For a rapper to command your attention, it all comes down to the voice. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Public Enemys Chuck D had millions of fans hanging on to every word of his booming baritone. In the mid-1990s, The Notorious B.I.G.s steely poise and vocal precision led many critics and fans to proclaim him the best rapper of all time. Now, in 2006, get ready for the next rapper with a magnetic voice, someone whose pristine raps demand attention. His name: Jay Rock.
Born and raised in Watts, Californias notorious Nickerson Gardens Projects, Jay Rock got his first encouragement from his music-making relatives, who noticed the impact his deep, melodic voice made on song after song. They were like, youre hard. And youve got a voice for it, too. Youve got a real cool voice to it, Jay Rock recalls: "A lot of people started hearing me and they would tell me that my voice catches them. So, I started working it, working on my craft and got more and more confidence." His rap name is inspired by a character off the hit Canadian comedy show Trailer Park Boys.
Jay Rocks confidence led to a string of heated appearances on neighborhood mixtapes. The gifted rhymers clever phrasing, gritty realism, storytelling swagger and powerful voice grabbed the attention of Top Dawg Entertainment boss Dude Dawg. Once in the studio with an independent company backing him, Jay Rocks output increased and improved.
After shopping his demo to a number of major labels, Jay Rock and Top Dawg earned a deal with industry powerhouse Warner Bros. Records, also home to Lil Jons BME Recordings, E-40, The Federation and Talib Kweli, among others. The Warner Bros. executives were impressed with Jay Rocks distinctive flow, his vivid lyrics and, of course, voice. Already a star on the Internet, his always-updated myspace.com/jayrock page features three songs that have more than 100,000 plays.
One of those cuts is LA Shit, Jay Rocks stellar reworking of Busta Rhymes New York Shit. When I heard that song, I thought it was a hot-ass song, so I wanted to get on my LA shit about what we do out here, says Jay Rock, who has long been a fan of Busta Rhymes phraseology. I was paying respect to Busta and his song, and thats for the mixtapes right there. I want LA to get an ear for it.
LA will also appreciate the energetic California Soul, which details the treacherous reality of Californias streets. Game produced the record and he gave it to me. I met him at the studio about a week later and let him hear ithe went crazy! He liked it so much he recorded the hook on the spot. On the smooth Thats My Word, Jay Rock asserts his status as a man of his word, while To The Top documents his ascent from project resident to his present day successes. It was a struggle to get to where Im at now, he says. Im talking about going from the bottom to the top, what I was going through starting off. Im legal now. Im signed. I started off at the bottom, made something out of nothing and am going to run with it until I get all the way to the top.
As someone who looks toward the past as he pushes toward the future, Jay Rock holds the soulful Back In The Days in high regard. I just went back to when I was 6, 7, growing up listening to the oldies, he explains. That song meant a lot because I always dwell on the past, for some reason. I always think back and wish that I was a kid again. I know that will never happen, but some times I just wish I could go back in the days when I was young.
For now, though, Jay Rock is focused on recording his debut album and ushering in a new era of hard-core West Coast rap. Jay Rock is thankful that Comptons The Game was able to breakthrough with his multi platinum, The Documentary album. Game opened up the doors for a lot of people, Jay Rock says. Game opened the door and Im running right through with my people behind me. Were trying to bring it back home, bring the West back. Weve been down for a long time, so were trying to bring it back home.
With production on his forthcoming debut album from such A-List producers as KayGee (Jaheim, Naughty By Nature) and L.E.S. (Nas), as well up-and-coming beatsmiths Nephew, 4th Quarter and K-Fam, Soundwave and Aqua (Jay-Z), Jay Rock is set to live out a dream that seemed to be destined to happen.
His hard-working mother filled their home with the classic soul and blues music of such icons as the Temptations, Dramatics, Isley Brothers, Johnny Guitar Watson and B.B. King. She also had an affinity for rap, and enjoyed the music of such trendsetters as Big Daddy Kane and Biz Markie. Her love for music carried over to her house parties. My mom threw parties damn near every weekend, Jay Rock recalls. Shed be stressing during the week, would come home and thats what theyd do, party all night long.
Jay Rock soon developed an interest in playing keyboards and, at age 12, writing poems. And, as he grew up in the volatile Watts streets, gangster rap began to take hold. You couldnt go up the street without hearing Snoop, Dre or N.W.A, he says. Much as N.W.A and others reported about their surroundings, Jay Rocks early poems documented his feelings -- about a person, about Los Angeles, about his experiences.
Jay Rock soon started getting into trouble at school, forcing him to attend a number of different schools. He also endured a harsh reality when cited and incarcerated for violating his areas gang injunction. I was hanging out with dudes I grew up with, dudes I went to school with, played Pop Warner with, he says. They saw us out there and took us downThey put me on it...I basically cant hang out where I liveI cant help where I stayThey got me again when I was hanging out of my own apartment, my own residence.
Jay Rocks legal struggles have made him appreciate what he has already accomplished, turning his childhood talent for writing into a career as a major-label recording artist. Getting signed and being from what Im from, thats a great achievement because nobodys really been signed from my projects, Jay Rock says: "Thats a big achievement for me. Its a blessing. It feels real good. I could be in the jail somewhere or in the grave, but Im right here doing what I need to do.
And it all starts with the voice.
Necessary
Jay Rock Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm straight up out that East side, swangin' like ziplines
A 4G outta rim top, automatic spit fire
Yackin' a black canister, look at this bastard go
It don't take much to aim, fingers been snatchin' souls
Out on my grind, rhymin', stacking this cash to hold
And I could take you where them niggas get bodied
But that ain't nobody business, so what the fuck is you asking for?
Look, I'm just try'na blow good dope
And put my feet to the metal of life and see just how fast it goes
Fuck the world, gotta make that bitch grab her toes
And Rock game never goofy, no weapon shall prosper
Manoeuvre like I'm Bruce Lee, ya know I'm chucks
Been doing this since a young buck
Banging for fifty cent from a victim, while my gun talk
And somebody gotta get it
And when you make a dollar, know somebody gotta spend it
The struggle is real, the struggle is real, the struggle is real
You gotta do what you got to just to get over the hill
When you live in America, either kill or be killed, yo
Lord have mercy, have mercy
I know I ain't living right and know I'm not perfect
But plus I gotta eat what I'm doing it's worth it
So, Lord have mercy
I stay at your head or be at your throat
Better ask your folk, I'm never the dawg to provoke
Niggas know the status and bitches come cast their votes
In my zone with codeine and plenty of grass to smoke
I'm surpassed and broke, stay trapping for mo'
Two chicks boosting, we hooking back up in the back of the sto'
I'm the jack of many trades, steady pimping my pen
Hustle in the shade, respond in a nigga's funny ways
I was raised by winners
Niggas who park benzes up at that Staples Center
Now that gangsta nigga, I'm on some new money
Nothing but raw, pop shit, catch one in the jaw
It's gutta law, I know, you wish you was a star
What I do is internal, smoking herbal
Try'na run up in some bitches who fertal, wow
Feel like this is my moment, feel it's time for change
Excercise in game, niggas vibe the change
No looking back at it, cause this is that moment
I step forward ready to go at each and every opponent
Give it to anybody that want it
Represent the underdog, training in the gym
Tell a minute, they get they number called
I'm speed bagging it's worth, the trainers see me smashing
With persperation on the back of my shirt, making them sweat
Better yet, just look at them vets
Like when I'm in that Nicks, cashing a check, you know it's real nigga
The struggle is real, the struggle is real, the struggle is real
You gotta do what you got to just to get over the hill
When you live in America, either kill or be killed, yo
Lord have mercy, have mercy
I know I ain't living right and know I'm not perfect
But plus I gotta eat what I'm doing it's worth it
So, Lord have mercy
The lyrics to "Necessary" by Jay Rock depict the harsh reality of living in America and the constant struggle to succeed. The first verse starts with Jay Rock stating where he's from and how he's been grinding and stacking his money. He then talks about the violence in his city but refuses to give up any information on it. He just wants to focus on getting high and chasing his dreams. The chorus repeats the phrase "the struggle is real" and talks about how in America, it's kill or be killed. The second verse starts with Jay Rock claiming his dominance and how others know not to cross him. He talks about his past and how he was raised by winners who now park their Benzes at the Staples Center. He’s saying that he now lives a gangster life, earning new money just by being true to himself. He then proceeds to explain how he is the underdog, and he represents others like himself who are always looking to improve by training hard.
Line by Line Meaning
90059 be the zip, it be the zip
I come from the East side and I'm living fast, putting everything on the line for success
I'm straight up out that East side, swangin' like ziplines
I come from a rough part of town and I'm living life to the fullest, always taking risks
A 4G outta rim top, automatic spit fire
I've got a fast car and a gun, always ready for action
Yackin' a black canister, look at this bastard go
I'm dangerous and unpredictable, always on the move
It don't take much to aim, fingers been snatchin' souls
I'm a skilled shooter and I'm not afraid to take out my enemies
Out on my grind, rhymin', stacking this cash to hold
I'm hustling hard to make money through my music career
And I could take you where them niggas get bodied
I've seen and been a part of violent acts, but I won't disclose that information to others
But that ain’t nobody business, so what the fuck is you asking for?
My life is private and I don't owe anyone an explanation
Look, I’m just try'na blow good dope
I smoke weed to relax and cope with the stresses of my life
And put my feet to the metal of life and see just how fast it goes
I'm pushing myself to the limit and living life to the fullest
Fuck the world, gotta make that bitch grab her toes
I'm focused on my success and making the most of my life
And Rock game never goofy, no weapon shall prosper
I won't let anyone or anything stand in the way of my success as a rapper
Manoeuvre like I'm Bruce Lee, ya know I'm chucks
I'm quick on my feet and can handle myself in any situation
Been doing this since a young buck
I've been hustling and rapping since I was young
Banging for fifty cent from a victim, while my gun talk
I used to rob people for money and was always armed with my gun
And somebody gotta get it
I'm not afraid to use my gun to protect myself or my assets
And when you make a dollar, know somebody gotta spend it
I'm aware that life is expensive and money doesn't last forever
The struggle is real, the struggle is real, the struggle is real
Life is tough and difficult, but I'm constantly pushing forward
You gotta do what you got to just to get over the hill
I'm willing to do whatever it takes to succeed and overcome my struggles
When you live in America, either kill or be killed, yo
It's tough growing up in America and you have to be street smart to survive
Lord have mercy, have mercy
I know that I'm not perfect and I'm asking for forgiveness from a higher power
I know I ain't living right and know I'm not perfect
I'm aware of my imperfections and mistakes in life
But plus I gotta eat what I'm doing it's worth it
I'm hustling to make ends meet and it's all worth it in the end
I stay at your head or be at your throat
I'm always on the offensive and won't back down from anyone
Better ask your folk, I'm never the dawg to provoke
My reputation precedes me and I'm not one to start trouble
Niggas know the status and bitches come cast their votes
Everyone knows who I am and I have a lot of fans and admirers
In my zone with codeine and plenty of grass to smoke
I'm relaxed and focused, enjoying some drugs and weed
I'm surpassed and broke, stay trapping for mo'
I'm broke but still hustling to make more money
Two chicks boosting, we hooking back up in the back of the sto'
I've got two girls who are helping me rob stores and we're meeting up to split the profits
I'm the jack of many trades, steady pimping my pen
I'm talented in many areas and I'm always writing and improving my rap skills
Hustle in the shade, respond in a nigga's funny ways
I'm a savvy hustler and I always have a response for anyone who tries to disrespect me
I was raised by winners
I come from a family of successful people
Niggas who park benzes up at that Staples Center
My family has money and we're successful in business and cars
Now that gangsta nigga, I'm on some new money
I'm successful and wealthy now, with a new mindset
Nothing but raw, pop shit, catch one in the jaw
My raps are real and honest, and I'll punch anyone who disagrees
It's gutta law, I know, you wish you was a star
This is the harsh reality of the streets, and everyone wants to be successful
What I do is internal, smoking herbal
I'm introspective and enjoy smoking weed to relax my mind
Try'na run up in some bitches who fertal, wow
I'm chasing after women who are fertile and can have my children
Feel like this is my moment, feel it's time for change
I'm optimistic and feel that it's my time to succeed and make a change in my life
Excercise in game, niggas vibe the change
I'm working hard to improve my music and my life, and people are noticing a positive change
No looking back at it, cause this is that moment
I'm focused on my future and not dwelling on my past
I step forward ready to go at each and every opponent
I'm fearless and ready to take on anyone who tries to stand in my way
Give it to anybody that want it
I'll share my success and give back to those who are in need
Represent the underdog, training in the gym
I'm proud to represent those from the bottom who are trying to work their way up
Tell a minute, they get they number called
I'm confident that if I keep working hard, my time for success will come
I'm speed bagging it's worth, the trainers see me smashing
I'm training hard and my trainers see my dedication and work ethic
With persperation on the back of my shirt, making them sweat
I'm working so hard that I'm sweating through my clothes, inspiring others to work hard too
Better yet, just look at them vets
I'm learning from and admiring those who have come before me and succeeded in the rap game
Like when I'm in that Nicks, cashing a check, you know it's real nigga
I'm making real money from my music career and it's a sign of my success
Lyrics © THE ADMINISTRATION MP INC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: BYRON KEITH II FOREST, JOHNNY MCKINZIE, JON RICHARD BISHOP
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind