Throwback Video of the Day: Obie Trice – “Got Some Teeth”
Obie Trice’s “Got Some Teeth:” A Standout Debut from the Shady Camp
Obie Trice makes a bold and unforgettable introduction with “Got Some Teeth,” the lead single from his debut album Cheers. Released under Eminem’s Shady Records imprint, the track instantly separates itself from the pack with its comedic edge, cinematic visuals, and razor-sharp storytelling. As of today, this throwback video remains a standout example of Obie Trice’s unique place in early 2000s hip hop.
Signed in 2000 and introduced to the world via a skit on Devil’s Night and an iconic line on Eminem’s “Without Me,” Obie Trice quickly proved he was more than a name with no gimmicks. With “Got Some Teeth,” he doesn’t just launch his solo career—he delivers a satirical bar anthem that still feels fresh years later.
Breaking Down the Lyrics: Humor Meets Honesty
At its core, “Got Some Teeth” is a night-in-the-life tale of a man hitting the bar, hoping for a good time and, most importantly, a woman who doesn’t wear dentures. Trice’s verses paint detailed scenes of his interactions with several women—from the sultry and aggressive Veronica to the STD-laden Karen. These aren’t caricatures; they’re exaggerated, hilarious versions of real-life experiences that many can relate to or at least imagine.
Obie uses sharp punchlines and vivid imagery to bring each interaction to life. Whether he’s dodging single mothers with “tons of baby fathers” or fleeing a club packed with “rolie polies,” Obie doesn’t hold back. The humor is unfiltered, sometimes offensive, but always unmistakably authentic.
In the chorus, he pleads for one simple thing after a night out: that his one-night stand has some teeth. It’s absurd, crude, and hilarious all at once—and it sticks with you.
Eminem and D12 Cameos Add Value
The “Got Some Teeth” music video isn’t just a visual aid—it’s a fully fleshed-out comedic skit. Directed by Philip G. Atwell, it parodies the infamous MTV show Blind Date with its own version, dubbed “Dream Date.” The video is rich with Shady family cameos, including Eminem as a mustachioed bartender and D12’s Kuniva playing both himself and his alter ego, Rondell Beene.
These appearances elevate the visual storytelling, adding layers of irony and surrealism. Eminem’s deadpan performance behind the bar perfectly complements Obie’s bar-hopping misadventures, while Kuniva’s role in the fantasy rescue mission adds even more absurdity.
Obie Trice’s Unmistakable Delivery
What truly makes “Got Some Teeth” shine is Obie Trice’s delivery. With a cadence that’s both relaxed and calculated, he maneuvers through the beat like a seasoned comic delivering punchlines. His tone shifts appropriately. First, from sly to disgusted. After that, to completely baffled—capturing the full spectrum of a drunken night out.
The production, courtesy of Eminem, is quirky and bouncy, with looping piano riffs that lend the track a cartoonish vibe. It balances Obie’s hard-edged delivery with playful melodies, creating a sound that feels equally at home in a club or a comedy skit.
Cheers: Setting the Stage for Success
“Got Some Teeth” served as the first impression of Cheers, a Shady Records debut that would eventually go gold. While the album showcased Obie Trice’s lyrical dexterity and streetwise insight, this single proved he could also entertain. It was a risk—launching a new artist with a comedic single—but it worked, largely because of the confidence and charisma Obie brought to the table.
With the Shady camp already making waves, Obie managed to carve his niche by being both relatable and ridiculous. In a rap landscape often dominated by hyper-masculine bravado or socially conscious messages, Obie’s willingness to laugh at himself (and others) gave Cheers a distinct voice.
Cultural Footprint and Viva la Bam
“Got Some Teeth” also gained visibility through pop culture placements. The track served as the theme song for the character Compton-ass Terry on MTV’s Viva la Bam, further cementing its place in early-2000s media. This crossover exposure helped Obie reach audiences beyond the typical rap crowd, adding to his fanbase and buzz.
The song’s comedic value, paired with its sonic uniqueness, made it ideal for television use. It gave Obie Trice a versatile brand—hard-edged but funny, serious with a smirk.
Verses That Stick
Each of the three verses in “Got Some Teeth” builds on the absurdity of the last. In the first, Obie connects with Veronica, making fast plans for hotel escapades. In the second, he carefully avoids Karen due to her sketchy past but still considers a hookup. The third verse is the most outlandish, as he narrowly escapes a club filled with plus-sized women, humorously referring to his “big-girl disorder.”
Lines like “Word to mother, they got damn Okra and beans. Got ya Oprah in jeans.” and “Lean Cuisine wouldn’t hurt much” are outrageous, but they’re crafted with a comedic flair that makes them quotable classics. Obie’s refusal to take himself too seriously invites the audience to do the same.
Ultimately, the delivery of those lines, and those verses, made the song. Then, when they were paired alongside scenes in the music video, it made for a classic moment. While Obie is best-known for this song and video, he made the moment worth it. Also, don’t overlook how the “Got Some Teeth” music video clearly inspired other work, namely Ludacris’ 2008 video for his song, “One More Drink.”
Final Thoughts
Ten years later, “Got Some Teeth” remains one of the more memorable debut singles in hip hop, precisely because it dared to be different. In a genre where debuts often rely on tough talk or introspection, Obie Trice made his mark by blending crude comedy with legit storytelling. The song’s humor, catchy beat, and unforgettable hook all contribute to its staying power.
Obie Trice may not have chased mainstream pop appeal, but with “Got Some Teeth,” he showed that authenticity, humor, and Shady Records swagger can be just as impactful. For fans who appreciate hip hop that doesn’t take itself too seriously, this throwback is well worth the revisit.
The cultural impact Obie had with this one is understated, but it’s there.