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.
Lean On Me
Yo Gotti Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Got a spot in N.O. (Fo' sho')
Lookin for them real toys, to see what they goin' fo'
Down hurr' in Texas
When I'm ballin at Max's
Get a bitch, fuck a hotel
Hit the crib, relaxin'
Them Body boys
Mike Jones and Paul Wall
Slim Thug and Bun B and Z-Ro and all y'all
I'm Y-O, G-O, double T to the I, trick
Don't get it confused though, I represent this Memphis shit
Represent for the real niggas
For the drug dealers, for the hard hitters
Represent for my brother doin the 10 years in Fort Piller
Represent for the Dirty South
Gettin' that money, what we about
Livin' the life, rocki'n ice
That's why I put 20 G's in my mouth
See them diamonds, see me shinin'
Hear me rhymin', see me climbin'
Straight to the top of the charts, bitch
Like this shit on lock, bitch
[Chorus]
Just call on me (Homie)
And you got a plane
You gon' need
Somebody, to on
Lean on me
I'm puffin green, strong
Sippin', get my lean on
Comin' down, candy paint
Get my gleam on
The fo' poured up
The 'Dro rolled up
One-deep, with the heat
Beat slowed up
I'm outta Memphis, Ten.
With about ten to spend
Got with Gotti, put me down with some lady friends
I'm showin diamond grin, leanin', walkin' with' a limp
Hoes on the 'vard, "It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp"
I'm Slim Thugga motherfucka', dirty south boss
Eyes low from the 'Dro, plus I'm cotton-mouth
That's how we do it down in Texas, holdin' wood-wheel
"Swang n' Bang" down the lane, til' my drank spill
Blow kill', bet the Kush get'cha mind right
Everythang I drive candy, so I shine bright
I'm either on the grind, tryin'a get my bank on
Or on recline mayn, tryin'a get my drank on
[Chorus]
Hol' up, hol' up
Roll up, roll up
Ho what, ho what
Hol' up, hol' up
Roll up, roll up
(Lean on me)
Ho what, ho what
Hol' up, hol' up
Roll up, roll up
Ho what, ho what
Hol' up, hol' up
Roll up, roll up
Ho what, ho what
(Lean on me)
In Yo Gotti ft. Slim Thug's song "Lean on Me", the two rappers sing about their experiences and lives in different cities, particularly in the Dirty South. They boast about their success as well as their life of partying, drugs, and alcohol. Yo Gotti even mentions a friend who is serving a ten-year sentence in Fort Piller, which serves as a reminder that their lives are not all glamorous. Slim Thug also talks about his penchant for smoking marijuana and mentions how it affects his eyesight and voice.
The chorus of the song talks about how the two rappers are always available for their friends and peers. They sing that if someone needs them, all they have to do is contact them, and they will be there for them. The title, "Lean on Me", reflects this message of being willing to help and support one another.
Overall, "Lean on Me" portrays the fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled lifestyle of these rappers. Despite any setbacks or troubles they may encounter, they remain steadfast in their pursuit of success and excellence.
Line by Line Meaning
Got a spot in the A
I have a place in Atlanta.
Got a spot in N.O. (Fo' sho')
I also have a spot in New Orleans for sure.
Lookin for them real toys, to see what they goin' fo'
I am searching for high-quality cars to understand their worth.
Down hurr' in Texas
I am currently in Texas.
When I'm ballin at Max's
I am having fun and enjoying myself at Max's (a club or bar).
Get a bitch, fuck a hotel
Instead of renting a hotel room for intimacy, I prefer to take a girl home with me.
Hit the crib, relaxin'
I go to my home and unwind.
Them Body boys
A group of guys called Body Boys.
They bringin' noise
They are causing commotion or bringing excitement.
Mike Jones and Paul Wall
Referring to rappers Mike Jones and Paul Wall.
Slim Thug and Bun B and Z-Ro and all y'all
I am acknowledging and giving respect to other southern rappers like Slim Thug, Bun B, and Z-Ro.
I'm Y-O, G-O, double T to the I, trick
Referring to myself as Yo Gotti and using my initials YOGOTTI.
Don't get it confused though, I represent this Memphis shit
I am proud of being from Memphis, and my music reflects that.
Represent for the real niggas
I represent and speak for authentic or genuine guys.
For the drug dealers, for the hard hitters
I also represent and speak for drug dealers and tough guys.
Represent for my brother doin the 10 years in Fort Piller
I am also representing and advocating for my incarcerated brother in Fort Pillow.
Represent for the Dirty South
I represent and take pride in being part of the southern rap scene.
Gettin' that money, what we about
We are all about making money.
Livin' the life, rocki'n ice
I am living an enjoyable life and wearing expensive jewelry.
That's why I put 20 G's in my mouth
I have spent a lot of money on dental grills or jewelry for my teeth.
See them diamonds, see me shinin'
Notice my sparkling diamonds and my bright appearance.
Hear me rhymin', see me climbin'
Listen to my rapping skills, and witness my success rising.
Straight to the top of the charts, bitch
I have achieved great success and landed on top of the music charts.
Like this shit on lock, bitch
I have a tight grip or control over my career and success.
Just call on me (Homie)
You can always count on me (friend).
And you got a plane
I will provide a private jet for you.
You gon' need
You will require some assistance or help.
Somebody, to on
Someone to rely on.
Lean on me
Metaphorically speaking, you can count on me for help or support.
I'm puffin green, strong
I am smoking high-quality marijuana.
Sippin', get my lean on
Drinking a mixture of codeine and soda called lean, which gives a relaxing feeling.
Comin' down, candy paint
I am driving a car painted in bright, sparkling colors.
Get my gleam on
My car is shining and looking excellent.
The fo' poured up
I have prepared a beverage of lean.
The 'Dro rolled up
I have rolled and prepared marijuana joints.
One-deep, with the heat
I am alone, but I have a firearm with me for protection.
Beat slowed up
The music has slowed down, creating a more relaxed atmosphere.
I'm outta Memphis, Ten.
I am from Memphis, Tennessee.
With about ten to spend
I have money to spend.
Got with Gotti, put me down with some lady friends
I have connected with Yo Gotti and made some female acquaintances through him.
I'm showin diamond grin, leanin', walkin' with' a limp
I am smiling, leaning to have a relaxed pose, and walking after drinking lean.
Hoes on the 'vard, "It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp"
Women are everywhere, and the song 'It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp' from the movie Hustle & Flow is playing.
I'm Slim Thugga motherfucka', dirty south boss
I am Slim Thugga, a music artist from the dirty south and proudly represent that.
Eyes low from the 'Dro, plus I'm cotton-mouth
My eyes are red and appear to be closed from smoking marijuana, and my throat is dry.
That's how we do it down in Texas, holdin' wood-wheel
In Texas, we hold onto our wooden steering wheel as we drive our cars.
"Swang n' Bang" down the lane, til' my drank spill
I am driving my car, swinging and bumping music while drinking my lean, making it spill a little.
Blow kill', bet the Kush get'cha mind right
I am smoking a particular strain of marijuana called Kush, which can get you in the right frame of mind.
Everythang I drive candy, so I shine bright
All of my cars are painted in bright colors that make me stand out and shine.
I'm either on the grind, tryin'a get my bank on
I am always working hard either to make money or increase my wealth.
Or on recline mayn, tryin'a get my drank on
I am either working hard or relaxing, drinking lean.
Hol' up, hol' up
Wait a minute, hold on.
Roll up, roll up
Prepare to smoke marijuana.
Ho what, ho what
A slang expression or exclamation.
(Lean on me)
I'll always have your back.
Lyrics Β© BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Capitol CMG Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Bill Withers
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@OGPetro
This shit makes me feel like I'm riding down Fondren.. Brings back alot of good vibes when I stayed in Houston.. Them boys didn't even know who Gotti was when this dropped
@PrezzAC
Yo Gotti used to have the hottest flow ever π₯π₯π₯ hate he changed it to fit in wit this new generation.
@2c004uf00
yo gotti is the man he played a show here in canada and was a true G. stayed and signed autographs and shit. down to earth dude 100
@kingpinnewmexcalabaza8400
Still jamming in 2018
@justintanner6652
Holll up!!! Shit slappin in the trunk
@mackvalentine7864
β€β€β€β€β€β€β€β€β€β€β€β€β€
@313thugboss
Classic Gottiπ―
@kyletaylor9606
They don't know. My buddy just asked me what that lean on me song was we listen to as kids n it reminded me how fire my taste already was π #mixtapeking
@griley7188
This beat so fuckin sick
@TheJuicyfruit1979
Still a hit