Cormega was raised in Long Island City, Queens, forming childhood friendships with future rappers such as Nas, AZ, Nature, and Capone-N-Noreaga.
1980s
He was featured on Hot Day's "Going Straight Up" from his album "It's My Turn". He was also featured on Blaq Poet & DJ Hot Day's track "Set It Off" from their album "Without Warning" in 1991.
1990s
Cormega was sentenced to 5–15 years in prison for armed robbery in 1991. Despite his incarceration, Cormega gained some attention following a shout-out from Nas on his song "One Love", from the critically acclaimed Illmatic album.
Cormega was released from prison on appeal after serving almost 4 years in New York's Mid-State Correctional Facility. Following his release in 1995, Cormega became determined to pursue rapping. Nas included him on a song entitled "Affirmative Action" for his second album It Was Written. The song also featured AZ and Foxy Brown, and became The Firm's first appearance. Based on his performance, he was signed to Def Jam and recorded an album called The Testament. Based on the buzz from "Affirmative Action," Nas, his manager Steve Stoute and producers Dr. Dre and Trackmasters joined to produce The Firm. Cormega was replaced with another artist, Nature, because either he would not sign a contract with Stoute or Stoute felt Nature was a better rapper. This led to an alleged altercation between Cormega and Nature. Cormega's dispute with Stoute also ended his friendship with Nas. Following the end of his membership in The Firm, Alex Trojano contributed in producing his album The Testament. Meanwhile, following a falling-out over creative differences with his manager Chris Lighty and Def-Jam imprint Violator Records, his debut album The Testament was indefinitely shelved. During the recording for The Testament Cormega responded to Nas' "One Love" in the form of a letter also entitled "One Love".
2000s
In 2000, he was released from his contract and he started his own record company, Legal Hustle Records. Cormega vented his disappointment with Nas and The Firm in a mixtape song titled "Never Personal".This song was never directly pointed to Nas, but the media made it look like that. In 2001, he released his new debut album, The Realness, which was acclaimed by critics. Many of the songs share a theme of betrayal. Nas responded to Cormega on his song "Destroy and Rebuild" from his album Stillmatic. Cormega retaliated with more mixtape tracks, "A Slick Response" and "Realmatic". Nas revisited the Cormega beef in his song "The Cross" on the album God's Son. In reference to Cormega, Nas rapped "What I've discovered is my brother's tryin to be/The next me, yeah I support him but he's blinded I see/ Jealousy he love me to death and I'm buggin I love him for life/ We both still mournin on our mother's life" (referencing the fact that Cormega's mother was murdered when he was four).
Cormega's follow-up album, The True Meaning won the Source Magazine's prestigious Underground Album of the Year Award. In 2004, he followed up with Legal Hustle (a compilation album showcasing his label's artists) and other talented hip-hop lyricists such as Ghostface Killah, Large Professor, AZ, Kurupt, Jayo Felony, and several others. This album is considered by some as more of a project than an actual solo album; nonetheless it was well received. In 2005, he was able to release The Testament on his own label, which saw good reviews and sales and featured the original banned version of "Dead Man Walking" as a hidden track.
In early September 2005, Cormega posted a statement on his website that he and Nas had spoken and ended their feud. Cormega explained that their conversation had come about due to the death of Cormega's grandmother. Both rappers have stated the possibility of a collaboration. On December 22, 2006 at the Nokia Theatre Times Square, Cormega appeared on stage at a Nas concert and went on to perform with Nas (and Foxy Brown as well), further evidence that their feud is over.
The feud was settled in Cormega's home in early December 2005, when Cormega and Nas realized that it was destructive for each of them. It is not known who was responsible for their meeting but both artists are now working alone. In the mid-2000s Cormega helped produce a few albums and was featured on several songs with The Jacka and the Mob Figaz.
An album collaboration with Lakey The Kid entitled My Brother's Keeper was released independently on August 22, 2006. On November 20, 2007, Cormega finally released his DVD in-the-making Who am I?. The DVD took over four years of filming of Cormega in all aspects of his life and what others thought of Cormega, unedited. The DVD was released as a soundtrack plus DVD. Cormega intended to release an album which was to be entitled Urban Legend before T.I.'s album of the same name was released (Cormega mentions this on the Who Am I DVD, dated circa 2003); the new title is Born and Raised. The album was released October 20, 2009. The first single is called "Journey."
2010s
Cormega has stated his desire to work with a variety of artists including Scarface, Lauryn Hill, Slick Rick, as well as past collaborators M.O.P., Mobb Deep, and tha Dogg Pound.
Cormega's Album "Raw Forever" was released on 2011.
His latest work is the Album Mega Philosophy. It was produced by Large Professor and released on July 22, 2014.
All I Need Is You
Cormega Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yo Tek whattup with them niggaz in Cincinnati? {*celly rings*}
Word? I gotta come out there son {*ringing*} hold on one second
[C] Yo
[J] Hey
[C] Whassup?
[J] Chillin
[J] Workin?
[C] Yeah.. knahmsayin?
[J] Well when you comin home?
[C] I'ma be there later on
[J] Well look we need to talk, cause..
[C] *chk* Ahh boy
[J] {*laughs*}
[C] Yo, listen, check this out
[Cormega]
Yo, last night I had a dream it had me open like a fiend
And all I remember is me, you, the moon and ocean breeze
My heartbeat increased like I seen approachin D's
I relapsed cause of these words you spoke to me
You said you want to feel me - inside you - conceal me
I belong to you no other woman could steal me
We mentally attached, essential in fact
What you give is so real you know I had to give it back
How I feel don't even matter if I ain't expressin (affection)
My mind was affected you healed me (we destined)
Your beauty so addictive, I can't deny your presence
So pure I gotta add cut to spread you on
You're all I need in this world to succeed
I won't let you go cause I can see you trust me
I'll never leave or deceive you, and if it's understood
Then we can be together cause you treat a nigga good
[Chorus: Jonell]
All I need is you - in my life, to be down with me..
All I need is you - to hold me, and to make me see..
All I need is you - to be there, in my time of need..
All I need is you - I'll be there, when you need me to be..
[Cormega]
When I was runnin the street I know you wanted to leave
Especially the time, you found a nine in my jeans
But you persevered, gave work and tears
That's why I'll never desert you or hurt you yeah
I used to keep feelings concealed, now I reveal 'em
I was hustlin to get right, now we chillin
Oh my man starin at ceiling thinkin of children
And any other situation we might deal with
At first, I was hesitatin, makin a commitment
Now I see you different - so many ways
I need a queen like a king did in great Egyptian days
And it seems you've been afraid I might get into things
That might put me away for years, save your fears
Listen ma, let's get one thing clear
I'll never leave you, deceive you, and if it's understood
We can be together cause you treat a nigga good
[Chorus]
[Cormega]
Yo, I'm not the type to have a next chick call on your phone
Come see you at night and in the morning you alone
I keep it real with you, like my connect you got it good
I need to deal with you, have yet to leave the hood
But I'm still with you everytime you need me I'm there for you
If I didn't care for you why would I be here for you?
You 'pear loyal, got the kid spoiled
On the low I don't think I was prepared for you
You cook good, look good, Boo I adore you
And if you get me mad we won't fight I'll ignore you (yeah right)
Just playin, but yo I'm just sayin
I'm about to go, cause Hi-Tek waitin
Yo son that beat ready?
And guns is rusty
I'm stingy with trust, you only get once to fuck me
The pure white endorser, skills real like a Porsche
For the cash I'm there like a stalker, uhh
You say the same shit
I play the game with skills like Latrell, and write so well
And I gotta go to heaven cause my life is hell
If I quit rap, this cook white gon' sell
You niggaz got fat while I did time in jail
Now it's time to pay, the rhymes you say
Sound a lot like mine, but not quite as ill
As my rhymin skill, I could relate to how Tyson feel
My life is real, you're the fragment
Of somebody else life, or shit you imagined
It's like the beat make me react savage...
The song “All I Need Is You” by Cormega is a tale of a man’s love for his significant other. The song starts with Cormega receiving a call from his friend, during which he reveals that he had a dream about his lover, and how her love keeps him from relapsing. He talks about how his lover is different from other women and how he can't help but be addicted to her. Their relationship is one of mutual affection and trust and Cormega is determined to remain loyal to her despite his past. He acknowledges his mistakes and how she stuck by him through thick and thin. The song also reveals the emotional vulnerability of Cormega as he expresses how he needs his lover to feel complete. The chorus sung by Jonell re-emphasizes this sentiment, stating that all Cormega needs is the love and support of his partner to succeed.
The lyrics of the song are a reflection of Cormega's life experiences. Throughout his life, he has faced several setbacks, including being incarcerated. The song’s message of finding love in a world full of chaos and turmoil resonates with Cormega's life experiences. The song was released on Cormega's debut studio album, The Realness, in 2001, and has remained a fan favorite over the years. With its laid-back beat and meaningful lyrics, "All I Need Is You" is considered an essential release in the East Coast Rap canon.
Line by Line Meaning
Yo Tek whattup with them niggaz in Cincinnati? {*celly rings*}
Word? I gotta come out there son {*ringing*} hold on one second
Cormega is checking in with a friend over the phone to ask about others in Cincinnati, but has to cut the conversation short due to another incoming call.
Yo, last night I had a dream it had me open like a fiend
And all I remember is me, you, the moon and ocean breeze
My heartbeat increased like I seen approachin D's
I relapsed cause of these words you spoke to me
Cormega had a dream about the person he loves, which had him feeling euphoric. But it also brought back old feelings that he had to suppress in the past.
You said you want to feel me - inside you - conceal me
I belong to you no other woman could steal me
We mentally attached, essential in fact
What you give is so real you know I had to give it back
The person Cormega loves expresses wanting to be with him and keep him to herself. They have a deep emotional connection that Cormega treasures.
How I feel don't even matter if I ain't expressin (affection)
My mind was affected you healed me (we destined)
Your beauty so addictive, I can't deny your presence
So pure I gotta add cut to spread you on
Cormega was emotionally wounded before he met the love of his life. She healed him and now he is completely devoted to her, admiring her beauty.
You're all I need in this world to succeed
I won't let you go cause I can see you trust me
I'll never leave or deceive you, and if it's understood
Then we can be together cause you treat a nigga good
Cormega values his relationship with the woman he loves and promises to never hurt her or leave her. He wants to be with her because they have a good connection.
When I was runnin the street I know you wanted to leave
Especially the time, you found a nine in my jeans
But you persevered, gave work and tears
That's why I'll never desert you or hurt you yeah
Cormega has not always been the best partner and his past mistakes could have ended their relationship. But the woman he loves chose to support him and their relationship.
I used to keep feelings concealed, now I reveal 'em
I was hustlin to get right, now we chillin
Oh my man starin at ceiling thinkin of children
And any other situation we might deal with
Cormega used to suppress his emotions but now he's open with his feelings. He used to hustle and make money, but now he's settled down with her and is thinking about their future together.
At first, I was hesitatin, makin a commitment
Now I see you different - so many ways
I need a queen like a king did in great Egyptian days
And it seems you've been afraid I might get into things
Cormega was once unsure about making a commitment to his relationship, but now he sees the person he loves in a different light. He wants a strong partner like the ancient kings of Egypt. She's worried about him getting into dangerous situations.
That might put me away for years, save your fears
Listen ma, let's get one thing clear
I'll never leave you, deceive you, and if it's understood
We can be together cause you treat a nigga good
Cormega tries to reassure her that she doesn't have to worry about him getting into trouble, and promises to always be loyal to her, always be with her and support her in all her dreams.
Yo, I'm not the type to have a next chick call on your phone
Come see you at night and in the morning you alone
I keep it real with you, like my connect you got it good
I need to deal with you, have yet to leave the hood
Cormega affirms that he's not the kind of person to cheat on her or have other women calling her phone. He admits she's his connect and partners in crime and expresses desire to make things work with her.
But I'm still with you everytime you need me I'm there for you
If I didn't care for you why would I be here for you?
You 'pear loyal, got the kid spoiled
On the low I don't think I was prepared for you
Cormega wants her to know that he will always be there for her and treats her well because he cares about her. She's emotionally supportive and spoils him, which he appreciates.
You cook good, look good, Boo I adore you
And if you get me mad we won't fight I'll ignore you (yeah right)
Just playin, but yo I'm just sayin
I'm about to go, cause Hi-Tek waitin
Cormega finds her attractive and admires her cooking as well. He's playfully teasing her about how he won't fight with her, but still has to attend to other obligations.
Yo son that beat ready?
And guns is rusty
I'm stingy with trust, you only get once to fuck me
The pure white endorser, skills real like a Porsche
For the cash I'm there like a stalker, uhh
Cormega is asking for a beat to rap to and then goes on to rap about how he's selective with who he trusts, doesn't forgive those who betray his trust, and is willing to do whatever it takes to earn money through music. He boasts about his rapping skills.
You say the same shit
I play the game with skills like Latrell, and write so well
And I gotta go to heaven cause my life is hell
If I quit rap, this cook white gon' sell
You niggaz got fat while I did time in jail
Now it's time to pay, the rhymes you say
Sound a lot like mine, but not quite as ill
As my rhymin skill, I could relate to how Tyson feel
My life is real, you're the fragment
Of somebody else life, or shit you imagined
It's like the beat make me react savage...
Cormega criticizes other rappers whom he deems unoriginal, and contrasts his own difficulties with their apparent ease. Cormega likens his past drug dealing to a sport, showing his tough exterior but with hidden vulnerabilities.
[Chorus: Jonell]
All I need is you - in my life, to be down with me..
All I need is you - to hold me, and to make me see..
All I need is you - to be there, in my time of need..
All I need is you - I'll be there, when you need me to be..
The chorus reiterates Cormega's point that the person he loves is all he needs to get by.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: COREY MCKAY, SHANNON SHOWES, TONY COTTRELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
SpottieOttieDopaliscious Angel
My hearts strings have been tugged. I love hip hop songs that express love between a man and woman. ❤️
Dj Junior del Guaguanco
I love this song!
Andrea Orjuela
Infinitamente !!
BABALU
hola, me encanta ese tema 😽
money baby
Dope music
JEF•SPARK•aka•h○me•skillet•Fr○m•NY
I never heard this version 🔥🔥🔥 #newyork #queensny #hiphop2002
Nina Perez
🔥
The United Ronin NetwoR4ks ™️
Such a bittersweet tune 🥲🌹
Rebecca Nido
Real
Rudolf Salay
Becca Starr yeah it sounds so fuckin real... :))))) this is the thing, why I'm every day spending much time on YouTube.. and I'm grateful to all realhiphopheads for sharing such a beautiful things like that!