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.
Forever
Royce da 5'9" Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'll be shutting niggas up when I taaalk [scream]
But nothings ever gonna get done to me (mee!)
Y'all ain't gon' do nothing at aaaall!
I'm a be talkin' shit forever man! Ever man, ever man...
Shut the fuck up when I taaaalk!
Nothing's ever gonna get done to me (mee!)
Y'all ain't gon' do nothing at aaaall! {Whooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo}
[Verse 1:]
Hehe! - Last name Voorhees, first name Jason!
Like a loaded pistol boy ain't nothin' to play with!
You don't want no problems, the drama be too horrendous
Fuck you and your feelings, you momma the who offended!
Pimpin' ain't easy, but bitch I'm in the building
I'm the smack man! - I got a back hand like Serena Williams!
He hungry like them Africans on the TV asking feed the children
Even though he be eating like he Silician! (whooo!) [kids ovation]
I sweat brilliance, I shit genius
You on fire till I come by you and extinguish!
I'm distinguised! - I'm bout to quit writing,
You 'bout to grow a set of hooters while a nigga just winging! (whooo!)
My dick swinging! - It's slappin' my leg so much the shits stingin'
You heard who better than me, bitch bring 'em!
Uhhh! - He stepped up like Rocky, he'll probably be finished (whooo!)
He'll go from looking like he Balboa to Rocky Dennis!
You thought you was winning 'til every tooth in your mouth is in
A pouch in your pocket, the next time you talk to your dentist! (yeeah!)
These lame nigga's say they body's is endless
Get in my lane they license to kill - is probably suspended, [gunshot]
UHHH! - I'm fly! Feeling like I got wings and I'm in the air
I miss my flight tell the pilot I said I'll meet you there! (there!)
Cause he too rare! - There should be a sign on every vocal
Booth that's says if Nickel-9 - choose to do your beat beware! [echoes] [shot]
[kids ovation]
[shots]
[Verse 2:]
Last name (Pay Me) - first name (Fuck you!)
You collect and call me by my alias, it's ?
Find me with your bitch my dick out - with a mouth on it
Take her round the corner a couple times - put some miles on it! [scream]
Take her round monsters! - OG's that used to be slaves
For Reagen helping to fund the Iran contra!
Poster boy for gun wrap
I got all kind of rhymes done about my guns cousin cause I got - tons of them! [gunshot]
I ain't no - industry nigga, I don't do no events! (uh-huh!)
I got some red carpets that under my shoes in the Benz!
He so street - when he do it, the sewers is twin
He spit that shit! - He just spit it into the pen! [blast] (whooo!)
When it come to rhyming, I'm a Ducatti your dude is a Schwinn [blast] (c'mon!)
I don't do parties and you? - You just do men! [blast]
My crew just too sick! Your crew got poopa scoop dicks! [blast]
My crew just drinking ? chicks nigga! - Y'all ain't gon' do SHIT! [scream]
Slaughterhouse dynamic is Ortiz too mature for beef
Joey kill you with his words! me? I do it forcefully!
Crooked is the smart one,
But don't you get it twisted that nigga there he will kill ya! - Beanie Si' I ain't hear him!
[2 shots] When I brain storm actual rain comes
I am - one with the streets, I Sam - Cooks the beat until change comes! (C'MON!)
My brain got different compartments,
When it holds the ?, when it holds the explosives!
One just got a note in it that says on it homie knows that he dope he
Stay on his toes he ferocious, he hopeless the focus on me
With negative energy! - You'll only lose your focus! - I am not the best,
I am death; now let God and Satan iron out the rest! [echoes]
[Outro:]
Ha-ha-ha!
Ha-ha-ha-ha! [kids ovation]
That's the victory laugh.
Ha-ha-ha!
Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!
And since I can't doin' another nigga beat...
But I try thinkin' I'm dissin' him!
Shout out my nigga, Drake!
Now get the fuck out my face 'fore I fuck you up! [kids ovation] [rewind]
In Royce da 5'9"'s song "Forever," the chorus, sung by DJ Whoo Kid, sets the tone of the lyrics, with Royce declaring that he will continue to talk his talk, and no one will be able to back him down. Throughout the song, Royce uses wordplay and metaphors to assert his dominance as a rapper and boast about his skills. He references his last name, Voorhees, and first name, Jason, a nod to the horror movie character, to emphasize his aggression and fearlessness, calling himself a "loaded pistol" that is not to be trifled with. He describes himself as a "smack man," with a backhand like tennis champion Serena Williams, and raps about being a genius and extinguishing others' flames. He also brings in references to African hunger and Italian cuisine to showcase his vast knowledge of culture and his ability to dominate in any arena.
One interesting fact about the song is that it was released in 2009 as part of Royce's mixtape The Bar Exam 2. The mixtape featured collaborations with DJ Premier, Kid Vishis, and Crooked I, among others. Another interesting fact is that Royce has named "Forever" as one of his favorite songs, in part because it showcases his talents and sets him apart as a rapper. Additionally, the song's use of gunshots and audience applause as sound effects enhances its overall tone of dominance and aggression.
Line by Line Meaning
I'll be shutting niggas up when I taaalk [scream]
I have the ability to silence others with my powerful words.
But nothings ever gonna get done to me (mee!)
I am confident in myself and know that I will not be harmed by any actions taken against me.
Y'all ain't gon' do nothing at aaaall!
Despite any threats or opposition, I know that my words will continue to reign supreme.
I'm a be talkin' shit forever man! Ever man, ever man...
My voice will continue to be heard and my words will carry on for eternity.
Shut the fuck up when I taaaalk!
Others should recognize the power of my words and listen to me when I speak.
Nothing's ever gonna get done to me (mee!)
Because of my confidence and strength, I know that nobody will be able to harm me.
Y'all ain't gon' do nothing at aaaall! {Whooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo}
Despite any threats or opposition, I am sure that nobody will be able to stop me from speaking my truth.
I talk about your ass forever man! Ever man, ever man... Hh! Ever man! {Kiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiid!}
My words will haunt those who dare to oppose me for all time.
Hehe! - Last name Voorhees, first name Jason!
I am a force to be reckoned with, just like the legendary horror character Jason Voorhees.
Like a loaded pistol boy ain't nothin' to play with!
I am not to be underestimated or taken lightly.
You don't want no problems, the drama be too horrendous
Those who cross me will regret it, as I am not one to be tangled with.
Fuck you and your feelings, you momma the who offended!
I have no regard for the emotions of others and will not hesitate to offend them with my words.
Pimpin' ain't easy, but bitch I'm in the building
I have a commanding presence and am a dominant figure in my industry.
I'm the smack man! - I got a back hand like Serena Williams!
I am powerful and forceful, like the hit of a tennis champion.
He hungry like them Africans on the TV asking feed the children
I am driven and motivated to succeed, like those who are struggling to survive.
Even though he be eating like he Silician! (whooo!) [kids ovation]
Despite my success, I never take my privileges for granted and always remain humble.
I sweat brilliance, I shit genius
I am constantly producing amazing work and displaying my intelligence.
You on fire till I come by you and extinguish!
Others may seem successful, but I am the one who possesses the power to bring them down.
I'm distinguised! - I bout to quit writing,
I am unique and stand out from the crowd, and yet I am still continuing to grow and push myself further.
You 'bout to grow a set of hooters while a nigga just winging! (whooo!)
Others are stagnating and will not succeed, while I continue to soar and achieve greatness.
My dick swinging! - It's slappin' my leg so much the shits stingin'
I am confident and powerful in all aspects, not just my words and intelligence.
You heard who better than me, bitch bring 'em!
I am so confident in myself that I dare others to challenge me and try to surpass my greatness.
He'll go from looking like he Balboa to Rocky Dennis!
Those who dare to oppose me will suffer defeat and humiliation, just like the characters in these movies.
You thought you was winning 'til every tooth in your mouth is in
Others may think they are succeeding, but I am the one who will ultimately come out on top and demolish them.
A pouch in your pocket, the next time you talk to your dentist! (yeeah!)
Those who cross me will suffer devastating consequences, including physical harm.
These lame nigga's say they body's is endless
Others may boast about their physical capabilities, but they are nothing compared to my powerful words.
Get in my lane they license to kill - is probably suspended, [gunshot]
Those who dare to challenge me are putting themselves at great risk, and will likely suffer a devastating defeat.
When it come to rhyming, I'm a Ducatti your dude is a Schwinn [blast]
I am the master of my craft and those who attempt to challenge me are inferior and weak in comparison.
I don't do parties and you? - You just do men! [blast]
I am above petty social events and meaningless gatherings, unlike those who are beneath me.
My crew just too sick! Your crew got poopa scoop dicks! [blast]
My team is powerful and unbeatable, while my opponents are weak and insignificant.
My crew just drinking ? chicks nigga! - Y'all ain't gon' do SHIT! [scream]
My team is enjoying great success and indulging in the best of life, while my opponents are incapable of defeating us.
Joey kill you with his words! me? I do it forcefully!
My team is diverse and talented, and each member is capable of taking down opponents in their own unique way.
Crooked is the smart one,
My team has members with varying strengths and skill sets, and Crooked is the one who excels in intelligence and strategy.
When I brain storm actual rain comes
My creativity and genius are so powerful that they can actually manifest in the physical world.
I am - one with the streets, I Sam - Cooks the beat until change comes! (C'MON!)
I am deeply connected to the streets and the culture that surrounds them, and I use my words to inspire positive change and progress.
My brain got different compartments,
My mind is complex and multifaceted, capable of holding different thoughts and abilities at once.
When it holds the ?, when it holds the explosives!
My mind is capable of both brilliant ideas and fierce destruction, depending on how I choose to use it.
One just got a note in it that says on it homie knows that he dope he
One part of my mind is dedicated to my own greatness and potential, recognizing my own power and talent.
Stay on his toes he ferocious, he hopeless the focus on me
I am constantly driven and motivated to focus on my own success, and I will do whatever it takes to achieve greatness.
With negative energy! - You'll only lose your focus!
Others who try to bring negativity into my life will only fail, and will be unable to distract me from my goals.
I am not the best, I am death; now let God and Satan iron out the rest! [echoes]
I recognize that there may be other talented individuals out there, but I am so powerful that I am able to bring about the end of life itself. The ultimate fate of others is left up to a higher power.
Ha-ha-ha!
This is my victorious and confident laughter.
Ha-ha-ha-ha! [kids ovation]
Others may try to challenge me, but I will always come out on top and be praised by those who respect me.
That's the victory laugh.
I am basking in my own success and triumph over others.
And since I can't doin' another nigga beat...
Even though I am incredibly talented, I am unwilling to rely on others' work and instead choose to create my own.
But I try thinkin' I'm dissin' him!
Others may think that I am attacking them or attempting to start a feud, but in reality I am simply showing off my own abilities.
Shout out my nigga, Drake!
I am giving credit and praise to another talented individual who I respect and admire.
Now get the fuck out my face 'fore I fuck you up! [kids ovation] [rewind]
Those who attempt to challenge me or cross me will face my wrath and be forced to retreat, as I am a powerful and dominant force.
Contributed by Adalyn H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Brian Alvin
"When i brainstorm, actual rain comes. I am, one with the street - I Sam Cooke's the beat until change comes"
are you serious? Royce is a montser!
Erikthedood
Fucking thank you Eminem.... you introduced me to one of the dopest rappers left in the game.
Rickey Terrell
"You though you was winning.....Till every teeth in ya mouth is in a pouch in ya pocket the next time you talk to you dentist"......Light bar but the shit still hit HARD!!! Royce is the ILLEST!!!!
Percy Mack
I forget about Royce from time to time. I go back to his bar exam mixtapes like I go back to the mood muzik mixtapes for Joe.
Anathelus
This kind of shit from Royce is straight up ass-whoop music
Chudy Beatz
One of the best rapper I've ever heard
Thomas Murray
there needs to be more bad meets evil albums!!!
xugamer07
"I sweat brilliance, I shit genius..." - one of the best lines of all time IMHO.
None
Mano, to cansada desse cara ser tao foda... Porra, velho, não paro de adicionar músicas dele na minha playlist! Demais!!!
Fleep
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