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.
Chicken-Bone Circuit
RJD2 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They really (slaggy)... wasn't just the one.
I mean, they were really great.
Woman 2 :
And the hair attraction
Woman 3 :
Woman 4 :
But when he first came to town... last night
Woman 5 :
{laughs} the full clattered jaw...
And he's the guy with the hit record.
'Cause there is a definite (...?) breed in the music.
Some chicks were really fooled.
The Beatles really started with (a lot of people started with) something else.
And it's the influx of english roots (...?)
Woman 3 :
They were little boys and they were cute
Woman 5 :
The full clattered jaw
Woman 2 :
And the (hair) attraction
Woman 4 :
And they played records.
Woman 6 :
It's better when a group isn't playing
Woman 7 :
Just went to the music
These lyrics from RJD2's song Chicken-Bone Circuit are a collection of fragmented conversational snippets of young women discussing their admiration for a band or musician. The first woman notes that the band they're talking about was great and not just a one-hit wonder. Another woman mentions that their hair was attractive, while the third woman adds that they were cute little boys.
However, the fourth woman seems to disagree with their appeal, saying that when the musician first came to town, their "full clattered jaw" didn't make a good impression on her. Woman 5 chimes in with her own thoughts, proclaiming that the musician is successful because their music is a mixture of different cultures and that some women were fooled by it. She cites the Beatles' success as one example of how English roots influenced music.
The conversation jumps back to the band's appearance, with the second and fourth women mentioning their hair again, and the sixth woman remarking that she prefers it when bands don't play live. Ultimately, the group agrees that it all comes down to the music.
Overall, the lyrics seem to capture the way that fans may dissect and analyze a musician's appeal, focusing on everything from their looks to their cultural influences. The song provides an interesting commentary on how we consume music and highlights the complex factors that contribute to an artist's success.
Line by Line Meaning
They really (slaggy)... wasn't just the one.
They were promiscuous and there were multiple partners, not just one.
And the hair attraction
The band members had appealing hairstyles.
They were little boys and they were cute
The band members were young and attractive.
But when he first came to town... last night
The lead singer recently arrived in town the previous night.
{laughs} the full clattered jaw...And he's the guy with the hit record.
The lead singer's distinctive voice is the reason for his success in the music industry.
'Cause there is a definite (...?) breed in the music.Some chicks were really fooled.The Beatles really started with (a lot of people started with) something else.And it's the influx of english roots (...?)
The music industry has changed due to the emergence of new styles, influences, and trends. Some women were easily tricked by the Beatles' transformation from their early beginnings. English musical roots have played a significant role in this evolution.
And they played records.
The band played pre-recorded music instead of performing live.
It's better when a group isn't playing
It's preferable when a band is not performing live.
Just went to the music
The focus should be solely on enjoying and appreciating the music itself.
Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: RAMBLE JOHN KROHN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Bass
in my opinion this is the best track of RJD2 <33
Jay Smoggy
Work it out is really good…the crutches dance video!
martin noyola
I remember keeping this track on repeat at 10 years old or so. And still bumping it. The whole tune is insanely therapeutic if you will.
Tony
Damn you had good taste in music for a 10 year old good sir
Jonathan
I listen to this at least one time per year, this thing is always getting deeper, really a piece of art, there is something in this song.
Jonathan
@Camayne Andrews 2023, a bit early but always a pleasure, thanks! Wish you the best
Camayne Andrews
@Jonathan23
Jonathan
2022, obviously
Chug That Skooma
A song that will always have a special place in my heart
ThroughGrace
the drums sound completly natural, no mixing, still it sounds amazingly awesome i cant stop listening 2 this literally