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 Freestyle
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 2:]
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 3:]
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 "I'm Me Freestyle," he emphasizes his strong sense of self and his dedication to his craft. He begins the first verse by stating he is constantly driven by money, hence his ability to grind twice as hard. He declares his strength as a rapper and how his rhymes reflect his life's story. He warns his listeners that he is uncontrollable when provoked, and this leads either to resolution or another quotable line. Royce threatens his haters, saying he will murder them and remove all traces of the evidence when provoked. He admits to having a short temper and being prepared for any attack, letting his enemies know he's ready for war. He goes on to declare his willingness to share his stage with other rappers as long as they meet his standards.
In the second verse, Royce asserts his sexual prowess, using his genitals as a metaphor to indicate his dominance over other rappers. He boasts about supplying drugs like Chris Paul, the NBA player, and his ability to dispose of The Rock like Dwayne Johnson. Royce takes aim at other rappers, mocking their lack of intelligence and poor storytelling skills. He states that he doesn't have any beef with Joe Budden and warns other rappers to be cautious of starting anything with him, or they will face dire consequences. He declares his willingness to fight with anyone who tries to mess with him, emphasizing his G-A-N-G-S-T-R-like mentality. Finally, Royce concludes the track, emphasizing that he will always be himself, and anyone who doesn't like him can fight him.
Line by Line Meaning
I got money on my mind
Royce is focused on making money
That's why I'm twice on my grind
He works twice as hard to attain his financial goals
I'm nice cause I rhyme like it's my life's on that line
His rapping is so good because he puts his all into it
The second that I'm provoked, I snap
Royce has a short fuse and can easily become angry
Into a point that ain't controllable
Once he becomes angry, he can't control himself
Then it's either war, or another quotable
He'll either fight with you or make a line about it in his music
Don't let me get a hold of you dudes
If you upset Royce, it's best not to get too close to him
I'll murder you on camera, get Kelly's lawyer and get a mole removed
He's so skilled that he could kill someone and get away with it like Kelly, a reference to the scandal involving R&B singer R. Kelly
I probably shouldn't have said that
Royce acknowledges that he has a tendency to say things that he shouldn't
Fuck y'all On the record, off the record
He doesn't care if what he's saying is on or off the record, he'll still say it
If I'm on the record I'ma off the record
He'll say something controversial whether he's being recorded or not
I need a push when I'm tired of rhymin'
Royce needs motivation to keep rapping when he's feeling burnt out
Go ahead and diss me Cause me and George Bush got a lot in common
He compares himself to controversial President George Bush because they both enjoy conflict
We both got no sense, we love to go to war And we stay lookin' for weapons of mass destruction
Both Royce and Bush are known for getting into disputes and using aggressive tactics to win
This industry is Hilary Clinton literally listen
The music industry is full of political games and controversy, just like Hilary Clinton's career
You ain't got no choice now, roll with a nigga
Royce is confident in his abilities and wants others to follow his lead
If you twisted enough to picture a devil mixed With an angel that's sick Drunk inside a Range Ro that's kiss
Royce is a complex individual who likes to blend opposing forces and enjoys luxury
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
He's so angry at the other rappers in the industry that he wishes he could take them all out at once
I'm tri-polar with the 8 ball
Royce has three distinct personalities and a tendency towards drug use
I want you on my album I pull out the K and make y'all In case y'all Wanna share my light
He wants other rappers to feature on his album, but he's not afraid to use violence to make it happen
I'm a motherfuckin' problem I don't care if y'all don't like
He knows he's controversial and intimidating, but he doesn't care what others think of him
Big dick, bitch, big balls
Royce is confident in his masculinity and sexual prowess
We the kind that supply the rock like Chris Paul
His crew is responsible for distributing drugs like Los Angeles Clippers player Chris Paul is responsible for distributing the ball
The same kind that aim 9's, insane conscious Then we get rid of +The Rock+ like Duane Johnson
His crew is violent and ruthless, able to get rid of their enemies like former WWE superstar Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson
Lady killer The fly version of Orinthal
Royce is a good looking man who can also be dangerous, like former NFL player O.J. Simpson
You ain't got no DUI's then you probably a cornball
Royce thinks that people who haven't been arrested for drunk driving are lame
Wittiest If you call a labtop a laptop You sound like a scientist but you're probably an idiot
He's clever and quick-witted, and has a low opinion of people who get basic things wrong
Your stories ain't holdin' up Y'all niggas lyin'
He doesn't believe the stories that other rappers tell about themselves
Got me thinkin', y'all is too young or y'all ain't old enough
He thinks that other rappers are either too inexperienced or too old to be convincing
Niggas sayin', When is Royce gonna stop beefin' with rappers? Bitch, when hell freeze over and Wayne sober up
He has a reputation for being confrontational and doesn't plan on stopping any time soon
By the way, fuck all DJ's I'm just kiddin'
He's joking about hating DJs
I just threw that in there to get y'all attention
He said something controversial to grab listeners' attention
No intention of ever dyin' Nigga, life too sweet Two words for who don't like me fight' and me'
Royce loves his life too much to die and isn't afraid of confrontation
I take care of my family They say, Do the +Kid Rock+ like Pam Lee?
He prioritizes his family and is willing to go to extreme lengths for them, like Kid Rock did for ex-wife Pamela Anderson
The answer is, Yes. And I invest It takes money to make money So I make green off of green like Stan Lee
He's willing to invest in his family's future and has a scheme for making money like comic book creator Stan Lee
Smart shit I ain't got beef with no Joe Budden
He's intelligent and doesn't hold grudges against fellow rapper Joe Budden
Y'all niggas gonna get these niggas killed tryin' to start shit
He's warning others not to start trouble because it could lead to violence
Niggas hire muscle cause livin' is a privilege
People often hire bodyguards because they value their life
The only rapper I admire for his strength is Xzibit
He looks up to Xzibit for being a strong and tough rapper
I kill you Right away Soon as you cross, go ahead, you got the right-a-way
He's willing to kill someone who crosses him, even if they have the right of way
Give a nigga iron like vitamin Play I will ride up in broad day and night a nigga's day
He's a dangerous man who has access to firearms and is willing to use them at any time
Drunk I'm a recovery outpatient You at the top you shot Your spot is now taken
He's a recovering alcoholic who's still drinking and has taken someone else's place at the top
Psychotic is the ploy How the fuck you rappin' and you gay And you've been spotted with a boy Like a dalmatian
Royce doesn't understand how a gay rapper could be successful and has a derogatory view of homosexuality
If I switch up I'd probably be instantly sellin
He's aware that changing his style could make him more popular, but he's not willing to compromise his integrity
Got a clip full of pellets known as MC repellent
He has ammunition to repel other rappers who try to attack him
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
He doesn't care about other rappers' wealth and is willing to hurt them for no reason
I'm never gonna lose Never lost and I'ma prove it Except for my virginity, but I was tryin' to lose it
He's confident in himself and his abilities, except for his inability to lose his virginity when he was younger
I be on some Tom Cruise shit Standin' on the couch in the club Laughin' bout my dime new chick She the shit
He's having fun and acting like Tom Cruise, standing on furniture and flirting with women
But if you ask her she's useless
He doesn't think very highly of the woman he's with
I'm in the pocket got a rocket down under like Houston
He's in a good place financially and has a lot of firepower, like the space center in Houston, Texas
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
He encourages people to be true to themselves, but warns that he'll have a problem with them if he's offended
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
He's willing to fight someone who disrespects him, and warns them to be careful
Shut your power off I'm a G-A-N-G-S-T-R Yes we are I'm me
He's a gangster who's confident in his abilities and identity as himself
Contributed by Jonathan S. 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.