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.
Fallen Soldiers
Cormega Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Times be like that, my nigga died
You wake up the next day, and that shit really hits you like
"Damn, I ain't gon' see my nigga no more."
Shit's fuckin me up times, son
Word, yo, yo, yo
Yo, we bled for hours, now I learned to ?dwell? tomorrow
'cause he was reppin on his quest for dollars
I was the one who took him Uptown, with someone into measure powder
Now I treasure our memories together, it's hard to believe
I'ma never see you again, but I'ma make you breathin through pen
So everyone can see you my friend, in fly sneakers again
Life is sweet and kinda deep when it ends
I still remember you, beefin over bullshit, at basketball games cheatin
Yo, my cipher ain't complete, yo I'm sorry for that argument we had
On 12th Street over a cell, now I'm well into seakin ??? well
What we made up the same night
And through the years remained tight, the same love
The same gold rockin the same nights
Now that you gone, I'm here to reppin your name right
Chorus: (2x)
Did you ever lose a nigga you love?
Then ask yourself is there a heaven for thugs?
God forgive me for fillin niggas with slugs
And is it a crime when we was dealin these drugs?
And to my cousin Ben
my muthafuckin man, I find it hard to understand
That you gone, you physical form is dormant
I'm lost like the Bulls without Jordan
Tell my man J.B. from ??? I said peace
Son, I live a thug life, I clutch mics
With the same intensity that I used to clutch right
G-Fresh was at your funeral, son I felt it
And if I start cryin when I rhyme I can't help it
Analyse, never think I forgot you, son you my heart
And even death can't keep the two of us apart
From day one, watchin cartoons and shootin playguns
Who ever thought we see this day come
Tell my moms I miss her, give her a kiss and tell her
That her younger child done her proud
I know she heard about me runnin wild
Ya'll gone now, but livin in my memory
You fallen soldiers, sleepin in serenity
Chorus
Killa Black, whattup my nigga?
I know you chillin with my nigga Ill Will
inside a ghetto heaven building
With a Mac-11, dealin your jeans, screamin Infamous Queens
Forty-First Side kid, you know me
I know the O-Z's are whiter there, pussy much tighter there
Navigator ?rents been a shine and live brighter yeah?
The same old thing, gun, game and cocaine
Your brother Havoc got a platinum gold chain (shinin, kid)
Son, it's all good in the hood, I'm in a Lex with the wood-grain
??? is never misunderstood, dearly departed
Hear me acknowledge real niggas who passed
Wheather holdin heater, in it for cash
Some of ya'll ???, some are pure like
Columbian raw, knockin on heaven's door
The only thing my niggas ran from alive is law
I reminisce your memories, for you this Hennessy I pour
Chorus
Yeah, to all my niggas me
I know the O-Z's are whiter there, pussy much tight
The song "Fallen Soldiers" by Cormega is a touching tribute to the artist's friends who have passed away due to violence, drugs and other reasons. In the first verse, Cormega talks about the loss of a close friend named Yammy who was shot dead during his quest for money. The artist reminisces about some of the good times they shared together and how they had silly arguments over basketball games. Cormega then apologizes for the fight they had on 12th Street over a cell phone and how he wishes they had made up earlier. The second verse is dedicated to another friend named Ben who passed away, leaving Cormega lost and heartbroken. The artist acknowledges that he still feels the need to 'live the thug life' but misses his fallen soldiers and often cries when he thinks about them. The chorus questions whether there is a heaven for thugs and whether it's a crime to be dealing drugs when economic opportunities are scarce for many young people growing up in rough neighborhoods.
The song is a personal reflection on the negative effects of violence and substance abuse on young black men who often don't get the chance to reach their full potential due to societal pressures and structural inequalities. Cormega wants to honor his friends by making sure their memories live on through his music and the people who loved them. The song is poignant and emotional, reminding us that despite the harsh realities of inner-city life, there is still hope for a better future if we all work together to address the root causes of violence and poverty.
Line by Line Meaning
Yo, we bled for hours, now I learned to ?dwell? tomorrow
I had to see my nigga Yammy dead, but he can rest with honor
'cause he was reppin on his quest for dollars
I was the one who took him Uptown, with someone into measure powder
Now I treasure our memories together, it's hard to believe
I'ma never see you again, but I'ma make you breathin through pen
So everyone can see you my friend, in fly sneakers again
Life is sweet and kinda deep when it ends
I still remember you, beefin over bullshit, at basketball games cheatin
Yo, my cipher ain't complete, yo I'm sorry for that argument we had
On 12th Street over a cell, now I'm well into seakin ??? well
What we made up the same night
And through the years remained tight, the same love
The same gold rockin the same nights
Now that you gone, I'm here to reppin your name right
The pain Cormega feels after losing his friend Yammy is immense, as he reflects on their memories together. He treasures those memories, even though it's hard to believe that he'll never see Yammy again. In his heart, he knows that he'll make Yammy's legacy live on through his art. Cormega remembers their quarrels, especially during basketball games, and he's sorry for the argument they had on 12th Street. However, he made up with Yammy the same night, and their friendship remained true and strong throughout the years. Now that Yammy's gone, Cormega is determined to honor his name and keep his memory alive.
Did you ever lose a nigga you love?
Then ask yourself is there a heaven for thugs?
God forgive me for fillin niggas with slugs
And is it a crime when we was dealin these drugs?
The chorus reiterates the heartache of losing loved ones and questions whether they'll find peace in heaven. Cormega reflects on the past, including the hard choices he had to make, such as selling drugs, and wonders if he'll be judged for those actions.
And to my cousin Ben
my muthafuckin man, I find it hard to understand
That you gone, you physical form is dormant
I'm lost like the Bulls without Jordan
Tell my man J.B. from ??? I said peace
Son, I live a thug life, I clutch mics
With the same intensity that I used to clutch right
G-Fresh was at your funeral, son I felt it
And if I start cryin when I rhyme I can't help it
Analyse, never think I forgot you, son you my heart
And even death can't keep the two of us apart
From day one, watchin cartoons and shootin playguns
Who ever thought we see this day come
Tell my moms I miss her, give her a kiss and tell her
That her younger child done her proud
I know she heard about me runnin wild
Ya'll gone now, but livin in my memory
You fallen soldiers, sleepin in serenity
Cormega remembers his cousin Ben and how much he misses him. He imagines him as physically dormant, like he's still there, but there's nothing left. He compares his loss to the Bulls without Jordan, as he's disoriented and lost without Ben. He also acknowledges G-Fresh's presence at Ben's funeral and how emotional it was for him. Cormega reassures Ben that even in death, they're not apart, and they'll always be connected through their memories together. Cormega is proud of his younger self when his mom believed in him. Even though Ben and other fallen soldiers are gone, they'll always live in Cormega's memory.
Killa Black, whattup my nigga?
I know you chillin with my nigga Ill Will
inside a ghetto heaven building
With a Mac-11, dealin your jeans, screamin Infamous Queens
Forty-First Side kid, you know me
I know the O-Z's are whiter there, pussy much tighter there
Navigator ?rents been a shine and live brighter yeah?
The same old thing, gun, game and cocaine
Your brother Havoc got a platinum gold chain (shinin, kid)
Son, it's all good in the hood, I'm in a Lex with the wood-grain
??? is never misunderstood, dearly departed
Hear me acknowledge real niggas who passed
Wheather holdin heater, in it for cash
Some of ya'll ???, some are pure like
Columbian raw, knockin on heaven's door
The only thing my niggas ran from alive is law
I reminisce your memories, for you this Hennessy I pour
Cormega acknowledges his other fallen friends, including Killa Black and Ill Will, feeling comforted to know they're together in heaven. He imagines them hanging out in a 'ghetto heaven building' with a Mac-11, a gun that's common in the hood. He compares the girls in heaven to O-Zs, which are ounces of cocaine, reminding him of the girls he knew that were in the drug game. Cormega misses the old times when it was all about guns, games, and cocaine. He also mentions Havoc, another friend who's still alive, while he clings to security in his luxurious car with wood grain. Cormega takes a moment to acknowledge the real people who died in the world of drug dealers, including those who were in it for cash and those who were more innocent. He remembers their memories and pours out Hennessy as an ode to them.
Lyrics © Royalty Network
Written by: ALAN MALMAN, CORY MCKAY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@runnerfromjupiter
[Intro]
What, I'ma live for my niggas
I'ma shine for my niggas
[Verse 1]
How can I express the sorrow, I learn to dread tomorrow
Had to see my nigga Yammy dead—he can rest with honor
'Cause he was reppin on his quest for dollars
I was the one who took him Uptown, with someone into measure powder
I treasure our memories together, hard to believe
I'ma never see you again, but I'ma make you breathe with a pen
So everyone can see you, my friend, in fly sneakers again
Life is sweet and kinda deep when it ends
Still remember you beefin' over bullshit calls at basketball games cheatin
Yo, my cipher ain't complete, I'm sorry for that argument we had
On twelfth street over a sale, knowing well that you was seekin dough as well
We made up the same night, through the years remained tight
The same love, same drugs, rockin' the same Nikes
Now that you gone, I'm here reppin' your name right
[Chorus]
Did you ever lose a nigga you love?
Then ask yourself is there a heaven for thugs?
And will you be forgiven when your spirit is judged
This song is dedicated to my niggas above
Did you ever lose a nigga you love?
Then ask yourself is there a heaven for thugs?
And will you be forgiven when your spirit is judged
This song is dedicated to my niggas above
[Verse 2]
To my cousin Bam
You my fuckin man, I find it hard to understand
You gone—your physical form is dormant
I'm lost like the Bulls without Jordan
Tell my man J.B. from Edgemere I said peace
Son, I live a thug life, I clutch mics
With the same intensity that I used to crush white
G-Fresh was at your funeral (Word), son I felt it
And if I start cryin when I rhyme I can't help it
Analyze, never think I forgot you, you my heart
And even death can't keep the two of us apart
From day one, watchin' cartoons, shootin' playguns
Who ever thought we see this day come?
Tell my moms I miss her—give her a kiss
And tell her that her youngest child done her proud
I know she heard about me runnin' wild
Y'all gone now, but livin in my memory
Fallen soldiers, sleepin' in serenity
[Chorus]
Did you ever lose a nigga you love?
Then ask yourself is there a heaven for thugs?
And will you be forgiven when your spirit is judged
This song is dedicated to my niggas above
Did you ever lose a nigga you love?
Then ask yourself is there a heaven for thugs?
And will you be forgiven when your spirit is judged
This song is dedicated to my niggas above
[Verse 3]
Killa Black, what up my nigga?
I know you chillin' with my nigga Ill Will
Inside a ghetto heaven building
With a Mac-11, still in your jeans, screamin' Infamous Queens
Forty-First Side kid, you know me
I know the O-Z's are whiter there, pussy much tighter there
'Pac and Eazy-E coming through on low riders there
The same old thing, except there ain't no pain
Your brother Havoc doing his thing, yo for real
It's all good in the hood, the Escalade with the wood-grain
Son was never misunderstood, dearly departed
Hear me acknowledge all my people who passed
Whether holdin' heat, or in it for cash
Some of y'all led sinister paths, some are pure like
Dominican raw, knockin on heaven's door
The only thing you ever ran from in life is law
I reminisce your memories, for you this Hennessy we pour
@apimpreformed
Man this song just brings tears to my eyes …love this track
@justarandomniggafrm206
Same 😢
@Ryu_hayabusa561
this shit should have over a million views. sad that not many people can appreciate real hip hop.
@merquiadez
Most emotional song I've ever heard
@kharizmatikone1481
So true my guy. I always argue with a friend of mines about what's more important between swag and lyrics. Sadly, he thinks swag and having hit songs is more important. Personally, I don't wanna hear club and swag music all the time, this type of music is what counts to me. Swag is just a fad but lyrics will always stick with you. Lyrics is what makes a song timeless.
@bearhughes7009
Ryu Hayabusa no doubt, these new crabs could learn from this, but if you a so called hip hop head n don't know about MEGA ya don't count
@chillgasm
Ryu Hayabusa almost there
@cimonak
@@kharizmatikone1481 SWAG = Secretly We Are Gay.
XD
@shane2863
Rest In Power, Prodigy.
@suntanima
Rip