Diamond in the Back

Ludacris

About Diamond in the Back

"Diamond in the Back" is the fifth and final single released from the album Chicken-n-Beer by Ludacris. It is based on William DeVaughn's "Be Thankful for What You Got" and samples it heavily in the southern chopped & screwed format. It is produced by DJ Paul & Juicy J of Three Six Mafia. This was Ludacris's first single to not hit the Billboard Hot 100's Top 40 and the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks's Top 20. The music video is directed in Atlanta, and features cameo appearances by Lil Duval, Atlanta based comedian Shawty, members of Ludacris' Disturbing the Peace label Shawnna, I-20 (rapper), Bobby V, Tity Boi, David Banner and the producer duo DJ Paul and Juicy J.  


Year:
2003
4:12
391 
#3

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I want to (Diamond in the back) 
I want to (Sunroof top) 
I want to (Diggin' the scene with a gangsta lean) 
I want to (Diamond in the back) 
I want to (Sunroof top) 
I want to (Diggin' the scene with a gangsta lean) 
I want to (Diamond in the back) 
I want to (Sunroof top) 
I want to (Diggin' the scene with a gangsta lean) 
I want to (Diamond in the back) 
And I want to (Sunroof top) 
I want to (Diggin' the scene with a gangsta lean) 

Diamond in the, diamond in the, diamond in the

It's hard growin' up lookin' at drug dealers wit' all this paper 
Wonderin' how I can get me some 
My family's strugglin', I'm buggin', sittin' on my porch 
So confused, chewin' on some bubblegum 
I was always taught to use my manners with the misses 
But please, stay away from the hoes and snithes 
And I was always reached for the sky, I don't know why 
I'ma little bitty kid wit' a whole bunch of gangsta wishes 
When I grow up, you just wait, I'ma be so straight 
And everything's gonna be so marvelous 
No more borrowin' from the neighbors, no more haters 
No more blowin' Nintendo cartridges 
I'ma have it made in the shade, I'ma be so paid 
And my fam, get 'em off that payin' them bills 
Matter fact I'm schemin' my way on up out this hood, I'll be good 
When I ditch these trainin' wheels 

I want to (Diamond in the back) 
I want to (Sunroof top) 
I want to (Diggin' the scene with a gangsta lean) 
I want to (Diamond in the back) 
I want to (Sunroof top) 
I want to (Diggin' the scene with a gangsta lean) 
I want to (Diamond in the back) 
I want to (Sunroof top) 
I want to (Diggin' the scene with a gangsta lean) 
I want to (Diamond in the back) 
And I want to (Sunroof top) 
I want to (Diggin' the scene with a gangsta lean) 

Diamond in the, diamond in the, diamond in the

I'm sick and tired of ridin' public transportation 
Been patient waitin' on my set of wheels 
I'm willin' to do what it takes, whatever the stakes 
In order to get myself some dollar bills 
It's too many holes in my socks, and I'm ready to box 
Anyone tellin' me I need better shoes 
And I ain't the only one trippin', or makin a fuss 
My older cousin need some cheddar too 
He thinkin' 'bout comin' up on the lick, to get it quick 
It involves that local corner store 
I overheard him say he knew who works there 
And whatever they do, don't let the owner know 
I hope he come back with enough to let me borrow some change 
At least for the summer 
And if he don't let me borrow nothing, but ask me what I want 
I'ma tell him I wanna

I want to (Diamond in the back) 
I want to (Sunroof top) 
I want to (Diggin' the scene with a gangsta lean) 
I want to (Diamond in the back) 
I want to (Sunroof top) 
I want to (Diggin' the scene with a gangsta lean) 
I want to (Diamond in the back) 
I want to (Sunroof top) 
I want to (Diggin' the scene with a gangsta lean) 
I want to (Diamond in the back) 
And I want to (Sunroof top) 
I want to (Diggin' the scene with a gangsta lean) 

Why can't I walk with a limp mama? won't be no drama 
For goodness sakes, I'm just a kid 
Had to get my whoopin' in fo's, I was just a po' 
Like there no remorse for what I did 
Gotta learn the hard way, when runnin' them streets 
How some just creep, really just to eat a meal 
"I could of swore it was mine," what I used to tell the po-pos 
What I left to rob and steal 
Man, I gotta earn for a livin', ain't nobody givin' me nothin' 
Find somethin' I love to do 
Hmm, what about that pimpin'? It's good tippin' 
Tax free, and I know a lot of people that love to screw 
Yeah, it's just a way of the world, with boys and girls 
I'm adjustin' to my environment 
This government cheatin' us, so I'll cheat 'em back 
Why can't work feel like retirement? 

I want to (Diamond in the back) 
I want to (Sunroof top) 
I want to (Diggin' the scene with a gangsta lean) 
I want to (Diamond in the back) 
I want to (Sunroof top) 
I want to (Diggin' the scene with a gangsta lean) 
I want to (Diamond in the back) 
I want to (Sunroof top) 
I want to (Diggin' the scene with a gangsta lean) 
I want to (Diamond in the back) 
And I want to (Sunroof top) 
I want to (Diggin' the scene with a gangsta lean) 

Gangsta, gangsta, gangsta

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Ludacris

Christopher Brian Bridges (born September 11, 1977), better known by his stage name Ludacris, is an American rapper, entrepreneur and actor. Along with his manager, Chaka Zulu, Ludacris is the co-founder of Disturbing tha Peace, an imprint distributed by Def Jam Recordings. Ludacris has won a Screen Actors Guild, Critic's Choice, MTV, and three Grammy Awards during his career. Along with fellow Atlantans Big Boi and Andre 3000 of OutKast, Ludacris was one of the first and most influential Dirty South artists to achieve mainstream success. more »

5 fans

Written by: Christopher Bridges, Christopher Brian Bridges, William Devaughn

Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, BMG Rights Management

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Artist Information
"Diamond in the Back" is a song by Christopher Brian Bridges, popularly known as his stage name Ludacris, an American rapper and actor who has garnered several awards such as MTV Video Music Awards and Grammy Awards for his works in music.
Release Information
This song was officially released in 2004 as part of Ludacris' fourth studio album, "Chicken-n-Beer."
Song Structure
"Diamond in the Back" showcases Ludacris' skillful rap delivery, with the song enveloped in a laid-back and smooth beat. The lyrics express the artist's perspective on life struggles and triumphs, drawing from his personal experiences.
Sample Used
The song samples "Be Thankful for What You Got" by William DeVaughn, a soul song from 1974. The chorus lines directly allude to DeVaughn's hit.
Music Video
The music video of "Diamond in the Back" ably reflects the song's overall theme. It portrays Ludacris in various scenes reminiscent of '60s and '70s inspired black culture.
Critical Reception
While it wasn't officially released as a single, "Diamond in the Back" has been highly regarded by fans and critics alike for containing a reflective and impactful message, well-fitting of Ludacris' lyrical ability.
Album Success
Although "Diamond in the Back" was not released as a single, the album "Chicken-n-Beer" debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200, selling over 429,000 copies just within the first week of its release.
Influence
Ludacris’ “Diamond in the Back” is often cited as an example of hip-hop’s characteristic ability to recontextualize past works in a contemporary setting, providing new interpretation and commentary.
Soundtrack Feature
"Diamond in the Back" was included in the soundtrack of the popular 2004 video game, "Madden NFL 2005." This further increased the song's popularity among gamers and sports fans alike.
Cultural Impact
"Diamond in the Back" continues to resonate with listeners today, with many praising Ludacris for his relatable storytelling and the song's timeless message about overcoming struggles and staying thankful. It remains a staple in early 2000s hip-hop playlists.

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    Diamond in the Back

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    25,014     843

    Top Hot 100 Songs 2004

    Billboard #94


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