Lucas received widespread exposure and critical acclaim after the release of his single "Ross Capicchioni" in 2015. In June 2017, he released his fourth mixtape, 508-507-2209, which was his first on a major label. On November 28, 2017, Lucas released his single "I'm Not Racist", which quickly went viral, gaining him further attention and praise. The video was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Music Video at the 61st Grammy Awards. Lucas was formerly signed to Atlantic Records, until he announced his departure from the label in December 2018.
Since 2016, Lucas has also become known for remixing popular hip hop songs like "Gucci Gang" by Lil Pump, "Bank Account" by 21 Savage, "DNA" by Kendrick Lamar and many others. In October 2018, he announced his debut studio album ADHD, which was released on March 27, 2020. He began rapping at the age of 10, and attended South High Community School in Worcester.
Gary Maurice Lucas, Jr. was born on August 17, 1988, in Worcester, Massachusetts to a black father and a white mother. He began rapping at the age of 10, and attended South High Community School in Worcester.
Joyner Lucas first started rapping under the name G-Storm, but by 2007 had changed his stage name to Future Joyner and started working with his cousin Cyrus tha Great, forming a group called Film Skool Rejekts. That year they released Workprint: The Greatest Mixtape of All Time. Lucas released his first solo mixtape, titled Listen to Me, in 2011.[citation needed] After rapper Future came to prominence, Lucas dropped the "Future" from his name and continued as Joyner Lucas. He released his first mixtape under this new moniker in 2013, titled LFO's (Low Frequency Oscillators). His next mixtape, Along Came Joyner, was released on April 5, 2015. This mixtape contained his critically acclaimed "Ross Capicchioni". Following the success of the song, Lucas was featured in the 2015 BET Hip-Hop Awards Cypher. Originally intended to appear in the online-only cypher, he was later promoted to rap as part of the live broadcast cyphers based on the strength of his initial performance.
Lucas signed to Atlantic Records on September 21, 2016. Lucas went on to release a project titled 508-507-2209 on June 16, 2017, with Atlantic Records. The mixtape charted at #7 on the Heatseekers Albums chart on Billboard and contained the singles "I'm Sorry", "Ultrasound", "Just Like You" and "Winter Blues". Ever since 2016, Lucas has also become known for remixing popular hip hop songs.
On November 28, 2017, Lucas released the single "I'm Not Racist" via his YouTube channel. The music video quickly went viral and gained critical acclaim. The controversial song is about race and society, and race relations from the perspectives of a white man and a black man. The video was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Music Video at the 61st Grammy Awards, but lost to Childish Gambino's "This Is America". Lucas and Chris Brown announced a collaborative project titled Angels & Demons on February 25, 2018, with the project's first single "Stranger Things" releasing the following day. On April 1, 2018, Lucas released the single "Frozen", a song focused on different forms of reckless driving. The second single from the Angels and Demons collaborative mixtape, "I Don't Die", was released on May 2.
On July 31, 2018, Lucas announced that he was forced to cancel appearances in the Australian and European legs of his I'm Kind of a Big Deal tour due to hoarseness and laryngitis. A month later, Lucas was featured on "Lucky You" from Eminem's tenth album, Kamikaze. The song debuted at number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking Lucas' first top 10 entry on the chart. On October 12, 2018, Lucas announced that he would be releasing his debut studio album entitled ADHD. He also announced a single from the album that would be released the following Wednesday. The song, entitled "I Love", was released as the lead single from ADHD, which was released on March 27, 2020. It was preceded by nine singles from October 2018 to March 2020, the time before release.
On August 17, 2020, Lucas announced the release date of his debut EP, Evolution. It was released on October 23, 2020. It was preceded by two singles, "Snitch" and "Fall Slowly" featuring Ashanti.
Lucas has cited several artists as influences in his music, but he cites Eminem as his biggest musical influence. He also revealed he was influenced by Will Smith in his song "Will", which he would release a remix of featuring Will Smith himself on May 15, 2020. He cites Jay-Z as one of his influences too.
Joyner Lucas shares a son named Joyner Messiah Lucas (born February 20, 2016) with Carmen Julissa Ayala, whom he had an off and on romantic relationship with. Lucas tells the story of his son's conception in his song "Forever" on his mixtape 508-507-2209. Joyner Messiah Lucas is loved and adored by his father and referenced in many of his songs. He has also made cameos in his father's music videos. Most recently he played Will Smith's son Jaden Smith in the video of "Will".
Lucas has revealed that the title of his album ADHD comes from the fact that he was diagnosed with ADHD as a child. He explained that people surrounding him, including his own parents, made him feel like he was not normal and treated him differently as a result. Eventually, he would act out and get sent to an alternative school after expulsion.
Feuds
Logic
According to Lucas, when he was on Tech N9ne's tour bus, he heard some records from Tech's album The Storm. Lucas expressed interest on collaborating with Logic on the song "Sriracha" and felt that he could add to the display of fast-flow rapping, and Tech acquiesced. Logic was originally slated to be the only feature on "Sriracha", but when he spent over six months to deliver his verse, Lucas hopped on the track to offer his own. Joyner stated that when they got the record back, he could tell that Logic was not "too happy" about him being on the track once he heard it. On his remix of Future's "Mask Off", Joyner, unhappy by the work Logic turned in after taking nearly half a year to edit his verse, directly addressed the disappointing display. Both he and Tech N9ne were upset with Logic for not emulating the style of quick flow on the song.
After Logic's hit song "1-800-273-8255" peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100, Joyner Lucas immediately took offense and argued that the track was named in order to bring direct competition to his project, 508-507-2209. In a later interview, he called Logic "corny" and in another incident, he said that he thinks that Logic "can rap" but feels like "he tries to prove that he's black too much for me." With both Logic's single and Lucas' mixtape dealing with the issue of mental health representation and resource allocation, Lucas was careful to not slam the track too hard.
When Logic dropped his song "Yuck" from his mixtape Bobby Tarantino II in March 2018, the veiled diss inside the song was quickly spotted by Lucas and his fans, despite Logic saying that there was no diss in the song. Seemingly nonplussed by the insult, Lucas dared Logic to call him out directly on Twitter. That same month, Joyner took aim at Logic's song "44 More" and his album Everybody on his remix of BlocBoy JB's "Look Alive".
In 2019, the two rappers ended their feud, which was revealed when Logic made a guest appearance on Joyner Lucas' song "ISIS", the third single from ADHD. Lucas kept the name of the collaborator a secret until he released the song.
Hopsin
In September 2018, when a fan asked Los Angeles rapper Hopsin on Twitter who would win in a rap battle between him and Joyner Lucas, Hopsin replied, "That's a dumb question that I'm sure you already know the answer to." Not long after, Lucas commented, "Hold up. @Hopsin wtf is that supposed to mean???" In his response, Hopsin stated that he would "b[r]eak his soul" and also dissed Logic in the comment. This dispute would prove to be short-lived, when in less than two days Hopsin shared a screenshot of a FaceTime call with Lucas, indicating that they finally made peace, but still wanted people to consider who would beat the other in a rap battle. While the majority favored Hopsin, Lucas was adamant without arguing.
Tory Lanez
Joyner Lucas' feud with Canadian recording artist Tory Lanez began over matters similar to his beef with Hopsin. On November 19, 2018, Lanez claimed that he was a better rapper than Joyner Lucas on an Instagram Live session. Incredulous, Lucas immediately responded by inviting Lanez to a battle rapping challenge and telling him to let the public decide who is better. The next day, Lanez dropped a freestyle over Eminem's "Lucky You", of which Lucas made a guest appearance on. In less than 24 hours, Joyner responded with his freestyle over "Litty" by Meek Mill featuring Tory Lanez, also targeting rapper Trippie Redd, who joined Tory's Instagram Live and slandered Joyner's name as well. Shortly after, Lanez retaliated with his own freestyle of "Litty", titled "Litty Again", taking shots at Joyner's collaboration with Eminem. Lucas' answer song was a freestyle of Kodak Black's "Zeze". On the track, he mentions Tory's being accused of plagiarism in 2016, when listeners noticed that the ending of Lanez's song "4am Flex" was similar to Kendrick Lamar's "The Art of Peer Pressure". Joyner also accuses him of copying rapper Don Q's flow on his 2017 Funkmaster Flex freestyle. On November 23, Tory posted on Instagram a video of him declaring victory in the feud and celebrating. Displeased, Lucas reposted the video with his own comment, with a reference to Lanez as a singer.
The end of this rivalry was made public on August 8, 2019, when Joyner Lucas and Tory Lanez collaborated on their remix of "Suge" by DaBaby.
The Grammy Awards are held annually by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. Joyner has two Grammy nominations altogether; one for Best Music Video for “I’m Not Racist” and one for Best Rap Song for “Lucky You” by Eminem.
10 Bands
JOYNER LUCAS Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ten bands (uh), twenty bands (what?)
She'll do anything for a couple grand (uh)
Never had no money but she love to dance (what?)
I give all my money back to Uncle Sam
My ex bitch still want another chance (what?)
Man, I swear I'll never fall in love again (uh)
Me and Timbaland got other plans
You don't really know what you up against (yeah)
Boy, you know I always got the upper hand
You ain't never been through the struggle, man (boop)
Home-made grits in the oven pan (uh)
You don't want shit, you don't wanna dance (no)
Two shots, make 'em do the runnin' man (uh)
And they say, "Love is a drug" (uh-huh)
Man, I swear I'll never take drugs again
I traded my bike for a hoopty (hoopty)
Traded my hoopty for a Honda (Honda)
Traded my Honda for a Panther (yeah)
I just got a crib in Wakanda (woo)
I never been into the drama (drama)
Never been a fan of designer (uh)
All I really got is one wish (what's that?)
A one night stand with Madonna (woo)
Think I gotta hit 'em wit' the head bust (head bust, uh-huh)
This is for 'em days that they made me ride a motherfuckin' sped bus (ay, uh-huh)
And this is for 'em days that my teachers tol' me I should go and sell drugs
Niggas went to jail, ain't nobody put the bail up
Shawty had the money, but she went and got her hair done
Niggas hatin' on me, but I never really cared much, Goddamn
Ten bands (yeah), twenty bands (whoa)
She'll do anything for a couple grand (yeah)
Never had no money but she love to dance (boop)
And I gave all my money back to Uncle Sam (uh)
My ex bitch still want another chance (yeah)
Man, I swear I'll never fall in love again (what?)
And they say, "Love is a drug" (uh-huh)
(I done brought the, I done brought the)
I done brought the hitters out to play (uh-huh)
I don't like you, you don't like me
Fuck it, let's get it out the way (uh-huh)
What we gon' do? What it's gon' be?
I just got a million out the bank (uh-huh)
Spoil my son, do what I please
Fuck what any nigga gotta say (uh-huh, boop)
Lay in the sun, tickle my feet
I just might pull up in the mink (mink)
Take my enemies out to drink (what?)
Toss my weapons in the lake (yeah)
Count up my blessings, them straight (nah)
I think I might go on a date (date, uh)
Count all my dough in the safe
Roll with the wave, look at my soul in the face
They don't even know what to say, I just want
Ten bands, twenty bands (woo)
She'll do anything for a couple grand (yeah)
Never had no money but she love to dance (yeah)
And I gave all my money back to Uncle Sam
My ex bitch still want another chance (yeah)
Man, I swear I'll never fall in love again (uh)
Someone said, "Love is a drug" (uh-huh)
(Men lie, men lie, men lie)
Men lie, women lie, niggas lie, yeah
I'ma ride 'long as I'm alive, whoa (boop, boop)
Homicide, kill 'em like genocide, yeah (brrap, brrap)
Get it on camera, televise, whoa (boop, boop)
ADHD, I identify, uh (brrap, brrap)
Look at my feelings, I'm civilized, yeah
Analyzed, and I might spin a knife with a dyke (brrap, brrap)
Get it right, bitch, if I hit it right, uh
I remember scraping at the quarters (uh-huh, quarters)
Drinkin' from the sink to get some water (uh-huh, water)
Tryna pay the rent I couldn't afford it (uh-huh)
Stressin' made a nigga bipolar (uh-huh, woo!)
Washing machine out of order (uh-huh, order)
Nigga had to hustle on the corner (uh-huh, corner)
Now I'm back, I'm four from the border
Saving up hoes like a hoarder
Ten bands (woo), twenty bands (what?)
She'll do anything for a couple grand (yeah)
Never had no money but she love to dance (woo)
And I gave all my money back to Uncle Sam
My ex bitch still want another chance (yeah)
Man, I swear, I'll never fall in love again (boop)
I done came up, I'm the fuckin' man (woo)
Me and Timbaland got other plans (woo)
You don't really know what you up against (boop)
Boy, you know I always had the upper hand
You ain't never been through the struggle, man (ah)
Home-made grits in the oven pan (boop)
You don't want shit, you don't wanna dance (woo)
Two shots, make 'em do the runnin' man
Someone said, "Love is a drug" (uh-huh)
I don't wanna ever take drugs again (boop!)
The song "10 Bands" by Joyner Lucas is a reflection of his rise to fame and success. The lyrics describe his experience with money, women, and drugs. The hook of the song, "Ten bands, twenty bands, she'll do anything for a couple grand," refers to women who are willing to do anything for money, even though they don't necessarily have any of their own. Joyner reflects on his past struggles, including being poor and having to ride a sped bus to school. He also mentions his desire for one night with Madonna, and his decision to never take drugs again.
The lyrics are powerful and evoke emotion, drawing attention to the dark side of fame and success. While the catchy beat may make you want to dance, the lyrics shine a light on the harsh realities of the industry. Through his storytelling, Joyner Lucas highlights the contrast between the struggles he faced during his upbringing and the lavish lifestyle he now enjoys.
The song is also notable for its production, which features Timbaland on the beat. Like many of Joyner Lucas's songs, 10 Bands showcases his lyrical abilities and proves that he is a force to be reckoned with in the rap game.
Line by Line Meaning
Uh, uh-huh
Joyner Lucas starts the song with this phrase indicating his readiness for what is to come.
Ten bands (uh), twenty bands (what?)
Joyner brings up money in terms of currency bands, always conveniently asking whether more money really brings more happiness.
She'll do anything for a couple grand (uh)
The artist draws attention to how people can be tempted to do anything for money, even when it goes against their own morals or best interests.
Never had no money but she love to dance (what?)
He highlights the fact that despite not having much money, people can still find joy in the small things in life like dancing.
I give all my money back to Uncle Sam
Joyner returns his money back to the government as taxes, revealing that he’s a patriotic citizen.
My ex bitch still want another chance (what?)
He admits to having an ex-girlfriend who still wants to be with him and he has no intention of getting back with her.
Man, I swear I'll never fall in love again (uh)
Joyner Lucas confesses that he has been through heartbreak and vows never to fall in love again.
I done came up, I'm the fuckin' man (what?)
From humble beginnings, Joyner has faced his fair share of struggles, but he is now confident in who he is and where he came from.
Me and Timbaland got other plans
With Timbaland working with him, Joyner knows he can always count on the partnership and plan their next moves together.
You don't really know what you up against (yeah)
Joyner Lucas warns anyone against trying to compete with him because they don't know what they're doing or what they're dealing with.
Boy, you know I always got the upper hand
He points out that he always has a clear advantage over anyone and is assured of winning.
You ain't never been through the struggle, man (boop)
Joyner calls out those who have never experienced what he has been through regarding struggles and hardships.
Home-made grits in the oven pan (uh)
This line is a nod to his upbringing, where his family had to make the most out of the simplest things like cooking homemade grits.
You don't want shit, you don't wanna dance (no)
He confronts people who don't show any enthusiasm to enjoy life or try new things even when given the opportunity.
Two shots, make 'em do the runnin' man (uh)
Joyner suggests that he can make people dance just by giving them two shots of alcohol.
And they say, "Love is a drug" (uh-huh)
He references the popular saying that love can be as addictive as drugs.
Man, I swear I'll never take drugs again
Joyner Lucas reflects on his past drug use and promises to never go back to using them.
I traded my bike for a hoopty (hoopty)
Joyner traded in one of his possessions, his motorbike, to gain a depreciated, beat-up car to get him where he needs to go.
Traded my hoopty for a Honda (Honda)
He then upgraded the car to a Honda, a car make known for its reliability and efficiency.
Traded my Honda for a Panther (yeah)
His next car upgrade was to a Panther, which symbolizes his growth and journey as an artist.
I just got a crib in Wakanda (woo)
Referring to the land of Wakanda from Marvel's Black Panther, Joyner brags about his new house, which is being compared to the futuristic utopia.
I never been into the drama (drama)
Despite the ups and downs of his life, Joyner has always been able to steer clear of any unwanted drama.
Never been a fan of designer (uh)
Joyner isn't one for designer clothing brands that boast high-end price tags.
All I really got is one wish (what's that?)
Joyner has only one wish above all others.
A one-night stand with Madonna (woo)
He reveals his wish to have a one-night stand with Madonna, one of the most iconic female musicians of all time.
Think I gotta hit 'em wit' the head-bust (head bust, uh-huh)
He forewarns his foes that he'll take them down, no matter what.
This is for 'em days that they made me ride a motherfuckin' sped bus (ay, uh-huh)
Memories of days riding the special education bus still linger in his mind.
And this is for 'em days that my teachers told me I should go and sell drugs
During some of his lowest points, even his educators suggested he resort to selling drugs as a way of making money.
Niggas went to jail, ain't nobody put the bail up
Even though his friends were in jail, nobody bailed them out.
Shawty had the money, but she went and got her hair done
There's a girl with money but spends it on frivolous items, like a new hairstyle, instead of helping those around her who are in need.
Niggas hatin' on me, but I never really cared much, Goddamn
Haters gonna hate, but Joyner Lucas doesn't give a care for their opinions.
I done brought the hitters out to play (uh-huh)
Joyner has called upon a team of ‘hitters’ to play, letting you know that he's ready for whatever.
I don't like you, you don't like me / Fuck it, let's get it out the way (uh-huh)
Joyner acknowledges a situation in which he doesn't get on with someone and suggests that they clear the air.
What we gon' do? What it's gon' be?
He puts the question out there, wondering what's going to happen between them moving forward.
I just got a million out the bank (uh-huh)
He wastes no time in flashing his wealth, revealing that he has recently cashed out a million dollars.
Spoil my son, do what I please
He's going to shower his son with everything his heart desires, with no hesitations.
Fuck what any nigga gotta say (uh-huh, boop)
Joyner couldn't care less about the opinions of others, he does him regardless of what they may think.
Lay in the sun, tickle my feet
Joyner describes a scene basking in the sun, enjoying the simple pleasures in life.
I just might pull up in the mink (mink)
He's going to pull up somewhere wearing a mink coat.
Take my enemies out to drink (what?)
He'll take those who don't like him out to drink as a sign of making peace.
Toss my weapons in the lake (yeah)
Joyner sees that violence doesn't solve anything, and sometimes, it's necessary to throw in the towel and move on.
Count up my blessings, them straight (nah)
He counts the many blessings he has received over the years and is grateful for their straight path.
I think I might go on a date (date, uh)
Joyner is considering going on a date with someone.
Count all my dough in the safe
He counts all his money and keeps it in a safe place.
Roll with the wave, look at my soul in the face
He's riding the wave of his success and looking himself in the mirror to make sure he's taking everything in stride.
They don't even know what to say, I just want / Ten bands, twenty bands (woo)
They do not know what to say to Joyner when he's making money, and all he wants is more money to come through.
Never had no money but she love to dance (yeah)
She loves to dance despite not having any money.
Someone said, "Love is a drug" (uh-huh)
He returns to the theme of love and its alleged similarities to being a drug.
(Men lie, men lie, men lie) / Men lie, women lie, niggas lie, yeah
He emphasizes the theme of lies and deception, calling out people for what they are.
I'ma ride 'long as I'm alive, whoa (boop, boop) / Homicide, kill 'em like genocide, yeah (brrap, brrap) / Get it on camera, televise, whoa (boop, boop)
Joyner proclaims his willingness to stand up for himself and anyone in need, even to the extent of violence if he needs to.
ADHD, I identify, uh (brrap, brrap) / Look at my feelings, I'm civilized, yeah / Analyzed, and I might spin a knife with a dyke (brrap, brrap)
The artist speaks about his experiences with ADHD and how he's been able to live with it and become accustomed.
Get it right, bitch, if I hit it right, uh / I remember scraping at the quarters (uh-huh, quarters) / Drinkin' from the sink to get some water (uh-huh, water)
Joyner wants to make sure he's pleasuring his partner as best he can, even if it's just remembering the small things in his past for inspiration.
Tryna pay the rent I couldn't afford it (uh-huh) / Stressin' made a nigga bipolar (uh-huh, woo!) / Washing machine out of order (uh-huh, order) / Nigga had to hustle on the corner (uh-huh, corner) / Now I'm back, I'm four from the border / Saving up hoes like a hoarder
He recalls the struggles of his past, which include not being able to pay rent, being stressed, having a washing machine out of order, having to hustle on the corner, but he's come so far by saving up.
Man, I swear, I'll never fall in love again (boop)
In the end, he stands by his word and swears off love once and for all, reverting back to the chorus.
I done came up, I'm the fuckin' man (woo)
The artist has finally achieved his success, and he's enjoying the fruits of his labor.
Me and Timbaland got other plans (woo)
Together, they're taking on the world, with nothing holding them back.
You don't really know what you up against (boop)
Joyner's confidence knows no bounds, and he's ready to face whatever comes his way.
Boy, you know I always had the upper hand
As always, he's in charge, and his rivals will never see him coming.
You ain't never been through the struggle, man (ah)
He speaks about people who have had it easy and have never been through life's struggles.
Home-made grits in the oven pan (boop)
Another nod to his simple upbringing, where homemade grits were a staple in the household.
You don't want shit, you don't wanna dance (woo)
He's calling out people who refuse to participate in the joys of life like dancing.
Two shots, make 'em do the runnin' man
Joyner remembers a time when two shots of alcohol would make someone dance the running man.
I don't wanna ever take drugs again (boop!)
He reiterates his promise to remain drug-free and never return to his old ways.
Lyrics © Anthem Entertainment, Reservoir Media Management, Inc.
Written by: Gary Maurice Lucas Jr, Timothy Zachery Mosley
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@glyle2504
Cuz is releasing his WHOLE album through singles
@connerharris4754
G Lyle yep
@kemartejefferson3982
It’s driving me crazy
@josephcordell3102
I ain't mad at him. It builds hype
@uuneek2462
G Lyle lol
@dadoune5286
@@RoyaltyBoxing I saw him in Amsterdam a couple weeks ago, he said he is dropping a single every 2 weeks. The album is not 20+ songs. Just be happy already.
@bigdawggwiththefacts
Dude is simply a genius. Dropping each song from ADHD one by one to get the full effect of each. Boy is a beast for sure.
@ililililliil
Guy needs to drop that Eminem collab before I shove my pregnant girl in the trunk of my car and drive that bitch into the river
@jacksonmuralt5604
Richard Yarber dropping one song at a time is so annoying. Then when you album comes out you can’t be excited you’ve heard everything...
@mysterio508
@@ililililliil hold up