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.
Get Out My Way
Cormega Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Even though mad niggas hate it
I remain the most anticipated
those glad a nigga made it bast your Nickel-plateds
and salute the realness, 'cause mad niggas fake it
when I peel hit the floor
I conceal bricks so raw
I got the sickest Six-Four you ever seen
when it's on and poppin' my Dogs are barkin'
to eat food, my enemies feel heat like Purico
some suggest they're equal
lyrically I'm like a Desert Eagle
mentally I measure Kilos
physically I'm compared to Tito Trinidad, both hands are lethal
the crowned Prince
my underground shit you don't fuck around wit'
I move pies and fire loud shit
I'm in the tunnel with the crowd nigga fuck V.I.P
where Brooklyn go crazy when you bump B.I.G. and Queens feel it when you
pump that Mobb Deep
that Jay-Z and Nas beef doesn't involve me
I'm sorry, legal hustle, Infamous affiliated
last rapper to test me I humiliated
and for your information the jewels ain't rented from Jacob
when I move I leave a dent in the pavement
my name ring in jail and not for givin' no statement
that type of foulness consider it flagrant
O.T., give me a brick and see I'm gifted as Masons
I'm the realness, you spittin' that fake shit
life's a bitch, I'ma take her on an expensive vacation
if it's on I'm the Reaper with the glistenin' bracelet
sleepers awakened
screamin' like they seen Satan
word to Christ I need paper, keep the fake love
a fake thug couldn't sell a rock on the block I was raised on
huh?!
[Chorus]
Get out my way, gimmie mine or I'ma take what's yours
make love war, spray up doors
Get out my way, you industry, we in the street
wit' the heat pickin' weight up raw
Get out my way, stop screamin' what set you rep if you don't come around
the way no more
Get out my way, who want what, say no more
Matter fact that chain off Dog.
[Verse 2]
I gave niggas enough time - to front
I'm a beast on the street like crushed white
you can't be me, close your eyes, you can't see me
I'm the phantom in your concience
the shadow in the darkness
savage when I write, I'm heartless
I'm iller than you, realer than you
still with more Killers than you
it's mandatory, I'm self explanatory
don't front on me, you didn't have cash before me
I'm the essence
you don't gotta like it, respect it
like the ice on my necklace
and the fact I'm supplyin' connections
if you rhyme ill I'm the sickness that caused it, you thought you'd
assume my position
I be hustlin', bubblin', gettin' money
causin' blind rage with the Twenties
y'all niggas is funny like Martin Lawrence
we out before the Narcs get on us
my life wasn't written, yours was, you livin' a lie
I'm dealin' wit' pies, all feelings aside
my enemies kneel when I rise
the realness in my eyes
from blood, sweat, and tears I cried
I got friends who died before they got to see me shine
how dare you compare your weak CD to mine
or think you could see me with rhymes
easily I'm, nicer than you and all your peoples combined.
Chorus
In the first verse of Cormega's "Get Out My Way" he addresses the hate he receives from others who are not as successful as he is. Despite the hate, he remains the most anticipated because he is the real deal, not someone who fakes it to make it. Cormega is an expert in the streets and deals with drugs. He is unmatched when it comes to his lyricism and is like a Desert Eagle. He is the crowned Prince of rap and famous for his raw and loud lyrics. Cormega raps about his association with The Infamous Mobb Deep and being a legal hustler. He also emphasizes that the jewelry he wears is not rented, but owned. When it comes to his name, jail is no stranger to him, and he is known for being a gifted drug dealer. He acknowledges that life is tough, but he takes it on like a champ and goes on an expensive vacation to celebrate his life's triumphs. Cormega is a Reaper on fire and reclaims his power by taking down fake thugs and anyone who tries to stop him in his tracks.
In the second verse of the song, Cormega ups the ante even further. He tells his enemies that he is a beast and compares himself to white crack in the streets. He is a phantom in people's consciousness and shadow in the darkness. He is heartless and iller than any other rapper in the game. He has more Killers than anyone else and is the essence of the street. Cormega demands respect and likes to show off his wealth with his jewelry. He boasts about his business connections and how he is responsible for other rapper's success. He also talks about his rivals' music and how it does not come anywhere near his level of skill. Cormega continues to display his toughness and resilience by dealing with drugs, and his enemies often bow down to him.
Line by Line Meaning
Even though mad niggas hate it
Despite the fact that many people dislike me
I remain the most anticipated
I am considered the most awaited rapper
those glad a nigga made it bast your Nickel-plateds
Those who are happy that I made it past your metal guns
and salute the realness, 'cause mad niggas fake it
People appreciate authentic rap, as many rappers do not embrace it
when I peel hit the floor
When I start rapping
I conceal bricks so raw
I hide high-quality drugs
I got the sickest Six-Four you ever seen
My car is extremely impressive
I saw and conquered
I faced and defeated my obstacles
when it's on and poppin' my Dogs are barkin'
My crew is active and alert when trouble arises
to eat food, my enemies feel heat like Purico
My rivals feel the strong heat and intimidation of me and my crew
some suggest they're equal
Some may claim to be as good as me
lyrically I'm like a Desert Eagle
My rapping ability is as powerful as a Desert Eagle gun
mentally I measure Kilos
I am highly skilled in the drug trade and can weigh drugs accurately in my mind
physically I'm compared to Tito Trinidad, both hands are lethal
I am as dangerous in physical fights as professional boxer Tito Trinidad
the crowned Prince
I am recognized as the top rapper
my underground shit you don't fuck around wit'
You should not mess with my underground rap music
I move pies and fire loud shit
I sell drugs and guns
I'm in the tunnel with the crowd nigga fuck V.I.P
I want to be with the real fans, not the VIPs
where Brooklyn go crazy when you bump B.I.G. and Queens feel it when you pump that Mobb Deep
My music resonates in Brooklyn when I play The Notorious B.I.G. tracks, and in Queens when I play Mobb Deep tracks
that Jay-Z and Nas beef doesn't involve me
I am not involved in the bad blood between Jay-Z and Nas
I'm sorry, legal hustle, Infamous affiliated
I am a legitimate businessman and affiliated with the Infamous record label
last rapper to test me I humiliated
The last rapper who tried to challenge me, I embarrassed
and for your information the jewels ain't rented from Jacob
I own my valuable jewelry, it is not rented from a jeweler like Jacob
when I move I leave a dent in the pavement
My influence is significant and leaves a mark wherever I go
my name ring in jail and not for givin' no statement
My reputation is known in prison, but not for snitching
that type of foulness consider it flagrant
That kind of behavior is a serious violation
O.T., give me a brick and see I'm gifted as Masons
If you give me drugs to sell, you will see that I am exceptionally skilled at it
I'm the realness, you spittin' that fake shit
I represent authentic rap, while others rap about fake things
life's a bitch, I'ma take her on an expensive vacation
Life is difficult, but I will take on its challenges with extravagance
if it's on I'm the Reaper with the glistenin' bracelet
If there's a fight, I am powerful and deadly
sleepers awakened
I am so impressive that even those who doubt me will take notice
screamin' like they seen Satan
People will be shocked and scream when they see me
word to Christ I need paper, keep the fake love
I need money and I won't accept fake loyalty
a fake thug couldn't sell a rock on the block I was raised on
Even someone pretending to be tough would not survive in the neighborhood where I grew up
I gave niggas enough time - to front
I have allowed others to pretend for a while
I'm a beast on the street like crushed white
I am dominant and savage in the urban environment, like crushed-up cocaine
you can't be me, close your eyes, you can't see me
You cannot match my skill and presence
I'm the phantom in your concience
I exist in your subconscious
the shadow in the darkness
I am a lurking force that is frightening
savage when I write, I'm heartless
My lyrics are brutal and lacking compassion
I'm iller than you, realer than you
I am better than you, more authentic than you
still with more Killers than you
I have more dangerous associates than you
it's mandatory, I'm self explanatory
It is clear that I am exceptional and do not need any explanation
don't front on me, you didn't have cash before me
Do not disrespect me, you were not wealthy before I was
I'm the essence
I embody the true nature of rap
you don't gotta like it, respect it
You do not have to appreciate it, but you should give it the appropriate recognition
like the ice on my necklace
My jewelry is as impressive as my rap skills
and the fact I'm supplyin' connections
I have valuable connections in the industry
if you rhyme ill I'm the sickness that caused it, you thought you'd
If you rap well, it is because of the influence I had on the industry
assume my position
You cannot match my success and status
I be hustlin', bubblin', gettin' money
I am a hard-working entrepreneur who is successful
causin' blind rage with the Twenties
My money is so impressive that it makes others envious
y'all niggas is funny like Martin Lawrence
You guys are comical like the actor Martin Lawrence
we out before the Narcs get on us
We leave before the police arrive
my life wasn't written, yours was, you livin' a lie
I have lived an authentic life, while others are pretending
I'm dealin' wit' pies, all feelings aside
I am focused on selling drugs, regardless of emotions
my enemies kneel when I rise
My rivals acknowledge my success
the realness in my eyes
My authenticity is evident in my appearance
from blood, sweat, and tears I cried
I have worked hard and overcame many obstacles
I got friends who died before they got to see me shine
My friends have passed away before they could enjoy my success
how dare you compare your weak CD to mine
It is disrespectful to compare your inferior music to mine
or think you could see me with rhymes
You cannot match my rapping ability
easily I'm, nicer than you and all your peoples combined
I am much more talented and skilled than you and everyone you know
Get out my way, gimmie mine or I'ma take what's yours
Move aside or I will take your possessions
make love war, spray up doors
I am willing to use violence to achieve my goals
you industry, we in the street
I am a genuine, street-oriented rapper while you are part of the mainstream rap industry
wit' the heat pickin' weight up raw
I am dealing with drugs of high quality
stop screamin' what set you rep if you don't come around
Do not claim to be part of a group if you are not active in its activities
who want what, say no more
Speak up if you want to challenge me
Matter fact that chain off Dog.
I am claiming ownership of someone's necklace
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: CORY MCKAY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
MOTORCYCLES ANDGUNS
Cormega is so underrated. No doubt 1 of the best STRAIGHT OUTTA QUEENSBRIDGE.
Ken Yang
I love Nas but rip cormega made Nas look like jays especially with 50 cent saying Nas was too focused on doing all his peojects solo.
Ken Yang
@Yoel Taveras Cause Nas always got to say and he didn’t say shit when he had already and always did. Nas straight took AZ bars and left him in the dust too.
Yoel Taveras
100%, he killed his own career tho! Never let the beef with NAS go
tear from the clouds
"the realness in my eyes...from blood,sweat,and tears i cried...i got friends that died b4 they got to see me shine..." Mega
A.K.A. The Rugged Manchild
@Kevin Mills put a Quarter in yours cause you played your damn self
Kevin Mills
Facts I was bumping this 15 + years ago and I’m back
miggy the awesome
Reality
da eNYgma
Chills in 2021
Keith Action
Nas and Mega are both incredible lyricists but Mega expresses his real life story unlike Nas. You gotta feel Mega for all hes been through and how he describes it. THE REALNESS!