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.
If I Ever Thought
Yo Gotti Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Can you imagine bein' me?
Just know you can't, for real
No drugs, whole lot of money, whole lot of speculations
You couldn't even imagine (damn)
Can I think out loud? (Can I?)
Can I tell myself I'm proud?
'Cause you livin' wild? (Well damn)
Can I speak out loud? (Can I?)
Is anybody listenin'? It may take a while
May have a lot to say, you heard me?
But this ain't therapy
This the ex-drug dealer hall of fame jersey
This that kept it gangster in every song (song)
I might be livin' wrong (wrong)
This that in the kitchen cookin' bricks up in the zone (woo)
This that spin the block and spin again until they gone
This that once you got up, you went put your niggas on
This that you can't trust no bitch, so you can't find love (at all)
This that fuck security, we take pistols in the club
This that he so quiet, they don't know what he be thinkin'
Millions on my mind, if we ain't gettin' money, why we linkin'?
I don't get high to just be high, if we ain't celebratin', why we drinkin'?
Big Gotti, I do big shit, I don't know what you niggas thinkin'
Yeah, yeah
Sometimes I cry when I'm alone
Most times I don't answer my phone
I be talkin' to God like, "Am I wrong?"
I do whatever I gotta do to make it home (but snitch)
Don't never think Gotti alone
I don't move like that
Yeah, I'm Mr. No Pressure, yeah, I'm smooth like that
Don't be speakin' 'bout- we ain't cool like that
So many times I done been doubted
You niggas should know that I'm 'bout it
Gangster, but I ain't that proud about it
Yeah, my visions on billions
My visions on buildin' buildings
Makin' street niggas millions
I don't gossip or do rumors, I don't exercise feelings
You internet gangster-ass niggas, I ain't feelin'
I'm flawless, I ain't never fold
All this pressure and I ain't never told, nigga
Big Gotti, big Memphis, you know what I'm sayin'?
Big CMG
Big, um
Big everything, nigga, to you little-ass niggas
The song "If I Ever Thought" by Yo Gotti is a self-reflective and introspective piece about the rapper's past, present, and future. In the beginning of the song, Gotti wonders if people can really imagine being him, living a life free of drugs and filled with money and speculations. He then goes on to ponder about his current state of mind and the choices he has made that led him down a wild and reckless path. This leads him to confront himself in the mirror, questioning whether he is proud of the man he has become. Gotti then delves into the deeper issues and themes that arise from his reflection, such as his loyalty to his team, trust issues, and the pressure of success. He ends the song with a bold statement about his character and his path to building an empire.
Through this song, Yo Gotti offers a glimpse into his mindset and the struggles he has faced throughout his career. He is open and honest about the mistakes he has made in the past and the toll it has taken on him, both mentally and emotionally. The song highlights the challenges of success, including the pressure to perform, trust issues, and the constant struggle to remain true to oneself.
Line by Line Meaning
For real, for real
This is the real deal, it's not a joke.
Can you imagine bein' me?
It's impossible for you to understand what I go through and how I live.
Just know you can't, for real
You really can't even fathom what it's like to be me.
No drugs, whole lot of money, whole lot of speculations
I've got a lot of wealth and people wonder where it came from, but it wasn't from drugs.
You couldn't even imagine (damn)
It's just that difficult to comprehend.
Can I think out loud? (Can I?)
Is it okay if I speak my thoughts aloud?
Can I tell myself I'm proud?
Is it okay for me to acknowledge my accomplishments and feel proud of myself?
You ever looked in the mirror and said you foul
Have you ever looked at yourself and realized you're doing the wrong things?
'Cause you livin' wild? (Well damn)
Because you're living recklessly?
Can I speak out loud? (Can I?)
Can I express myself?
Is anybody listenin'? It may take a while
Is anyone paying attention? It might take some time for me to get everything out.
May have a lot to say, you heard me?
I have a lot on my mind that I need to express.
But this ain't therapy
I'm not seeking professional help or advice, I just need to talk.
This the ex-drug dealer hall of fame jersey
I used to be a drug dealer and now I'm successful, so this is a legacy.
This that kept it gangster in every song (song)
My music always reflects and stays true to the gangster lifestyle.
I might be livin' wrong (wrong)
Some people may consider my lifestyle to be wrong or dangerous.
This that in the kitchen cookin' bricks up in the zone (woo)
I used to cook and sell drugs in the kitchen with intense focus.
This that spin the block and spin again until they gone
I'm willing to drive around and retaliate until my enemies are eliminated.
This that once you got up, you went put your niggas on
Once I became successful, I gave my friends and associates the same opportunities I had.
This that you can't trust no bitch, so you can't find love (at all)
I don't trust women, so I don't believe I can find true love or a meaningful relationship.
This that fuck security, we take pistols in the club
I don't trust security, so I bring my own guns into the club for protection.
This that he so quiet, they don't know what he be thinkin'
People can't read my mind because I'm quiet and keep my thoughts to myself.
Millions on my mind, if we ain't gettin' money, why we linkin'?
I'm focused on making money, so I don't see the point in hanging out with people who aren't helping me achieve that goal.
I don't get high to just be high, if we ain't celebratin', why we drinkin'?
I only indulge in drugs and alcohol when it's a celebratory occasion, not just for the sake of doing it.
Big Gotti, I do big shit, I don't know what you niggas thinkin'
I'm a big deal and I accomplish big things, so don't underestimate me.
Sometimes I cry when I'm alone
Despite my tough exterior, I have emotional moments when I'm by myself.
Most times I don't answer my phone
I'm a busy man and I don't have time to answer every call or message.
I be talkin' to God like, 'Am I wrong?'
I question my actions and decisions and pray for guidance.
I do whatever I gotta do to make it home (but snitch)
I'll do anything to ensure my safety and return home after I leave the house, except snitching or ratting out others.
Don't never think Gotti alone
I always have people on my side, I'm never truly alone.
I don't move like that
I don't act a certain way or do certain things like other people do.
Yeah, I'm Mr. No Pressure, yeah, I'm smooth like that
I don't let external factors or pressure get to me, I handle everything smoothly.
Don't be speakin' 'bout- we ain't cool like that
Don't talk about me or act like you're close to me if we're not really friends.
So many times I done been doubted
I've been underestimated and doubted many times in my life.
You niggas should know that I'm 'bout it
You should know by now that I'm serious and committed.
Gangster, but I ain't that proud about it
I live and act like a gangster, but it's not something I'm proud of or glorify.
Yeah, my visions on billions
I have big dreams and aspirations of making billions of dollars.
My visions on buildin' buildings
I want to create and construct buildings and businesses.
Makin' street niggas millions
I want to use my success and wealth to help others in my community become rich as well.
I don't gossip or do rumors, I don't exercise feelings
I don't engage in gossip or spread rumors, and I don't let emotions dictate my actions.
You internet gangster-ass niggas, I ain't feelin'
I'm not impressed or intimidated by people who act tough on the internet but wouldn't dare say or do the same in person.
I'm flawless, I ain't never fold
I don't make mistakes or give up easily, I'm always on top of my game.
All this pressure and I ain't never told, nigga
Despite the immense pressure and stress I face, I've never snitched or divulged information to the authorities.
Big Gotti, big Memphis, you know what I'm sayin'?
I'm a big deal in the city of Memphis and everyone knows it.
Big CMG
My record label, Collective Music Group, is also a big deal.
Big, um
I'm just emphasizing that everything about me is big and important.
Big everything, nigga, to you little-ass niggas
I'm successful and have achieved big things, and I'm addressing those who doubt me or don't take me seriously.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Brian White, Jack Richmeier, Mario Mims, Salomon Naar Gonzalez
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@bigredbigred7560
Yo Gotti king of Memphis
@christopherwest9603
Keep up the great work my guy RIP BIG JOOK
@musicassent
Whole album is 🔥🔥🔥
@fredwms1532
The whole fucking album
@qdog1863
Nall for real. Knowledge is power always keep that in mind 🤫😎💯
@a1athletes
Gotti best album
@cleopope7907
😁😁😁
@mariacarruth9795
Fo Sho..."Big Memphis on this one....😅🖤!!
@maxwellsimmons4325
King of Memphis !!!!!!!!!!!
@latreshabowman7087
GOTTI Is The Street JAY-Z