Jay Electronica has yet to release a full-length album but has released two official singles to date, "Exhibit A" and "Exhibit C," which won a Sucker Free Summit Award for Instant Classic. His music so far has been made available through the internet, either through being leaked to what URB magazine describes as "obscure web forums", or through an appearing and disappearing MySpace page (currently two seem to be in existence, at /jayelect and at /jayelectronica). Erykah Badu has questioned whether he ever will release, in her words, "actual albums". From New Orleans, LA he has lived in Baltimore, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Denver, and Detroit, where he recorded his Style Wars-era music with several J Dilla beats, meeting the producer subsequently to ask for permission to use the recordings as a demo. Detroit is where Electronica met producer/engineer Mike "Chav" Chavarria, who introduced him to both J Dilla and Mr. Porter, and who is now a regular collaborator.
Jay Electronica first gained significant attention through Act 1: Eternal Sunshine (The Pledge), made available on a MySpace page in 2007. It is 9:13 continuous minutes of music, without drums, built from Jon Brion's soundtrack to the film Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. There are five segments or movements, marked by changes in music and mood, raps by Electronica, and occasional snippets of sampled dialogue (children arguing in Kurdish, Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka). The first segment is spoken word by Just Blaze and Erykah Badu describing the artist over piano music. The nature of the piece of music, along with the nature of its appearance, led to a slow build-up of interest in Electronica as an enigmatic figure. Songs circulating online as the Style Wars EP gained wider circulation, and other songs, such as the dream-inspired "Dimethyltryptamine", soon appeared. In January 2008, Gilles Peterson's 90-minute Gilles Peterson Worldwide was devoted to the rapper. Hiphopdx.com in 2008 called him "arguably...the most talked about new emcee last year ... at times...more like a myth or urban legend than an actual rapper", and URB ran a cover story on the artist under the banner "Jay Electronica: A Spotless Mind:: An MC’s mystery revealed", which referred to his wanderings as his being "like some sort of hip-hop Jack Kerouac".
Jeff Weiss' piece for the L.A. Weekly, "Jay Electronica: Much Better Than His Name Would Suggest", acknowledged that the rapper could be fairly described as "one of the most buzzed about rappers of 2008", but attempted to temper the hype somewhat, describing Act 1... as "ambitious, wildly original, if not slightly pretentious", while endorsing only to an extent the comparisons URB had made (referencing an "abstract rhyming style") to rappers like Nas and Pharoahe Monch.
According to URB, Act II: Patents of Nobility will feature Nas, and will be the second of a putative trilogy. URB also reported that digital EPs with both Guilty Simpson and producer 9th Wonder were planned. His most recent music as of November 2008 is the Just Blaze-produced track "Exhibit A (Transformations)".
According to a Filter TV interview, Jay Electronica has partnered with Decon to release his debut project. It is being described as a multi-media release and footage from the project which was partially shot in Nepal and Dubai has begun to surface online. The first clip to leak is titled "Dear Moleskine" and can be found on YouTube, the track was produced by Just Blaze and the clip was directed by Jason Goldwatch from Decon. In June of 2009, Decon and Jay's "The Dogon Society" released "Exhibit A" digitally. "Exhibit C" was released on iTunes December 16, 2009 and quickly shot to the top 10 of the iTunes Hip-Hop charts. The following week it was chosen by Hot 97's DJ Enuff as the Heavy Hitter pick of the week. On February 9, 2010, it was announced Jay Electronica will appear at the 2010 Bonnaroo Music Festival. Further proof of the continuing buzz about this artist saw On Jay Electronica sell out 2 nights at the Jazz Cafe Jazz Café, London (UK) on Feb 17, 2010.
Jay Electronica continued his scattered release practice, dropping "A Million In The Morning" on April 4, 2010. The song features a weary Electronica trying to keep himself awake to escape his nightmares.
On April 30th, Jay Electronica debuted "The Ghost of Christopher Wallace" via his Twitter. The song features P Diddy and is produced by London beatsmith Quincey Tones, who is known for producing such acts as Young Jeezy and Royce da 5'9".
On 12th November 2010, Jay-Z announced that Jay Electronica was officially the newest member of his own 'Roc Nation' record label/management company, which boasts such acts as J. Cole and Willow Smith.
Jay has been travelling the world and was in London, United Kingdom for an extended period of time completing his debut album 'Act II: Patents of Nobility (The Turn)'.
Jay Electronica and Erykah Badu have a child together, a girl named Mars Merkaba, born on February 1, 2009.
So What You Sayin'
Jay Electronica Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah
Jay Electronica is now in the building
I dedicate this to all you wack motherfuckers rappin' go get a job
Jay Electrolysis probing the globe like a geologist
Puttin' all of you pussies on display like gynecologists
Listen, I'm on a mission
The wise comprehend the diction hypnotized with the rhythm
Lyrical circumcision toss the shmuck in the fire
Yeah your mans and them is nice but they ain't fuckin' with Sire
I'm a higher power devour all you idolaters
You Satan worshipers nation perverters thirstin' for dollars
Jay Coldplay putting the clock on your chess game
I'm a varsity letterman you a fresh-mayne
Every line of every verse of every song is a quotable
Catch me in Mexico meditating with Quetzalcotl fuckers
I'm raining fire on you lame suckers
My tongue is the burner the barrel the biscuit don't make me buck it sprat
I'm outta that mac I came into rap carrying the south on my back
And I'm ready to scriddap
It ain't where you from son it's where you live at
I'll never kiss another niggas bum to get me did-dap
I used to sip the coke and rum blowin' dime sid-dacks
But now I'm wagin' war with wicked men in high places
So what you sayin'
Yeah yeah uhh uhh
Fuck a hook
Yeah, things will never be the same after this one
Every page of my poetry's like a round from the clip
The mic is always in my holster right on top of my hip
Niggas get flipped
When the hollow-tips spit at they melons
You niggas is Missy Misdemeanor my niggas is felons holla'
Me and Big Dame Lord of the Rings the Twin Towers
Knockin' other motherfuckers out the ring like Apollo Creed
You wanna get bleed the blood run up
And get done up until sunup
Down south they call me white man 'cause I hang emcees
Get 'em open with ease
Then pick 'em off like fleas nigga please
You ain't go no ends in me casa
Que pasa
My flow'll fuckin' swolle ya' bumba rasta
Loch Ness monster
It's like "RAAAAAA" when I strike ya'
Suplexin' niggas like Rowdy Rod Piper
John Allen Muhammad snipe ya'
It's a cost to be the boss and I paid the price-ah
Nobody's nicer
I'm cold as the North Pole nobody's icer
Shout outs to Mr. Porter, D-Twizzy, and Obie Tricer
Shady, you can catch me in the D now baby it's all gravy
Still reppin' u-p-t what is you sayin'
Yeah what is you sayin'
Ali, Sadiq we 'bout to spit fire on these motherfuckers for one thousand two hundred and sixty days
I'm trapped in the game like Pacmayne chasing the ghost
Drownin' with water in my throat got leaks in the boat
Squeezin' the toast
It's not a op-tion I got Pac on
Makaveli the don bumpin' that 'Me
and my Glock' song, zone in,
Like Robert De Niro I'm Ronin
Struck 'em up with the omen
From adolescence to grown men
Walk a mile in my shoes it proves you a soldier
I paid a lot of dues to prove to Jehovah
That I can carry the cross the castle the crown
Everywhere I roam is my home life's my battleground
Salahuddin Abdul Fard Muhammad
To come up by night ridin' Elijah the Comet (uh)
I cave chest in the brave chessman
Masterin' one twenty lessons is my profession
So get to steppin'
Or catch lead (Led) like Zeppelin
These rap cats look real but they really not like wrestlin'
Check the solar commander
I'm light years off of the scanner
Satellite dishes and cameras a bad mamma jamma
The most thorough examiner
My microphone is seven thousand nine hundred and twenty six miles in diameter
The son of man
Son of *t man* from out Puran
Master the air in the land from here to Iran
Jay Electronica revolve the world
Them Philly cats say "I like that boy he raw but he thorough"
What you sayin'
Yeah, yeah
To all you thug motherfuckers
You ain't a thug
All you Pac imitators
You ain't doing what Pac is doing
Pac was trying to start the motherfucking revolution
You niggas is cowards
We soldiers for God, we soldiers for Christ
Fall in or lay down
Fuck out of here
Either you with Satan or you with God
Nigga that's it
Choose or die nigga
Jay Electronica
Miguel el Chavarria
Cornell Whitaker, haha
Yeah...Dilla
God, haha
Cornball ass niggas...
Jay Electronica's song "So What You Sayin'" is a hard-hitting, no-holds-barred attack on the state of rap music and those who are not living up to the lyrical and musical standards set forth by him and other great MCs. The first verse of the song finds Jay proclaiming his superiority to other rappers, boasting about his lyrical ability and his mission to bring real rap back. He also takes a shot at those who worship false idols and are obsessed with material wealth over true artistry.
The second verse continues in the same vein, with Jay boasting about his skills and calling out those who try to imitate other rappers like Tupac without truly understanding his message and vision. He lays down a challenge to anyone who wants to step to him, warning that he will come back with brutal force. He also evokes the names of historical and religious figures like Salahuddin Abdul Fard Muhammad and Elijah the Comet to further emphasize his status as a powerful and influential rapper.
Throughout the song, Jay employs complex wordplay and metaphors to convey his message, using vivid imagery to paint a picture of himself as a skilled warrior and master of the mic. His flow is intense and powerful, making it clear that he is not here to play games or waste time on frivolous raps. "So What You Sayin'" is a powerful statement from a true master of the craft, and a warning to all those who would dare to challenge him or his vision.
Line by Line Meaning
Jay Electronica is now in the building
I, Jay Electronica, have arrived and am ready to make an impact
I dedicate this to all you wack motherfuckers rappin' go get a job
This song is a message to all the talentless rappers out there, encouraging them to find a proper job instead of pursuing rap
Jay Electrolysis probing the globe like a geologist
I, Jay Electronica, am exploring the world with deep analysis and understanding like a geologist
Puttin' all of you pussies on display like gynecologists
I am exposing all of you weak rappers and showcasing your lack of talent, just like gynecologists examine and expose genitalia
Listen, I'm on a mission
I have a purpose and a goal that I am actively pursuing
Most of you niggas just spittin'
Most rappers are merely rapping without any substance or meaningful content
The wise comprehend the diction hypnotized with the rhythm
Those who are wise and perceptive understand and appreciate the intricate wordplay, and they are captivated by the rhythm and flow
Lyrical circumcision toss the shmuck in the fire
I am metaphorically removing the unnecessary and inferior aspects of rap, casting them aside and focusing on pure, powerful lyricism
Yeah your mans and them is nice but they ain't fuckin' with Sire
While your friends may be skilled, they can't compete with the greatness of Jay Electronica
I'm a higher power devour all you idolaters
I am a superior force and I will consume and defeat all those who worship false idols
You Satan worshipers nation perverters thirstin' for dollars
I am criticizing those who worship material wealth and fame, corrupting and exploiting our society
Jay Coldplay putting the clock on your chess game
I, Jay Electronica, am challenging and pressuring my opponents in the rap game, just like Coldplay puts pressure on their opponents in chess
I'm a varsity letterman you a fresh-mayne
I am an experienced and skilled rapper, while you are a novice and inexperienced
Every line of every verse of every song is a quotable
Every single line I write and deliver in my songs is significant and quotable, showcasing my lyrical prowess
Catch me in Mexico meditating with Quetzalcotl fuckers
You can find me in Mexico, engaging in deep contemplation and spiritual practices with Quetzalcotl, rejecting the superficiality
I'm raining fire on you lame suckers
I am metaphorically attacking and overpowering weak rappers with intense and fiery lyrics
My tongue is the burner the barrel the biscuit don't make me buck it sprat
My words and delivery are like a loaded gun, ready to be fired with precise accuracy
I'm outta that mac I came into rap carrying the south on my back
I have surpassed the limitations of regional influence, coming into the rap game with the weight and responsibility of representing the entire southern region
And I'm ready to scriddap
I am fully prepared and eager to engage in lyrical combat and showdowns with other rappers
It ain't where you from son it's where you live at
The true measure of a person's worth and identity isn't their place of origin, but rather where they currently reside and the impact they make
I'll never kiss another niggas bum to get me did-dap
I will never degrade myself or seek validation from others to gain recognition or success
I used to sip the coke and rum blowin' dime sid-dacks
In the past, I used to casually indulge in vices like drugs and alcohol, overlooking the consequences
But now I'm wagin' war with wicked men in high places
I am now engaged in a battle against corrupt and powerful individuals who hold influential positions
So what you sayin'
What is your response or argument to my assertions and challenges?
Every page of my poetry's like a round from the clip
Each page of my poetic lyrics is comparable to a bullet fired from a loaded magazine
The mic is always in my holster right on top of my hip
I always have the microphone ready and accessible, just like a gun holstered at my hip
Niggas get flipped when the hollow-tips spit at they melons
When I unleash my powerful and impactful words, weak rappers are instantly defeated and overwhelmed
You niggas is Missy Misdemeanor my niggas is felons holla'
You lesser rappers are like Missy Elliott, who was known for playful and lighthearted music, while my associates are like hardened criminals in the rap game
Me and Big Dame Lord of the Rings the Twin Towers
Myself and my partner, Big Dame, are like powerful figures comparable to the characters in 'Lord of the Rings' or the iconic Twin Towers
Knockin' other motherfuckers out the ring like Apollo Creed
We are defeating and eliminating other rappers from the competition like Apollo Creed in the boxing ring
You wanna get bleed the blood run up
If you provoke me, I will make you bleed and run away in fear
And get done up until sunup
I will continue to defeat and overpower my enemies until sunrise, never relenting
Down south they call me white man 'cause I hang emcees
In the southern region, I am so dominant and influential that they call me 'white man' because I 'hang' or defeat other emcees
Get 'em open with ease then pick 'em off like fleas nigga please
I easily manipulate and deceive other rappers, making them vulnerable, and then swiftly eliminate them like fleas
You ain't got no ends in me casa
You have no control or influence over me or my realm
Que pasa
What's happening? What's going on?
My flow'll fuckin' swolle ya' bumba rasta
My flow will overwhelm you and make you feel inferior, you fool
Loch Ness monster it's like 'RAAAAAA' when I strike ya'
I am like the legendary Loch Ness monster, striking with immense force and terrifying power
Suplexin' niggas like Rowdy Rod Piper
I am overpowering and dominating my opponents like the professional wrestler Rowdy Rod Piper
John Allen Muhammad snipe ya'
I will target and eliminate you with precision, just like the infamous sniper John Allen Muhammad
It's a cost to be the boss and I paid the price-ah
Being in a position of power and leadership comes with sacrifices and challenges, and I have already paid the price
Nobody's nicer
No one is more skilled or talented than me
I'm cold as the North Pole nobody's icer
I am extremely cold and ruthless, surpassing anyone else in terms of being 'cool' and 'icy'
Shout outs to Mr. Porter, D-Twizzy, and Obie Tricer
I am giving recognition and respect to Mr. Porter, D-Twizzy, and Obie Trice, fellow artists associated with Shady Records
Shady, you can catch me in the D now baby it's all gravy
Shady Records, you can find me in Detroit now, everything is going well and smooth
Still reppin' u-p-t what is you sayin'
I am still representing the uptown area, what is your response or argument?
Ali, Sadiq we 'bout to spit fire on these motherfuckers for one thousand two hundred and sixty days
Ali and Sadiq, we are about to unleash intense and relentless lyrical attacks on our opponents for a long period of time
I'm trapped in the game like Pacmayne chasing the ghost
I feel trapped and entangled within the constraints and challenges of the rap industry, similar to Pacman's pursuit of an elusive ghost
Drownin' with water in my throat got leaks in the boat
I am struggling and suffocating in the rap game, dealing with numerous problems and vulnerabilities
Squeezin' the toast it's not a op-tion I got Pac on
I am ready and willing to use my gun if necessary, as I am inspired by the fearless nature of Tupac Shakur
Makaveli the don bumpin' that 'Me and my Glock' song, zone in
I am channeling the spirit and influence of Makaveli, listening to his song 'Me and my Glock', and focusing on my craft
Like Robert De Niro I'm Ronin
Similar to Robert De Niro in the film 'Ronin', I am a skilled and elusive figure, always in control and on the move
Struck 'em up with the omen
I am striking and affecting my enemies with a powerful and prophetic message or warning
From adolescence to grown men
From a young age to adulthood, we have grown and matured into formidable individuals
Walk a mile in my shoes it proves you a soldier
If you truly experience and understand the struggles I have faced, it will show that you possess the qualities of a resilient and strong soldier
I paid a lot of dues to prove to Jehovah
I have faced numerous challenges and made significant sacrifices to demonstrate my dedication and worthiness to a higher authority
That I can carry the cross the castle the crown
I have the capability and strength to bear the burdens of responsibility, protection, and leadership
Everywhere I roam is my home life's my battleground
No matter where I go, I am comfortable and confident because life itself is a constant struggle and battleground for me
Salahuddin Abdul Fard Muhammad
I am referencing and paying homage to Salahuddin Abdul Fard Muhammad, a prominent figure in the Nation of Islam
To come up by night ridin' Elijah the Comet (uh)
I am using the symbol of Elijah the Comet, a divine and transformative entity, to represent my journey and ascent in the dark and challenging times
I cave chest in the brave chessman
I overpower and defeat those who are brave and skilled, just like in a game of chess
Masterin' one twenty lessons is my profession
I have mastered the teachings and knowledge of the Nation of Gods and Earths, and it has become my expertise and calling
So get to steppin' or catch lead (Led) like Zeppelin
Either leave and retreat, or face the consequences and be shot down like the band Led Zeppelin's name implies
These rap cats look real but they really not like wrestlin'
Many rappers may appear genuine and authentic, but in reality, they are fake and contrived, similar to professional wrestling
Check the solar commander
Observe and recognize my authority and power as a commanding force, similar to the sun
I'm light years off of the scanner
My greatness and influence cannot be captured or analyzed by current technology, as I am far ahead of its capabilities
Satellite dishes and cameras a bad mamma jamma
I am a formidable and intimidating figure, capable of evading surveillance and monitoring systems like satellite dishes and cameras
The most thorough examiner
I am the most meticulous and observant individual, leaving no detail unnoticed or unscrutinized
My microphone is seven thousand nine hundred and twenty six miles in diameter
My microphone and its influence extend across vast distances, symbolizing the global impact of my words
The son of man
I am referencing myself as a significant and influential figure, similar to 'the son of man' in religious contexts
Son of *t man* from out Puran
I am the offspring or successor of someone influential and respected from Puran
Master the air in the land from here to Iran
I possess complete control and mastery over the domain of rap and influence, extending from my immediate surroundings all the way to Iran
Jay Electronica revolve the world
I, Jay Electronica, have the power to move and shape the world through my music and influence
Them Philly cats say 'I like that boy he raw but he thorough'
People from Philadelphia appreciate my authentic and genuine style, recognizing that I am both raw and thorough in my craft
What you sayin'
What is your response or reaction to what I have expressed?
To all you thug motherfuckers
I am addressing all those who try to portray themselves as tough and hardcore
You ain't a thug
Despite your claims, you are not actually a true thug or gangster
All you Pac imitators
All those who imitate or try to emulate Tupac Shakur's style and image
You ain't doing what Pac is doing
You are not able to accomplish or achieve what Tupac Shakur did during his career
Pac was trying to start the motherfucking revolution
Tupac Shakur had a vision and purpose of starting a significant and transformative societal revolution
You niggas is cowards
I perceive you as weak and lacking bravery
We soldiers for God, we soldiers for Christ
I and others like me are warriors and fighters for God and Christ
Fall in or lay down
Either join us and fight or surrender and accept defeat
Fuck out of here
I have no interest in engaging with or paying attention to your presence or opinions
Either you with Satan or you with God
You must choose which side you align with - evil or righteousness
Nigga that's it
That's the only choice and truth, period
Choose or die nigga
You must decide and face the consequences, there is no middle ground or escape
Jay Electronica
I, Jay Electronica, am the one speaking and commanding attention
Miguel el Chavarria
I am acknowledging and mentioning Miguel el Chavarria
Cornell Whitaker, haha
I am acknowledging and mentioning Cornell Whitaker with a lighthearted tone
Yeah...Dilla
I am giving recognition and paying homage to the late J Dilla, a highly respected producer and artist
God, haha
I am acknowledging the presence and influence of God with a lighthearted tone
Cornball ass niggas
I am referring to individuals who are uncool and lack authenticity
Contributed by Owen C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
eyedeally
anyone know what's the name of this J Dilla instrumental?
JJhobo
Fire Wood Drumstix
eyedeally
thank you!
fireindahole
Hey hey hey
HOODcyclopedia™️
You dont know???????
eyedeally
@HOODcyclopedia™️ why else would I ask?
Zaferino1
This GOD LEVEL LYRICISM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What the fuck, it’s been a good 10 years and I still am in awe of this mastery being displayed.
Badluck got cash
i cant explain how flawless this session is. "fuck a hook"
Mr Jones
This Man Is Genius...I Opened Up For Him In Boston At Paradise Rock Club After That Jay Z Signed Him....Salute J Electronica
Daishawn Daley
Plague Da M.C you still rap ?