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 Won't Be
Royce da 5'9" Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What was that?
"I'm bout to blow the fuck up, UHH!" "Yeah" [4x]
[Chorus]
If I ain't never been beat by niggas, I won't be
If I ain't never been dissed by niggas, I won't be
If I ain't never been killed by niggas, I won't be
If I ain't never been beat by niggas, I won't be
If I ain't never been dissed by niggas, I won't be
If I ain't never been robbed by niggas, I won't be
If I ain't keepin it real wit niggas, I won't win
Defeat glory, rather it's deep stories or helluva quotes
Never below, better than dope, off to the side
Watchin you play games like the veteran coach
If what you spit off the top's never been wrote
Then why you all punchlines, you tellin a joke?
I'm never right, you'll forever be the best
I'll never be less than the best
Physically Christ, you guessed 'cause never it's like
Equivalent to forever twice
The exception to the word perfection
I'll never be broke, if I ain't sellin you rap, I'm sellin you coke
Just when you thought I couldn't get better, I spoke
And sendin you back to the lab
What would you equal after the math, I'm tellin results
I'm bad as they come, time flys, I'm havin some fun
The second I spoke, the battle is won, what
[Chorus - replace "won't win" w "won't make it"]
I'll be hated, takin rap to where it's never been taken
Say "never say never" but never's forever mistaken
I'm hopin to change my name, get spoken in vain
Niggas is broke in the game, still hopin for change
You ain't feelin me, you feelin energy
Instantly sent
Lettin you know
In Royce Da 5'9's song "I Won't Be", the rapper is proclaiming his invincibility and confidence in his ability to succeed despite any obstacles in his path. The opening lines, "I'm bout to blow the fuck up, UHH!" suggest that he is on the verge of breaking out and becoming an even bigger force in the rap world. The chorus emphasizes that he will not be beaten, dissed, robbed, or killed by anyone, and that he will only win if he keeps it real with people.
In the verses, Royce asserts his skills as a rapper and his determination to always strive for excellence. He claims to be better than dope and to have a veteran coach's perspective on the game. He challenges other rappers who rely on punchlines and jokes rather than genuine talent, and declares himself to be the exception to the word "perfection". He also mentions that he has other means of making money besides rapping, possibly alluding to his past involvement in drug dealing.
The song is a testament to Royce Da 5'9's confidence and resilience as an artist, and his unwavering dedication to his craft. It embodies the classic hip-hop themes of overcoming adversity and proving oneself in the face of doubters and haters.
Line by Line Meaning
If I ain't never been beat by niggas, I won't be
I will never give up or be defeated if I have never been beaten by my opponents.
If I ain't never been dissed by niggas, I won't be
If I have never been insulted or belittled by others, I will never falter.
If I ain't never been robbed by niggas, I won't be
If I have never suffered loss or been deprived by theft, I will not be traumatized.
If I ain't never been killed by niggas, I won't be
If I have not been murdered by anyone in my life, then I am invulnerable.
If I ain't keepin it real wit niggas, I won't win
If I am not truthful with others around me, I will not succeed in life.
Defeat glory, rather it's deep stories or helluva quotes
Instead of deriving satisfaction from defeat, I prefer to create deep, profound art and meaningful quotes.
Never below, better than dope, off to the side
My music is always relevant and surpasses the quality of most other music, setting me apart and above others.
Watchin you play games like the veteran coach
I observe others as they play games and manipulate situations, using my experience and skill to outmaneuver them like a seasoned coach.
If what you spit off the top's never been wrote
If someone's freestyle rap has never been pre-written, why do they rely solely on punchlines and jokes as opposed to deeper content?
Then why you all punchlines, you tellin a joke?
If someone has never written down their freestyle raps, why do they only rely on humor or cheap tactics to impress the audience?
I'm never right, you'll forever be the best
I am constantly improving but others will always be better, and I accept that.
I'll never be less than the best
While I may not always be the absolute best, I will never be anything less than my best.
Physically Christ, you guessed 'cause never it's like
My physical appearance and demeanor is Christ-like, hence, difficult to determine or guess.
Equivalent to forever twice
My talent and skill are equivalent to double the lifespan of anyone else, as I will always be remembered and relevant.
The exception to the word perfection
While perfection may be unattainable, I am the exception as I continue to perfect my craft through dedication and hard work.
I'll never be broke, if I ain't sellin you rap, I'm sellin you coke
I will always have financial security, as I will never be without a source of income - whether through music or other ventures.
Just when you thought I couldn't get better, I spoke
Just when someone believed I had reached my peak, I surprised them with even better work.
And sendin you back to the lab
My lyrics and performance force other rappers to return to the drawing board, to create better music to rival my own.
What would you equal after the math, I'm tellin results
If the outcome of a competition is mathematically calculated, then the results are already known and I will always come out on top.
I'm bad as they come, time flys, I'm havin some fun
I am as talented as anyone in the industry, and am enjoying my life and success.
The second I spoke, the battle is won, what
As soon as I begin to rap, I have already emerged victorious, as no one can compare to my skill and talent.
I'll be hated, takin rap to where it's never been taken
As I continue to push boundaries in the Hip Hop industry, many will hate and criticize me for breaking conventions and challenging norms - however, I am determined to continue my creative endeavors and take rap music in a new direction.
Say 'never say never' but never's forever mistaken
Even though people say to never give up or say never, they are mistaken because everything does come to an end eventually.
I'm hopin to change my name, get spoken in vain
My goal is to leave a lasting legacy in the music industry so that even after my death, my name will be spoken with great respect and admiration.
Niggas is broke in the game, still hopin for change
Many people in the rap industry are financially struggling and cannot make a living off of their music, yet still hold onto the hope that things will change and they will become successful.
You ain't feelin me, you feelin energy
Even if someone does not connect with my music, they cannot deny the energy and emotion present in my performances.
Instantly sent
The energy I pour into my music is immediately received and felt by the listener.
Lettin you know
All of my music, performances, and lyrics are designed to inform and educate my listeners about my experiences and my beliefs, while also entertaining them.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., THE ROYALTY NETWORK INC.
Written by: ALAN MAMAN, RYAN MONTGOMERY, RYAN D. MONTGOMERY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@VillanThaHero
This song changed my life back in tha gap.... I remember my kin folk first showing me Royce in 2000... This song was an absolute lyrical bomb when it dropped. Ppl always been intimidated by his level of consciousness. To me this is a timeless track.
@LucianoSilva-rk6vw
Muito top Hip Hop 🎵✨♥️👌🇧🇷
@rayvaldez5379
Love the classics God bless you my friend Tommy Boy Records
@chadfulghum6753
Very nice! Kudos Royce
@amajin6
Very slept on track
@elmondo-rj9hb
RESPECT FROM POLAND!!!
@81VALERA
Bomb💣💣💣💣🔥🔥🔥
@xsdren__
I was on the streets basically homeless. I used to listen to this eating outside mc donalds.
Certify songs just are hooky to memories.
Then endes up in the drunk tank dlwntown .
@sfknns
classic
@deezy81
Alchemist!!!!