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.
War
Jeru the Damaja Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
"We hold these truths to be self evident
that all men are created equal
and endowed by their creator
with certain inalienable rights
and when these rights are destroyed over long periods of time
it is your duutyy to destroy, demolish its venom"
(Applause)
[Verse 1: Jeru]
War, my skills is this spelled backwards
I perform for the white kids but do this for the black kids
To get this ill takes practice I'm takin' over
the industry with ghetto verbal and tactics
Hard times build muscle like lactic acid
Some entertainers losin' they minds
makin' porns pissin' on kids
The streets is ill save the theatrics
I still treat a bitch like a bitch
while y'all niggaz is doin' backflips
I can't trip I guess it's part of the game
like Ja-Rule bitin' my name
like MJ glowin' up in flames
like chickens suckin' dick for fame
As things change I remain the same
tryin' to keep sane
While many strugglin' to maintain
The stress of ghetto livin' can bust ya brain
It seems the road is paved with less joy than pain
I want to regress but I refrain
If I don't I rage war
Right here in the streets of New York
Some talk the talk, but don't walk the walk
Like Muslems at the corner store sellin' pork
My little brother still outlined in chalk
They went from forties to the champagne court
Videos and true lies makin' all the birds squalk
Little girls butt naked so the president's stalk
My man say he was god holdin' the devil's pitchfork
That's why I'm throwin' rhymes like Geronimo's tomahawk
[Verse 2: Jeru]
War, many shout it but don't want to see it
I stay low and lay boobytraps like the cong in Viet..nam
Loud talkin' and stares can't do me harm
Know some niggaz want to stop it I'm still droppin' the bomb
Shit is death like Tennessaucee ring the alarm (ring the alarm)
It's still a mystery to you like the 82nd psalm
Some fight 'til the end some sell out like Uncle Tom
So much contempt others that's flow with they jelly like napalm
War, is more than hand to hand and firearms
It's only won when the mind is calm
So I study Sun-Tzu and stopped smokin' chron'
In my left hand riches, long life in my right palm
[Fragment of a movie]
The song "War" by Jeru the Damaja features powerful lyrics that convey his views on the state of societal issues within America. The introduction features a speech that references the Declaration of Independence, highlighting the concept of inalienable rights being taken away and the need for action to rectify the situation. The song begins with Jeru discussing his unique skill set, honed in the streets of New York City. He states that he performs for white and black audiences but makes music for the latter, utilizing his urban perspective as a tool to empower his community.
Jeru also criticizes the entertainment industry for its moral decay, as some celebrities have created pornographic content and engage in risky or inappropriate behavior in search of fame. He acknowledges the struggles of ghetto living, citing the stress and pain that individuals face daily. Despite the challenges, however, Jeru refuses to falter or regress, stating that he will continue to wage war against injustice and corruption. He also recognizes the complexity of war, stressing that true progress can only be made when the mind is calm and clear.
The song tackles themes such as social inequality, corruption, and the struggle for change. It emphasizes the importance of taking action when one's rights are threatened and maintaining a focus on achieving justice for all. Through his powerful lyrics, Jeru the Damaja inspires listeners to work towards a brighter, more equitable future.
Line by Line Meaning
We hold these truths to be self evident
We believe these things to be obviously true
that all men are created equal
That everyone should be treated the same way regardless of their ethnicity or skin color
and endowed by their creator
And we think that everyone has the same basic human rights that are a part of them from the time they're born
with certain inalienable rights
And these human rights can't be taken away by anyone or anything, they are fundamental and non-negotiable
and when these rights are destroyed over long periods of time
But it's a fact that some people or groups feel it's okay to take those rights away over time
it is your duutyy to destroy, demolish its venom"
It's your responsibility to fight against acts and attitudes that go against these fundamental rights, if you don't they will slowly eat away at everything we value as a society
War, my skills is this spelled backwards
I am a skilled rapper and my name (Jeru) spelled backwards is 'Urej', which sounds like the word 'war' in my opinion.
I perform for the white kids but do this for the black kids
I make music that attracts young white audiences but the lyrics are still made for the struggling black youth
To get this ill takes practice I'm takin' over
It takes skill to become a successful rapper, and I believe that I have that skill because I am gaining popularity and acclaim
the industry with ghetto verbal and tactics
I try to represent the less privileged urban inhabitants who are often oppressed or overlooked by the mainstream music industry
Hard times build muscle like lactic acid
Challenging experiences help people grow stronger and develop a sharper perspective on what matters in life, much like training hard helps build physically strong muscles
Some entertainers losin' they minds
Some music artists are struggling mentally and emotionally because of the challenges and pressures that come with fame
makin' porns pissin' on kids
Some performers are engaging in illegal and disturbing activities (like child pornography), which deeply upsets Jeru and other responsible people.
The streets is ill save the theatrics
There are many sick and negative things happening on the streets that are far more tragic than any staged performance; so stop pretending and focus on what really matters
I still treat a bitch like a bitch
I still call things like I see them, regardless of what people say or think about me
while y'all niggaz is doin' backflips
While others in the rap industry are trying to be flashy and show off, Jeru is staying focused on his message and skills
I can't trip I guess it's part of the game
I can't complain too much because I know this industry and its expectations, and I am aware of the challenges and pitfalls that come with it
like Ja-Rule bitin' my name
Some of my colleagues have taken cues from my work and even copied my style or name, in a disrespectful and sick way
like MJ glowin' up in flames
Even huge pop stars like Michael Jackson can suffer devastating falls and lose everything, something that is a constant possibility in this industry
like chickens suckin' dick for fame
Some people in the music and entertainment industry will do anything for fame and fortune, regardless of how gross, humiliating, or immoral it might seem to others
As things change I remain the same
Despite how chaotic or unpredictable the world may seem to be, I stay true to myself and my principles
tryin' to keep sane
It is tough keeping your head straight and stay sane in the creative world where many things are unpredictable
While many strugglin' to maintain
While many aspiring musicians struggle to get to a better place or improve their skills, I try to maintain my passions and skills at a high level
The stress of ghetto livin' can bust ya brain
Living in impoverished situations and harsh environments can affect your mental and emotional stability and wellbeing
It seems the road is paved with less joy than pain
Life may seem to be a permanent struggle to find joy, but in fact, joy is often brief and fleeting, while pain seems to endure much longer
I want to regress but I refrain
Sometimes I feel like returning to an earlier way of thinking or living, but I keep it under control and continue on in my path to success
If I don't I rage war
If I don't manage my mental and emotional state, I realize that I could lash out at the world in a destructive and harmful way
Right here in the streets of New York
In Jeru's view, New York is still a notably dangerous and intense place where people struggle daily to survive
Some talk the talk, but don't walk the walk
Some people can say they want to stand up for their beliefs, but when it comes to actually follow through, those people will fail and disappoint
Like Muslems at the corner store sellin' pork
Some people can profess a certain faith, but in fact, their actions or behavior may completely contradict those religious rules
My little brother still outlined in chalk
Drawing a chalk outline around a body is a way to denote where someone has died. Jeru is saying that even his own little brother might someday become a victim of violence on the streets
They went from forties to the champagne court
People who used to be poor and couldn't afford better things are now living in luxury and indulging in the finer things in life, becoming assholes in the process
Videos and true lies makin' all the birds squalk
The music industry relies on pervasive imaging technology and misconceptions to promote its stars and increase its revenue, while making reality hard to distinguish from fantasy
Little girls butt naked so the president's stalk
Even the most powerful people in the country can be tempted and corrupt by the perverse and ugly side of celebrity culture
My man say he was god holdin' the devil's pitchfork
Sometimes people can take themselves too seriously, thinking of themselves as more powerful or knowledgeable than they really are, and becoming hypocritical in the process.
That's why I'm throwin' rhymes like Geronimo's tomahawk
Jeru is comparing himself and his vocal skills to Native American fighter Geronimo, who was known for his fierce bravery and resistance against colonizers
War, many shout it but don't want to see it
People can talk a lot about war and fighting, but when they actually see and experience its devastation and loss, they might change their minds completely
I stay low and lay boobytraps like the cong in Viet..nam
Instead of fighting overtly or being too confrontational, I prefer to act in a more sneaky and subtle way, like the forces fighting in Vietnam
Loud talkin' and stares can't do me harm
Other people can try to threaten or mess with me through words or looks, but I am steadfast and strong enough not to be affected by them.
Know some niggaz want to stop it I'm still droppin' the bomb
Even though some people might want to stop my music or ideas from spreading or getting exposed, I continue with my artistic and social endeavors with the same level of vigor and urgency
Shit is death like Tennessaucee ring the alarm (ring the alarm)
The environment and lifestyle that many people in Tennessee find themselves in is full of danger and deadly outcomes
It's still a mystery to you like the 82nd psalm
Some people might never understand or fully know the complexity of the world's troubles and conflicts, no matter how hard they try
Some fight 'til the end some sell out like Uncle Tom
Some people will fight for their principles and beliefs till the very end, while others turn on them for money or other kinds of gain, like the character 'Uncle Tom' famously depicted in American literature
So much contempt others that's flow with they jelly like napalm
Jeru doesn't like it when other musicians go along with the mainstream or sell out, which he compares to jelly-like napalm that sticks to you and burns you alive
War, is more than hand to hand and firearms
War and conflict aren't simply physical or violent, they can take many forms and be fought in different ways
It's only won when the mind is calm
In order to bring peace and a lasting solution to a war or problem, people need to end their anger and work through their differences calmly
So I study Sun-Tzu and stopped smokin' chron'
Jeru is learning from the ancient Chinese military strategist Sun-Tzu, who wrote 'The Art of War,' and putting that advice into his own life, even quitting smoking weed as part of this journey
In my left hand riches, long life in my right palm
Jeru imagines holding onto the benefits and fruits of his hard work and struggles in both hands, with wealth in one and a long and healthy life in the other.
Lyrics Β© Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave
Written by: KENDRICK JERU DAVIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Danexman Uno
G'damn I cant front I slept on this album, but this joint is CRAZY SON!!!
Dalila P
If it's good enough for Common - it's added to my playlist.
Patrick McLain
BRING IT BACK BLAST IT OVER SOMEONE PLAYING LOUD TRAP IF YO SYSTEM LOUDER THE DRUMS SHOULD CUT THROUGH LIKE A KNIFE WORD IS BONDπ»π»π₯π₯π₯π₯π₯π₯π₯πππππ ππ€£π
SRTHEMIMOPAR
Another wake up show classic!!
VHS FACTION
Unbelievable Flow
aleksander k jentoftsen
jeru kickin it real !
CRASH DDZ
those drums
!!!
SRTHEMIMOPAR
that's why I'm throwing rhymes like Jeronemo's tomahawk!
OB1
The beat is sick
dek mcspirit
5 stars thx 4 postin