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.
The Message
Jay Rock Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
This my testimony, look I got that recipe now
Keep that good book on the dash with that weaponry out
Ain't no mo' rules in this game plus no referees out
All that stressing, it taught me lessons
Caught blessings, went back to stressin'
And that moment when death is present
Heavy praying and asking questions
Load up them hollows and I had to follow in my direction
Don't know where I'm headed I can't look back though there's nothing there
But backstabbers, snakes that slither, decisions when nothing's fair
Keeping my faith in all, even if they come take it all
Stand on my ground, I was born to fight so I'm taking off
Me and my champs on a mission, work with the baddest intention
Sharp as a scalpel incision
Gotta survive these condition, vengeance is like a tradition
If you practice what you're preaching might just get what you wish
Never thought it would be a easy, I hope we understand that
Gotta earn it when you see me, I hope we understand that
I look up at these tennis shoes over the wire
I'm looking at these tennis shoes over the wire
But no change coming
Now we have to get whatever that we after
See past the regular shit that we master
Learn to survive through love and Jezebels and street pastors
Live as free as we can cause Hell on Earth is being recaptured
I'm caught in this ghetto rapture, spirit detached
I'm smoking backwoods looking for greener pastures
Hashtag we bastards, from money change to snowflakes
The body found, a cold case, we making it out from no place
Now can you walk in these shoes with no lace
Or push that S5-50 on shoes with no plates? I don't think so
Shit is insufficient when you think slow
That's why I keep one foot in the game like a flamingo
But here's the thing though, picking my spots yelling, "bingo"
Post it with the work, 501's with the peacoat
This ain't no New Jack City and I ain't Nino
Wondering if change gone come, but we gone see though
Never thought it would be a easy, I hope we understand that
Gotta earn it when you see me, I hope we understand that
I look up at these tennis shoes over the wire
I'm looking at these tennis shoes over the wire
But no change coming
Never thought it would be a easy, I hope we understand that
Gotta earn it when you see me, I hope we understand that
I look up at these tennis shoes over the wire
I'm looking at these tennis shoes over the wire
But no change coming
The lyrics of Jay Rock's "The Message" delve into themes of struggle, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of success in the face of adversity. The song opens with Jay Rock proclaiming that he is being tested, but he has found his testimony and the recipe for success. He carries a good book on the dash, symbolizing his reliance on faith and spirituality, along with the weaponry to protect himself in a world without rules or referees.
Throughout the song, Jay Rock reflects on the lessons he has learned from the stresses and blessings in his life. He describes a moment of facing death where he turned to prayer and sought answers. Finding no answers, he bottled up his anger and aggression, seeking direction by loading up on ammunition and following his own path. He acknowledges that looking back leads to nothing but betrayal and unfair decisions, so he focuses on his faith, his fighting spirit, and his mission with his close friends.
Jay Rock highlights the challenges of his environment, referencing Jezebels (seductive and deceitful women) and street pastors, juxtaposing love and temptation in the harsh realities of the streets. He acknowledges the strife of the ghetto, with his spirit feeling detached and seeking escape through smoking backwoods and longing for something better. He refers to his clique as bastards, and notes that they are making it out from a place that was once considered nowhere.
The lyrics also touch on the theme of change, both in terms of personal growth and an expectation for society to progress. Jay Rock questions if change will come, but remains hopeful and resilient. He emphasizes the need to work for what is desired, understanding that it won't be easy to achieve. The repeated refrain of looking up at tennis shoes over the wire symbolizes searching for a better life and longing for change, but acknowledging that it hasn't arrived yet.
Overall, "The Message" is a powerful reflection on the challenges of life in the streets, the strength found in faith and friendship, and the relentless pursuit of a better future.
Line by Line Meaning
It's like you're testing me now
I feel like I'm constantly being challenged or put to the test.
This my testimony, look I got that recipe now
I have a story to tell, and I've figured out the formula for success.
Keep that good book on the dash with that weaponry out
I keep my faith close and stay prepared for any obstacles.
Ain't no mo' rules in this game plus no referees out
There are no more rules or authority figures in this chaotic life.
All that stressing, it taught me lessons
All the worries and pressure I've experienced have taught me valuable lessons.
Caught blessings, went back to stressin'
I've experienced moments of good fortune, but then returned to feeling overwhelmed.
And that moment when death is present
The intense fear and uncertainty that arises in the face of death
Heavy praying and asking questions
Engaging in deep prayer and seeking answers
I had no answers so I had to bottle up that aggression
Since I couldn't find any answers, I had to suppress and internalize my anger.
Load up them hollows and I had to follow in my direction
I had to load my ammunition and take matters into my own hands, moving forward with determination.
Don't know where I'm headed I can't look back though there's nothing there
I'm uncertain about my future, but I can't dwell on the past because there's nothing worthwhile there.
But backstabbers, snakes that slither, decisions when nothing's fair
I have to be cautious of betrayers and manipulative people, making difficult choices in unfair circumstances.
Keeping my faith in all, even if they come take it all
I maintain my belief and trust in others, even when they try to take everything from me.
Stand on my ground, I was born to fight so I'm taking off
I will stand firm and fight for what I believe in, confidently moving forward.
Me and my champs on a mission, work with the baddest intention
Myself and my dedicated team are focused on achieving our goals with the utmost determination.
Sharp as a scalpel incision
We are extremely prepared and precise in our actions.
Gotta survive these condition, vengeance is like a tradition
We must endure and overcome these challenging circumstances, and seeking revenge has become an ingrained habit.
If you practice what you're preaching might just get what you wish
By consistently applying what you preach, you may eventually attain your desires.
Now we have to get whatever that we after
We are now determined to obtain whatever we desire.
See past the regular shit that we master
We look beyond the ordinary things we've already accomplished.
Learn to survive through love and Jezebels and street pastors
We have become adept at navigating through complicated situations involving love, seductive women, and street preachers.
Live as free as we can cause Hell on Earth is being recaptured
We strive to live as independently and freely as possible, as the chaos and suffering of the world continue to control us.
I'm caught in this ghetto rapture, spirit detached
I feel trapped in the harsh realities of the ghetto, with my spirit feeling disconnected from it all.
I'm smoking backwoods looking for greener pastures
I indulge in smoking backwoods (cigars) as I search for better opportunities and environments.
Hashtag we bastards, from money change to snowflakes
We are the outcasts, the ones who have experienced transformations due to wealth and the changing world.
The body found, a cold case, we making it out from no place
The mystery of a dead body is unresolved, but we are still trying to escape from our disadvantaged origins.
Now can you walk in these shoes with no lace
Can you handle the challenges and struggles of my life without any support or assistance?
Or push that S5-50 on shoes with no plates? I don't think so
Can you drive a luxurious car like the S5-50 without license plates? I doubt it.
Shit is insufficient when you think slow
Things don't work out well when you are slow to act or make decisions.
That's why I keep one foot in the game like a flamingo
I stay partially engaged and ready for action like a flamingo standing on one leg, characteristically poised.
But here's the thing though, picking my spots yelling, 'bingo'
However, the important thing is that I strategically choose my moments and celebrate when I succeed.
Post it with the work, 501's with the peacoat
I proudly show off my dedication to my craft, wearing jeans and a peacoat.
This ain't no New Jack City and I ain't Nino
My life isn't a movie like 'New Jack City,' and I'm not like the character Nino Brown.
Wondering if change gone come, but we gone see though
I question if change will ever happen, but I know that only time will tell.
Never thought it would be a easy, I hope we understand that
I never expected life to be easy, and I hope everyone understands that.
Gotta earn it when you see me, I hope we understand that
If you want my respect, you need to prove yourself, just as I have had to.
I look up at these tennis shoes over the wire
I aim to rise above the struggles symbolized by these tennis shoes hanging on a wire.
But no change coming
Unfortunately, there is no immediate improvement or transformation happening.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Johnny Reed McKinzie
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Miata drift
Jay rock deserves to get more shine in the rap game but alot of people are deaf when it comes to hearing good bars in a rap song nowadays smh
Brian Maera
Randy Rodriguez not everyone has a brain these days you know!
hiiipower iii
Randy Rodriguez because all people know is Kendrick & no one acknowledges the rest of TDE
Daniel Buono
for real. his music makes me think a lot.
The1EnuFF
you aint never lied bro
lordfromthecity LORDFROMTHECITY
preach on farm
Boris Sala
This shit is fire, best song on the album, but the whole album rocks. Rock got it, rock came from rock bottom!
Anthony Adams
my only gripe with this album is that it wasnt a few tracks longer. I loved EVERY MINUTE of this project...i just felt as if there ahould have been more
Windows 95
+Anthony Adams That's how it should be.
Hutch Mega PRO
+Anthony Adams I agree but, quality over quantity. But like you said...You enjoyed every minute. :)