J. Stalin claims in an interview that he was born into poverty and earned money as a child by selling candy bars on the BART trains. Around age 13, he began recording and selling rap music. A member of Oakland's hyphy culture, he is described by a local magazine as a "rapper and sideshow participant".
Although young and boyish-looking, J. Stalin adopted a tough rapper persona. He references Joseph Stalin in his stage name because they shared the same initials, and "he was short like me, but he was always smashin' on everybody." In a recent interview he remarked about his home and lifestyle, "This is West Oakland, man. This is the bottoms right here." He went on to say that the crime rate in his neighborhood was so high, the city had remodeled the housing units in his housing project to remove the back doors so that criminals could not escape from home raids by the police.
J. Stalin's first widely released performances arose when a DJ Daryl, a local recording studio owner, placed him on a track he was recording. A colleague of Daryl's, Richie Rich, was impressed enough to put J. Stalin on three tracks in his 2002 album Nixon Pryor Roundtree album and two more as a member of Rich's group, the Replacement Killers. He later recorded and performed with artists such as G-Stack, Beeda Weeda of the Hieroglyphics collective, Keak Da Sneak and San Quinn, E-40, The Luniz, The Team, The Frontline, Mob Figaz, Yukmouth, Numskull, Shock G, and others. As of 2006 he had released roughly 7 mixtapes and had four releases scheduled for 2007.[1] Mekanix and Zoo Entertainment released "On Behalf of the Streets" in early May 2007. J. Stalin is the President of Town Thizzness, and the owner of Livewire Records. He is also the front man in his group, Livewire Da Gang. The Livewire Gang consists of many artists from various neighborhoods in North, East, and West Oakland. Some of these artists include, Shady Nate, Jay Jonah, Philthy Rich, Stevie Joe, Lil Rue, Lil Blood, Ruben Stunner, R.O.B., Ronald Mack, Kiwi, HD, Major D, and Mayback.
Grinding
J. Stalin Lyrics
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Yeah-eh-eh
Oh, yeah
Call up all the troops, they gon' slide for me (they gon' slide for me)
All I want is truth, don't lie to me
Remember back then no one ride for me
I was in a jam, but I made it out
In my zone, that's my home
I've been gone for too long
Hustlin' and grindin'
All that stress in my head
Been hustlin' and grindin'
I'll be good, I'll be good (yeah, yeah)
Nigga, follow me, I'm gon' lead you to the money
If you name it, I done done it, you already know who run it
I don't kick it with no sucker niggas, nah, we ain't puntin'
Bitch, I ball, I treat every day like Superbowl Sunday
Keep a bad bitch with me with Giuseppes on her feet
Spend some racks on her rack, couple hundred for a weave
You know shawty aim to please, she gon' take care of my knee
She look up to Meg' Thee Stallion, I'm gon' make her work them knees (woo)
The game ain't for free, go send that deposit
I'll make them blue mail walk it right and tote that Houston rocket
Homie, please don't get it twisted, they don't mean I'm finna play
Twenty years, I'm still killin' shit, go get the yellow tape
Call up all the troops, they gon' slide for me (they gon' slide for me)
All I want is truth, don't lie to me (don't lie to me)
Remember back then no one ride for me
I was in a jam, but I made it out
In my zone, that's my home
I've been gone for too long
Hustlin' and grindin'
All that stress in my head
Been hustlin' and grindin'
I'll be good, I'll be good
Voy a seguir hustleando por mis sueΓ±os (sueΓ±os)
Cielo o infierno, no hay punto medio (medio)
Fumo para matar los nervios (los nervios)
Hago mΓΊsica como remedio (remedio)
Peleo conmigo mismo para matar el ego (oh)
Su peor enemigo siempre fue su miedo (yeah)
Marco la jugada, salgo ileso del juego (wuh)
Para mΓ no existe el: "Yo no puedo"
Yo sigo ganando, le doy vuelta el tablero (al tablero)
Sigo multiplicando, tengo mΓ‘s de siete cero' (Siete cero')
Yo pongo los billete' y ustede' ponen pero'
Y se hacen seguir llamando "raperos"
A ello' le' molesta que yo diga lo que quiero (ey)
Viva como quiero (ey), haga lo que quiero (ey)
Ustede' no estaban cuando no habΓa dinero
Y las promesa' que tenΓamo' se prendΓan fuego
Shout-out pa' Modo Diablo, shout-out pa' lo' Bardero$
Shout-out pa' to'a la gente que sabe que la quiero
Siempre facturando de enero a enero
DΓ‘ndole la vuelta al mundo entero
Call me when they gone, vendrΓ‘n por mΓ
Solo quiero la verdad, no me mientas (no me mientas)
Recuerdo aquellos dΓas que solo estaba por mΓ
Estaba atrapado, pero me salΓ
En mi zona, that's my home
Ausente for too long
Hustlin' and grindin'
All that stress en mi mente
Been hustlin' and grindin'
Voy a estar bien, I'll be good
In the first part of the lyrics, J. Stalin reflects on a time when he felt alone and abandoned, expressing gratitude for those who eventually stood by him. The reference to calling up the troops to slide for him suggests a sense of loyalty and support from his circle. He values honesty and authenticity ("All I want is truth, don't lie to me"), highlighting the importance of genuine relationships in his life. Despite facing challenging situations in the past, he emphasizes that he made it through, indicating resilience and determination.
As the song progresses, J. Stalin delves into his mindset during times of hustling and grinding. He describes being in his zone, which he considers his home, signifying a sense of comfort and familiarity in the midst of his endeavors. The repeated mention of hustling and grinding reflects his relentless work ethic and the mental toll it can take. Despite the stress, he maintains optimism and asserts that he will be fine, reinforcing his inner strength and perseverance.
In the subsequent verses, J. Stalin exudes confidence and asserts his position in the rap game. He portrays himself as a leader who can guide others towards success and wealth, drawing a contrast between himself and those he considers "sucker niggas." He flaunts his lavish lifestyle and the influence he holds over his environment, emphasizing his commitment to excellence and success. The mention of a bad bitch by his side symbolizes his status and the rewards of his hard work.
The inclusion of Spanish lyrics adds another layer of depth to the song, with J. Stalin reflecting on his dreams and the trials he has faced. He alludes to internal struggles, such as battling his ego and fears, showcasing a more introspective side to his persona. Through his music, he finds solace and healing, using it as a remedy for his inner turmoil. J. Stalin's defiance against limitations and his determination to keep pushing forward are evident, highlighting his resilience and unwavering focus on achieving his goals.
Line by Line Meaning
What Juicy say? He be like, 'Shut the fuck up'
In response to opinions or distractions, Juicy promotes a candid yet unapologetic stance, urging for silence on non-essential matters.
Call up all the troops, they gon' slide for me (they gon' slide for me)
Reach out to my loyal supporters who are ready and willing to come to my aid.
All I want is truth, don't lie to me
I seek honesty in my relationships; deception is unacceptable.
Remember back then no one ride for me
Reflect on the past when I lacked support from others.
I was in a jam, but I made it out
I faced difficult situations but successfully overcame them.
In my zone, that's my home
I am comfortable and focused in my element, where I truly belong.
I've been gone for too long
I have spent an extended period away from my true environment or purpose.
Hustlin' and grindin'
I am working hard and putting in relentless effort to achieve my goals.
All that stress in my head
I carry a lot of mental burdens and pressures.
Been hustlin' and grindin'
I have continuously worked hard to make progress.
I'll be good, I'll be good (yeah, yeah)
I affirm my resilience, believing that I will emerge successful.
Nigga, follow me, I'm gon' lead you to the money
Join me, and I will guide you towards financial success.
If you name it, I done done it, you already know who run it
I have experienced various challenges; my authority and capability are well established.
I don't kick it with no sucker niggas, nah, we ain't puntin'
I avoid foolish or untrustworthy individuals; I am serious about my pursuits.
Bitch, I ball, I treat every day like Superbowl Sunday
I approach life with intensity and enthusiasm, treating each moment with the importance of a championship game.
Keep a bad bitch with me with Giuseppes on her feet
I surround myself with attractive and fashionable company, emphasizing my lifestyle.
Spend some racks on her rack, couple hundred for a weave
I invest money in my partnerβs appearance and well-being.
You know shawty aim to please, she gon' take care of my knee
My partner is dedicated to our relationship and looks after my needs.
She look up to Meg' Thee Stallion, I'm gon' make her work them knees (woo)
She admires strong female figures; I encourage her to embrace her confidence in her endeavors.
The game ain't for free, go send that deposit
Success requires investment; nothing worthwhile comes without cost.
I'll make them blue mail walk it right and tote that Houston rocket
I expect professionalism and readiness; I am committed to achieving my goals.
Homie, please don't get it twisted, they don't mean I'm finna play
Understand that my intentions are serious; I am not to be underestimated.
Twenty years, I'm still killin' shit, go get the yellow tape
For two decades, I have remained impactful and relevant; my legacy is undeniable.
Call up all the troops, they gon' slide for me (they gon' slide for me)
Reaching out to my dedicated supporters who will always come to my side.
All I want is truth, don't lie to me (don't lie to me)
I demand honesty and transparency, emphasizing my principles.
Remember back then no one ride for me
A reminder of the times when I lacked loyalty from others.
I was in a jam, but I made it out
I encountered difficulties but successfully navigated through them.
In my zone, that's my home
I am in my element, where I feel most authentic and grounded.
I've been gone for too long
I acknowledge the time I have spent away from my true purpose.
Hustlin' and grindin'
Continuously working hard to reach my aspirations.
All that stress en mi mente
The mental burdens I carry are weighing on me.
Been hustlin' and grindin'
I have been diligently applying effort towards my ambitions.
Voy a estar bien, I'll be good
I reassure myself that despite challenges, I will ultimately be fine.
Lyrics Β© BMG Rights Management
Written by: Jordan Houston, Reylovesu, Scotty Apex, Danny Wolf, Mauro Ezequiel Lombardo Quiroga
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Rahnee Smith
I love this song!! I be rollin in my car and listening Hella proud like speak that ish youngstas!!!
Michael Roberts
I love what your putting out there it's that righteous dope.
M A I
π₯ BEAT SICK
Sunior Montoya
That acito feature π₯
Blue Garza
Actio a snitch ππ
Mob Figaz
@Blue Garzaif he really was paperwork woulda been out lil boi a snitch somethin that ainβt allowed in the skreets
jizzojb1
This team right here drops numerous heaters, thank you π
Samantha Jordan
J got me through so many years in that dark place bumpn on my Sony Walkman walked 5 years off.
Alwayshighdrated
J Stalin neva disappointsβΌοΈπ₯
All Cash Playa
Bro I love you! On some brother shit! I really appreciate you for letting me open up for you in California and Oregon a few years back! I'll never forget those days and nights! Blessings! All Cash Playa