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.
TABOO l TA13OO
Denzel Curry Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Denny Cascade)
(Denny Cascade)
Yeah, yeah
Welcome to the darker side of TA13OO
All I got is permanent scars and tattoos
Make a bad choice in your path then you lose
Welcome to the darker side of TA13OO
All I got is permanent scars and tattoos
Take another step in your path that you choose
Make a bad choice in your path then you lose
Ohh (ah-ah-ah-ah-ah)
Ohh (ah-ah-ah-ah-ah)
Oh, oh
Ohh (ahh), ohh
Ohh (ah-ah-ah-ah-ah), oh, whoa
Gorgeous beautiful taboo, always with a lot on her mind
You giving me all of your stories in the littlest amount of time
You loving me is forbidden, loving you back is a crime
I wrote this poem for you, forever remain in my rhymes
I knew you wasn't normal ever since the age of nine
I heard you were molested when you hit the age of five
So, in a sense I sensed that all your innocence had died
You swallowing all of your pride, won't let anybody inside
As you cry me a thousand lakes on my shoulder blade, I say
"Everything's gonna be okay"
I'ma hold tight 'til I see the next day with you
Stay with you, play with you
Pray with you and pray to you
Curry killed the pussy hoping that I can kill the hate in you
Even if you don't wait for me, forever I will wait for you
Even if it's too late for me, forever I will wait for you
Watching your destiny fold in the grip of my palms
Paper planes being thrown on the side of the lawn, it said
Welcome to the darker side of TA13OO
All I got is permanent scars and tattoos
Take another step in the path that you choose
Make a bad choice in your path then you lose
Welcome to the darker side of TA13OO
All I got is permanent scars and tattoos
Take another step in your path that you choose
Make a bad choice in your path then you lose
Ohh, ohh, ohh, oh
The song "TABOO | TA13OO" by Denzel Curry is a reflection on taboo topics and their impact on individuals close to the artist. The initial lyrics, "Welcome to the darker side of taboo, all I got is permanent scars and tattoos" highlights how taboo topics can leave lasting effects on people. The use of "darker" can be seen as a metaphor for both the potential danger of taboo topics and the darkness of the negative impact that they have on people. Moreover, the "permanent scars and tattoos" may represent the permanent effects left on individuals.
Next, the song shifts to a personal story about someone who is referred to as "Gorgeous beautiful taboo." She is described as having a lot on her mind and a difficult past which includes being molested at a young age. Denzel recognizes the pain and trauma inflicted on her and chooses to stand by her side through the struggles. The lines "Curry kill the pussy hoping that I can kill the hate in you" could be interpreted as a sexual act that aims to help her heal from her past trauma. The artist even goes so far as to say, "Even if it's too late for me, forever I will wait for you" indicating a willingness to stick by her side, even if it means sacrificing himself.
Overall, the song provides an introspective look into taboo topics and how they impact individuals' lives. The artist shows empathy for the pain individuals may face, and his willingness to stand by them despite their taboo stories.
Line by Line Meaning
Welcome to the darker side of taboo
An introduction to the disturbing and forbidden side of society.
All I got is permanent scars and tattoos
The singer carries lasting damage from their experiences with taboo.
Take another step in the path that you choose
The consequences of engaging with taboo are a result of personal decision-making.
Make a bad choice in your path then you lose
One wrong move dealing with taboo can lead to detrimental outcomes.
Gorgeous beautiful taboo, always with a lot on her mind
The allure and complexity of taboo is comparable to a captivating and contemplative individual.
You giving me all of your stories in the littlest amount of time
The taboo intricacies are revealed to the singer through the sharing of secretive narratives.
You loving me is forbidden, loving you back is a crime
The taboo object is unattainable and pursuing them can lead to punishment.
I wrote this poem for you, forever remain in my rhymes
The taboo experience is significant enough to be immortalized in the artist's artistic expression.
I knew you wasn't normal ever since the age of nine
The taboo object has always been perceived by the artist as unique, different, and entrancing.
I heard you were molested when you hit the age of five
The taboo object has suffered through traumatic experiences, further complicating the situation.
So, in a sense I sensed that all your innocence had died
The taboo object's innocence and purity have been corrupted, possibly leading to their allure.
You swallowing all of your pride, won't let anybody inside
The taboo object is resistant to vulnerability and sharing themselves with others.
As you cry me a thousand lakes on my shoulder blade, I say
Everything's gonna be okay
The singer provides comfort to the taboo object who expresses their emotions physically and heavily.
Curry kill the pussy hoping that I can kill the hate in you
The singer hopes to alleviate the taboo object's issues through a sexual encounter.
Even if you don't wait for me, forever I will wait for you
The taboo object is so significant to the singer that they are willing to wait no matter what.
Watching your destiny fold in the grip of my palms
Paper planes being thrown on the side of the lawn, it said
The artist acknowledges their power in shaping the taboo object's future through the metaphor of a paper plane.
Welcome to the darker side of taboo
Repetition of the opening line signifying the inevitability of getting wrapped up in taboo's sinister side.
All I got is permanent scars and tattoos
Reiteration of the singer's personal baggage from their engagement with taboo.
Take another step in the path that you choose
Advice to continue making decisions that shape the individual's experiences with taboo.
Make a bad choice in your path then you lose
A single misstep can result in dire consequences when dealing with taboo.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: Denzel Curry, Isaac Deboni, Latisha Tawana Hyman, Michael Hirschenberg, Michael John Mule
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@venmendez6653
Intro]
Denny Cascade
Denny Cascade
Yeah
Yeah, yeah
[Chorus]
Welcome to the darker side of taboo
All I've got is permanent scars and tattoos
Take another step in your path that you choose
Make a bad choice in your path then you lose
Welcome to the darker side of taboo
All I've got is permanent scars and tattoos
Take another step in your path that you choose
Make a bad choice in your path then you lose
[Bridge]
Ooh, (oh), (oh), (oh), (oh), (oh)
Ooh, oh, oh
Ooh, (oh), (ooh)
Ooh, ooh, oh (aah)
[Verse]
Gorgeous beautiful taboo, always with a lot on her mind
You giving me all of your stories in the littlest amount of time
You loving me is forbidden, loving you back is a crime
I wrote this poem for you, forever remain in my rhymes
I knew you wasn't normal ever since the age of nine
I heard you were molested when you hit the age of five
So, in a sense I sensed that all your innocence had died
You swallowing all of your pride, won't let anybody inside
As you cry me a thousand lakes on my shoulder blade, I say
Everything's gonna be okay
I'ma hold tight till I see the next day with you
Stay with you, play with you
Pray with you and pray to you
Curry kill the pussy hoping that I can kill the hate in you
Even if you don't wait for me, forever I will wait for you
Even if it's too late for me, forever I will wait for you
Watching your destiny fold in the grip of my palms
Paper planes being thrown on the side of the lawn, it said
[Chorus]
Welcome to the darker side of taboo
All I've got is permanent scars and tattoos
Take another step in your path that you choose
Make a bad choice in your path then you lose
Welcome to the darker side of taboo
All I've got is permanent scars and tattoos
Take another step in your path that you choose
Make a bad choice in your path then you lose
[Outro]
Ooh, ooh, ooh, oh
@heygoat1099
[Intro]
Denny Cascade
Denny Cascade
Yeah
Yeah, yeah
[Chorus]
Welcome to the darker side of taboo
All I've got is permanent scars and tattoos
Take another step in the path that you choose
Make a bad choice in your path then you lose
Welcome to the darker side of taboo
All I've got is permanent scars and tattoos
Take another step in your path that you choose
Make a bad choice in your path then you lose
[Bridge]
Ooh, (oh), (oh), (oh), (oh), (oh)
Ooh, oh, oh
Ooh, (oh), (ooh)
Ooh, ooh, oh (aah)
[Verse]
Gorgeous beautiful taboo, always with a lot on her mind
You giving me all of your stories in the littlest amount of time
You loving me is forbidden, loving you back is a crime
I wrote this poem for you, forever remain in my rhymes
I knew you wasn't normal ever since the age of nine
I heard you were molested when you hit the age of five
So, in a sense I sensed that all your innocence had died
You swallowing all of your pride, won't let anybody inside
As you cry me a thousand lakes on my shoulder blade, I say
Everything's gonna be okay
I'ma hold tight till I see the next day with you
Stay with you, play with you
Pray with you and pray to you
Curry kill a pussy hoping that I can kill the hate in you
Even if you don't wait for me, forever I will wait for you
Even if it's too late for me, forever I will wait for you
Watching your destiny fold in the grip of my palms
Paper planes being thrown on the side of the lawn, it said
[Chorus]
Welcome to the darker side of taboo
All I've got is permanent scars and tattoos
Take another step in the path that you choose
Make a bad choice in your path then you lose
Welcome to the darker side of taboo
All I've got is permanent scars and tattoos
Take another step in your path that you choose
Make a bad choice in your path then you lose
[Outro]
Ooh, ooh, ooh, oh
@sadi666
TABOO | TA13OO LYRICS
[Intro]
Denny Cascade
Denny Cascade
Yeah
Yeah, yeah
[Chorus]
Welcome to the darker side of taboo
All I've got is permanent scars and tattoos
Take another step in the path that you choose
Make a bad choice in your path then you lose
Welcome to the darker side of taboo
All I've got is permanent scars and tattoos
Take another step in your path that you choose
Make a bad choice in your path then you lose
[Bridge]
Ooh, (oh), (oh), (oh), (oh), (oh)
Ooh, oh, oh
Ooh, (oh), (ooh)
Ooh, ooh, oh (aah)
[Verse]
Gorgeous beautiful taboo, always with a lot on her mind
You giving me all of your stories in the littlest amount of time
You loving me is forbidden, loving you back is a crime
I wrote this poem for you, forever remain in my rhymes
I knew you wasn't normal ever since the age of nine
I heard you were molested when you hit the age of five
So, in a sense I sensed that all your innocence had died
You swallowing all of your pride, won't let anybody inside
As you cry me a thousand lakes on my shoulder blade, I say
Everything's gonna be okay
I'ma hold tight till I see the next day with you
Stay with you, play with you
Pray with you and pray to you
Curry kill a pussy hoping that I can kill the hate in you
Even if you don't wait for me, forever I will wait for you
Even if it's too late for me, forever I will wait for you
Watching your destiny fold in the grip of my palms
Paper planes being thrown on the side of the lawn, it said
[Chorus]
Welcome to the darker side of taboo
All I've got is permanent scars and tattoos
Take another step in the path that you choose
Make a bad choice in your path then you lose
Welcome to the darker side of taboo
All I've got is permanent scars and tattoos
Take another step in your path that you choose
Make a bad choice in your path then you lose
[Outro]
Ooh, ooh, ooh, oh
@topa9487
denzel for me went from
"oh yeah Denzel he made that ultimate song right"
to
"denzel? Yeah he in my top 3 of all time"
@alexconnor3368
From meme to legend
@topa9487
@@alexconnor3368 yeah basically
@2ksaad
Mannn if only instead of sleeping on him I listened to him when that meme was popular
@zewalruse1551
Same
@g.s9943
Listen to imperial, It's great.
@HisGloryLivinginMe
God damn bruv, he speaks on loving a damaged woman. Not damaged by choice, but broken by a monster. God bless those of us, men and women who have been damaged by the forsaken monsters who roam this Earth. I pray you are able to find peace 😔
@bass_man8149
I think he's speaking about that in the third person in relation to himself but it can be applied to both perspectives. Just goes to show how good his lyricism is.
@TK_Thirteen
This song is about him
@eliotguerin192
It really gives me hope when he unflinchingly describes this relationship and these demons that are exactly like what me and my GF have experienced. It’s a certain humility a man must have to love a woman with those demons, or to love himself if hes been through the same things, but confronting it is the only way to move on and be victorious as an adult