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.
Intro
Jeru the Damaja Lyrics
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Form and Chaos, Substance and Oblivion, Light and Dark
And all the infinite variations of Yin and Yang
When the pendulum swings in favour of one
It will eventually swing in favour of it's opposite
Thus the balance of the universe is maintained
In Jeru the Damaja's song Intro, the lyrics explore the concept of balance in the universe. According to the lyrics, life is the result of the struggle between dynamic opposites such as form and chaos, substance and oblivion, and light and dark. The pendulum swings in favor of one of these opposites, but will eventually swing back in favor of its opposite. This constant back-and-forth creates balance in the universe. The lyrics suggest that this balance is essential to life and existence.
The lyrics are both philosophical and metaphorical. The opposing forces represent the various struggles and conflicts that individuals face in their lives. This struggle is necessary to achieve balance and growth. The lyrics encourage listeners to embrace the ups and downs of life, as it is all part of the natural balance that keeps the universe functioning.
In summary, the lyrics to Jeru the Damaja's song Intro are a reflection on the universal principles of balance and the importance of the struggle between opposing forces in maintaining that balance.
Line by Line Meaning
Life is the result of the struggle between dynamic opposites
Existence comes into being due to the conflict between opposing forces that are constantly changing
Form and Chaos, Substance and Oblivion, Light and Dark
These opposing forces can take various forms such as order and disorder, matter and nothingness, and brightness and darkness.
And all the infinite variations of Yin and Yang
These opposing forces can manifest in limitless forms.
When the pendulum swings in favour of one
When one of the opposing forces gains the upper hand
It will eventually swing in favour of it's opposite
The opposing force will gain dominance after a certain period of time,
Thus the balance of the universe is maintained
This cycle of opposing forces is necessary to preserve the equilibrium and order of the cosmos.
Contributed by Chase R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.