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.
Angel Dust
Cormega Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yo, laid back like a fat buddha holding my pearl handle luger
In a land cruiser rims shine like daytime in Bermuda
I rap tight smoother than niggaz who be fronting like parakeet movers
I had to be financially set new lex
In front of my duplex my shine dripping wet
New nine's in case your group flex
My brown eyes leaving your boot stretched
Cause I collect stats, my advice is to accept that
Step back blast don't even wet that, yo
It's mandatory, I'm self explanatory
Don't front on me shorty, your man's working for me
[Chorus: Havoc]
Aiyyo we move ki's
Angel dust son you get touched
Dress up get rushed
Stepping up or press luck
Cormega coming through, duck
Move slowly get bucked
Criminal minds get stitched up
Down to buy your watch or bitch up
[Cormega]
Aiyyo this crime addict mind
My rhyme status shines like a nine 'matic
Yo I'm Scarface for real I want to die blasting fuck stashing
My next 50 G's I'm buying me a five wagon
Thugged out leather interior, mega superior
My art of war deaded your area
My mugshot praised in jail cells and drug spots
My razor touched faces and cut rocks
Corrupt cop cases had me on semi vacation
In state dreams laid down weight schemes
with niggaz that get paid and take cream
Drug supplier, thugs admire
Ghetto dunn dunn gunfire deep mind none higher
Your drama equalizer
I speak the murder Keyser Soze, no survivors
[Chorus x 2]
[Cormega]
Teach on threats, concepts I didn't speak on yet
Courts feared mentally severe to the ear
Thug general, white lines for criminal minds to listen to
Chemical rhymes sparkle like a '62
Invincible foulness my style is trife like Rikers Isle get
Queensbridge projects is lounging on a cocaine mountain
Aiyyo Hav let the four pound spit, what!
[Chorus x 2]
In Cormega's song "Angel Dust," the rapper describes his luxurious lifestyle and his involvement in the criminal underworld. He boasts of his wealth and flaunts it with his pearl-handled luger and his shiny rims on his land cruiser. Cormega exudes confidence in his abilities and looks down upon those who "front" and "parakeet move." He also warns those who try to mess with him that they will face consequences and that he has connections with those who will take care of them.
The chorus, performed by Havoc, reinforces the theme of violence and criminality with the lines "Angel dust son you get touched" and "criminal minds get stitched up." Cormega describes himself as a "crime addict" who shines like a "nine 'matic," and he seeks to die "blasting" instead of just stashing his guns. He references Scarface, the famous gangster movie character, to emphasize his dangerous and ruthless persona. Cormega also touches on his experiences with law enforcement, including time spent in jail and dealing with corrupt cops.
Line by Line Meaning
Yo, laid back like a fat buddha holding my pearl handle luger
I'm relaxed yet ready for whatever comes my way, armed with a fancy gun and chilling like a statue of Buddha.
In a land cruiser rims shine like daytime in Bermuda
My car's rims are so shiny they make the sun on the island of Bermuda look dull in comparison.
I rap tight smoother than niggaz who be fronting like parakeet movers
My flow is smooth and tighter than those who pretend to be ballers but are really just fakes.
I had to be financially set new lex
I had to get money to afford a new Lexus luxury car.
In front of my duplex my shine dripping wet
I'm shining so much that the light bounces off me and blurs the vision of anyone looking at me.
New nine's in case your group flex
I carry new guns in case any rivals try to start something.
My brown eyes leaving your boot stretched
Just my disapproving gaze alone will scare and intimidate my foes so badly that they will need to buy new underwear.
So bad you had to get a new rep vest
My reputation is so tough and dangerous that you had to upgrade your protective gear to even be considered worthy of facing me.
Cause I collect stats, my advice is to accept that
I gather information and know all about everyone, so you should just admit defeat if you come up against me.
Step back blast don't even wet that, yo
Stop trying to start something because I will retaliate with deadly force.
It's mandatory, I'm self explanatory
It is absolutely necessary that I am the one in charge, and my impressive reputation speaks for itself.
Don't front on me shorty, your man's working for me
Don't disrespect me or try to fight me because your associates are already under my control.
Aiyyo we move ki's
We deal in large quantities of drugs.
Angel dust son you get touched
If you mess with us, you'll get hurt or even die from the potent drug called Angel Dust.
Dress up get rushed
If you try to look fancy or flashy, you'll get robbed or attacked by our gang.
Stepping up or press luck
If you try to challenge us or take a risk, you're basically gambling with your life.
Cormega coming through, duck
I'm coming through and you better watch out or hide if you don't want to get hurt.
Move slowly get bucked
If you move too cautiously or slow, you'll still get attacked and assaulted by our gang regardless.
Criminal minds get stitched up
Those who engage in criminal activity will be punished and their wounds will be sewn up in prison.
Down to buy your watch or bitch up
We are willing to buy luxury items or even demean and humiliate you if you don't submit to our power.
Aiyyo this crime addict mind
I'm obsessed with the criminal lifestyle and constantly thinking about illegal activities.
My rhyme status shines like a nine 'matic
My rapping skills are as impressive and amazing as a powerful gun.
Yo I'm Scarface for real I want to die blasting fuck stashing
I am like the main character in the movie Scarface and I am willing to go out in a blaze of glory rather than hide or be taken down by the authorities.
My next 50 G's I'm buying me a five wagon
As soon as I earn 50,000 dollars, I will purchase a new Mercedes-Benz wagon car.
Thugged out leather interior, mega superior
My car will have leather seats and an overall tough and dominant vibe.
My art of war deaded your area
My strategic skills and tactics have taken over and defeated the competition in the area.
My mugshot praised in jail cells and drug spots
Even in jail and other areas where drug use is prevalent, people are impressed and respect my criminal record.
My razor touched faces and cut rocks
I am not afraid to use a razor to harm those who cross me or to cut and package drugs for distribution.
Corrupt cop cases had me on semi vacation
I was temporarily on break during times when corrupt police officers were investigating me and my illegal activities.
In state dreams laid down weight schemes
I planned and schemed to smuggle drugs and other contraband while serving a prison sentence.
with niggaz that get paid and take cream
I associate with other fellow criminals who make a lot of money and take whatever they want.
Drug supplier, thugs admire
I am a source of illegal drugs and other illegal activities and other dangerous criminals respect and look up to me.
Ghetto dunn dunn gunfire deep mind none higher
I am a mastermind of violence and shootouts, and I am unparalleled in my level of influence and control in the ghetto.
Your drama equalizer
I am the one who can solve or escalate any drama or conflict in my territory.
I speak the murder Keyser Soze, no survivors
I speak like the character Keyser Soze in the movie The Usual Suspects, who is known for killing everyone who knows his true identity.
Teach on threats, concepts I didn't speak on yet
I am willing to teach my rivals about the various threats and tactics I have yet to reveal or use against them.
Courts feared mentally severe to the ear
The courts and officials are afraid of my demeanor and influence, and my reputation alone can be intimidating to those who hear about it.
Thug general, white lines for criminal minds to listen to
I am a leader of violent criminals, and I create music that is designed for other criminals to listen to and relate to.
Chemical rhymes sparkle like a '62
My lyrics are so potent and impressive that they sparkle and shine like a classic car from the 1960s.
Invincible foulness my style is trife like Rikers Isle get
My style is indestructible and dirty, just like the notorious Rikers Island prison facility.
Queensbridge projects is lounging on a cocaine mountain
I am the boss and my associates live in luxury and abundance, with access to unlimited drugs and illegal activities.
Aiyyo Hav let the four pound spit, what!
I am urging my fellow criminal Havoc to use his gun and settle the situation through violence.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: KEZIAH JONES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ahmadyehia4294
Yo, laid back like a fat buddha holding my pearl handle luger
In a land cruiser rims shine like daytime in Bermuda
I rap tight smoother than niggaz who be fronting like parakeet movers
I had to be financially set new lex
In front of my duplex my shine dripping wet
New nine's in case your group flex
My brown eyes leaving your boot stretched
So bad you had to get a new rep vest
Cause I collect stats, my advice is to accept that
Step back blast don't even wet that, yo
It's mandatory, I'm self explanatory
Don't front on me shorty, your man's working for me
Aiyyo we move ki's
Angel dust son you get touched
Dress up get rushed
Stepping up or press luck
Cormega coming through, duck
Move slowly get bucked
Criminal minds get stitched up
Down to buy your watch or bitch up
Aiyyo this crime addict mind
My rhyme status shines like a nine 'matic
Yo I'm Scarface for real I want to die blasting fuck stashing
My next 50 G's I'm buying me a five wagon
Thugged out leather interior, mega superior
My art of war deaded your area
My mugshot praised in jail cells and drug spots
My razor touched faces and cut rocks
Corrupt cop cases had me on semi vacation
In state dreams laid down weight schemes
with niggaz that get paid and take cream
Drug supplier, thugs admire
Ghetto dunn dunn gunfire deep mind none higher
Your drama equalizer
I speak the murder Keyser Soze, no survivors
Teach on threats, concepts I didn't speak on yet
Courts feared mentally severe to the ear
Thug general, white lines for criminal minds to listen to
Chemical rhymes sparkle like a '62
Invincible foulness my style is trife like Rikers Isle get
Queensbridge projects is lounging on a cocaine mountain
Aiyyo Hav let the four pound spit, what!
@phdrxakadennyblack4098
Have not seen a more accurate transcription than mine from today, The rap Genius is not very good with this Mega joint...
ANGEL DUST
Cormega: It's time right now, yo
Prodigy: Yeah, yeah
P: Monopolize, strategies of war, exercise Mega.. Cormega what the dilly, n****?
Havoc: Angel dust..
VERSE 1
(Yo) Laid back like a fat Buddha
Holdin' my pearl handle Luger in a Land Cruiser
Rims shine like daytime in Bermuda, I write type smoother
Than n****s, who be frontin like have-a-key movin
I have to be financially set
New Lex in front of my duplex, my shine, drippin wet
New nines in case your crew flex, my brown eyes leavin your boo stressed
So bad you had to get a new red vest
Cuz I collect stacks
My advice is to accept that, step back, black, don't even wet that, yo
It's mandatory, I'm self-explanatory
Don't front on me shorty.. ya man's workin for me
HOOK
Hey yo we move ki's, angel dust son, you get touched
Press up, get rushed, seven or a press luck
Cormega comin thru, duck, move slow to get bucked
Criminal minds, you get stitched up, line of fire, watch your bitch up
VERSE 2
Hey yo, this crime addict mind, my rhyme status shines
Like a nine 'matic
Young Scarface, for real I wanna die blastin', fuck stashin'
My next fifty g's I'm buyin me a five wagon
Thugged out, leather interior, Mega superior
My art of war deaded your area
My mugshot praised in jail cells and drug spots
My razor touch faces, and cut rocks
Corrupt cop cases, had me on semi-vacation
In state greens laid down weight schemes
With n****s that get paid to take cream
Drug supplier, thugs admire
Ghetto thun thun gunfire, deep mind, none higher
The drama equalizer, I speak the mind-a
Keyzer, Soze, no survivors
Yo what the fuck
REPEAT HOOK 2x
VERSE 3
Peep on fresh concepts I didn't speak on yet
Cause fear, mentally severe to the ear, thug general
Write lines for criminal minds to listen to
Chemical rise, sparkle like a '62
Invincible foulness
My style is trife like Riker's Isle get
Queensbridge projects is loungin on a cocaine mountain
Yo Hav, let the four pound spit, what?
REPEAT HOOK 2x
@ahmadyehia4294
Yo, laid back like a fat buddha holding my pearl handle luger
In a land cruiser rims shine like daytime in Bermuda
I rap tight smoother than niggaz who be fronting like parakeet movers
I had to be financially set new lex
In front of my duplex my shine dripping wet
New nine's in case your group flex
My brown eyes leaving your boot stretched
So bad you had to get a new rep vest
Cause I collect stats, my advice is to accept that
Step back blast don't even wet that, yo
It's mandatory, I'm self explanatory
Don't front on me shorty, your man's working for me
Aiyyo we move ki's
Angel dust son you get touched
Dress up get rushed
Stepping up or press luck
Cormega coming through, duck
Move slowly get bucked
Criminal minds get stitched up
Down to buy your watch or bitch up
Aiyyo this crime addict mind
My rhyme status shines like a nine 'matic
Yo I'm Scarface for real I want to die blasting fuck stashing
My next 50 G's I'm buying me a five wagon
Thugged out leather interior, mega superior
My art of war deaded your area
My mugshot praised in jail cells and drug spots
My razor touched faces and cut rocks
Corrupt cop cases had me on semi vacation
In state dreams laid down weight schemes
with niggaz that get paid and take cream
Drug supplier, thugs admire
Ghetto dunn dunn gunfire deep mind none higher
Your drama equalizer
I speak the murder Keyser Soze, no survivors
Teach on threats, concepts I didn't speak on yet
Courts feared mentally severe to the ear
Thug general, white lines for criminal minds to listen to
Chemical rhymes sparkle like a '62
Invincible foulness my style is trife like Rikers Isle get
Queensbridge projects is lounging on a cocaine mountain
Aiyyo Hav let the four pound spit, what!
@vaughnsalaam9018
This track was bananas. Havoc killed it with the ill hook
@DonYoGi8331
U should check out the original version of P's "Keep it thoro" wit Hav on the hook! Rare shit it's up here.
@ryanjagoo534
@Gwola from da Ville àaq11aaqq¹11 b
@charlescurry2568
Sha Money XL
@TheNathtube
Mega - most under rated mc ever.
@mphstudent2704
most underrated lyrical drug related
@austinscott9747
Facts..straight gems 💎
@warprimeminister
Nah, that’ll go to AZ
@adamgordon2572
Black Thought imo 🔥🔥
@wedoish3350
PRETTY SLEPT ON TO THE MASSES. STILL FIRMLY RELAVENT. FAM 🔥❤️🕊