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.
I'm Out
Yo Gotti Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴
We told you and we showed you
My nigga Gotti
And like that
See, I look at this shit like football, you know what I'm sayin'?
Ayy, this that NFL, nigga (June, you're a genius)
Never (we gone), felt love
Never found love (I showed you so)
No fake love
I told you (Gangsta Grizzills)
I survived the streets (streets), and never been touched (touched)
They call it manifestin', I just never lost a crush
Niggas actin' sus (sus), you should call 'em sis (huh?)
And I ain't homophobic, you just actin' like a bitch
Free that nigga that shit foul as it gets
Openin' up the 'Gram, watchin' his homeboy snitch
Hurt me to my heart (heart), sickness in my stomach (stomach)
Seein' him in that courtroom make me wanna vomit (ugh)
Ayy, free them niggas for real
Ayy, we prayin' for you, my nigga, we know what you goin' through
I got rich and started stressin', this a curse or it's a blessin'?
We spend millions on security, but they still ain't no protection
I'm in NY with my weapon (weapon), I'm in LA with my weapon (weapon)
I'm on offense, I'm on defense, play with me, I'm star steppin'
My Phantom just get driven (driven), I wake up with adrenaline (I'm nervous)
We never said don't love your bitch, just don't put her in your business (you heard me?)
That's pressure on your children (you heard me?), they mama now a witness (a witness)
Her family just diss him because that shit can't be forgiven (and that's that)
Big Gotti, yeah, I'm cocky (cocky)
Three-carat tennis chain on my bitch and that shit rocky (rocky)
Yeah, I ain't talkin' boxin'
Floors full of white and ice, no hockey
Pots on stoves, niggas cookin' it like hibachi
Niggas fuckin' up the re-up, steady stackin' up the profits
Runnin' 'round here flexin', buyin' watches
Ma, I pray these niggas stop it
Only postin' on my socials, 'cause I ain't social
Ayy, that's Gotti, he paranoid, don't approach him
And you know he got that toaster
And you know he havin' motion
Somethin' big, one in the head, that shit ain't sittin' inside no holster
Ain't never acceptin' no ho shit, that nigga there gon' be vocal
Just bought a crib on the coastal, he ain't goin' back and forth with no locals
Ain't goin' back and forth with no dealer
You want a bad bitch, you can build her
See, I'm the type that don't kiss and tell
I'll never buy a bitch a BBL
But I'll buy a ho a lot of Chanel
Make a wish, I'm a well (well)
I'm a gangster and a player (player)
How she yours if you pay her?
How she mine, half-naked?
On the 'Gram, can't respect it (can't)
Real nigga, I'ma check it (check it)
Know the brand, protect it
Reputation and relationships, gotta know your worth
That's a Birkin with no money in it, bitch, you livin' out a purse
And I can't believe you niggas talkin' on these phones (for real?)
Callin' from a jail like you alone, you niggas ain't tryna come home
Damn, they said on the call that they recordin'
You not listenin'? (This call is subject to recording and monitoring)
I don't get it, 'cause you ignorin' it
And I just seen a father (father), tellin' on his son (disgusting)
And I just seen a drug dealer (a drug dealer?), Tellin' on his moms
I'm officially out these streets, nigga (it's over), what have it become?
I got principles and morals, but my feelings all numb (shh)
(Gangsta Grizzills)
Where I come from, every day you wake up, every day you leave the house, you takin' a chance on
Goin' to the federal penitentiary or gettin' killed
All my closest friends gone
You know what I'm sayin'? I know what come with this lifestyle, like
That's why I trip off on these-
That always wanna specify how much they in the street and how much they wanna be street in they hood
Nigga, where I come from, you tryna get out the hood
That's the obstacle, nigga
In the song "I'm Out" by Yo Gotti, the lyrics depict the rapper reflecting on his experiences in life and particularly in the streets. He begins by expressing his gratitude for the journey he's been on, acknowledging that he and his entourage have told and shown people what they're capable of. When he refers to looking at life like football, it suggests that he sees it as a game with challenges and strategies.
He then delves into the theme of love and trust. Yo Gotti claims that he has never felt genuine love and that he has never found true love. He emphasizes that he doesn't want fake love and reiterates that he has warned others about it. Gang-related elements are present in these lyrics, as he mentions the Gangsta Grizzills crew and surviving the streets without being physically harmed.
The second verse focuses on betrayal and the impact it has on Yo Gotti. He criticizes those who act suspiciously, referring to them as "sus" and even compares them to acting like women. He expresses his dissatisfaction with seeing someone snitch against his crew and explains how this situation deeply hurt him emotionally. Witnessing this betrayal and sitting in the courtroom leaves him feeling sick and disgusted.
Moving on, Yo Gotti reflects on his success and the pressure that comes with it. He questions whether his wealth has caused him stress or if it is a blessing. Despite his riches, he states that even with millions spent on security, he still doesn't feel fully protected. He mentions carrying a weapon in both New York and Los Angeles, highlighting his vigilance and defensiveness. The lyrics also touch on the challenges of maintaining personal relationships when in the spotlight, emphasizing the need to keep one's personal life separate from business.
The final verse showcases Yo Gotti's lifestyle and attitude. He presents himself as confident and unapologetic, highlighting his material possessions like jewelry, cars, and luxury brands. He makes it clear that he doesn't engage in gossip or intimate details of his affairs, suggesting a sense of privacy and discernment. Yo Gotti also criticizes those who spend their time flexing on social media and encourages others to focus on their reputation and relationships. The lyrics end with a conversation in which he questions the actions of someone recording a jail call, expressing disbelief and disappointment in those who betray familial bonds or moral principles.
Overall, the lyrics of "I'm Out" by Yo Gotti touch upon themes of loyalty, betrayal, wealth, and personal integrity. It offers insight into the experiences and mindset of someone who has come from challenging circumstances and achieved success in a world filled with uncertainty and duplicity.
Lyrics Β© INGROOVES MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: Eugene Tsai, June James, Mario Mims
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
June Walker
Yo Gotti is one of the best rappers alive. that's true AUTHENTIC VIEWS gave him the boost just like many other famous artists but no one can deny the fact he is super talented!! Thumbs up who agree with me
CashCampnTV
Thiss One Brought Sumπ’s I Felt Every Line Cause I Been Thur Every Fucking Line .. Every Time I Hear Thiss Song Itβs A Painful And Joyful Feeling Cause I Made It Out But I Lost It All Doing Thur It π―π―π― #CashCampnTv #FreeDaGuys #RipTheLandOfTheRares #CMG
Miss RoRo
I had this on repeat for half the day. The goal is to get out, let em know Gotti!
Mississippikingk-AKA-9THCHYLD
π€π€π€π€π€π―π―π―π―π―π₯π₯π₯π₯π₯ Who gonna have this on repeat? I Will π
Robbie farwest
Mee
Regine Dragonfly
I'm the 27th like that's my age. This the song of the Year. For the real ones! I'm OUT
Clifton Mckenzie
This song in my top 3 on this mixtapeπ₯π₯π₯π―
Keith Hamilton
One of my favorite songs on the album πͺπΎπͺπΎ
Estlgoon
The hardest song on the album π₯π₯π₯π₯π₯
Micheal Combs
No Cap