For a rapper to command your attention, it all comes down to the voice. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Public Enemys Chuck D had millions of fans hanging on to every word of his booming baritone. In the mid-1990s, The Notorious B.I.G.s steely poise and vocal precision led many critics and fans to proclaim him the best rapper of all time. Now, in 2006, get ready for the next rapper with a magnetic voice, someone whose pristine raps demand attention. His name: Jay Rock.
Born and raised in Watts, Californias notorious Nickerson Gardens Projects, Jay Rock got his first encouragement from his music-making relatives, who noticed the impact his deep, melodic voice made on song after song. They were like, youre hard. And youve got a voice for it, too. Youve got a real cool voice to it, Jay Rock recalls: "A lot of people started hearing me and they would tell me that my voice catches them. So, I started working it, working on my craft and got more and more confidence." His rap name is inspired by a character off the hit Canadian comedy show Trailer Park Boys.
Jay Rocks confidence led to a string of heated appearances on neighborhood mixtapes. The gifted rhymers clever phrasing, gritty realism, storytelling swagger and powerful voice grabbed the attention of Top Dawg Entertainment boss Dude Dawg. Once in the studio with an independent company backing him, Jay Rocks output increased and improved.
After shopping his demo to a number of major labels, Jay Rock and Top Dawg earned a deal with industry powerhouse Warner Bros. Records, also home to Lil Jons BME Recordings, E-40, The Federation and Talib Kweli, among others. The Warner Bros. executives were impressed with Jay Rocks distinctive flow, his vivid lyrics and, of course, voice. Already a star on the Internet, his always-updated myspace.com/jayrock page features three songs that have more than 100,000 plays.
One of those cuts is LA Shit, Jay Rocks stellar reworking of Busta Rhymes New York Shit. When I heard that song, I thought it was a hot-ass song, so I wanted to get on my LA shit about what we do out here, says Jay Rock, who has long been a fan of Busta Rhymes phraseology. I was paying respect to Busta and his song, and thats for the mixtapes right there. I want LA to get an ear for it.
LA will also appreciate the energetic California Soul, which details the treacherous reality of Californias streets. Game produced the record and he gave it to me. I met him at the studio about a week later and let him hear ithe went crazy! He liked it so much he recorded the hook on the spot. On the smooth Thats My Word, Jay Rock asserts his status as a man of his word, while To The Top documents his ascent from project resident to his present day successes. It was a struggle to get to where Im at now, he says. Im talking about going from the bottom to the top, what I was going through starting off. Im legal now. Im signed. I started off at the bottom, made something out of nothing and am going to run with it until I get all the way to the top.
As someone who looks toward the past as he pushes toward the future, Jay Rock holds the soulful Back In The Days in high regard. I just went back to when I was 6, 7, growing up listening to the oldies, he explains. That song meant a lot because I always dwell on the past, for some reason. I always think back and wish that I was a kid again. I know that will never happen, but some times I just wish I could go back in the days when I was young.
For now, though, Jay Rock is focused on recording his debut album and ushering in a new era of hard-core West Coast rap. Jay Rock is thankful that Comptons The Game was able to breakthrough with his multi platinum, The Documentary album. Game opened up the doors for a lot of people, Jay Rock says. Game opened the door and Im running right through with my people behind me. Were trying to bring it back home, bring the West back. Weve been down for a long time, so were trying to bring it back home.
With production on his forthcoming debut album from such A-List producers as KayGee (Jaheim, Naughty By Nature) and L.E.S. (Nas), as well up-and-coming beatsmiths Nephew, 4th Quarter and K-Fam, Soundwave and Aqua (Jay-Z), Jay Rock is set to live out a dream that seemed to be destined to happen.
His hard-working mother filled their home with the classic soul and blues music of such icons as the Temptations, Dramatics, Isley Brothers, Johnny Guitar Watson and B.B. King. She also had an affinity for rap, and enjoyed the music of such trendsetters as Big Daddy Kane and Biz Markie. Her love for music carried over to her house parties. My mom threw parties damn near every weekend, Jay Rock recalls. Shed be stressing during the week, would come home and thats what theyd do, party all night long.
Jay Rock soon developed an interest in playing keyboards and, at age 12, writing poems. And, as he grew up in the volatile Watts streets, gangster rap began to take hold. You couldnt go up the street without hearing Snoop, Dre or N.W.A, he says. Much as N.W.A and others reported about their surroundings, Jay Rocks early poems documented his feelings -- about a person, about Los Angeles, about his experiences.
Jay Rock soon started getting into trouble at school, forcing him to attend a number of different schools. He also endured a harsh reality when cited and incarcerated for violating his areas gang injunction. I was hanging out with dudes I grew up with, dudes I went to school with, played Pop Warner with, he says. They saw us out there and took us downThey put me on it...I basically cant hang out where I liveI cant help where I stayThey got me again when I was hanging out of my own apartment, my own residence.
Jay Rocks legal struggles have made him appreciate what he has already accomplished, turning his childhood talent for writing into a career as a major-label recording artist. Getting signed and being from what Im from, thats a great achievement because nobodys really been signed from my projects, Jay Rock says: "Thats a big achievement for me. Its a blessing. It feels real good. I could be in the jail somewhere or in the grave, but Im right here doing what I need to do.
And it all starts with the voice.
Lift Me Up
Jay Rock Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm about to bring my mothafukin coast back
This very moment is a go get, welcome to killa county
Please wipe your feet on the door mat
It don't matter the wheather, I bring it where the is storm at
Tip-e-toe, through a Tornado (I'm that heavy)
The six - fo chevy, the color is craft on spagetti
I love it (and you do to)
Murder competition till I'm seen on the LA Times front page
And I lean on anything (move) please get out my way, I'm proving greatness
And I ain't coming out as the underdog, Pac told me years ago
I've been way better then y'all
The time that I've put in was federal
Conversation on lips, my city talking listen
The city talking to me
The west coast talking to me
They keep talking to me
Down five up, in my soul
Cuz we, cuz we been down too long
So give me the strength to lift us up
Cuz we here waiting for that day to come
West coast west coast bang like
Two times for the mothafukin Game
Three times for the Source magezine
Breaking down my rap lines, trying to depict what I mean (what'you mean?)
Ever since thirteen I've been waiting for the day to bring my name on the state
Now I'm here, look at here
See me on your tv screen, I do it the worst way, I deserve a letter ehh
They say bring it back, so I do bring it back to the city which is the L.A su Brooklyn su
All the same nigga, they lookin at me like, who are you?
Shit you know my name Jay Rock, but you could call me cocaine, I'm that crack rock
Role with me let that ass drop I move quicker, something in the stachbox with me
LAPD lookin, but fuck cops, I don't hear em, all I hear is my city talking. listen
The city talking to me
The west coast talking to me
They keep talking to me
Down five up, in my soul
Cuz we, cuz we been down too long
So give me the strength to lift us up
Cuz we here waiting for that day to come
Told you we bang like. Top Dawg
Two shots for the you mothafukin lames
You got alot of money, I got gun, we can exchange
Give me your funds,
and if I kill you, you gain a name
Over these tracks I move like a mothafuckin freight train
Your career in the way, I run over that
I got one under my seat
Two inside the knapsack two of your friends with you that's threehundred each
Shots of course, could've saved 2Pac Shakur
It's just the thug in me
, I make your top come off
We celebrate after your depart your greater god'aw'father
West coast I'll be your father, small children getting on my nervs
And I don't wanna be bothered, I don't wanna be obseverd and followed
Well maybe I do, since I'm the leader of this new school. Jay Rock
The city talking to me
The west coast talking to me
They keep talking to me
Down five up, in my soul
Cuz we, cuz we been down too long
So give me the strength to lift us up
Cuz we here waiting for that day to come
The song "Lift Me Up" by Jay Rock is a rap song that speaks about the rapper's journey to fame, the struggles he has faced along the way, and his determination to succeed. The song begins with Jay Rock introducing himself and his intention to bring back the West Coast. He talks about how he has faced storms and tornados throughout his journey but has come out unscathed. He acknowledges his love for the California sun and his knack for murdering competition. He delivers a powerful message that he is not coming out as the underdog, as he has put in a lot of time and hard work to get where he is now.
Jay Rock goes on to talk about the importance of the city, Los Angeles, to him. He mentions how the city and the West Coast keep talking to him, and he needs their strength to lift them all up from the struggles they have been facing for too long. He then speaks about the people who have doubted him and how he has proved them wrong. Jay Rock also talks about his role as a leader of the new school and asks his listeners to follow him.
Overall, "Lift Me Up" is a song that inspires listeners to keep going no matter the struggles they are facing. It speaks about the importance of self-belief and resilience, even when those around us doubt us.
Line by Line Meaning
Jay Jay Jay mothafukin Rock the man of the respect
Jay Rock is introducing himself as a well-respected man.
I'm about to bring my mothafukin coast back
Jay Rock aims to bring back the West Coast.
This very moment is a go get, welcome to killa county
Jay Rock is in a go-getter mindset and welcomes you to his county.
Please wipe your feet on the door mat
Jay Rock is asking his visitors to respect his place and culture.
It don't matter the wheather, I bring it where the is storm at
Jay Rock is unstoppable, even in difficult situations.
Tip-e-toe, through a Tornado (I'm that heavy)
Jay Rock is extremely confident in his abilities.
The six - fo chevy, the color is craft on spagetti
Jay Rock loves his Chevy, which has a unique color.
I love it (and you do to)
Jay Rock loves his Chevy and believes you would too.
I let the California sun rays
Jay Rock enjoys the warmth of the California sun.
Murder competition till I'm seen on the LA Times front page
Jay Rock will continue to excel until he becomes a headline in the LA Times.
And I lean on anything (move) please get out my way, I'm proving greatness
Jay Rock is focused on proving himself and expects people to move out of his way.
And I ain't coming out as the underdog, Pac told me years ago
Jay Rock is not coming out as an underdog, he was encouraged by Tupac to be better.
I've been way better than y'all
Jay Rock believes he is better than his competition.
The time that I've put in was federal
Jay Rock has put in a significant amount of time and effort into his craft.
Conversation on lips, my city talking listen
Jay Rock's city is talking about him, and he listens to their conversations.
The city talking to me
The city is talking to Jay Rock.
The west coast talking to me
The West Coast is talking to Jay Rock.
They keep talking to me
Jay Rock's city and the West Coast keep talking to him.
Down five up, in my soul
Jay Rock has experienced difficult times, but it has only made him stronger.
Cuz we, cuz we been down too long
Jay Rock has been through tough times along with the West Coast and wants to rise above them.
So give me the strength to lift us up
Jay Rock needs strength to lift himself and the West Coast up from hard times.
Cuz we here waiting for that day to come
Jay Rock and the West Coast are waiting for a better day to come.
West coast west coast bang like
Jay Rock is highlighting the power and influence of the West Coast.
Two times for the mothafukin Game
Jay Rock is giving a shoutout to The Game.
Three times for the Source magazine
Jay Rock is giving a shoutout to The Source magazine.
Breaking down my rap lines, trying to depict what I mean (what'you mean?)
Jay Rock is aware that people are analyzing his lyrics and is questioning what they are trying to understand.
Ever since thirteen I've been waiting for the day to bring my name on the state
Jay Rock has been waiting since he was thirteen to make a name for himself.
Now I'm here, look at here
Jay Rock has arrived.
See me on your tv screen, I do it the worst way, I deserve a letter ehh
Jay Rock is proud to have made it to TV and believes he deserves recognition.
They say bring it back, so I do bring it back to the city which is the L.A su Brooklyn su
Jay Rock is bringing back what people love about his city, combining both Los Angeles and Brooklyn.
All the same nigga, they lookin at me like, who are you?
People are questioning Jay Rock's identity and his place in the rap game.
Shit you know my name Jay Rock, but you could call me cocaine, I'm that crack rock
Jay Rock is establishing his name and comparing himself to the addictive nature of drugs.
Role with me let that ass drop I move quicker, something in the stash box with me
Jay Rock is inviting someone to ride with him and has something valuable in his stash box.
LAPD lookin, but fuck cops, I don't hear em, all I hear is my city talking. listen
Jay Rock is aware of LAPD's presence but is focused on what his city is saying about him.
Told you we bang like. Top Dawg
Jay Rock and Top Dawg Entertainment are powerful and influential.
Two shots for the you mothafukin lames
Jay Rock is giving two shots to his haters.
You got alot of money, I got gun, we can exchange
Jay Rock is not impressed by people's money and would rather exchange it for a gun.
Give me your funds, and if I kill you, you gain a name
Jay Rock is warning people that he is dangerous and killing them would give them fame.
Over these tracks I move like a mothafuckin freight train
Jay Rock moves swiftly and powerfully over his tracks like a freight train.
Your career in the way, I run over that
Jay Rock will not let anyone get in his way, even if it's their career.
I got one under my seat
Jay Rock has a gun under his car seat.
Two inside the knapsack two of your friends with you that's threehundred each
Jay Rock is carrying two guns in his knapsack and is willing to kill multiple people for a price.
Shots of course, could've saved 2Pac Shakur
Jay Rock believes that if 2Pac had a gun for protection, he would still be alive.
It's just the thug in me
Jay Rock was born with a thug mentality.
, I make your top come off
Jay Rock is willing to kill anyone who crosses him.
We celebrate after your depart your greater god'aw'father
Jay Rock believes he is more powerful than other rap legends.
West coast I'll be your father, small children getting on my nervs
Jay Rock feels like he has to look after the West Coast, but some people are annoying him.
And I don't wanna be bothered, I don't wanna be obseverd and followed
Jay Rock is tired of people following him and wants to be left alone.
Well maybe I do, since I'm the leader of this new school. Jay Rock
Jay Rock is proud to be the leader of the new school of rap and welcomes attention for that reason.
Contributed by Charlie O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@gunotlucio
This song is under appreciated. I remember MySpace the game actually posted this song and put me on Jay Rock. Then I was happy to see him on strange music. Then he blew up with Kendrick Lamar. The process was beautiful
@CH1CO900
Jay Rock, The Game, Snoop Dog, Nipsey Hussle all good as rappers! West Side 4 Life!!
@626STAH
This is a pure underrated song. 🔥
@deepeezey594
I hate that Jay Rock is so under rated ! TdE's top dawg
@ShadowPirate14
This beat is like old West Coast meets new school. And with great verses on it.
@tonydiaz8782
2020 still slaps my boy mad underrated
@davidleeolivo4817
Maan I used to bang this shit while playing NBA street vol. 2 on my PS2 in 09! 🙏🙌☝️
@KBonilla
This song is what put me on Rock
@loremercross9924
Same here..
@juxsoundz4822
Same and I kept forgetting what it was called I just remembered the woman singing and that Dre made the beat