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.
On The Real
Cormega Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Finally up in this nigga
On the real all you crab niggas know the deal
On the real all you crab niggas know the deal
To my seed May I lead you into no breed of evil
In the categories and stories I breed my sequel
You know the money blues blunts broken 22's
Monkey see Monkey do
Now its V.S.O.P. in a G.S. that's mad smokey
Murder tree's, Crusin gun in the stash so it won't poke me
Up in the Marriot, Sweet dirty tint, Don't make no noise cause we dirty
Tell the ho's to hurry in
We got the room lit up with perfume, and mad boom
And there's video taping of booming ass's on the zooming lens
Rolling on you non descript niggas
Your marked for death like colombians with bad coke that gip niggas
Tilt the dutch, twisting up the uwee if your skilled enough
In Will we trust, salute the dead the nine mili's bust
[Chorus]
On the Real all you crab niggas know the deal
On the Real all you crab niggas know the deal 2x
Now its verbal abuse cause the mic's in use
This is your sorry excuse
Get your neck put in a noose
K-L is quick to let loose, to make your blood count reduce
Over the snare drum
We reproduce like cum
Impregnating the track, making it fatter than it was
Giving life to idea
Through the verse is what he does
See a close call about two clicks from my fortress
We rolling squad deep, on the Kawasaki hourses
QueensBridge got the drop on you niggas trying to toss us
We metal down now its time to show these clowns who the boss is
We live for the shit, Ain't trying to take no lossess
Accumalating to much cream for you to touch
Fucking welcome to my clutches, wipe the blood on off my chuckers
From the ruckus
Your gone and your crew still love us
Can't call it, I'm in love with this good life shit
I'm working with jewels, car, chicken clits, paying rent
Murdered Presidents, running wild, stacking in piles
Onyx pendants, and Rubied down shit from the nile
Kamikaze style, sought the antique three pound
Yo Nas, lets cop this brick and let the mobb supply the town
[Chorus: x2]
(Play some treats on us)
Drugs in my shirtsleeve
The side bubble converti
Eyes low cause the lye blow
Five-oh know we dirty drive slow
Write a line sipping a glass of wine
The block is mine cause I am a live criminal mastermind
When I rhyme, I perfect this, niceness, I'm blessed with
Exhale precise shine like cocian white
Its the life of Pablo, Escobar niggas I know
With diamond rolexes, that drive infinite's and lexus
So send my enimies a message
My Tommy Hilfiger vest, is bullet proof, so when niggas shoot
I'm still protected
So never ask why I write so violent
My brain storm formed on a dorm in Rikers Island
I remained calm while you tried to bite my style and
When I performed niggas mic's went silent
To the kid who made my man ill will bless this
(On the real)
When I catch up to your ass you know the deal
On the real
[Chorus: x4]
The song "On the Real" by Cormega is a cutting-edge rap that paints a vivid picture of the grim realities of life that exist in the ghettos of America. He is addressing "crab" niggas and tells them what they need to understand about the struggles that he and others like him have to go through to survive. Cormega affirms that in his life, he will be a leader to his children and those around him to prevent them from falling prey to the evils that befall people from poor backgrounds. By emphasising his stories and the importance of learning from those before him, he is paying respect to his ancestors and others who have come before him.
The song conveys the frustrations and hardships of life in the ghetto by using vivid images and metaphors that paint a clear picture of the rapper's environment. From living life on the edge to indulging in vices like smoking, Cormega is telling the story of his life through his music. He is taking the listener on a journey through a typical day in his life, playing out his experiences in real-time. The rhymes are raw, unfiltered, and bring out the urgency and desperation of someone trying to rise above the circumstances of their upbringing.
Overall, "On the Real" is a powerful representation of the hip hop genre at its best. It brings to light the complexity of issues that people living in poverty have to deal with and raises awareness about the need for change. Cormega’s painfully truthful delivery and excellent flow are amazing to hear as he shares his experiences.
Line by Line Meaning
Yea (House of Hits)
Introduction and acknowledgement of the recording venue
Finally up in this nigga
Expression of being present and ready to perform
On the real all you crab niggas know the deal
Direct message to enemies, stating that they know what's up
To my seed May I lead you into no breed of evil
Wish to guide and protect one's offspring from negative influences
In the categories and stories I breed my sequel
As a storyteller, the artist creates new works within established genres and themes
You know the money blues blunts broken 22's
Reference to urban poverty, drug use, and gun violence
Monkey see Monkey do
Observation that people often imitate the actions of their peers
A shorty sipping sunny dew
Description of a young person drinking a cheap soda
Now its V.S.O.P. in a G.S. that's mad smokey
Upgrade to a more expensive liquor and car, but still indulging in smoking
Murder tree's, Crusin gun in the stash so it won't poke me
Traveling comfortably with illegal weapons to protect oneself from harm
Up in the Marriot, Sweet dirty tint, Don't make no noise cause we dirty
Staying in a high-end hotel room, but aware of one's criminal status and taking precautions
Tell the ho's to hurry in
Instructing sex workers to come over quickly
We got the room lit up with perfume, and mad boom
Setting up an atmosphere of sensuality and partying
And there's video taping of booming ass's on the zooming lens
Filming sexual activity for personal or commercial purposes
Rolling on you non descript niggas
Engaging in criminal activity against unknown targets
Your marked for death like colombians with bad coke that gip niggas
Threat of violent retribution for those who try to cheat or betray others
Tilt the dutch, twisting up the uwee if your skilled enough
Rolling and smoking marijuana with expertise and confidence
In Will we trust, salute the dead the nine mili's bust
Reference to the loyalty and bravery of criminal associates, even in death
[Chorus] On the Real all you crab niggas know the deal
Reiteration of the song's message to enemies
Now its verbal abuse cause the mic's in use
Using rap lyrics as a form of aggressive expression
This is your sorry excuse, Get your neck put in a noose
Invoking violence and punishment for those who try to challenge the artist
K-L is quick to let loose, to make your blood count reduce
Reference to a collaborator or group member who uses violence effectively
Over the snare drum We reproduce like cum
Using the beat of a song to emphasize the power and fertility of rap music
Impregnating the track, making it fatter than it was
Claiming to enhance and improve the musical composition
Giving life to idea Through the verse is what he does
Describing the artistic process of creating and sharing meaningful content
See a close call about two clicks from my fortress
Awareness of danger and close proximity of enemies
We rolling squad deep, on the Kawasaki hourses
Traveling in a large and intimidating group on motorcycles
QueensBridge got the drop on you niggas trying to toss us
Having intelligence and strategic advantage over one's enemies
We metal down now its time to show these clowns who the boss is
Armed with weapons and ready to assert dominance
We live for the shit, Ain't trying to take no lossess
Embracing criminality and seeking to avoid any negative consequences
Accumalating to much cream for you to touch
Gaining a significant amount of money and status
Fucking welcome to my clutches, wipe the blood on off my chuckers
Asserting control over one's enemies and claiming violent power
From the ruckus Your gone and your crew still love us
Surviving a violent confrontation and gaining respect even from defeated rivals
Can't call it, I'm in love with this good life shit
Enjoying and being addicted to the criminal lifestyle and its rewards
I'm working with jewels, car, chicken clits, paying rent Murdered Presidents
Listing the items and activities that define the artist's success and wealth
running wild, stacking in piles Onyx pendants, and Rubied down shit from the nile
Continuing to accumulate wealth and luxury through criminal activity
Kamikaze style, sought the antique three pound
Referring to a specific type of gun and dangerous strategy for using it
Yo Nas, lets cop this brick and let the mobb supply the town
Suggesting drug dealing as a way to gain further wealth and power
Play some treats on us Drugs in my shirtsleeve
Requesting music to be played while carrying illegal substances
The side bubble converti Eyes low cause the lye blow
Driving in a convertible car, relaxed and high on drugs
Five-oh know we dirty drive slow
Awareness of police presence and driving carefully to avoid detection
Write a line sipping a glass of wine The block is mine cause I am a live criminal mastermind
Multitasking between writing lyrics and enjoying a luxurious lifestyle while asserting dominance over one's territory
When I rhyme, I perfect this, niceness, I'm blessed with Exhale precise shine like cocian white
Boasting about one's creative abilities and delivering lyrics with skill and precision
Its the life of Pablo, Escobar niggas I know With diamond rolexes, that drive infinite's and lexus
Comparing oneself to famous drug lords and associates who have achieved extraordinary wealth and luxury
So send my enimies a message My Tommy Hilfiger vest, is bullet proof, so when niggas shoot I'm still protected
Threatening enemies and demonstrating protection from harm through wardrobe choice
So never ask why I write so violent My brain storm formed on a dorm in Rikers Island
Justifying violent and aggressive lyrics as a product of personal experience and environment
I remained calm while you tried to bite my style and When I performed niggas mic's went silent
Maintaining composure and confidence while others try to imitate and compete
To the kid who made my man ill will bless this (On the real) When I catch up to your ass you know the deal
Sending a specific message to a person who has wronged the artist, promising vengeance and retribution
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Kyron Jones, Kenneth Lewis, Cory McKay, Kejuan Waliek Muchita, Marlon Lu'ree Williams
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Makiveli Bryant
This track is Legendary 🗡️⌛⚖️⚡👑🌬️ and Timeless
Kyle Gould
There's not one joint that exists on this entire planet with just Nas and Mega. We've been waiting almost 30 years. Mega... Make it happen my man
Jus Easy
Nas will be on Cormega's "The Realness II"
str8duval
It's happening
Darren Duval
mommy was my best
Anthony Kojalowicz
Whats crazy is that Nas originally wanted his second album done solely by Marly! And this was done right before he hooked up with Stout.
DJ ST
“It was written” ended up classic as is …would have been nice for “I am” though ….the production slid down hill on that one ….Marley has a bar …he always come correct.
Antho Icewater
Had this on a mix tape 95-96 timeframe along with You'll See by Big and LOX had to be the best underground mixed tape I ever heard
Antho Icewater
@Carlos Palacios that would be it ! Miss that era
Carlos Palacios
Bad Boy Vol 3 mixed by Stretch Armstrong. It was the second song on side a.