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.
All I'm After
RJD2 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
that'll Shake the fear right outta you
All im after is that thing
that'll shock the pain right outta you
All im after is that thing
That'll shock the past right outta you
All im after is that thing
That'll Shake the fear right outta you
I don't want another feather in my cap
Im not here to run the clock back
tomorrow and the next feel so far away
All I need is one more day
No more biting and grinding my own teeth
walk the path thats set my mind free
Mind moves the body
The body tricks the mind
And the soul becomes boundless all in time
All im after is that thing
that'll Shake the fear right outta you
All im after is that thing
that'll shock the pain right outta you
All im after is that thing
That'll shock the past right outta you
All im after is that thing
That'll Shake the fear right outta you
I've got the heart to make a nice clean break
I'm aware of when to give and when to take
Knowing your worth so when the message isn't sound
Point your feet back to the ground
Some people will spread the hurt within
Tell me your truth, don't pretend
Thoughts from the bottom looking at the mound
The time we have is only here and now
The lyrics of RJD2's song "All I'm After" convey a deep desire for a transformative experience that can alleviate fear, pain, and the burden of the past. The repetition of the phrase "All I'm after is that thing" highlights the singer's singular focus and intensity in seeking this elusive and powerful force.
The first verse emphasizes the need to shake fear and pain away, indicating a yearning for liberation from emotional and psychological constraints. By desiring something that can shock the past out of oneself, the singer hopes for a complete transformation and release from past traumas or regrets.
The second verse delves into the concept of time and the longing for more days. It suggests a desire to break free from mundane routines and the weariness of everyday life. The line "Mind moves the body, the body tricks the mind, and the soul becomes boundless all in time" speaks to the interconnectedness between one's mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. It suggests that by transcending limitations and constraints, one can achieve a state of boundlessness and personal liberation.
The bridge of the song explores the idea of self-awareness and knowing one's worth. The line "Some people will spread the hurt within, tell me your truth, don't pretend" suggests the importance of authenticity and honesty in relationships. By recognizing the value of self and others, the singer emphasizes the need to ground oneself amidst the chaos and challenges of life.
Overall, "All I'm After" encapsulates a deep yearning for personal growth, emotional release, and a transformative experience that can shake off fear, pain, and the weight of the past.
Line by Line Meaning
All im after is that thing
My sole desire is to find that one thing
that'll Shake the fear right outta you
which can completely eradicate your fear
All im after is that thing
My entire focus is on obtaining that thing
that'll shock the pain right outta you
that can effectively eliminate your pain
All im after is that thing
My objective is simply to acquire that thing
That'll shock the past right outta you
which has the power to eradicate your past
All im after is that thing
All I'm seeking is that one thing
That'll Shake the fear right outta you
capable of completely shaking off your fear
I don't want another feather in my cap
I am not interested in achieving more accomplishments
Im not here to run the clock back
I have no intention to revisit the past
tomorrow and the next feel so far away
The future seems distant and uncertain
All I need is one more day
All I require is an additional day
No more biting and grinding my own teeth
I am tired of suffering and enduring hardship
walk the path thats set my mind free
I aim to follow the course that will liberate my mind
Mind moves the body
The thoughts influence the physical actions
The body tricks the mind
Sometimes the body deceives or manipulates the mind
And the soul becomes boundless all in time
Eventually, the soul experiences infinite expansion
I've got the heart to make a nice clean break
I possess the determination to make a complete and smooth departure
I'm aware of when to give and when to take
I understand when I should be generous and when to be assertive
Knowing your worth so when the message isn't sound
Recognize your value, so when the communication is flawed
Point your feet back to the ground
Redirect your focus to reality
Some people will spread the hurt within
Certain individuals propagate pain internally
Tell me your truth, don't pretend
Share your genuine thoughts with me, don't feign
Thoughts from the bottom looking at the mound
Considerations from a position of hardship, observing the peak
The time we have is only here and now
The only time we truly possess is the present
Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: JORDAN M BROWN, RAMBLE JOHN KROHN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind