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.
True Confessions
RJD2 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
B: bless me father, for i have sinned. it's been 3 years since my last confession. i've disobeyed my mother, 3 time..5 times. i've fought with my brothers 6 times..
F: anything else?
B: yes father, i've stolen things...
F: what did you steal?
B: i stole stereos, radios and amplifiers and..
F: how old are you?
F: Seventeen? and you've been stealing for 3 years... [sigh]
verse two...
B: needed money father.
F: you stole the stereos?
B: yes father.
F: radios?
B: yes, father.
F: amplifiers?
B: yes father.
F: stole the money?
B: yes father.
F: the last three years?
B: yes father. i committed 32 burglaries. one was at a church father.
F: that's a terrible thing, to steal from so many, to steal from the church, that's god's house. is there any way you can give some of this money, from the stereos, the amplifiers, to the people you stole it from..
The lyrics to RJD2's "True Confessions" tell the story of a person, referred to as "B," confessing their sins to a priest in a church. The person admits to disobeying their mother and fighting with their brothers multiple times, as well as confessing to stealing items such as stereos, radios, and amplifiers. The priest is shocked and disappointed to learn that "B" has been stealing for three years since they were only seventeen years old. "B" explains that they needed money and had committed 32 burglaries, one of which was at a church. The priest admonishes "B" for stealing from so many people, including a church, which is considered to be a sacred place. He urges "B" to make amends by returning some of the money to those they stole from.
Line by Line Meaning
Bless me father, for I have sinned.
I am seeking the forgiveness of my wrongdoings from a religious authority.
It's been 3 years since my last confession.
I have not sought out forgiveness for my sins in three years.
I've disobeyed my mother, 3 times.. 5 times.
I have repeatedly gone against my mother's wishes and commands.
I fought with my brothers 6 times..
I have engaged in physical disagreements with my siblings on multiple occasions.
Yes father, I've stolen things...
I have committed theft and have come forward to confess.
What did you steal?
What specific items have you stolen?
I stole stereos, radios and amplifiers and..
Among other things, I have stolen electronic devices like stereos, radios, and amplifiers.
I'm seventeen.
I am a teenager and have already committed many thefts for three years.
Seventeen? and you've been stealing for 3 years... [sigh]
A sigh of disappointment, considering my young age and the fact that I have been committing theft for three years.
Needed money father.
I stole because I was in financial need.
You stole the stereos?
Did you commit theft by taking stereo equipment?
Radios?
Did you steal radios as well?
Amplifiers?
Did you take amplifiers too?
Stole the money?
Did you take cash as well?
The last three years?
Have you committed theft over the past three years?
I committed 32 burglaries. One was at a church father.
I have burglarized 32 different locations, including a church, which I feel particularly ashamed of.
That's a terrible thing, to steal from so many, to steal from the church, that's god's house.
Expressing disappointment and condemnation of my actions, particularly related to stealing from religious institutions.
Is there any way you can give some of this money, from the stereos, the amplifiers, to the people you stole it from..
Suggesting a way to start making amends for my crimes by returning the stolen items or paying restitution to those I have stolen from.
Contributed by Emma L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Conversationpace87
This was the first RJ song I heard. I was like, 13 or so. It was a totally new feeling.
@Kanashto
"Voidim PvP Enter the Void 2" when I first heard this 4-5 yrs ago still love it.
@filipeinarson171
@@gmcnair7352 Same here, VOIDIM!!!!!!
@ExtropianKnight
What a feel to see this comment and remember when that video came out. I just aged faster than timelapse Matt Damon in Saving Private Ryan.
@VentXekart
I remember this song being on that one Bionicle giveaway on Toonami, good times!
@jswatch9270
Me too
@bdido1614
Wow, throwback.
@MrLyricsz
Heard this song while parachute jumping. Best moment in my life.
@mtb416
I'm not even a religious person, but when the Priest says, "that's a terrible thing, to steal from so many, to steal from the church, that's god's house", it gives me chills for some reason.
@ramafia09
that drop... really, i dont think ive ever had chills like that.