Originally a member of Busta Rhymes' crew, Flipmode Squad becoming the sixth member after the departure of Lord Have Mercy, (aside from other flipmode acts Serious and Show Money) Roc Marciano left in 2001 to form the U.N., a hardcore underground hip hop group consisting of three other MCs (Dino Brave, Laku & Mic Raw) with whom he released an album on Carson Daly's 456 Entertainment in 2004. Notably, Roc Marciano appeared in the 2005 Wu-Tang Clan compilation album, Wu-Tang Meets the Indie Culture, and in Pete Rock's 2008 album, NY's Finest, drawing acclaim for such performances. Since 2008, Roc Marciano has been working on his solo career, and to widespread internet acclaim, released his entirely self-produced debut album, Marcberg in 2010.
In 2011, Roc Marciano collaborated with Gangrene, the duo of rapper/producers Oh No and The Alchemist, to release the collaborative EP Greneberg. His second solo album, Reloaded, was released in November 2012, which Allmusic described as "Grim and exultant at once, this is low-profile hustling on wax at its finest."
Even a cursory glance at the history of Strong Island reveals that its produced more than its fair share of innovative verbal technicians over the years. One of the most original MCs to hail from its shores in recent times has been Roc Marciano from The UN crew. Initially put on by fellow L.I. resident Busta Rhymes, it wasn’t until Marcy and his crew lent their vocals to three tracks for Pete Rock’s Petestrumentals project that the world really took notice. Utilizing a stream-of-consciousness technique that sounds effortless but is actually very precise in terms of timing and cadence, Marciano is in a class of his own right now.
Emeralds
Roc Marciano Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Word...
Niggas already know the muthafuckin resume straight up and down man
Rider shit
Terrace Ave nigga
Hempstead muthafucka L.I. stand the fuck up
Marce nigga
Fuck them niggas know bout it
Faggot
Wish I what?
If I catch one of you niggas man
Ya niggas know man
(Pussy niggas man)
Yeh
(Disgusting)
Yeh
Huh
I got Lamborghini dreams
Nissan nightmares
Moving white my ice cool as the night air
Two fives flare
Glare through your Cartier eyewear
And knock ya newborn out of the high chair
Devour 'n' tear
Slice ya by the hair like pear
The prey I share fruit that I bear
I get nectarine in the beam
I steam a whole seventeen
Brolic chain chunk cheddar cheese
Spray up chumps
TEC's jam like Heavy D
Hoes lay bread on me like deli meat (woah)
That's pimpish
Pass the Mack 10 to my apprentice
While I get a pen and pad to print this
Then slide nine inches in your Empress with the quickness
You get ran through swifter than Wind Sprints
You a byproduct
Of guys that grind and buy Prada
Black cards lie inside Prada wallets
Black cars glide like flying carpets
The 40 lay you out like a starfish
I'm doing God's work in the booth
This was Allah's wish
I put a skirt on the Coupe
Squirt 32s that'll burn in your soup
Muthafucka
(Yeh baby)
Light one up
Feds might run up
They might want us
Henny on ice with my styrofoam cup
Dimes get fucked
Lynx with the nine get stuck
Rip cake and glide in the truck
These are emeralds
Only generals resemble
We throwing up sings and symbols
We throwing up sings and symbols
You just a pawn on the chessboard
I move pieces
On squares like Louis sneakers
Polices gonna burn 'em off like leeches
For beneath us people need to see the uniqueness
Speak your mind like telekinesis
Steam reefers
Watching pelicans on beaches
Slide long meat deep in Georgia peaches
Them whores be the source of your weakness
I take broads do what I see fit
Break laws money grip vick like Queen pin
Rolex they gleam where my sleeve end
My enemy need bend my team win
You bleeding
Feel the Reaper creeping
A brief wind the grim bring a freeze to your skin
Squeeze three at your BM
Till your meat spin
You hanging on by a thin tree limb
Cock weapons and pop the specimen
With elegance, metal wrench to wear, glass settle in
Your head been turned into gelatine
I ride with gentlemen
Hollow tops fly through your melon and
Cocksucker
Word up
Light one up
Feds might run up
They might want us
Henny on ice with my styrofoam cup
Dimes get fucked
Lynx with the nine get stuck
Rip cake and glide in the truck
These are emeralds
Only generals resemble
We throwing up sings and symbols
We throwing up sings and symbols
The lyrics to Roc Marciano's song "Emeralds" depict a vivid and gritty portrayal of his life on the streets. The introduction sets the tone, with Roc asserting his credibility and warning his foes about the consequences they'll face if they cross him. He then dives into his dreams and nightmares, juxtaposing his aspirations of luxury and success (Lamborghini dreams) with the harsh reality of his environment (Nissan nightmares). Roc discusses his involvement in the drug trade, boasting about his ability to move cocaine while remaining calm and cool ("Moving white my ice cool as the night air"). He paints a graphic picture of violence, describing how he would harm his enemies without hesitation, even targeting their innocent children ("And knock ya newborn out of the high chair"). Roc's confidence shines through as he asserts his dominance in the rap game, comparing himself to a predator who devours and slices his prey, alluding to the fruits of his labor and success ("The prey I share fruit that I bear").
Throughout the song, Roc Marciano exudes a sense of power and control, emphasizing his stature as a leader ("Only generals resemble") and proudly declaring his association with a specific neighborhood and his crew ("Terrace Ave nigga"). He showcases his street knowledge and the ruthlessness he's encountered, warning those who underestimate him that they are merely pawns on the chessboard of his game. Roc also makes references to religious and mystical elements, such as doing "God's work in the booth" and using telekinesis to speak his mind. Overall, "Emeralds" portrays Roc Marciano as an unapologetic and formidable figure, navigating the treacherous streets with calculated moves and unwavering confidence.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh man...
Expressing a feeling of surprise or disbelief
Word...
Agreement or confirmation
Niggas already know the muthafuckin resume straight up and down man
People are already aware of my exceptional track record
Rider shit
Engaged in dangerous or daring activities
Terrace Ave nigga
Representing a particular neighborhood or area
Hempstead muthafucka L.I. stand the fuck up
Proudly representing Hempstead, Long Island
Marce nigga
Referring to oneself with confidence and emphasis
Fuck them niggas know bout it
Disregarding the opinions or knowledge of others
Nothing
Implying that others have no understanding or knowledge
Faggot
Derogatory term used to insult or demean
Wish I what?
Questioning someone's desire or intention
If I catch one of you niggas man
Threatening to confront and harm someone
Ya niggas know man
Asserting that others are aware of the singer's capabilities
(Pussy niggas man)
Insulting individuals for being weak or cowardly
Yeh
Expressing agreement or affirmation
(Disgusting)
Showing contempt or disgust
Yeh
Expressing agreement or affirmation
Huh
Expressing confusion or surprise
I got Lamborghini dreams
Desiring a luxurious lifestyle
Nissan nightmares
Experiencing fears or anxieties related to a less glamorous reality
Moving white my ice cool as the night air
Operating in the illicit drug trade with calmness and confidence
Two fives flare
Guns are fired rapidly
Glare through your Cartier eyewear
Penetrating someone's defenses or facade
And knock ya newborn out of the high chair
Causing harm or disruption to someone's family or loved ones
Devour 'n' tear
Engaging in ruthless actions or behavior
Slice ya by the hair like pear
Inflicting harm or violence with precision
The prey I share fruit that I bear
Benefitting from the misfortune or vulnerability of others
I get nectarine in the beam
Receiving valuable rewards or profits
I steam a whole seventeen
Cooking illegal drugs in large quantities
Brolic chain chunk cheddar cheese
Showing off wealth and success through expensive jewelry
Spray up chumps
Shooting and injuring weak or insignificant individuals
TEC's jam like Heavy D
Experiencing firearm malfunctions
Hoes lay bread on me like deli meat (woah)
Being showered with money and gifts by women
That's pimpish
Displaying qualities of a successful and dominant figure
Pass the Mack 10 to my apprentice
Giving a powerful weapon to a trusted subordinate
While I get a pen and pad to print this
Preparing to write lyrics or create music
Then slide nine inches in your Empress with the quickness
Engaging in sexual activity with a partner swiftly
You get ran through swifter than Wind Sprints
Being taken advantage of or defeated easily
You a byproduct
Referring to someone as a result or consequence of something else
Of guys that grind and buy Prada
Reflecting the influence and success of those who work hard
Black cards lie inside Prada wallets
Having significant wealth and luxury goods
Black cars glide like flying carpets
Driving expensive vehicles with ease and grace
The 40 lay you out like a starfish
Using a firearm to cause harm or death
I'm doing God's work in the booth
Creating music that is divinely inspired or exceptional
This was Allah's wish
Believing that one's talent and success are predetermined by a higher power
I put a skirt on the Coupe
Modifying a vehicle with feminine or stylish features
Squirt 32s that'll burn in your soup
Shooting guns that are capable of causing significant harm
Muthafucka
Used as an exclamation or intensifier
(Yeh baby)
Expressing agreement or satisfaction
Light one up
Illuminate or smoke a marijuana cigarette
Feds might run up
Law enforcement authorities may approach or investigate
They might want us
Referring to being wanted or targeted by authorities
Henny on ice with my styrofoam cup
Enjoying a mixed alcoholic beverage with a particular drinking vessel
Dimes get fucked
Engaging in sexual activities with attractive women
Lynx with the nine get stuck
Encountering or using firearms in dangerous situations
Rip cake and glide in the truck
Driving in a luxurious vehicle with ease and comfort
These are emeralds
Referring to valuable or precious items
Only generals resemble
Only leaders or top-tier individuals can compare
We throwing up signs and symbols
Displaying loyalty or association through gestures or symbols
You just a pawn on the chessboard
Depicting someone as a relatively insignificant player in a larger game
I move pieces
Strategically manipulating situations or people for personal gain
On squares like Louis sneakers
Operating within specific environments or circles
Polices gonna burn 'em off like leeches
Law enforcement will aggressively pursue and eliminate threats
For beneath us people need to see the uniqueness
Acknowledging one's superior qualities or individuality
Speak your mind like telekinesis
Expressing one's thoughts or opinions with a seemingly supernatural power
Steam reefers
Consuming marijuana or smoking heavily
Watching pelicans on beaches
Relaxing or observing nature
Slide long meat deep in Georgia peaches
Engaging in sexual activities with attractive women
Them whores be the source of your weakness
Attributing personal vulnerabilities or flaws to promiscuous women
I take broads do what I see fit
Exercising complete control or dominance over women
Break laws money grip vick like Queen pin
Violating legal or ethical boundaries to accumulate wealth and power
Rolex they gleam where my sleeve end
Displaying ostentatious or expensive jewelry
My enemy need bend my team win
Overcoming obstacles or adversaries to achieve victory
You bleeding
Causing harm or pain to someone
Feel the Reaper creeping
Experiencing a sense of impending danger or death
A brief wind the grim bring a freeze to your skin
Being struck by fear or intimidation
Squeeze three at your BM
Shooting at or targeting someone's romantic partner
Till your meat spin
Causing serious physical harm or death
You hanging on by a thin tree limb
Being in a precarious or vulnerable position
Cock weapons and pop the specimen
Preparing and firing guns at targets or enemies
With elegance, metal wrench to wear, glass settle in
Displaying style and finesse while inflicting harm or violence
Your head been turned into gelatine
Causing severe damage or trauma to someone's head
I ride with gentlemen
Associating with sophisticated and respected individuals
Hollow tops fly through your melon and
Shooting bullets that penetrate someone's head
Cocksucker
Derogatory term used to insult or demean
Word up
Agreement or confirmation
Light one up
Illuminate or smoke a marijuana cigarette
Feds might run up
Law enforcement authorities may approach or investigate
They might want us
Referring to being wanted or targeted by authorities
Henny on ice with my styrofoam cup
Enjoying a mixed alcoholic beverage with a particular drinking vessel
Dimes get fucked
Engaging in sexual activities with attractive women
Lynx with the nine get stuck
Encountering or using firearms in dangerous situations
Rip cake and glide in the truck
Driving in a luxurious vehicle with ease and comfort
These are emeralds
Referring to valuable or precious items
Only generals resemble
Only leaders or top-tier individuals can compare
We throwing up signs and symbols
Displaying loyalty or association through gestures or symbols
Contributed by Sophie C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@rlwelch
One of the most memorable opening lines of all time
@iTrum89x
This is one of the calmest verses from a dude that's going absolutely ballistic on the mic. This is amazing.
@joecane5384
Faccs preach my G dudes insane wit it
@mxll.94
silent assasin!
@TonyMoze
He’s dope AF
@iloveowls8748
People who can enjoy Roc's music, are people who are able to see and appreciate the artistic and beautiful in the simplistic/minimalistic/monotone expression. Which is important. I understand why some would want more experimentation sometimes, I do so myself. But then I go listen to OTHER artists. I appreciate his music for what it is, for its intention. It's all about mood I guess. Personally I can't think of any other artists, who can make the slow flow without energy work as perfectly as Roc. It's like he draws you into a 70's gangster flick, and make you go along with him, driving around town, watching things unfold. So dope!
@joewhitaker9991
Word.
@blockpartyvintage1568
He is a practitioner of crowlian magick.
@SUswim
r/iamverysmart
@jf5447
u nailed it but speaking for myself, I’ll add that Roc matches good taste and mood with rawness and delivery, while being gritty and quite experimental both wordplay and sample wise (who has the same flow and identity in the game, honestly?)