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.
Redemption
Jay Rock Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Would you put the pills down? Throw out the lean too?
Treat you baby mama right and make way for your kids
Peace with your enemies, keep the water under the bridge
I think about if my motorcycle crash was fatal
Broken bones, internal bleedin', stressed on the table going through surgery
Two machines helpin' me breathe, sorry mama I wanna stay but I gotta leave
I see my funeral pat I see some lyin', some cryin' and some givin' dap
I see more division
I see some of them showing up just to post a picture like they was my nigga
Instagram's a dead man's best friend
Everybody lookin' for likes but wasn't likin' you when
You needed somethin' to hold on dealin' with life stress
Glad them angels came in surgery said, "I'm not done yet"
I know saints, I know sinners, I know bosses
I know pain, I know veins, I know losses
My loyalty's sensitive so please don't cross me
My loyalty's sensitive so please don't cross me
I came to redeem myself, all I need is God's help
These are millions of miracles, show me the real you, the real truth
If I had a second chance in life, this what I'd do
I'd buy you flowers, talk to you for hours, give you truth
I'd listen to you when you're hurt, I should've went to church with you
But my credentials didn't work, I still should've worked with you
I should've left them lil' hoes alone and came home
But I blamed the moments on you, though I was in the wrong
You checked my phone and I checked you 'bout it
We never talked it over, instead we sexed 'bout it
I said, "I'm comin' over," you turned up flexed 'bout it
I hit yo mama phone she said "Y'all get it together" she don't know what we on
My response was whatever I'm ego trippin' hotever
I hate to see you goin' she gave me that dial tone
I should've gave you more trust, more love, no lies, more us
'Cause when my motorcycle crashed and everyone left
It was that angel at surgery sayin' "I ain't done yet"
Real shit
I know saints, I know sinners, I know bosses
I know pain, I know veins, I know losses
My loyalty's sensitive so please don't cross me
My loyalty's sensitive so please don't cross me
I came to redeem myself, all I need is God's help
These are millions of miracles, show me the real you, the real truth
In "Redemption," Jay Rock and SZA reflect on the concept of redemption and the choices they would make if given a second chance at life. The lyrics suggest that Jay Rock has had a near-death experience, possibly from a motorcycle crash, and has seen his own funeral. This experience inspires him to think about the things that are important in life, such as treating his loved ones better, making peace with his enemies, and being more authentic with himself.
The lyrics suggest that Jay Rock has also struggled with infidelity and communication issues with his partner. He regrets not being more trusting and loving towards her and acknowledges that his ego got in the way of their relationship. The song ends on a hopeful note, with Jay Rock seeking redemption through God's help and wanting to see the "real you, the real truth" in himself and others.
Overall, "Redemption" is a thoughtful and introspective song that encourages listeners to consider the things that truly matter in life and to seek redemption for their past mistakes.
Line by Line Meaning
If you had a second chance in life, what would you do?
What actions would you take differently if you were given another opportunity?
Would you put the pills down? Throw out the lean too?
Would you stop taking drugs that harm your body?
Treat your baby mama right and make way for your kids
Show respect and care for the mother of your children and prioritize their needs
Peace with your enemies, keep the water under the bridge
Resolve conflicts with those you consider as enemies and let go of the grudges
I think about if my motorcycle crash was fatal
I reflect on the possibility of a fatal accident while riding a motorcycle
Broken bones, internal bleedin', stressed on the table going through surgery
Suffering from fractured bones, internal bleeding, and undergoing surgery while feeling anxious
Two machines helpin' me breathe, sorry mama I wanna stay but I gotta leave
Reliant on machines to help me breathe, and apologizing to my mother for having to leave despite wanting to stay
I see my funeral pat I see some lyin', some cryin' and some givin' dap
Imagining my funeral, seeing some people lying, crying, and showing support
I see false claimers, strangers and foes with their head in their laps
Visualizing people who pretend to know me, strangers, and enemies showing signs of sadness
I see more division
Recognizing that there is more separation and diversity in the world
I see some of them showing up just to post a picture like they was my nigga
Observing people coming to my funeral just to take pictures as if they were close to me
Instagram's a dead man's best friend
Social media is used more often after someone has passed away
Everybody lookin' for likes but wasn't likin' you when
People are seeking attention and validation through likes but didn't show the same towards the individual who passed away
You needed somethin' to hold on dealin' with life stress
When you were experiencing stress in life, you needed something to hold onto for support
Glad them angels came in surgery said, 'I'm not done yet'
Expressing gratitude towards the angels who helped during surgery and being comforted by the words 'I'm not done yet'
I know saints, I know sinners, I know bosses
I am familiar with people who are righteous, immoral, and in positions of authority
I know pain, I know veins, I know losses
Knowing the feeling of agony, addiction, and defeat
My loyalty's sensitive so please don't cross me
My loyalty is easily offended, so please don't betray me
I came to redeem myself, all I need is God's help
I aim to make up for my past mistakes, and all I require is God's guidance and assistance
These are millions of miracles, show me the real you, the real truth
Reflecting on the countless miracles in life and hoping to see the true nature of oneself and others
I'd buy you flowers, talk to you for hours, give you truth
I would express my love and care for you through meaningful actions, conversations, and honesty
I'd listen to you when you're hurt, I should've went to church with you
I would be attentive to your emotional needs, and I regret not attending church with you
But my credentials didn't work, I still should've worked with you
Despite not being a religious person, I should have still made an effort to connect with you on that level
I should've left them lil' hoes alone and came home
I should have avoided engaging with unfaithful or promiscuous partners, and returned home to you
But I blamed the moments on you, though I was in the wrong
I wrongfully placed the blame on you for our relationship issues, despite being responsible myself
You checked my phone and I checked you 'bout it
You looked through my phone and I confronted you on the matter
We never talked it over, instead we sexed 'bout it
We never had a meaningful conversation about our problems, instead we temporarily resolved it through sex
I said, 'I'm comin' over,' you turned up flexed 'bout it
When I suggested coming over, you became defensive and resistant
I hit yo mama phone she said 'Y'all get it together' she don't know what we on
I attempted to contact your mother for help, but she doesn't fully comprehend the complexity of our relationship struggles
My response was whatever I'm ego trippin' hotever
Feeling indifferent and prioritizing my own ego and pride
I hate to see you goin' she gave me that dial tone
I feel saddened by your departure, and your mother hung up the phone on me
I should've gave you more trust, more love, no lies, more us
I should have demonstrated greater trust, love, honesty, and prioritized our relationship
When my motorcycle crashed and everyone left
After my motorcycle accident, everyone abandoned me
It was that angel at surgery sayin' 'I ain't done yet'
Despite the difficult situation, I found comfort in a compassionate medical professional reassuring me that they are still working to save me
Real shit
Expressing honesty and authenticity
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Johnny Reed McKinzie, Solana Imani Rowe, Mark Spears, Terrace Martin, Timothy Gatling, Gene Griffin, Aaron Hall, Edward Riley
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind