As an interesting side note, the album cover shows the World Trade Center on fire only one year after the 1993 bombing of the North Tower. The album featured Jeru's signature conscious lyrics, however he was criticized by The Fugees for his explicit lyrics particularly, in the song "Da Bichez". Fugees member Pras lightly mentioned Jeru on the track "Zealots", from the group's landmark 1996 album The Score, with the line "No matter who you damage, you're still a false prophet", referencing Jeru's single "You Can't Stop the Prophet". Jeru lightly responded in the intro to the track "Me or The Papes".
Jeru followed up in 1996 with his sophomore album Wrath of the Math again produced solely by DJ Premier. The album was also widely acclaimed, though not on the same level as his debut. Like on his first album, Jeru was accusatory of commercial hip hop artists and record labels (Death Row, Bad Boy), who he criticized on the concept track "One Day". After the release of Wrath of the Math, Jeru had a falling out with DJ Premier and Guru, and was missing from the scene until 1999, when he released his third album, Heroz4hire, released together with Mizmarvel. Heroz was his first album without production from DJ Premier and also his first under his then newly created KnowSavage Records. It featured the single "99.9 Pa Cent", which was a verbal attack on his former affiliates Gang Starr. Heroz4hire was less critically acclaimed, due mostly to Premier's absence. His latest album, Divine Design, released in 2003, was the first album under his new record label, Ashenafi Records. The album received little attention and mixed reviews. A new Jeru album, tentatively titled Still Rising was released in 2007.
Come Clean
Jeru the Damaja Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If you're feeling lucky duck, then press your luck
I snatch fake gangster MCs and make 'em faggot flambé
Your nine spray, my mind spray
Malignant mist that'll leave comp defunct
The result's your remains stuffed in a car trunk
You couldn't come to the jungles of the East popping that yang
You won't survive, get live, catching wreck is our thing
The relentless lyrics, the only dope I slang
I'm a true master, you can check my credentials
'Cause I choose to use my infinite potential
Got a freaky, freaky, freaky, freaky flow
Control the mic like Fidel Castro locked Cuba
So deep that you can't scuba dive
My jive's origin is unknown like the Jubas
I've accumulated honeys all across the map
'Cause I'd rather bust a nut than bust a cap
In your back, in fact, my rap snaps your sacroiliac
I'm the mack, so I don't need to tote a MAC
My attack is purely mental and its nature's, not hate
It's meant to wake you up out of your brainwashed state
Stagnate nonsense, for if you persist
You'll get your snotbox bust, you press up on this
I flip, hoes dip, none of the real niggas skip
You don't know enough math to count the mics that I've ripped
Peep the Dirty Rotten scamp as his verbal weapons spit
Uh-oh, heads up 'cause we're dropping some shit
Uh-oh, heads up 'cause we're dropping some shit
Uh-oh, heads up 'cause we're dropping some shit
Uh-oh, heads up 'cause we're dropping some shit
Uh-oh, heads up 'cause we're dropping some shit
Real, rough and rugged, shine like a gold nugget
Every time I pick up the microphone ,I drug it
Unplug it on chumps with the gangster babble
Leave your nines at home and bring your skills to the battle
You're rattling on and on and ain't saying nothing
That's why you got snuffed when you bumped heads with Dirty Rotten
Have you forgotten, I'll tap your jaw
I also kick like kung fu flicks by Run Run Shaw
Made frauds bleed every time I G'd
'Cause I've perfected my drunken style like Sam Seed
Pseudo psychos, I play like Michael Jackson
When I'm busting ass and breaking backs
Inhale the putrified aroma
Breathe too deep and you'll wind up coma
Toast the king I'm hard like a fifth of vodka
And bring your clique cause I'm a hard rock knocker
I gotcha out on a limb, about to push you off the plank
Let you draw your chronz but your burner shot blanks
When the East is in the house, you should come equipped
Uh-oh, heads up 'cause we're dropping some shit
Uh-oh, heads up 'cause we're dropping some shit
Uh-oh, heads up 'cause we're dropping some shit
Uh-oh, heads up 'cause we're dropping some shit
Uh-oh, heads up 'cause we're dropping some shit
Uh-oh, heads up 'cause we're dropping some shit
Uh-oh, heads up 'cause we're dropping some shit
Uh-oh, heads up 'cause we're dropping some shit
Uh-oh, heads up 'cause we're dropping some shit
Fly like a jet, sting like a hornet
Knuckleheads get live and set it off if you want it
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is crushing fools, no jokes
With styles more fatal than secondhand smoke
Don't provoke the wrath of this rhyme inventor
'Cause I blow up spots like the World Trade Center
Come with the super trooper on his assault mission
The TEC's technique 'cause he's a technician
Wishing he'll go away, won't help the weapons stop
Then skills are shot 'cause any idiot can let off a Glock
Hard rock smelling the clutch of the sun toucher
You claim you got beef on the streets, so what ya
Gonna do when real niggas roll up on you
And you don't got your crew?
Pull your Glock, but you don't got the heart
You was webbed straight from the start
Bought a tool and didn't learn how to use it
Got lost in Brooklyn, so you had to lose it
Just for fronting you got that ass whipped
Uh-oh, heads up 'cause we're dropping some shit
Uh-oh, heads up 'cause we're dropping some shit
Uh-oh, heads up 'cause we're dropping some shit
Uh-oh, heads up 'cause we're dropping some shit
Uh-oh, heads up 'cause we're dropping some shit
Uh-oh, heads up 'cause we're dropping some shit
Uh-oh, heads up 'cause we're dropping some shit
Uh-oh, heads up 'cause we're dropping some shit
Uh-oh, heads up 'cause we're dropping some shit
Uh-oh, uh-oh, uh-oh
Uh-oh, heads up 'cause we're dropping some shit
'Cause we're dropping some shit
'Cause we're dropping some shit
'Cause we're dropping some shit
'Cause we're dropping some shit
'Cause we're dropping some shit
Jeru the Damaja's "Come Clean" is packed with violent lyrics, and it's the lead single from his debut album, 'The Sun Rises in the East.' The opening lyrics, "You wanna front, what? Jump up and get bucked," represents Jeru's assertive position, where he's ready to take on any challengers in rap. Jeru attacks fake gangster MCs, taking a repetitive stance throughout the chorus, "Uh-oh, heads up 'cause we're dropping some shit." He's not interested in gangsta drama or shooting; instead, he uses his words to deliver a strong message.
Jeru the Damaja is known for his intricate lyricism and conscious approach to his rhymes, and "Come Clean" is a perfect example of that. In the second verse, Jeru compares himself to Fidel Castro, stating that he controls the mic, which is like Castro controlled Cuba. The hook features a sample from The Mohawks' "The Champ," which has been widely used in hip-hop music. The song also samples "Impeach the President" by The Honey Drippers. The album, 'The Sun Rises in the East,' is considered a classic by many hip-hop fans and critics alike.
Line by Line Meaning
You wanna front, what? Jump up and get bucked
If you want to act tough, be prepared to suffer the consequences
If you're feeling lucky duck, then press your luck
If you think you can take the risk, go ahead and try
I snatch fake gangster MCs and make 'em faggot flambé
I expose and humiliate fake gangster rappers
Your nine spray, my mind spray
You use guns, I use my words to defeat you
Malignant mist that'll leave comp defunct
My lyrics are so powerful they destroy my competition
The result's your remains stuffed in a car trunk
You will be eliminated and forgotten
You couldn't come to the jungles of the East popping that yang
You can't come to my territory and act tough or violent
You won't survive, get live, catching wreck is our thing
You won't last long, we are experts at causing mayhem
I don't gang bang or shoot out, bang, bang
I am not part of a gang or a violent individual
The relentless lyrics, the only dope I slang
I only sell my music and lyrics, not drugs
I'm a true master, you can check my credentials
I am an expert and have the proof to back it up
'Cause I choose to use my infinite potential
I make the most of my abilities and achieve greatness
Got a freaky, freaky, freaky, freaky flow
My style is unique and impressive
Control the mic like Fidel Castro locked Cuba
I have complete domination and control over the microphone
So deep that you can't scuba dive
My level of skill and depth of lyrics are unattainable
My jive's origin is unknown like the Jubas
My style and origin of music is a mystery
I've accumulated honeys all across the map
I have a lot of admirers and fans all over the world
'Cause I'd rather bust a nut than bust a cap
I prefer sex over violence
In your back, in fact, my rap snaps your sacroiliac
My music is so powerful and intense it can cause physical harm
I'm the mack, so I don't need to tote a MAC
I am so respected and successful, I don't need to carry a gun
My attack is purely mental and its nature's, not hate
My style of rap is mental, not violent or hateful
It's meant to wake you up out of your brainwashed state
My lyrics are designed to be eye-opening and sobering
Stagnate nonsense, for if you persist
Stop with the nonsense, it won't get you anywhere
You'll get your snotbox bust, you press up on this
You'll get punched in the face if you mess with me
I flip, hoes dip, none of the real niggas skip
I have an incredible style and only fake people don't like it
You don't know enough math to count the mics that I've ripped
I have performed and dominated countless music shows
Peep the Dirty Rotten scamp as his verbal weapons spit
Listen to me as I use my words to defeat my enemies
Uh-oh, heads up 'cause we're dropping some shit
Be alert, we are about to use some powerful lyrics
Real, rough and rugged, shine like a gold nugget
My style is authentic, strong and stands out
Every time I pick up the microphone, I drug it
My music is addictive and impressive
Unplug it on chumps with the gangster babble
My music is better than fake gangster raps
Leave your nines at home and bring your skills to the battle
Don't bring weapons, bring your talent and skills
You're rattling on and on and ain't saying nothing
You are talking a lot but not making any sense
That's why you got snuffed when you bumped heads with Dirty Rotten
That's why you got hit when you tried to compete with me
Have you forgotten, I'll tap your jaw
Have you forgotten that I can punch you in the face?
I also kick like kung fu flicks by Run Run Shaw
I am also skilled in kicking, like in martial arts films
Made frauds bleed every time I G'd
I made fake people suffer when I exposed the truth
'Cause I've perfected my drunken style like Sam Seed
I have developed my own unique style like a famous martial artist
Pseudo psychos, I play like Michael Jackson
I am not afraid of fake people who act crazy, I deal with them like the famous artist Michael Jackson
When I'm busting ass and breaking backs
When I am performing and defeating my enemies
Inhale the putrified aroma
Take in the unpleasant scent of my powerful music
Breathe too deep and you'll wind up coma
If you listen to me too carefully, you might get overwhelmed and fall unconscious
Toast the king I'm hard like a fifth of vodka
Celebrate my greatness and resilience
And bring your clique 'cause I'm a hard rock knocker
Bring your group of friends if you dare, I am unbeatable
I gotcha out on a limb, about to push you off the plank
I have put you in a vulnerable position and am about to defeat you
Let you draw your chronz but your burner shot blanks
Let you try to attack me, but your gun was empty
When the East is in the house, you should come equipped
In my territory, you should be prepared
Fly like a jet, sting like a hornet
My style is quick and aggressive
Knuckleheads get live and set it off if you want it
If you want to compete with me, be prepared to fight
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is crushing fools, no jokes
My group is unbeatable and does not play around
With styles more fatal than secondhand smoke
Our style and music is so powerful it can cause harm like secondhand smoke
Don't provoke the wrath of this rhyme inventor
Don't make me angry with your words and actions
'Cause I blow up spots like the World Trade Center
My music is so powerful it can shake up and destroy a place like the World Trade Center
Come with the super trooper on his assault mission
Join me on my mission of domination and victory
The TEC's technique 'cause he's a technician
My technique is precise and technical
Wishing he'll go away, won't help the weapons stop
Hoping I will stop is useless, as I am too powerful
Then skills are shot 'cause any idiot can let off a Glock
Using a gun is easy, but real skills and talent are hard to come by
Hard rock smelling the clutch of the sun toucher
My music is powerful, and can touch people's soul like the sun
You claim you got beef on the streets, so what ya
You say you are tough in the streets, but what does that matter?
Gonna do when real niggas roll up on you
What are you going to do when real people like me come after you?
And you don't got your crew?
And when you don't have your friends to back you up?
Pull your Glock, but you don't got the heart
You may have a gun, but you are not brave enough to use it
You was webbed straight from the start
You have been trapped and these situations are not new to you
Bought a tool and didn't learn how to use it
You got a gun but don't know how to use it effectively
Got lost in Brooklyn, so you had to lose it
You were lost and confused, so you had to give up your weapon
Just for fronting you got that ass whipped
You got beaten up just for acting tough and pretending to be someone you're not
Uh-oh, uh-oh, uh-oh
Be aware, something is about to happen
'Cause we're dropping some shit
We are about to use some powerful lyrics
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Kendrick Jeru Davis, Kirk Jones, Fred Jr. Scruggs, Tyrone Taylor, Shelly Manne, Chris E. Martin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@josiahfadder
I swear this was the most gangster, non gangster track ever made. So disrespectful and nasty yet he doesn't even curse. One of the most intricately put together set of verses
@iggypopshot
Yep, concur
@MentalPistol
Thus is the essence of Jeru, he was hardcore without having to be too tryhard about it. Like authentic 80s and 90s Brooklyn cats.
@apep.8555
Shut up
@tankerwife2001
He literally says "faggot flambe" in the third line of the song lol
@m_w501
@Devin Allen & "ass" 😂 plus they say "shit" in the chorus.
@neverobey1477
I'm gonna build a time machine to go back to the golden age of hip hop..who's with me?
@fortyglock9698
I would use of my three wishes on that😌
@sawtooth808
🙋♂️
@joshculver
I’m in