Beanie Sigel's name derives from the street in Philadelphia where he was raised, "Sigel Street," and "Beans" is what people used to call him as a child. Beanie also founded the group and label State Property as well as the clothing company.
Sigel's debut LP, The Truth, was released February 28, 2000 on Roc-A-Fella Records. The album received a gold plaque for hits like "The Truth" and "Remember The Days" featuring Eve. His second album The Reason was released in mid-2001. The Reason was lighter material compared to his debut album and introduced the world to his own rap group State Property. Beanie Sigel helped launch the careers of fellow Philly rappers Freeway, Peedi Crakk and the Young Gunz.
Around 2001, Beanie Sigel and Jadakiss of the Ruff Ryders were involved in a beef that stemmed from Jada claiming rappers from Beans' home city of Philly were simply signed because they were a hot fashion among major labels, which to some extent was true at the time. Sigel took offense to this, and they sent several tracks back and forth. Eventually Styles P. (D-Block} and Jay-Z got involved, and Beans even called out DMX, who never responded.
The beef went on even after Russell Simmons, owner at the time of Def Jam (the label which Roc-A-Fella was under and Ruff Ryders was affiliated with through DMX) made the two declare a brief truce and Jay-Z apologized to Jadakiss and bowed out. Disses finally stopped flying after Sigel released a scathing diss track over Jada's "Put Ya Hands Up" beat, recalling when the LOX wore shiny suits in a Bad Boy video, among other things.
Sigel also was involved in directing his first movie State Property, the popular direct-to-video film produced by Roc-A-Films. The State Property clothing line was also created by Sigel.
The third album The B. Coming was released on March 28, 2005 under Dame Dash Music Group and features production from The Neptunes, Just Blaze, and Bink!, among others, with guest appearances by State Property, Redman, Snoop Dogg and usual suspects Cam'ron and Jay-Z. The album was recorded in the weeks between his sentencing and imprisonment and was released after he was locked up; he was released a few months ago.
While he was in jail, it is said none of the State Property members except for Oschino Vazquez came to visit him. He told Dame to pass the word on that State Property was no longer in effect, until after he was released. When the split between Roc-A-Fella owners occured, Dame made it clear that Beanie's intentions were to move State Property to his new Dame Dash Music Group.
However, all members except for, again, Oschino, chose to go with Jay-Z. When questioned, they claimed they were signed by Jay and never needed State Property or Beanie Sigel to make them popular. When he was released from jail, Beans had a few choice words for his friends, claiming "I still love them like brothers...I just don't know if we can make music again."
It was thought that Beans had chosen to sign with Dame; however, this is unclear, as he was present at Jay-Z's I Declare War concert in 2005, and has said he now has his own State Property Records under Jay-Z's Def Jam.
In September, 2005, a jury acquitted him of charges that he nearly shot to death a man on a crowded city street two years ago. In August, Sigel left federal prison after serving nearly a year on a federal weapons charge that stemmed from a 2002 traffic stop in Philadelphia.
Sigel also has fallen behind in child-support payments. He was briefly jailed in November until he paid $27,000 in child support and $2,000 in fines, but seems to be paying off his debts.
With the case behind him, Sigel now plans to "make music, make movies and work on his clothing line," said his attorney, Fortunato N. Perri Jr. The case was the last in a series of criminal charges against Sigel, who has a long arrest record dating back to his days growing up in South Philadelphia.
On Tuesday, January 10, 2006, Sigel was convicted of assault for a fight in 2003. He agreed with the prosecutor's version of events, and was convicted of misdemeanor simple assault. He was immediately sentenced to two years probation plus $180 in court costs.
The charges stem from an argument between Sigel and a man who said the rapper punched him in both eyes, breaking his left eye socket, during a January 2003 argument outside a Chinese restaurant.
Beanie Sigel is the co-creator of "The Playpen", a new animated series with writer/producers, Brian Ash and Myles Reiff. The show follows the misadventures of a group of hard-headed tykes in a maximum security daycare center called, The State Nursery.
The truth
Beanie Sigel Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Truth, nothin' but the truth
Y'all know what I bring to the game I speak the truth
The truth, nothing but the truth
Hope you got an extra mic and a fire proof booth
'Cause you know I'm known to metal wire too
You need a fire engineer when I lay this blaze
Hit the studio, jars of dro, bars to blow
B. Sigel with that arsenic flow
Fuck that, don't hold me back
I roll with crack, y'all cats told Mac to rap
Y'all don't realize y'all released the beast untamed
Speech all flame, streets y'all blame
It should be an honor for y'all to speak my name
I could go before your honor sit and peep my game
Gotta laugh, y'all acted like it spit it the same
Why you motherfuckers can't get in the game
I come from high school, and go straight to the league
Who you know who can spit at the Sig'
Nigga the truth, every time I step in the booth
I speak the truth, y'all know what I'm bringing to you
I bring the truth, you motherfuckers know who I be
I be the truth, when I speak cell set you free
Nigga the truth
Nigga the truth, every time I step in the booth
I speak the truth, y'all know what I'm bringing to you
I bring the truth, you motherfuckers know who I be
I be the truth, when I speak cell set you free
Nigga the truth
Ain't nothin' changed with Sig' I'm still stuck in the kitchen
So what I'm signed, that's fine still stuck in position
You motherfuckers know me well, couple court cases from jail
Couple 4-4 shells from hell
Stuck on this mission, go home, my girl fussin' and bitchin'
Motherfucker won't you change your life, I'm thinkin'
Motherfucker won't I change my wife
Ignorant bastard laughin' like fuck the rap shit
It's just another hustle,another way for niggas to touch you
Now they know the face of Beans
Now they, see my face on screens and I ain't even chase this dream
I feel sorry for those who did
Y'all niggas can't stop the boar, whether rock or raw
I'm slingin' coke in a rock valor
You niggas know what block I'm on, Glock in palm
You wanna get shot, karate chopped or stabbed this song
Motherfucker
Nigga the truth, every time I step in the booth
I speak the truth, y'all know what I'm bringing to you
I bring the truth, you motherfuckers know who I be
I be the truth, when I speak cell set you free
Nigga the truth
Black Friday management, and Roc's the label
And I still hit you niggas with shots that's fatal
That bullshit vest can't save you
I had a doc open you up from chest to navel
See my face on cable, and have flashbacks of that cold ass table
And them hoes I gave you
I'm that nigga that'll come and pour salt in your wound
At the hospital, while the cops guardin' your room
You gotta see what I've seen, look where I've looked
Touch what I've reached, and take what I've took
You gotta go where I've gone, walked where I've walked
To get where I'm at to speak what I've talked
You gotta lay where I've laid, stay where I've stayed
Play where I've played to make what I've made
You gotta move what I've moved, use what I used
Use tools how I use, use fools how I use
Nigga the truth, every time I step in the booth
I speak the truth, y'all know what I'm bringing to you
I bring the truth, you motherfuckers know who I be
I be the truth, when I speak cell set you free
Nigga the truth
In Beanie Sigel’s song, The Truth, the lyrics depict the artist’s life of struggles, street damage, and his ability to overcome them. Beanie declares that truth is all he speaks, nothing less, and nothing more. He talks about how people should consider it to be an honor to speak his name and how he is not an individual that is held back. The song is one of empowerment as he boasts about his talent and how he is unlike any other rapper. He makes it known that he came from high school and went straight to the league, referring to the rap game, and how his talents cannot be compared to others.
Beanie Sigel is not only talking about his life in the lyrics, but he is also making a statement about the rap game he is a part of. He mentions how his style is different and how he should be given the respect he deserves. He describes how he has had to overcome his street life and how he is living proof that it is possible. The lyrics of the song also contain references to violence, drugs, and deception that he faced throughout his life.
Overall, the song is the declaration of Beanie Sigel about who he is and what he has been through, and how the truth is all he has ever spoken. It is a song of empowerment, inspiration, and hope that no matter where one comes from or what one has been through, the truth can always be spoken.
Line by Line Meaning
I speak the truth
I am honest and truthful in my speech
Truth, nothin' but the truth
My words are nothing but the truth
Y'all know what I bring to the game I speak the truth
My contributions to the industry are based on my uncompromising honesty
The truth, nothing but the truth
I am committed to nothing but the truth
Hope you got an extra mic and a fire proof booth
I bring such intense heat that even recording equipment should be protected
'Cause you know I'm known to metal wire too
My lyrics are so hot that they can literally melt metal wire
You need a fire engineer when I lay this blaze
My rhymes are so incendiary that they require expert oversight
I melt down cracks that's real to save
I use my music to reveal genuine life experiences that others can relate to
Hit the studio, jars of dro, bars to blow
When I record, I enter a state of flow aided by my environment and my subject matter
B. Sigel with that arsenic flow
My rhymes are so lethal and poisonous that they could be described as having an arsenic quality
Fuck that, don't hold me back
I refuse to let anyone or anything impede my creative expression
I roll with crack, y'all cats told Mac to rap
My upbringing involved association with illicit drugs, and those around me urged me to pursue music
Y'all don't realize y'all released the beast untamed
My dark impulses and talents were unleashed by those who supported my artistic pursuits
Speech all flame, streets y'all blame
My words have so much conviction that they ignite passion in others, but those same words are criticized for reflecting the harsh realities of urban life
It should be an honor for y'all to speak my name
My contributions to the industry should be celebrated, and those who mention me should be grateful to do so
I could go before your honor sit and peep my game
I am willing to present my authentic self even in front of a judge, and use my experiences to educate others
Gotta laugh, y'all acted like it spit it the same
Despite my unique approach to rap, many have tried to emulate my style and have failed
Why you motherfuckers can't get in the game
Others struggle to enter the industry because they lack the honesty and talent that I possess
I come from high school, and go straight to the league
I went from obscurity to success in my pursuit of music without delay
Who you know who can spit at the Sig'
No one compares to me when it comes to making music that is as authentic and truthful
Nigga the truth, every time I step in the booth
My honesty is unrelenting and evident whenever I record music
I bring the truth, you motherfuckers know who I be
I am known for presenting nothing but the truth in my music
I be the truth, when I speak cell set you free
My music has the power to liberate and uplift listeners
Ain't nothin' changed with Sig' I'm still stuck in the kitchen
Despite my success, I am still grounded in the realities of my upbringing and my community
So what I'm signed, that's fine still stuck in position
My music contract does not detract from my commitment to my roots and my authenticity
You motherfuckers know me well, couple court cases from jail
I am known for my involvement in criminal activity and have faced legal consequences
Couple 4-4 shells from hell
I have experienced physical violence and associated with those who are capable of such violence
Stuck on this mission, go home, my girl fussin' and bitchin'
Despite the challenges I face, I am committed to my artistic pursuits despite ongoing personal challenges
Motherfucker won't you change your life, I'm thinkin'
Others suggest that I alter my lifestyle, but I remain focused on my artistic goals
Motherfucker won't I change my wife
I resist changing my intimate relationships despite external pressures
Ignorant bastard laughin' like fuck the rap shit
Others dismiss my career choice and my contributions to the industry as irrelevant or pointless
It's just another hustle,another way for niggas to touch you
People view rap music as a way to exploit artists and to make money off of them
Now they know the face of Beans
My reputation precedes me and is now widely recognized
Now they, see my face on screens and I ain't even chase this dream
Despite my success, I did not have to give up my integrity or hustle to achieve it
I feel sorry for those who did
I pity those who had to compromise themselves to achieve success
Y'all niggas can't stop the boar, whether rock or raw
My power and influence cannot be contained or controlled by others, regardless of the environment
I'm slingin' coke in a rock valor
I have sold drugs and made money in these transactions
You niggas know what block I'm on, Glock in palm
Others are aware of my presence and my power in my community
You wanna get shot, karate chopped or stabbed this song
Those who cross me or challenge me may face the consequences of their actions
Black Friday management, and Roc's the label
I am associated with the music label Roc-a-Fella Records
And I still hit you niggas with shots that's fatal
My rhymes still have a lethal power to impact listeners
That bullshit vest can't save you
Even protective gear will not protect you from the power of my music
I had a doc open you up from chest to navel
My words have the power to cut through people's defenses and reveal their innermost truths
See my face on cable, and have flashbacks of that cold ass table
My success is now broadcast on television, and people who knew me before my rise may feel nostalgia for our shared past
And them hoes I gave you
My past romantic relationships may be remembered fondly alongside my rise to fame
I'm that nigga that'll come and pour salt in your wound
I am capable of causing pain and suffering for those who cross me
At the hospital, while the cops guardin' your room
Even in situations where I should show restraint or sensitivity, I may still lash out or seek revenge
You gotta see what I've seen, look where I've looked
To understand my artistic vision, you must first understand the struggles and realities of my life
Touch what I've reached, and take what I've took
My success and my artistry are inextricably linked with my experiences
You gotta go where I've gone, walked where I've walked
To have a genuine connection with me and my music, you must first navigate the same challenges that I have
To get where I'm at to speak what I've talked
My success and my music are the result of years of hard work and authenticity
You gotta lay where I've laid, stay where I've stayed
To understand the intensity and honesty of my music, you must first be immersed in my same surroundings
Play where I've played to make what I've made
To achieve the same artistic contributions that I have, you must first have the same lived experiences
You gotta move what I've moved, use what I used
To replicate my artistic journey, you must first be equipped with the same survival tools and street smarts
Use tools how I use, use fools how I use
To use my music to effect change, you must first understand how I wield and manipulate my power
Lyrics © DistroKid, BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Spirit Music Group
Written by: Dwight Grant, Graham Nash, Kanye Omari West
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@AndyKapp
Word.
If you look at the evolution of hip hop, this era might be considered the art form’s peak.
Record labels were dumping millions into the genre, and thereby default into the culture.
Pre-internet. You had to be good to be heard. You couldn’t ride on your Twitter rep.
Just thinking out loud about your questiinn2 years later.
@rawmaterialentertainment5849
Beanie will always be a Hip Pop legend. Shouting out from Nigeria. All love for this classic king
@evsparslay9565
A stand out Pioneer in the music but not the legendary status
@QueenAmpleness
Grew up bangin' this cut. Still my all-time favorite.
@QueenAmpleness
@@semisisauqaqa5575 Happily married for 2 decades & he be bangin' it out. 😄😄😄
@QueenAmpleness
@@semisisauqaqa5575 That's me telling you that there's no chance I'll cheat on him with you or anyone else. We're good. Thanks. I appreciate you reaching out.
@lebaronmclean2423
That beat and flo till this day is 🔥🔥🔥
@boothy918
Beanie and Cube should've done a collaboration along this kind of vibe. Some really hard hitting shit.
@durrelldavis991
Yeah for real
@greenmms
Funny you say that...listen to Cube's 'Gangsta Nation'...this sounds like that beat but slowed down and cleaned up..✊🏾
@sammjackson70
Ice Cube kind of a mess with Beanie Segal