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.
I'm Me
Royce da 5'9" Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I got money on my mind
That's why I'm twice on my grind
I'm nice cause I rhyme like it's my life's on that line
The second that I'm provoked, I snap
Into a point that ain't controllable
Then it's either war, or another quotable
Don't let me get a hold of you dudes
I probably shouldn't have said that
Fuck y'all
On the record, off the record
If I'm on the record I'ma off the record
I need a push when I'm tired of rhymin'
Go ahead and diss me
Cause me and George Bush got a lot in common
We both got no sense, we love to go to war
And we stay lookin' for weapons of mass destruction
This industry is Hilary Clinton literally listen
You ain't got no choice now, roll with a nigga
If you twisted enough to picture a devil mixed
With an angel that's sick
Drunk inside a Range Ro that's kiss
Wish I could stick
Every rapper in this bitch in the building
Let 'em cipher while I fly a plane through that bitch
Cause I hate y'all
I'm tri-polar with the 8 ball
I want you on my album
I pull out the K and make y'all
In case y'all
Wanna share my light
I'm gonna tell it like it is
Fuck it, it's my chair my right
I'm a motherfuckin' problem
I don't care if y'all don't like
Times three nigga
I'm me nigga
I'm me nigga
Verse Two:
Big dick, bitch, big balls
We the kind that supply the rock like Chris Paul
The same kind that aim 9's, insane conscious
Then we get rid of +The Rock+ like Duane Johnson
Lady killer
The fly version of Orinthal
You ain't got no DUI's then you probably a cornball
Wittiest
If you call a labtop a laptop
You sound like a scientist but you're probably an idiot
Your stories ain't holdin' up
Y'all niggas lyin'
Got me thinkin', y'all is too young or y'all ain't old enough
Niggas sayin', "When is Royce gonna stop beefin' with rappers?"
Bitch, when hell freeze over and Wayne sober up
By the way, fuck all DJ's
I'm just kiddin'
I just threw that in there to get y'all attention
No intention of ever dyin'
Nigga, life too sweet
Two words for who don't like me "fight" and "me"
I take care of my family
They say, "Do the +Kid Rock+ like Pam Lee?"
The answer is, "Yes".
And I invest
It takes money to make money
So I make green off of green like Stan Lee
Smart shit
I ain't got beef with no Joe Budden
Y'all niggas gonna get these niggas killed tryin' to start shit
Niggas hire muscle cause livin' is a privilege
The only rapper I admire for his strength is Xzibit
I'm me nigga
Verse Three:
I kill you
Right away
Soon as you cross, go ahead, you got the right-a-way
Give a nigga iron like vitamin
Play
I will ride up in broad day and night a nigga's day
Drunk
I'm a recovery outpatient
You at the top you shot
Your spot is now taken
Psychotic is the ploy
How the fuck you rappin' and you gay
And you've been spotted with a boy
Like a dalmatian
If I switch up I'd probably be instantly sellin'
Got a clip full of pellets known as MC repellent
While you talkin' about your money
And how I can't have none of it
I'll hit a nigga low
Just for the dag fun of it
I'm never gonna lose
Never lost and I'ma prove it
Except for my virginity, but I was tryin' to lose it
I be on some Tom Cruise shit
Standin' on the couch in the club
Laughin' bout my dime new chick
She the shit
But if you ask her she's useless
I'm in the pocket got a rocket down under like Houston
So I'm gonna keep being me
And you should keep being you
If being you offends me, indeed it's gonna be me & you
But understand that if it's that
It's either gonna be me or you
So pump your breaks before I do you
Like a got a key to you
Shut your power off
I'm a G-A-N-G-S-T-R
Yes we are
I'm me
In Royce da 5'9"'s song "I'm Me," the artist explores various themes, including his dedication to his craft, his love of confrontation and conflict, and his unique identity as a rapper. From the opening lines of the song, it is clear that Royce is focused on success and is willing to put in the hard work necessary to achieve his goals. He raps about being twice as dedicated as his competitors and how he lives his life on the line, using his rhymes as a form of defense and offense. However, he also admits to being tri-polar, suggesting that he is not always in control of his emotions and may sometimes be unpredictable.
Throughout the song, Royce also takes aim at many aspects of the rap industry that he finds frustrating or hypocritical. He compares the industry to Hilary Clinton, implying that it is corrupt and dishonest. He also expresses his desire to take down other rappers and even threatens violence in certain instances. At the same time, he acknowledges that his aggressive persona is a part of who he is and states that he does not care if others do not like his style.
Overall, "I'm Me" is a powerful statement of self-confidence and determination. Royce da 5'9" presents himself as a unique and unstoppable force in the rap world, unafraid to speak his mind and take on anyone who tries to stand in his way.
Line by Line Meaning
I got money on my mind
I am focused on making money and being successful.
That's why I'm twice on my grind
I work twice as hard and put in extra effort because of my ambition.
I'm nice cause I rhyme like it's my life's on that line
I am skilled at rapping and put in my best effort because it feels like my life is at stake.
The second that I'm provoked, I snap
When someone angers me, I quickly become aggressive and confrontational.
Into a point that ain't controllable
My anger reaches a level where it becomes difficult to control my actions.
Then it's either war, or another quotable
When provoked, it can lead to a conflict or result in me saying something memorable or impactful.
Don't let me get a hold of you dudes
If I am able to confront or engage with you, there will be consequences.
I'll murder you on camera, get Kelly's lawyer and get a mole removed
I would commit a violent act against you and ensure that any evidence or witnesses are taken care of.
I probably shouldn't have said that
I may have revealed too much or made a dangerous threat.
Fuck y'all
I do not care about any of you.
On the record, off the record
Whether publicly or privately, my actions and words stand.
If I'm on the record I'ma off the record
Even if my actions are documented, I will disregard the consequences.
I need a push when I'm tired of rhymin'
When I feel unmotivated or exhausted from rapping, I seek encouragement or inspiration.
Go ahead and diss me
Feel free to insult or criticize me.
Cause me and George Bush got a lot in common
I share similarities with George Bush in terms of lacking common sense and being involved in conflict.
We both got no sense, we love to go to war
Neither of us have good judgment, and we both enjoy engaging in warfare.
And we stay lookin' for weapons of mass destruction
Like George Bush, we are always searching for something to justify our violent actions.
This industry is Hilary Clinton literally listen
The music industry is comparable to Hilary Clinton in the sense that it needs to be heard and understood.
You ain't got no choice now, roll with a nigga
You have no other option but to align yourself with me.
If you twisted enough to picture a devil mixed with an angel that's sick
If you can imagine a corrupted and twisted combination of good and evil.
Drunk inside a Range Ro that's kiss
Intoxicated while driving a Range Rover, leading to risky or reckless behavior.
Wish I could stick
I would like to harm or punish.
Every rapper in this bitch in the building
I would like to gather and confront every rapper in this place.
Let 'em cipher while I fly a plane through that bitch
While they engage in a verbal battle, I will cause chaos or destruction.
Cause I hate y'all
I have extreme dislike or resentment towards all of you.
I'm tri-polar with the 8 ball
I have a unique combination of personalities or behavior, often involving drug use.
I want you on my album
I desire your participation or involvement in my musical project.
I pull out the K and make y'all
I would use a firearm to intimidate or harm all of you.
In case y'all
Just in case any of you.
Wanna share my light
If you are interested in being part of my success or benefiting from my talent.
I'm gonna tell it like it is
I will express the truth without any filters or sugarcoating.
Fuck it, it's my chair my right
I have the authority or entitlement to speak my mind or make decisions.
I'm a motherfuckin' problem
I am a significant issue or challenge that others have to deal with.
I don't care if y'all don't like
I am not concerned about whether or not you approve or appreciate me.
Times three nigga
Multiply my impact or significance by three.
I'm me nigga
I am myself and nothing else.
Big dick, bitch, big balls
Confident and fearless individual, willing to take risks and assert dominance.
We the kind that supply the rock like Chris Paul
We are the type of people who provide drugs, just like Chris Paul supplies the basketball.
The same kind that aim 9's, insane conscious
Similar individuals who aim for destruction and have derailed moral judgment.
Then we get rid of +The Rock+ like Duane Johnson
We eliminate any competition or threats, similar to how Duane Johnson's nickname is 'The Rock'.
Lady killer
Someone who is charming and attractive to women.
The fly version of Orinthal
I am a stylish and smooth version of myself, similar to how O.J. Simpson was known by his middle name 'Orinthal'.
You ain't got no DUI's then you probably a cornball
If you have never been charged with a DUI, you are probably a boring and uninteresting person.
Wittiest
Having the cleverest or most humorous intelligence.
If you call a labtop a laptop
If you mistakenly refer to a laptop as a 'labtop', you may seem intelligent but actually be ignorant.
You sound like a scientist but you're probably an idiot
Despite sounding knowledgeable, you are most likely unintelligent or foolish.
Your stories ain't holdin' up
Your narratives or explanations are not convincing or truthful.
Y'all niggas lyin'
All of you are lying.
Got me thinkin', y'all is too young or y'all ain't old enough
I suspect that you are either too young or lack the maturity to grasp the reality or seriousness of the situation.
Niggas sayin', 'When is Royce gonna stop beefin' with rappers?'
People wonder when I will stop engaging in conflicts or rivalries with other rappers.
Bitch, when hell freeze over and Wayne sober up
It will never happen, even in the most unlikely circumstances, such as when hell freezes over or when Lil Wayne becomes sober.
By the way, fuck all DJ's
I hold contempt for all DJs.
I'm just kiddin'
I am joking or not being completely serious.
I just threw that in there to get y'all attention
I mentioned it to capture your focus or interest.
No intention of ever dyin'
I have no plans or desire to die.
Nigga, life too sweet
Life is too enjoyable and pleasant for me.
Two words for who don't like me 'fight' and 'me'
For those who have a problem with me, the only options are to fight or deal with me as I am.
I take care of my family
I financially support and provide for my family.
They say, 'Do the +Kid Rock+ like Pam Lee?'
People ask if I engage in a lifestyle similar to Kid Rock, who was romantically linked to Pamela Anderson Lee.
The answer is, 'Yes'.
Indeed, I do.
And I invest
I put my money into various ventures or investments.
It takes money to make money
To increase wealth, one needs to have money to invest or start with.
So I make green off of green like Stan Lee
I generate profits from money itself, similar to how Stan Lee created successful comic book characters like the Hulk (green).
Smart shit
Intelligent or wise thinking.
I ain't got beef with no Joe Budden
I don't have any personal issues or conflicts with Joe Budden.
Y'all niggas gonna get these niggas killed tryin' to start shit
If you continue to provoke or initiate conflicts, it will result in violence and deaths.
Niggas hire muscle cause livin' is a privilege
People hire bodyguards or enforcers because being alive is a privilege that needs protection.
The only rapper I admire for his strength is Xzibit
Among rappers, Xzibit is the only one I respect or appreciate for his resilience and power.
I kill you
I would cause your death.
Right away
Immediately and without hesitation.
Soon as you cross, go ahead, you got the right-a-way
As soon as you provoke or cross a line, feel free to proceed because you will be dealt with.
Give a nigga iron like vitamin
I would provide a person with a weapon, similar to supplying them with iron as a dietary supplement.
Play
I will engage in or partake in dangerous activities or actions.
I will ride up in broad day and night a nigga's day
I would confront or attack someone openly and without fear, in broad daylight or even during the night.
Drunk
Intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol.
I'm a recovery outpatient
I am someone who is receiving treatment for substance abuse or addiction.
You at the top you shot
When you have achieved success or reached the pinnacle of your career, you are targeted by others.
Your spot is now taken
Someone else has replaced you and taken your position or role.
Psychotic is the ploy
Being mentally unstable or disturbed is part of my strategy or plan.
How the fuck you rappin' and you gay
Critiquing how someone can be both a rapper and openly homosexual.
And you've been spotted with a boy
Additionally, being seen in the company of another male.
Like a dalmatian
Similar to the spotted coat pattern of a Dalmatian dog.
If I switch up I'd probably be instantly sellin'
If I were to change my style or approach, I would likely gain instant commercial success.
Got a clip full of pellets known as MC repellent
I possess a magazine loaded with ammunition that acts as a deterrent to other rappers.
While you talkin' about your money
While you boast or discuss your wealth.
And how I can't have none of it
And implying that I cannot attain any of your wealth or success.
I'll hit a nigga low
I would physically attack or harm someone in a vulnerable or weak position.
Just for the dag fun of it
Purely for the enjoyment or amusement of causing harm.
I'm never gonna lose
I will always come out on top or prevail.
Never lost and I'ma prove it
I have never been defeated and I will demonstrate or validate that fact.
Except for my virginity, but I was tryin' to lose it
I have only lost my virginity, but that was something I actively wanted to happen.
I be on some Tom Cruise shit
I engage in or behave like Tom Cruise, who is known for his daring or risky actions.
Standin' on the couch in the club
Specifically standing on top of a couch while in a nightclub.
Laughin' bout my dime new chick
Laughing and joking about my attractive and appealing new girlfriend.
She the shit
She is exceptional or outstanding.
But if you ask her she's useless
However, if you were to inquire her opinion, she sees herself as worthless or lacking value.
I'm in the pocket got a rocket down under like Houston
I am in control and have a hidden weapon similar to Houston's NASA mission control and its rockets.
So I'm gonna keep being me
I will continue to remain true to myself and not change.
And you should keep being you
You should also stay true to yourself.
If being you offends me, indeed it's gonna be me & you
If your behavior or actions bother or irritate me, there will be conflict between us.
But understand that if it's that
But know that if it escalates to that point.
It's either gonna be me or you
One of us will come out on top or be the victor.
So pump your breaks before I do you
You should slow down or reconsider your actions before I harm you.
Like a got a key to you
Similar to having control or power over someone.
Shut your power off
I will disable or neutralize your abilities or influence.
I'm a G-A-N-G-S-T-R
I am a gangster.
Yes we are
Confirming that we are indeed gangsters.
I'm me
I am myself and nothing else.
I'm me
I am myself and nothing else.
Contributed by Austin O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Jordan Scurry
This song will always be a banger 🔥🔥
Corey Jones
Royce is the truth, he went insane on this joint. Highly underrated artist
Rob H
Royce da 5'9 is so amazingly ILL and underrated it's fucking disgusting.
Collin McCormac
literally the hardest freestyle ever. I replayed it like 5 times. just reading his lyrics, like What the fuck? how did he come up with this shit, and flow it so nice?
Celph Taut
One of Royce's top dopest tracks.
Josh
One of my favorite royce tracks! 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Lissa B
I loved Wayne version but Royce he tore it up i love his energy and lyrically he a beast.
Rudy
“We the kind to supply the rock like Chris Paul/ the same kind to aim nines/ insane conscious/ then we get rid of the rock like Dwayne Johnson” 🔥🔥🔥
ucantknockthehustle
royce is underrated as hell, he killed this
Adam Holley
One of the greatest rappers alive, still.