Curry left Raider Klan in 2013, releasing his debut studio album, Nostalgic 64, in September of that year, while still in high school. He has since released three extended plays: 32 Zel/Planet Shrooms in 2015, 13 in 2017, and UNLOCKED (a collaboration with Kenny Beats) in 2020, and four studio albums: Imperial in 2016, Ta13oo in 2018, Zuu in 2019, and Melt My Eyez See Your Future in 2022. TA13OO, ZUU, and Melt My Eyez debuted at numbers 28, 32, and 51 on the Billboard 200 chart, respectively, with Melt My Eyez returning at number 17 after the release of an extended edition. All of his projects have garnered significant critical acclaim.
In 2012, he released his second mixtape, titled King of the Mischievous South Vol. 1 Underground Tape 1996, which caught the attention of fellow American rapper Earl Sweatshirt and other members of Odd Future label.
Curry's third mixtape, titled Strictly for My R.V.I.D.X.R.S., was released after the death of Trayvon Martin, who also lived in Carol City and went to the same high school as Denzel Curry. His rap style on this mixtape was inspired by 2PAC. On June 9, 2015, Curry released his first double EP, titled 32 Zel/Planet Shrooms. His first release in 2016 was the single "Flying Nimbus".
His second full-length album, titled Imperial, was released on March 9, 2016, then re-released later on Spotify as the deluxe version on October 14, 2016. In June 2016, Curry was featured on a cover as one of the XXL's 2016's Freshmen Class.
On May 13, 2017, Curry uploaded a track entitled "Hate Government [demo]" to his SoundCloud account. In the weeks that followed, he released two more demos for songs entitled "Equalizer [demo]" and "ZELTRON 6 BILLION ft. Lil Ugly Mane." After these releases as well as a series of cryptic posts on social media (seemingly portraying another alter ego called Zeltron), he released an EP entitled 13 on June 25, 2017. All of the demo tracks were included on the EP as well as two other new songs. On August 18, 2017, Curry released another song called "Skywalker." Later that year, on September 22, a remastered version of 32 Zel was released, including a remix of "Ultimate" featuring Juicy J.
On April 2, 2018, Curry released the lead single off of Ta13oo titled, "Sumo" on Zane Lowe's Beats 1 radio show. On May 24, 2018, Curry released the second single off the album titled, "Percs". Curry then released the third single titled, "Clout Cobain", on July 13, 2018, and announced that his album TA13OO, would be released in three acts: The first act, Light, was released on July 25, followed by Gray on July 26, and Dark on July 27. Each previously-released single represents one of the album's acts, as "Sumo" represents Light, "Clout Cobain" represents Gray, and "Percs" represents Dark, which comes together cohesively to form TA13OO. TA13OO features guest appearances from GoldLink, JID, JPEGMAFIA, ZillaKami and more.
On January 5, 2022, the official trailer for Curry's fifth studio album, titled Melt My Eyez See Your Future, was uploaded to his YouTube channel. It was revealed that the album would contain guest appearances from artists such as T-Pain, 6lack, Slowthai, Rico Nasty, J.I.D, and Thundercat, among others. Curry said the project would feature a new, more mature sound, different from his previous works: "Y'all are not going to hear the same type of Denzel anymore." On January 24, a single titled "Walkin", along with a Western-inspired music video directed by Adrian Villagomez, was released. Curry also said the album "is made up of everything that I couldn't include on Ta13oo or Imperial because I was going through depression and anger issues", and would take inspiration from traditional hip-hop, drum and bass, trap, poetry, and jazz. The same day, a North American and European tour promoting the album (with guest acts Kenny Mason, Mike Dimes, Redveil, and PlayThatBoiZay) was announced. On February 24, Curry released another single from the upcoming album, "Zatoichi" featuring Slowthai. It was accompanied by a music video also directed by Adrian Villagomez. On March 18, Curry announced the album would be released on March 25. On March 21, a third single, "Troubles" featuring T-Pain, was released along with a music video. The album was released on March 25, 2022. It debuted at number 51 on the Billboard 200 chart, and at number 23 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.
Curry recorded a song featuring rapper Reason, "1st Quarter", as a contribution to Apple Music's "collection of exclusively commissioned new songs from Black creatives", titled Juneteenth 2022: Freedom Songs. He commented: "It's an accomplishment to make it through the first quarter of my life. Especially as a Black man in America".
Curry's song featuring PlayThatBoiZay, "Let It All Hang Out", was included in Elvis—a biographical movie about Elvis Presley that premiered in June 2022—as well as on the movie's soundtrack album.
On June 24, 2022, a collaboration between Dot da Genius, JID, Curry, and Kid Cudi, titled "Talk About Me", was released, along with a music video directed by Cole Bennett. On June 29, 2022, Curry performed an NPR Tiny Desk Concert. On July 21, he performed "Walkin" on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
On September 30, 2022, Curry released Melt My Eyez See Your Future (The Extended Edition). The album features reimagined versions of songs from the original album with live instrumentation performed by the Cold Blooded Soul Band, which performed with Curry on his NPR Tiny Desk Concert and The Tonight Show performance.
MAD I GOT IT | MAD 1 GOT 1T
Denzel Curry Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You speed dialin', you talk shit, but I keep smilin' (but I keep smilin')
That's your chick, but not my chick, 'cause she got mileage (she got mileage)
That's your head, but not my head, 'cause I drop knowledge (I drop knowledge)
You glad when I never had shit but mad I got it (mad I got it)
Niggas wanna turn their back (spine)
She don't wanna fuck no more (fine)
Lost a couple friends along the way (crime)
Even in the end you could never end me
Still in the hood and I still sip tea
When I go in, I'ma go for the win
On point like syringe and it's like that
Living life full of sin, gotta cup full of Hen'
Put my tears in a pen and I write back
Ice pack 'cause my heart lost
I'm so cold that I Jack Frost
I'm 'bout be on the upper echelon
Niggas gon' hate on the man that I become
Big cheese pilin' (big cheese pilin')
You speed dialin', you talk shit, but I keep smilin' (but I keep smilin')
That's your chick, but not my chick, 'cause she got mileage (she got mileage)
That's your head, but not my head, 'cause I drop knowledge (I drop knowledge)
You glad when I never had shit but mad I got it (mad I got it)
Niggas wanna take my life (stripes)
Police never read my rights (right)
Only wanna fuck me for the fame (hype)
Another rapper hit it in the same (night)
Niggas ain't shit and the hoes ain't loyal
Really gonna hate when they can't destroy you
Then expect the royal treatment
Talkin' slick like it's oil speakin'
Down to earth, 'til my soil weaken
Venomous words, watching the poison leakin'
Bandana on my motherfuckin' face (face)
.38 on my motherfuckin' waist (waist)
When you see me better man up
Better make like a roller coaster, put your hands up
Big cheese pilin' (big cheese pilin')
You speed dialin', you talk shit, but I keep smilin' (but I keep smilin')
That's your chick, but not my chick, 'cause she got mileage (she got mileage)
That's your head, but not my head, 'cause I drop knowledge (I drop knowledge)
Mad I got it
Mad I got it
Hate the government, capital punishment
I keep a heater on my hip, don't need an oven mitt
I'm on some other shit, mind is twisted
I wear this mask every day, Stanley Ipkiss
Realistic views, a pessimistic blues
I sing along, tool got me on my crip shit
Lipstick, long kiss from the devil lips
Moonlit, two hits from the cannabis
Death knocking at my door, who could it be?
Life not sweet like suit wit' an E
Try to read me, would it be, Stephen King
Big cheese only bring me misery
Insane with no brain, I'm low zane
No fame and no thangs is so strange
Do things that I don't see violent
Stick a nigga up because I'm mad he got it
Got it, got it
'Cause I'm mad he got it, got it (mad I got it)
The song "Mad I Got It" by Denzel Curry is a track that deals with enemies and the increasing madness of success. The lyrics talk about how he has faced many difficulties to get to where he is today and many enemies who now wish they were in his position. He drops lines like "That's your chick, but not my chick, 'cause she got mileage" and "That's your head, but not my head, 'cause I drop knowledge". These lines indicate that people may try to take his head off, but they cannot take the knowledge from his brain or the success he has accumulated.
The opening line "Big cheese pilin'" and the repetition of this line throughout the song represent how much success Denzel has obtained. The line "You glad when I never had shit but mad I got it" speaks to the fact that while his success has increased, he has gained enemies, people who didn't care about him when he had nothing, but now that he's making things happen, they're envious.
The verse "Hate the government, capital punishment. I keep a heater on my hip, don't need an oven mitt" indicates Denzel's mistrust of the government, his adherence to his own rules, and his sense of safety. He references his crip gang in the line "tool got me on my crip shit," and warns those who oppose him to put their hands up like they're on a roller coaster.
Overall, "Mad I Got It" is a song about Denzel's defiance and the importance of standing up for oneself, especially when faced with adversity. He speaks directly to those who try to bring him down and warns them of the consequences.
Line by Line Meaning
Big cheese pilin' (big cheese pilin')
I have a lot of money and influence, and it's continuing to grow.
You speed dialin', you talk shit, but I keep smilin' (but I keep smilin')
You talk behind my back and try to bring me down, but I won't let it get to me.
That's your chick, but not my chick, 'cause she got mileage (she got mileage)
You can keep the girl you're with, but I won't respect her because she's been with too many men.
That's your head, but not my head, 'cause I drop knowledge (I drop knowledge)
You may have your own opinions, but I have valuable insight and intelligence to share.
You glad when I never had shit but mad I got it (mad I got it)
You enjoyed seeing me struggle when I didn't have much, but now that I'm successful, you're angry about it.
Niggas wanna turn their back (spine)
People who used to be my friends have betrayed me and abandoned our relationship.
She don't wanna fuck no more (fine)
The girl I was with no longer wants to be intimate with me.
I'ma be that nigga some day (time)
I'm confident in myself and my talents, and I know I'll achieve success eventually.
Lost a couple friends along the way (crime)
I've had to cut ties with some people who were not truly loyal to me and my goals.
Even in the end you could never end me
Despite all the challenges I've faced, I am still going strong and not giving up.
Still in the hood and I still sip tea
I haven't forgotten my roots and where I came from, and I still enjoy simple pleasures.
When I go in, I'ma go for the win
I am determined to succeed and give everything my all.
On point like syringe and it's like that
I am sharp and focused, and won't allow anything to distract me from my goals.
Living life full of sin, gotta cup full of Hen'
I may have made some mistakes and done things I'm not proud of, but I still enjoy myself and have a good time.
Put my tears in a pen and I write back
Writing and music are my outlets for expressing my emotions and dealing with adversity.
Ice pack 'cause my heart lost
I am experiencing emotional pain and heartbreak, and need to find ways to cope and heal.
I'm so cold that I Jack Frost
I have become hardened and guarded due to the challenges I have faced and the people who have betrayed me.
I'm 'bout be on the upper echelon
I am working hard to rise to the top and become highly successful.
Niggas gon' hate on the man that I become
People will always be jealous and resentful of those who achieve success and surpass their expectations.
Niggas wanna take my life (stripes)
There are those who wish me harm and would even consider taking my life to end my success.
Police never read my rights (right)
I have experienced injustice and mistreatment by the law enforcement system.
Only wanna fuck me for the fame (hype)
People are attracted to me only because of my increasing popularity and public image.
Another rapper hit it in the same (night)
Someone else in the music industry has also had a sexual encounter with the same woman I was with.
Niggas ain't shit and the hoes ain't loyal
People are generally untrustworthy and disloyal, regardless of their gender or relationship to me.
Really gonna hate when they can't destroy you
Those who seek to bring me down will only become angrier and more resentful when they are unable to succeed in their attempts.
Then expect the royal treatment
Some people still want me to treat them with respect and kindness even after they have betrayed me or shown their true colors.
Talkin' slick like it's oil speakin'
People who talk behind my back or act disingenuously are smooth and subtle in their negativity.
Down to earth, 'til my soil weaken
I am grounded and humble, but even I have my moments of weakness and vulnerability.
Venomous words, watching the poison leakin'
People's hurtful and negative words can have a toxic effect on others and cause damage.
Bandana on my motherfuckin' face (face)
I am hiding my true identity or trying to protect myself from the scrutiny or judgment of others.
.38 on my motherfuckin' waist (waist)
I am carrying a weapon for my own protection or to defend myself against potential threats or harm.
When you see me better man up
Don't think you can intimidate me or try to bring me down with your words or actions.
Better make like a roller coaster, put your hands up
If you encounter me and I feel threatened, you better surrender and show that you pose no danger to me.
Hate the government, capital punishment
I am critical of the government and its policies, particularly regarding punishment for crimes.
I keep a heater on my hip, don't need an oven mitt
I carry a gun for my own protection and don't need any special gear or equipment to handle it.
I'm on some other shit, mind is twisted
I have unique and unconventional thoughts and ideas, and don't necessarily conform to mainstream or conventional norms.
I wear this mask every day, Stanley Ipkiss
I am hiding my true self or identity behind a persona or facade, like the character from 'The Mask.'
Realistic views, a pessimistic blues
I have a realistic outlook on life and its challenges, but sometimes feel pessimistic or down about my circumstances.
I sing along, tool got me on my crip shit
Listening to music, particularly from the band Tool, helps me cope with my emotions and personal struggles.
Lipstick, long kiss from the devil lips
The women I encounter, particularly those who are attracted to me for my fame, can be dangerous or manipulative like the devil.
Moonlit, two hits from the cannabis
I occasionally smoke marijuana to help relax and ease my mind.
Death knocking at my door, who could it be?
I feel like death or danger is constantly looming around me, and I am not sure where it will come from.
Life not sweet like suit wit' an E
Life is difficult and not always enjoyable, despite how the word 'sweet' is commonly spelled or pronounced.
Try to read me, would it be, Stephen King
I am mysterious and difficult to fully understand, like the complex characters in Stephen King's novels.
Big cheese only bring me misery
Having a lot of money and power has not necessarily made me happy or fulfilled, and in fact has caused me more problems and stress.
Insane with no brain, I'm low zane
I may appear crazy or erratic to some people, but it's just part of who I am and how I express myself.
No fame and no thangs is so strange
My lack of mainstream or conventional success, and my unique tastes and interests, may seem strange or abnormal to others.
Do things that I don't see violent
I may do or say things that seem aggressive or confrontational without even realizing it.
Stick a nigga up because I'm mad he got it
I may consider robbing or stealing from someone because I'm angry or jealous of their success or possessions.
Got it, got it
I now have the success, power, and possessions that I once lacked, and I won't let anyone take it away from me.
'Cause I'm mad he got it, got it (mad I got it)
I have become resentful and angry towards those who have more success or wealth than I used to, even though I now have my own success and wealth.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: Denzel Curry, Michael Mule, Kevin Saurer, Jeff Saurer, Isaac De Boni, Javohn Griffin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
pewpewlazhors
"Niggas ain't shit and the hoes ain't loyal
Really gonna hate when they can't destroy you
Then expect the royal treatment
Talkin' slick like it's oil speakin'
Down to earth, 'til my soil weaken
Venomous words, watching the poison leakin'"
That part right there.... goosebumps every time.
Ayomen 22
LYRICS :
Chorus]
Big cheese pilin', you speed dialin', you talk shit, but I keep smilin'
That's your chick, but not my chick, 'cause she got mileage
That's your head, but not my head, 'cause I drop knowledge
You glad when I never had shit but mad I got it
[Verse 1]
Niggas wanna turn their back (spine)
She don't wanna fuck no more (fine)
I'ma be that nigga some day (time)
Lost a couple friends along the way (crime)
Even in the end you could never end me
Still in the hood and I still sip tea
When I go in, I'ma go for the win
On point like syringe and it's like that
Living life full of sin, gotta cup full of Hen'
Put my tears in a pen and I write back
Ice pack cause' my heart lost
I'm so cold that I Jack Frost
I'm 'bout be on the upper echelon
Niggas gonna hate on the man that I become
[Chorus]
Big cheese pilin', you speed dialin', you talk shit, but I keep smilin'
That's your chick, but not my chick, 'cause she got mileage
That's your head, but not my head, 'cause I drop knowledge
You glad when I never had shit but mad I got it
[Verse 2]
Niggas wanna take my life (stripes)
Police never read my rights (right)
Only wanna fuck me for the fame (hype)
Another rapper hit it in the same (night)
Niggas ain't shit and the hoes ain't loyal
Really gonna hate when they can't destroy you
Then expect the royal treatment
Talkin' slick like it's oil speakin'
Down to earth, 'til my soil weaken
Venomous words, watching the poison leakin'
Bandana on my motherfuckin' face
.38 on my motherfuckin' waist
When you see me better man up
Better make like a roller coaster put your hands up
[Chorus]
Big cheese pilin', you speed dialin', you talk shit, but I keep smilin'
That's your chick, but not my chick, 'cause she got mileage
That's your head, but not my head, 'cause I drop knowledge
[Refrain]
Mad I got it, mad I got it
[Verse 3]
Hate the government, capital punishment
I keep a heater on my hip, don't need an oven mitt
I'm on some other shit, mind is twisted
I wear this mask every day — Stanley Ipkiss
Realistic views, a pessimistic blues
I sing along, who's got me on my crip shit
Lipstick, long kiss from the devil lips
Moonlit, two hits from the cannabis
Death knocking at my door, who could it be?
Life not sweet like suit wit' an E
Try to read me, would it be, Stephen King
Big cheese only bring me Misery
Insane with no brain, I'm low zane
No fame and no thangs is so strange
Do things that I don't see violent
Stick a nigga up because I'm mad he got it
[Outro]
Got it, got it, 'cause I'm mad he got it, got it
Ayomen 22
LYRICS :
Big cheese pilin', you speed dialin', you talk shit, but I keep smilin'
That's your chick, but not my chick, 'cause she got mileage
That's your head, but not my head, 'cause I drop knowledge
You glad when I never had shit but mad I got it
[Verse 1]
Niggas wanna turn their back (spine)
She don't wanna fuck no more (fine)
I'ma be that nigga some day (time)
Lost a couple friends along the way (crime)
Even in the end you could never end me
Still in the hood and I still sip tea
When I go in, I'ma go for the win
On point like syringe and it's like that
Living life full of sin, gotta cup full of Hen'
Put my tears in a pen and I write back
Ice pack cause' my heart lost
I'm so cold that I Jack Frost
I'm 'bout be on the upper echelon
Niggas gonna hate on the man that I become
[Chorus]
Big cheese pilin', you speed dialin', you talk shit, but I keep smilin'
That's your chick, but not my chick, 'cause she got mileage
That's your head, but not my head, 'cause I drop knowledge
You glad when I never had shit but mad I got it
[Verse 2]
Niggas wanna take my life (stripes)
Police never read my rights (right)
Only wanna fuck me for the fame (hype)
Another rapper hit it in the same (night)
Niggas ain't shit and the hoes ain't loyal
Really gonna hate when they can't destroy you
Then expect the royal treatment
Talkin' slick like it's oil speakin'
Down to earth, 'til my soil weaken
Venomous words, watching the poison leakin'
Bandana on my motherfuckin' face
.38 on my motherfuckin' waist
When you see me better man up
Better make like a roller coaster put your hands up
[Chorus]
Big cheese pilin', you speed dialin', you talk shit, but I keep smilin'
That's your chick, but not my chick, 'cause she got mileage
That's your head, but not my head, 'cause I drop knowledge
[Refrain]
Mad I got it, mad I got it
[Verse 3]
Hate the government, capital punishment
I keep a heater on my hip, don't need an oven mitt
I'm on some other shit, mind is twisted
I wear this mask every day — Stanley Ipkiss
Realistic views, a pessimistic blues
I sing along, who's got me on my crip shit
Lipstick, long kiss from the devil lips
Moonlit, two hits from the cannabis
Death knocking at my door, who could it be?
Life not sweet like suit wit' an E
Try to read me, would it be, Stephen King
Big cheese only bring me Misery
Insane with no brain, I'm low zane
No fame and no thangs is so strange
Do things that I don't see violent
Stick a nigga up because I'm mad he got it
[Outro]
Got it, got it, 'cause I'm mad he got it, got it
Zachary Meo
how is this man still underrated smh :(
Sean Palatial
Cuz Zel is for the few not the many. Most underrated rapper of all time imo. Kinda glad he's not mainstream even tho he performs so many festivals and world tour he's still underground. He's a true genius poet. #goat
TyLao
Il ne l’est pas il est écouté par les meilleurs !! ( humour de merde j’sors …)
Jacquline Molz
Hes not underrated
Mook Smat
hes not tho
KEMURI NINE4
The masses only listen to dumb music
Jonah Dewar
Still most deserving freshmen out of the 2016 XXL class that has yet to blow up
travis scott burber
Agreed
JackNapier666
He's starting to blow now though. Some the dudes on it with em won't be around half as long they took the quick route they music ain't have any shelf life.
z #37549
Bruh, the guy literally blew up in 2016. Why else was he on the freshman list?