
Brandy Petrella
The good do die young.... my dad passed away at the age of 54...R.I.P daddy u are surely MISSED and will NEVER EVER EVER BE FORGOTTEN THAT IS THE TRUTH... the ppl who doesn't deserve SHIT get everything they need and want in life and the good decent ppl who do right in life and make something of themselves end up passing away many many many years to early..
MAKO π₯ DIRECTSALES CUTCO
Preach
Adrian Pearson
keep doing your thing blac youngsta you hitting them bars, haters be too far too hear them
Ant Loud773
Rip to all the legends
Rip mo3
Rip duck
Rip nipsey
Rip von
Rip speaker knockerz
Rip mike miller
Rip juice wrld
Rip aayliah
Rip left eye
AngelTrimz 00
Rip Takeoffπ₯Ί