But it's not about who they are; it's about what they've done. The Duj graduated from hustling demos from streets and stages in 2004, when they sold 20,000 units of their debut album, the acclaimed City Limits. The record reached No. 6 on the CMJ charts and got spins at top stations like NYC's Hot 97 and L.A.'s KCRW. Critics jumped on the bandwagon, calling Limits "groundbreaking" (allhiphop.com) and "a producer's dream" (Time Out NY). Urb named the band one of their "Next 100," while The Source featured them in its venerable Unsigned Hype column. The buzz propelled songs from Limits to the big screen, in movies such as Half Nelson, Blue Crush, Lift, and Kings & Queen, and the small screen, in TV shows such as Entourage, Saved, and Crank Yankers (for which Dujeous produced the theme song, featuring Rhymefest).
Dujeous followed up with the mixtapes Game 7 in 2007 and No Clearance in 2009, which burned up broadband, garnering over 10,000 downloads each and praise on such influential blogs as Nah Right, DJBooth, Brooklyn Vegan and Pitchfork. Meanwhile, onstage, the Duj has busted out of the five boroughs to rock all across North America, Europe, and Asia, with the likes of Kanye West, Busta Rhymes, 311, The Roots, Funkadelic, John Legend, Mobb Deep, Slick Rick, Chali 2na, Wale and countless others. Word of their instrumental and production prowess spread, leading to some serious collaborations: They've played on stage and in the studio for Diddy, Kanye West, Mark Ronson, Lily Allen, Amy Winehouse, Al Green, Skyzoo and Lauryn Hill, and produced for Talib Kweli, Dip Set, Jean Grae, Saigon, Mr. Lif and Keith Murray (see attached discography). It’s easy to see why Mark Ronson called Dujeous "New York’s only hip-hop band worth talking about," why XXL recently named Dujeous one of the top five hip-hop bands, and why WNYC viewers voted them best band in Manhattan.
Impressive, yes. But forget what they've done—it's what they're about to do: release their sophomore album Day In Day Out, taking their music and message forward in leaps and bounds. “We expanded and stepped out of the old formulas, both our own and hip-hop’s,” says Mojo. “New instruments, new guests, and new topics—we really challenged ourselves with this album musically and lyrically.”
Some things have remained constant: MCs Mojo, Mas D, and Rheturik keep the lyrics smart and to-the-point. Bassist Apex and drummer Tomek still provide that lunchroom-table boom-bap, while guitarist Taylormade and trumpeter David Guy (also a member of the Dap-Kings and Menahan Street Band) still bring twisted jazz, funk and rock melodies. But there are new ingredients in the mix: Keyboardist Borahm Lee (Lee Scratch Perry, Matisyahu) has joined the band, bringing spaced-out textures from dub and beyond. Dujeous didn’t stop there—strings, accordion, mellotron and other instruments from around the world have been added to the arsenal. Plus, while Limits was strictly a family affair, Day In Day Out is stocked with contributions from the Duj's talented extended circle, including platinum soulman John Legend, hip-hop provocateur Immortal Technique, and funk queen Sharon Jones, who appears on the album’s latest single and video, “Spectacular,” an inspirational banger punctuated by horn swells, a pulsing back beat, and, of course, Jones’ smoky, charismatic tenor. The video has received heavy airplay on BET’s Centric TV and Video Music Box.
So forget everything else, and remember this: a new-and-improved sound, a new focus, and a new album that will take Dujeous to new eardrums, new stages, new continents, new levels of success. In the end, that’s what it’s all about.
just once
Dujeous Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's once in a lifetime
Chance for the right time stands still for no man
It's once in a blue moon
Plans for the heights soon
We about to be there fam
It's once in a while
That you hear a new style
It's just once
[Verse 1: Mojo]
Violence closes eyelids
While I choose to widen the eyelids in the places where I live
July's give reasons for the works of fire
Shit'll be getting taxed like it's work for hire
Now why you grabbing for the live wire?
It's still sizzling
Champagne filling your glass
You're still fizzling out
You're dissonant
There's a lot of niggas get in the game that listen in
But they're playing pretend
I'm sensing it
They're sensitive
And something seems a little familiar about their sentences
Consensus is they sent to give the motivation
To the real niggas trying to live through frustration
Stations have to play this loud and often
Impatient listeners get amped and call in
[Chorus]
[Verse 2: Mas D]
See I could still act irrational
Somewhere between bullshittin' and being bashful
When I'm an asshole with no cash flow
Don't worry I won't ask your permission
With one word you change your position
Bitch rappers, you're switch hittin'
I'm holdin the coals
As I stroll in the cold with no mittens
You're bold with your bitchin'
Niggas want to step free
I already let your bitch in
See some like it hot
And so I cool in the kitchen
You like a fool fishin
I'm a mule on a mission
Trying to high dive but you in the pool pissin
You hungry for subtraction (cool)
I'm cheffin' a dishin'
[Chorus]
[Verse 3: Rheturik]
A simple singularity
You couldn't measure the heat in calories
A rarity for words
To be heard with cleaner clarity
Hip-hop's decayed to the point that MCing's almost embarrassing
We don't settle
We mine for the metal to fill your cavity
And have it be worth
More than a skirt and plate of surf & turf
We unearth verse that shocks your spirit like a curse in church
It hurts the worst if you front on or turn your back to it
So don't do it
Fuck
Drink your drinks, or count your stacks to it
Pound the keys on your Mac to it
Or smoke your sack to it
It's versatile
We conceal I'll terms up in the rap fluid
No lack of prudence performing them tough stunts
Staying focused even when we puff blunts
You dumb dunce
[Chorus x2]
The chorus points out that there are certain moments in life that are rare and unique, such as a once in a lifetime opportunity that one cannot afford to let slip away. It also highlights that it's not always possible to wait for the right time as time waits for nobody, such as a blue moon appearing once in a while. The verse by Mojo focuses on the negative impacts of violence and highlights that he chooses to live with his eyes wide open, rather than close them due to the harsh environment he lives in. Mojo also showcases his unique style of rapping while exposing the fake rappers who have entered the music industry to make money, as opposed to represent the true hip hop culture. Mas D's verse speaks about his spontaneous nature, the risks he takes and how he won't wait for anyone, relying on his own actions to change his situation. He also calls out other rappers for being indecisive and for changing lanes to make their music more palatable for the masses, stating that he's not here to ask for permission. Rheturik highlights the decay of hip hop and recalls a time when MCing was more authentic and lyrical. He showcases his lyrical dexterity and plays on words with wordplay, showcasing the range of versatile words in his music.
Line by Line Meaning
It's once in a lifetime
This opportunity is extremely rare and may only occur once in a person's entire life.
Chance for the right time stands still for no man
The perfect moment for this opportunity can happen at any time and cannot be controlled or postponed.
It's once in a blue moon
This type of chance comes around very infrequently and is almost as rare as a blue moon.
Plans for the heights soon
We have plans to reach the pinnacle of success in the near future.
We about to be there fam
We are very close to achieving our goals and are excited for what the future holds.
It's once in a while
Occasionally, there may be a new style that catches the attention of people and makes them say 'wow.'
That you hear a new style
There are not many times that someone hears a new style or way of doing something that is truly unique.
That can make the people say goddamn
When people hear something as amazing and innovative as this, it can cause them to say 'wow.'
It's just once
This opportunity is only available one time and may not happen again.
Violence closes eyelids
Violence can cause people to close their eyes and shut themselves off from the world.
While I choose to widen the eyelids in the places where I live
Instead of letting violence control me, I choose to keep my eyes open and be aware of my surroundings.
July's give reasons for the works of fire
The summer months are often associated with heat and fire, which can lead to violence and destruction.
Shit'll be getting taxed like it's work for hire
People will have to pay a lot for things that used to be free, just like they pay for someone else's work when they hire them.
Now why you grabbing for the live wire?
Why would you put yourself in danger by grabbing an electrified wire that could potentially harm or kill you?
It's still sizzling
The wire is still hot and dangerous, and could cause injury or death if handled improperly.
Champagne filling your glass
You are celebrating and enjoying the high life, sipping expensive champagne.
You're still fizzling out
Despite your success, you are still coming down from your high and feeling less excited than before.
You're dissonant
You are not in harmony with your surroundings, and your actions are causing discord or confusion.
There's a lot of niggas get in the game that listen in
Many people try to enter the music industry by listening to others, but they may not have their own unique ideas or style.
But they're playing pretend
These people are pretending to be original and innovative, but really they are just copying what others have done before them.
I'm sensing it
I can tell that these people are not being genuine or honest with themselves about their abilities or creativity.
They're sensitive
These people may be easily offended or hurt by criticism or negative feedback.
And something seems a little familiar about their sentences
Their lyrics or style may sound similar to others in the industry and not stand out as unique or original.
Consensus is they sent to give the motivation
The general opinion is that these people are only in the industry to motivate others, not to create something truly original.
To the real niggas trying to live through frustration
These people are trying to inspire those who are struggling with frustration or obstacles in their lives.
Stations have to play this loud and often
Radio stations are required to play this song frequently and at a high volume because it is so popular and well-liked.
Impatient listeners get amped and call in
People who are eager to hear the song may become excited and call the radio station to request that it be played.
See I could still act irrational
Sometimes I still act impulsively or illogically, even when I know better.
Somewhere between bullshittin' and being bashful
My behavior may fall somewhere between being dishonest and being overly modest or shy.
When I'm an asshole with no cash flow
Even when I am being unpleasant or difficult to deal with, I may not have any money or resources to back up my behavior.
Don't worry I won't ask your permission
I will not seek your approval or consent for my actions or decisions.
With one word you change your position
You may quickly and easily change your opinion or stance based on what you hear or see.
Bitch rappers, you're switch hittin'
Other rappers may be trying to change their style or sound too often, and not sticking with one consistent identity.
I'm holdin the coals
I am in control and have the power to make things happen the way I want them to.
As I stroll in the cold with no mittens
I am able to handle or withstand difficult situations or circumstances without needing any extra protection or support.
You're bold with your bitchin'
Other people may be very vocal and open about their complaints or grievances, even if they are not that significant or important.
Niggas want to step free
Some people want to break free from their current situation or lifestyle and make a change for the better.
I already let your bitch in
I have already welcomed your significant other or female companion into our group or party.
See some like it hot
Some people prefer things or situations that are exciting or dangerous, even if they come with risks or negative consequences.
And so I cool in the kitchen
I prefer to keep a level head and stay calm and collected, even when things around me are heating up or becoming chaotic.
You like a fool fishin'
You are wasting your time or energy on something that is unlikely to succeed or be worthwhile.
I'm a mule on a mission
I am determined and hardworking, and will do whatever it takes to accomplish my goals or complete my tasks.
Trying to high dive but you in the pool pissin'
You are not focused or prepared enough to take on a big challenge or opportunity, and may be wasting your time or energy on insignificant actions or behaviors.
You hungry for subtraction (cool)
You are eager or excited to take away or remove something, possibly in a destructive or harmful way.
I'm cheffin' a dishin'
I am creating or working on something positive and constructive, possibly in a culinary or creative context.
A simple singularity
Something that is straightforward or basic, but also unique and unlike anything else.
You couldn't measure the heat in calories
The intensity or power of this idea or concept cannot be quantified or measured by traditional means.
A rarity for words
It is uncommon or unusual to find words or language that truly resonate with people and make a significant impact.
To be heard with cleaner clarity
This message or idea is presented in a clear, concise, and easily understandable way, without any excess or confusion.
Hip-hop's decayed to the point that MCing's almost embarrassing
The quality or authenticity of hip-hop music has declined to such a degree that even talented MCs may feel embarrassed or ashamed to be associated with it.
We don't settle
We will not accept or settle for anything less than what we truly want or deserve.
We mine for the metal to fill your cavity
We work hard to find the most valuable and meaningful ideas or concepts that will resonate with people and fill the emptiness or void they may feel in their lives.
And have it be worth
We want our work to have significant value or impact, and be meaningful to those who hear it or experience it.
More than a skirt and plate of surf & turf
Our work is not just shallow or superficial, and is more valuable than just a simple meal or superficial object.
We unearth verse that shocks your spirit like a curse in church
Our lyrics or ideas may be shocking or unexpected, and have a profound impact on people that is similar to a jarring or alarming experience in church.
It hurts the worst if you front on or turn your back to it
If you ignore or dismiss our work, it will hurt you the most because you will miss out on something truly valuable and important.
So don't do it
Don't ignore or dismiss our work, because you will regret it.
Drink your drinks, or count your stacks to it
You can enjoy our music or ideas in any way you like, whether it's by relaxing with a drink or working hard and counting your money.
Pound the keys on your Mac to it
You can be productive or creative while listening to our music or ideas, perhaps by typing or working on your computer.
Or smoke your sack to it
You can also relax or chill out while enjoying our work, perhaps by smoking or ingesting marijuana or another substance.
It's versatile
Our work is flexible and can be enjoyed or experienced in many different ways or contexts.
We conceal I'll terms up in the rap fluid
We may hide negative or harmful ideas or words within our lyrics or music, making them more difficult to detect or understand.
No lack of prudence performing them tough stunts
We are careful and cautious when performing challenging or difficult tasks or actions, and do not take unnecessary risks.
Staying focused even when we puff blunts
Even when we are relaxed or intoxicated, we are still able to maintain our focus and work hard towards our goals or tasks.
You dumb dunce
You are unintelligent or foolish, and do not understand the true value or significance of our work.
Contributed by Keira E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.