An Objective View on Rick Ross "Hold Me Back" (Nigeria) Video By Tosin Adeda

Ovie O
23rd Sep 2012
Nigeria

An Objective View on Rick Ross "Hold Me Back" (Nigeria) Video By Tosin Adeda

It’s no more news that Rick Ross was in Nigeria few weeks ago for a show, and after the show he decided to shoot a video for his “Hold Me Back” track off his “God Forgives I Don’t” album. That video dropped a few days ago, and Nigerians have aired their views via different social media platforms. Some absolutely love the video, while others see it as a slap on the face of Nigerians for being portrayed in such light to the rest of the world. For those who feel the song has no message, i will take time out to type the lyrics of the of the song. [Intro] I see how these niggas playin’ But I could adapt These niggas won’t hold me back [x8] These hoes won’t hold me back These hoes won’t hold me back These niggas won’t hold me back These niggas won’t hold me back [Verse 1] I look in my fridge, my sh*t lookin’ scarce I got a few kids, we need some sh*t on the shelf I get a knock at the door, they say my rent overdue And while my niggas sell drugs and don’t know what else to do The only thing on my mind, I’m tryin’ to keep on the lights I call up my slime, I need a kilo tonight Everything whipped well, I’m eatin’ steak, no more soup Then I parked the Capri, I went and bought me a Coupe Everything takes time, but this sh*t came fast Niggas standin’ in line, they wanna hold me back I multiplied my hustle, stimulated my mind Motivated my niggas and we’ll never divide, no [Hook] These niggas won’t hold me back [x4] These hoes won’t hold me back These hoes wanna hold me back [x3] Noooo [Verse 2] First I got me a Taurus, then I copped me a Lexus I took over Florida, my connect out of Texas Then I start sippin’ purple, got my sh*t screwed When you feedin’ your circle, watch your shipments improve Fabricate ’bout your fortune, all my fabric’s imported Fornicate in my fortress, 40k still my mortgage 24k my toilet, all my taxes reported All my exes deported, shout-out Texas, New Orleans All these niggas influenced by a hustler’s endurance I just me the purest, but I need some insurance Niggas watch who you f*ckin’ just to hate on your b*tches Niggas breakin’ the rules, niggas facin’ suspicion [Hook] [Verse 3] Momma workin’ three jobs ’til I told her to quit How we rose from the sewer, funny now I’m the sh*t Niggas ain’t gettin’ money, but they got an opinion Had this tech makin’ racket, serve you like you were tennis Killers ride for that paycheck, AK okay, check B*tch nigga let’s play chess, yo b*tch next, no latex These niggas won’t hold me back, told the feds they sold me set Whip ‘em right and then come right back Whip-whip-whip ‘em right and then come right back [Hook x2] [Verse 4] P*ssy Bottom niggas, p*ssy Bottom niggas They all p*ssy Bottom niggas, p*ssy Bottom niggas Lookin’ down on these niggas, p*ssy Bottom niggas Pushin’ my new Ferrari on these p*ssy Bottom niggas P*ssy hoe, p*ssy hoe She a p*ssy hoe until she give me p*ssy hoe P*ssy hoe, p*ssy hoe P*ssy hoe, she a p*ssy hoe The song is just about the rise from nothing to something, the rise from struggling to flossing, how he was broke and stuff and hustled his way to the top, how people who didn’t do nothing for him when he was broke now feel they can hold him back, how he’s determined to achieve more even with the hate etc. For those who feel the Nigerian version of the video is just a way to ridicule them, take time out to watch the Original version of the video and then also the Nigerian version again. Watch both videos below. American Version

youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xu60JoFAN78[ Now that you are done watching both, I'm sure we can all agree that both videos have similarities (both were shot in the slums). Why did he shoot in the slums? that i don’t know, but i av my own opinion on why he did shoot the videos in the slum, and it goes thus: for a song that portrays struggle, hustle, poverty and how hard work can take anybody out of it, the best place for someone like Rick Ross to shoot the video is the slums. he was once like the people in the slums, he remembers the struggle, he remembers the hustle, and he remembers the people who he was once like. The song is a Ghetto song, it’s a song about the streets, it’s about the common man, it’s only logical to shoot such a video in the ghetto, on the streets. I salute the director of the videos also, there is a difference between making a Slum Scene and actually using a real slum, and in this case a real slum was used, which i think it’s something that Nigerian video directors need to learn, that’s what originality and creativity is about. For those who have a problem with the quality of the video, i challenge them to show me a better Nigerian ghetto video (Directed by a Nigerian) that’s as original, precise, straight to the point as the “Hold Me Back” Nigeria video. To think that the video was short within a short time and came out good is a plus. How many of our own Nigerians artistes have done songs/video to show the plight of Nigerians who live in poverty? majority of them portray Nigeria in their videos like all is fine and we all live the good life. Some don’t even shoot their videos in Nigeria, they go to other African countries to shoot videos, is that what you like? people who don’t believe in a country that made them rich and famous. Some make it worse by using White models in their videos, the height of inferiority complex. Its a shame that anybody will feel offended by a foreigner who came over to Nigeria to shoot a video in the slums that we Nigerians have forgotten about. By the way did y’all see the tribute to Rashidi Yekini? I loved that, R.I.P to the Legend of Nigerian Football. Now finally to those who just don’t like the video because they feel it portrays Nigeria in bad way to the outside world, first of all let me make a point clear to you all, The average, shallow minded, myopic, stupid and dumb non – Nigerians (especially the whites) see Nigeria and Africa as a whole as a jungle of black monkeys who hang on trees and stuff, and there is Nothing anybody can do to change it, because majority will die in their ignorance.

That aside, I have some questions for those who feel insulted by the video being shot in the slums. Are the visuals of the video that of Nigeria or not? Is Nigeria a developed country? What does the average Nigerian worth? How much does the average Nigerian spend in a day? Is Nigeria a paradise for majority of Nigerians? Those people in the slums, are they lesser Nigerians than you are? Are you really offended because u feel bad for them or because of your own ego? Do you care about those particular set of people? Why do you have a problem with the whole world seeing how majority of Nigerians live? . . Answer those questions in your minds, they are rhetorical. A country blessed with so much natural resources, and yet so much poverty and suffering by the majority of it’s people, a country that cannot boast of steady power supply, good health care, good roads, good water supply, good education and several other basic infrastructure that every Nigerian deserves, why will you as a Nigerian want to help the looting and corrupt leaders of Nigeria hide the fact that majority of we Nigerians live in abject poverty and penury in the midst of plenty? And it’s funny and ridiculous that you think you can hide the fact that majority of Nigerians live in poverty because of corrupt leaders, i mean these leaders steal public funds and store in the hands of these same people we are trying to hide from. The world is not blind, they can see, they know how we live in, they know that majority live in poverty, you can’t hide that fact. The fact that you are privileged and have access to more money and luxury does not change the fact that majority of Nigerians are poor and live below a dollar everyday. I find it very inhuman to feel offended that Nigerians like you and i are in a video, but because they live in the slums, you are bothered about how the outside world will feel about us in general. The outside world will only talk, they don’t care about you and i, they won’t solve our problems, it is You and I that will solve our own problems and get ourselves out of the abject poverty that we have been subjected to as Nigerians by our thieving and corrupt politicians. Do you know the joy and happiness those people in the slums felt? Do you know what is means to be rejected by the govt of your own country, and left to live in permanent misery and poverty? Only to be remembered by a foreigner, who went ahead to shoot a video so that the we all can see their plight. Y’all should be ashamed of yourselves, for feeling offended over the joy of Nigerians who got remembered for once in a very long while. The Govt have forgotten these people, left to die in the slums, now you are also going to betray and deny them, because you have more money? Shame on YOU!!! What have you done to help out? have you touched the lives of Nigerians who live in poverty? what have you contributed? Nothing, absolutely Nothing! Nigeria go better. Tosinadeda 2012.

Benze: Rick ross flows60 days ago

Angie Nwokedi: I'm even shocked that there was a debate going. Things like this make me ashamed of being Nigerian.. He did the original video in a ghetto in America. Is it his fault that the Nigerian ghetto looks like that... In fact would it make sense with the songs lyrics to be sipping Moët in a mansion. Kmt. I'm not even ready to vent. Naija is Naija ppl just need to face and embrace reality. Nonsense211 days ago

Balius Boy: yes 4sure, the fake who calls himself Rick Ross intention was to promote a role model for upcoming:,you poor? become crimal!! nuthin easier than that then take ya bling to da most messed up place ya can find so ya def shine give a f... bout Dignity of small kids and laugh bout dem you just made money off ..cum on guyz its just a Gangstaass RapVid and no sociology study....234 days ago

James David: Kayzee haba!y d insult na?its his own opinion and i dnt think u shld be offended by it.if u dnt have sumtin meaningful 2say y not move 2d next post?236 days ago

Kayzee Mota: Tobby Young Slim Dumb Fuck... lmao. U shuld b in dat ghetto and learn wot sufferin is. u sit for face book dey talk rubbish. wot move ve u made to help dose kids. u'r busy insulting som1 dat tried. idiot236 days ago

Kayzee Mota: Papus E Ayeni Pardon my manners, but amongs the deep tots layed down by Tosin Adeda, u'r just been foolish to still talk about rick ross puttin on studs and d kids puttin on panties. U buy cloth for dem ni? Mumu236 days ago

Kelly Vara: AJ ... Well said x238 days ago

Ehijie Egualeonan: lol..was gonna do the same and keep my opinion but something had to be said and i would just laugh at the person that decideds to chat rubbish.lol.ild start laughin now.lol 238 days ago

Ray Ib Luvguru Ogidi: tosin adeda for president!238 days ago

P Barack Aliyu Jr: Bruv i thot i was the only 1 that thot the sane way, didnt want to comment b4 peeps start talkn rubbish that'll piss me off, after i did say i'll be holding back my own POV this year... lol238 days ago

Ehijie Egualeonan: this is funny..by your standards,rick ross should have either been wearing panties as well or he should have bought them all cloths to wear for the day?then what happens after he leaves and the video ends. they still go back to their lives in the slums. the song talks about coming from nothing to something just as he did so if anything, his STUDS AND PRECIOUS STONES are symbols that even they can make it out of the slums and that even nigerians who are dressed in just panties are worth being seen on the same scene as a wealthy, precious stone wearing rapper like rick ross.238 days ago

Ehijie Egualeonan: personally would want to say thank you Tosin Adeda for actually taking the time to right and break this down for the narrow minded people, really appreciated. it really is sad to to think people could actually be offended by this video. Rick Ross actually deciding to film a video in the slums is something we as nigerians should appreciate cause it shows that he cares and loves out country. not alot of people of his status would actually try to put not only the nigerian hardship but also promote the talents of nigeria as a whole.kanye west only showed his face in a video with D'banj and people got excited bout a nigerian who shot that video outside the country but when rick ross actually raps in a video with p-square and then shoots his own video in nigeria, people want to complain. well I just want to say thanks to the guy for giving even the nigerians in the slums, an opportunity to smile and feel appreciated.if you are mad because u didn't see your estate or mansion in the video then be lucky to have been blessed nd keep your negative opinions to yourselves.238 days ago

Adebayo Adebowale Adeoye: Jebba Runtinz,no vex240 days ago

Jebba Runtinz: thanks 4 the insults. are you M.I?241 days ago

Lil'Oyins McAfeez: That panties they put on mean nothing, thats how those kids lives everyday they gat no clothes so what do you expect, yes I am not in Nigeria right now, but that doesn't mean we should not proud of those who are still suffering. That video speaks the poor ones in the ghetto voice. Any Naija artist has gone that far for video shooting ?????? CAPITAL NO... dont blame that video is 100% perfect. OUR GOVERNMENT IS BAD 241 days ago

Oladipo Shaqboi Kumolu-Johnson: Ihave nothing else to say but praise your response to the video. I commend rick ross for showing this side of our great country. Nothing is going on right in thsi country and we are just hiding our wound under our clothings. Thank you rick ross for showing the world d real truth241 days ago

Oladipo Educate Nigeria KJ: Ihave nothing else to say but praise your response to the video. I commend rick ross for showing this side of our great country. Nothing is going on right in thsi country and we are just hiding our wound under our clothings. Thank you rick ross for showing the world d real truth241 days ago

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Lovely Grace: But the American version is banned from airing in America. The Nigerian one not. While they send the same message, all we will be broadcasting in America is the Nigerian portrayal. If that's not an issue for Nigerians, God help us.242 days ago

: Na heavy mumu you be Toby. So obvious you don't know Rozay242 days ago

Papus E Ayeni: U re right but the erroneous tin I found in the video is dat Rozay shudnt ve had any studs(blink blink)on as it used to smtimes called. Fine u went to the slum to ve a video shot but try to give a virtual revelation of wat u sing about not having to had kids from the slum wit only panties on and u putting studs and precious stones.242 days ago

James David: I simply don't see anything wrong in Rick Ross shooting such a video in Nigeria.Infact foreigners with songs that depicts what the struggles in a Jungle called Nigeria should come in and shoot their videos here since our own musicians have ignored all these and decided to erroneously show to the world that we are all living fine when majority is suffering.the only person that did something similar to this was Dagrin and he is late now.may his soul rest in peace.AMEN.242 days ago

Adebayo Adebowale Adeoye: It is sad to see how young folks that are supposed to be "the future of Nigeria" wallow in abject illiteracy and ignorance.Many of you guys keep saying that M.I. attacked Rick Ross, have you ever heard about poetry? M.I. made use of a simple poetic composition to support the message in the video and alas, many of you got lost and misunderstood him as to what he meant.Isn't that a shame to the Nigerian educational system? If you are still struggling to understand what he meant in that piece of his, I would say you should go back to Junior Secondary School, idiots!242 days ago

Vin Shittu: It's bad enough that you can't read, it's worse that you think you are intelligent. MI never criticized Rick Ross. MI said the same thing as Tosin but using poetry. Read the article again. Ode242 days ago

Adebayo Adebowale Adeoye: Whose mind is shallow if not yours?...I don't think you went through secondary school.M.I never condemned the video;he supported the message but because he sounded poetic, you and your fellow idiots misunderstood him.If you have people whom you think have more understanding of the English Language more than you do, ask them to read M.I's piece on this issue and translate it to you in your local dialect if you understand that one better.Bloody ingnoramus!...Are you sure you are a student of OAU?242 days ago

Imo Gaius: True Tawk by Tosinadeda, thanks for puttin the american version of the video, becos many people will still be ignorant, argue blindly, even up to the stage dat the 9jerian version is the only version not knowin the american version exist....also noticed some people made M.I as an example,"did u take your tyme to read wat Tosinadeda pasted"? he did not mention any name rather Tosin generalised the whole thing.....9JA E GO BETTER TRUELY ONE DAY!242 days ago

OluwaKimmie Aderichie: Nice one. !#True talk#243 days ago

Balius Boy: When Poverty Porn is defined as..."any type of media, be it written, photographed or filmed, which exploits the poor condition in order to generate the necessary sympathy for selling newspapers or increasing charitable donations or support for a given cause. Typically it is associated with black, poverty-stricken Africans, but can be found elsewhere. The subjects are overwhelming children, with the material usually characterized by images or descriptions of suffering, malnourished or otherwise helpless persons." What is this then?243 days ago

Balius Boy: Drugdealer and Gangster smokin Drugs next to small Kids , then distributing his Drug/Blood money he obviously is so proud of the Kids, thatś the role model that leads to progress?243 days ago

Tosin IrepChrist Adeda: LMAO Rick Ross is white? LMAO243 days ago

Marvel Ebosele: On point, dnt mind em, if rick ross had call one of em to appear in d video they would ve agreed in a rush. Nah to dey shw were dem dey pop champagne for videos wen some people neva eat243 days ago

G-Baller J'lord Obembe: Exactly!!! Please someone should lecture MI and he should dig some sense in this article..this video is just perfect as it may be!!243 days ago

Ayoola Olamide Olabiwonnu: Cool243 days ago

Tobby Young Slim Ovie: F*ck #Rozay_ if we re black monkeys then they re white donkeys *pissed*.243 days ago

Demo Pumpin Yobaboy: very true243 days ago

Demo Pumpin Yobaboy: deep one mehn.243 days ago

Jebba Runtinz: M.I should but his short knees to the floor and weep.243 days ago

Damilola Ogundele: Real Talk243 days ago

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