Table of Contents
Yo Gotti’s Upbringing
Early Life in Memphis
Yo Gotti, born Mario Mims in 1981, grew up in the housing projects of Memphis, Tennessee.1
Influence of Parents
Father’s Background
- Gotti’s father, of Zimbabwean descent, worked as a gym instructor.
- His involvement in street hustling contributed to Gotti’s exposure to Memphis’ criminal elements.
Mother’s Influence
- Geraldine Mims, Gotti’s mother, hailed from South Africa.
- Alongside participating in street hustling, she instilled religious values in Gotti from a young age.
Impact on Gotti’s Childhood
- Gotti’s upbringing was characterized by a dichotomy between the influence of crime and religious values.
- His parents’ arrest when he was in second grade forced him into street life, but their religious teachings shaped his Christianity.
Influence on Yo Gotti’s Music Career
Reflecting Childhood Experiences
- Gotti’s lyrics often portray the harsh realities of Memphis’ neighborhoods while maintaining spiritual undertones.
- The dichotomy of his upbringing is evident in his music, reflecting the influence of both crime and religion.
Fan asks Boosie who would win in a Headbutting match berthing and Yo Gotti during his IG Live:”Man F**K You” pic.twitter.com/Y9NgYL53Xf
— Raphouse TV (RHTV) (@raphousetv7) February 9, 2024
Geraldine Mims’ Role
Hustling Spirit
- Gotti’s mother’s involvement in street hustling influenced his ambitious approach to music entrepreneurship.
Religious Influence
- Despite her hustling lifestyle, she also imparted deep religious faith to Gotti, fostering his spiritual connection.
Cultural Heritage
- Mims educated Gotti about his South African roots, instilling a sense of pride in his multicultural background.
Musical Expression
- Gotti’s music often pays homage to his African heritage, reflecting themes of struggle, crime, and determination rooted in his upbringing.
No Fake Love Song By Yo Gotti
Early Life and Background
Mario Mims: Early Years in Memphis
Mario Mims, born on May 19th, 1981 in Memphis, Tennessee, grew up in the Ridge Crest housing projects, known for its crime-ridden environment. Raised by a family deeply involved in hustling, Mims was immersed in the criminal aspects of Memphis society from a young age.
He once remarked, “Being from the hood, things like hustling will come your way.”2
Yo Gotti: Childhood and Family Background
Contrasting with Mims’ upbringing, Yo Gotti was born into a middle-class family.
His father, of Zimbabwean descent, worked as a gym instructor, while his mother hailed from South Africa. Raised in a religious household, Gotti embraced Christianity as his faith. Little is known about his educational background.
Transition to Street Life and Music
Early Challenges for Mario Mims
Mims faced adversity early on when, during his second-grade year, police raided his family’s home, leading to the arrest of his parents and other relatives.
With the responsibility of providing for the household thrust upon him, Mims turned to street life and began thugging on the streets of Memphis.3
Musical Ascent of Yo Gotti
- Transitioning from street life to music, Mims, at the age of 14, delved into rap alongside his crew in 1990s Memphis.
- Under the alias “Lil Yo,” he released his debut Gangsta-style Underground cassette, “Youngsta On A Come Up,” in 1996, under the label “Crime Lordz Records.”
- Initially distributing the cassette through local independent record stores, often alongside illicit substances like weed, it quickly gained traction, propelling Mims to local fame as a sensational rapper within the community.