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.
Showing Out
Yo Gotti Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Young nigga, old money, Benjamin Button
Seein' through ya poker face, that nigga bluffin'
Ladies goin gaga for a nigga tryna fuck him
Nickel plate tuck it, hesitate nothin'
And I got the A-R, why I like to bust it?
Why I need counselin', why I won't discuss it?
Why I spend Donkey Kong knots and I'm all like, fuck it!?
Yeah I drive big shit, nah my license ain't right
Still let the top drop back when it's sunny
Cause life ain't nothin' but bitches and money
I don't what it is, somethin' inside
I need that attention, I just can't hide
Keep hearin' these voices, inside of my mind
Sayin' fuck the rest, it's time to shine
I know that's how the good one's died
But I need that risk I need that drive
I'm stealin' yo bitch I'm stealin' yo grind
Bitches sing this and that's why I'm
Showin' out lil' mama, showin' out lil' daddy
Showin' out lil' mama, showin' out lil' daddy
Showin' out lil' mama, showin' out lil' daddy
Showin' out lil' mama, showin' out lil' daddy
Old school Chevy wide body like a phantom
5 stars love but them haters can't stand 'em
U-K money, 150,000 pounds
All white lamb sit low to the ground
I just joined a gang, the millionaire boys club
Gave me a box of baking soda and a skateboard
I'm in the kitchen puttin' the work on steroids
Peakin' out the glass for the feds, I'm paranoid
No I ain't platinum, but how I'm a millionaire?
I know this a four door, so how it ain't no ceilin' there?
Showin' off lil' mama, goin' hard lil' daddy
Yo Gotti home boy, I'm a walkin' dope package
I don't what it is, somethin' inside
I need that attention, I just can't hide
Keep hearin' these voices, inside of my mind
Sayin' fuck the rest, it's time to shine
I know that's how the good one's died
But I need that risk I need that drive
I'm stealin' yo bitch I'm stealin' yo grind
Bitches sing this and that's why I'm
Showin' out lil' mama, showin' out lil' daddy
Showin' out lil' mama, showin' out lil' daddy
Showin' out lil' mama, showin' out lil' daddy
Showin' out lil' mama, showin' out lil' daddy
I'm from the era, of letter to the better
They tell me rap changed, well I'm a have to let her
Common loved her, I wish I never met her
They slutted her out, there's nothin' left to treasure
Seems all I hear em say, nigga where them dollas at?
Here they go right here, tell them niggas hollaback
Hit it then I quit then I step like a welcome mat
That 2010 got me feelin' like I'm all of that
Re-Up Gang Trinity, Liva, me and Pusha T
Got my money right, them hater's tight like virginity
They don't understand how I feed off their energy
My table is prepared in the presence of my enemies
I don't what it is, somethin' inside
I need that attention, I just can't hide
Keep hearin' these voices, inside of my mind
Sayin' fuck the rest, it's time to shine
I know that's how the good one's died
But I need that risk I need that drive
I'm stealin' yo bitch I'm stealin' yo grind
Bitches sing this and that's why I'm
Showin' out lil' mama, showin' out lil' daddy
Showin' out lil' mama, showin' out lil' daddy
Showin' out lil' mama, showin' out lil' daddy
Showin' out lil' mama, showin' out lil' daddy
The lyrics of "Showing Out" by Yo Gotti featuring Clipse is a testament to the ostentatious and lavish lifestyle that rappers typically live. The track starts with Yo Gotti confidently claiming his position in the rap game, stating that he has old money even though he's young. He boasts of his ability to see through people's poker faces and reveals the ladies' attraction towards him. Gotti refers to a nickel plate he's tucking and his A-R (assault rifle) that he likes to bust, questioning why he needs counseling for it. He recklessly spends money and doesn't care about the consequences that might follow.
The hook is a reflection of the voices inside Gotti's mind that tell him it's time to shine and steal the attention. He understands that this drive is risky and might lead to his downfall just like it has for others. Still, he takes that risk and steals whatever he wants, including (and especially) other people's grind and women. However, he's not alone in this life, as Pusha T from the Clipse confirms when he joins in the second verse. The two rap about their extravagant lifestyle, including Chevy wide bodies, Lamborghinis, and a box of baking soda that allude to drug dealing. Despite that, they are aware that their enemies are waiting to take them down, and so they remain paranoid, peaking out the glass for the feds.
In conclusion, the lyrics of "Showing Out" glorify the superficial and dangerous life of money, fame, and power that rappers live. It portrays a culture of extravagance that can lead to self-destruction.
Line by Line Meaning
Ho I'm major, that shit nothin'
I'm a big deal and don't consider anything beneath me.
Young nigga, old money, Benjamin Button
I may be young, but I have a lot of money and I feel like I'm getting younger with all this success.
Seein' through ya poker face, that nigga bluffin'
I can read people and know when they're lying, so don't try to deceive me.
Ladies goin gaga for a nigga tryna fuck him
Women are attracted to me and want to be with me sexually.
Nickel plate tuck it, hesitate nothin'
I have a gun on me and I won't think twice about using it.
And I got the A-R, why I like to bust it?
I have an assault rifle and I enjoy firing it.
Why I need counselin', why I won't discuss it?
I have personal issues that I refuse to talk about or seek help for.
Why I spend Donkey Kong knots and I'm all like, fuck it!?
I have a lot of money and I don't care how I spend it or who sees me spending it.
Pull up at the stop light, lookin' at this cop like
When I see a police officer, I make sure to catch their attention and show off my wealth.
Yeah I drive big shit, nah my license ain't right
I have expensive cars, but I may not have the proper license or registration for them.
Still let the top drop back when it's sunny
I enjoy driving with the top down when it's sunny outside.
Cause life ain't nothin' but bitches and money
In my opinion, life is all about women and money.
I don't what it is, somethin' inside
There's something deep inside me that drives me to succeed.
I need that attention, I just can't hide
I crave attention and can't suppress it.
Keep hearin' these voices, inside of my mind
I have a constant internal dialogue that motivates me.
Sayin' fuck the rest, it's time to shine
I'm focused on myself and know that now's the time for me to succeed.
I know that's how the good one's died
I'm aware that excessive ambition has led to the downfall of many successful people.
But I need that risk I need that drive
I want to take risks and have an insatiable drive to succeed.
I'm stealin' yo bitch I'm stealin' yo grind
I'm not afraid to take someone's partner or copy their success.
Bitches sing this and that's why I'm
Women are attracted to me because of my confidence and success.
Showin' out lil' mama, showin' out lil' daddy
I'm flaunting my wealth and success for all to see.
Old school Chevy wide body like a phantom
I have a classic car with a sleek, modern look.
5 stars love but them haters can't stand 'em
I have a lot of fans who love me, but there are also people who hate me for my success.
U-K money, 150,000 pounds
I have a lot of money, including pounds from the UK.
All white lamb sit low to the ground
I have an expensive lamborghini sports car that sits low to the ground.
I just joined a gang, the millionaire boys club
I'm part of an elite group of wealthy individuals.
Gave me a box of baking soda and a skateboard
I was given items that could be used to make and transport drugs.
I'm in the kitchen puttin' the work on steroids
I'm cooking up drugs and making them more potent with steroids.
Peakin' out the glass for the feds, I'm paranoid
I'm always watching out for the police and constantly worried that they're after me.
No I ain't platinum, but how I'm a millionaire?
I may not have a platinum album, but I'm still filthy rich.
I know this a four door, so how it ain't no ceilin' there?
My car may be a four door, but I still drive it with the top down, so how is there no ceiling?
Goin' hard lil' daddy
I'm putting in work and striving for success.
Yo Gotti home boy, I'm a walkin' dope package
I'm like a walking drug dealer, carrying wealth and success wherever I go.
I'm from the era, of letter to the better
I come from a time when people wrote letters to improve their situation.
They tell me rap changed, well I'm a have to let her
I've been told that the rap industry has changed, but I'll have to adapt.
Common loved her, I wish I never met her
Many people have praised the rap industry, but I wish I hadn't been involved in it.
They slutted her out, there's nothin' left to treasure
The rap industry has been exploited and there's no value left to it.
Seems all I hear em say, nigga where them dollas at?
People are always asking me where my money is.
Here they go right here, tell them niggas hollaback
I have my money with me and I'm not afraid to show it to anyone.
Hit it then I quit then I step like a welcome mat
I have sex with women and then leave them, feeling no attachment or remorse.
That 2010 got me feelin' like I'm all of that
I feel like a big deal with my expensive car from 2010.
Re-Up Gang Trinity, Liva, me and Pusha T
I'm part of a rap group with other talented artists.
Got my money right, them hater's tight like virginity
I have a lot of money and people who hate me are envious and uptight about it.
They don't understand how I feed off their energy
My haters and critics give me energy and motivation to succeed.
My table is prepared in the presence of my enemies
I'm successful and happy despite the negativity and opposition I face from others.
Lyrics Β© Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: MARIO MIMS, TERRENCE THORNTON, GENE THORNTON JR, PHARRELL WILLIAMS
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