Yo Gotti has a new mixtape out, I Showed U So, with DJ Drama. The release is a compact 11 tracks and comes in just under 30 minutes. Speaking with Ebro Darden at Apple Music 1, the CMG legend revealed why each release going forward will be shorter than most new rap releases.
“I think I said on ‘Driveway Furniture,’ ‘I’m putting nothing but mixtapes out from now on,’” Gotti said. “It’s not really a chart goal. It’s more like art pieces. I look at it like I want to put out short projects. This is the shortest project I ever put out. So, short projects is like art pieces and they’re purposeful. Each project will speak for that moment, whenever I put it out. And it ain’t no pressure, because like you said, I’m just doing what I want to do, how I want to do it. It’s like exercise.”
Last month, Yo Gotti dropped his latest Gangsta Grillz mixtape, I Showed U So, featuring collaborations with Moneybagg Yo and Rich Homie Quan. The 10-song mixtape with DJ Drama displays Gotti’s versatility, transitioning from gritty tracks like “Pop My Shit” to more romantic rhymes in “The One,” where he vulnerably raps about love and butterflies in his stomach.
The mixtape also reunites Gotti with Rich Homie Quan on their new collab, “Mandarin,” after their hit single “I Know” from Gotti’s acclaimed album “I Am” ten years ago.
I Showed U So is a long-awaited follow-up to Gotti’s breakthrough Gangsta Grillz project, I Told U So, released in 2006, which marked a turning point in his career. Now, 17 years later, Gotti celebrates the manifestation of his dreams and accomplishments.
The mixtape’s release follows Gotti’s “No Fake Love” single and video drop featuring Angela Simmons.
Additionally, I Showed U So marks Gotti‘s first solo release since his 11th studio album CM10: Free Game in February 2022, which achieved the highest-charting album of his career, debuting at No. 3 on the Billboard 200.
After making it in the industry himself, Yo Gotti has been giving back by helping to uplift other artists trying to follow in his footsteps through his CMG label. He recently surprised “F.N.F.” hitmaker GloRilla with a luxury Maybach in celebration of her birthday. Now, the Southern superstar is putting the spotlight back on himself with a long-awaited sequel. He and DJ Drama reunited this past New Music Friday for their second Gangsta Grillz tape. This one is called I Showed U So.
Gotti lead the project with his “No Fake Love” single, on which he notably name-dropped Angela Simmons, his girlfriend. The designer appeared alongside him in the visual, looking as stylish as ever. The “Down in the DM” hitmaker handles eight of the 10 songs on his tracklist by himself, but for the other two, “Mind My Business” and “Mandarin,” he recruited Moneybagg Yo and Rich Homie Quan respectively.
Learn the Lyrics to Yo Gotti and Moneybagg Yo’s “Mind My Business”
Gotti and Bagg have worked together numerous times over the years, from “Weekend” and “Yah Bih” to Steppers with 42 Dugg, EST Gee, Mozzy, and Blac Youngsta. Unsurprisingly, their new joint effort has quickly become one of the most popular songs on I Showed U So, followed by “1st Hunnid Bands,” “Ha Ha,” “POV,” and “Driveway Furniture.”
Learn the lyrics to Yo Gotti and Moneybagg Yo’s latest collab, “Mind My Business” above, or add it to your playlist on Spotify/Apple Music. Which of the two rappers do you think gave us better bars? Let us know in the comments, and check back later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.
Every car you think about, I got it, no car note, no lease Only time you seen a b**ch like mine, your timeline on IG Ni**as hate like h*es just ’cause they can’t get no money with me Only time we seein’ eye to eye if you come buy front row seats
Yo Gotti’s spent the majority of the past decade and a half establishing himself as a pivotal force in the South. Throughout the past few years, he’s released mixtapes and albums that have served as sermons for the streets. However, he’s always put his money where his mouth is, too. His entrepreneurial ventures, from his restaurant Prive to launching CMG, have turned him into a titan in the rap game, although it’s evident that recording music hasn’t been his primary focus in recent times.
Fortunately, he isn’t leaving fans empty-handed this summer. This morning, the Memphis rapper returned with the release of his new project, I Showed U So. Teaming up with DJ Drama for another installment in the Gangsta Grillz series, Gotti brings anthem after anthem that showcases how his hard-hitting flows continue to stick into the fabric of rap music. The 10-song album only includes features from Moneybagg Yo and Rich Homie Quan, allowing Gotti to speak his unfiltered thoughts.
A good chunk of the project finds Yo Gotti connecting with lesser-known producers and providing them with an opportunity to shine. However, Gotti does bring some star power through. Producers like Southside and the budding hitmaker, MoXart Beats, earn placements on “No Fake Love,” an immediate highlight of their project. Overall, I Showed U So is a firm reminder of Gotti’s commanding energy in the rap game.
Yo Gotti and DJ Drama’s connection on this project isn’t a coincidence. We’ve witnessed DJ Drama bring the Gangsta Grillz tape to the forefront in recent years, reconnecting with a number of artists that he worked with in the past. Gotti and DJ Drama previously connected in 2006 on Cocaine Muzik 4. Meanwhile, Drama’s already plotted some anticipated tapes with Pusha T and more. Check out I Showed U So above and sound off with your thoughts in the comment section. Did Yo Gotti and DJ Drama deliver one of the best tapes of 2023?
Yo Gotti, the Memphis native and CEO of CMG, has just dropped his latest Gangsta Grillz mixtape, I Showed U So, featuring collaborations with Moneybagg Yo and Rich Homie Quan. The 10-song mixtape with DJ Drama displays Gotti’s versatility, transitioning from gritty tracks like “Pop My Shit” to more romantic rhymes in “The One,” where he vulnerably raps about love and butterflies in his stomach.
The mixtape also reunites Gotti with Rich Homie Quan on their new collab, “Mandarin,” after their hit single “I Know” from Gotti’s acclaimed album “I Am” ten years ago.
I Showed U So is a long-awaited follow-up to Gotti’s breakthrough Gangsta Grillz project, I Told U So, released in 2006, which marked a turning point in his career. Now, 17 years later, Gotti celebrates the manifestation of his dreams and accomplishments.
The mixtape’s release follows Gotti’s “No Fake Love” single and video drop featuring Angela Simmons.
Additionally, I Showed U So marks Gotti‘s first solo release since his 11th studio album CM10: Free Game in February 2022, which achieved the highest-charting album of his career, debuting at No. 3 on the Billboard 200.
DJ Drama says that he hopes to work with GloRilla, Stove God Cooks, Ice Spice, and more on future Gangsta Grillz projects. He discussed his hopes for upcoming collaborations during an interview with XXL.
“I’ve had the conversation with Stove God [Cooks],” Drama revealed to the outlet. “I would love to do a project with him. I think a GloRilla Gangsta Grillz would be fire. Maybe even like Ice Spice or maybe Lady London. So many dope females out there.”
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – AUGUST 12: DJ Drama performs onstage during “Vinyl Verse Summer” tour at Cellairis Amphitheatre at Lakewood on August 12, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
He continued: “Obviously, a lot of people have always wanted the EST Gee Gangsta Grillz. Don’t get me started, so many people. I mean, would love to do a Brent Faiyaz Gangsta Grillz. It is endless. I think that’s one thing that’s dope and potent about Gangsta Grillz. It’s a platform and cross-generational.”
Drama has teamed up with numerous high-profile artists in recent years for Gangsta Grillz projects including Jeezy, Snoop Dogg, Symba, French Montana, NBA YoungBoy, Jim Jones, and more. Perhaps most notably, Drama worked with Tyler, The Creator on his Grammy-winning Call Me If You Get Lost in 2021. He also just dropped his latest studio album, I’m Really Like That, back in March. For that effort, he teamed up with Lil Wayne, Tyler, The Creator, Lil Baby, Jeezy, Lil Uzi Vert, Offset, T.I., Rick Ross, Jack Harlow, and several more. In addition to the list of artists Drama says he wants to work with, he recently also confirmed that he’s got a project with De La Soul in the works. Appearing on The Breakfast Club, he remarked, “De La Soul’s coming to streaming. I can’t be more excited. And we got a Gangsta Grillz coming! Little sidebar.”
Elsewhere in his interview with XXL, Drama discussed his relationship with Lil Uzi Vert and what it was like seeing the rapper get sober. He described the experience as being “eye-opening.”
DJ Drama’s Gangsta Grillz mixtape series has become one of the most historic runs in hip hop history. Drama has hosted mixtapes for a wide range of artists, many widely regarded as classics. Before he would co-found the Generation Now imprint, the Gangsta Grillz mixtapes were integral in hip hop’s mixtape era. The series helped establish mixtapes as an essential building block for a successful rap career in the 2000s and 2010s.
Gangsta Grillz has had its fair share of iconic moments in hip hop, as well as the famous mixtape raid of DJ Drama’s house. Drama’s influence on hip hop with these mixtapes can be seen in today’s hip hop. Artists like Westside Gunn and Tyler, The Creator have involved DJ Drama for Gangsta Grillz-inspired albums. The series is still strong as Drama has announced Gangsta Grillz mixtapes with Pusha T and De La Soul.
Starting in 2001, there have been well over 150 Gangsta Grillz mixtapes, so compiling a list of the best ones is difficult to narrow down. This is a list of the best Gangsta Grillz mixtapes, ranked from 11 to the top spot. Back in 2021, DJ Drama provided his own ranking of his Top 10 Gangsta Grillz mixtapes. Take a look at our list below.
11. Childish Gambino – STN MTN (2014)
Following the legendary Because The Internet album, Childish Gambino’s next ambitious release was a double project. In 2014, he released STN MTN, a rap-heavy Gangsta Grillz mixtape, along with the Kauai EP, which had an R&B/pop sound. STN MTN is named after Childish Gambino’s hometown of Stone Mountain, Georgia. The mixtape’s concept is a dream sequence that pays homage to the mixtape era, heavily inspired by southern rap. STN MTN sees Childish Gambino fully embracing the sound of his home state, rapping over all-time Atlanta classics like “Southern Hospitality” and “Move That Dope.” The Gangsta Grillz mixtape is also an early inspiration for Gambino’s TV show, Atlanta.
Pharrell’s talent is genreless. His production and songwriting credits and his skills as a singer and rapper need no introduction. He is known for being a brilliant collaborator but has few solo projects. His 2006 debut solo album, In My Mind, is now a cult classic and is the only Pharrell album with his rap skills on full display. In My Mind is special because Pharrell raps, sings, and produces the entire album. The mixtape is unique in a different way, as Pharrell showcased his rap skills in a more loose setting, rapping over classic hip hop beats, and the bars are the main focus. Pharrell’s music often focuses on the entire ensemble, from intricate production to vocal arrangement. In My Mind: The Prequel allowed Pharrell to spit bars, making his discography unique and significant as a Gangsta Grillz mixtape.
9. Curren$y – Verde Terrace (2011)
There are not many rappers with more mixtapes than Curren$y. The New Orleans rapper is known for his signature chill sound, often consisting of very laid-back yet skillful rhymes. Curren$y’s Gangsta Grillz, Verde Terrace is a special moment in his extensive catalog as the selected beats he rhymes over encourage him to step his bars up. Curren$y was well established by the time the mixtape was released in 2011, but he was rapped with such hunger on it. Curren$y did not necessarily step out of his comfort zone but showcased that he could still get busy no matter the beat.
8. Jean Grae – Cookies or Comas (2011)
Before she moved on to other forms of media, Jean Grae could rap among the best. Her early rap career consisted of outstanding bars that never failed to impress, later transitioning to comedy and film. Cookies or Comas, her Gangsta Grillz mixtape with DJ Drama, is one of the most impressive displays of her lyrical skills. This mixtape stands out because it was the opposite of the mainstream southern trap that many Gangsta Grillz tapes were at the time. Jean Grae’s entire rap style was the complete opposite, and Cookies or Comas showed the wide range of Gangsta Grillz.
7. Lil Wayne – The Dedication (2005)
The first installment of Lil Wayne’s most iconic mixtape series is also DJ Drama’s most popular Gangsta Grillz series. Lil Wayne had released many mixtapes before 2005, but The Dedication was different. Coming off a classic release with Tha Carter II, Wayne flexed his skills over other artists’ beats, often out rapping the original. Since The Dedication, a Lil Wayne mixtape release, especially TheDedication, was a moment.
6. Nipsey Hussle – Crenshaw (2013)
In the 2010s, mixtapes started to consist of more original material rather than remixes. Mixtapes were free and more easily accessible. Nipsey Hussle’s bold strategy to release his Gangsta Grillz mixtape, Crenshaw, both for free and $100 a piece, proved successful. The fact that fans were willing to pay a hefty price tag for a free mixtape speaks to Nipsey’s talent and the quality of Crenshaw. The now-classic Gangsta Grillz mixtape helped shape a sound for the new generation of west coast hip hop and built Nipsey his cult fanbase. He had already proved himself with his Marathon series, but Crenshaw took things to the next level for Nipsey Hussle.
5. Little Brother – Separate But Equal (2006)
One of the most respectful qualities of DJ Drama and the Gangsta Grillz mixtapes is that he could do a tape with Gucci Mane and Jean Grae, which would make sense. It is not as much a sound but more a stamp of approval for what makes a great mixtape. Little Brother’s 2006 mixtape was one of those projects that proved that DJ Drama and Gangsta Grillz could capture both mainstream and underground audiences. Separate But Equal was one of their last projects to feature 9th Wonder as a main member. In terms of rapping and production, this project ranks high among the best Gangsta Grillz mixtapes and one of Little Brother’s best projects.
Releasing a Gangsta Grillz was one of the best ways to promote an album release, which many rappers did. Before disappointing fans with their major label debut, Slaughterhouse released the On The House mixtape with DJ Drama, including original and preexisting beats. On The House was everything that Welcome To: Our House lacked, which was hard bars, tight chemistry, and sound production. While it is not perfect, On The House is the Slaughterhouse that fans longed for.
They got ahead of their album’s overwhelmingly negative reception by releasing this mixtape. Royce Da 5’9”, KXNG Crooked, Joe Budden, and Joell Ortiz spit killer bars on “Weight Scale” and “Juggernauts.” They also poured their hearts out on the stunningly emotional “Truth Or Truth, Pt. 1.” DJ Drama brought the best of Slaughterhouse with On The House, displaying the potential of one of hip hop’s most promising supergroups.
3. Nipsey Hussle – Mailbox Money (2014)
Crenshaw may have introduced Nipsey Hussle to the masses, but Mailbox Money was the one that solidified his position as one of the west coast’s best artists. Everything promising about Crenshaw was improved on Mailbox Money, from its polished production to its features. One of the most underrated mixtapes, Mailbox Money deserves to be mentioned among Nipsey’s best works and DJ Drama’s best Gangsta Grillz mixtapes.
2. Big K.R.I.T. – It’s Better This Way (2015)
Big K.R.I.T. is one of hip hop’s most consistent artists, and his mixtape catalog can prove it. His 2015 Gangsta Grillz with DJ Drama stuck to K.R.I.T.’s unique southern and soulful sound. It was his final release under Def Jam. As the cover and title suggest, Big K.R.I.T. followed the road less traveled, going independent. The mixtape features both hard-hitting southern bangers and soulful songs of contemplation. The mixtape’s rapping, production, and replay value make it deserving of its placement this high on the list.
1. Lil Wayne – Dedication 2 (2006)
When making his own list, DJ Drama placed Lil Wayne’s Dedication 2 at No. 1, which is deserving of that placement for many reasons. Wayne had already crowned himself the “best rapper alive.” He proved he could take charge of other rappers’ beats on The Dedication. On its sequel, Lil Wayne made other rappers’ beats his own. With Dedication 2, “Mixtape Wayne” built his cult following completely separate from his albums. Lil Wayne effortlessly put his unique take on popular instrumentals during this era.
“Cannon (Remix)” is the ultimate “Mixtape Wayne” moment. Lil Wayne even speaks to the current state of the country by calling out the president’s poor handling of victims of Hurricane Katrina on “Georgia… Bush.” Dedication 2 was the project that made “Mixtape Wayne” a force to be reckoned with.
With a thriving career spanning over two decades, DJ Drama has made a significant impact in the world of hip-hop. This remarkable figure results from his versatile talents as a DJ, record executive, and music producer. In this article, we will delve into the key aspects of DJ Drama’s career that have contributed to his impressive net worth.
DJ Drama Net Worth
As of 2023, Celebrity Net Worth estimates his net worth to be around $12 million.
Early Beginnings And Mixtape Success
(Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
DJ Drama, born Tyree Cinque Simmons, started his career in the late 1990s. He gained recognition in the early 2000s with the release of his iconic Gangsta Grillz mixtape series. These mixtapes featured well-known hip-hop artists such as Lil Wayne, T.I., and Young Jeezy. DJ Drama’s mixtapes played a crucial role in promoting these artists’ careers and helped establish his name in the industry.
Record Label
(Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Revolt)
In addition to his success as a mixtape DJ, DJ Drama co-founded Generation Now, a record label, in 2013. The label has signed several prominent artists, including Lil Uzi Vert, Jack Harlow, and Skeme. Through Generation Now, DJ Drama has played a significant role in the success of these artists, contributing to his net worth.
Radio And Television Appearances
(Photo by Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images)
DJ Drama’s work in radio and television has also contributed to his net worth. He has hosted various radio shows, including his own show on SiriusXM’s Shade 45 channel. Furthermore, he has appeared as a guest on popular television shows such as RapFix Live.
Endorsements and Other Ventures
(Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
DJ Drama’s net worth is further boosted by his brand endorsements and partnerships. He has been associated with top brands such as Beats by Dre. These partnerships have not only helped increase his wealth but also solidified his reputation as a tastemaker in the music industry.
Outside of music, Drama has explored other ventures, including real estate investments. While the details of his property investments remain private, it is assumed that this aspect of his career has contributed to his net worth.
Conclusion/TLDR
DJ Drama’s estimated net worth of $12 million in 2023 is a testament to his hard work, versatility, and business acumen. From mixtapes and music production to record label management and brand endorsements, DJ Drama has consistently made an impact in the music industry. As he continues to grow his brand and explore new ventures, it is anticipated that his net worth will only increase in the years to come.
Take a look at the past two years of the rap game. It’s hard not to identify the massive influx of rappers who’ve partnered with DJ Drama for their own Gangsta Grillz mixtape series. Though we could credit Tyler, The Creator’s Grammy-award-winningCall Me If You Get Lost for reminding fans of DJ Drama’s significance, the Philadelphia native partnered with rappers like Jim Jones and up-and-comers like Symba, for the Gangsta Grillz resurgence.
However, with the newfound acclaim, DJ Drama prepared to capitalize on it with his album. It’s been a few years since the release of Quality Street Music 2, and a whole new generation of rappers has emerged since. Drama even launched his label Generation Now to highlight the young stars of today. So, when it came time to deliver his new project, I’m Really Like That, Drama had no shortage of talent to choose from, from the OGs that helped him usher inthe Gangsta Grillz era to newcomers like Jack Harlow and Lil Uzi Vert, who he delivered to the masses.
DJ Drama Claims His Stake On “I’m Really Like That”
There’s no denying how much weight DJ Drama’s name carries in hip-hop but he certainly put that on full display with I’m Really Like That. The star-studded tracklist boasts appearances from a wide-range of collaborators who he curates for unexpected records. Tyler, The Creator, who released Call Me If You Get Lost: The Estate Sale this morning, opens up the project. Meanwhile, the regular rotating cast of Southern staples, including Lil Wayne, T.I. Jeezy, and more, appear across the tracklist.
The most significant collaboration comes early on with the Nipsey Hussle-assisted, “Raised Different.” The posthumous verse from the late West Coast legend arrives on the anniversary of his death. Drama pairs Nipsey with Jeezy and Blxst for an unexpected banger that celebrates his legacy. However, Drama also ensured that Trouble, who passed away last year, is also celebrated as he appears posthumously with Boosie Badazz and OMB Peezy on “Iron Right”. Drama didn’t disappoint with his latest effort. Press play above and sound off with your thoughts on I’m Really Like That in the comment section below.
After doing some reflecting, DJ Drama admits to a few regrets. His impact on Hip Hop doesn’t need defending as Drama is one of the most celebrated DJs and producers in the game. His Gangsta Grillz series has lasted for decades, and from one generation to the next, artists are clamoring for an opportunity to add their names to his list of collaborators. While chatting with Bootleg Kev on his podcast, Drama revisited a moment in 2008 when he was working with Gucci Mane on their Gangsta Grillz project, The Movie. The mixtape was supposed to feature a look from Nicki Minaj, but Drama switched things up.
At the time, Minaj was only a few years into her professional career. She was still establishing her relationships, proving her skills, and competing for attention in a Hip Hop boys’ club. She didn’t have much national or global visibility, so DJ Drama decided it was best to take her off the project, all together. In hindsight, he wishes he didn’t make that move. “When he brought it to me, the first song on the tape, the first voice you heard on the tape was Nicki Minaj,” Drama said.
DJ Drama Made Things Right
Drama didn’t want fans to hear the voice of a lesser-known artist from the onset. “Obviously, this is an early Nicki Minaj. And disrespectfully, I felt like we can’t have a Gangsta Grillz with me and Gucci, and the first voice you heard not be Gucci, so I removed her verse from that song. I feel terrible to this day.” However, he did make things right, in his own way, by including Minaj in Lil Wayne’s Dedication 3 project that same year. Minaj made sure her voice was heard.
“‘Dram, please don’t let the tape come out without me on there,’” Drama recalled Nicki telling him. “And I said, ‘I got you.’ So Nicki Minaj is on Dedication 3 directly because I made sure she was on there.” The Queens icon has long discussed the roadblocks she experienced early on in her career—and throughout. Minaj has been open about struggling to earn respect while her male peers have navigated an easier route.
Deb Antney Claims Gucci Didn’t Like Nicki
Meanwhile, music executive Deb Antney previously shed light on the relationship between Gucci Mane and Nicki Minaj. Antney used to manage both artists, but according to her, Gucci “couldn’t stand” Minaj because she refused his sexual advances. It’s unclear if this also contributed to the exclusion on his mixtape years ago, but it certainly has fans talking.
DJ Drama is gearing up to drop off a Gangsta Grillz mixtape with De La Soul. The Drama recently sat down on Rap Radar where he divulged plans for the future of Gangsta Grillz. In the wake of De La Soul’s discography returning to DSPs, he said he discussed plans to create a tape with the group. Though no release date has been set, it appears that we have something to look forward to this.
DJ Drama announced the project as he explained his ability to connect with different generations flawlessly. He said he was “addicted to new shit” and being able to be ahead of the trends. As he explained his love for hip-hop, he slyly slipped in the news of the De La Soul project. “I was a teenager in the 90s, so that’s my era. I love that. That’s why I ride around to, listening to – De La Soul’s coming to streaming. I can’t be more excited,” he said. “And we got a Gangsta Grillz coming. Little sidebar.”
As DJ Drama mentioned, De La Soul’s discography finally came to streaming service after battling with Tommy Boy Records. De La Soul and their former label reached an agreement that allowed their discography to hit streaming platforms. 3 Feet High and Rising, De La Soul Is Dead, Buhloone Mindstate, Stakes Is High, Art Official Intelligence: Mosaic Thump, and Bionix finally appeared on streaming services at the top of the month.
Unfortunately, it seems like DJ Drama filmed his interview with Rap Radar earlier this year, prior to the tragic announcement of Trugoy The Dave’s death. Trugoy battled congestive heart failure over the past few years, which he discussed on De La Soul’s “Royaly Capes” in 2016. A week after De La Soul graced the Grammys stage (sans Dave), his rep announced that he passed away. However, there’s yet to be an official cause of death released publicly. Though it’s unclear how this will affect the Gangsta Grillz mixtape, we can only hope that DJ Drama and De La Soul pay tribute to him in some form on the project.
