Hendricks was born in Flatbush, Brooklyn, to Jamaican parents. He spent the majority of his childhood in Flatbush before moving to Alabama at age 13, where he says he experienced a significant amount of racism, later affecting his music. Hendricks moved to Louisiana and enlisted in the United States Air Force at age 18. He served a tour of duty in Iraq and also spent time in Kuwait, Germany, Japan, and North Africa before being honorably discharged. Though he previously claimed to have a master's degree in journalism, Hendricks has since clarified that, though having studied the subject while deployed, he was not officially awarded a degree. In April of 2021, Hendricks revealed through social media that he had "a sexually, verbally, and physically abusive childhood."
Hendricks developed an interest in music production at the age of 15, and he began producing after he learned how to sample. Describing his production, Hendricks says "When I was first making beats, no one liked the beats. To this day I give people beats and they're just confused." He says "I started rapping because no one liked my beats." Noting that he started producing before he started rapping, Hendricks said "I'm a producer first kind of, and then a rapper second but I take both of them seriously."
His music has mostly been described as experimental hip-hop but has been said to incorporate a wide range of genres into his music such as trap, R&B, and noise rap. In an interview with Cambridge Union, Hendricks noted that his biggest influence is Kanye West. He states that one of his earliest influences was the rock group Hanson. He has also cited Ol' Dirty Bastard, Throbbing Gristle, MF DOOM,Lil B, Chief Keef, Ice Cube, Rick Rubin, Cam'Ron, Björk, Janelle Monáe, Radiohead, The Backstreet Boys, and Arca as influences.
During his military stay in Japan, he was producing and writing music under the name Devon Hendryx. In 2015, after moving to Baltimore, he began to make music under his moniker JPEGMAFIA, under which he released his mixtape “Communist Slow Jams” in April of 2015. Only a month later, he released his mixtape “Darkskin Manson,” inspired by the Freddie Gray protests in Baltimore happening right as he had moved there.
Following a number of mixtapes, Hendricks released his debut studio album, “Black Ben Carson,” in February 2016 via Deathbomb Arc featuring a much harsher, distorted sound than his other projects. Four months later, he released a collaborative EP with fellow Baltimore-based rapper Freaky, titled "The 2nd Amendment.” After less than 3 years living there, Hendricks moved from Baltimore to Los Angeles to record his next studio album. In January 2018, he released his second studio album “Veteran.” In an article on Bandcamp, he said “I wanted to show I'm not just a one-trick pony. I always do weird shit. I usually just keep it to myself. This time, I just let the filter go." At the time of its release, “Veteran” was considered JPEGMAFIA's most experimental album to date, receiving widespread critical acclaim.
After the release of Veteran, Hendricks started working on his next album. He recorded 93 songs but whittled it down to only 18 tracks. He mixed and mastered it at the end of Vince Staples' tour, posting percentage updates frequently on his Instagram. Prior to the release, he would label the project as a "disappointment" in interviews and his social media. The first single from the album, "Jesus Forgive Me, I Am a Thot," was released on August 13, 2019. He promoted the album by uploading a series of listening sessions to his YouTube channel where friends and artists such as Denzel Curry, Jeff Tweedy (of Wilco), and Hannibal Buress discussed and reacted to cuts off of the album. “All My Heroes Are Cornballs” was released on September 13, 2019, to further critical acclaim, and was his first album to chart. In October 2019, he embarked on the JPEGMAFIA Type Tour to support his album.
In 2020, Hendricks released several singles across the span of the year, and compiled them into an EP, aptly titled EP!. It was released on Hendricks' Bandcamp page on November 6, and on streaming services with the addition of one extra single on December 10. On February 12, 2021, Hendricks released his second extended play, EP2!. On October 2, Hendricks announced his album, LP!, which was released on October 22, 2021, his birthday.
On January 15, 2023, Hendricks made a hint on his social media that he was working on a collaborative project with fellow rapper, Danny Brown. On January 20, 2023, Hendricks officially announced three albums will be dropping the same year. On February 10, 2023, Hendricks announced on his Twitter that the collaborative project with Danny Brown was finished, and is working on his second album for the year. On February 28, 2023, on The Danny Brown Show, both Hendricks and Brown announced that their collaborative project was named SCARING THE HOES, and played a sneak peek of the first single on the project.
On March 13, 2023, the first single of the project called “Lean Beef Patty“ was released to streaming services, and Hendricks announced that the collaborative project is set to release on March 24, 2023. The second single “SCARING THE HOES“ was released to streaming services three days before the release date of the album along with a music video. Three days later, the collaborative album "SCARING THE HOES"was released.
Curb Stomp
JPEGMAFIA Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Ask me I give a fuck) so
(Nope), no
Did I tell you?
So, (this nigga right now, nigga), oh
Da-damn, )eggy! What?
Hit, hit, hit
Smallville fucking with the Kents (hit)
Kush getting trumped for the pence
I'm rolling (yeah)
Fuck that nigga, I'm Rollins (yeah)
3rd reich nigga, I'm Stalin
Curb stomp all my opponents
Aw baby, I'm violent (huh, yeah)
Kush loud but the gun silent (yeah)
Fuck rap, nigga, I'm firing (brrat)
Alt right pussies keep crying (why?)
Did I tell you?
Biddy bye bye
Clap your hands, when the glock, extend, I'ma
Clap your mans, he's a fucking fan
We don't fuck with stans, nigga, watch your hands
Hit, hit, hit, hit
Peglord charging niggas rent (hit)
Pig stay picking up his scent (bitch, hit)
Nigga, what's a God to a trend? (yo, uh yeah)
Fuck a Torah, bitch, I'm praying Benz (no shit)
Rocky horror, pick her pocket then I spend (bitch lit)
Young aramark I profit off the pen (what the fuck?)
And these drafts never got sent (ah)
I'm rolling
Fuck that nigga, I'm Rollins
3rd reich nigga, I'm Stalin
Curb stomp all my opponents (heh, heh-heh)
Aw baby, I'm dying
I'm crying
Aww, baby I'm-
Ayy, I punched that nigga (did I tell you?)
What, what? Hol' up
The lyrics to JPEGMAFIA's song "Curb Stomp" depict a sense of aggression and defiance. The opening lines acknowledge the potential judgment or disapproval from others but dismisses their opinions, indicating a lack of concern for their perception. The repetition of "nope" further emphasizes this indifference. The line "Did I tell you?" adds a confrontational tone, as if challenging anyone to question or challenge the artist.
The chorus expresses a strong sense of self-confidence and power. The reference to "Superman Peggy" making hits suggests the artist's belief in their own talent and ability to create impactful music. The phrase "Smallville fucking with the Kents" could be interpreted as a metaphor for the artist's rise from a small town to achieving success and recognition.
The verse continues with a mix of braggadocio and provocative statements. The lines "Curb stomp all my opponents" and "Fuck rap, nigga, I'm firing" portray a desire to dominate and surpass others in the music industry. The mention of being compared to Stalin and the Third Reich adds an element of controversy and rebellion, challenging societal norms and expectations.
The second chorus continues the themes of power and defiance. The line "Peglord charging niggas rent" suggests that the artist is so influential and successful that others have to pay for their association or influence. The line "Fuck a Torah, bitch, I'm praying Benz" could be seen as a rejection of religious values or a defiance of societal expectations in favor of personal material success.
Overall, "Curb Stomp" is a bold and assertive song that showcases JPEGMAFIA's rebellious and unapologetic attitude, serving as an outlet for his creative expression and challenging societal norms.
Line by Line Meaning
(Niggas right there probably thinking I'm loud as shit)
People nearby might assume that I am speaking very loudly.
(Ask me I give a fuck) so
If you were to inquire about my level of care, the answer would be none.
(Nope), no
Absolutely not.
Did I tell you?
Have I informed you yet?
So, (this nigga right now, nigga), oh
In my current state, this individual has my attention.
Da-damn, )eggy! What?
Wow, my name is unexpectedly being mentioned.
Hit, hit, hit
I am consistently releasing successful music.
Superman Peggy making hits (hit)
I, who possess powers like Superman, am creating popular songs.
Smallville fucking with the Kents (hit)
I am having sexual relations with individuals from a small town called Smallville who bear the surname Kent.
Kush getting trumped for the pence
Marijuana is being replaced by financial gain.
I'm rolling (yeah)
I am currently partaking in the consumption of drugs.
Fuck that nigga, I'm Rollins (yeah)
I hold a strong disdain for that individual, as I embody the characteristics of Rollins.
3rd reich nigga, I'm Stalin
Similar to Stalin during the Third Reich, I exert dominating control over my surroundings.
Curb stomp all my opponents
I will metaphorically dominate and overpower any challengers.
Aw baby, I'm violent (huh, yeah)
My actions and demeanor can be aggressive and intense.
Kush loud but the gun silent (yeah)
Although the marijuana I consume is potent, my weapon remains discreetly quiet.
Fuck rap, nigga, I'm firing (brrat)
I have no interest in conventional rap music as I prefer engaging in confrontations.
Alt right pussies keep crying (why?)
Individuals associated with the far-right political ideology continuously express their distress, but I fail to comprehend why.
Biddy bye bye
Farewell.
Clap your hands when the glock extend, I'ma
Applaud and celebrate when I take out my firearm and extend it.
Clap your mans, he's a fucking fan
Eliminate your companion who is merely an avid supporter of mine.
We don't fuck with stans, nigga, watch your hands
We do not associate with excessively zealous fans, so beware.
Peglord charging niggas rent (hit)
As the ruler, I am making others pay a significant price to be in my presence.
Pig stay picking up his scent (bitch, hit)
The police continue to investigate my actions and track me down.
Nigga, what's a God to a trend? (yo, uh yeah)
In comparison to a current trend, an all-powerful deity holds little significance.
Fuck a Torah, bitch, I'm praying Benz (no shit)
I have no interest in the sacred Jewish text, as I am more focused on acquiring luxurious vehicles.
Rocky horror, pick her pocket then I spend (bitch lit)
Similar to the movie 'Rocky Horror Picture Show,' I steal a woman's money and then lavish it.
Young aramark I profit off the pen (what the fuck?)
I, like the corporation Aramark, make a profit through my skilled use of the pen (writing).
And these drafts never got sent (ah)
Furthermore, the written pieces I have created were never distributed.
Aww baby I'm dying
My current state is one of deterioration and decline.
I'm crying
I am shedding tears.
Aww, baby I'm-
My condition is causing emotional distress.
Ayy, I punched that nigga (did I tell you?)
Hey, I physically struck that individual (have I already mentioned this?).
What, what? Hol' up
What did you say? Wait a moment.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Barrington Hendricks
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind