At an early age, Jenkinsβ mother introduced him to contemporary soul greats such as Prince, Erykah Badu, Sade and Jill Scott, thus promoting her sonβs musical sensibility. The young artist was charmed by the emotions carried out in this musical genre and later found hip-hop music to be another effective vehicle for these same feelings due its lyrical richness. As he grew older, his passion for music developed into an ever-increasing rap talent. This led him to enter a rap competition called "Who got Bars" during his sophomore year at the University of Oakwood in Huntsville, Alabama. When he was awarded second place, the prospect of a career in hip-hop crossed his mind and the chemistry he had forged with FreeNation throughout the competition inspired him to take his lyrical persuasions seriously.
In the Fall of 2012, Mick returned to Chicago and began attending YCA (Young Chicago Authors) a youth center where his first acapella verse caught the attention of local artist and leader of Chicagoβs PIVOT Gang collective, Saba. Shortly after, the two collaborated on βHeauxβ for Sabaβs 2012 mixtape GETCOMFORTable.
In the spring of 2013 Mick Released a mixtape entitled Trees and Truths. It quickly became a local favorite, buoyed by acid jazz-influenced production, biblical allegory and lacerating lyricism. The project was by far his most lyrical body of work and caught the attention of Chicagoβs incipient gatekeepers. A few months after its release, a collaboration with Chance The Rapper and Vic Mensa came in the form of a single entitled βCrossroadsβ, which was a summer hit.
In 2014, Mick received a lot of attention after the release of his single "Martyrs." This song juxtaposes harsh truths about our society with a catchy hook, creating a thought-provoking single with various underlying messages and subtle notions. "Martyrs" has led people such as Timbaland, among others, to reach out and praise Jenkins for his musical talent and intricate lyricism. Mick continued to find creative ways to convey his message and he released his project entitled The Waters, the project received positive reviews.
In 2015, Mick went on tour with Kirk Knight, Noname, and Saba. On August 21, 2015, Jenkins released his 9-track EP Wave which also received positive reception. Mick released his debut album The Healing Component in 2016.
Jerome
Mick Jenkins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Or you gon' need a halo, I'm a mothafuckin' slayer
This ain't no game, I'm not no player
Nigga tryna find his way and then he bringing pain
You better know we major
I'm on this water heavy, what's a little gold and a pager
Wrestle with these words a young Mick Foley
These niggas jaded, 'bout to set it off, I be like Jada
Still on the block it feel like Jenga how it tumble down
Hands shaking like a Rumble, pack up we humble now
Buzzing how we bumble now
Leaving niggas puzzled, do the right thing and they buggin' out
Know the freedom stop for nothing, tell 'em niggas stop the frontin'
Roll in front, so if you ever see teardrop you better know we choppin' onions
I'm spitting yellow bricks, we rarely stop for munchkins
That's why I do not fuck with customs, I'm unaccustomed to these costumes
Know that if you cross the free it just might cost you
I'm not a doctor or Kevin Costner
The way I'm dancing with these wolves, I pray I never lost her
Step, I keep it steppin' nigga that's a bet
Relax and take notes, while I take tokes of the marijuana smoke
Relax and take notes, relax and take notes, notes, notes, notes
Put your motherfuckin' hands in the air
And wave them like you just don't care
I'm just showin' love to my mothafuckin' people
You can tell your mans we ain't going no where
Now keep your hands motherfuckin' in the air
And wave them like you just don't care
I'm just showin' love to my mothafuckin' people
You can tell your mans we ain't going no where
Jerome in the mothafuckin' house now
Let a loafer steppin', niggas better watch they mouth now
Leaving loaded lessons, pray for blessings when the doubts 'round
Thousand Island stretchin', I ain't stressin' no salad
I'm in this water where the sharks be
Coming for the same place your thoughts be
Artsy, dirty mouth, I never do the flossing
Hardly, stuntin' on the niggas that's frontin'
I know they do not want it, I run over niggas that's punnin'
No I ain't tryna kick it, I'm cookin' no bun in the oven
I need it on the stove, push it to the people off a cottage grove
Pot of gold, flooded more than Hollygrove
Mothafuckin' Hollywood, never take a holiday
I'm spotting foes everywhere, know that I get very rare
Faced the God, what's up Based God?
I'm pacing hot, tracing opps
Know your enemy, patrol your energy
Don't slip with niggas that pretend to be
Only kin of me can call me blood
Even a friendly can see the love
We do it for the free and keep it up
Tell your niggas they can keep the hate
Tell my friends I appreciate, the value never depreciate
This for my niggas, who be chillin' with them killers in the wild
We gettin' high 'til we bug the fuck out
It's been a minute, I've been chillin' on the
Prowl right, right
And to my crooks from Chi-town all the way to Flatbush
We get wild if you give us that look
Hit you with the follow up and the right hook, right, right
Put your fucking hands up in the air
Or you gon' have to lay low when I motherfucking spray you
This ain't no game like Sega, don't be a hero
I'm with my good fellas and we 'bout to rob Dinero
Give me the pesos, give me the Euros, give me the dollars
Give me the say so if these niggas want the drama
If I call my partners up, body bags is popping up
Keep popping shit, we pop the trunk, make you niggas popular
Hit him between his oculars, what the fuck is popping, cuz?
Super Saiyan like I opened forty-seven chakras up
Pussy hoes we knocking up, these flows keep stocking up
As long as I'm rhyming I'm Ben Wallace on your wallets, uh
My true shottas go blocka, blocka
Soul shocking with the fire, probably light your block up
Stop your blood clot crying, the pussy boy there dying
It's a cold, cold world, I think these niggas need the iron like "blaow"
How you like me now? Its the mothafuckin' Brooklyn king of them now
Nigga's jocking my style, I been all on the road
I been checkin' out the shows, I been fuckin' your hoes, like blap
How you like me now? Its the mothafuckin' Brooklyn king of them now
Nigga's jocking my style, I been all on the road
I been checkin' out the shows, I been fuckin' your hoes
This for my niggas, who be chillin' with them killers in the wild
We gettin' high 'til we bug the fuck out
It's been a minute, I've been chillin' on the
Prowl right, right
And to my crooks from Chi-town all the way to Flatbush
We get wild if you give us that look
Hit you with the follow up and the right hook, right, right
The song "Jerome" by Mick Jenkins speaks about the struggles of being a Black man in the United States, particularly in the context of police brutality and racism. Jenkins encourages his listeners to put their hands up in the air, not just in a celebratory manner as one would do in a concert, but rather in a way that symbolizes submission and surrender to the police. He refers to himself as a "motherfucking slayer" and warns his audience that he is not to be trifled with. He is not a player, but rather a man trying to find his way and in the process, causes pain. The song draws on Jenkins' personal experiences growing up on the South Side of Chicago, where gun violence and police brutality are rampant.
The second verse of the song sees Jenkins describe how he is dealing with the trauma and pain caused by his experiences. He turns to marijuana to numb his pain and to help him wrestle with his feelings. The mention of a young Mick Foley, a former professional wrestler known for his sheer toughness, symbolizes how Jenkins is battling his own inner demons. He then goes on to describe how he feels like a fish out of water, the water being society. Despite this, Jenkins refuses to wear any costume or mask to fit into society's expectations. Instead, he continues to be himself, even though it might cost him. Jenkins also warns his audience that crossing his path will have consequences, and he prays he never loses himself to the violence.
Overall, "Jerome" is a powerful song that speaks to the struggles of being a Black man in the United States, and it highlights some of the issues that individuals face daily. Jenkins' delivery and flow make the song even more captivating, and he uses his personal experiences to help craft a message that resonates with many.
Line by Line Meaning
Put your motherfuckin' hands in the air
Raise your hands up in the air
Or you gon' need a halo, I'm a mothafuckin' slayer
If you don't, you'll face consequences, as I am a dangerous and skilled individual
This ain't no game, I'm not no player
This is serious, I don't play around
Nigga tryna find his way and then he bringing pain
I'm trying to navigate through life, but it brings me pain
You better know we major
You should understand that we are important and influential
I'm on this water heavy, what's a little gold and a pager
I'm focused on the essentials, material possessions don't matter to me
Wrestle with these words a young Mick Foley
I engage in a battle of words, like a young Mick Foley, a professional wrestler
All I see is AC Slater
All I see are fake and insincere people
These niggas jaded, 'bout to set it off, I be like Jada
These individuals are cynical and disillusioned, but I'm ready to take action like Jada Pinkett Smith
Still on the block it feel like Jenga how it tumble down
I'm still in the neighborhood, witnessing how things fall apart like a game of Jenga
Hands shaking like a Rumble, pack up we humble now
We're humble now and our hands are shaking with anticipation, just like in a boxing match
Buzzing how we bumble now
We're making waves and causing a stir like a bumblebee
Leaving niggas puzzled, do the right thing and they buggin' out
We're leaving people confused and questioning their actions, causing them to lose their composure
Know the freedom stop for nothing, tell 'em niggas stop the frontin'
We won't let anything hinder our freedom, and we're telling others to stop pretending
Roll in front, so if you ever see teardrop you better know we choppin' onions
We're always moving forward, and if you see a teardrop tattoo, it signifies that we're involved in illegal activities
I'm spitting yellow bricks, we rarely stop for munchkins
I'm delivering profound and valuable words, and we rarely pay attention to insignificant individuals
That's why I do not fuck with customs, I'm unaccustomed to these costumes
I don't adhere to societal norms and expectations, I'm not comfortable wearing masks
Know that if you cross the free it just might cost you
If you oppose our freedom, there will be consequences
I'm not a doctor or Kevin Costner
I'm not qualified to heal or save others like a doctor or Kevin Costner in a movie
The way I'm dancing with these wolves, I pray I never lost her
I'm engaging with dangerous individuals, and I hope I never lose myself in the process
Step, I keep it steppin' nigga that's a bet
I keep moving forward, that's a guarantee
Relax and take notes, while I take tokes of the marijuana smoke
Take a moment to listen and learn from me, as I enjoy smoking marijuana
Put your motherfuckin' hands in the air
Raise your hands up in the air
And wave them like you just don't care
Waving your hands with indifference and freedom
I'm just showin' love to my mothafuckin' people
I'm expressing affection and support for my close associates
You can tell your mans we ain't going no where
Inform your friends that we aren't going away anytime soon
Now keep your hands motherfuckin' in the air
Continue raising your hands up in the air
And wave them like you just don't care
Continue waving your hands with indifference
I'm just showin' love to my mothafuckin' people
I'm demonstrating love and support for my close associates
You can tell your mans we ain't going no where
Inform your friends that we aren't going away anytime soon
Jerome in the mothafuckin' house now
I, Jerome, am now present and making my presence known
Let a loafer steppin', niggas better watch they mouth now
Allow me to assert myself and warn others to be careful with their words
Leaving loaded lessons, pray for blessings when the doubts 'round
I'm imparting important teachings, and we hope for blessings when faced with uncertainty
Thousand Island stretchin', I ain't stressin' no salad
We're enjoying the finer things in life, not worrying about trivial matters
I'm in this water where the sharks be
I'm in a dangerous environment filled with predatory individuals
Coming for the same place your thoughts be
They're aiming for the same goals and aspirations as you
Artsy, dirty mouth, I never do the flossing
I'm artistic and unfiltered in my expression, I don't conform to societal norms
Hardly, stuntin' on the niggas that's frontin'
I'm showing off and impressing those who are pretending to be something they're not
I know they do not want it, I run over niggas that's punnin'
I know they're not prepared for the challenge, I surpass those who are merely attempting
No I ain't tryna kick it, I'm cookin' no bun in the oven
I'm not interested in casual interactions, I'm focused on pursuing my goals
I need it on the stove, push it to the people off a cottage grove
I need my product ready, and I distribute it to the people from a specific location
Pot of gold, flooded more than Hollygrove
I possess significant wealth and resources, more than the neighborhood of Hollygrove
Mothafuckin' Hollywood, never take a holiday
I'm constantly active and never take a break, like someone in the entertainment industry
I'm spotting foes everywhere, know that I get very rare
I can identify enemies easily, and I possess unique qualities
Faced the God, what's up Based God?
I confronted a higher power or influential figure, addressing someone like Lil B
I'm pacing hot, tracing opps
I'm moving at a fast pace, tracking down opponents
Know your enemy, patrol your energy
Understand who your opponent is, and protect your own energy
Don't slip with niggas that pretend to be
Don't be deceived by individuals pretending to be something they're not
Only kin of me can call me blood
Only those who are close to me can refer to me as family
Even a friendly can see the love
Even someone who is not related can recognize the genuine affection
We do it for the free and keep it up
We do it without expecting anything in return and continue to do so
Tell your niggas they can keep the hate
Inform your friends that they can continue holding onto their negativity
Tell my friends I appreciate, the value never depreciate
Tell my friends that I appreciate them, and their worth never decreases
This for my niggas, who be chillin' with them killers in the wild
This is dedicated to my friends who associate with dangerous individuals
We gettin' high 'til we bug the fuck out
We're getting intoxicated until we completely lose control
It's been a minute, I've been chillin' on the
It's been a while, I've been relaxing and taking it easy
Prowl right, right
Moving around discreetly, keeping a low profile
And to my crooks from Chi-town all the way to Flatbush
And to my criminal associates from Chicago to Flatbush
We get wild if you give us that look
We become aggressive and unruly if you provoke us
Hit you with the follow up and the right hook, right, right
We'll hit you with a second attack and a powerful punch
Put your fucking hands up in the air
Raise your hands up in the air
Or you gon' have to lay low when I motherfucking spray you
If you don't, you'll have to hide and be careful when I attack you
This ain't no game like Sega, don't be a hero
This is serious, it's not a video game like Sega, so don't try to be a hero
I'm with my good fellas and we 'bout to rob Dinero
I'm with my trustworthy companions, and we're about to steal money
Give me the pesos, give me the Euros, give me the dollars
Give me the various currencies, such as Mexican pesos, European euros, and American dollars
Give me the say so if these niggas want the drama
Give me permission if these individuals are looking for trouble
If I call my partners up, body bags is popping up
If I contact my associates, there will be casualties
Keep popping shit, we pop the trunk, make you niggas popular
If you keep talking nonsense, we'll open the trunk of our car, making you famous in a negative way
Hit him between his oculars, what the fuck is popping, cuz?
Shoot him between his eyes, what is happening, my cousin?
Super Saiyan like I opened forty-seven chakras up
I'm in an elevated state of being, like a Super Saiyan who has unlocked all their chakras
Pussy hoes we knocking up, these flows keep stocking up
We're impregnating weak individuals, and my lyrics keep piling up
As long as I'm rhyming I'm Ben Wallace on your wallets, uh
As long as I'm freestyling, I'm like Ben Wallace stealing your money
My true shottas go blocka, blocka
My true shooters make the sound of gunfire, blocka, blocka
Soul shocking with the fire, probably light your block up
We're causing astonishment and fear with our powerful lyrics, we might even set your neighborhood on fire
Stop your blood clot crying, the pussy boy there dying
Stop your pointless crying, that weak individual is dying
It's a cold, cold world, I think these niggas need the iron like 'blaow'
The world is harsh and unforgiving, these individuals need a weapon to protect themselves
How you like me now? Its the mothafuckin' Brooklyn king of them now
How do you feel about me now? I am the dominant king from Brooklyn
Nigga's jocking my style, I been all on the road
People are imitating my style, I've been constantly traveling and working
I been checkin' out the shows, I been fuckin' your hoes, like blap
I've been attending events and having sexual encounters with women, like blap
Lyrics Β© RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: Jo-Vaughn Virginie Scott
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
_kjallday_
Joey never fails to amaze me. Switches up his style and lyrical stance with ease.
Danil Lee
style+ease= steez
4rule
haft befehl that's kirk knight, he produced the beat
Kevin Croft
@Danil Lee RIP to the silent goat
Taylor Patterson
Joey goes so hard it makes me smile
Erick Solis
Besides a Cole and K. Dot collab album, i'd want a Mick Jenkis & Joey Badass collab album. π₯
ILOVECODY
Yes.
Yeehee
KAAN x JID
FreshPrince
Joey's verse gets me hyped af....
Toby Check
SUPER SAIYAN LIKE I OPENED 47 CHAKRAS UP