From 1998 to 1999, he saw success blossom as DJ/producer for the Columbus-based group the Megahertz, with two twelve-inch singles on Bobbito Garcia's legendary NY label, Fondle 'Em Records. This explosive entrance to the underground hip-hop scene gave way to shows from Europe to Japan, not to mention garnering mention in Vibe magazine's "History of Hip-Hop" historical volume. Opening doors outside of the east coast, the MHz went on to appear on the Bay Area's ABB records compilation, Always Bigger and Better, Volume 1. Their contribution (entitled "This Year") was voted best track on the ABB website, while competing against major label heavyweights such as Dilated Peoples and Defari.
In 2000, the praise only continued for RJD2, producing Copywrite's debut single "Holier Than Thou" on Rawkus Records. The work certainly didn't stop there; spring of 2001 was RJD2's formal introduction to hip-hop as a solo artist on Def Jux Presents, a compilation showcasing the roster of his record label, Definitive Jux Records. Having to hold his own next to NYC underground legends such as Company Flow, Cannibal Ox, and Aesop Rock, RJD2 did no less. That summer he followed up this string of releases with his own twelve inch entitled June, which featured fellow MHz member Copywrite laying down two incredible book-end verses. Melding the hip-hop tradition of raw, gritty samples with a more classical approach to song structure, he has concocted a style of production that pleases the most discerning hip-hop scholar without compromising that old dance floor aesthetic.
2002 saw RJD2 release the critically acclaimed debut Dead Ringer, which not only solidified his spot as one of the underground's top producers, but also caught the ears of Grammy-man ?uestlove of The Roots who called the album one of his favorites of the year. Not to mention even landing the track Ghost Writer in a Saturn ad, with juggling solo ventures, producing rappers, and DeeJaying, the man is certainly in the hot seat at the moment. It has been said by many legendary producers that the ultimate goal is to move a crowd-not just to dance, but sometimes also to feel and think. In this vein, RJD2 is only continuing a time-honored tradition.
In 2003, RJD2 released The Horror, and the landmark Since We Last Spoke in 2004. A track from his 2006 release Magnificent City Instrumentals, "A Beautiful Mine," is the theme song of the AMC television drama Mad Men.
In 2007, RJD2 released The Third Hand which, if nothing else, showcased his ability to evolve beyond the hip-hop genre. Around this same time RJ created a compilation album with fellow underground DJ's Mick Boogie and DJ Flash for their A.B.B. compadres Little Brother entitled AND JUSTUS FOR ALL.
In 2010, RJD2 released The Colossus on his own label, RJ's Electrical Connections. The album could be described as RJD2's meshing of Since We Last Spoke's grittier tracks with The Third Hand's Moby-esque pop. The album contains a variety of recording methods, with most songs featuring an amalgam of sampled, programmed, and recorded sounds.
RJD2 has participated in numerous collaborations with artists such as Aceyalone, Ric Ocasek, and Goapele. RJD2 is also part of the group Soul Position with Blueprint. They have released two full length studio albums, 8 Million Stories and Things Go Better with RJ and Al.
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RJD2 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Many times before
I've always said that some day I'd leave,
And never come back no more.
Maybe one day,
I have the strength to leave.
I know you told all your friends.
But as soon as I try,
Something takes a hold of me inside.
Yes, it does.
Oh baby!
(Gamble)
I'm not trying to threaten you baby,
That's not something I would do.
But maybe the thought of losing me,
Should show you I'm your fool.
Maybe one day,
I have the strength to leave.
I know you told all your friends.
What a fool, he'll always be.
But as soon as I try,
Something takes a hold of me inside.
Yes, it does.
Oh baby!
(Gamble)
I've been a fool!
The lyrics to RJD2's song "One Day" depict an inner struggle between the desire to leave a toxic relationship and the inability to do so. The singer acknowledges that they have repeatedly mentioned leaving in the past, but have yet to follow through. They express hope that they will one day have the strength to leave, despite their partner having already shared their doubts with their friends. However, every time they attempt to leave, they are held back by an unknown force inside themself. The singer is not trying to threaten their partner, but they do hope that the fear of losing them might make them realize how much they are taken for granted. Ultimately, the singer admits to having been a fool for staying in the relationship for so long.
The song's lyrics touch on themes of emotional attachment, self-doubt, and the difficulty of breaking free from unhealthy relationships. It could be argued that the unknown force holding the singer back is their own emotions or the fear of the unknown, despite their desire for a fresh start. The lyrics are open-ended enough to allow for interpretation and personal application.
Line by Line Meaning
I know I said it,
I have repeatedly mentioned that I will leave, but nothing has changed.
Many times before
The statement has been made on multiple occasions.
I've always said that some day I'd leave,
I have expressed my desire to depart from this relationship.
And never come back no more.
There is no intention to reconcile or return.
Maybe one day,
Possibly in the future,
I have the strength to leave.
I might possess the fortitude to depart.
I know you told all your friends.
You have informed your acquaintances.
What a fool, he'll always be.
You view me as a naive person.
But as soon as I try,
The moment I attempt to leave,
Something takes a hold of me inside.
An overpowering sensation holds me back.
Yes, it does.
The feeling is genuine.
Oh baby!
An expression of affection or endearment.
I'm not trying to threaten you baby,
I am not using intimidation as a tactic.
That's not something I would do.
It goes against my character.
But maybe the thought of losing me,
Perhaps the prospect of my departure,
Should show you I'm your fool.
Will demonstrate that I am devoted to you.
I've been a fool!
I have acted foolishly in the past.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Willie Dixon
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Drundrik
And 10 years later I still love this song. Forever in my heart.
@courtneyjames471
RJD2 was dropping so many incredible instrumentals around that time, it was just ridiculous
@boogmv
11
@Bendo76
Song is much older 2004
@indoor_gangster
DEF.JUX, BABY! "rappers" nowadays don't even come close, imo
@j4m32hz6
Same
@GoggleMan25
I like the way the video was directed it was like on a journey through Cuba. This guy is singing about Istanbul, in German to a latin beat, while the video is in Cuba Magnificent
@GoodStarfish
🤙🏻
@elloco88
Man I killed this beat my whole bboy career 💪💪
One of my fav tracks
@1434325637
I know this song from a local skate video way back in the day, Before I got into rj2d.
Still probably my favorite track by him due to the nostalgia.