“Big Sh-t Poppin’ (Do It)” by T.I.

by Amanda London · Published August 8, 2021 · Updated August 8, 2021

As far as traditional African-American slang goes, ‘poppin’ sh*t’ is the same as talking junk, specifically of a braggadocios or threatening variety. For instance, if someone goes about exalting himself in a very prideful, undefeatable manner, then you can say that individual is ‘poppin’ sh-t’.

You can view the lyrics, alternate interprations and sheet music for T.I.'s Big Shit Poppin' (Do It) at Lyrics.org.

And all lyrics considered, it wouldn’t be unreasonable to conclude such is what T.I. is also referring to as “sh*t poppin’”, as he uses the bulk of the verses to go about detailing how great and formidable he is.

But as far as what the term “sh*t stoppin’” is supposed to mean, that’s a bit more open to interpretation. The general colloquial understanding of such a phrase would make it equivalent to something like ‘stop joking’.

And all lyrics considered, Tip may also be using this as such. So with that in mind, the chorus is by and large designed to encourage us, the listeners, to ‘pop sh*t and sh*t stop’.

And as deciphered above, that would more-properly translate to ‘be bold and stop joking’. So it’s like Tip wants us to catch the baller spirit that he himself possesses.

Verse 1

The rapper proceeds to utilize the beginning of the first verse most notably to mock those who thought he would never make it. Or getting straight to the point, T.I. has proven himself to be an A list musician.

He also alludes, in a roundabout way, to his Hollywood acting career. But even if now a big timer, Tip “still” represents his ‘hood, that being Bankhead, a suburb of Atlanta. So despite being a musician he lets it be known that he remains a thug, someone who ‘slangs cocaine’ even.

Chorus

Next comes another re-rendering of the chorus. And the way it segues into the second verse further buttresses the theory that T.I. is depicting himself as a successful dude in the name of encouraging listeners to step up their game also.

Verse 2

Now, we’re not going as far as to label this as a motivational piece in the truest sense of the word. For example, after a brief moment of inspiration, Tip actually uses the second verse most expressedly to threaten opps. He also makes good the opportunity to give a shoutout to his Grand Hustle crew by namedropping a few of his signees, who by the way have since disappeared into the annals of hip-hop obscurity. But he concludes the passage by once again focusing on himself and relaying what can be considered the thesis sentiment of this piece, which is T.I.’s neverending effort to hustle and generate big bread.

Verse 3

Indeed the vocalist opens the third verse by reaffirming that he is in fact ‘doing it’. But as selfish as other parts of the song may seem, here he reveals that it is actually his desire to care for family members and other loved ones which motivates him.

So Tip isn’t hustling for the bread per se but rather using it in the name of caring for others. Moreover, he further expresses his love by threatening bloody vengeance against anyone who harms these individuals.

And on that note, the rapper also lets it be known that he perceives his actions as being further representative of his love for the ‘hood – an idea that was actually introduced earlier.

In Summation

And conclusively, this is his come-up story. T.I. is someone who “made it from the bottom” up to the status where he can credibly drop songs like these. And he’s going to continue to go hard “to death”.

So even though it’s never really stated explicitly, the ideological purpose of this track is for us to perceive the come-up of T.I. as an inspirational story. But that sentiment ultimately gets lost behind all of the other braggadocio being emitted and life-threatening statements being waged against potential opps.

“Big Sh-t Poppin’ (Do It)” Facts

Artist(s): T.I.
Album/EP: “T.I. vs. T.I.P.”

Was “Big Sh-t Poppin” a single release?

Yes. Released on May 29 of 2007, it was the lead single that supported the rapper’s 2007 album, “T.I. vs. T.I.P.” Prior to its release, “Big Sh-t Poppin'” leaked on the internet on April 14 of 2007.

Credits

Writing: The song was written by T.I and Harold Faltermeyer.

Production: It was produced by Mannie Fresh.

Awards/Honors:

At the Annual Grammy Awards of 2008, the song lost to “Good Life” by Kanye West ft. T-Pain in the “Best Rap Song” category. Other songs in that category included:

Again, in 2008, it lost the “Best Rap Solo Performance” to another song by Kanye West (Stronger). “The People” by Common, “I Get Money” by 50 Cent and “Show Me What You Got” by Jay-Z were the other songs in that category.

Chart Performance

US – 9
New Zealand – 8
Japan – 5

Sampling

Wiz Khalifa – “Goodbye” (2009)
Pitbull – “Can’t Stop Him” (2008)
Chamillionaire – “Failure’s Not an Option” (2007)
Bruneaux – “Let Me Hear You” (2013)
Psychopathic Rydas – “Dirty Money” (2007)
The White Panda – “’Big Animals Poppin” (2011)