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.
Real Shit
Yo Gotti Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
This mixtape here
It's strictly for the fans (yogottimusic.com)
Trust me!
I want my album to drop more than you
Call the fucking label and ask them what happening
Dear world, fuck it
Truly yours!
I'm on my grown man flow band up flow
Nigga I just brought a phantom off the showroom floor
See these niggas sub-tweeting, but his fans don't know
He's a pussy and I expose this nigga I said a ho
In the streets niggas look up to Gotti and I understand why
Ain't on this slick shit nigga, I see eye to eye
Running around, talking down, playing games, nigga die
Young niggas in the clip, black nines, nothing but fire!
(ay let the beat sing to em)
Little rappers playing with me
I'm trying to stop from clicking out
Did a show in Alabama, guess my strap was sticking out
Security to try the arrest nigga, but instead they kicked me out
I've been going through a lot of shit, fucking with this model bitch
Baby momma left a nigga and now it hard to see the kids
Record label can't get it right, they pushed the date back
Ross hit a nigga up try to put me on Maybach
Tip hit a nigga up trying to give me Grand Hustle
All these niggas are my niggas and I respect the hustlers
Some of these niggas like my brothers
They've been real since day one
Realest nigga in it, I've been real since day one
And a nigga keep saying I'm one song away
Fuck that, I'm 5 million dollars strong today!
See when You heard me doing that money machine shit, nigga
That mean I got that mother fuck'n sack bro
Nigga I make M's nigga
You know what I'm talking about
I show these niggas how to do this shit I'm the blue print nigga
Show these niggas how to make these millions, nigga
And I ain't drop shit but a nigga bitch off
You know what I'm talking about
I'm in a two door coupe
With a see through roof
And the a dope boy roll and a Glock 9 too
Red bitch on the passenger, she semi cute
But her head some serious, so you know what it do
When I say I love my niggers, that mean I love my niggers
Yeah, I rap for living, but I gotta plug for my niggers
I talk cocaine, cause I know cocaine
Ain't on that criss cross shit
I'm trying to stay in my lane
Say I rap like I trap, I gotta stay on my game
I'm strapped 24/7 I got to stay on my aim
They say Keep it real Gotti I say I been doing that
They say the niggers are white, I say influence that
I'm on my li-li-liter shit niggas following the kid
But I ain't fucked up with it
The streets know what it is
(I'm on my li-li-liter shit niggas following the kid)
(but I ain't fucked up with it)
(the streets know what it is)
My little homies keep telling me to smash on em
Met a bad bitch and I spend a little cash on her
Cope a new whip so I left the paper tags on it
Got a couple checks but I really hate to brag on it
Catch me in the club, Luis shoe, Louis rag on em
Standing on the couch, popping bottles dropping swagg on em
Zilla up next and I bet the pad on em
Soon as he said the name CMG drop the bag on em
I mean you know shit crazy
Cause like the other night a nigga was in Atlanta
We fucking around on the internet
Like Yo Gotti January 10th
I mean shit counted thru me for a loop
Cause I didn't know nothing about it
And its like December 23
I'm a real nigga 1st, get money 2nd
Break bread with my niggas, we like family so respect it
Bad blood in the camp and nigga feel neglected
I try to work it out before it get all hecked
But if its about a bitch, just know I don't respect it
And if you talking foul I hope its ain't in my direction homie
I say if you talking foul I hope its ain't in my direction homie
Ay see
I believe nigga got a problem they handle it
You don't talk, you don't tweet
If its all good its all good
Know what I'm talking about
I'm from the city of the murders
Were industry niggas ain't never heard of us
They be like who the fuck is Gotti, nigga Google me
Oh I'm a fuck nigga, that shit must be new to me
I'm damn near 30 and a nigga ain't done shit to me
Put your hands on a real nigga then its 1st degree
Get it (pow)
Hit it (pow)
Split it
Thats all my niggas do is murk some
I'm trying to hurt some
Migo got a 18 wheeler, he trying to work some
That bitch bad as hell, she trying to twerk some
I'm give that bitch back to you cause she worst-some
I'm out
C-M-G
I'm king
Yo Gotti's song "Real Shit" is a song that is dedicated to his fans. Yo Gotti starts by saying that this mixtape is strictly for fans and he wants his album to be released more than anyone. He tells fans to call the label and find out what is happening with the album release. The song is a way of Yo Gotti expressing his thoughts and feelings about his life. He talks about how he has been through a lot of things. He has faced relationship problems with his baby's momma and is struggling to get to see his kids. Furthermore, he has been disconnected from his record label, which has been delayed.
Yo Gotti also talks about his relationships with other rappers. He speaks about how he has real relationships with real people. These relationships were not based on how successful they were, but how real they were as people. He talks about how some of these relationships are like brothers to him. He also talks about his success and how he is making millions of dollars. Yo Gotti emphasizes that he has achieved success with his own two hands and hasn't relied on anyone else. Finally, he speaks positively about his city and what it has contributed to the music industry.
Overall, "Real Shit" is a lyrical expression that Yo Gotti uses to share his very real and personal experiences with his fans. He clearly demonstrates the idea that he is a success, but it has taken intense hard work to get there. Additionally, Yo Gotti emphasizes that he has a strong support system with real people who are true to him.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm on my grown man flow band up flow
I am rapping with a mature and confident style
Nigga I just brought a phantom off the showroom floor
I recently purchased a luxurious Rolls-Royce Phantom from the dealership
See these niggas sub-tweeting, but his fans don't know
These individuals are indirectly mentioning me on social media, but their followers are unaware of their true intentions
He's a pussy and I expose this nigga I said a ho
He is a coward, and I am calling him out for being disloyal
In the streets niggas look up to Gotti and I understand why
People in the streets admire and respect me, and I comprehend the reasons for their admiration
Ain't on this slick shit nigga, I see eye to eye
I am not involved in deceitful behavior, I am straightforward and honest
Running around, talking down, playing games, nigga die
If you continue to spread negative rumors and engage in dishonesty, you will face consequences
Young niggas in the clip, black nines, nothing but fire!
I have young individuals with powerful firearms in my entourage
(ay let the beat sing to em)
Let the instrumental add emotion and ambiance to the song
Little rappers playing with me
Less experienced artists are trying to provoke me
I'm trying to stop from clicking out
I am attempting to prevent myself from responding with aggression
Did a show in Alabama, guess my strap was sticking out
During a performance in Alabama, it seems my concealed weapon was partially visible
Security to try the arrest nigga, but instead they kicked me out
Security personnel attempted to apprehend me, but ultimately they removed me from the premises
I've been going through a lot of shit, fucking with this model bitch
I have been dealing with numerous difficult situations because of my involvement with a high-profile and attractive woman
Baby momma left a nigga and now it hard to see the kids
The mother of my children has ended our relationship, and it has become challenging to spend time with my kids
Record label can't get it right, they pushed the date back
My record label is unable to properly manage the release of my album, and they have delayed its launch
Ross hit a nigga up try to put me on Maybach
Rick Ross contacted me in an attempt to sign me to his Maybach Music Group
Tip hit a nigga up trying to give me Grand Hustle
T.I. reached out to me with an offer to join his record label, Grand Hustle
All these niggas are my niggas and I respect the hustlers
I consider all of these individuals as my close acquaintances, and I hold a high regard for hardworking individuals
Some of these niggas like my brothers
Some of these individuals are so close to me that I view them as family
They've been real since day one
These individuals have consistently shown loyalty and authenticity from the beginning
Realest nigga in it, I've been real since day one
I am the most authentic and genuine person in this industry, and I have been this way since the beginning
And a nigga keep saying I'm one song away
There are people who continue to claim that I am just one hit song away from achieving greater success
Fuck that, I'm 5 million dollars strong today!
I am not concerned with that claim anymore, as I have accumulated a significant fortune of 5 million dollars
See when You heard me doing that money machine shit, nigga
When you hear me rapping about counting large sums of money with a money counting machine, understand
That mean I got that mother fuck'n sack bro
That means I possess a substantial amount of cash, my friend
Nigga I make M's nigga
I am making millions of dollars, my friend
You know what I'm talking about
You understand the concept I am conveying
I show these niggas how to do this shit I'm the blue print nigga
I am demonstrating to these individuals how to achieve success in this industry, as I am the pioneer and influential figure
Show these niggas how to make these millions, nigga
I am revealing to these individuals the path to acquiring significant wealth
And I ain't drop shit but a nigga bitch off
I have not released any new music, but I have successfully seduced another man's significant other
You know what I'm talking about
I trust that you comprehend my intention
I'm in a two door coupe
I am driving a two-door sports car
With a see through roof
The car has a transparent roof
And the a dope boy roll and a Glock 9 too
In addition, there is a drug dealer beside me, and I am carrying a Glock 9mm handgun
Red bitch on the passenger, she semi cute
There is an attractive woman of Latino descent sitting in the passenger seat
But her head some serious, so you know what it do
However, her oral sex skills are exceptional, so you can imagine what happens
When I say I love my niggers, that mean I love my niggers
When I express my love for my close friends, it indicates genuine affection and camaraderie
Yeah, I rap for living, but I gotta plug for my niggers
Although I make a living through music, I also provide support and connections for my friends
I talk cocaine, cause I know cocaine
I mention and discuss cocaine in my lyrics because I have knowledge and experience with it
Ain't on that criss cross shit
I am not involved in any deceptive or untrustworthy behavior
I'm trying to stay in my lane
I am focused on staying true to myself and my chosen path
Say I rap like I trap, I gotta stay on my game
People claim that my rap style is similar to my drug dealing lifestyle, so I must remain vigilant
I'm strapped 24/7 I got to stay on my aim
I carry a firearm with me at all times for protection, so I must be prepared and accurate in case of any threats
They say Keep it real Gotti I say I been doing that
People advise me to stay true to myself, but I have always been authentic
They say the niggers are white, I say influence that
There are allegations that the individuals I associate with are disloyal, but I maintain that I have a positive influence on them
I'm on my li-li-liter shit niggas following the kid
I am currently operating at a high level of skill, and other individuals are recognizing and emulating my style
But I ain't fucked up with it
However, I am not allowing their emulation to bother or distract me
The streets know what it is
People in the streets are aware of my true character and reputation
My little homies keep telling me to smash on em
My younger associates continue to encourage me to exert dominance and retaliate against those who disrespect us
Met a bad bitch and I spend a little cash on her
I encountered an attractive woman and treated her to some extravagant purchases
Cope a new whip so I left the paper tags on it
I bought a new car and purposely left the temporary license plates visible
Got a couple checks but I really hate to brag on it
I have received a substantial amount of money, but I do not enjoy boasting about it
Catch me in the club, Luis shoe, Louis rag on em
You can find me at the club, wearing expensive shoes from Louis Vuitton and a Louis Vuitton scarf
Standing on the couch, popping bottles dropping swagg on em
I am on the couch, raising my status and impressing others by opening bottles of alcohol and showcasing my confidence and style
Zilla up next and I bet the pad on em
The next artist, Zilla, will succeed, and I am willing to wager my resources on his success
Soon as he said the name CMG drop the bag on em
As soon as he mentions CMG (Yo Gotti's record label), we will financially support him
I mean you know shit crazy
You understand that the situation is quite unusual
Cause like the other night a nigga was in Atlanta
Because, recently, I was in Atlanta
We fucking around on the internet
We were casually browsing and engaging with online content
Like Yo Gotti January 10th
There was mention or speculation about a release date for Yo Gotti on January 10th
I mean shit counted thru me for a loop
This information confused and surprised me
Cause I didn't know nothing about it
Because I had no prior knowledge or awareness of this
And its like December 23
And this was approximately December 23rd
I'm a real nigga 1st, get money 2nd
Above all, I prioritize being an authentic and genuine individual, and secondly, I focus on earning money
Break bread with my niggas, we like family so respect it
I generously share my wealth and resources with my close friends, as we consider ourselves a tight-knit family
Bad blood in the camp and nigga feel neglected
There is tension and disagreement among our group, and some individuals feel left out or unappreciated
I try to work it out before it get all hecked
I attempt to resolve the issues before they escalate and become chaotic
But if its about a bitch, just know I don't respect it
If the issue revolves around a woman, understand that I do not value or respect such conflicts
And if you talking foul I hope its ain't in my direction homie
If you are speaking negatively or disrespectfully, I hope it is not directed toward me
Ay see
Listen closely
I believe nigga got a problem they handle it
If someone has a problem, they should address it directly
You don't talk, you don't tweet
Instead of engaging in online arguments or discussions, it is more effective to handle conflicts in person
If its all good its all good
If there are no issues or conflicts, then everything is perfectly fine
Know what I'm talking about
Understand and comprehend my perspective
I'm from the city of the murders
I come from a city with a high rate of homicides
Were industry niggas ain't never heard of us
In the music industry, we are not widely recognized or acknowledged
They be like who the fuck is Gotti, nigga Google me
People question and express curiosity about my identity, so I encourage them to search for me on the internet
Oh I'm a fuck nigga, that shit must be new to me
If they think I am an insignificant person, it must be a recent perception, as I have never been regarded that way before
I'm damn near 30 and a nigga ain't done shit to me
Even though I am approaching the age of 30, no one has been able to harm or hinder me
Put your hands on a real nigga then its 1st degree
If you physically assault me, the crime will be considered a first-degree offense
Get it (pow)
Understand my position
Hit it (pow)
Take action decisively
Split it
Divide and conquer
Thats all my niggas do is murk some
That is all my friends and associates are focused on, which is carrying out acts of violence
I'm trying to hurt some
I am striving to elevate my status and inflict harm on my enemies
Migo got a 18 wheeler, he trying to work some
One of my acquaintances has obtained a large truck and is attempting to engage in drug trafficking
That bitch bad as hell, she trying to twerk some
There is an extremely attractive woman who wants to showcase her dancing skills, specifically twerking
I'm give that bitch back to you cause she worst-some
I will return that woman to you because she is of low quality or lacks value
I'm out
I am leaving or concluding my statement
C-M-G
CMG is my record label
I'm king
I am the leader or ruler in this industry
Writer(s): Mario Mims, Antoine Kearney
Contributed by Lila J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.