He gained attention because his lyrics were both witty and honest, and addressed the daily struggles that the average working person goes through, and not the over-glorified life of a drug dealer or clubgoer. He returned to Scribble Jam in 2003, where he defeated Yo Momma's Pimp to capture the title. Rhymefest was born July 6, 1977 on the south side of Chicago in Jeffrey Manor. Although he dropped out of South Shore High School, he would go on to earn his GED and even enroll in college at Columbia College in Chicago to study radio broadcasting at night school. He also worked as a substitute teacher to inner-city preschoolers at the time. In addition to all this, he was also building a reputation as one of the better known freestyle battle rappers in the Midwest. After enrolling at Columbia however, he learned his girlfriend was pregnant. He married her and moved to Indianapolis because she had been attending Purdue University in nearby West Lafayette. His son, Solomon, was born in 1998 and Rhymefest was forced to work various low-paying jobs, including one as a janitor at a university, to support his family while his wife went to school. When his wife graduated and went on to get a job as a chemical engineer, Fest was then able to devote his time to his true passion, music.
While living in Indiana with his cat named Greshy, Rhymefest was introduced to Mark Ronson by then manager Ron "DJ Indiana Jones" Miner. Greshy was later the inspiration for the hit single "Brand New" because Greshy only likes stuff that is brand new, and you would occasionally see Greshy in a whip that is brand new. In February 2003, Rhymefest signed his record contract with producer and DJ Mark Ronson's Allido Records, a subsidiary of Sony BMG's J Records, managed by Clive Davis. This was despite an offer on the table from long-time friend and producer Kanye West to sign with his own record company, GOOD Music. Fest attributes this decision to having a better musical relationship with Ronson and also not wanting to be in an "employer-employee" relationship with West[citation needed], where difficulties in business could lead to a disruption of their musical relationship and even friendship. Fest had a great admiration for Ronson's ability to mesh music of different genres.
Rhymefest was featured on the track "Bout to Get Ugly" on Ronson's album "Here Comes the Fuzz" in 2003 along with Anthony Hamilton. He was also featured on the official soundtrack to the films The Rundown, Take The Lead, and Big Momma's House 2 with the track Private Dancer along with We Got Action. Fest was also a part of the Marc Eckō video game, "Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure" in 2005 and was most recently featured on the Kanye West track, "We Can Make It Better", on "Hurricane Relief: Come Together Now", a tribute CD for Hurricane Katrina.
A mixtape released in 2001 entitled "Raw Dawg" was largely produced by the then relatively-unknown producer, West. More recently and most notably, he collaborated with West on the record "Jesus Walks", from the ground-breaking album The College Dropout. On February 15, 2005, Rhymefest earned the Grammy Award for Best Rap Song, along with West, for co-writing the song. Rhymefest had the initial idea for the song and discovered the sample used in the song, Arc Choir's "Walk with Me." Rhymefest played the song for West and then gave it to him to use for the album West was working on at the time, The College Dropout. Fest didn't have a record contract at that time and he knew that if West could produce it and become famous, he would be able to gain some notoriety from it as well. Fest co-wrote the chorus and first verse with West and even wrote and performed a third verse that did not make the final cut, but is performed on his mixtape, "A Star is Born".
Rhymefest's much-anticipated first album "Blue Collar" was released July 11, 2006. On the album he works closely with long-time collaborator and producer Mark Ronson, as well as with producers Kanye West, No I.D., Just Blaze and Cool and Dre. The first single off the album is entitled, "Brand New", and is produced by and features West with a video featuring renowned Hip hop model Bria Myles. Artists he collaborates with on "Blue Collar" are Citizen Cope, Carl Thomas, Mario and the late Ol' Dirty Bastard. Rhymefest's second album is scheduled to be released Spring 2009. The album titled "El Che" is expected to show growth and dynamic talent.
In January 2008, Rhymefest released a mixtape album dedicated to the pop star Michael Jackson. Produced by Mark Ronson, the album was called Man In The Mirror after the Jackson song of the same name. During the course of the album, which features samples of Jackson's music interspersed with humorous mock-up conversations between Jackson, Ronson and Rhymefest, the latter proclaims himself to be "the world's biggest Michael Jackson fan".
FEVER
Rhymefest Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Neverrr know how much I love you (woo!)
Neverrr know how much I care (No I.D.)
And when you put your arms around me
I get the fever that's so hard to bare
You give me fever
[Rhymefest]
From asses ah-shakin all night to rest well medicine
It's that {FE-VER} take two of these, call me in the mornin
You gon' still feel sick, cause it's that {give you that fever}
I give 'em all the plague, I'm awfully paid
And still make a cold starve for days
Never the type that ran, whatever the fight I'm in
You half-hearted, but I take this medicine like a man
For that {FE-VER} that keep these niggaz sweatin bullets
Clack clack, naw them the ones that you caught for tryin to pull it
This that {FE-VER} somebody warn the industry
'Fest on FIRE, and burnin in the third degree
'Til they murder me, five-oh get no words from me
And if they do then that's perjury
[Chorus]
{FE-VER} Hot like hot sauce
Uhh, we got we got that fe-verrr
Play women so false, flick your drawers off
Fuh, fuh-fuh, we got that fe-verrr
{FE-VER} Hot like hot sauce
Uhh, we got we got that fe-verrr
Play women so false, flick your drawers off
Yeah we got, we got that fe-verrr
[Rhymefest]
Hmm, left the path to wipe sweat from his brow
Except that his smile'll infect crowds
Hot as Hades, I got a lot of ladies strippin down to they drawers
Hittin the floor like OWWWW
That's him, and by him I mean me
By me, you seem weak homey like yo' heart pump green tea
I stack greenbacks then lean back, scorchin hot
My torch'll leave yo' ass charcoal black, I got that {FE-VER}
You better listen to them old wives' tales
I can look in yo' eyes, you high as hell for that {FE-VER}
Rhymefest Peligrino, I quench thrist
Niggaz better act like that bitch work
I'm workin progress (the pimp's back) youse a work in progress
You feelin the son/sun, respect my hotness
So many fine chicks shit's gettin monotonous
But still I love the way that she shakes her maracas for that
[Chorus]
[Rhymefest]
Step in the club with my swagger, niggaz get bruised & then battered
Grind mode is what I'm reppin and yep!
Hot as the grease when it sizzle and pop in your eye
Now you shrivel and chickens be gigglin like {give you that fever}
Yeah homey, I makes that club turn to a sweatbox
Like 50 horny Jamaicans with dreadlocks
30 chicks in the lobby, probably 5 of 'em ready to party
Cause I'm an ol' funny nigga like Redd Foxx
But this is more than jokes, y'all niggaz sorta broke
You can never be hot as me, you can't even afford a coat
I got that {FE-VER} ha-ha-ha-hot as hellfire, brimstone
Stiletto brim hats, bitches with gems on
Niggaz with Timbs on, Jenny Jones to Jim Jones
I get the d-down like syndrome
I get are-round like rims on, the ghetto King Kong that sing songs
And made a BILLION DOLLARS ON RINGTONES~!
[Chorus]
[Outro]
FE-VER! Everybody's, got that fever, give you that fever
FE-VER! Everybody's, got that fever
FE-VER! Everybody's, got that fever, give you that fever
FE-VER!
The opening lines of Rhymefest's "Fever" are a direct reference to Peggy Lee's classic hit "Fever." Rhymefest creates an energetic rap song that's filled with references to his own fame, street culture, and braggadocio. He starts with a boastful chorus that repeatedly says "we got that fever," a declaration of their potency and strength. The rapper uses several medical and health references, including allusions to the common cold, medicines, and old wives' tales. His lyrics are clever and witty, with metaphors that connect his rap persona to cultural icons like Redd Foxx and Jim Jones. Rhymefest also touches on themes of power, dominance, and sexuality, bragging about how he can make women swoon and men tremble. The song is a testament to his ability to craft sharp lyrics that are both insightful and entertaining.
Line by Line Meaning
Neverrr know how much I love you (woo!)
Expressing how deep his affection is for someone.
Neverrr know how much I care (No I.D.)
Stating how much he's invested in someone's well-being.
And when you put your arms around me
Describing how it feels to be loved by someone.
I get the fever that's so hard to bare
Indicating how intense the feeling of infatuation is.
You give me fever
Conveying the effect of someone's love and affection on Rhymefest.
Uhh, here go that arrogant, stuffy head, cold leave you achin
Giving a metaphorical description of his attitude towards those who attempt to challenge him.
From asses ah-shakin all night to rest well medicine
Referring to his hectic lifestyle and the arduous nature of his work.
It's that {FE-VER} take two of these, call me in the mornin
Comparing his ability and effectiveness to that of a magical cure for a disease.
You gon' still feel sick, cause it's that {give you that fever}
Confirming that people will still be captivated and infatuated even after they encounter him.
I give 'em all the plague, I'm awfully paid
Asserting his dominance and authority within his industry and financial sector.
And still make a cold starve for days
Claiming that he is invulnerable to the challenges and harsh realities of life.
Never the type that ran, whatever the fight I'm in
Explaining that he never backs down from a challenge.
You half-hearted, but I take this medicine like a man
Berating those who give up easily and asserting that he is someone who faces life head-on.
For that {FE-VER} that keep these niggaz sweatin bullets
Describing how his presence and influence make people nervous and anxious.
This that {FE-VER} somebody warn the industry
Warning other people in his industry of his power and influence.
'Fest on FIRE, and burnin in the third degree
Intensifying the warning of his immense power and influence.
'Til they murder me, five-oh get no words from me
Asserting that he cannot be intimidated or affected by threats from law enforcement officials.
And if they do then that's perjury
Asserting that he would never allow himself to be falsely accused or wrongly convicted.
{FE-VER} Hot like hot sauce
Using a metaphor to describe his power and influence.
Play women so false, flick your drawers off
Describing how easily he can attract women, even those who might be hesitant or cautious at first.
Fuh, fuh-fuh, we got that fe-verrr
Repeating the metaphor to emphasize its effect.
Hmm, left the path to wipe sweat from his brow
Describing his physical exertion and effort in his work.
Except that his smile'll infect crowds
Stating how charming and charismatic he is and how he can easily win over a crowd.
Hot as Hades, I got a lot of ladies strippin down to they drawers
Describing how attractive and seductive he is and how he has multiple sexual partners.
Hittin the floor like OWWWW
Describing the wild and energetic nature of the parties he is a part of.
That's him, and by him I mean me
Calling attention to his own ego and confidence.
By me, you seem weak homey like yo' heart pump green tea
Asserting that he is superior to anyone who might attempt to criticize or undermine him.
I stack greenbacks then lean back, scorchin hot
Describing his wealth and lifestyle.
My torch'll leave yo' ass charcoal black, I got that {FE-VER}
Threatening anyone who might challenge him and making clear his power and influence.
You better listen to them old wives' tales
Urging people to take him seriously and not to underestimate him.
I can look in yo' eyes, you high as hell for that {FE-VER}
Claiming that he hypnotizes and captivates people with his power and influence.
Rhymefest Peligrino, I quench thrist
Describing how his presence and influence can satisfy people's desires and needs.
Niggaz better act like that bitch work
Asserting his dominance and warning others to respect his power.
I'm workin progress (the pimp's back) youse a work in progress
Asserting that he is always improving and developing, in contrast to those who might become complacent or stagnant.
You feelin the son/sun, respect my hotness
Demanding that others recognize and respect his power and influence.
So many fine chicks shit's gettin monotonous
Describing how easily he can attract women and how it has lost some of its appeal.
But still I love the way that she shakes her maracas for that
Expressing his continued pleasure in the company of women.
Step in the club with my swagger, niggaz get bruised & then battered
Describing how his confident and confrontational attitude intimidates others.
Grind mode is what I'm reppin and yep!
Confirming his work ethic and dedication to his craft.
Hot as the grease when it sizzle and pop in your eye
Describing his power, influence, and intensity.
Now you shrivel and chickens be gigglin like {give you that fever}
Describing how others react to his charm and charisma.
Yeah homey, I makes that club turn to a sweatbox
Describing how he creates a wild and energetic atmosphere at parties and events he attends.
Like 50 horny Jamaicans with dreadlocks
Using a simile to emphasize the energy and intensity of the club atmosphere he creates.
30 chicks in the lobby, probably 5 of 'em ready to party
Describing the attention and adoration he receives from women in various settings.
Cause I'm an ol' funny nigga like Redd Foxx
Comparing himself to a famous comedian and actor of the past.
But this is more than jokes, y'all niggaz sorta broke
Asserting his financial status and superiority to others.
You can never be hot as me, you can't even afford a coat
Berating those who might attempt to challenge him and asserting his financial superiority.
I got that {FE-VER} ha-ha-ha-hot as hellfire, brimstone
Describing his power and influence using religious metaphor and supernatural imagery.
Stiletto brim hats, bitches with gems on
Describing how he is always surrounded by luxury and opulence.
Niggaz with Timbs on, Jenny Jones to Jim Jones
Referencing other famous and influential people to emphasize his own power and influence.
I get the d-down like syndrome
Making light of his ability to attract women and his influence over them.
I get are-round like rims on, the ghetto King Kong that sing songs
Asserting his status as a powerful and influential figure in his community.
And made a BILLION DOLLARS ON RINGTONES~!
Emphasizing his financial success and influence in modern media.
FE-VER! Everybody's, got that fever, give you that fever
Repeating the refrain to emphasize his power and influence.
FE-VER! Everybody's, got that fever
Repeating the refrain to emphasize his power and influence.
FE-VER! Everybody's, got that fever, give you that fever
Repeating the refrain to emphasize his power and influence.
FE-VER!
Repeating the refrain one final time to emphasize his power and influence.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network, Sentric Music, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Eddie Cooley, Otis Blackwell
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind