The same album also features a song dedicated to his former partner Mad Lou, who is currently incarcerated.
38
Young Jeezy Lyrics
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Heard they going for the 30 straight
I can't lie, man that shit got me 38
Red hot, on fire
Glass pot, on fire
Red dot, on fire
5 shots, on fire
And he way to flashy, got my toys back
Nigga I just left the lot, I aint come to play
He pull me from my dealer tag, fuck you trying to say
Know some niggas doing 10, blame it on the yay
Clip hold half a hundred, blame it on the K
Still the realest nigga any, these niggas CB4
This is fuck a nigga records, and I′m the CEO
Got them stack long and wide, like some Lego blocks
Say you need a real home, this my lego spot
You ever seen so much money in a duffle bag?
Soon as you open up the ship, the bitch will double brag
I don't think they know the time
Heard the streets fucked up, I can see the sign
Heard they going for the 30 straight
I can't lie, man that shit got me 38
Red hot, on fire
Glass pot, on fire
Red dot, on fire
5 shots, on fire
I′m in that purple Lam′, looking like some dirty Sprite
Catch them bastards with them birds, yeah that rowdy white
Where I'm from them things hot, and that talk is cheap
And aint nobody hearing shit, cause they trying to eat
All they can eat, buffet style
Nigga selling anything, buffet wild
DB9 stupid grill, yeah that overbite
Need me 9 stupid deals, this shit is overpriced
Got it vacuum sealed up, that′s the hide the scent
So much that if they pull you over, smell it through the vent
If them people hit them lights, I be a nervous wreck
When you don't fear nothing but the lights, now that′s a nervous check
I don't think they know the time Heard the streets fucked up, I can see the sign
Heard they going for the 30 straight
I can′t lie, man that shit got me 38
Red hot, on fire
Glass pot, on fire
Red dot, on fire
5 shots, on fire
In "38" by Young Jeezy, the rapper expresses his awareness of the current state of the streets and the danger that accompanies it. He acknowledges that things have gotten worse and that people are going to extremes to make money, which can result in violence and criminal activity. Jeezy also brags about his flashy lifestyle, having just left the car dealership and driving a purple Lamborghini. He asserts his dominance by referencing his street credibility and boasts about his successful music career as the CEO of his record label. He uses the metaphor of Legos to describe the stacks of cash he has accumulated, portraying himself as the ultimate hustler.
The first verse of the song is filled with imagery related to guns and violence. The repetition of the phrase "on fire" emphasizes the danger that surrounds him. Jeezy insinuates that he has a 38 revolver, which he needs to protect himself from those who might try to rob him. He describes his lifestyle very vividly, highlighting how he has acquired his wealth and what he needs to do to maintain it. Throughout the song, Jeezy asserts his dominance, both on the streets and in the music industry.
Line by Line Meaning
I don’t think they know the time
I believe that many people do not understand how severe the circumstances really are
Heard the streets fucked up, I can see the sign
I have heard that the streets are in terrible condition and all the signs are indicating the same
Heard they going for the 30 straight
I am aware that they are attempting to achieve a thirty-year sentence in jail
I can’t lie, man that shit got me 38
Honestly, I am scared and worried about the situation, it's affected me greatly
Red hot, on fire
Things are intense and heating up quickly
Glass pot, on fire
A glass pot used for cooking drugs is currently being heated and is thus on fire
Red dot, on fire
The red laser point on a gun is currently on and ready to be used
5 shots, on fire
This gun has five bullets loaded and ready to fire
I’m in that purple Lam′, looking like some dirty Sprite
I am currently driving a flashy purple Lamborghini, which resembles a drink made with Sprite and illegal drugs
Catch them bastards with them birds, yeah that rowdy white
If I catch those drug dealers with their illegal merchandise, they will be in trouble with the law
Where I'm from them things hot, and that talk is cheap
In my neighborhood, selling illegal items is a serious offense and everyone is aware of it
And aint nobody hearing shit, cause they trying to eat
Everyone is too focused on making money and surviving to pay attention to anything else
All they can eat, buffet style
People are selling everything and anything they can, like a buffet with many options
DB9 stupid grill, yeah that overbite
My car has an expensive and flashy grill design, similar to an overbite
Need me 9 stupid deals, this shit is overpriced
I need nine very expensive deals to afford and maintain my current lifestyle, which is extremely overpriced
Got it vacuum sealed up, that′s to hide the scent
I have sealed my illegal items in vacuum-packed bags to eliminate any smells and avoid detection
So much that if they pull you over, smell it through the vent
The smell of the drugs is so strong that law enforcement will be able to smell it even with the windows closed
If them people hit them lights, I be a nervous wreck
If the police turn their patrol car lights on me, I will become extremely nervous
When you don't fear nothing but the lights, now that′s a nervous check
If the only thing that scares you is being caught by the police, that is a sign that the situation is risky and dangerous
Writer(s): Antoine Kearney, Jay Jenkins, Demetrius Ellerbee, Freddie Gibbs
Contributed by Natalie R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.