That same year he teamed up with Detroit natives TnT and Mastamind and formed the group Natas, whose controversial debut Life After Death has been blamed for the suicide of a Tennessee youth. After another EP released in 1992 entitled Hellter Skkkelter dropped, Esham's most recognized and most controversial album 1993's KKKill the Fetus hit stores. The cover of this album depicted an unborn fetus and the title track was a song explaining why unfit, drug addicted mothers should chose abortion over birth. Esham followed up with Natas' Blaz4me and another solo Closed Casket. This was all a prelude to another controversial release, Doubelievengod. Tracks such as "Pop Pop", "Sunday School", and "Heaven" set an unprecedented mark for evilness in rap music. Esham later released his final album on RLP, Dead Flowerz. This was a transitional period into Esham's new Gothom label. Bruce Wayne/Gothom City introduced the world to the new age Esham. After this release the head nodding, trunk rattling Multikillionaire was released.
After a 2-year break, E hit the scene with the colorful Mail Dominance CD. This CD had everything from slow jams, retrospectives on lost ones, wickedness, to 50's samples. The next release is what many feel was the critically acclaimed WWW.com. In 2001, Esham released what would become his smoothest album, Tongues. Followed by Natas 6th release Godlike. Esham resume of albums includes 10 full albums, 4 EPs, 3 greatest hits compilations, and 6 releases with Natas. Not to mention working with and producing for Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Ghetto E, Kool Keith, Insane Clown Posse, and the Dayton Family. From 1989 to 2005, Esham has given fans his heavy doses of Reel Life, Heavy Mental music. Esham truly revolutionized Detroit's rap sound and is a local legend.
Eminem has listed Esham as an influence, as he mentions on his debut album, The Slim Shady LP. Esham's next album, A1 Yola, was released April 19th, 2005 by Psychopathic Records. Included with the album was also a DVD with videos to every song, making Esham the first artist to make a music video for every song on an album. Towards the end of 2005 Esham could no longer be a part of Psychopathic Records. His last concert under the label was at the 5th Annual Gathering of the Juggalos. He contributed to the Soopa Villainz project and later left. The split was on bad terms according to acidrap.com. The reason, also according to acidrap.com, was that Psychopathic Records did not allow him to use the name The Unholy,The Black Devil or the group NATAS. Athough bitterness was expressed by both parties directly after the split, Esham and Psychopathic have since publicly apoligized to one another, and stated that any past grievances are water under the bridge.
On June 6, 2006 (6/6/06) Esham released the Judgement Day box set, Rap's first $100 box set, available only through the Natas website. This set includes Judgement Day Vol.1 and 2, the previously unreleased Judgement Day Vol.3 and 4, a new 6 track Esham EP, and a DVD featuring concert footage from '04. Only 1,000 have been produced.
God
Esham Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We want to ride, we ride
want to get high, we get high
We want to touch the sky
Like angels we can fly
We want to piece of the pie
Get the money before we die
We want to la-de-da, la-de-da
[Esham]
It's all about the Benjamin's, the Thomas Jefferson's
Gettin' ya shine on in Detroit on Jefferson
Amen to my chrome wheels and my chrome skills
I grew up off flexin', money interceptin'
Never steppin' without the weapon
Disconnected with no papers, niggaz eject it
Watch me wreck shit wit' this style I've perfected
Carry a concealed Tech, shit for the next bitch
On the ego-trip or some God complex it's
The you-N-H-O-L-why, murder lullaby
Yellin' out die, die, die, die
My, my, my, my
Oh my, oh God
Tell me why the wicked shit hits so hard
First of all we ball like Sammy Sosa
And keeps the toasta in case I gotta roast ya
I'm thinkin' suicidal, so don't step close to me
I'm from Detroit and dead's what I'm supposed to be
Dead's what I'm supposed to be...
(Chorus)
I'm finna bust, so call me a Mausburg
Fuck whatchu heard all I see is crow birds
Flowin' 'Word After Word', droppin' shit like a turd
Watch my energy surge, wit' the cannon, murders occurred
I'm rollin', still holdin' my nuts, controllin' what I call
A super-high skydive, balla freefall
In the water wit' piranhas, suicidal Nirvana
I hydroplane and walk on water, marijuana
Ecstasy hexin' me, next to me, sexin' me
Bitches on my dick so much I need a vasectomy
Scientifically analyzed my style dissectin' me
Situations like this make me grab the Tek and squeeze
It's all about respectin these nuts I hold
Or I'll watch ya body turn cold with ya soul,
Out this atmosphere, out this hemisphere
Out this stratosphere, out everywhere
(Chorus)
The lyrics to Esham's "God" describe the rapper's obsession with money, power, and a desire for transcendence. The chorus lays out these desires explicitly, expressing a longing to "touch the sky" like angels and "get the money before we die." Esham's verses expand on this theme, with wordplay centered on the Benjamins and Jeffersons, and references to his upbringing in Detroit, where money and power reign supreme. Esham incorporates violent imagery throughout, alluding to carrying a concealed weapon and thinking suicidally. He also calls out those who disrespect him or his "nuts," implying that violence is always a tool at his disposal.
Overall, the lyrics paint a picture of a man driven by greed and a desire for power and respect, willing to do whatever it takes to achieve those goals. The chorus represents an almost spiritual longing for transcendence, a desire to rise above the mundane and touch something higher. Esham's use of violent imagery throughout suggests that this desire for transcendence is tinged with a darker, more dangerous edge.
Line by Line Meaning
We want to ride, we ride
We want to experience life to the fullest, taking risks and enjoying the journey.
want to get high, we get high
We seek to find a state of euphoria through whatever means possible, including drugs.
We want to touch the sky
We aspire to achieve greatness and attain the impossible.
Like angels we can fly
We believe that we possess the potential to be above average and transcendental.
We want to piece of the pie
We strive for success and material wealth, desiring a share of the riches available in the world.
Get the money before we die
We aim to accumulate as much wealth as possible before our time on earth is over.
We want to la-de-da, la-de-da
We want to live a carefree existence and indulge in pleasure without worry or consequence.
It's all about the Benjamin's, the Thomas Jefferson's
Money is the driving force behind everything we do and shapes our goals and aspirations.
Gettin' ya shine on in Detroit on Jefferson
Achieving success in the tough, gritty city of Detroit, particularly on Jefferson Avenue.
Amen to my chrome wheels and my chrome skills
I give thanks for my flashy, expensive car and my rap skills that have brought me success.
I grew up off flexin', money interceptin'
I have always been surrounded by people obsessed with money and power who taught me to pursue those things as well.
Never steppin' without the weapon
I always carry a gun for protection and to maintain my tough, intimidating image.
Disconnected with no papers, niggaz eject it
Without the proper connections or documents, I and others like me are ostracized and rejected by society.
Watch me wreck shit wit' this style I've perfected
I am confident in my rap skills and intend to impress and dominate all who listen to me.
Carry a concealed Tech, shit for the next bitch
I carry a concealed gun and am ready to use it on anyone who steps to me or disrespects me.
On the ego-trip or some God complex it's
My confidence and success have led me to develop a sense of superiority and invincibility that I cannot shake.
The you-N-H-O-L-why, murder lullaby
My music glorifies murder and violence in a way that is both chilling and captivating to listeners.
Yellin' out die, die, die, die
I am unapologetic about my violent lyrics, which are intended to shock and provoke.
My, my, my, my
I am proud of the impact my music has had and will continue to push boundaries.
Oh my, oh God
The intensity and darkness of my music is sometimes overwhelming even to me, leaving me in awe of its power.
Tell me why the wicked shit hits so hard
I am fascinated and confused by the way that dark and violent themes in music can resonate so strongly with listeners.
First of all we ball like Sammy Sosa
We live a lavish, extravagant lifestyle like the famous baseball player.
And keeps the toasta in case I gotta roast ya
I carry a gun and am ready to use it in self-defense or to attack those who cross me.
I'm thinkin' suicidal, so don't step close to me
At times I am consumed by dark and dangerous thoughts, and those who are close to me should be cautious and keep their distance.
I'm from Detroit and dead's what I'm supposed to be
Growing up in Detroit, violence and death are common expectations and risks that I have accepted as a way of life.
I'm finna bust, so call me a Mausburg
I am preparing to attack or release a powerful burst of energy, like a Mausberg shotgun.
Fuck whatchu heard all I see is crow birds
I am unconcerned with rumors or hearsay, and am instead focused on my immediate surroundings and the opportunities available to me.
Flowin' 'Word After Word', droppin' shit like a turd
I am confident in my ability to create lyrics on the spot and to impress listeners with my rhyming and flow.
Watch my energy surge, wit' the cannon, murders occurred
My music and energy inspire violent and provocative behavior in myself and others, leading to real-world harm and destruction.
I'm rollin', still holdin' my nuts, controllin' what I call
I am self-assured and in charge of my own life, seizing opportunities and controlling my own destiny.
A super-high skydive, balla freefall
I embrace risk and danger, pursuing thrills and heights that most people fear or avoid.
In the water wit' piranhas, suicidal Nirvana
I am fearless and unafraid of the dangers that surround me, finding peace and happiness in the midst of chaos and destruction.
I hydroplane and walk on water, marijuana
I am invincible and capable of amazing feats, even walking on water, thanks to the power of marijuana and the confidence it inspires in me.
Ecstasy hexin' me, next to me, sexin' me
Drugs and sex are powerful forces in my life, driving my behavior and shaping my experiences.
Bitches on my dick so much I need a vasectomy
Women are constantly pursuing and seeking to be with me, to the point where it is overwhelming and unmanageable.
Scientifically analyzed my style dissectin' me
My music and style have been carefully studied and analyzed, both by myself and others, to understand its power and appeal.
Situations like this make me grab the Tek and squeeze
When I feel threatened or enraged, I resort to violence and aggression, using my gun to defend myself or attack others.
It's all about respectin these nuts I hold
My masculinity and power are wrapped up in my genitals, and I expect others to recognize and respect my dominance.
Or I'll watch ya body turn cold with ya soul,
If I feel disrespected or provoked, I will use violence to harm and even kill my enemies, inflicting both physical and spiritual death.
Out this atmosphere, out this hemisphere
My music and style are so powerful that they can change the very atmosphere and energy of a place, transporting listeners to another world entirely.
Out this stratosphere, out everywhere
My music and persona have achieved a level of success and notoriety that has put me in a category all its own, beyond comparison or limitation.
Lyrics © DistroKid, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ADRIAN JOHN MORDAUNT, EMMETT CIARAN O'MALLEY, OISIN SEAN O'MALLEY, COLIN LEO THOMAS SMITH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind