Based on a True Story (Trick Daddy album)

Based on a True Story
Studio album by Trick Daddy Dollars
Released	July 29, 1997 (1997-07-29)
Recorded	1996–1997
Studio	4 Star Studio Battery Studios, New York, NY Gordi Studio Studio Center
Genre	Southern hip hop gangsta rap Miami bass dirty rap
Length	1:07:19
Label	Slip-N-Slide Warlock
Producer	Ted "Touche" Lucas (exec.) Darren "DJ Spin" Rudnick Alvin Clark Devastator X Mike "Fresh" McCray Righteous Funk Boogie Trak & Tek
Trick Daddy Dollars chronology
Based on a True Story (1997) www.thug.com (1998)

Professional ratings

Review scores
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AllMusic

Based on a True Story is the debut studio album by American rapper Trick Daddy, and the only studio album released under his 'Trick Daddy Dollars' alias. It was released on July 29, 1997, through Slip-N-Slide and Warlock Records. Production was handled by Alvin Clark, Darren "DJ Spin" Rudnick, Devastator X, Mike "Fresh" McCray, Righteous Funk Boogie, and Trak & Tek. It features guest appearances from Buddy Roe, JT Money, Verb and Jamal. The album peaked at number 59 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums in the United States.

The album has sold 350,000+ copies. As of 2025, this is his only album to not have the word "thug" in the title.

Compositions

Production and recording

The music is very much a reflection of the Southern hip hop sound of the time. The main element is the unique sound of the Roland TR-808 drum machine, which is characterized by a sinusoidal booming kick drum, snappy snare, and bright metallic cymbals that can be recognized by their open and closed hi-hat and splash cymbal sounds. In addition to the 808, the Roland TR-909 drum machine also appears in a few tracks. The melodic elements and accompaniment are mainly electronic instruments such as synthesizers and samplers, but in addition, electric instruments such as organs, guitars and pianos can also be found in some songs. The overall sound is very analog, warm at low frequencies, bright at higher frequencies but not harsh. This mainly determines the instrumentation of the music.

The melodies, chord progressions, and accompaniments draw heavily from Miami bass. Additionally, elements of R&B, reggae, soul, and funk are present, such as guitar and piano licks, along with background vocals reminiscent of female vocals in G-funk. The tracks are upbeat and club-oriented but generally have a slower tempo compared to traditional Miami bass. The hi-hats frequently play 16th notes, a rhythm characteristic of future trap music and so much rolls and fills have in the drum beat.

Lyricism and themes

The lyrics mainly try to tell the story of the street struggles in the South, while also showing the Florida lifestyle of the club and party life. From selling cocaine like UGK, Master P and Outkast to other gangster life activities that will later inspire the foundations of trap music. The lyrics are very much built on storytelling while in the chorus, similar to bounce music, call and response elements are used.

Trick Daddy's flow on this album is marked by a straightforward, conversational style, with a delivery that is gritty and unpolished, reflecting the harsh realities of street life in Miami. This raw approach allows listeners to connect deeply with his narratives, as he steers away from complex wordplay in favor of authentic storytelling. Lyrically, the album delves into themes of survival, street justice, and personal loss. Tracks like "Based on a True Story (Part I)" and "Based on a True Story (Part II)" poignantly reflect the impact of his brother's tragic death, demonstrating Trick Daddy's ability to transform personal grief into compelling music. Growing up in Miami's Liberty City, Trick Daddy was immersed in a vibrant musical culture, deeply influenced by the city's unique blend of sounds. The high-energy dance music known as "booty music," with its explicit rap vocals and infectious rhythms, played a significant role in shaping his musical sensibilities, which is evident in his early work.

Track listing

Explicit version

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Based on a True Story, Part I"	2:00
2.	"Based on a True Story, Part II"	3:59
3.	"Oh Me, Oh My"	5:18
4.	"Bout a Lotta Thangs..." (featuring Rodney & Buddy Roe)	4:31
5.	"They Don't Live Long"	3:53
6.	"Kill-A-Head..."	3:47
7.	"Now They Wanna Holler"	4:19
8.	"Going Down Like That"	3:39
9.	"Snowin' in Miami" (featuring Jamal)	5:04
10.	"Smoke Out" (featuring J.T. Money)	3:28
11.	"I'll Be Your Player"	3:16
12.	"I Got Plans" (featuring Buddy Roe)	4:13
13.	"Pimp" (featuring Buddy Roe and J.T. Money)	4:30
14.	"Telephone" (Skit)	0:37
15.	"Ho But You Can't Help It" (featuring Buddy Roe)	3:27
16.	"Gone With Your Bad Self" (featuring Verb)	3:39
17.	"Gone With Your Bad Self" (Bom Bom Mix)	3:43
Total length:		1:07:19

Clean version

No.	Title	Length
1.	"They Don't Live Long"	3:58
2.	"Bout a Lotta Thangs..." (featuring Buddy Roe)	4:01
3.	"Oh Me, Oh My"	3:17
4.	"Kill-A-Head..."	3:43
5.	"Now They Wanna Holler"	4:19
6.	"Going Down Like That"	3:32
7.	"I'll Be Your Player"	3:19
8.	"Based on a True Story, Part II"	3:59
9.	"Pimp" (featuring Buddy Roe and J.T. Money)	4:30
10.	"I Got Plans" (featuring Buddy Roe)	3:55
11.	"Gone With Your Bad Self" (featuring Verb)	3:39
12.	"Gone With Your Bad Self" (Bom Bom Mix)	3:43
Total length:		45:45

Charts

Chart (1998)	Peak position
US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard)	59

External links

• Trick Daddy – Based On A True Story at Discogs (list of releases)