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.
Make It Work
Yo Gotti Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Watch her make it work (work)
Watch her make , watch her make
Watch her, watch her make it work
She coming out her clothes ,
She done came up out her shirt,
She want me to give it to her
Iβm gone make that pussy hurt (Yo Gotti)
They like go once I hit the door
They know how it go
Get to know
Um about to blow ten thousand or more
Dj play some of that gotti shit
Watch out and touch yo toes
She ah fool with her? she do her thing with the pole
Shawty cold, she the type that make a nigga pay her bills
Watch her raw she can make her body shake while standing still
Um for real she say she can go all night without a pill
If a bitch play with her bread she gone whoop that ass in heels
Um like damn well excuse me maβam what you tryna do
She say she just stripping part time so she can pay for school
Um like oww so you educated you may be my type
She like boo um just dedicated get that money rite
Watch her make it work (work)
Watch her make it work (work)
Watch her make , watch her make
Watch her, watch her make it work
She coming out her clothes ,
She done came up out her shirt,
She want me to give it to her Iβm gone make that pussy hurt
Watch her make it work (work)
Watch her make it work work)
Watch her make , watch her make
Watch her, watch her make it work
She coming out her clothes ,
She done came up out her shirt,
Got a nigga at the crib but she still a fucking flirt
Now watch her make it work
I know this bitch she a a.k.a went to Memphis state
She dropped out her Jr. Year then she got a escalade
Um like hey gone and do yo thing you shouldnβt be ashamed
If that nigga donβt pay yo bills then that nigga shouldnβt complain
This insane I should be yo man ill encourage you
Make that money bring it back and watch how much I cherish you
You so cute look at you other hoes aint gotta clue
Aint nobody hit the stage and do the shit the way you do
Must admit you game type you stay on top of yo shit
But you got to know the difference between a bobble head and a trix
See a trix gone pay for pussy while a baller make it rain
Real niggers fuck for free so this shit is not the same
Watch her make it work (work)
Watch her make it work (work)
Watch her make , watch her make
Watch her, watch her make it work
She coming out her clothes ,
She done came up out her shirt,
She want me to give it to her Iβm gone make that pussy hurt
Watch her make it work (work)
Watch her make it work (work)|
Watch her make , watch her make
Watch her, watch her make it work
She coming out her clothes ,
She done came up out her shirt,
Got a nigga at the crib but she still a fucking flirt
Now watch her make it work
You wanna flirt its ok to flirt gone head flirt back
Dey admit he aint got no paper donβt your chirp back
Mane this worse some ass nigga said he gotta purp set
He got high and told my bitch where he keep all the purp at
Damn fool
You done let that pussy make you break the rules
You confused
What she love you cause she fucked and sucked you too
Thatβs her job you just got robbed
Charge it to the game
You so green you are such a lame you should be ashamed
Um like mane watch her do her thing
She do it unique
Shawty? thick as a fool
Shawty? she so patek
Personality so hood face impression be so sweet
They professional homie they learn what they know from the streets
Watch her make it work (work)
Watch her make it work (work)
Watch her make , watch her make
Watch her, watch her make it work
She coming out her clothes ,
She done came up out her shirt,
She want me to give it to her Iβm gone make that pussy hurt
Watch her make it work (work)
Watch her make it work (work)
Watch her make , watch her make
Watch her, watch her make it work
She coming out her clothes ,
She done came up out her shirt,
Got a nigga at the crib but she still a fucking flirt
Now watch her make it work
The lyrics of Yo Gotti's song Make It Work seem to be about the rapper's appreciation for an exotic dancer who can "make it work" on the pole. Throughout the song, he highlights her skill and ability to make her body move in a way that mesmerizes her audience. He seems to feel that her work is essential and acknowledges the role that stripping plays in some women's lives as a means of financial stability. However, the song also highlights the complicated and sometimes dangerous world of exotic dancing where women are often objectified and taken advantage of. He warns men not to fall for the workers' charms or get too invested in them because they are simply doing their job.
The lyrics are somewhat controversial since the song glorifies stripping and objectifies women, but it also seems to acknowledge the workers' talent and the societal reasons why women may turn to this type of work. Overall, the song seems to be celebrating the hustle and work ethic of the dancers themselves, rather than specifically sexualizing them.
Line by Line Meaning
Watch her make it work (work)
Observed her performing well in her job (stripping) and putting effort into making it work and securing an income.
Watch her, watch her make it work
Pay attention and see her capability to work, dance, and showcase her body in a performance.
She coming out her clothes ,
She is undressing and removing her clothes for the performance.
She done came up out her shirt,
She has removed her shirt to appear more provocative and attract attention.
She want me to give it to her Iβm gone make that pussy hurt
She desires sexual pleasure, and Yo Gotti plans to give her an intense, pleasurable sexual experience.
They like go once I hit the door
People instinctively know Yo Gotti's arrival means a wild, enjoyable time.
They know how it go
Everyone understands what to expect when Yo Gotti arrives, and it is always a good or entertaining time.
Get to know
Take the time to know him, and he will show you how to have a good time.
Um about to blow ten thousand or more
He is about to spend ten thousand dollars or more, indicating that he is wealthy and can afford to provide an entertaining time for others.
Dj play some of that gotti shit
He requests the DJ to play music that he produces or his songs, indicating that he wants to promote himself and his music.
Watch out and touch yo toes
People should be prepared for an active or wild night, which they can enjoy by getting on the dancefloor and touch their toes.
She ah fool with her? she do her thing with the pole
She is an expert at pole-dancing and knows how to entice a crowd and make them feel entertained.
Shawty cold, she the type that make a nigga pay her bills
She is attractive and desirable; she can make a man take care of her financially and provide for her upkeep.
Watch her raw she can make her body shake while standing still
Through body language and dance moves, she can make people watching her feel entertained, even when she is not moving much.
Um for real she say she can go all night without a pill
She confidently claims to handle the performance without the use of stimulants or drugs.
If a bitch play with her bread she gone whoop that ass in heels
If anyone tries to take advantage of her earnings or money, she will take violent measures and retaliate with force.
Um like damn well excuse me maβam what you tryna do
Yo Gotti is curious about her intentions and what she plans to accomplish through stripping and performing.
She say she just stripping part-time so she can pay for school
She is working temporarily to pay for her education and improve her future prospects.
Um like oww so you educated you may be my type
He finds her education level attractive and desirable for a potential partner.
She like boo um just dedicated get that money rite
She states that her primary focus is making money and will do whatever it takes to achieve that goal.
Got a nigga at the crib but she still a fucking flirt
Even though she has a boyfriend at home, she still enjoys flirting and entertaining others for financial gain.
You wanna flirt its ok to flirt gone head flirt back
He encourages others to flirt with her and acknowledges that it is acceptable and expected in the industry.
Dey admit he aint got no paper donβt your chirp back
He is suggesting that if someone lacks the financial resources to pay her or buys her services, they should not try to engage her.
Mane this worse some ass nigga said he gotta purp set
He is recalling that someone who was under the influence of drugs revealed important information about drugs, which is not appropriate or professional in the industry.
You done let that pussy make you break the rules
He is criticizing someone for being foolish and allowing sexual desire to lead them into breaking important rules.
You confused
He believes that the person is not thinking clearly and making rational decisions.
What she love you cause she fucked and sucked you too
Just because she had sex with you does not mean she loves or cares for you; it could be just part of her job.
Thatβs her job you just got robbed
She is getting paid to provide services, and the services provided are not genuine or romantic, indicating that he is not getting a return on investment from this encounter.
Charge it to the game
Accept the situation or outcome, and move on.
You so green you are such a lame you should be ashamed
He accuses the person of being naive, inexperienced, and unexciting, expressing disappointment in their behavior.
Shawty? thick as a fool
She has an attractive, curvy body.
Shawty? she so patek
She is unique, distinctive, and attractive.
Personality so hood face impression be so sweet
Her personality is rough, but her face gives the impression that she is kind or pleasant.
They professional homie they learn what they know from the streets
The dancers are professionals who are skilled at their job and have developed their talent and knowledge through street experience.
Contributed by Olivia A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
H V
For my 18th, my boy was a dj at the strip club I went to for my 18th and he played this when I had a bunch of girls all up on me as I was making it rain on em. Legit felt like I was in a music video lol. Good times.
MB Nico
Who still here in 2020 ? π€£π₯
earl
I miss this gotta flow π―πͺπΏ
Alisha Evette
ππΏββοΈMe ME thanking God!!!
dwanna tatum
2019 still bumping my favorite song by gottiπ€π€πππππππππππππ―π―π―
Elijah Light
Still bumping in 2022 π’π₯
Black jesus228
gotti killed this shit...he the best in cash money wayne should be on his payroll
Daneeya holman
This my shitttttttt<3 watch her make it work!
Keith Bell
make it work!!! make it work!!!
Corey Dennis
Classic shit still bumping thiz track