Early career
Ryan Montgomery, born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, moved to Oak Park, Michigan when he was 10 years old, later acquiring the nickname "Royce" during highschool after wearing a Turkish link chain with an R pendant resembling the Rolls Royce symbol. Royce and his best friend Jah Da 5'9" (also known as June or June Bug) began rapping at 18, and were the two shortest players on the basketball team, both standing at 5 foot and 9 inches tall.
Royce signed his first deal in 1998 with Tommy Boy Records, who was to release his much anticipated debut album Rock City. Royce left Tommy Boy Records, citing creative differences. He signed with Game Recordings, an independent label who helped him to negotiate a deal with Columbia Records. Columbia repeatedly delayed the release of Rock City, which was subsequently heavily bootlegged. Despite this, Columbia released Rock City, which quickly went out of print once Royce left the label. After leaving Columbia, Rock City was edited and re-released through Koch / Game Recordings as Rock City (Version 2.0). The album credits Eminem as executive producer, though his vocals were only featured on the title track "Rock City", both in the chorus and ad libbing. Before the release of Version 2.0, Royce built hype with his successful underground hit "Boom", produced by DJ Premier.
Bad Meets Evil
Royce Da 5'9" benefited from his association with fellow Detroit MC, Eminem, which existed prior to Eminem signing his deal with Interscope/Aftermath Entertainment. Royce was introduced to Eminem by his manager, Kino Childrey at an Usher concert, where Eminem was selling copies of his Slim Shady EP. The two formed a duo called Bad Meets Evil (with Royce occupying the 'Bad' half, and Eminem the 'Evil' half). Bad Meets Evil produced a number of tracks including "Scary Movies", "Nuttin' to Do", "She's the One", "Renegades" [Original Version] and "See You In Hell", which appeared on Eminem's album The Slim Shady LP, titled "Bad Meets Evil". Communication between the pair deteriorated as Eminem's career enjoyed increased success and a series of circumstances led to the emergence of conflict.
Royce and Eminem were mutual friends with Proof, of Eminem's six-man clique, D12. Royce gives Proof a shout- out on "Nickel Nine Is...", from Rock City. However, Royce and another D12 member, Bizarre had beef originating from a freestyle battle with Royce's brother. With the break down of communication, this beef developed to include all the members of D12.
Today
After the release of his 2005 album Independent's Day, Royce has kept a low profile even though he had promised a second album in December of that year, produced by Nottz. Royce recently went on tour with Mobb Deep, and ghostwrote the song "Tell Me" ft. Christina Aguilera for P Diddy's new album, Press Play. He also does touring rounds to promote his new crew the M.I.C. (Make It Count), and is scheduled to make an appearance on Canibus' next album.
M.I.C. is also the name of his independent record label. The M.I.C. members are as follows: Royce, Kid Vishis (Royce's younger brother), June, Haus Dooley, and Sucka Free.
In a September 2006 interview with Elemental Magazine, Royce stated that, contrary to rumors, DJ Premier will not be producing the entirety of his upcoming album, but will be overseeing the project as Executive Producer, handpicking all of the beats. The Premier-produced track "Ding Ding" will be included, as well as four more beats from the producer.
Nas has stated that he would like to sign Royce to his new recording label, The Jones Experience, through Def Jam.[1]
Jail
Royce Da 5'9" was sentenced to jail on September 21, 2006, for violation of his parole. He went to court for a driving under the influence (DUI) offense which resulted in failing his parole terms. The Oakland County judge subsequently sentenced Royce to one year imprisonment in Oakland County Jail, Pontiac, Michigan. Royce may be able to place an appeal within 30 days of his incarceration. He was in the process of making a new album with DJ Premier at the time of the arrest.[2]
My Friend
Royce Da 5'9'' Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Catch my drift
I got to keep it raw
The most anticipated
I got to keep it raw
Yo, my is there for me, we like brothers
Over the years we've grown close, just like one another
I give a lot of love, none as spoiled as him
The one friend you always want to be nice to
Besides, you kept me out of trouble in High School
Close and distant, and hard in most positions
He knows, and listens and needs no description, hangin' wit two nuts
That can always depend on each other when one them's feelin' used up
Born at the same time in the same place
Twins wit the same mom, but not the same face
Fatigues from the same game, we gotta equally maintain
We feed from the same brain
We grew together and I considered you all mine
You delivered in hard times, I love my (Friend!)
[Chorus:]
It's the longest waited
The most anticipated
I gotta keep it raw
The bitches up on it
Betta believe that
My (Friend!) It's the longest waited
The most anticipated
I got to keep it raw
The bitches up on it
Betta believe that
My (Friend!), I never leave home without you with me
Here for the hoes just out to get me
Even when it's sticky your still wit me
You stick wit me, you must be my (Friend!)
A handy-tool, you never lay around the house
A family jewel, too priceless to count him out
The power to keep you grinnin', a thug mentality like me
'Cept he only beats wit women
I need him for the health, I guess I'm a bit abusive
I choke him up and beat him when he's thinkin' for himself
Somethin' I really don' love doin, 'cause I feel guilty and try to make it up to him
My (Friend!), down for him, he's down for me
And even when he's runnin' his mouth, you hear sounds from me
I speak for the two of us everyday
What's mines is his, we share everyday
And if you wearin' lipstick, wear the same stick
You look like a rainbow whenever you change it
The power to beg and always were a hat
And a raincoat when it's damp and shower's ahead
He adores me, that's all it was
That's why he do things without me, like fall in love
The Game is ready to test the sharks
But he's too vicious, that's why he never left my heart
It's too late he grown now
The two of them probably wouldn't even get along now
'cause of the time, ladies want to get it on now, 'cause of the rhyme
And we can take 'em, one at a time, in front of the line
I can rub it in his face, he'll never rub it in mines
Besides, it ain't because of the fives, it's because of the nines, my
(Friend!)
[Repeat: x2]
The-the-the most anticipated
I got to keep-keep it raw
I love my (Friend!)
It's the longest waited
The most anticipated
I got to keep it raw
The bitches up on it
Betta believe that
My (Friend!)
Royce da 5'9"'s song My Friend is a tribute to the loyalty, trust, and bond that he shares with his best friend. The lyrics describe the unbreakable connection that Royce has with his friend, who has been there for him through thick and thin, like family. The chorus, "It's the longest waited, the most anticipated, I gotta keep it raw, the bitches up on it, betta believe that, my friend!" celebrates their enduring friendship and the authenticity that characterizes it. Royce speaks about his friend's reliability, usefulness, and how they share everything, including lipstick.
The lyrics also highlight the struggles that Royce and his friend faced growing up, and how they supported each other to overcome them. The line "'Cause of the time, ladies want to get it on now, 'cause of the rhyme, and we can take 'em, one at a time, in front of the line" suggests that they faced some hostility and envy from others because of their connection but learned to defend themselves through their bond.
My Friend offers an insightful take on the value of true friendship, its importance and the support that it provides. Royce's lyrics are raw and unfiltered, which makes the song an authentic tribute to his friendship. It is a reminder that no matter how tough life gets, with the right 'friend', there is always hope to overcome.
Line by Line Meaning
A man is defined by his (Boing!)
A person's actions define them.
Catch my drift
Do you understand what I'm saying?
I got to keep it raw
I need to be honest.
The most anticipated
This is eagerly awaited.
Yo, my is there for me, we like brothers
My friend is always there for me, we are like family.
Over the years we've grown close, just like one another
We have become very close over time, almost resembling each other.
I give a lot of love, none as spoiled as him
I show a lot of affection, but my friend receives the most.
The one friend you always want to be nice to
This friend deserves kindness more than any other.
Besides, you kept me out of trouble in High School
You helped keep me out of trouble during school.
Close and distant, and hard in most positions
We have a close, but occasionally difficult relationship with each other.
Born at the same time in the same place
We were both born in the same location and at the same time.
Twins wit the same mom, but not the same face
We are similar, but not identical twins with the same mother.
Fatigues from the same game, we gotta equally maintain
We are both involved in the same activity and it requires equal effort from us.
We feed from the same brain
We share many of the same thoughts and ideas.
You delivered in hard times, I love my (Friend!)
You were there for me when times were tough, and I appreciate you as a friend.
The bitches up on it
Women are interested in us.
Betta believe that
You better believe it.
My (Friend!), I never leave home without you with me
I always have my friend with me wherever I go.
Here for the hoes just out to get me
We are here and ready for women who are trying to pursue us.
Even when it's sticky you're still wit me
Even during tough times, my friend is still by my side.
You stick wit me, you must be my (Friend!)
You remain loyal to me, so you must be my friend.
A family jewel, too priceless to count him out
My friend is invaluable to me and I could never dismiss him.
The power to keep you grinnin', a thug mentality like me
My friend knows how to make me laugh and has a similar tough mentality like me.
'Cept he only beats wit women
Except when it comes to women, he has a violent streak.
I need him for the health, I guess I'm a bit abusive
I rely on my friend for my well-being, but I admit to being somewhat mistreating him.
Somethin' I really don' love doin', 'cause I feel guilty and try to make it up to him
Even though I don't enjoy mistreating my friend, I feel guilty and try to make amends.
And even when he's runnin' his mouth, you hear sounds from me
Even when my friend is speaking, I am also present and making my voice heard.
I speak for the two of us everyday
I am responsible for representing my friend and myself in everyday interactions.
What's mines is his, we share everyday
We share everything and what is mine is also his.
And if you wearin' lipstick, wear the same stick
If you're wearing lipstick, you better be using the same one as me and my friend.
You look like a rainbow whenever you change it
You look ridiculous when you change the lipstick color.
The power to beg and always were a hat
My friend has the ability to beg and always wears a hat.
And a raincoat when it's damp and shower's ahead
He even wears a raincoat when rain is predicted.
He adores me, that's all it was
My friend loves and admires me.
That's why he do things without me, like fall in love
That is why he falls in love and does things without me at times.
The two of them probably wouldn't even get along now
My friend and my old self may not get along anymore.
'cause of the time, ladies want to get it on now, 'cause of the rhyme
Due to our fame, women are interested in us sexually.
And we can take 'em, one at a time, in front of the line
We can handle them one by one, waiting in line.
I can rub it in his face, he'll never rub it in mines
I can brag and boast, but my friend will never retaliate.
Besides, it ain't because of the fives, it's because of the nines, my (Friend!)
Our bond is not because of our looks or money, it's because of our personality and loyalty.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CHRISTOPHER E MARTIN, RYAN MONTGOMERY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind