Speaking to GRM about his stage name, AJ explained:
"Basically when I used to shot, I couldn’t give my real name. I used to wear loads of Armani, so I called myself AJ. The Tracey comes from this guy called Stacey in my ends. Everyone used to be/is scared of him so I thought, if a man has a girl’s name and he’s still scaring people, the maybe I should try doing it so I can be THAT guy."
Whether it’s sets on Rinse or Radar Radio alongside his crew, My Team Paid, street singles with rising talents like Dave and Reeko Squeeze, or collaborations with big names like Gorgon City, Tinchy Stryder and P Money, over recent years, AJ has proven himself to be one to watch.
Sure enough, in 2016, he won Best Breakthrough Act at the Rated Awards, and was nominated for the Best Newcomer and Best Grime Act categories at the MOBOs. Following the release of his Lil Tracey EP in December, he also made the BBC Sound of 2017 longlist, the Independent’s Ones to Watch 2017 and the VEVO dscvr Ones to Watch 2017 list. He toured the UK and US throughout 2017.
In October 2017, he released the Secure the Bag! EP, featuring guest vocals from Jme, Denzel Curry, 67 and Craig David. The eight-track project became his first to enter the UK Albums Chart, coming in at number thirteen.
In early 2018, AJ Tracey modelled for the OVO clothing line in 2018.[26] In May 2018, Tracey released the single "Butterflies" featuring Not3s. The song served as AJ Tracey's commercial breakthrough, peaking at number 19 on the UK Singles Chart. The single was followed up with "Lo(v/s)er", which peaked at number 38. Tracey also featured on Craig David's album "The Time is now" collaborating on the track "Somebody like me". In early July 2019 the Swedish rapper Z.E [sv] released his second album, Mer än rap ("more than rap"). Tracey was featured on the title track "More Than Rap".
On 21 November 2018, Tracey announced the pre-order of his self-titled debut album, released on 8 February 2019. The lead single, "Doing It", was released for streaming and digital on the same day. Four more singles were released to promote AJ Tracey: "Butterflies" featuring Not3s, "Psych Out!", "Necklace" featuring Jay Critch, and "Ladbroke Grove". AJ Tracey debuted at number three on the UK Albums Chart and is certified Silver by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI). "Ladbroke Grove" became Tracey's highest-charting single peaking at number three on the UK Singles Chart. On 10 October 2019, Tracey announced the upcoming release of a deluxe edition of AJ Tracey, to feature five new songs and a couple of surprises. The album was released on 25 October. On 14 February 2020, AJ Tracey announced his Australian tour starting in Adelaide on 24 April, but was later postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
On 22 March 2021, AJ Tracey announced via a fake press conference on YouTube his second studio album titled Flu Game as well as the album's tracklist, which was released on 16 April 2021. The album includes singles such as Dinner Guest, West Ten, "Anxious", and "Bringing It Back". 5 hours prior to the release of the album, AJ released the single "Little More Love" as well as releasing a music video on YouTube.
Nothing But Net
AJ Tracey Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
ADP
All-star in the booth (All-star)
Put VVS on my tooth (Bling blaow)
Come like I threw a celebrity cook-out
'Cause I got the stars in my roof
Nothing but net, step back and I shoot
Flooded my wrist and I cut up the coupe
My team of magicians turned one into two (Deuce)
All-star in the booth (All-star)
Put VVS on my tooth (Bling blaow)
Come like I threw a celebrity cook-out
'Cause I got the stars in my roof
Nothing but net, step back and I shoot
Hard in the streets, I stay in the loop
Flooded my wrist and I cut up the coupe
My team of magicians turned one into two (Deuce)
(Who is it?) Hollow and Trace-o (Uh)
I got a bad one doin' what I say so (Say so)
Keep a mixy Trini with me, fuckin' up a peso (Trini gyal)
Gangs got choppers like Pave Lows (Brrt, brrt)
Drippin' blue cheese, no queso (Blue cheese)
Kim Jones LV on my keyring (Kim Jones)
Nascar drip when I jump in the Range Rove' (Rraar)
I cross up tryna reach that depth (Uh?)
'Fore my fans mosh, you better believe that's deaths (RIP)
These Ross pink J's it's a free stack crep (Free stack)
If you want man, you gotta release that check (Release it)
Pay my jeweler in cash and he don't check
Every reload selector, freeze that deck
Come and be off the neck top, free mans Teck (yeah)
Got a badders from Leicester, cheat that neck (Cheat that)
Niggas chattin' and braggin' about flows (Uh?)
I'm the baddest and maddest, I got these rappers on toes (Woah)
Killin' and spillin', I hope these brothers lay low
'Cause I'm sprayin' and prayin', you're gonna have to lay rows
(Lay low) Uh?
I pop my tints off, I'm with the landlord (Ah)
You rappers rinse off, blick off your headtop (What?)
Won't get a heads-up (Huh?)
I'm Logan old school, I'll rip your shirts up (Ah)
All-star in the booth (All-star)
Put VVS on my tooth (Bling blaow)
Come like I threw a celebrity cook-out
'Cause I got the stars in my roof
Nothing but net, step back and I shoot
Hard in the streets, I stay in the loop
Flooded my wrist and I cut off the coupe
My team of magicians turned one into two (Deuce)
All-star in the booth (All-star)
Put VVS on my tooth (Bling blaow)
Come like I threw a celebrity cook-out
'Cause I got the stars in my roof
Nothing but net, step back and I shoot
Hard in the streets, I stay in the loop
Flooded my wrist and I cut off the coupe
My team of magicians turned one into two (Deuce)
Yeah, guns out
Park up quick, jump out
Spark up, big blunts out
Knock your big fronts out
Stop your shit, calm down
Shut your lips, right now
Man got hits tied down
Man cop cribs, right now (Ooh)
Shoot from the danger (Shoot shoot)
Swagged up, that's fruits of my labour (Ah, ah, ah, ah)
Got glued to the trainer (The trainer)
Hats off, salute to the major (Umm!)
Yeah, smile if you like
Me just whipping's like riding a bike
We get wicked and drive through the night
He gets kickin' when guys wanna fight
G get whippin' that grime on the mic
He gets sick and then wild for the night
Man gets moshin' and guys wanna fight
Big bad Hollowman slyly, good night
All-star in the booth (All-star)
Put VVS on my tooth (Bling blaow)
Come like I threw a celebrity cook-out
'Cause I got the stars in my roof
Nothing but net, step back and I shoot
Hard in the streets, I stay in the loop
Flooded my wrist and I cut off the coupe
My team of magicians turned one into two (Deuce)
All-star in the booth (All-star)
Put VVS on my tooth (Bling blaow)
Come like I threw a celebrity cook-out
'Cause I got the stars in my roof
Nothing but net, step back and I shoot
Hard in the streets, I stay in the loop
Flooded my wrist and I cut off the coupe
My team of magicians turned one into two (Deuce)
The song "Nothing But Net" by AJ Tracey and Giggs is a trap-influenced track that showcases the artists' skills in their genre. The verses of the song see AJ Tracey and Giggs boasting about their success, with mentions of expensive jewelry, cars, and celebrity lifestyle. The title of the song refers to the phrase used in basketball to describe a shot made without touching the rim or backboard before going through the net. AJ Tracey uses this as a metaphor for his success in the streets, as he is able to make successful moves without any hindrances.
The song's lyrics are assertive and filled with braggadocio, showcasing the artists' confidence and self-assurance. Giggs' verse is more menacing, and he adds a darker edge to the track with his references to guns and violence. However, the track's catchy beat and memorable hook make it a standout in its genre.
Line by Line Meaning
It sounds like Nyge
The beat is produced by Nyge and has his signature style
ADP
ADP is also involved in the production of the song
All-star in the booth (All-star)
AJ Tracey and Giggs are both top performers in the music industry
Put VVS on my tooth (Bling blaow)
I have expensive and high-quality diamonds on my teeth
Come like I threw a celebrity cook-out
It looks like I am surrounded by famous people at a party
'Cause I got the stars in my roof
My car has a ceiling decorated with starlights
Nothing but net, step back and I shoot
I always score when I shoot the ball, no rim touches
Hard in the streets, I stay in the loop
I work hard in the music industry and stay connected with the happenings around me
Flooded my wrist and I cut up the coupe
I have an expensive watch and I customized my sports car
My team of magicians turned one into two (Deuce)
We are a group of people who can create two things from just one, as if we have magic powers
(Who is it?) Hollow and Trace-o (Uh)
The rappers AJ Tracey and Giggs are introducing themselves
I got a bad one doin' what I say so (Say so)
I have a partner who listens to whatever I say and follows my orders
Keep a mixy Trini with me, fuckin' up a peso (Trini gyal)
I have a companion who is Trinidadian and together we are spending money carelessly
Gangs got choppers like Pave Lows (Brrt, brrt)
The gangs have guns and helicopters at their disposal, ready to attack
Drippin' blue cheese, no queso (Blue cheese)
I am wearing expensive blue clothes but not too flashy
Kim Jones LV on my keyring (Kim Jones)
I have luxury fashion designer Kim Jones keyring
Nascar drip when I jump in the Range Rove' (Rraar)
I drive a Range Rover that has the speed and style of a Nascar
I cross up tryna reach that depth (Uh?)
I'm trying to reach a high level of success and sometimes I encounter obstacles
'Fore my fans mosh, you better believe that's deaths (RIP)
My fans get so excited at my concerts that it becomes dangerous and could lead to an injury or death
These Ross pink J's it's a free stack crep (Free stack)
These expensive pink Jordans cost so much that they are equivalent to giving away a stack of cash for free
If you want man, you gotta release that check (Release it)
If you want my services, you have to pay me first
Pay my jeweler in cash and he don't check
I always pay my jeweler in cash and he never asks for a check (proof of payment)
Every reload selector, freeze that deck
Every time the DJ repeats a song, the crowd goes wild and the energy is electrifying
Come and be off the neck top, free mans Teck (yeah)
If you fight with us, we will kill you and your associates for free
Got a badders from Leicester, cheat that neck (Cheat that)
I have a girlfriend who is from Leicester and I cheat on her
Niggas chattin' and braggin' about flows (Uh?)
Other rappers are boasting about their lyrical abilities and skills
I'm the baddest and maddest, I got these rappers on toes (Woah)
I am the most dangerous and fierce rapper, and others are afraid of competing against me
Killin' and spillin', I hope these brothers lay low
I am so good at what I do that other rap musicians should take a step back
'Cause I'm sprayin' and prayin', you're gonna have to lay rows (Lay low) Uh?
I am using my guns and hoping that others will be afraid and stay out of trouble, right?
I pop my tints off, I'm with the landlord (Ah)
I remove the tint from my car windows, being seen in public with my property dealer
You rappers rinse off, blick off your headtop (What?)
Other rappers should wash their mouths and keep quiet, lest they invite trouble
Won't get a heads-up (Huh?)
You won't see it coming
I'm Logan old school, I'll rip your shirts up (Ah)
I am from the old school of rap and I tear up the competition
Yeah, guns out
I am carrying a firearm
Park up quick, jump out
I'm in a hurry to get to my destination and I quickly park my car and exit
Spark up, big blunts out
I'm lighting up a big marijuana joint
Knock your big fronts out
I will hurt you and damage your valuable possessions (like your front teeth)
Stop your shit, calm down
Pause your nonsense and relax for a moment
Shut your lips, right now
Be quiet and stop talking
Man got hits tied down
I have made many successful songs and established myself
Man cop cribs, right now (Ooh)
I buy large expensive houses in the present time
Shoot from the danger (Shoot shoot)
I am shooting my gun while facing danger
Swagged up, that's fruits of my labour (Ah, ah, ah, ah)
I have achieved success because of my hard work and dedication
Got glued to the trainer (The trainer)
I am wearing fancy shoes that make me feel good
Hats off, salute to the major (Umm!)
I pay homage and respect the important people in the music industry
Yeah, smile if you like
I am asking if you're happy or satisfied with what you see
Me just whipping's like riding a bike
I am driving my car so well that it feels like second nature
We get wicked and drive through the night
We are reckless and crazy when we drive at night
He gets kickin' when guys wanna fight
He is very aggressive when someone wants to confront him
G get whippin' that grime on the mic
Giggs is rapping aggressively to a grime beat
He gets sick and then wild for the night
Giggs becomes crazy and violent when he performs at night
Man gets moshin' and guys wanna fight
My fans become high-energy and sometimes too aggressive, leading to physical fights
Big bad Hollowman slyly, good night
Giggs (Hollowman) is powerful and cunning, so others should be careful when they cross him
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Amish Patel, Che Grant, Jason Thompson, Nyandoro Kelly
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind