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.
F.H.H.
RJD2 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Keep tryin' to keep it real by keepin' it raw
While half of y'all still be keepin' it flaw
And all the real heads scream 'Fuck hip hop!'
Until this mediocre bullshit stops
Drug fiends let me show you the route
Who's that motherfucker still keepin the dope in the house?
It's Mota mouth. who? it's Mota mouth baby, it's Mota mouth
Whenever I write, I put myself out of place from other cats
So it don't sound like another brother's rap
I smother tracks with raw shit, niggas aren't able to bite
What I bring to the table is height
Then I easily superceed, niggas need what I got
Reason I'm hot, there's no other raw season of pot
While most motherfuckers follow the guidelines and hit by 101
Jakki the Mota mouth decides to have fun
Not following rules, swallowing crews
Son I toss cats off the stage, often I slay their soft raps
To all you fake dictionary MCs, get off that
Half of y'all don't understand your own rhymes and soft batch
They straight at open mics, we put them out on the street
Take away their dope beat, let 'em rhyme and they weak
And the mic can be a decieving device
Muffle your rhymes so they ain't clear and concise
Have niggas thinking you nice
With battle I'll crack all your gear and all your wack raps
You can't be saved by your babbling or your backpack
Doing it for the love is great but you fake
And putting your shit out is a mistake nobody wants to make
{chorus}
Keep tryin' to keep it real by keepin' it raw
While half of y'all still be keepin' it flaw
And all the real heads scream 'Fuck hip hop!'
Until this mediocre bullshit stops
Drug fiends let me show you the route
Who's that motherfucker still keepin the dope in the house?
It's Mota mouth. who? it's Mota mouth baby, it's Mota mouth
Hate when I go to open mics and I see everybody clapping
For some clown they don't understand
Yet everybody acting like he dope because they believe he's hip hop
y'all convincing me that most of y'all are brainwashed
Dug in old hip-hop history
Some cats are crap without their tracks 'cause they weak
I wish a nigga would say he listen to me for the beats
Some got the nerve to say they dope when they spit
When even they family got a tape and they won't open the shit
I got a big mouth and I ain't scared to use it
One person's key style allows everyone to abuse it
So what the fuckk is your definition of underground?
Depressing beats and bleak cats who love the sound
Well I ain't part of that, I'm tired of rapper's garbage
I'm the part of the underground who only feels the raw shit
And I can take a nigga out regardless
You can bring your hardest artists and I'll make 'em heartless
Some say they lyrically this, or lyrically that
Throwing lyrical in every rap and they lyrically wack
And many cats rhyme over tracks nobody fiends for
Don't fuck around with me, if you can only fuck with keyboards
Just 'cause lazy niggas use recognisable material
Don't mean the dope samples are not original
'Cause a producer with skill can lace tracks
Keyboard beats aren't that original, lets face facts
That shit was overused in the G-funk era
Don't give me that excuse, real MCs want better
You rhyme over enough shit, most get away with murder
Like kids who think they words rhyme 'cause they the suffix
Must bitch niggas be fragile with facts
You bragging 'bout who you battled, but who you battled was crap
What you angry for, and acting all tense
If you innocent be cool, only the guilty's catching offense
{chorus}
Keep tryin' to keep it real by keepin' it raw
While half of y'all still be keepin' it flaw
And all the real heads scream 'Fuck hip hop!'
Until this mediocre bullshit stops
Drug fiends let me show you the route
Who's that motherfucker still keepin the dope in the house?
It's Mota mouth. who? it's Mota mouth baby, it's Mota mouth
The lyrics of RJD2's song F.H.H. (Keep It Raw) are a declaration of the artist's commitment to keeping hip-hop raw and authentic, rather than succumbing to the mainstream trends that have diluted the genre. The chorus emphasizes the frustration he feels with the current state of hip-hop, as half of the industry is still "keepin' it flaw" and delivering mediocre content that doesn't represent the values of true hip-hop culture. He calls out "fake dictionary MCs" who don't understand their own rhymes and rely on a "deceiving" mic to make their performance sound better. Instead, he advocates for true skill and creativity, urging artists to bring something original to the table and to break free from the guidelines that restrict their expression.
The verses of the song reinforce this message, with RJD2 emphasizing his unique style and approach to writing that sets him apart from other rappers. He describes himself as "Mota Mouth," the one who keeps the "dope in the house," and he proudly boasts of his ability to "smother tracks with raw shit" that other artists aren't able to replicate. He criticizes those who rely on familiar material and beats, instead of creating original content that showcases their true potential as artists. He also laments the fact that many of his peers are more concerned with gaining popularity and recognition than with delivering authentic music that truly represents hip-hop culture.
Overall, the lyrics of F.H.H. (Keep It Raw) represent a call to action for hip-hop artists to resist the temptations of the mainstream and to stay true to the roots of the genre. RJD2 showcases his own unique style and skill as a rapper and producer, while also challenging his peers to push the boundaries and bring something fresh and original to the table.
Line by Line Meaning
Keep tryin' to keep it real by keepin' it raw
I attempt to maintain authenticity by being unrefined
While half of y'all still be keepin' it flaw
Many individuals continue to produce subpar work
And all the real heads scream 'Fuck hip hop!'
Authentic hip hop artists voice their frustration with current trends
Until this mediocre bullshit stops
The lackluster nature of current music needs to come to an end
Drug fiends let me show you the route
I offer guidance to those who struggle with addiction
Who's that motherfucker still keepin the dope in the house?
I have connections to illicit substances
Whenever I write, I put myself out of place from other cats
My style is unique in comparison to my peers
So it don't sound like another brother's rap
I strive to avoid sounding like other rappers
I smother tracks with raw shit, niggas aren't able to bite
My work is so original that other artists cannot imitate it
What I bring to the table is height
My talent sets me apart from other musicians
Then I easily superceed, niggas need what I got
I outperform and surpass other artists
Reason I'm hot, there's no other raw season of pot
My popularity is due to the authenticity of my work
While most motherfuckers follow the guidelines and hit by 101
Other musicians conform to industry standards
Jakki the Mota mouth decides to have fun
I choose to express myself creatively
Not following rules, swallowing crews
I do not conform to any particular style and defeat other artists
Son I toss cats off the stage, often I slay their soft raps
I defeat other artists in rap battles and show their weak skills
To all you fake dictionary MCs, get off that
I criticize rappers who use overcomplicated language to sound intelligent
Half of y'all don't understand your own rhymes and soft batch
Many rappers cannot comprehend their own lyrics
They straight at open mics, we put them out on the street
Our community rejects inferior artists
Take away their dope beat, let 'em rhyme and they weak
Without a good instrumental, their lyrics are poor
And the mic can be a decieving device
The instrument can make someone who is untalented sound good
Muffle your rhymes so they ain't clear and concise
Rappers can alter their voice to hide their poor enunciation and pronunciation
Have niggas thinking you nice
People may believe an artist is good even if they are not
With battle I'll crack all your gear and all your wack raps
In a rap battle, I will expose my opponents' subpar skills
You can't be saved by your babbling or your backpack
Your appearance or language cannot save you from defeat
Doing it for the love is great but you fake
Claiming to love hip hop does not mean you are authentic
And putting your shit out is a mistake nobody wants to make
Releasing poor quality music will not attract fans
Hate when I go to open mics and I see everybody clapping
Expressing distaste for audience members who praise poor artists
For some clown they don't understand
The audience's admiration is misplaced
Yet everybody acting like he dope because they believe he's hip hop
Many believe that people who call themselves hip hop are talented
y'all convincing me that most of y'all are brainwashed
I believe that society is being misled and influenced by this trend
Dug in old hip-hop history
Referring to the past accomplishments of hip hop legends
Some cats are crap without their tracks 'cause they weak
Some rappers can only succeed with good instrumentals
I wish a nigga would say he listen to me for the beats
I challenge someone to claim they listen to my music for the instrumentals
Some got the nerve to say they dope when they spit
Some rappers believe they are talented, but they are not
When even they family got a tape and they won't open the shit
Even their own family is not interested in their music
I got a big mouth and I ain't scared to use it
I am outspoken and unafraid to express my opinions
One person's key style allows everyone to abuse it
When one person sets a trend, others copy it without originality
So what the fuckk is your definition of underground?
Asking what others consider to be true underground music
Depressing beats and bleak cats who love the sound
Underground music is characterized by sad, dreary instrumentals and lyrics
Well I ain't part of that, I'm tired of rapper's garbage
I refuse to associate myself with this version of underground hip hop
I'm the part of the underground who only feels the raw shit
I am a part of the underground that appreciates authentic, unrefined music
And I can take a nigga out regardless
I can beat other artists in rap battles or musically
You can bring your hardest artists and I'll make 'em heartless
I will defeat even the most skilled of opponents
Some say they lyrically this, or lyrically that
Many rappers boast about their lyrical skills
Throwing lyrical in every rap and they lyrically wack
The overuse of the word 'lyrical' is a sign of a poor rapper
And many cats rhyme over tracks nobody fiends for
Some rappers use beats that lack popular appeal
Don't fuck around with me, if you can only fuck with keyboards
I challenge those who rely solely on instrumental production to create music
Just 'cause lazy niggas use recognizable material
Some rappers reuse beats in order to be lazy and uncreative
Don't mean the dope samples are not original
The originality of the beat should not be ignored just because it is recognizable
'Cause a producer with skill can lace tracks
A skilled producer can add unique elements to beats
Keyboard beats aren't that original, lets face facts
The use of keyboard beats is not an original sound
That shit was overused in the G-funk era
Keyboard beats were heavily popularized in the G-funk movement
Don't give me that excuse, real MCs want better
True hip hop artists strive for originality and quality in their music
You rhyme over enough shit, most get away with murder
Many rappers use similar beats and are not called out for a lack of originality
Like kids who think they words rhyme 'cause they the suffix
Immature rappers believe their lyrics rhyme simply because the last word has the same suffix
Must bitch niggas be fragile with facts
Some rappers are sensitive to criticism and are too afraid of the truth
You bragging 'bout who you battled, but who you battled was crap
Boasting about defeating an inferior opponent is pointless
What you angry for, and acting all tense
Asking why someone is upset or defensive
If you innocent be cool, only the guilty's catching offense
If you are not guilty, there is no reason to feel defensive or angry
It's Mota mouth. who? it's Mota mouth baby, it's Mota mouth
Introducing oneself as Mota Mouth
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: RAMBLE JOHN KROHN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Mephisto703
[Hook]
Keep tryna keep it real by keepin' it raw
While half of y'all still be keepin' it flaw
And all the real heads scream "FUCK HIP HOP!"
Until this mediocre bullshit stops
Drug fiends let me show you the route
Who's that motherfucker still keepin the dope in the house?
It's Mota mouth (who?), it's Mota mouth baby, it's Mota mouth
[Verse 1]
Whenever I write, I put myself out of place from other cats
So it don't sound like another brother's rap
I smother tracks with raw shit, niggas aren't able to bite
What I bring to the table is height
Then I easily superceed, niggas need what I got
Reason I'm hot, there's no other raw season of pot
While most motherfuckers follow the guidelines and hip hop 101
Jakki the Mota mouth decides to have fun
Not following rules, swallowing crews
Son I toss cats off the stage, often I slay their soft raps
To all you fake dictionary emcees, get off that
Half of y'all don't understand your own rhymes and soft batch(?)
They straight at open mics, we put them out on the street
Take away their dope beat, let 'em rhyme and they weak
And the mic can be a decieving device
Muffle your rhymes so they ain't clear and concise
Have niggas thinking you nice
With battle I'll crack all your gear and all your wack raps
You can't be saved by your babbling or your backpack
Doing it for the love is great but you fake
And putting your shit out is a mistake nobody wants to make
[Hook]
[Verse 2]
Hate when I go to open mics and I see everybody clapping
For some clown they don't understand
Yet everybody acting like he dope because they believe he's hip-hop
Y'all convincing me that most of y'all are brainwashed
Dug(?) in old hip-hop history
Some cats are crap without their tracks cause they weak
I wish a nigga would say he listen to me for the beats
Some got the nerve to say they dope when they spit
When even they family got a tape and they won't open the shit
I got a big mouth and I ain't scared to use it
One person's keystyle(?) allows everyone to abuse it
So what the fuck is your definition of underground?
Depressing beats and bleak cats who love the sound
Well I ain't part of that, I'm tired of rapper's garbage
I'm the part of the underground who only feels the raw shit
And I can take a nigga out regardless
You can bring your hardest artists and I'll make 'em heartless
Some say they lyrically this, or lyrically that
Throwing lyrical in every rap and they lyrically wack
And many cats rhyme over tracks nobody fiends(?) for
Don't fuck around with me, if you can only fuck with keyboards
Just cause lazy niggas use recognisable material
Don't mean the dope samples are not original
Cause a producer with skill can lace tracks
Keyboard beats aren't that original, lets face facts
That shit was overused in the G-funk era
Don't give me that excuse, real emcees want better
You rhyme over enough shit, most get away with murder
Like kids who think they words rhyme cause they the suffix
Must bitch niggas be fragile with facts
You bragging 'bout who you battled, but who you battled was crap
What you angry for, and acting all tense
If you innocent be cool, only the guilty's catching offense
[Hook]
@signorpippistrello
One of the tracks that just remain rad over the years. Timeless stuff, and the lyrics still apply, too!
@utopianfurbiscuit
Same with some songs from Greyboy “dealing with the archives “ album... timeless
@stevesharpe3370
Lyrics apply more then ever
@stephanie6501
❤❤❤ i miss real hip hop
@nelsonsaunders6449
This song is a huge part of my early twenties. 1980 child here. So fucking ill.
@lordrealm
🔥🔥🔥💯
@MrIndieP
Instrumental version is amazing But with Lyrics, it's awesome *-*
@violatethemagistrate
I like Jakki, but I'm more into Blueprint (Soul Position). Saw Copywrite at a small show a couple years ago and hung out afterwords. Pretty laid back dude.
@travisechum8711
Blank Stairs man I honestly think copy's underrated his styles changed but not for the worse I honestly do prefer his old punchline, battle me.. grimey style from high exhaulted and weathermen but the life and times album is sick as fuck so he progressed and matured in my opinion one of my top emcees from back then to NOW
@violatethemagistrate
I haven't heard that one yet. I'll have to check it out.