The name “Royce” came from his R shaped Turkish link chain which was said to have resembled a Rolls Royce logo. During high school Royce was one of the shortest players on his basketball team, standing 5′9” at age 18.
Royce signed with Tommy Boy records in 1998 and later was slated to release his debut album Rock City. Though this relationship was premature, Royce ended up leaving the label citing creative differences.
Royce began working with well known Game Recordings who helped get him in front of the right people to negotiate a deal with Columbia Records. Royce’s Rock City debut was yet again plagued with delays, during which the album was heavily bootlegged. Though not in their favor, Columbia chose to release Rock City in limited quantity and quickly went out of print by the time Royce left Columbia.
Around this time Royce dropped the underground banger “Boom” with production by Dj Premier. Soon thereafter he joined up with Koch / Game Recordings and released Rock City (Version 2.0) independently.
Most well known for his association with Slim Shady – the two met at a concert while Slim was promoting his Slim Shady EP. The two formed a Duo called Bad Meets Evil, releasing a number of tracks including “Renegades” [Original Version], “Nuttin’ to Do”, “Scary Movies”, “She’s the One”, and “See You In Hell”, which appeared on Eminem’s album The Slim Shady LP, titled “Bad Meets Evil”.
In 2001 Royce was set to work with Dr Dre’s Chronic 2000 project as a ghostwriter. He contributed tracks including “The Message”, “The Throne Is Mine”, “Stay In Your Place” and the original version of “Xxplosive” titled “The Way I Be Pimpin’”.
Royce’s association with Dr. Dre ceased when his manager, Kino Childrey spoke to a reporter about Eminem and Dre in the studio. Royce refused to dismiss his manager and long time friend, ending his relationship with Dre.
Royce and Em had a mutual friendship with Proof. Though Royce had bad blood with D12 member, Bizarre, stemming from a earlier freestyle battle with Royce’s brother. Misscommunication escalated the beef between the pair, causing it to spiral out of control and include all members of the rap group D12.
In 2002, Royce called Eminem to request to be signed to Shady Records. Eminem declined and soon thereafter signed 50-cent to Shady Records instead.
Royce released several diss tracks including “Shit on U” (over D12’s “Shit on You”), taking shots at Bizzare of D12. Royce continued record dis tracks including “We Ridin’”, “Death Day”, and “Malcolm X”. There’s speculation that Royce and Em often wrote bars dissing each other subliminally.
From 2002-2003 Royce kept a low profile releasing releasing Build & Destroy, and Build & Destroy: The Lost Sessions Part 1 across the mixtape circuit.
In 2003, Royce’s beef with D12 finally reached its tipping point. Royce and Proof and their entourages spilled into the streets of Detroit arguing but the issue dissipated once firearms were drawn. The two rappers spent a night in jail, and settled their beef.
In 2004 Royce released his sophomore effort Death Is Certain on Koch records, as well as two mixtapes from his crew M.I.C. (Make it Count). The crew includes members Royce, Kid Vishis,and June.
2005 marked Royce’s third full length album release Independent’s Day on Trouble/M.I.C. Records.
Royce Da 5′9″ was sentenced to jail on September 19, 2006 for parole violation for a prior DUI charge. Royce was sentenced to one year in the clink at Oakland County Jail, Pontiac, Michigan. On January 9, 2007, Royce got out of jail on work-release.
Royce has a strong ghostwriting resume including the track “Tell Me” ft. Christina Aguilera for Diddy’s album Press Play.
In May 2007, Royce Da 5′9″ released a mixtape called The Bar Exam which features DJ Premier and Statik Selektah on the Wheels of Steel.
In 2008, Royce confirmed that he had officially resolved his longstanding differences with Eminem and celebrated with a reunion concert on July 12, 2008 at Saint Andrews Hall. A mixtape of the reunion concert was soon released thereafter.
Royce also had beef with other industry majors including Mistah Fab, Cashi$, and Joe Budden, Kanye West and the Ruff Ryders.
187
Royce da 5'9" Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
[Ms. Drama]
So did you give OJ th-the lyrics to say in that particular song?
[Saigon]
For his song? No, he wrote his own lyrics. But...I'm not...
Did he give you lyrics to say?
[Saigon]
No, but at the same time it's like, and we just havin' fun with it
I'm not gonna, go, try to be super scientifical, lyrical, mira-
I'm not Slaught-I'm not a part of Slaughterhouse
[Ms. Drama]
So do you co-sign Slaughterhouse too?
[Saigon]
Oh, well, most of 'em. (haha)
Strictly I even co-sign Joe Budden like (okay)...
He's just a faggot. He's a fuckin' faggot
But...he can rap, knowhatI'msayin'? The rest of like...
Joell's my NIGGA. He not gonna just start something (So how...)
He's not gonna just say, "Damn, I need attention.
So let me just pick on somebody for attention."
[Ms. Drama]
And they're very close though.
[Saigon]
They are close.
[Ms. Drama]
But ho-how do you think they all get each other's back?
[Saigon]
I don't know. I don't know how they close
I-I couldn't be close with a nigga like that (That's all...)
Yeah, I'm a fan of Joell (Okay)
I'm a fan of Crooked I and I'm a great fan of Royce
And you know...I think they can rap
But I just don't think these motherfuckers can make records youknowwhatI'msayin'?
I don't think there's one song on there that we gonna be singin' two years from now
[Sample - Man talking]
From the say you're born...till the day you die
If you're one of the poor one's you just gotta work hard
[Verse 1]
My shit is laid out
Fuck that beef shit, that shit is played out
Why is it harder for, peace over violence?
Niggas don't know The Art Of War, we roll in silence
It always got to be that one nigga that's the loudest
That ain't gon' do no poppin' when it's time to be about it
RAAAA RAAAA RAAAAAA RAAAAA
Fuck outta here with that shit
You puttin' way too much passion into that wack shit
Put your dukes down nigga, we come in peace
With them AK-47's, we from the streets
Calm down, shhhh
You so emotional
I know where you're at in your career is such a low for you
I understand it
But understand this
My daddy taught me manners
So it's foreign to fly off the handle and talk to cameras
That shit is lame, lames we don't respect
We wonderin' why the fuck you so upset
We know the streets'll swallow you
Look what that powder do
Look at you try to embody what's not really inside of you
I promise you
That if you chill now
In 5 years I will not ride through the McDonald's drive thru and bother you
I'm here for fries
That's it
Chicken nuggets
Give me some sweet and sour sauce too and quit your buggin' [gun shot]
I'm just above it
I'm too mature for this
It ain't smart to go to war for this
[Chorus]
Cause I'm a rider
I'm about that 187
Cause I'm a rider
I'm about that 187
You not a rider
Not about that 187
You not a rider
[gun clocks] [shots]
187 [x8]
[Verse 2]
Got the illest flow because I flow it from my soul
You said yourself you got The Greatest Story Never Told
These niggas got the balls to say that I can't write no record
But them plaques on my wall say y'all should read the credit
R dot Montgomery, ghostwriter and for the right price
Y'all know the rest
Get your doe biters
Y'all goin' left
Get your emo in check
Later with them vendettas
Handle your liquor better
Let's play some tennis
Go back and forth, who winnin'?
You will give into a Koch deal away from (finished)
Fuck outta here with that
Step your bars up
Your shit is garbage, what you tryin' to kick knowledge, be honest
Step your cars up
That little Benz you know is lame
I'd rather ride in a remote control Soulja Boy chain
I'm so insane
I flow with open flame
Note to self: leave him floatin' if he spoke your name
That's why I don't bother nobody
I catch a body all alone cause I don't ride with nobody
Niggas figure's been put on Jenny Craig
Look what the prison built
You big up top with skinny legs
C'mon Johnny Bravo
You fuckin' with the whole Detroit, chill out
The S.O.B.s without the swing, you needs to get out
I'm quick to stick the clip in
Just ask my nigga Crooked
Joey Budden got you niggas trippin'
[Chorus]
Cause I'm a rider
I'm about that 187
Cause I'm a rider
I'm about that 187
You not a rider
Not about that 187
You not a rider
[gun clocks] [shots]
187 [x8]
The lyrics of Royce da 5'9"'s song "187" start with an interview between Ms. Drama and Saigon discussing the lyrics to a song. The dialogue flows into Royce's verse, with him denouncing beef and violence before diving into the topic of ghostwriting. Royce brags about his plaques on the wall and his ability to pen hit records. He takes a shot at his competition for their lack of creativity and intelligence.
The chorus of the song revolves around the theme of being a "rider" and being about that "187," which is a reference to murder. Royce explains that he has no intention of getting involved in violence because he is too mature for that kind of behavior. The song takes shots at other rappers, particularly Joe Budden, for their lack of authenticity and originality.
Line by Line Meaning
My shit is laid out
I'm clear on where I stand
Fuck that beef shit, that shit is played out
I'm over pointless drama and negativity
Why is it harder for, peace over violence?
Why is it so difficult for people to choose peace instead of violence?
Niggas don't know The Art Of War, we roll in silence
People act tough, but don't actually know how to handle conflict strategically
It always got to be that one nigga that's the loudest
There's usually one person creating the most unnecessary noise
That ain't gon' do no poppin' when it's time to be about it
They'll talk a lot, but when it comes time to act they won't do anything
RAAAA RAAAA RAAAAAA RAAAAA
Making fun of someone who is yelling uncontrollably
Fuck outta here with that shit
I don't have time for that nonsense
You puttin' way too much passion into that wack shit
You're giving too much energy to something that's not worth it
Put your dukes down nigga, we come in peace
Stop fighting, we're not here to escalate the situation
With them AK-47's, we from the streets
We come from a rough environment and know how to defend ourselves
Calm down, shhhh
Relax and stop making a scene
You so emotional
You're overreacting and being overly sensitive
I know where you're at in your career is such a low for you
I understand that you might not be doing well in your career right now
I understand it
I get why you might be upset
But understand this
But realize that
My daddy taught me manners
I was raised to be respectful
So it's foreign to fly off the handle and talk to cameras
I find it strange to lose control and speak impulsively to the media
That shit is lame, lames we don't respect
Acting foolish and immature won't earn you any respect
We wonderin' why the fuck you so upset
We're curious why you're so angry over nothing
We know the streets'll swallow you
You'll get eaten alive in the real world
Look what that powder do
Look what drugs do to people
Look at you try to embody what's not really inside of you
You're trying to act like someone you're not
I promise you
I guarantee you
That if you chill now
If you calm down
In 5 years I will not ride through the McDonald's drive thru and bother you
I won't care about you in 5 years
I'm here for fries
I'm not here to cause trouble
That's it
That's all I want
Chicken nuggets
I also want some chicken nuggets
Give me some sweet and sour sauce too and quit your buggin' [gun shot]
Give me sauce and stop causing problems
I'm just above it
I'm not going to stoop to your level
I'm too mature for this
I'm too grown and responsible to engage in this kind of behavior
It ain't smart to go to war for this
It's not wise to start a conflict over something this insignificant
Cause I'm a rider
I'm tough and won't back down
I'm about that 187
I'm willing to kill if necessary
You not a rider
You're not tough like me
Not about that 187
You don't have the same level of commitment to violence
187 [x8]
Repeating the threat of murder
Got the illest flow because I flow it from my soul
I'm a great rapper because I put my heart into my music
You said yourself you got The Greatest Story Never Told
You think highly of your own music
These niggas got the balls to say that I can't write no record
Other rappers are saying I can't make good songs
But them plaques on my wall say y'all should read the credit
My awards and accomplishments prove you wrong
R dot Montgomery, ghostwriter and for the right price
I've been a ghostwriter, I'll write for money if I'm paid well
Y'all know the rest
I don't need to explain myself further
Get your doe biters
Get your weed smokers
Y'all goin' left
Y'all are lost and confused in life
Get your emo in check
Get your emotions under control
Later with them vendettas
Take care of your personal grudges later
Handle your liquor better
Stop drinking so much and act responsibly
Let's play some tennis
Let's talk things out peacefully
Go back and forth, who winnin'?
Let's have a civilized conversation, and see who makes more sense
You will give into a Koch deal away from (finished)
You'll collaborate with anybody to save your career
Step your bars up
Improve your lyrical skills
Your shit is garbage, what you tryin' to kick knowledge, be honest
What you're saying is nonsense, don't pretend to be intelligent
Step your cars up
Stop driving a cheap car
That little Benz you know is lame
Your Mercedes is not impressive
I'd rather ride in a remote control Soulja Boy chain
I prefer to wear an accessory from Soulja Boy's line than ride in your car
I'm so insane
I'm crazy good at rapping
I flow with open flame
I rap with passion and intensity
Note to self: leave him floatin' if he spoke your name
I'll hurt somebody if they mention my name negatively
That's why I don't bother nobody
I mind my own business
I catch a body all alone cause I don't ride with nobody
I don't need anyone's help to handle my own conflicts
Niggas figure's been put on Jenny Craig
You've gained weight and look bad
Look what the prison built
Going to jail has changed you in a negative way
You big up top with skinny legs
Your body proportions look weird
C'mon Johnny Bravo
You look like Johnny Bravo from the cartoon
You fuckin' with the whole Detroit, chill out
Don't make trouble for yourself with a whole city
The S.O.B.s without the swing, you needs to get out
You don't fit in with the rest of us, leave
I'm quick to stick the clip in
I'll shoot you without hesitation
Just ask my nigga Crooked
My friend Crooked I will vouch for me
Joey Budden got you niggas trippin'
Other rappers are being influenced too much by Joe Budden
Contributed by Eva O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@da1only591
He did my nigga Sai dirty smh
12 years later and this shit harder than I first heard smdh
Royce Da Ghost of Lyricist
Ion think anyone would wanna get tangled with words on the mic with him
Old school or New school
#ForgetAboutIt
@michaelcoel1169
Royce is a fuckin savage, I don't know why fans blow up the corny, fake and phony rappers, jada said it best, why the hottest rappers be selling the least, that verse is so fuckin true
@ludwin1994
Royce is a rap genius no one can touch him. All of this new rappers got nothing on him
@da1only591
And 9 years later still the same
@davev7615
lmfao at saying Saigon was new
@da1only591
He did my nigga Sai dirty smh
12 years later and this shit harder than I first heard smdh
Royce Da Ghost of Lyricist
Ion think anyone would wanna get tangled with words on the mic with him
Old school or New school
#ForgetAboutIt
@20BagBoy
You hit the nail on the head.. 90% of rappers are probably just playing characters.. Although as i remember it Royce got buried. And i think he's 1 of the most unlike-able MC's.
@Hanyesaygoku
Royce killed this!
@KendaBeatMaker
this is ill, royce is crazy always and the beat is sick would love to hear it alone, anybody know where i can?
@Glassdreamsbeats
Ken Taylor 50 cent 187
@rampageda59
Royce greatest so underrated and so raw