Kendrick Jeru Davis, known as Jeru the Damaja (born February 14, 1972) spen… Read Full Bio ↴Kendrick Jeru Davis, known as Jeru the Damaja (born February 14, 1972) spent his early years in the Brooklyn neighborhood of East New York, where he has been rapping at block parties since the early days of his youth. He first showcased his hardcore Brooklyn style to audiences on "I'm the Man," a track from Gang Starr's 1992 album Daily Operation. The following year he released his first single, "Come Clean", which was produced by DJ Premier and became an instant underground hit. His first album, The Sun Rises in the East, released in 1994, and produced entirely by DJ Premier, is considered a classic, and was one of the most acclaimed Hip Hop albums of its time.

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.

Me Or Tha Papes
Jeru the Damaja Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Party people, in the place to be
From the same man, who brought you Da Bichez
(Da Bichez, Da Bichez, Da Bichez)
We were misunderstood, last time we brought you
Ba Bichez (Da Bichez Da Bichez)
Now we gonna clear it up and let you make up your own mind
like this...

Now a queen's a queen, and a whore is a whore
She felt if she made me wait I'd have more respect for her
Adore her, eventually spendin up my digits
She felt that love would make me buy her mad material shit
She likes to trick em, cause ain't nothin like a sleepin victim
East New York style stick em -- ha ha ha, stick em
Top rated game, but if it's game I played it
Underestimated, swore the king was checkmated
She claims she loves my mind, cause I'm so intelligent
But fuck my mental, she was scheming on my mint
Evil inten-tion, to de-plenish the fund
She tried to juice me with the pussy cept for, the mask and gun
I was a fool to fall in lust with this evil ge-nius
She had me by the nuts
She ain't got shit but man she loves it plush
Whippin I whip, and suckin up I canibus
Back in the days, I woulda scraped her for this caper
But I realize, it wasn't me it was the paper

Let me kick it, about the digits, that I've collected
Long distance, and disconnected, it's gettin hectic
Before my record, they didn't show it
But now they throw it, hopin that they'll get drunk off Moet
or Cristal, but that's not my par-ticular style and taste
My name ain't Puff and I ain't got loot to waste
I ain't got time to waste, bad bitches is all up in my face
Crazy ignorant, sweatin links minks and shit
Cosmetic, but deep down, derelict
Fake players, never get out the projects
It's pathetic -- the way she bends for dividends
I tried to jewel her but she tried to get a drink at the end
of our con-vo-sation, I did not have the patience
Slid off to the next Asian
She said, "What you do?" I said, "What?"
She said, "You know your occupation?"
So I broke the fuck out
In nineteen-ninety-six that's what it's all about, but
I won't go that route
Back in the days Biz said it was The Vapors
But today, I realize that it's the papers

"Cause ain't no fiends comin in between me and my dreams
See what I mean black, I" -- "gets the paper"
"Cause ain't no fiends comin in between me and my dreams
See what I mean black, I" -- "gets the paper"
"Cause ain't no fiends comin in between me and my dreams
See what I mean black, I" -- "gets the paper"

Now a whore's a whore, find a queen and she'll be my Earth
Respect love and protect her, for all that it's worth
I admit I have flaws, I flips it first, but deep down
I wishes to give em the universe
A lot of the ones that I thought was right wasn't
I build with Afu, he said "Don't sweat it cause
they come a dime a dozen"
Like my ex-stunt, wanted a diamond
Bitches love power, while queens, love refinement
Low stress environment, old age and retirement
Never have to wonder where my money went
Where my honey went, is her back gettin twisted
by the next fella, always take heed to what I tell her
When I'm wrong, she lets me know I need correction
When I'm right she's my reflection still we, use protection
Through thick and thin, thin and thick
She's my diamond in the rough not a whore or a trick
Great expectations, of me and she buildin nation
Everything we do and skyscrapin
Back in the days, the devil used to rape her
Nowadays, he got her chasin the paper

"Cause ain't no fiends comin in between me and my dreams
See what I mean black, I" -- "gets the paper"
"Cause ain't no fiends comin in between me and my dreams
See what I mean black, I" -- "gets the paper"
"Cause ain't no fiends comin in between me and my dreams
See what I mean black, I" -- "gets the paper"

"Cause ain't no fiends comin in between me and my dreams
See what I mean black, I" -- "gets the paper"

Overall Meaning

The song "Me Or Tha Papes" by Jeru the Damaja is a commentary on the value placed on money and material possessions in our society. Jeru distinguishes between a queen and a whore, saying that a queen is deserving of respect and protection, while a whore is simply after material things. He describes an encounter with a woman who tried to manipulate him into buying her things by pretending to be interested in a relationship. Jeru sees through her scheme and realizes that she is only after his money.

Jeru also speaks about the pressure he faces as a successful artist to keep up appearances and spend money on luxurious items. He says that he doesn't subscribe to this lifestyle and instead chooses to focus on the important things in life, like meaningful relationships and personal growth. He recognizes that many people in his position are willing to sacrifice their integrity and morals for the sake of money, but he refuses to do so.

Overall, "Me Or Tha Papes" is a criticism of the consumerist culture that prioritizes material possessions and financial gain over genuine human connection and personal fulfillment.

Line by Line Meaning

Now a queen's a queen, and a whore is a whore
There is a clear distinction between a woman deserving of respect and a woman who engages in promiscuity.

She felt if she made me wait I'd have more respect for her
She believed that by delaying sexual intimacy, I would hold her in higher regard.

Adore her, eventually spendin up my digits
I would develop strong feelings towards her and eventually spend all my money on her.

She felt that love would make me buy her mad material shit
She believed that my love for her would compel me to purchase extravagant items for her.

She likes to trick em, cause ain't nothin like a sleepin victim
She enjoys deceiving men because there is nothing more satisfying than exploiting a vulnerable individual.

East New York style stick em -- ha ha ha, stick em
Using force and intimidation in the East New York manner, she takes advantage of men for personal gain.

Top rated game, but if it's game I played it
I possess exceptional skills in navigating relationships, but if the situation calls for manipulation, I am not above playing those games.

Underestimated, swore the king was checkmated
I was underestimated and believed to be defeated in the game of love.

She claims she loves my mind, cause I'm so intelligent
She asserts that she admires my intellect and intelligence.

But fuck my mental, she was scheming on my mint
However, she disregarded my emotional well-being and was plotting to acquire my wealth.

Evil inten-tion, to de-plenish the fund
She harbored wicked intentions to deplete my financial resources.

She tried to juice me with the pussy cept for, the mask and gun
She attempted to exploit me sexually, using her allure as a weapon, excluding violence.

I was a fool to fall in lust with this evil ge-nius
I made the mistake of succumbing to carnal desires for this manipulative and cunning individual.

She ain't got shit but man she loves it plush
Although she lacks personal possessions, she takes pleasure in indulging in luxuries.

Whippin I whip, and suckin up I canibus
She takes advantage of my financial resources and consumes them excessively.

Back in the days, I woulda scraped her for this caper
In the past, I would have resorted to violence to retaliate against her deceitful actions.

But I realize, it wasn't me it was the paper
However, I have come to understand that her motivations were driven by money rather than my own worth.

Let me kick it, about the digits, that I've collected
Allow me to discuss the accomplishments and monetary gains I have acquired.

Long distance, and disconnected, it's gettin hectic
Managing long-distance relationships has become overwhelming and causing strain.

But now they throw it, hopin that they'll get drunk off Moet
However, now that I am successful, women are eager to associate with me in hopes of enjoying luxury goods and alcohol.

or Cristal, but that's not my par-ticular style and taste
They desire expensive champagne like Moet or Cristal, but such choices do not align with my personal preferences.

My name ain't Puff and I ain't got loot to waste
I am not a wealthy individual like Puff Daddy, and I cannot afford to squander my money.

I ain't got time to waste, bad bitches is all up in my face
I do not have time to waste on shallow women who are only interested in materialistic gains.

Crazy ignorant, sweatin links minks and shit
These women are foolishly obsessed with luxurious items, such as jewelry and fur coats.

Cosmetic, but deep down, derelict
While they may appear attractive on the surface, they possess a deep internal emptiness and neglect.

Fake players, never get out the projects
These individuals who pretend to be skilled in seduction never escape the confines of their low-income neighborhoods.

It's pathetic -- the way she bends for dividends
Their desperate attempts to obtain financial gain are pitiful and degrading.

I tried to jewel her but she tried to get a drink at the end
I attempted to enlighten her about her misguided priorities, but she still sought materialistic pleasures.

of our con-vo-sation, I did not have the patience
Due to her shallow mindset, I lost interest in continuing our conversation.

Slid off to the next Asian
I swiftly moved on to interact with another individual of Asian descent.

She said, "What you do?" I said, "What?"
She inquired about my occupation, to which I responded with confusion.

She said, "You know your occupation?"
She was insinuating that I should be aware of my profession.

So I broke the fuck out
I abruptly departed from the situation.

In nineteen-ninety-six that's what it's all about, but
During the year 1996, materialistic pursuits were prevalent, but...

I won't go that route
I refuse to engage in such behavior.

Back in the days Biz said it was The Vapors
In the past, Biz Markie's song "The Vapors" highlighted materialistic desires as the motivating factor for people's actions.

But today, I realize that it's the papers
However, I have now come to understand that materialistic pursuits, driven by money, are the prominent motivator.

"Cause ain't no fiends comin in between me and my dreams See what I mean black, I" -- "gets the paper"
I will not allow individuals obsessed with materialistic desires to hinder my progress towards achieving my dreams.

Now a whore's a whore, find a queen and she'll be my Earth
A promiscuous woman will always be that, but if I find a woman deserving of respect, she will be my partner and support system.

Respect love and protect her, for all that it's worth
I will hold her in high regard, cherish our love, and ensure her well-being.

I admit I have flaws, I flips it first, but deep down
I acknowledge that I am not perfect and may make mistakes, but at my core...

I wishes to give em the universe
I aspire to provide my loved ones with all the love and support they desire.

A lot of the ones that I thought was right wasn't
Many of the women I believed were suitable companions turned out to be disappointing.

I build with Afu, he said "Don't sweat it cause they come a dime a dozen"
I converse with my colleague Afu-Ra, who assures me that shallow women are plentiful and not worth my concern.

Like my ex-stunt, wanted a diamond
Similar to my previous romantic partner, she desired a diamond as a symbol of materialistic success.

Bitches love power, while queens, love refinement
Promiscuous women are attracted to power and wealth, while deserving women appreciate qualities such as elegance and sophistication.

Low stress environment, old age and retirement
I seek a serene and calm atmosphere, free from unnecessary drama, even as I grow older and approach retirement.

Never have to wonder where my money went
I aim to create financial stability to eliminate any concerns about the whereabouts of my money.

Where my honey went, is her back gettin twisted
I am unsure of my partner's whereabouts as she may be involved in illicit activities.

by the next fella, always take heed to what I tell her
She may be engaging in affairs with other men, therefore, she should pay attention to the advice I give her.

When I'm wrong, she lets me know I need correction
She provides me with constructive criticism and guidance whenever I make mistakes.

When I'm right she's my reflection still we, use protection
When I am correct in my actions, she supports me and serves as my equal while prioritizing safety.

Through thick and thin, thin and thick
We support and stand by each other, whether times are difficult or easy.

She's my diamond in the rough not a whore or a trick
She is a rare and precious gem, unlike promiscuous women or individuals who engage in deceitful behavior.

Great expectations, of me and she buildin nation
We have high aspirations for each other and strive to contribute positively to our community.

Everything we do and skyscrapin
We aim to achieve greatness in all our endeavors, reaching new heights like towering skyscrapers.

Back in the days, the devil used to rape her
In the past, she was victimized and manipulated by wicked individuals,

Nowadays, he got her chasin the paper
However, these days, she has succumbed to the temptations of material wealth as influenced by the devil.

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: KENDRICK JERU DAVIS, CHRIS E. MARTIN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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