What Yo Hood Like
Hustle, Survival, and Grit: What Yo Hood Like by Mistah F.A.B.
Lyrics
Yo, where I'm from you hustle hard or you don't get it
Emphasizes the necessity of hard work for success in the speaker's hometown.
I couldn't tell you 'bout the block if I didn't live it
Claims personal experience on the block is essential for authentic understanding.
I couldn't tell you 'bout the curb if I didn't sit it
Refers to sitting on the curb, suggesting a close connection to street life.
'Bout it, 'bout it all my life, there was no limits
Expresses a life without limits and a constant "bout it, bout it" attitude.
In my PJs for three days with texts in the wall
Describes a period of isolation in pajamas with messages on the wall.
Middle finger to the cops having sex with the law
Defiantly resists law enforcement, metaphorically having sex with the law.
I know the phones getting tapped, all my texts and calls
Acknowledges awareness of phone tapping and surveillance on texts and calls.
But I never let the D.A. get the best of me, no
Asserts resilience against legal pressure from the District Attorney.
Man can you picture that Oakland be the city where I'm living at
Highlights Oakland as the speaker's current residence.
Where killas going difference that if they get you then you get them back
Describes a cycle of retaliation among individuals in the speaker's environment.
Youngsters ten see me getting high, sipping Henny yeah
Observes young people witnessing the speaker's lifestyle choices.
Twenty- three, parting with new Benz and the brand new 'lac
Portrays a lavish lifestyle with new cars and luxury.
I wasn't s'posed to make it, thanks Raegan, I survived Reagan
Credits survival to overcoming challenges during the Reagan era.
Mama's getting high, playing Dr. Dre, blazing chronic
Reveals the influence of the speaker's mother playing Dr. Dre while using drugs.
Mama hooked on crack, never spent a day in phonics
Details a troubled upbringing with a crack-addicted mother.
Drinking tonic, chasing dreams, homie I was playing Sonic
Recalls youthful pursuits and dreams, such as playing Sonic the Hedgehog.
Where you from 'cause represent yo shit
Repeated emphasis on representing one's hometown with various terms for identification.
Where you from blood represent yo shit
-Where you from son represent yo shit
-Where you from kid? Represent yo shit
-Yo what your hood look like how your hood look?
Questions about the appearance and characteristics of the listener's neighborhood.
Yo what your hood look like how your hood look?
-Yo what your hood look like how your hood look?
-Is your hood full of gangsters and hoodlums?
-Yeah, a lot of dogs don't bite but all of 'em bark loud
Uses metaphorical language to suggest that many threats are more noise than actual danger.
I need you to understand we under a dark cloud
Expresses a feeling of living under a constant negative influence.
I'm staring my thoughts out, your mouth can't be in if
Encourages sincerity by stating that one's mouth should match their heart.
Your heart's out, see the blue suits with the narks out
Comments on the presence of undercover law enforcement.
Slid in hell, get a cell, pick a coffin
Suggests sliding into a situation that leads to imprisonment.
Bitches is fucking, niggas is pillow talking
Addresses gossip and betrayal among people close to the speaker.
They gon' kill him, you better get 'em off him
Warns of potential harm and the need to protect someone from impending danger.
When it come to the millions, nigga we get 'em often
Boasts about financial success, with the ability to make millions.
Hated on my niggas that can't get right
Reflects on the struggles and challenges faced by the speaker's associates.
Late night, dice games and pit fights
Describes a nightlife filled with dice games, pit fights, and the memory of absent friends.
Shoot outs that started off as fight fights
-Thinking 'bout my niggas that ain't here on this night
-We ain't crazy, we just feral
Rejects the notion of insanity, asserting a primal nature instead.
All of this like [?] to Fitzgerald
Obscure reference, possibly to F. Scott Fitzgerald, emphasizing intelligence in challenging circumstances.
Yeah I know we still smart, we just ghetto
Asserts intelligence despite a ghetto upbringing.
That's why this young nigga is [?]
Unclear reference, possibly hinting at a specific circumstance or individual.
Where you from 'cause represent yo shit
Repeated emphasis on representing one's hometown with various terms for identification.
Where you from blood represent yo shit
-Where you from son represent yo shit
-Where you from kid represent yo shit
-Yo what your hood look like how your hood look?
Questions about the appearance and characteristics of the listener's neighborhood.
Yo what your hood look like how your hood look?
-Yo what your hood look like how your hood look?
-Is your hood full of gangsters and hoodlums?
-Gangsters, hoodlums, killers, convicts
Enumerates elements of the speaker's environment, including violence, drugs, and economic disparity.
Rottweilers, pitbulls, cats and nonsense
-Old show boxes, pulling them blue trims
-We got the Tims off, glued like glue sticks
-You ain't give this city some hope, now it's a city of dope
-If you ain't pushing Europeans, they consider you broke
-It ain't no mystery, my city lost identity
-But with a couple bars let me break down the history
-We built this city off rock and dro
-Pimping hoes, V&V, 2Pac and show
-Now the streets corrupting innocent and make a move
-Militant through diligence, get shot over a millicent
-Eating Scooby Snacks, pop a vitamin
-Got Heineken, Robert China men, just to shine again
-Got to rehab to get back out, hit the grind again
References personal struggles and the need to persevere and succeed again.
Pete Rock, do I gotta mind 'em man
Mentions Pete Rock, a figure associated with hip-hop, possibly suggesting the need to pay attention.
Where you from 'cause?
Reiterates the question about the listener's hometown.
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