Simmons began using Rev Run as a stage name after he was ordained as a reverend priest in Zoe Ministries. His first work as Rev Run was a feature in the single "Song For Lovers" by UK pop band Liberty X in September 2005.
Later in 2005 "Distortion" Simmons' first solo album came out. The first single, mind on the road is featured in the EA Sports Madden NFL 2006 video game.
Rev Run together with his family also got a tv show on MTV titled "Run's House".
Distortion
Rev Run Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I got a rhyme for the users, those they call losers
Those that got bruises, those they call useless
Blown they last fuses, fooled but not foolish!
I got a rhyme for the homeless, homes that's cold hopeless
Stoned and still dopeless, broke like the brokest
High and still potent, feel like the dopest
Oopsy-daisy, they call him lazy
Amazin crazy, slave wages pays thee
Often tossed in, coughed off exhaustion
Now here comes distortion!
[Chorus]
Now here comes distortion {*repeat 3X*}
[Rev Run]
Girls gone wildin, and profilin
14 but seen on the Island
Out for her mans and, they got plans in
Three years left with plans for a mansion
Credit card criminal, he got a minimum
But when he's out he's paid like nine, ten of 'em
She got a kid now, he wants abortion
Now here comes distortion!
[Chorus]
[Rev Run]
Distortion!
In this song, Rev Run offers a message of hope and empowerment to those who have been marginalized and oppressed by society. He starts the first verse by addressing the "losers" and "useless" people who have been looked down upon and dismissed by others. He emphasizes that they should not be defined by their bruises or past mistakes, but that they should continue to pursue their goals even if they feel like they have blown their last fuse.
The second verse focuses on homeless people who are struggling to survive in cold and hopeless conditions. Rev Run acknowledges their struggles, but also notes that they should not give up hope or let their circumstances define them. He emphasizes that they are still "potent" and can overcome their challenges with resilience and focus.
Throughout the song, Rev Run uses the metaphor of "distortion" to describe the ways in which people's circumstances can distort their perceptions of themselves and their potential. He encourages his listeners to push past this distortion and find their true selves.
Overall, Rev Run's "Distortion" is a powerful anthem of resilience and hope for those who are struggling in difficult circumstances.
Line by Line Meaning
I got a rhyme for the users, those they call losers
I have lyrics that speak to those who are called losers or outcasts.
Those that got bruises, those they call useless
I'm specifically talking to those who have been beaten down and deemed useless.
Blown they last fuses, fooled but not foolish!
These same people might have reached their breaking point, but they are still smart and capable.
I got a rhyme for the homeless, homes that's cold hopeless
I also have some bars for the homeless - those without a home and feeling hopeless.
Stoned and still dopeless, broke like the brokest
Even if they turn to drugs to escape their reality, they're still broke and struggling.
High and still potent, feel like the dopest
Despite their circumstances, they still have strength and potential.
Straight from the dirt and hurt but still focused
They might be dealing with pain and hardships, but they are still determined and focused on their goals.
Oopsy-daisy, they call him lazy
Some people might write off those who can't seem to get it together as lazy or careless.
Amazin crazy, slave wages pays thee
In reality, these folks might be amazingly creative and talented, but are forced to work for low wages.
Often tossed in, coughed off exhaustion
They might have to work themselves to the bone just to survive.
Now here comes distortion!
This is the point where things start to become unclear and distorted.
Girls gone wildin, and profilin
Next, I'm addressing young women who are acting wild and trying to show off for others.
14 but seen on the Island
These young girls are trying to look older than they are by dressing and acting inappropriately.
Out for her mans and, they got plans in
They might be chasing after men and thinking about their future together, rather than focusing on their own lives and growth.
Three years left with plans for a mansion
They probably have unrealistic dreams of owning material possessions or living a certain lifestyle, without understanding the hard work that goes into it.
Credit card criminal, he got a minimum
I'm also calling out those who try to live beyond their means by using credit to buy things they can't afford.
But when he's out he's paid like nine, ten of 'em
Despite having little to no money, some people still try to put on a facade of being wealthy or successful.
She got a kid now, he wants abortion
Lastly, I'm discussing the unfortunate reality of unwanted pregnancies and the conflicts that come with them.
Now here comes distortion!
This is the point where all of these issues start to blur together and become chaotic.
Distortion!
Overall, this song is about the hardships and struggles that many people face in life, and the confusion and chaos that can result from those struggles.
Contributed by Annabelle S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.