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.
Finally
JOYNER LUCAS Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Every damn thing, new day, new fight
Always runnin' in and out my life
Hell no (hell no)
But I won't let you back in this time
I won't let you back in my mind (ye)
I won't let you blame me this time
Hell no (hell no, no)
Finally, I can fly and be free and be me
You do you, I'll do me
I don't mind it (no, no)
Finally, I can fly and be free and be me
You do you, I'll do me
And I like it
And they used to always tell me, "You ain't nothin' special" (woo)
Damn it, you done took it to another level (yeah)
I was patient, you was dangerous, I was young and mellow
Congratulations, you done turned me to a fuckin' rebel (yeah)
Yeah, I've been peeped by how you move like some new luggage (new luggage)
Used to love you back when we were boo lovin' (woo)
That was way before I seen ya fuckin' true colors (yeah)
Always poppin' shit and I ain't even do nothin' (Joyner)
Tryna play me like we unofficial (unofficial)
You got other issues (other issues)
I done held you down when weren't nobody fuckin' with you
Once you close a door, don't you let it fuckin' hit you
And I'd be lyin' if I told you I was gonna miss you
I ain't chasin' that (nah)
I just made a stack (stack)
I gave you the world, now I gotta take it back
I gave you the world, now I gotta fade it black (oh, shit)
I lost it all, but I made it back
Got a hundred million things all on my mind
Every damn thing, new day, new fight
Always runnin' in and out my life
Hell no (hell no)
But I won't let you back in this time
I won't let you back in my mind (ye)
I won't let you blame me this time
Hell no (hell no, no)
Finally, I can fly and be free and be me
You do you, I'll do me
I don't mind it
Finally, I can fly and be free and be me
You do you, I'll do me
And I like it (ooh)
Okay, I'ma do me, you do what you gotta (yeah)
I'll go where I want, ain't gotta tell you nada (nope)
I been hustlin', I been cookin' up the Betty Crocker (woo)
You been strugglin', you be chasin' after every dollar
And I used to be around, now I'm cold-blooded (cold-blooded)
I'm just petty, I been holdin' onto old grudges (old grudges)
Oh, you think you know, but you don't know nothin' (nah)
Oh, you opinionated, who you think you? Joe Budden?
I still think you do the most though (most though)
Now I'm ghost though (ghost though)
I'm like, "Nigga, I still got my fuckin' mojo" (mojo)
You love the drama, and I think you need your own show (yeah)
If you call me, it's a no call, no show (no call)
Baby, I ain't chasin' that
I just made a stack
I gave you the world, now I gotta take it back (back)
I gave you the world, now I gotta fade it black (oh, shit)
I lost it all, but I made it back
Got a hundred million things all on my mind
Every damn thing, new day, new fight
Always runnin' in and out my life
Hell no (hell no)
But I won't let you back in this time
I won't let you back in my mind (ye)
I won't let you blame me this time
Hell no (ooh)
Finally, I can fly and be free and be me
You do you, I'll do me
I don't mind it (no, finally)
Finally, I can fly and be free and be me (ooh)
You do you, I'll do me
And I like it (ooh)
The lyrics to "Finally" by Joyner Lucas and Chris Brown convey a sense of liberation and empowerment after a tumultuous relationship. The song suggests that the singer has been burdened by numerous thoughts and struggles, but now they have decided to break free from their past and move forward. They refuse to let their ex-partner back into their life and mind, taking control of their own happiness. The repetitive phrases of "Finally, I can fly and be free and be me" reinforce the idea of self-discovery and self-acceptance.
The lyrics also touch upon the emotional turmoil the singer experienced during the relationship. They were constantly criticized and made to feel inadequate, leading to a transformation into a rebellious and confident individual. The lines "Used to love you back when we were boo lovin'" and "Always poppin' shit and I ain't even do nothin'" suggest a shift in the partner's behavior, revealing their true colors and causing the singer to distance themselves.
Overall, the lyrics of "Finally" express a newfound sense of independence, resilience, and self-assurance after a toxic relationship. It speaks to the importance of self-love and not allowing others to define one's worth.
Line by Line Meaning
Got a hundred million things all on my mind
I have a lot of thoughts and concerns occupying my mind.
Every damn thing, new day, new fight
Every single thing seems to bring a new struggle or conflict.
Always runnin' in and out my life
You are constantly coming and going in my life.
Hell no (hell no)
Absolutely not, I won't allow it.
But I won't let you back in this time
I won't allow you to re-enter my life this time.
I won't let you back in my mind (ye)
You won't have control over my thoughts again.
I won't let you blame me this time
I won't accept the blame for this situation.
Finally, I can fly and be free and be me
Finally, I can experience liberation and be true to myself.
You do you, I'll do me
You should do what makes you happy, and I'll do the same for myself.
I don't mind it (no, no)
I'm okay with it, it doesn't bother me.
And they used to always tell me, "You ain't nothin' special" (woo)
People used to constantly belittle me and say I'm not unique.
Damn it, you done took it to another level (yeah)
You have escalated the situation and made it worse.
I was patient, you was dangerous, I was young and mellow
I remained calm while you were reckless, I was young and easygoing.
Congratulations, you done turned me to a fuckin' rebel (yeah)
Congratulations, you have made me into a rebellious person.
Yeah, I've been peeped by how you move like some new luggage (new luggage)
I have noticed how you act like a brand new possession that can be discarded easily.
Used to love you back when we were boo lovin' (woo)
I used to love you when we were deeply infatuated with each other.
That was way before I seen ya fuckin' true colors (yeah)
That was long before I witnessed your real, unpleasant personality traits.
Always poppin' shit and I ain't even do nothin' (Joyner)
You always start unnecessary arguments even when I didn't provoke anything.
Tryna play me like we unofficial (unofficial)
You're attempting to treat me as if our relationship wasn't official.
You got other issues (other issues)
You have additional problems or concerns.
I done held you down when weren't nobody fuckin' with you
I supported you when no one else cared about you.
Once you close a door, don't you let it fuckin' hit you
When you decide to end something, don't be surprised by the consequences.
And I'd be lyin' if I told you I was gonna miss you
I would be dishonest if I said I would miss you.
I ain't chasin' that (nah)
I'm not pursuing that anymore.
I just made a stack (stack)
I have just accumulated a large amount of money.
I gave you the world, now I gotta take it back
I provided you with everything, but now I must reclaim it.
I lost it all, but I made it back
I lost everything, but I managed to recover and regain what I had.
Okay, I'ma do me, you do what you gotta (yeah)
Alright, I will focus on myself, and you should do what you need to do.
I'll go where I want, ain't gotta tell you nada (nope)
I will go wherever I please, I don't have to inform you about it.
I been hustlin', I been cookin' up the Betty Crocker (woo)
I have been working hard and achieving success.
You been strugglin', you be chasin' after every dollar
You have been struggling and desperately pursuing wealth.
And I used to be around, now I'm cold-blooded (cold-blooded)
I used to be present and caring, but now I am indifferent and heartless.
I'm just petty, I been holdin' onto old grudges (old grudges)
I am being spiteful, keeping past grievances alive.
Oh, you think you know, but you don't know nothin' (nah)
You believe you understand, but you actually have no knowledge on the matter.
Oh, you opinionated, who you think you? Joe Budden?
You are excessively opinionated, who do you think you are? Joe Budden?
I still think you do the most though (most though)
I still think you always go to extremes.
Now I'm ghost though (ghost though)
Now I am absent from your life.
I'm like, "Nigga, I still got my fuckin' mojo" (mojo)
I'm thinking, 'I still have my confidence and charm.'
You love the drama, and I think you need your own show (yeah)
You thrive on drama, and I believe you should have your own TV show.
If you call me, it's a no call, no show (no call)
If you try to contact me, I will not answer or reply.
I ain't chasin' that
I'm not pursuing that anymore.
I just made a stack
I have just accumulated a large amount of money.
I gave you the world, now I gotta take it back (back)
I provided you with everything, but now I must reclaim it.
I lost it all, but I made it back
I lost everything, but I managed to recover and regain what I had.
Finally, I can fly and be free and be me
Finally, I can experience liberation and authenticity.
You do you, I'll do me
You should do what makes you happy, and I'll do the same for myself.
And I like it
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Gary Lucas, Jahaan Sweet, Matthew Samuels, Ramon Ibanga Jr.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@eric37979
Joyner and Chris Brown need to collaborate more. Every song with the two of them that I’ve heard is fire
@DC-ks6ox
They were suppose to drop an album but it never came.
@VR-of4hv
Mr. Chris Brown the hook killer 🔥🔥🔥
@Swarik28
I love it when Joyner and Chris come together on a track. They have the best chemistry and make such good songs together. They have the perfect flow and combination of rap and singing.
@shayan4444
Swarik Ramperthab ya. I love it when a great rapper collars with someone who abused Rihanna
@happyproduction4209
Shayan Ahmed she got her money she forgave him who cares
@QuinnTheTailor
@@shayan4444 she even listens to his new albums.
@garykane7522
So we just we all be domestic abuser apoligists, because she listens to his music?
@QuinnTheTailor
@@garykane7522 nobody is excusing his domestic abuse. Its just absurd how some people, you included, can not get over the fact that its now over 10 years since that incident, Chris already sit theoigh his punishment and that both Chris and Rihanna are over it. Its laughable that some losers in rl, still try to put down a man for a clear mistake he made over 10 years ago. Get over it, enjoy life instead of being the one guy nobody likes
@Scuba_Bro
Chris Brown may have fucked up a lot in the past but DAMN that boy has an amazing voice you have to appreciate!