Elevators (Me & You) by OutKast Lyrics Meaning – The Ascent of Southern Hip-Hop Storytelling
Lyrics
One for the money yes uhh two for the show
A couple of years ago on Headland and Delowe
Was the start of somethin good
Where me and my nigga rodes the MARTA, through the hood
Just tryin ta find that hookup
Now everyday we look up at the ceiling
Watchin ceiling fans go around tryin ta catch that feelin
off instrumental, had my pencil, and plus my paper
We caught the 86 Lithonia headed to Decatur
Writing rhymes tryin ta find our spot off in that light
Light off in that spot, known that we could rock
Doin the hole in the wall clubs, this shit here must stop
Like freeze, we makin the crowd move but we not makin no G’s
And that’s a nono
Verse Two: Big Boi
Yeah, uhh, check it
Ahh one two, ahh one two doe, niggaz
in the Cadillac they call us went from Player’s Ball to ballers
Puttin the South up on the map was like Little Rock to bangin
Niggaz say motherfuck that playin, they payin
We stay in layin vo-cals, locals done made it with them big boys
up in dis industry, Outkast yea dem niggaz they makin big noise
Over a million sold to this day, niggaz they take it lightly
Ninety-six gon be that year that all y’all playa haters can bite me
…around this bitch
Chorus: repeat 2X
Me and you, your momma and your cousin too
Rollin down the strip on vogues
Comin up slammin Cadillac doz (doors)
Verse Three: Big Boi
Back in the day when I was younger, hunger
Lookin to fill me belly with that Rally’s, bullshit, pull shit
off like it was supposed to be pulled
Full as a tick I was, stoned like white boys
Smokin them white golds before them blunts got krunk, chunky asses
passes gettin thrown like Hail Mary’s and they lookin like Halle Berry
So so fine, intertwined, but we ain’t sippin wine
We’s just chillin, I’m the rabid villain, and I’m so high
Smokin freely, me Lil B, Greet, Mon and Shug
And my little brother James, thangs changed in the hood
where I live at, them rats know, mama I want to sing but
Mama I want to trick, and mama I’m suckin dick, now
We movin on up in da world like elevators
Me and the crew we pimps like eighty-two
Me and you like Tony Toni Tone
Like this Eastpointe and we gone
Chorus
Verse Four: Andre
Got stopped at the mall the other day
Heard a call from the other way
that I just came from, some nigga was sayin somethin
talkin bout “Hey man, you remember me from school?” smoke some
Naw not really but he kept smilin like a clown
facial expression lookin silly
And he kept askin me, what kind of car you drive, I know you paid
I know y’all got buku of hoes from all them songs that y’all done made
And I replied that I had been goin through tha same thing that he had
True I got more fans than the average man but not enough loot to last me
to the end of the week, I live by the beat like you live check to check
If you don’t move yo’ foot then I don’t eat, so we like neck to neck
Yes we done come a long way like them Slim ass cigarettes
from Virginia, this ain’t gon stop so we just gonna continue
Chorus
In the pantheon of hip-hop music, there are tracks that transcend the bounds of time and genre, embedding their narratives into the soul of the listener. OutKast’s ‘Elevators (Me & You)’ is one such song, a piercing reflection on success, struggle, and the peculiar journey of life. This track off their seminal second album, ‘ATLiens’, serves both as a meditation on their personal growth and a testament to the South’s emerging dominance in the rap game.
OutKast, the duo comprising Andre 3000 and Big Boi, have always been heralded for their lyrical depth and experimentation with sound. ‘Elevators’ layers a complex tapestry that showcases their singular approach to storytelling, set against the gritty and melodic backdrop of Atlanta’s hip-hop scene. Let’s delve into the core themes and the artistry behind one of OutKast’s most profound offerings.
Charting the Ascent: A Breakdown of Struggle and Success
The song ‘Elevators’ isn’t just about literal vertical movement; it’s a metaphor for the trajectory of OutKast’s career and life in the ATL. The verses recount their early days, looking for the elusive ‘hookup’ to kickstart their careers, and the daily grind that saw them staring at ceiling fans, a symbol of stalled progress and the chasing of dreams.
As they recount their past with a mix of nostalgia and clarity, OutKast acknowledges the trap of local fame without financial stability. The clever wordplay and lucid storytelling lay bare the paradox of being crowd-pleasers without the monetary reward, a nuanced take on the ‘starving artist’ motif prevalent in creatives’ experiences.
Southern Playalistic: OutKast’s Place in the Hip-Hop Dynamo
OutKast’s rise wasn’t just personal success; it was a regional victory. The duo didn’t simply put Southern hip-hop on the map—they redefined it. Big Boi’s verses speak to their explosive impact on the industry, comparing their progression from the ‘Player’s Ball’ to major players in the music world.
The pride in their Southern roots is palpable, and the pairing of their local vernacular with universal themes of aspiration and confrontation with naysayers encapsulates the dualities they often explore in their music. OutKast’s position in the hip-hop hierarchy is self-assured, yet they remain inextricably connected to their beginnings.
The Celestial Twang: Dissecting the Production and Sonic Appeal
The beat of ‘Elevators’ is hypnotic—an amalgamation of deep bass, subdued drums, and celestial synths that suggest both introspection and exploration. The duo’s smooth flows glide effortlessly over this dreamscape, creating a sonic environment that’s as contemplative as it is head-nodding.
Their choice to forego the aggressive, bombastic production commonly found in mainstream hip-hop tracks of the time was intentional, allowing the depth of their lyricism to be the true protagonist of the song. This subtlety in production speaks to the larger motif of ‘Elevators’—the beauty of the journey, not just the destination.
The Hidden Layers: Decoding the Metaphors and Symbolism
Beyond the stories of success and reminiscence, ‘Elevators’ is steeped in rich metaphorical language and symbolism. The chorus alone, with its mention of rolling down the strip on vogues and slamming Cadillac doors, encapsulates a cultural snapshot of Atlanta life—a communion of family, luxury, and the simple pleasures in the face of life’s complexities.
Andre 3000 and Big Boi’s lyrical prowess dissects themes of authenticity amidst fame, the ironies of public perception versus personal reality, and the tension between maintaining their creative integrity while navigating industry expectations. Each line peels back a layer, inviting listeners to sink into the depths of their shared consciousness.
Echoes that Resonate: The Memorable Lines and Lasting Impact
Certain lines in ‘Elevators’ resonate long after the song ends, such as ‘True I got more fans than the average man but not enough loot to last me to the end of the week.’ It speaks to the dichotomy of fame and financial security, a candid acknowledgment that success isn’t always what it seems.
Coupled with their vivid anecdotes and the infectious chorus, the song has left a lasting impact on both listeners and the trajectory of hip-hop itself. OutKast’s meditation on growth, whether it’s ‘movin on up in da world like elevators’ or acknowledging that the struggles continue, remains a powerful narrative of ambition and reality.
