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.
1976
RJD2 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm sure now.
Istanbul.
I don't buy, I own
I saw a lady falling,
I'm sure now.
Istanbul.
I don't buy, I own.
[Repeat: x2]
The sun is shining, [Marvin].
Istanbul.
I'm sure now.
Istanbul.
I don't buy, I own.
I saw a lady falling,
I'm sure now.
Istanbul.
I don't buy, I own.
The sun is shining,
I saw a lady [falling],
The lyrics of RJD2's song '1976' contain an interesting mix of phrases that, when pieced together, create a powerful image of a location that the artist is completely sure of - Istanbul. The repetition of the phrase 'Istanbul, I'm sure now, I don't buy, I own' brings out a sense of ownership, certainty, and confidence in the mind of the listener, that the artist knows what he is talking about. The mention of a lady falling evokes a sense of danger or fear that the artist has encountered while in Istanbul or perhaps heard of it. The recurring phrase, "Istanbul, I don't buy, I own" may mean that he knows too much about it now and those who reside there.
Further, the phrase, "The sun is shining, Marvin" could be seen as a nod to Marvin Gaye, who was a famous American singer-songwriter that played an influential role in the R&B and Soul music scene during the 1970s. The year, 1976, specifically, was a time when disco music was at its peak, and it is possible that the lyrics could reflect the energy and lifestyle of that period.
In conclusion, '1976' by RJD2 is a song that evokes a sense of certainty, confidence, and ownership of Istanbul. The song also touches on the fear and danger that come with the knowledge and experience of the city.
Line by Line Meaning
Istanbul.
The location is Istanbul.
I'm sure now.
The singer feels a strong sense of certainty.
Istanbul.
The location remains Istanbul.
I don't buy, I own
The artist is proud of their ownership rather than buying things.
I saw a lady falling,
The artist witnessed a woman in distress.
I'm sure now.
The singer is now certain of what they saw.
Istanbul.
The location repeats as if to reinforce its importance.
I don't buy, I own
The artist reiterates their sense of pride in their ownership rather than buying.
The sun is shining, [Marvin].
The sun is shining and the name 'Marvin' may be a reference to Marvin Gaye's song 'Got To Give It Up.'
Istanbul.
The location is once again emphasized.
I'm sure now.
The singer is certain once again.
Istanbul.
The location continues to stay in focus.
I don't buy, I own
The singer repeats their sense of pride in their ownership once again.
I saw a lady [falling],
The singer rephrases their previous statement adding emphasis to the woman's distress.
Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: RAMBLE JOHN KROHN
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.