He has one older brother who is five years older than him. He had a tough childhood growing up with a father who was addicted to crack and a mother who was diagnosed breast cancer. A lot of his struggles are reflected in the lyrics of his music. OnCue graduated from Newington High School and attended Central Connecticut State University and Brooklyn College before dropping out to pursue music full time.
OnCue started rapping at the age of 11 and recording music when he was 13-years-old at local studios in the Hartford area. Throughout his teenage years, OnCue focused on honing his craft and developing his sound. In 2010, OnCue moved to Brooklyn to take his rap career more seriously.
To help earn some money to get by, OnCue would create album covers for producers and other rappers. Two prominent Brooklyn he did work for were MICK and Terry Urban. One day he came up to them and showed them his bars. Impressed, they worked with OnCue, hosting several of his mixtapes including "Cueyfornication" and "Cuey Sings the Blues".
In addition, OnCue started working with producer C.J. Luzi, who he would collaborate with throughout his career. Adam Ross would direct several of his music videos to much acclaim by critics and fans.
In early 2012 after his "Leftovers" and "Can't Wait" mixtapes dropped, OnCue linked up with Just Blaze through AThe Bald God. For the next two years, they would work together and create one mixtape, "Leftovers 2", and his first album, "Angry Young Man".
Common themes in his music are about love and hardships. His family and difficult situation growing up have been a huge inspiration to his lyrics and often get very personal. He raps about the struggles he went through and overcoming them. OnCue constantly mentions his past relationships and how they affected his life. Also, many times in his music, he makes references to his dick.
All the Way
ONCUE Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Been dropping these gems, pearls atom
I don't blame you
If you can't see the pattern
Small minds can't understand what's unimagined
People bow down, rather see a casket
But never that, we on the Eve of Adam
I'm a little lost, but aren't we all
Haters if I get there I probably won't call
I don't have your number, you probably piss me off
Let's numb the pain, mix liquor or mix pills
I can't sit still, knowing I ain't shit stillThings about to change, I don't know if you heard
Obsessed with the money we don't have it's absurd
Legend in the making, know you concur
Gotta write this down now, what's next is a blur
If you don't agree
You don't gotta read
A new chapter in my life, where dreams meet at the seam
A sheer reality, hard work equals a salary
Girls calling us up for people we about to be
Tell them that we're out of reach
Sick of pretending, should be any second
Wish I had directions
Where the fuck am I? now I'm second guessing
I swore I wouldn't stress it
There ain't too many ways to go about it
Walking down new year ave., and these streets ain't crowded
The shoes on my feet are the only thing that I'm proud of
Millions of miles, that they got me out of
And all this liquor barely takes the pain awayAin't no use still waiting cause the train is late
I'm walking all the way home, walking all the way home
Walking all the way
Used to steal my brothers cassettes
Now we on set, take away from jets
Tell them that we next
What did you expect
For real this time, the mothers is all vexed
Recently everybody seem to want a piece of me
I just want to make some shit that really speaking me
My girl keeps saying, "when you blow I know you leaving me"
I just need her to see I dream about it frequently
Keep telling my land lord I need a week
City lights are feeling more like laser beams
All my exes felt comfortable playing me
Now women backstage on every jawn A to Z (?)
My girl calling my phone,
And she blaming me for shit I didn't do
Patrons a ritual, calms my nerves
Give me that different view
Look in the mirror, but my eyes say "is it you?"
Can't see ahead, keep the lights I know
Can't walk around, these city streets with a blindfold
Stuck in the rough, mistaken for a rhinestone
Should I be ashamed or proud the way I grown?
No gimmick, can't bullshit pain
Ain't no way I'm finished, too much to gain'Bouta pull the trigger, don't know where to aim
Did we reach the city limits?
Cause these streets look the same
There ain't too many ways to go about it
Walking down new year ave., and these streets ain't crowded
The shoes on my feet are the only thing that I'm proud of
Millions of miles, that they got me out of
And all this liquor barely takes the pain away
Ain't no use still waiting cause the train is late
I'm walking all the way home, walking all the way home
Walking all the way
In "All the Way," OnCue expresses his frustration with the world and the challenges he faces along his journey towards success. He begins by acknowledging the toll his hard work has taken on him, admitting that his feet ache from continuously dropping "gems" or profound ideas. He recognizes that some people are unable to see the bigger picture and the potential for growth and innovation that exists outside of preconceived notions. OnCue is aware that some people prefer to see others fail rather than succeed, but he remains determined to defy their expectations.
OnCue then speaks about the dangers of addiction and the ways people attempt to cope with pain. He believes strongly that the only way to achieve greatness is through hard work and dedication, rather than using substances to numb the pain. He hopes to be a legend, and he acknowledges that many people doubt him or even wish for his downfall. He asserts that he is entering a new chapter in his life where his dreams will become a reality.
As the song continues, OnCue reflects on his past and all the people who doubted him. He recounts his humble beginnings, stealing his brother's cassette tapes, and marvels at how far he has come. He speaks about the loneliness that comes with success and the difficulty of balancing relationships with work. OnCue knows that he is destined for greatness and that he will work tirelessly towards his goals. Ultimately, the song encapsulates OnCue's unwavering determination to succeed in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
My feet are killing me, the world's at 'em
I am exhausted and overwhelmed by everything around me
Been dropping these gems, pearls atom
I have been sharing valuable insights and knowledge
I don't blame you
I understand if you can't see my vision
If you can't see the pattern
Some people are unable to comprehend what is not familiar to them
Small minds can't understand what's unimagined
People who lack imagination can't fathom new ideas
People bow down, rather see a casket
Some individuals are more focused on death than life
But never that, we on the Eve of Adam
I refuse to accept that fate, we are on the brink of a new era
I'm a little lost, but aren't we all
I am unsure of my path, but this is a common feeling
Backwards ain't an option when your back's against the wall
There is no choice but to move forward when you are stuck in a difficult situation
Haters if I get there I probably won't call
If I achieve success, I won't feel the need to connect with people who doubted me
I don't have your number, you probably piss me off
I don't associate with people who aggravate me
Let's numb the pain, mix liquor or mix pills
Some people resort to alcohol or drugs to cope with their problems
I can't sit still, knowing I ain't shit still
I am too restless to stay idle, even when I feel inadequate
Things about to change, I don't know if you heard
My life is about to take a big turn, and I hope you are aware of it
Obsessed with the money we don't have it's absurd
Our culture's fixation on wealth is irrational because most of us do not even possess it
Legend in the making, know you concur
I believe I am on the path of becoming something great, and I hope you agree
Gotta write this down now, what's next is a blur
I need to document this moment because I am uncertain about what is to come
If you don't agree
It's okay if you have a different opinion
You don't gotta read
You don't have to listen to me
A new chapter in my life, where dreams meet at the seam
I am embarking on a new phase where my aspirations align
A sheer reality, hard work equals a salary
Being realistic, compensation corresponds with effort
Girls calling us up for people we about to be
Women are already showing interest in our future potential
Tell them that we're out of reach
We are not easily attainable or accessible
Sick of pretending, should be any second
I am tired of faking it, and the breakthrough should come soon
Wish I had directions
I wish I knew the exact path to follow
Where the fuck am I? now I'm second guessing
I am confused and doubting myself
I swore I wouldn't stress it
I promised myself I wouldn't worry about it
There ain't too many ways to go about it
There are few options for how to handle the situation
Walking down new year ave., and these streets ain't crowded
I am traveling down a road that hasn't been traveled much lately
The shoes on my feet are the only thing that I'm proud of
I don't have much to brag about, but at least I have these shoes
Millions of miles, that they got me out of
These shoes have taken me far, literally and metaphorically
And all this liquor barely takes the pain away
Alcohol does little to alleviate my suffering
Ain't no use still waiting cause the train is late
I can't keep waiting for something that may never come
Walking all the way home, walking all the way home
I am going to make the journey on foot, regardless of how long it takes
Used to steal my brothers cassettes
I used to listen to my sibling's music without permission
Now we on set, take away from jets
Now I am on a different level, and it is apparent from my lifestyle
Tell them that we next
Inform everyone that we are up next
What did you expect
What did you anticipate from us?
For real this time, the mothers is all vexed
This time, the mothers are truly upset
Recently everybody seem to want a piece of me
Lately, everyone wants a part of my success
I just want to make some shit that really speaking me
I just want to create something that reflects who I am
My girl keeps saying, "when you blow I know you leaving me"
My significant other fears I will abandon them once I become successful
I just need her to see I dream about it frequently
I wish my partner understood how much I think about my aspirations
Keep telling my land lord I need a week
I am requesting more time from my landlord before having to pay rent
City lights are feeling more like laser beams
The urban environment is becoming too intense
All my exes felt comfortable playing me
All my past partners took advantage of me
Now women backstage on every jawn A to Z (?)
Now I have women pursuing me everywhere I go
My girl calling my phone,
My partner is trying to reach me
And she blaming me for shit I didn't do
They are accusing me of something I am not responsible for
Patrons a ritual, calms my nerves
Drinking is a routine that soothes me
Give me that different view
Help me see things differently
Look in the mirror, but my eyes say "is it you?"
I question myself when I look in the mirror
Can't see ahead, keep the lights I know
I am unsure what the future holds, but I have my wits about me
Can't walk around, these city streets with a blindfold
I can't navigate these dangerous streets while being ignorant of my surroundings
Stuck in the rough, mistaken for a rhinestone
I am going through a difficult time, yet I may appear okay on the surface
Should I be ashamed or proud the way I grown?
I am unsure if I should feel embarrassed or accomplished with my progress
No gimmick, can't bullshit pain
I can't fake or trivialize my emotional suffering
Ain't no way I'm finished, too much to gain
I have too much potential to stop now
'Bouta pull the trigger, don't know where to aim
I am on the verge of taking a big step, but I am uncertain where it will lead me
Did we reach the city limits?
Have we left the city yet?
Cause these streets look the same
I can't tell if I'm making progress, because everything looks the same
Walking all the way home, walking all the way home
I am determined to get to my destination, even if it means walking the whole way
Writer(s): Oncue
Contributed by Leo G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@MASHETI
What'sup everyone!
We're a Hip Hop collective out of Ann Arbor Michigan...
For the past year and a half we've been pushing ourselves towards progression and improvement with our Music, Videos, & Clothing designs.
With our hard work we've so far accomplished Opening for names like "Coolio", "MGK", & "Logic", Made our way onto blogs, and we're able to start our own clothing line while getting to travel.
We're constantly striving to get heard by ears that share the same interest in music! If you're another upcoming artist, Fan of music, or just someone that's looking for something new…stop by our channel, show some support, and let us know your opinion on our movement!
Thankyou
-BADSTAR
@SimphiweLouw
Ten years later and it still goes in🔥
@drnnhvcdsde
Cuey this is spectacular. I love how you sing about stuff that matters and not about shit like college parties and other things that don't matter. The reason I like your stuff so much is the passion behind the words you are singing, its unlike any other underground rapper. KEEP UM COMING.
@demetriusmatthews8254
I FEEL U 1000% ON THIS TRACK ALOT OF PEOPLE DONT UNDERSTAND ABOUT THIS DREAM OF TRYIN TO MAKE IT WIT THIS MUSIC 💯💯💯
@ConnorCassidy
one of my favorite albums of all time
@ryzaere
It's amazing seeing you progress from those first mixtapes, remember listening to them years ago, thinking you've got potential, but you've got more than that, you've got raw talent and emotion.
@NowayNoe813
Oncue damn, your style is just woah refreshingly original & lyrically slept on no doubt & this was back in '11 can't wait for AYM to see the development as a whole, Keep it up your music pretty damn amazing!
@DavisQR17
Another brilliant song and video by the man OnCue! Never has and never will disappoint!
@afaulkingham4130
Yo this is fuckin great! Gave me the chills, all the shit I'm goin thru right now, this is exactly what I need to hear!!!! Cuey n Luzi!
@jyeags341
Dude is real as fuck I'm feelin everything he says in all of his tracks, he's got a decent ass flow with unreal lyrics, dude will be famous keep this up my dude
@alexbob5209
9 years have passed just like that