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.
Temperamental
RJD2 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And still my eyes are opened wide
Inside my head can′t find my peace
And all this hurt I just can't hide
Maybe I′m a victim of my own defenses
And maybe I don't care about the consequences
But so temperamental
I burn it all down
Burn it all down
This violent heart inside of me
It twists and turns and takes me low
I played my part so silently
And now I find I lost control
Cause I should′ve known
That telling you the truth would be forbidden
And I was a fool to ever think
That all would be forgiven
And if I could have a better day
Well, I′d just inhale, I'm living
But oh, no, it′s not enough for you
So you can run and paint this town
With the color of your lies
And I'll keep sharpening myself
Bleed you slow until you die
Oh, why do we lie to ourselves
Saying it′s all in the name of love
When my indifference knows no bounds
And I have had enough
Maybe I'm a victim of my own defenses
And maybe I don′t care about the consequences
I'm on fire, baby
But so temperamental
I burn it all down
I burn it all down
I burn it all down, yeah
I burn it all down
I burn it all down
Burn it all down
In "Temperamental," RJD2 sings about a struggle to find inner peace and control over his own emotions, particularly his anger. He begins the song by describing his inability to sleep despite having made his bed, which is a metaphor for his internal conflict. RJD2 admits that he is his own worst enemy, as his defenses often prevent him from being honest and vulnerable with others. He is aware that this self-preservation comes at a cost, and that his unwillingness to open up to others can make him lonely and unhappy. He expresses his frustration with himself by describing his heart as "violent" and out of control, twisting and turning within him. RJD2 acknowledges that he has lost control of his emotions and actions, and he cautions that his actions may lead to negative consequences for both himself and those around him.
The chorus of "Temperamental" highlights RJD2's struggle with his own anger and explosive tendencies. He acknowledges that he is "temperamental" and that he can easily "burn it all down" if he loses control. This recklessness is a double-edged sword: while it allows RJD2 to feel a fleeting sense of power and control, it also leads to destructive behavior that harms himself and others. RJD2 is aware of this dichotomy, and he seems to be searching for a way to balance his impulsiveness with a more measured approach to life.
Overall, "Temperamental" is a complex examination of the human psyche and the struggle to control one's own emotions. RJD2's lyrics explore the tensions between our desire for power and control, and our need for meaningful connections with others. The song suggests that finding inner peace may require us to confront our own demons and vulnerabilities, even when it feels uncomfortable or scary to do so.
Line by Line Meaning
I made my bed and tried to sleep
I settled in bed hoping to get some sleep
And still my eyes are opened wide
But despite laying in bed, I can't seem to close my eyes
Inside my head can't find my peace
My thoughts are racing, and I can't seem to calm my mind
And all this hurt I just can't hide
I'm struggling with pain that I can't keep hidden
Maybe I'm a victim of my own defenses
I might be unknowingly causing harm to myself
And maybe I don't care about the consequences
I might not care about the outcome of my actions
I'm on fire, baby
I'm feeling passion, intensity, and driven to act
But so temperamental
But my intense feelings and actions could be unstable and unpredictable
I burn it all down
I'm not afraid to destroy everything in my path
This violent heart inside of me
I have an aggressive and tumultuous heart
It twists and turns and takes me low
It's hard to keep my emotions in check, and they can take over
I played my part so silently
I kept quiet and didn't speak out about my emotions
And now I find I lost control
But now, I can't keep a grip on my emotions or actions
Cause I should've known
I realize I should have been aware
That telling you the truth would be forbidden
That it would be detrimental to confess my feelings to someone
And I was a fool to ever think
And I regret ever considering
That all would be forgiven
That others would forgive me for any wrongdoings
And if I could have a better day
If I were granted a better situation
Well, I'd just inhale, I'm living
I'd happily take it all in and embrace life
But oh, no, it's not enough for you
But unfortunately, it's not enough for others
So you can run and paint this town
So others can do what they want
With the color of your lies
Even if those actions involve deception
And I'll keep sharpening myself
And I will continue to improve myself and become stronger
Bleed you slow until you die
And I will slowly harm those who have wronged me until they hurt no more
Oh, why do we lie to ourselves
Why do we deceive ourselves
Saying it's all in the name of love
Claiming our actions are motivated by love when they might not be
When my indifference knows no bounds
When I really don't care and am indifferent to the situation
And I have had enough
I'm at my limit and can't take it anymore
I burn it all down
I want to destroy it all
I burn it all down
I want to destroy it all
I burn it all down, yeah
I want to destroy it all, for sure
I burn it all down
I want to destroy it all
I burn it all down
I want to destroy it all
Burn it all down
I want to destroy it all
Writer(s): Phonte Coleman, Ramble Krohn
Contributed by Landon T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.