Red Cafe (born Jermaine Denny on September 19, 1976), born to Afro-Guyanese… Read Full Bio ↴Red Cafe (born Jermaine Denny on September 19, 1976), born to Afro-Guyanese parents, is an American rapper signed to Rapper Akon's Konvict Muzik, Diddy's Bad Boy Records and DJ Clue's Desert Storm.

Red Café is a Flatbush, Brooklyn rapper of Afro-Guyanese descent. He has been called "Red" all his life, a nickname inherited from his father. He often refers to himself simply as "R" on songs he appears on by saying "It's R." Red Cafe began his career in a group called Da Franchise (or as often referred to Franchise) with Bed-Stuy artist Gravy and Flatbush rapper Q Da Kid appeared on many Whoo Kid and Kay Slay mixtapes under Franchise. Due to disagreements between the three, they split up and went separate ways. In early 2006, Red Cafe was to release his first major-label debut I Got a Story to Tell, on Capitol Records in conjunction with Mack 10's Hoo Bangin' imprint, set to include singles "Bling Blao" featuring Fabolous and "Diddy Bop". Also believed to be on that album were his songs that received radio play "Jeep Shit", which features Fabolous & Paul Wall and the remix of "Diddy Bop" which features Fabolous, Kardinal Offishall, Coco Chanel and Curren$y. However this never eventuated. Red Cafe has also contributed to the Coach Carter soundtrack. He has also ghostwritten for many popular rappers over the years. As an underground rapper, his work is not internationally recognized, though he has been rapping on the circuit since the late 1990s.Red Cafe also made a cameo appearance in the biopic "NOTORIOUS" playing primo in which he battled biggie at the age of 17.This battle was based on a real battle biggie and a fellow Brooklyn rapper had and includes the same bar for bar lines biggie used in the movie.

Red Café signed with several major labels over the years, including Arista in 2003,Capitol Records, and RCA, but circumstances dictated that albums were not released. Red commented "I just kept running into jams where the people who believed in me they lost their positions, or just the tables turned while I was at the company and you know things change and I wasn’t able to get the support that I needed".

Red Cafe released a mixtape with DJ Envy, The Co-Op, on October 9, 2007 with distribution by Koch Records. Remy Ma was featured on the album, while Cafe's new song "Paper Touchin Remix" features Fat Joe.

Red Café signed to Akon's Universal Records-distributed Konvict Muzik label in 2007, with his major-label debut album, The Shakedown, announced as due in 2008. In 2009, Red Café signed to Bad Boy Records, with The Shakedown still unreleased.

He was also recently cast in the Biggie Smalls biographic movie, Notorious as Primo, the freestyle battle rapper.

In late April 2009, Red Cafe's 2009 single "Hottest In Da Hood" was officially remixed by Diddy, Jadakiss, Rick Ross, Fabolous and OJ Da Juiceman. He later said an interview that there will be 2 more remixes of that song. The 2nd remix features Juelz Santana, Lore'l, Lloyd Banks and Busta Rhymes. The 3rd features Papoose, Kardinal Offishall, Juggernot, Uncle Murda, Ross Fortune & Diddy. The 2nd remix preimered on May 5 2009 at Power 105.1. Red Cafe has yet to release a solo album in his career.

New York City
Red Cafe Lyrics

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Pete Rock, Cafe
("Heart and soul of New York cityyy")
Uhh, yeah, uhh, Izzar, uhh
("Heart and soul of New York cityyy")

Yeah, yeah, yeah bucktown, Bucktown
New York Giant, dance when I touchdown
Subway killer, color for a name

Study right under the king from Saint James
Birthplace of the cough up a lung
Big homie dot turned ev'rybody young
New school of course, I do my thing though
With my rock box and a black Kangol
New Air Forces or the Chuck cheese
Truck jewelry, lay on the white tee
Fools got me tangled let me find out
Put a perm on that straighten it right out
Only city, you could sell nicks
Get your bell rocked from JT smith
And learn something from a
South Bronx teacher
Izzar sell pies, not Ray’s pizza

I walk the walk
Name ring bells from the South to North
What else? That's how I do, I'm the
("Heart and soul of New York cityyy")
Fresh to def
Arm & Hammer piece lay across the chest
What else? 'Til I'm laid to rest, I'm the
("Heart and soul of New York cityyy")

Been a few years threw the coke away
Nowadays you can find me round Loso's way
Your beat don't rock and you too smooth
More than likely they gon' reminisce over you
R-A W, nuttin' here soft
Dirty black trunks, bite ears off
All for one we all steam reefer
Patch over the eye, Mona Mona Lisa
Every Sunday I see the Black Moon
The Bad Boy locked up comin' back soon
Forever I'm gangsta rap, and that's that
'Cause when them boys rap
Gangsta they like that
8 million stories, still hear truth
This where they bury cannabis in the booth
10k on that concert line
Then 10k rockin' that Yankee sign

I walk the walk
Name ring bells from the South to North
What else? That's how I do, I'm the
("Heart and soul of New York cityyy")
Fresh to def
Arm & Hammer piece lay across the chest
What else? 'Til I'm laid to rest, I'm the
("Heart and soul of New York cityyy")

The Bridge, the Bridge, the Bridge
New York Jet, love where I live
Ride rough stand up to them guns
But don't wanna do that without a Big Pun
Foreigners tried to crush our buildings
But 2 quarters and a dream, make millions
Real recognize real from the face down
Around these parts, it's a shake down
If murder was the case
Hopefully we ain't out murderin' the
Race with a hot waist
I hate to sing ill street blues
Follow the leader of the new schools

I walk the walk
Name ring bells from the South to North
What else? That's how I do, I'm the
("Heart and soul of New York cityyy")
Fresh to def
Arm & Hammer piece lay across the chest

What else? 'Til I'm laid to rest, I'm the
("Heart and soul of New York cityyy")

Overall Meaning

"New York City" by Red Cafe is an ode to the rich and diverse culture of the city and the artist's pride in being a part of it. The song pays homage to the various neighborhoods and iconic figures that have shaped the identity of New York. It starts with a reference to Pete Rock, a legendary producer who embodies the heart and soul of the city. The lyrics then delve into different aspects of New York City life, from its gritty streets to its vibrant music scene.

Red Cafe highlights his personal experiences and connections to the city. He raps about his upbringing in Bucktown and his affiliation with the New York Giants football team, using sports metaphors to convey his impact and influence. The song also mentions the influence of other iconic New York figures like the late rapper Big L and the basketball player JT Smith.

The lyrics demonstrate a sense of loyalty and pride in the city's history and culture. Red Cafe references various neighborhoods, landmarks, and events that hold significance to New Yorkers, emphasizing the unity and resilience of the city's inhabitants. The song also acknowledges the challenges faced by the city, such as the September 11 attacks, symbolizing the strength and determination of its people.

Overall, "New York City" celebrates Red Cafe's deep connection to his hometown and serves as an anthem for the city's rich heritage and vibrant energy.

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

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