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.
Salud 2
RJD2 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The first one I've made under my own control entirely without anyone else telling me what to do in certain places.
Some of the stuff I like very much. Some of the stuff I quite like. and I don't hate any of it, so I've settled for this... music.
I can't decide which piece to start with, so I won't start with any of [the piece, i've already started.]
I hope you like what you hear [hear, hear, hear, hear, hear...]
The lyrics to RJD2's song Salud 2 speak to the artist's sense of control and ownership over their music. RJD2 makes it clear that this is the first record they have made completely under their own control, without any outside input or guidance. The artist expresses contentment with their work overall, noting that while they may not love every piece equally, they do not hate any of it. The repetition of "hear" echoes the desire for the audience to truly appreciate and enjoy the music.
Through these lyrics, RJD2 is essentially introducing themselves and their music to the listener. They want to showcase the agency they had over the creation of this album and hope that the audience will appreciate the tracks as much as they do. This introduction sets the tone for the rest of the album, which emphasizes RJD2's unique style and talent as a producer.
Through the use of repetition and a straightforward, direct style of lyrics, RJD2 successfully conveys their excitement and pride for their new album. The verses encapsulate the artist's personal journey through the process of creating a solo album, and the hook invites the audience to join them in this creative venture.
Line by Line Meaning
Okay. This is the first record I've made under my own name.
I'm excited to present my first album under my name, without anyone else controlling the direction of my art.
The first one I've made under my own control entirely without anyone else telling me what to do in certain places.
I have complete creative control over this album, which is a new experience for me, since others have directed my work in the past.
Some of the stuff I like very much. Some of the stuff I quite like. and I don't hate any of it, so I've settled for this... music.
I have a variety of feelings about the songs on this album, but overall, I'm satisfied with how they turned out.
I can't decide which piece to start with, so I won't start with any of [the piece, i've already started.]
I'm struggling to choose which song to lead with, so for now, I won't pick any of the songs I've already started working on.
I hope you like what you hear [hear, hear, hear, hear, hear...]
I hope that my listeners enjoy my music and appreciate the effort and creativity I put into producing it.
Contributed by Christian R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.