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.
H.O.E.
Yo Gotti Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah
Ay, we pull up like
No Virgil
White on white, white-white, not Off-White, look
Oh, I'm rich rich (rich), shawty thick thick (thick)
We fuck her friend together (yeah), that's my bitch bitch (bitch)
And she a thot-thot (thotiana), you with the shit shit (ugh)
Oh, she a ho ho (a ho), fucked the bro bros (my bro)
She a secret secret (why?), that's on the low low (the low)
I ain't trickin' at all, I ain't spendin' no dough (none)
Won't catch me on no blogs, ain't linked to no hoes (I'm low low)
So, you gangster gangster (ain't it?), you applyin' pressure (pressure)
She a bitch, ain't it? (Ho), she too extra extra (extra)
She just went viral, showed the world your text messages (damn)
You had to block the ho 'cause she messy messy
I'm a ho, I know I'm a ho (I am)
But don't you call me that, lil' nigga, that shit come with the smoke
I'm a ho, got bitches galore
How many Instagram models I done fucked on before?
I lost count, I don't even know
But if you seen me like her pic, I probably fucked her before
I'm a ho, I know I'm a ho
But don't you call me that, lil' nigga, that shit come with the smoke
Oh, you a hustler hustler (I am)
Take care your family and your kids, and your jewelry custom
I beat it up, she wipe me down, then we cuddle cuddle
Her ex a real buster (he lame)
Her friend a real swiper (swiper)
My bitch a real boss (boss)
Your ho ain't nothin' like her (at all)
Yeah, I like her, like her, like her (I like her)
Nigga fuck around and make me wife her, wife her, wife her (hold up)
I'm Mr. Slide-in-the-DM (slide), fly and go and see 'em (fly)
Work her out like a trainer, but this not a gym
Oh, she slick slick (she slick), she with the shit shit (she with the shit)
You committed to her (committed), that's your bitch bitch (your bitch)
We got five minutes, I'ma hit it quick quick (quick)
Once I slide in her, I be like, "Eh-eh" (eh)
Yeah, that drip drip (that drip)
You put stamps on her passport, y'all took trip trips (that trip)
Come off the hip, you get flipped, that's off the rip rip (the rip)
Oh, he got shot in the leg, but you got killed killed (dead)
Your crew keep talkin' that shit, boy, y'all a trip trip
I'm a ho, I know I'm a ho (I am)
But don't you call me that, lil' nigga, that shit come with the smoke
I'm a ho, got bitches galore
How many Instagram models I done fucked on before?
I lost count, I don't even know
But if you seen me like her pic, I probably fucked her before
I'm a ho, I know I'm a ho
But don't you call me that, lil' nigga, that shit come with the smoke
I'ma go, you know I'ma go (I am)
I can't commit myself to none of these hoes
I tell my woes who sellin' my dope
If you get caught, please don't tell on me, bro
This the code, we live by the code
Get money, stay fly, don't trick on no hoes
This the code, we live by the code
Why you hard on your niggas but you soft on a ho?
I'm a ho, I know I'm a ho (I am)
I'ma go, you know I'ma go
I'm a ho, I know I'm a ho
I'ma go, you know I'ma go
The lyrics to Yo Gotti's song "H.O.E." reflect on the unapologetic and confident nature of the artist's lifestyle, particularly in regards to his relationships with women. In the first verse, Yo Gotti emphasizes his wealth and the attractiveness of his female companion. He acknowledges the risks involved in engaging with promiscuous women but embraces it nonetheless. He also highlights the importance of discretion and maintaining a low profile in his personal life, staying away from any unnecessary drama or public attention.
In the chorus, Yo Gotti embraces his reputation as a "ho" but demands respect from others. He acknowledges his numerous sexual encounters with Instagram models and revels in his own promiscuity. However, he asserts that being called a "ho" should not be taken lightly, as it comes with certain consequences and confrontations.
The second verse continues with Yo Gotti boasting about his sexual prowess and alpha male status. He contrasts his own accomplishments and ability to take care of his family with the weaknesses and ineptitude of others. He expresses his preference for a particular woman, considering the possibility of committing to her, but ultimately emphasizes his reluctance to settle down due to his own lifestyle choices.
In the final chorus, Yo Gotti doubles down on his self-awareness as a "ho." He reinforces the idea that he will continue to engage in promiscuous behavior and maintains a strong loyalty to his fellow hustlers who understand and live by the same code. The lyrics convey a sense of pride in his lifestyle and defiance against societal expectations.
Overall, the lyrics of "H.O.E." showcase Yo Gotti's braggadocious and unfiltered approach to his relationships, balancing both his confident persona and his commitment to his fellow hustlers.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah
Expressing agreement or acknowledgment.
Ay, we pull up like
We arrive in a confident and assertive manner.
No Virgil
Not referencing Virgil Abloh's Off-White brand.
White on white, white-white, not Off-White, look
Wearing all-white clothing, but not specifically from Off-White brand.
Oh, I'm rich rich (rich), shawty thick thick (thick)
I am very wealthy, and the woman I'm with has a curvaceous body.
We fuck her friend together (yeah), that's my bitch bitch (bitch)
We engage in sexual activities with her friend as a group, and she is my girlfriend.
I heard you hit her raw (I did), you takin' risk risks (ugh)
I heard that you had sexual intercourse without using protection, which is a risky behavior.
And she a thot-thot (thotiana), you with the shit shit (ugh)
She is commonly known as a promiscuous woman, and you associate with negative behavior.
Oh, she a ho ho (a ho), fucked the bro bros (my bro)
She is widely regarded as a promiscuous woman and has engaged in sexual activities with my close friends.
She a secret secret (why?), that's on the low low (the low)
She is discreetly engaging in promiscuous behavior, and it should be kept confidential.
I ain't trickin' at all, I ain't spendin' no dough (none)
I am not spending any money foolishly or on unnecessary things.
Won't catch me on no blogs, ain't linked to no hoes (I'm low low)
You won't find any information about me on gossip blogs, and I am not involved with promiscuous women.
So, you gangster gangster (ain't it?), you applyin' pressure (pressure)
Are you claiming to be a tough and intimidating person, exerting influence over others?
She a bitch, ain't it? (Ho), she too extra extra (extra)
She is behaving in an unpleasant manner, isn't she? She is overly dramatic and attention-seeking.
She just went viral, showed the world your text messages (damn)
She gained widespread attention by sharing your private text conversations with the world.
You had to block the ho 'cause she messy messy
You had to block her because she was causing drama and being unnecessarily messy.
I'm a ho, I know I'm a ho (I am)
I acknowledge that I engage in promiscuous behavior.
But don't you call me that, lil' nigga, that shit come with the smoke
However, do not refer to me in that derogatory manner, young man, as it may lead to conflict.
I'm a ho, got bitches galore
I engage in sexual activities with multiple women.
How many Instagram models I done fucked on before?
I have had sexual intercourse with a significant number of Instagram models in the past.
I lost count, I don't even know
I can't recall the exact number because it is too high to keep track of.
But if you seen me like her pic, I probably fucked her before
If you notice me showing interest in a particular woman's photo on Instagram, it is highly likely that I have been intimate with her before.
I'ma go, you know I'ma go (I am)
I am going to leave or depart, as you are aware.
I can't commit myself to none of these hoes
I am unable to form a committed relationship with any of these promiscuous women.
I tell my woes who sellin' my dope
I inform my close friends about the individuals who are distributing my illicit drugs.
If you get caught, please don't tell on me, bro
If you are caught by authorities, please refrain from providing information about my illegal activities, my friend.
This the code, we live by the code
These are the principles and guidelines we adhere to in our lifestyle.
Get money, stay fly, don't trick on no hoes
We prioritize making money, maintaining a stylish appearance, and not wasting resources on promiscuous women.
Why you hard on your niggas but you soft on a ho?
Why are you tough and demanding towards your male friends, but gentle and lenient towards promiscuous women?
I'ma go, you know I'ma go
I am going to leave or depart, as you are aware.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Jalil Hutchins, John B. Fletcher, Lawrence Smith, Mario Mims, Lamont J. Porter, Mark Davon
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Crystal Clear Destiny
"MAKE THE HOOD GREAT AGAIN"
Liony Leftwich
Agreed!!!!!!All these new trash rappers need to go!💯
Immortal
@Liony Leftwich it was on his hat
Clifton Moore
I need that hat ASAP!!!!!!!!!!
Lunar_Chan
YESSSSS!!!!!!
Jacob Huey
R
Chris Pride
Gotti has learned the art of making "singles!" His whole career he made hard songs, but not many singles or standout radio friendly cuts. Since "DM" I can tell now, he knows how to separate certain type songs from singles! #Growth #SaluteYoGotti
Dynamic Reacts
he done got too radio though. Some of the singles catchy. I miss that cocaine muzik gotti from the 1st one to maybe like the 5th one.
GvNg AcTiViTy
Dynamic Reacts Facts. We need that industry shit mixed in w that old Cocaine Muzik Gotti 💯
2Savage TV
I miss the old Gotti like cm7 on back & chapter 1 he was still 🔥