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.
13.take the picture off
RJD2 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh shit
Trouble
Sellin' a lot of records
But he'd sell a lot more, man
If he'd take his picture off the cover.
The lyrics to RJD2's Take The Picture Off are a commentary on the paradox of fame and artistic integrity. The words "brain damage" and "trouble" convey the idea that fame and success can come at a cost to one's wellbeing. The artist is depicted as selling "a lot of records", which is a sign of commercial success. However, the caveat is that he could "sell a lot more" without his picture on the cover. In other words, his image is being used to sell the record more than his music, which suggests a lack of artistic integrity. This is a common paradox in the music industry, where commercial success often comes at the cost of creative freedom.
The chorus of the song repeats the refrain "Take the picture off", which is a call to action to the artist to break away from the commercial constraints placed on him by the record label. The artist is encouraged to prioritize his artistic vision over his desire for commercial success. The song seems to challenge the listener to consider whether it's worth sacrificing your artistic integrity for fame and fortune.
Line by Line Meaning
Brain damage
The artist is experiencing mental exhaustion or fatigue due to the music industry.
Oh shit
An expression of surprise or panic in response to the challenges faced by the artist.
Trouble
The artist is facing difficulties and complications while pursuing fame and success in the music industry.
Sellin' a lot of records
The artist's music is popular and is selling well.
But he'd sell a lot more, man
Despite the artist's current success, there is potential for even greater profits and fame.
If he'd take his picture off the cover.
The artist's appearance or image is affecting their marketability and potential success. Removing their picture from album covers could improve sales and popularity.
Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: RAMBLE JOHN KROHN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Spoon
That intro doesn't get annoying at all
H.R. Puffinstuff
Ur whack af boiiii