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.
Every Hood
Cormega Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
[Fatal Hussein]
From the bridge back to Jersey, all the way to the crib
I wear a vest from the west, stressed from the shit I did
Whether the body in a trench, and they trynna sneak the shotty in
Can't make bail in the same jail Gotti in
They all wanna murder me, bitches
Blast these trick niggaz, fakin' jacks on the body
Killed jokers, better than me, and you can ask Bobby
Vision goin' to prison, yeah I heard it before
Hang around the poor, put the riches on the floor
Spittin' that shit when I was locked back
Hands on the pump, make 'em jump when I cock back
You ain't real for real, you real for fake
When I'm steppin' with my weapon, we conceal the shake
And the waist lift chirl in, lost in the worldwind
My diamonds glisten value on your bitch and her
Girlfriend
[Chorus: Niko]
Your hood and mine, is all the same
We're all thugs livin' in the black man's pain
I know that we can break this chain
If we come together, we can make a change
[Cormega]
Yo, I ask god what my future holds
Will I be quarterbackin' a package, and fuckin' crack super bowl?
My sons stackin' one, private attorneys for captured ones
Indictment dismissed, the prints didn't match the gun
Rim shoppin', gem stars spinnin', 360 when d's blitz me
I'm grinnin', you see me, I'm livin'
Your mind finally injured, my ride lightly tinted
And stop sweatin' my whip, your lady might be in it
At nighttime, cruisin', listenin' to music
And analyzin' attentions of people that I'm cool with
In my hood cause I choose it, not cause I'm condemned to it
My kindness is weakness, but death if you abuse it
My contest, formed in an isolated project
Manifested alleged, think I need a sob
Next song, perfected, yo the bridge, tech nine protect it
My rap is cyphilis, the mic, a bitch that I infected
[Chorus]
[Fatal Hussein]
Twist a Campbell, and round the team like Nelson Rambo
They only suit front commando, when they slippery with the handle
Catta' glisem, you heard of us, get away from me nervous
He put his bond on a suit, and got his heart at the service
[Cormega]
Aiyo, I'm so ill, I wanna die like a criminal
Live deadly venom, Mega, invincible
Brain wave converter, paragraph inserter
Expert, my rap indicates murder
[Fatal Hussein]
Take ten steps, turn around, draw and drop
Mega, they die, cause they never be as raw as Pac
I got money on my mind, tyin' in my vision
Outlaw name travel pain through the prison
[Cormega]
Aiyo, R.I.P. B.I.G., 2Pac and Eazy-E
Stretch from the Live Squad, Scott LaRock from BDP
You see me in a CE coupe, watchin' TV
Yo, Fatal, you my nigga, I'mma die if you need me
[Chorus]
The song "Every Hood" by Cormega featuring Fatal Hussein and Niko talks about the struggles of living in the ghetto and the challenges that come with it. The lyrics paint a picture of violence, crime, and poverty that are common in most low-income neighborhoods. The song speaks of the urgency to come together as a community and make a change for the better.
In the first verse, Fatal Hussein details the danger and paranoia that come with living in the streets. He talks about wearing a bulletproof vest and being constantly targeted by enemies even while in jail. He further describes the desensitization to violence and killing, which is a common coping mechanism for hood dwellers.
In the second verse, Cormega shares his thoughts on the future and the possibility of either becoming successful in the drug trade or getting caught up and thrown in jail. He speaks of the luxuries that come with wealth and the difficulties of navigating the treacherous streets. He emphasizes the importance of being cautious around associates and always being aware of the people around you.
Line by Line Meaning
From the bridge back to Jersey, all the way to the crib
My problems and struggles follow me no matter where I go
I wear a vest from the west, stressed from the shit I did
I am burdened by the past experiences that forced me to take extreme measures to protect myself
Whether the body in a trench, and they trynna sneak the shotty in
People always try to find ways to hurt me or kill me no matter where I am
Can't make bail in the same jail Gotti in
I am stuck in jail and cannot escape due to the same problems that sent Gotti to jail
They all wanna murder me, bitches
People are trying to kill me and take what I have
So now they plot on my riches, finally they heard of me
Now that I am successful, everyone is plotting to steal from me because I finally caught their attention
Blast these trick niggaz, fakin' jacks on the body
I will retaliate against anyone who tries to deceive or cheat me
Killed jokers, better than me, and you can ask Bobby
I have eliminated those who pose a threat to my livelihood and status
Vision goin' to prison, yeah I heard it before
I have a history of being in prison and I am afraid I will end up there again
Hang around the poor, put the riches on the floor
I am still connected to my roots and want to show those who are struggling that I am still like them despite my wealth
Spittin' that shit when I was locked back
I started making music while in prison and continue to express myself through it
Hands on the pump, make 'em jump when I cock back
I am ready to defend myself and will intimidate others if they try to threaten me
You ain't real for real, you real for fake
I can see through fake people and know who is genuine and who is not
When I'm steppin' with my weapon, we conceal the shake
I am nervous and scared when carrying a weapon but hide it well
And the waist lift chirl in, lost in the worldwind
I carry my weapon in my waistband and am always on edge and caught up in a whirlwind of emotions
My diamonds glisten value on your bitch and her
My wealth and success make me appealing to others and I attract women because of it
Your hood and mine, is all the same
Despite coming from different neighborhoods, we all share similar struggles and pain
We're all thugs livin' in the black man's pain
We are all trying to survive and make a living but are constantly hindered by the oppressive systems in place against black people
I know that we can break this chain
I am hopeful that we can overcome the obstacles and create a better future
If we come together, we can make a change
If we unite and work together, we can bring about positive change
Yo, I ask god what my future holds
I pray for guidance and clarity about where my life is headed
Will I be quarterbackin' a package, and fuckin' crack super bowl?
Do I have a future in drug trafficking and will I have to compete with others for control and power?
My sons stackin' one, private attorneys for captured ones
My children are preparing for a future where they may face legal issues or have to protect themselves or others
Indictment dismissed, the prints didn't match the gun
I have been unfairly accused of crimes and have been exonerated due to lack of evidence
Rim shoppin', gem stars spinnin', 360 when d's blitz me
I am showing off my wealth by buying expensive items and enjoying the attention that comes with it
Your mind finally injured, my ride lightly tinted
I have a way of getting into people's minds and affecting them, and I subtly show off my car without drawing too much attention
And stop sweatin' my whip, your lady might be in it
Stop being jealous of my car because your significant other might choose to ride in it with me
At nighttime, cruisin', listenin' to music
I enjoy driving around at night and listening to music to relax and clear my mind
And analyzin' attentions of people that I'm cool with
I am cautious about who I associate with and try to analyze their true intentions
In my hood cause I choose it, not cause I'm condemned to it
I still visit my old neighborhood by choice, not because I am stuck there or forced to be there
My kindness is weakness, but death if you abuse it
People mistake my kindness for weakness but if they take advantage of me, it could lead to their own downfall
My contest, formed in an isolated project
My experiences and struggles have shaped me and given me a unique perspective on life
Manifested alleged, think I need a sob
My success has come from hard work and dedication, not from pity or handouts
Next song, perfected, yo the bridge, tech nine protect it
I am constantly improving my music and working with other talented artists to make sure my message is heard
My rap is cyphilis, the mic, a bitch that I infected
My music is like a disease that spreads and infects others, and the microphone is the tool through which I spread it
Twist a Campbell, and round the team like Nelson Rambo
I can cause chaos and confusion to those who oppose me, and rally my team to my side like a leader
They only suit front commando, when they slippery with the handle
Those who talk tough and act like they are in charge are actually weak and unreliable when it comes down to it
Catta' glisem, you heard of us, get away from me nervous
People know who I am and are intimidated by me, and I am cautious around those who act suspicious or nervous
He put his bond on a suit, and got his heart at the service
He put his all into his work and sacrificed for it, even though it may not have been worth it in the end
Take ten steps, turn around, draw and drop
I am ready for a fight and will not hesitate to defend myself
Mega, they die, cause they never be as raw as Pac
My talents and abilities are unmatched by others, and I am in a league of my own like Tupac Shakur was
I got money on my mind, tyin' in my vision
My main focus is on making money and securing my future, but it can also cloud my judgment at times
Outlaw name travel pain through the prison
My reputation and legacy affect even those who are in prison, and they may feel the weight of my actions and decisions
R.I.P. B.I.G., 2Pac and Eazy-E
I pay respects to those who came before me and paved the way for my success
Stretch from the Live Squad, Scott LaRock from BDP
I remember and honor those who were part of the rap community but passed away before their time, like Stretch from Live Squad and Scott LaRock from Boogie Down Productions
You see me in a CE coupe, watchin' TV
I am living a luxurious lifestyle and enjoying the finer things in life, like watching TV in my expensive car
Yo, Fatal, you my nigga, I'mma die if you need me
I am loyal to my friend Fatal to a fault and am willing to do anything to help him or protect him
Contributed by Ava N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Caleb Barker
they don't make stuff like this nowadays....rare
Tay187
2 of the most illest & under-rated. Fatalveli & Megaveli.
Nate Kane
Real spitters!! Showin luv tha BK way!! Outlaw Immortalz
Poetics
Cormega and Fatal was spittin the illest gem-like mysticism on this one. Cormega flows like the Nile River. I mean everytime I hear Mega rhyme, I'm always reminded of "Sugar Ray And Hearns"... "Ghetto philosopher/ like marijuana I'm sparkin ya/ Verbal conqueror/ drama choreographer/ Design rhymes for criminal mind individuals/ my physical was formulate like a bio-chemical" and "When mega cocaine grams exchange hands/ explains my thoughts contained like a brain scan". MEGA'S ONE OF THE GREATEST!!
shupat08
"My rap is syphilis, the mic a bitch i infected" dope... mega and fatal are soo underrated.
laconianostra1159
Official track from two of the illest most slept on...
Sosa AZ
two of my favs. since they started... now u know why my record collection consists of only 90's stuff.
MAZEY
cormegas sick on any track he spits on
MartellThaCool
i love this joint!!!
Dublin born an bred
What a combination 2 of my favourite rappers on a track