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.
Testament
Cormega Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
[Intro]
Yo a man don't got nothing to die for ain't worth living youknowhatI'msayin?
Yo I do this shit for niggaz in jail cells, niggaz on the corners hustlin'
YouknowhatI'msayin? I do this shit from the heart man
[Verse 1]
O.G.'s and young thugs want to hold heaters
One love real niggaz not gettin' out to make a deal nigga
I leave a nigga head numb like Bill Snivers
Figure me out my duns pillin' Infinities out
I'm on some real shit blowin' my enemies out
If there's a thrown touchin' it I don't condone
Pocket Biggie rule forever don't get it confused, never
My testamony will be death to a phoney MC
You want to impress me show me a key
Or I suggest we manifest this a drug deal test
Put your coke in the water solidify the rest yeah
Never question this poetry I'm manifestin' this
Graffitti scriptured my mind paints an easy picture
Analyse every line my scene will vandalise
Mega Montana handle mine yo at night I use to fantasize
Triple beam scheme banana five yo my pen keep the plan alive
I went from misdate to big H my niggaz know I keep the shit straight
[Cormega]
Yeah ya know testaments it's like uncuut raw dope you know?
Bag this up ship this to ever hood knowhatI'msayin' son?
You pump this on your block this is where I stand for my clientel you know?
Then after that we have 'em make distribution off this, word
[Verse 2]
Yo I need stacks of green either rap or cracks to fiends
It's mad trife I seen enditments trap my team
Yo deep thoughts supreme courts decievin' me
Trapped in the belly like the beast was conceiving me
Thug status yo son I'm above average
When it's time for you to die does love matter?
You ain't sharing nothing payin' that and on bail weighing nothing on scale
Nigga you stay frontin' me I got plans like niggaz who chop grams
See when I eat my niggaz eat
See you wouldn't understand I'm too real for you
What you dream I live and breath which means
Don't make me have to kill you play the game
See real niggaz stay the same
y'all niggaz scarred to play our change
Cause y'all forgot the streets where ya came
Shit is real yeah my words sound forbidden still
I write lines for niggaz still I wipe dimes who livin' ill
I represent excellence my minds and I my third eye a extra clip yet to spit
So never questioned it poetry I'm manifestin' it
Graffitti filled testament
[Cormega]
Yeah motherfuckers to East to West
The money green on your side the money green on my side (ha ha)
Let's get it, get it together, knahmean? That's my testament
That's what I stand for
Either with me or against me
I'm out
The lyrics of Cormega's "Testament" reflect his experiences in the streets, while also showcasing his lyrical ability. In the intro, Cormega wastes no time to tell listeners that he dedicates his music to the people who live life on the edge, the hustlers and those in prison. He goes on in the first verse to describe how he writes rhymes for everyone alike, from the underdogs to the wealthy overachievers. He doesn't hold back in his metaphors, describing his lyrical prowess as a weapon that leaves his enemies numb. He advocates for loyalty and authenticity in the street world, showing a thoughtful side when he acknowledges that false MCs deserve death.
In the second verse, Cormega opens up about his need for cash, admitting he'll take it in whichever way possible, whether from rapping or selling drugs. Through vivid imagery, he speaks about how he's seen his friends get in trouble with the law, while he himself feels trapped, as if he were born to be a thug. He stresses the harsh realities of the street life, telling his enemies they best watch their backs because he's living his dreams and no one can stop him.
Line by Line Meaning
Yo a man don't got nothing to die for ain't worth living youknowhatI'msayin?
Life is meaningless without a purpose worth dying for.
Yo I write rhymes for Beemers, Rovers overachievers
I create rap music for successful people who strive for more.
If there's a thrown touchin' it I don't condone
I don't tolerate anyone who threatens my position of power.
My testamony will be death to a phoney MC
My legacy will be the downfall of fake rappers.
Or I suggest we manifest this a drug deal test
Let's prove ourselves by completing a successful drug deal.
Never question this poetry I'm manifestin' this
Don't doubt my skills; my writing comes from deep within me.
Graffitti scriptured my mind paints an easy picture
I draw inspiration from street art and can express it easily.
Yo I need stacks of green either rap or cracks to fiends
I require large amounts of money through rap or drug dealing.
Trapped in the belly like the beast was conceiving me
I feel imprisoned by my surroundings like a beast giving birth to me.
When it's time for you to die does love matter?
Love is irrelevant when facing death; focus on survival instead.
See when I eat my niggaz eat
When I become successful, my friends and associates will benefit as well.
I represent excellence my minds and I my third eye a extra clip yet to spit
I strive for perfection and have untapped potential waiting to be unleashed.
Either with me or against me
Choose to be on my side or face my opposition.
Lyrics Β© Songtrust Ave
Written by: Cory McKay
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
July DA
7:38 ππΎππΎππΎ β€οΈ
The greatest thought...the supreme being
The greatest power...love
The greatest weakness...lack of faith
The greatest certainty...change
The greatest sickness...fear
The greatest danger...ignorance
The greatest force...truth
The greatest good...peace
The greatest enemy...pride, hate, ego
The greatest victory...self control π΄ββ οΈ
Wu-Pac AP
Track list
1.Intro 0:00
2.62 Pickup 1:14
3.One Love 4:07
4.Interlude 7:38
5.Angel Dust (featuring Havoc) 8:11
6.Dead Man Walking 11:44
7.Montana Diary 13:56
8.Testament 18:44
9.Testament (original version) 22:40
10.Every Hood (featuring Hussein Fatal) 26:29
11.Coco Butter 30:08
12.Killaz Theme (featuring Mobb Deep) 34:19
13.Love Is Love 38:08
14.Dead Man Walking II 42:45
deal4real2000
BOLDED TITLES INDICATE SINGLE RELEASES0:00 1. Intro
1:14 2. 62 PICKUP
4:07 3. ONE LOVE
7:38 4. Interlude
8:11 5. ANGEL DUST (Ft. Havoc of Mobb Deep)
11:44 6. DEAD MAN WALKINGΒ
13:56 7. MONTANA DIARY
18:44 8. Testament
22:40 9. Testament (Original Version)
26:29 10. Every Hood (Ft. Hussein Fatal of The Outlawz)
30:08 11. Coco Butter
34:19 12. KILLAZ THEME (Ft. Mobb Deep)
38:08 13. Love Is Love
42:45 14. Dead Man Walking II
ΓΈZzLX98
T R A C K L I S T
1. Intro - 00:00
2. 62 Pickup - 1:14
3. One Love - 4:07
4. Interlude - 7:38
5. Angel Dust (feat. Havoc of Mobb Deep) - 8:11
6. Dead Man Walking - 11:44
7. Montana Diary - 13:56
8. Testament - 18:44
9. Testament (OG) - 22:40
10. Every Hood (feat. Hussein Fatal of The Outlawz & Niko) - 26:29
11. Coco Butter - 30:08
12. Killaz Theme (feat. Mobb Deep) - 34:19
13. Love Is Love (feat. Tiffany) - 38:08
14. Dead Man Walking II - 42:45
Masoud Taniwal Aka McXpect
Cormega Realist Rapper ! Real Hip Hop
ΓΈZzLX98
XPECT CWSKINGS 2Pac is the realest MC but Cormega is pretty real too though
Ww WJhLk
@ΓΈZzLX98 Mega before Pac in that category. But Pac is cool too.
Lyrically2Challenged
@ΓΈZzLX98 Cap.
JustJ
lmao at Tupac being more real than Cormega
When Pacs mom was putting him in school for arts and sending him to better neighborhoods, Mega was selling crack to take care of himself cause his mom was murdered in the streets, he born and bred into that shit and it shows in every verse he's ever spit
Tony Gonsalves
@JustJΒ 100% correct. Mega really lived that life. Respect to him for how much he has grown, it's admirable.
Josh
Cormega will forever be under rated. I cant wait to find this joint in 20 years.
Kennynyc1
@REALMATIC TV 334 lol,,venom
Bill Giovanni
@REALMATIC TV 334 you were the ones he was talking about, βbullshitters get shitted onβ π
Don Jones Music
Realness 2 bout to come out