It’s a reworked rap song. Billy G said “it's based on a rap song from the 1990's entitled '25 Lighters' by Lil' Keke and Fat Pat. It was recorded at a Digital Services Recording in Houston and we worked there as well”. Songs from La Futura album from 2012, which was a great one.
This was some of their newer stuff - 2012 I think. Their recording studio was being remodeled so they came to another Houston recording studio. They met some of the local rap artists and this is a take off or collaboration of some kind as I understand it, from his song 25 lighters. In Houston, the dope dealers would empty cheap lighters, fill them with the dope & sell them. '25 lighters on my dresser, yessir, I gotsta get paid'... I absolutely love this song despite the meaning! Lol Thanks for the great reaction as usual guys! ❤
Never heard this song, I thought it was another song with a similar name. IM BLOWN AWAY!! I know these dudes are hard but I do not think I've heard a more gangsta rock song in my life!! Wow that was dope. Glad I was here to hear for the first time. ✌🏼
As a band who usually record their own original material, ZZ Top weren't used to the machinations of getting permission to rework an original song. Said Gibbons to MusicRadar: "What we discovered is that when an artist covers a song, it's called a 'cover version.' When an artist begins to modify and change it, after a certain percentage, it's a 'derivative work,' and that requires the new version to be reviewed by the originators. If the originators like it, they can wave holy water over it and you're good; if they don't, you're stuck. The two original performers, Lil' Keke and Fat Pat, had passed away," he continued, "and it was the last day to decide if we could do it that we tracked down the executor of the estates. We played him the track over the phone. 'I don't know if I can understand this,' he said. 'I'm going to put the phone to my little girl. She's 14.' When she heard it, she said, 'Daddy, they're playing your song!' So the executor got back on and said, 'Looks like you've got a winner.'"
25 letters on my dresser (I'm guessing those are letters/bills) - LOL. What a good way to put it. This was a great reaction and I had never heard this song before. It's a great song - hardcore blues rock with a heavy dose of stank on it.
No it actually is "25 Lighters," which is Houston ghetto slang for taking Bic Lighters apart, removing the innards and filling them with crack. The ZZ Top song is a cover of DJ DMD's 1989 rap hit "25 Lighters,". There is a UA-cam video of DJ DMD's original and it's worth watching.
In an interview, Billy Gibbons said, ""Yes, it's based on a rap song from the 1990's entitled '25 Lighters' by Lil' Keke and Fat Pat. It was recorded at a Digital Services Recording in Houston and we worked there as well, so we got to know those guys and that song just stayed with us for all that time. It really stayed in our head for all that time while we figured out how to deconstruct it and transform it into a guitar-based, blues-infused rocker as you hear it on La Futura. That guitar breakdown is something of a tribute to the great Lightnin' Hopkins, another of our 'heroes of the Houston ghetto.'"
when i first heard these guys in the early 70s i thought these guys were the bomb and still listen to these guys today they never get old to me good texas rockin blues
You just cannot go wrong with ZZ Top, they just rock out in their own style forever. For a banger from early on, try their Just Got Back From Baby's from their first album, they already were dope. That album was a hell of a debut. Enjoy! 🎵🎸🎤🎸🎶
The album that song is on is a goodie. I'm mainly a fan of their '70s music, but their later stuff has some really great music on it. Check out their cover of the Otis Redding song called "Tramp" from the 2003 Mescalero album. That's a badass album also.
Wikipedia: "The album's lead single, "I Gotsta Get Paid", is a cover of "25 Lighters" by Houston hip hop artist DJ DMD." Songwriters: Dorie Dorsey, Billy Gibbons, Kyle West, Al B. Sure!, Joe Hardy, G.L. Moon
I think this their 80s stuff. You see those vintage Hot Rods in the "Eliminator" song catalogue. I saw them in the early days in the mid 70s in concert in Seattle, and it was one of the best concerts I saw, and I saw Led Zeppelin, Credence, and many others live, but ZZ Top ranks right up there. The live music sounded just like the recorded version, because they didn't use a bunch of studio enhancements, that couldn't be reproduced in concert. Same for a lot of the Bands in the 60s and 70s. What you heard on the radio, is what you got at the concert live. Unfortunately, that began to change in the 1980s. Thanks guys
"25 Lighters," refers yo Houston ghetto slang for taking Bic Lighters apart, removing the innards and filling them with crack. The ZZ Top song is a cover of DJ DMD's 1989 rap hit "25 Lighters,". There is a UA-cam video of DJ DMD's original and it's worth watching.
Most people, still, don't recognize this as "a cover" (of sorts) -and a "props" to Texas music (which is core to ZZ's being. Always!), as well!!- ...but it is. "I Gotsta Get Paid" is, actually, a ..."reconfiguration" (would be the most correct, accurate term; here) of "25 Lighters" by: D.J. D.M.D. (although, regularly credited to "Li'l Keke" (and "Fat Pat")-). This was a LOCALLY popular record, circa: Houston (prior to "the South" getting co-opted and popularized, in hip-hop circles!). ...in the late '90s ['97 or '98, I think 🤷🤷]. "25 Lighters" didn't, really, get (much) out of Texas, at that time. ...in 2010-2011, when ZZ Top were thinking about their new album (to be released in: 2012), Billy Gibbons remembered this track (I am guessing Rick Rubin -who was going to produce La Futura, with ZZ TOP- based-on his history in hip-hop, may, also, have been familiar with it [OR NOT!🤷]) and ZZ decided to "ZZ-fy" it and record it. The guitar parts, of course, are brand-new. The lyrics are, somewhat, rewritten. ...so: if you listen to "25 Lighters" you will, immediately, recognize the "lyric/chorus hook," of course ...but not very much more! --ZZ TOP made this a classic ZZ Top song. Out-and-out Texas blues groover, bad-ass, raunch-rocker. ...with Southern hip-hop roots. (which, in the late '90s, were, actually, unique!). In any case: bad-asd. Personally: I think "Chartreuse" is "THE song" from this ZZ album (but that's not saying, like: "I don't like" "I Gotsta Get Paid" (or some aspects of it!) - NO!🤘🤘). "Chartreuse" is a banger! Get to it!
This song is a revamp of fellow Texan DJ DMD's 1989 rap hit "25 Lighters," which is Houston ghetto slang for taking Bic Lighters apart, removing the innards and filling them with crack. Peace out.
I've watched a number of reactions to this song and no-one has mentioned the killer distorted guitar sound and the fantastic drum pattern and sound. I don't understand.
For all those confused, I was too until a little googling. 25 lighters… hid inside small crack rocks. They would sell users a ‘lighter’ with the drugs inside. The line is from a Rap song about selling some drugs to make some cash. So he could then buy some diamonds and a car with some big woofers for the bass to bang. Got it?!
![Cris, Up For Anything! - [Deltarune: The Otherer Puppet]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/C50ns0SwmTM/mqdefault.jpg)
It’s a reworked rap song. Billy G said “it's based on a rap song from the 1990's entitled '25 Lighters' by Lil' Keke and Fat Pat. It was recorded at a Digital Services Recording in Houston and we worked there as well”. Songs from La Futura album from 2012, which was a great one.
25 lighters is a DJ DMD , Lil Keke & Fat Pat song. ZZ Top is paying tribute 🤘
There is another
Hip Hop ZZ Top track from
" Crucifixx A Flatt" from XXX ( 99) 🔥
Cars, women and ZZ Top. Their music videos were the best . And the music ain’t too shabby either! 😂 Gangsta for sure. Thanks guys.
There is another
Hip Hop ZZ Top track from
" Crucifixx A Flatt" from XXX ( 99) 🔥
IMO, this is one of their best songs ever..
Hot women. Hot cars. Hot music.🔥🔥🔥 "Pay me my money"
ZZ Top!!
I LOVED THIS!!!!!! Nothing else needs to be said.Period
This was some of their newer stuff - 2012 I think. Their recording studio was being remodeled so they came to another Houston recording studio. They met some of the local rap artists and this is a take off or collaboration of some kind as I understand it, from his song 25 lighters. In Houston, the dope dealers would empty cheap lighters, fill them with the dope & sell them. '25 lighters on my dresser, yessir, I gotsta get paid'... I absolutely love this song despite the meaning! Lol Thanks for the great reaction as usual guys! ❤
Never heard this song, I thought it was another song with a similar name. IM BLOWN AWAY!! I know these dudes are hard but I do not think I've heard a more gangsta rock song in my life!! Wow that was dope. Glad I was here to hear for the first time. ✌🏼
RIP to ZZ TOP Bassist Dusty Hall who passed away, July 28, 2021. Age 72. Thanks Dusty for your music.
Based on a rap song “25 Lighters” Lil Keke and Fat Pat
There is another
Hip Hop ZZ Top track from
" Crucifixx A Flatt" from XXX ( 99) 🔥
This is classic gansta Texas style ! ZZ is just 💯 original ! ✌🏼❤️
Love!! Bring back “The Eliminator” to modern time. Badass. Top’s videos were always as creative as their music.
Billy Gibbons guitar playing has grown more sublime over the years..... RIP Dusty Hill.
As a band who usually record their own original material, ZZ Top weren't used to the machinations of getting permission to rework an original song. Said Gibbons to MusicRadar: "What we discovered is that when an artist covers a song, it's called a 'cover version.' When an artist begins to modify and change it, after a certain percentage, it's a 'derivative work,' and that requires the new version to be reviewed by the originators. If the originators like it, they can wave holy water over it and you're good; if they don't, you're stuck.
The two original performers, Lil' Keke and Fat Pat, had passed away," he continued, "and it was the last day to decide if we could do it that we tracked down the executor of the estates. We played him the track over the phone. 'I don't know if I can understand this,' he said. 'I'm going to put the phone to my little girl. She's 14.' When she heard it, she said, 'Daddy, they're playing your song!' So the executor got back on and said, 'Looks like you've got a winner.'"
Brown Sugar by them Live is by far my fav from them its worth a listen
Glad you got to this one...one of my favs!❤
I was lucky enough to see zz top at ramblin man festival and they were so good 👍
Gritty, simple, with that ZZ Top growl....
25 letters on my dresser (I'm guessing those are letters/bills) - LOL. What a good way to put it. This was a great reaction and I had never heard this song before. It's a great song - hardcore blues rock with a heavy dose of stank on it.
No it actually is "25 Lighters," which is Houston ghetto slang for taking Bic Lighters apart, removing the innards and filling them with crack. The ZZ Top song is a cover of DJ DMD's 1989 rap hit "25 Lighters,". There is a UA-cam video of DJ DMD's original and it's worth watching.
In an interview, Billy Gibbons said, ""Yes, it's based on a rap song from the 1990's entitled '25 Lighters' by Lil' Keke and Fat Pat. It was recorded at a Digital Services Recording in Houston and we worked there as well, so we got to know those guys and that song just stayed with us for all that time. It really stayed in our head for all that time while we figured out how to deconstruct it and transform it into a guitar-based, blues-infused rocker as you hear it on La Futura. That guitar breakdown is something of a tribute to the great Lightnin' Hopkins, another of our 'heroes of the Houston ghetto.'"
when i first heard these guys in the early 70s i thought these guys were the bomb and still listen to these guys today they never get old to me good texas rockin blues
much of the sounds on this one give me the feels.
I'm always going to love the sound of the ignition turning over he makes with his guitar
You just cannot go wrong with ZZ Top, they just rock out in their own style forever. For a banger from early on, try their Just Got Back From Baby's from their first album, they already were dope. That album was a hell of a debut. Enjoy! 🎵🎸🎤🎸🎶
Thanks for hitting this one. You got the right one. It's relatively new. Kicks ass everytime. Send you another "play list selection" soon.
Airplay Beat to 25 Reasons to 'Like', 'Comment' & 'Scribribe', '''Cause They Gotsta Get Paid". Great reaction guys, thanks for everything.
Love ZZ Top
Wow … new for me… I love Zz… never heard this … Thanks so much for reacting to this…
Whoever sent the request 🙏
Outstanding..I never heard this song before. Thanks for showing it to me..Good Luck BP
ZZ Top are the epitome of cool. Now you guys are cool too.
You guys are awesome, don't change a thang.
Cool, sexy and so dam edgy!!! Excellent song; love it 👏😎
Right away that guitar tone 😎
Late 70's to early '80's😎🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥😎
ZZ!!!!!
billy gibbons is the most underrated guitarist ever-
They took advantage of MTV and made great videos with their 80's music.
Had to come back and watch you guys again. Thanks for your time.
You are quite correct on the more modern sound, it is from 2012. They just had 'It' from the beginning and they soldier on...
Saw them 2 times so good
zz always managed to be trendy and innovative at the same time
ZZ Top is the reason that MTV doesn't play Music Videos anymore! I'm 67 and I know gangsta when I see it and hear it!
This is a newer song in the 2010's. They still rock hard. Some of hte best live shows I have seen.
It is a cover of an older rap tune.
“cover of Houston rapper and producer DJ DMD’s chart-topping “25 Lighters” (featuring Fat Pat and Lil KeKe)”
ZZTop put out some super funky sauce in the 90's. "Rhythmeen", "Poke Chop Sandwich", "Fearless Boogie", "Trippin'", "Belt Buckle", etc....
There is another
Hip Hop ZZ Top track from
" Crucifixx A Flatt" from XXX ( 99) 🔥
Gangsta !!!!!!!
The Babes!! Damn.
one mode of operedus for ZZT....
bad 🎸🎸🔥🔥
That dirty, crunchy guitar!!
This is the right song and the right video
Awesome track!
"We're the same 3 guys, playing the same 3 chords!"
You don’t have to say you liked this, the look on your faces says it all.
This is a rap from Lil keke Then 2021 year later they did it
The litte band from Texas never dissapoints
The album that song is on is a goodie. I'm mainly a fan of their '70s music, but their later stuff has some really great music on it. Check out their cover of the Otis Redding song called "Tramp" from the 2003 Mescalero album. That's a badass album also.
They write about what the working man knows
The old stuff is the best stuff in my old a$$ opinion 😊 imagine that.
So damn cool.
Go Laa! GoChee! I GOTSTA GRT PAID!!
This is some down home cooking.
There is another
Hip Hop ZZ Top track from
" Crucifixx A Flatt" from XXX ( 99) 🔥
One of my top five La and Che reactions
ZZ is so smooth
That was a great reaction. I'm 60. You had me laughing.
If you enjoyed this ZZ Top track you should try their "I Need You Tonight", it's an under-appreciated blues/rock gem!
Please,, do a reaction to ZZ Top’s first album!! You will not be disappointed!! Blues at its best…
Wikipedia: "The album's lead single, "I Gotsta Get Paid", is a cover of "25 Lighters" by Houston hip hop artist DJ DMD." Songwriters: Dorie Dorsey, Billy Gibbons, Kyle West, Al B. Sure!, Joe Hardy, G.L. Moon
Willie G. is a legitimate Badass.
you cats are really funny. i had never heard this song either and agree that its great. ZZ epitomizes cool
Thanks for rocking with us
I think this their 80s stuff. You see those vintage Hot Rods in the "Eliminator" song catalogue. I saw them in the early days in the mid 70s in concert in Seattle, and it was one of the best concerts I saw, and I saw Led Zeppelin, Credence, and many others live, but ZZ Top ranks right up there. The live music sounded just like the recorded version, because they didn't use a bunch of studio enhancements, that couldn't be reproduced in concert. Same for a lot of the Bands in the 60s and 70s. What you heard on the radio, is what you got at the concert live. Unfortunately, that began to change in the 1980s.
Thanks guys
Nope, not 80s
It's from 2012
That shit is GANGSTER!!!!!!
"25 Lighters," refers yo Houston ghetto slang for taking Bic Lighters apart, removing the innards and filling them with crack. The ZZ Top song is a cover of DJ DMD's 1989 rap hit "25 Lighters,". There is a UA-cam video of DJ DMD's original and it's worth watching.
I never seen it. Thanks man!
Most people, still, don't recognize this as "a cover" (of sorts) -and a "props" to Texas music (which is core to ZZ's being. Always!), as well!!- ...but it is.
"I Gotsta Get Paid" is, actually, a ..."reconfiguration" (would be the most correct, accurate term; here) of
"25 Lighters"
by: D.J. D.M.D. (although, regularly credited to "Li'l Keke" (and "Fat Pat")-).
This was a LOCALLY popular record, circa: Houston
(prior to "the South" getting co-opted and popularized, in hip-hop circles!).
...in the late '90s ['97 or '98, I think 🤷🤷].
"25 Lighters" didn't, really, get (much) out of Texas, at that time.
...in 2010-2011, when ZZ Top were thinking about their new album (to be released in: 2012), Billy Gibbons remembered this track (I am guessing Rick Rubin -who was going to produce La Futura, with ZZ TOP- based-on his history in hip-hop, may, also, have been familiar with it [OR NOT!🤷])
and ZZ decided to "ZZ-fy" it and record it.
The guitar parts, of course, are brand-new.
The lyrics are, somewhat, rewritten.
...so: if you listen to "25 Lighters" you will, immediately, recognize the "lyric/chorus hook," of course ...but not very much more!
--ZZ TOP made this a classic ZZ Top song.
Out-and-out Texas blues groover, bad-ass, raunch-rocker.
...with Southern hip-hop roots.
(which, in the late '90s, were, actually, unique!).
In any case: bad-asd.
Personally: I think "Chartreuse"
is "THE song" from this ZZ album (but that's not saying, like: "I don't like" "I Gotsta Get Paid" (or some aspects of it!) - NO!🤘🤘).
"Chartreuse" is a banger!
Get to it!
This song is a revamp of fellow Texan DJ DMD's 1989 rap hit "25 Lighters," which is Houston ghetto slang for taking Bic Lighters apart, removing the innards and filling them with crack. Peace out.
"Eagle Flies on Friday" means paychecks by mail😎😎
I've watched a number of reactions to this song and no-one has mentioned the killer distorted guitar sound and the fantastic drum pattern and sound. I don't understand.
Such a grimy groove. Dirty in the best way. Go get you your's, lads - the weekend is almost here!
Hell yea!
I Told ya fellas!!!! Ya heard!!!! 😂
"BLUE JEAN BLUES"....!
This is from the Rick Rubin p roduced" La Futara " best since Eliminator !!
For all those confused, I was too until a little googling. 25 lighters… hid inside small crack rocks. They would sell users a ‘lighter’ with the drugs inside. The line is from a Rap song about selling some drugs to make some cash. So he could then buy some diamonds and a car with some big woofers for the bass to bang.
Got it?!
Told y'all...😎
The Reverend Billy F Gibbons
I actually never heard of this song before
You guys have to check out Billy Gibbons’ solo effort, “Perfectamundo.” Check out the song “You’re What’s Happening Baby.” 🔥🔥🔥🙂
If zz top ever put out anything that wasn't good, I ain't heard it. Consistently great rock.
All the video was missing was a Caddy with swangers catching up the hot rods
When she steps out of the car 👀
Tearing it up, just a little ole band from Texas
The tone a little more distorted and raw, the ladies a little hotter and harder, but it's still ZZ Top. Can't miss. Yes sir!
You guys haven't even scratched the surface,
Actually the 25 lighters was a reference to when dealers would stash cocaine in empty lighter shells .
Great song, video….only guy who has no beard (drummer) is named BEARD (Frank)….gangsta all the way!
I believe 25 lighters is referencing how dealers would gut bic lighters and insert product.
DJ DMD [feat. Lil' Keke & Fat Pat] - 25 Lighters (Official Video) is the organelle
It's a tribute...but a good one. That's a nasty guitar tone. My favorite by them is "Heard it on the X."
You should hear the original by Fat Pat. Great review guys.
If you like this you need to hear the inspiration for it. Dj DMD's 25 Lighters