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.
Cut Out to FL
RJD2 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Is there something wrong?
Guy :
Ahhh.... I was just sorta, you know, thinkin' about tomorrow.
Girl :
Tomorrow?
Guy :
The lawyer said I'll probably get off; you know, probation or something like that
But he might be saying that afraid i'll jump bail and take off.
Girl :
What are you gonna do?
Guy :
I was thinking about cutting out to Florida tonight. [night,night,night,night]
Guy :
(i said) I'm thinking about getting lost down there.
You know, it's real warm down there;
[if i moved down there i could get a blanket and sleep]
Out on the beaches at night.
Girl :
Where will i find you? (what if i want you?)
Guy :
Yeah but hmm... I'm used to being independant
I couldn't be put in a cage or anything
And besides, you'll never wait.
Girl :
Yes I will.
Guy :
You say that now, but you don't really mean that.
Girl :
I will. i promise i will. [promise i will] {fade out}
The lyrics to RJD2's song "Cut Out to FL" revolve around a conversation between a couple discussing the potential consequences of legal trouble. The male in the dialogue appears to be the one facing legal issues and expresses concern about his potential sentence, explaining that the lawyer believes he will likely receive probation. However, he also considers the possibility that he might jump bail and run away to Florida that very night. The female counterpart responds with confusion but also with questions about his plan and where she could find him if she needed to.
The male vocalist then goes on to explain how he is drawn to Florida because it is warm and offers an opportunity for him to sleep on the beach at night. The female's concern deepens, and she worries about where she will find him if he goes to Florida, to which the male responds by pointing out that he values his independence too much to be caged and would not want to be held back. The female counters by insisting that she would wait for him, but the song fades out with uncertainty still in the air.
The song appears to capture a moment of intense tension between two characters caught in circumstances beyond their control. The male seems overwhelmed and desires escape, while the female seeks to hold onto him and keep him close in a time of trouble. The ambiguity of the ending leaves the listener wondering what will happen between them, which effectively heightens the emotional impact of the song.
Line by Line Meaning
Is there something wrong?
The girl asks the guy if everything is okay knowing that something is on his mind.
Ahhh.... I was just sorta, you know, thinkin' about tomorrow.
The guy admits that he is worried about the future.
Tomorrow?
The girl questions why the guy is concerned about tomorrow.
The lawyer said I'll probably get off; you know, probation or something like that
The guy explains that his lawyer thinks that he'll be acquitted or receive a sentence of probation.
But he might be saying that afraid i'll jump bail and take off.
The guy thinks there might be a chance that his lawyer is saying that to avoid him running away from bail.
What are you gonna do?
The girl asks the guy about his plans for the future.
I was thinking about cutting out to Florida tonight. [night,night,night,night]
The guy is planning to leave and go to Florida during the night.
(i said) I'm thinking about getting lost down there.
The guy is planning to disappear and get lost in Florida.
You know, it's real warm down there;
The guy thinks Florida is warm and a perfect place to live in.
[if i moved down there i could get a blanket and sleep]
The guy thinks that if he moves to Florida, he can live on the beaches and sleep under the stars.
Where will i find you? (what if i want you?)
The girl asks the guy where she can find him if she needs him in the future.
Yeah but hmm... I'm used to being independant
The guy explains that he is used to being independent and wants to live his life on his own terms.
I couldn't be put in a cage or anything
The guy doesn't want to be tied down or confined by anyone or anything.
And besides, you'll never wait.
The guy thinks that the girl won't wait for him to come back.
Yes I will.
The girl assures the guy that she will wait for him.
You say that now, but you don't really mean that.
The guy thinks that the girl is only saying she'll wait, but won't really do it.
I will. i promise i will. [promise i will] {fade out}
The girl promises that she will wait for the guy, even if he takes a long time to come back.
Contributed by Makayla T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Nelson Saunders
The difference in beats between when the protagonist is thinking about himself versus when he is thinking about his girl is dope.
Nelson Saunders
I bought this album the day it came out on a whim. What a fucking treat.
Qu Z
red bull bc one 2005, finally found this song after 7 years!!!!!!
Bailey Williamson
God dammit that guitar riff is enchanting.
jordan peterson
Takes me back to 2002 instantly. Always wondered what movie/show the talking samples came from. Anybody know?
Heather Morvant
Rjd2 Rules๐๐๐โ๐
intheeyesofajackel
Anybody have any idea what he samples for this tune? It's reminding me of another really good track but I can't think of what it actually is for the life of me.
David Heller
Track 3 from "A lot of people would like to see Armand Schaubroeck... DEAD!," called "Out On Bail, Armand Is Alone With Suzie (Night Before Sentencing) - Love For The Last Time."
vans1107
those drums in the beginning sound familiar like in one of Atmosphere's songs..can't remember which one..
Yabby Hunter
Adult Swim has the music doesnโt it?