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.
Wanna Ride
Jay Rock Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But if you see me movin' baggies out the trap, don't get it backwards
A nigga out here tryin' to stack that cabbage
Cause if that money's on the menu, gotta hustle like you famished
You know I gotta eat to feed the family
Okay, let a nigga try us, bustin' like them transits
Set your ass on fire, no violence not the answer
But come try to play us, you know we goin' hammer
Hangin' out the drop, 2Pac out the speakers
They wanna vibe, they wanna flow
They down to ride, just step aside, the world is mine
They wanna roll, you down to smoke
You down to drive, the world is mine
The world is mine, ah
They say get your money first and foremost
I rhyme like I got pollos in that Volvo
Shit, I switch up, whippers can't get caught, that's a no-no
So watch out, the paparazzi takin photos
Got this world around my neck, keep my thoughts above my head
Down to ride for my respect, I'm a savage for that bread
Shake ass, baby you know I'm worth it, nobody perfect
Just look beneath your surface and I'll bet you'll find that purpose
Yeah this hustle is poetry, money don't grow on trees
So much to oversee, in this world that belong to me
Big butts and ashtrays, lookin', smellin' like potpourri
Smokin' this weed, gimme what you got for a quarter ki
They wanna vibe, they wanna flow
They down to ride, just step aside, the world is mine
They wanna roll, you down to smoke
You down to drive, the world is mine
The world is mine, ah
They wanna vibe, they wanna flow
They down to ride, just step aside, the world is mine
They wanna roll, you down to smoke
You down to drive, the world is mine
The world is mine, ah
Got to play a fool to catch a fool though
Never let yo left know what your right doin', that's numero uno
Back to life, I'm standin' on my tomb door
Why you actin' puto, she call me papi chulo
Politickin' at a all time high but I'm just gettin' high
A lot of people like to wear disguises, I just improvise
Step up in this muthafucka lookin' like a stick of dope
Niggas steady shootin' all they shots but they be brickin' hoe (Yeah hoe!)
They missing hoe, listen hoe, got this shit on lock (Yeah hoe!)
Like the bigger folk, sippin' in that El Camino, sittin' low (Yeah hoe!)
Posted on the gram off a gram, take a picture hoe (Yeah hoe!)
Rubber bands, I'm the man, get just what you missin', hoe (Yeah hoe!)
They wanna vibe, they wanna flow
They down to ride, just step aside, the world is mine
They wanna roll, you down to smoke
You down to drive, the world is mine
The world is mine, ah
They wanna vibe, they wanna flow
They down to ride, just step aside, the world is mine
They wanna roll, you down to smoke
You down to drive, the world is mine
The world is mine, ah
In "Wanna Ride," Jay Rock raps about his life as a rapper and a hustler. He boasts about his skills and warns others not to cross him. He emphasizes the importance of making money and providing for his family. Jay Rock also talks about his love for smoking weed and his ability to attract women. Overall, the song is about taking control of one's life and living it to the fullest.
Jay Rock's lyrics in "Wanna Ride" show his confidence as an artist who has made it to the top from the bottom. He is proud of his roots and his ability to hustle to make it in the music industry. He is also confident in his personal life, as he states that the world is his to conquer. The song's catchy hook emphasizes the idea that he can have whatever he wants and that those who are down with him can ride along.
The song also touches on the themes of loyalty and respect. Jay Rock is fiercely loyal to his family and those who ride with him. He demands respect from those who cross him and is willing to stand up for himself and his crew. In this way, "Wanna Ride" is a message to all those who doubt Jay Rock's abilities, reminding them that he is a force to be reckoned with.
Overall, "Wanna Ride" is a song about living life boldly and fearlessly, taking control of one's circumstances, and standing up for oneself and one's crew.
Line by Line Meaning
I be that nigga they call Jay Rock, I'm a rapper
I am Jay Rock, a rapper.
But if you see me movin' baggies out the trap, don't get it backwards
If you see me moving bags out of the trap, do not mistake me for anything other than a hustler.
A nigga out here tryin' to stack that cabbage
I am out here hustling to make money.
Cause if that money's on the menu, gotta hustle like you famished
If money is the goal, then you should hustle as if you were starving.
You know I gotta eat to feed the family
I need to make money to provide for my family.
Okay, let a nigga try us, bustin' like them transits
If someone threatens us, we will respond with force.
Set your ass on fire, no violence not the answer
We will not start violence, but we will respond with force if necessary.
But come try to play us, you know we goin' hammer
If someone tries to play us, we will respond aggressively.
I'm twisting up fingers, squeezin' on heaters
I am showing gang signs and holding guns.
Hangin' out the drop, 2Pac out the speakers
Listening to 2Pac while driving in a convertible.
They say get your money first and foremost
People say that it is important to make money.
I rhyme like I got pollos in that Volvo
I rap as if I have drugs in my car.
Shit, I switch up, whippers can't get caught, that's a no-no
I switch up cars so that I don't get caught by the cops.
So watch out, the paparazzi takin photos
Be careful, the paparazzi are taking pictures.
Got this world around my neck, keep my thoughts above my head
I have the weight of the world on my shoulders, but I stay focused on my goals.
Down to ride for my respect, I'm a savage for that bread
I am willing to fight for respect and do whatever it takes to make money.
Shake ass, baby you know I'm worth it, nobody perfect
I am confident in myself and my abilities, despite imperfections.
Just look beneath your surface and I'll bet you'll find that purpose
If you look deeper, you will find your true purpose.
Yeah this hustle is poetry, money don't grow on trees
Hustling is like poetry, and money is not easy to come by.
So much to oversee, in this world that belong to me
There is so much to manage in this world that is mine.
Big butts and ashtrays, lookin', smellin' like potpourri
I enjoy women with big butts and the scent of weed.
Smokin' this weed, gimme what you got for a quarter ki
I smoke weed and am looking to make a drug deal.
Got to play a fool to catch a fool though
Sometimes you have to play dumb to catch someone else who is dumb.
Never let yo left know what your right doin', that's numero uno
Do not let others know what you are doing, it is the number one rule.
Back to life, I'm standin' on my tomb door
I have overcome what could have killed me and am still here.
Why you actin' puto, she call me papi chulo
Why are you acting like a jerk? She calls me handsome daddy.
Politickin' at a all time high but I'm just gettin' high
People are playing politics, but I am just getting high.
A lot of people like to wear disguises, I just improvise
Many people pretend to be someone they are not, but I am authentic.
Step up in this muthafucka lookin' like a stick of dope
I walk into a place looking like valuable merchandise.
Niggas steady shootin' all they shots but they be brickin' hoe (Yeah hoe!)
Some people try to take me down, but they fail.
They missing hoe, listen hoe, got this shit on lock (Yeah hoe!)
They are missing out and I have everything under control.
Like the bigger folk, sippin' in that El Camino, sittin' low (Yeah hoe!)
Like successful people, I ride in a low-rider El Camino.
Posted on the gram off a gram, take a picture hoe (Yeah hoe!)
I post on social media while I am selling drugs.
Rubber bands, I'm the man, get just what you missin', hoe (Yeah hoe!)
I have rubber bands full of cash and can provide whatever you need.
They wanna vibe, they wanna flow
People want to have a good time.
They down to ride, just step aside, the world is mine
They are willing to follow me, I am in control.
They wanna roll, you down to smoke
They want to smoke weed and go for a ride.
You down to drive, the world is mine
If you drive, you are following my lead.
The world is mine, ah
I am in control of everything.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Isaiah McClain, Johnny Reed McKinzie
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Mwamba k
2018 and this album is still criminally underrated to me. Like Jay rock is so underappreciated it's not even funny.
Gypsyblood777
This shit is sooooo good!!!!!
Alexandru Petre
shit's even more depresso in 2021 fam, idek what's going on
michael hernandez
3 years later this comment is still true unfortunately. real hip hop gets no play these days.
Travis Freemam
@Gypsyblood777 90
Xander
These transitions from sound to sound and song to song is one of TDEs many things that make them instant classic artists in my opinion. Their sound and creativity is so distinct 🔥
Iam Jeffrey
Totally forgot how much i loved this song
l n
The first beat verse should've been its own thing. Shit went hard
wookiekiller
I wanna be disappointed Isaiah didn't do a verse but he fucking killed that hook. It's my favorite rap hook in recent years. Makes me feel like I'm king of the world.
Scoobert Scooby Doo
Rashad's hook is hype af but also got a sad undertone to it. On his Wiki page, it said he was suffering from depression and anxiety and was on Xanax and alcohol during this time. You can definitely hear the pain in his voice..