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 5β15 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.
Dangerous
Cormega Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Who dat? Nuh old pan deh so now? Selecta!!!! crunch time!!!!
[Chorus]: (Vybz Kartel)
"Dangerouuuuuuuussssssssssss!!!!!!! (Up to di time, timeless)
I am dangerous, yay!!! I am dangerous, yay!!! (Cormega, Queens Bridge, Kartel, Portmore City)
(Ladies insist that we start well)
Dangerouuuuuuuussssssssssss!!!!!!! (Real badman worldwide)
[Verse 1: Cormega]
Like City Of God adversity is Medusa's curse I been hard when facin admeasurable odds
I clearly evolve like Bibby when Webber was Gone
The jewels keep me cool when the weather is warm
The Coups be as hot as the strip that we on
Though I'm dealin no more I'm here with cess me import
You can get wet for real this ain't a mirage
These are treacherous waters with dangerous sharks
When my pacers were gone, I came from the heart
The realness gave me my start I'm here playin my part
Like an illustrious picture, your face in my palm
When the game is on the line I'm amazingly calm
Whether I'm in the streets or a Jamaican resort
I'm a stay doin me that's the way I was taught
Destined for greatness success breeds hatred
I can't see in the hearts of man I just see paper
[Chorus:]
Dangerouuuuuuuussssssssssss!!!!!!!
I am dangerous, yay!!! I am dangerous, yay!!!
[Verse 2: Vybz Kartel]
Hey! We dangerous like a Taliban
With knives, hostages and two jumbo jets
More dangerous than unprotected sex
AK's ninja teck's, fi day to day flex
Swords and machete, too petty, Spears, fi Britney
Bows and arrows don't fit mi
HK dangerous like Bobby Brown to Whitney
Murder from di elderly to pickney
America's Most Wanted, starrin Kartel and Cormega
We on CNN not Capone-N-Noreaga
Mi a gunna, nuh fist to fist trada
Kill Will Smith just to kiss Jada, Pinkett
Slash yuh throat catch yuh blood, drink it
Yuh crew big like Titanic mi sink it
Yuh walk, like hip hop music from Limp Bizkit
We born killas natural is di mystic
We spray bullet inna yuh face like make up and lip stick
[Chorus:]
Dangerouuuuuuuussssssssssss!!!!!!!
I am dangerous, yay!!! I am dangerous, yay!!!
[Verse 3: Unda P]
Alright catch this!
I come fi run it and dun it di book buy mi givin it
And di girls dem lovin it, our Benz and Bima
We inna, we roll it, dem bwoy waan mi end it
Mi gunshot bun it, Cormega, bum rush it
Mi give dem nuh time fi buss it
Di ting di ghetto yute man have dem waan tek it
Nuh pampa nah pet, now get ready to set it widout warnin
Lights, out mi dun it, mi big bold nah stop and nah 'fend it
Aiyyo! Dem start disgust mi, cau dem bruk di wey mi feel
Battybwoy pick mi get dem wid steel
Informa gonna, when big gun tun on yah
And run out dem mouth and now dem face sealed, dem face sealed
Dem buck upon di real deal, dem a heal
And expect some real, dem nuh real
Four filled man and mek di bwoy tek we kneel, fi real
[Chorus:]
Dangerouuuuuuuussssssssssss!!!!!!!
I am dangerous, yay!!! I am dangerous, yay!!!
Dangerouuuuuuuussssssssssss!!!!!!!
I am dangerous, yay!!! I am dangerous, yay!!!
The song "Dangerous" by Cormega featuring Vybz Kartel presents a fusion of rap and dancehall genres combined with intense lyrics. The intro sets the tone for the song as Unda P announces the arrival of both artists onto the track with explosive energy. In the chorus, Vybz Kartel announces his dangerousness, while in the verses, both artists reflect on the challenges of life, the realities of surviving on the streets, and personal experiences with lethal situations. The lyrics describe the dangers of the 'ghetto jungle', where only the strongest and most dangerous survive.
Cormega draws parallels between his life and the movie "City of God", where the adversities faced are likened to the curse of Medusa. He speaks of his resilience and evolution as he navigates through unforeseeable odds. In contrast, Vybz Kartel gives a raw and unapologetic expression of danger with graphic descriptions of deadly weapons and violent acts. He also confidently declares himself as a natural-born killer, one with a mystic and innate ability to cause harm. The song is ultimately a reflection of both artists' experiences with danger in their respective lived realities.
Line by Line Meaning
Like City Of God adversity is Medusa's curse I been hard when facin admeasurable odds
I have faced tough challenges like those in the movie City Of God, and it feels like a terrible and never-ending curse, but I still remain strong and tough-minded when confronted with overwhelming obstacles.
I clearly evolve like Bibby when Webber was Gone
Just like Bibby's growth in the absence of Webber in the NBA, I continue to develop and improve myself even when facing adversity.
The jewels keep me cool when the weather is warm
My expensive jewelry gives me a sense of calm and coolness, even on the hottest and most challenging days.
The Coups be as hot as the strip that we on
My luxurious cars are as flashy and impressive as the streets that we come from.
Though I'm dealin no more I'm here with cess me import
Despite not being involved in drug dealing anymore, I still have connections to that world and its culture.
You can get wet for real this ain't a mirage
You can actually get hurt or even killed in these dangerous streets, it's not some kind of illusion or mirage.
These are treacherous waters with dangerous sharks
The streets are like dangerous waters, filled with treacherous people who can harm you like sharks.
When my pacers were gone, I came from the heart
When my motivation and inspirations were lacking, I still persevered with strength and passion from my heart.
The realness gave me my start I'm here playin my part
I started from the bottom with honesty and authenticity, and now I'm here doing my part and achieving success.
Like an illustrious picture, your face in my palm
Just like a beautiful painting, I keep your face prominently in my mind and memory.
When the game is on the line I'm amazingly calm
When the stakes are highest and the pressure is intense, I remain impressively calm and composed.
Whether I'm in the streets or a Jamaican resort
Regardless of whether I'm in the dangerous streets or a luxury resort in Jamaica, I maintain my unique identity and personality.
I'm a stay doin me that's the way I was taught
I always stay true to myself, as that's what I was taught to do and is the most natural way for me to live.
Destined for greatness success breeds hatred
I was always meant to achieve greatness, but sometimes success can also attract envy and hatred from others.
I can't see in the hearts of man I just see paper
I can't predict or control the inner thoughts and motivations of others, but I can see the financial rewards and benefits of my work.
Hey! We dangerous like a Taliban
We are as dangerous and feared as the Taliban and their terrorist tactics.
With knives, hostages and two jumbo jets
We possess deadly weapons and tools, like knives and jumbo jets, that we can use to hold others hostage or execute attacks.
More dangerous than unprotected sex
Our recklessness and lack of concern for others make us even more dangerous than unprotected sex and its risks.
AK's ninja teck's, fi day to day flex
We carry AK-47s, ninja-style weapons, and other tech gadgets to show off and use in our daily lives.
Swords and machete, too petty, Spears, fi Britney
We don't bother with primitive weapons like swords and machetes, but will use them if necessary, and even Spears to take down famous people like Britney Spears.
HK dangerous like Bobby Brown to Whitney
The famous couple Bobby Brown and Whitney Houston had a dangerous relationship, and our possession of Heckler & Koch firearms makes us just as dangerous.
Murder from di elderly to pickney
We'll kill anyone, from the elderly to young children, if it serves our purposes or desires.
America's Most Wanted, starrin Kartel and Cormega
Our criminal activities and dangerous nature make us the top targets of police and authorities, just like the TV show America's Most Wanted.
We on CNN not Capone-N-Noreaga
Our criminal exploits are so notorious and attention-grabbing, that even mainstream news outlets like CNN cover our activities, unlike less famous rappers like Capone-N-Noreaga.
Mi a gunna, nuh fist to fist trada
I'm not just a fighter who uses fists, but a gunfighter who always carries lethal weapons.
Kill Will Smith just to kiss Jada, Pinkett
Our recklessness and disregard for human life means we would kill a famous celebrity like Will Smith, just for a chance to be with his wife Jada Pinkett Smith.
Slash yuh throat catch yuh blood, drink it
We're so twisted that we would even drink the blood of people we kill, like after slashing their throat.
Yuh crew big like Titanic mi sink it
Even a huge and successful crew like the Titanic would be vulnerable to our destructive and dangerous ways.
Yuh walk, like hip hop music from Limp Bizkit
You walk and act like a lame and mediocre rapper like Limp Bizkit, and we find that both pathetic and deliciously easy to exploit.
We born killas natural is di mystic
We were born to kill and commit violent acts, like it's a natural and unavoidable part of our mystic destiny.
We spray bullet inna yuh face like make up and lip stick
We don't hesitate to shoot people in the face with bullets, like applying makeup or lipstick on an innocent face.
I come fi run it and dun it di book buy mi givin it
I come to take over and dominate any situation, and I always succeed by using my knowledge and intelligence.
And di girls dem lovin it, our Benz and Bima
Women find us irresistible and attractive, especially when we show off our expensive and luxurious cars like Benz and Bima.
We inna, we roll it, dem bwoy waan mi end it
We are confident and fearless, and those who oppose us or try to stop us will inevitably fail and want us dead.
Mi gunshot bun it, Cormega, bum rush it
We use our guns to intimidate and destroy any enemies, and even take on famous rappers like Cormega if we need to.
Mi give dem nuh time fi buss it
We don't give our enemies any chance or opportunity to defend themselves or retaliate, we're always one step ahead.
Di ting di ghetto yute man have dem waan tek it
The things that the people from the ghetto have are so desirable and tempting that others always want to take it from them.
Nuh pampa nah pet, now get ready to set it widout warnin
We don't coddle or comfort others, and we'll always be ready to violently retaliate or attack without warning or mercy.
Lights, out mi dun it, mi big bold nah stop and nah 'fend it
We'll turn off the lights and attack fearlessly and boldly, without hesitation or second thoughts.
Aiyyo! Dem start disgust mi, cau dem bruk di wey mi feel
Other people's disrespect and disregard for us, because of our violent and dangerous ways, greatly angers and offends us.
Battybwoy pick mi get dem wid steel
Those who criticize or mock us for being homosexual always face violent retribution and revenge.
Informa gonna, when big gun tun on yah
When police or informants try to interfere with us or share information about us, they'll face deadly and powerful retaliation with our big guns.
And run out dem mouth and now dem face sealed, dem face sealed
Those who talk too much and betray us will be silenced and eliminated forever.
Dem buck upon di real deal, dem a heal
Those who confront us directly will realize that we're the real deal and that they're helpless and weak in comparison.
And expect some real, dem nuh real
Those who want to mess with us should expect the cold and brutal reality of our violent and dangerous ways, because they're not as real or tough as us.
Four filled man and mek di bwoy tek we kneel, fi real
We have a team of four dangerous and lethal men, and nobody can take us down or make us surrender or kneel to them.
Lyrics Β© Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JAMES TODD SMITH, RICK RUBIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@unanimusgaza105
[Intro: Unda P]
Who dat? Nuh old pan deh so now? Selecta!!!! crunch time!!!!
[Hook: Vybz Kartel]
Dangerouuuuuuuussssssssssss!!!!!!! (Up to di time, timeless)
I am dangerous, yay!!! I am dangerous, yay!!!
(Cormega, Queens Bridge, Kartel, Portmore City)
(Ladies insist that we start well)
Dangerouuuuuuuussssssssssss!!!!!!! (Real badman worldwide)
I am dangerous, yay!!! I am dangerous, yay!!! (Now wheel!!!)
[Verse 1: Cormega]
Like City Of God adversity is Medusa's curse
I been hard when facin immeasurable odds
I clearly evolve like Bibby when Webber was gone
The jewels keep me cool when the weather is warm
The Coups be as hot as the strip that we on
Though I'm dealing no more I'm here which sets me apart
You can get wet for real this ain't a mirage
These are treacherous waters with dangerous sharks
When my pacers were gone, I came from the heart
+The Realness+ gave me my start, I'm here playin my part
Like an illustrious picture, your face in my palm
When the game is on the line I'm amazingly calm
Whether I'm in the streets or a Jamaican resort
I'm a stay doin me that's the way I was taught
Destined for greatness success breeds hatred
I can't see in the hearts of man I just see paper
Ad
[Hook]
Dangerouuuuuuuussssssssssss!!!!!!!
I am dangerous, yay!!! I am dangerous, yay!!!
[Verse 2: Vybz Kartel]
Hey! We dangerous like a Taliban
With knives, hostages and two jumbo jets
More dangerous than unprotected sex
AK's and intratec's, fi day to day flex
Swords and machete, too petty, Spears, fi Britney
Bows and arrows don't fit mi
HK dangerous like Bobby Brown to Whitney
Murder from di elderly to pickney
America's Most Wanted, starrin Kartel and Cormega
We on CNN not Capone-N-Noreaga
Mi a gunna, nuh fist to fist trada
Kill Will Smith just to kiss Jada, Pinkett
Slash yuh throat catch yuh blood, and drink it
Yuh crew big like Titanic mi sink it
Yuh wack, like hip-hop music from Limp Bizkit
We born killas natural is di mystic
We spray bullet inna yuh face like make up and lip stick
[Hook]
Dangerouuuuuuuussssssssssss!!!!!!!
I am dangerous, yay!!! I am dangerous, yay!!!
[Verse 3: Unda P]
Alright catch this!
I come fi run it and dun it di book buy mi givin it
And di girls dem lovin
It, our Benz and Bima
We inna, we roll it, dem bwoy waan mi end it
Mi
Gunshot bun it, Cormega, bum rush it
Mi give dem nuh time fi buss it
Di ting di ghetto yute man have dem waan tek it
Nuh pampa nah pet, now get ready to set it widout warnin
Lights, out mi dun it, mi big bold nah stop and nah 'fend it
Aiyyo! Dem start disgust mi, cau dem bruk di wey mi feel
Battybwoy pick mi get dem wid steel
Informa gonna, when big gun tun on yah
And run out dem mouth and now dem face sealed, dem face sealed
Dem buck upon di real deal, dem a heal
And expect some real, dem nuh real
Four filled man and mek di bwoy tek we kneel, fi real
[Hook]
Dangerouuuuuuuussssssssssss!!!!!!!
I am dangerous, yay!!! I am dangerous, yay!!!
Dangerouuuuuuuussssssssssss!!!!!!!
I am dangerous, yay!!! I am dangerous, yay!!!
@qaphelanimthembu8514
"You can get wet for real, this ain't a mirage. These are treacherous waters with dangerous sharks." πππ₯π₯π₯
@MrMarcelo-qg3wy
I still listen this legendary song from brazil π§π·πππ₯
@delonthomas5049
The best days of hip hop is either here or over I swear we need good music back
@jottaz144
Straight up fyah, never heard this before. Big fan of addi and also fan of queensbridge hip hop. RIP Prodigy Free di teacha
@karibbeankidinvestment1539
Listening in 2020 who with me??????
@wattykilla
here in 2021
@shawnanderson6227
2022 yo
@karibbeankidinvestment1539
@@shawnanderson6227 haha my dude ππΎ
@Unityfm78
@@karibbeankidinvestment1539 2022
@carlosdyer1113
Shoot 2023