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.
Legendary feat. Travis Barker
Royce da 5'9" Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Legendary
I'm legendary, legend-legendary, le-le-legendary
Legendary, legendary
The theme song to my supplier
Plays in the key of a key
I'm like a messiah crossed with The Wire
Who brought their Bibles? This the Christ chapter
I'm sick enough to take my life, then take your life after
Don't take me light or play me light
We two of the same
God melted a Rubik's cube into fluid
And threw it in my intuitive brain
I'm eating food for moving music in a gratuitous lane
I threw twice, now I'm running through it
'Til I'm through with the game
You can find me under a black cloud, I'm a dark star
Only thing I hate worse than a mark is a marked car
I climb mountains like Marvin Gaye, Tammy Terrell
If you could put a face with my style it'd be Samuel Cassel's
I switched the fire up like I am a tyranny from hell
What I got in my hand right now should remind you of Stanley Burrell
'Cause it's the hammer, the cannon you can dance with the shells
My pet peeves are granny panties and planning to fail
I'm a heavyweight, I'm catastrophic when I set it like Fahrenheit 9/11
Meditate till the levees break
I tar and feather featherweight till my fetti straight
The MAC-11 will clap your melon and give your ass spaghetti face
Uh, you ever look inside some dying eyes?
You'll see surprise and realize there's no denying God
When was the last time that you heard that the iron tried?
Ryan vibes like cyanide, I am proud to say that
I've evolved, there's only one "I" in "Defying odds"
Small time arrogance parishes every time in giant pride
Who y'all respect is probably cross-dressing
Your favorite MC could probably find themselves
Vibing to my lost sections, I'm legendary
Now everybody wanna believe me
But they don't really know what's in my heart
This time around is starting to feel easy
My enemies starting to fall down
I'm legendary, legend-legendary, le-le-legendary
My enemies starting to fall down
I'm legendary, legend-legendary, le-le-legendary, legendary
(Fall down)
I'm legendary
I got my noodles intact
You want support of Detroit rap nigga's can Google this gat
'Cause we the reason why you eating we put the food on the map
Right where the mitten is and you ain't do jack
Just who we hitting here? This here's a different year
So you shouldn't assume I'm trying to measure up
To you when I tell you the ruler is back
In fact, as far as you new kids, what've you did?
I know that I've burnt some bridges in the past
But I'm happy to say that I've built a new bridge
As far as killing I'm forever willing and ready
I will make my children's peanut butter
And jelly sandwich with a machete
Uh, you marry the streets than we will kill at your wedding
Tell every guest at your reception
They gon' get more than just hit with confetti
Uh, now your bitch a believer
You know what you get when you mix a bumblebee with a lamb?
You get the 'ghini, I'm sitting in, riding through Pittsburgh
While I'm listening to Wiz Khalifa
Black and Yellow a blunt to joint, here's the reefer
One minute you tough, one minute you shook
I know I've learned a while ago to hide power from you
I should just put it in a book
You illiterate parasites I'll kill you every time
Throw a nigga body around the room
Have a nigga looking like Jamiroquai
And yes, I am a firm believer that the naked truth
Looks a hundred times better then the best dressed lie
And while you nigga's is hating, I wonder is God really an atheist
He made me the same temperature as his nemesis Satan
Y'all need to repent because y'all been imitating
A statue of me to you is a statute of limitations
You backwards as me and a feminist dating
Let's tally the sales, like Gladys and Patty LaBelle
I'm a big wig, my straws in the hole
Of a volcano, I'm having a big swig
Everybody wanna believe me
But they don't really know what's in my heart
This time around is starting to feel easy
My enemies starting to fall down
I'm legendary, legend-legendary, le-le-legendary
My enemies starting to fall down
I'm legendary, legend-legendary, le-le-legendary
(Fall down)
I'm legendary
I'm legendary, legendary, legendary
I'm legendary
I'm legendary, legendary, legendary
I'm legendary
Royce da 5'9"'s song Legendary feat. Travis Barker is about his immense confidence and belief in himself. Royce da 5'9" repeats the word "legendary" throughout the song, emphasizing how much he believes in his skills and ability to rise above the rest. He even compares himself to a messiah of rap, stating that his music can elevate people's lives. He also claims to be able to climb mountains like Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, showcasing his strength and perseverance. The lyrics also address Royce da 5'9"'s past mistakes and anger towards the music industry, but he has built a new bridge and is now focused on moving forward and letting his music speak for itself. Overall, "Legendary" is a declaration of Royce da 5'9"'s unwavering self-belief and his determination to succeed.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm legendary, legend-legendary, le-le-legendary
I am a legend and my reputation precedes me.
Legendary
I am reminding you again that I am legendary.
Legendary, legendary
My legend extends to all aspects of my life.
The theme song to my supplier
I am so influential that even my drug dealer has a theme song.
Plays in the key of a key
His supplier's theme song is unique and has its own special rhythm.
I'm like a messiah crossed with The Wire
I possess qualities of a powerful leader and the grit of a complex TV show.
Rapping around the Boardwalk Empire
I am skilled at flowing around complex topics.
Who brought their Bibles? This the Christ chapter
My raps are like scripture and should be studied religiously.
I'm sick enough to take my life, then take your life after
My rhymes are powerful enough to destroy myself and others.
Don't take me light or play me light
Do not underestimate me.
We two of the same
I am on the same level as you.
God melted a Rubik's cube into fluid
I am a complex thinker.
And threw it in my intuitive brain
My intuition is my greatest asset.
I'm eating food for moving music in a gratuitous lane
I am successful in making music that is both moving and profitable.
I threw twice, now I'm running through it
I have struggled in the past but am now succeeding.
'Til I'm through with the game
I will continue making music until I am ready to retire.
You can find me under a black cloud, I'm a dark star
I am a successful artist with a troubled past.
Only thing I hate worse than a mark is a marked car
I dislike informants and police equally.
I climb mountains like Marvin Gaye, Tammy Terrell
I am capable of accomplishing challenging tasks.
If you could put a face with my style it'd be Samuel Cassel's
My style is unique and unparalleled.
I switched the fire up like I am a tyranny from hell
I am capable of changing things up with ease.
What I got in my hand right now should remind you of Stanley Burrell
I am in possession of something dangerous.
'Cause it's the hammer, the cannon you can dance with the shells
I am carrying a gun and it is ready to be fired.
My pet peeves are granny panties and planning to fail
I dislike when people are not prepared for success.
I'm a heavyweight, I'm catastrophic when I set it like Fahrenheit 9/11
I am a powerful force when I am at my best.
Meditate till the levees break
I use meditation to calm myself.
I tar and feather featherweight till my fetti straight
I am merciless towards weak opponents.
The MAC-11 will clap your melon and give your ass spaghetti face
I will shoot you and leave your face disfigured.
Uh, you ever look inside some dying eyes?
Have you ever truly seen someone at their lowest?
You'll see surprise and realize there's no denying God
You will see the wonder of God even in the darkest times.
When was the last time that you heard that the iron tried?
When was the last time you heard about a gun being fired?
Ryan vibes like cyanide, I am proud to say that
My rhymes are lethal, and I am proud of it.
I've evolved, there's only one "I" in "Defying odds"
I have changed and adapted over time.
Small time arrogance parishes every time in giant pride
Small-time confidence is quickly destroyed.
Who y'all respect is probably cross-dressing
The people you look up to are not what they seem.
Your favorite MC could probably find themselves
Even your heroes have flaws.
Vibing to my lost sections, I'm legendary
Even my lost recordings are revered.
Now everybody wanna believe me
People are finally starting to see my talent.
But they don't really know what's in my heart
People do not truly understand me.
This time around is starting to feel easy
Success is more attainable now than it has been in the past.
My enemies starting to fall down
My detractors are losing power.
I got my noodles intact
I am mentally strong and composed.
You want support of Detroit rap nigga's can Google this gat
If you want to support Detroit rap, look me up.
'Cause we the reason why you eating we put the food on the map
Detroit rap has gained popularity thanks to artists like me.
Right where the mitten is and you ain't do jack
I am repping Detroit, and you have done nothing for the city.
Just who we hitting here? This here's a different year
I'm not wasting my time on enemies who are no longer relevant.
So you shouldn't assume I'm trying to measure up
I am not trying to compete with anyone.
To you when I tell you the ruler is back
I am reminding everyone that I am at the top of the game.
In fact, as far as you new kids, what've you did?
As for the new generation, what have they accomplished compared to me?
I know that I've burnt some bridges in the past
I have made mistakes and ruined relationships.
But I'm happy to say that I've built a new bridge
I have mended some of those relationships.
As far as killing I'm forever willing and ready
I am always ready for battle.
I will make my children's peanut butter
I will do anything to protect my children.
And jelly sandwich with a machete
I am willing to use violent means if necessary.
Uh, you marry the streets than we will kill at your wedding
If you choose the streets over peace, expect violence.
Tell every guest at your reception
Even your loved ones are not safe.
They gon' get more than just hit with confetti
They will face brutal consequences.
Now your bitch a believer
Even your significant other knows not to mess with me.
You know what you get when you mix a bumblebee with a lamb?
A powerful and unique creature.
You get the 'ghini, I'm sitting in, riding through Pittsburgh
I am driving a powerful and luxurious car.
While I'm listening to Wiz Khalifa
I am enjoying the music of another talented artist.
Black and Yellow a blunt to joint, here's the reefer
Wiz Khalifa's music is perfect while smoking.
One minute you tough, one minute you shook
My opponents are unstable.
I know I've learned a while ago to hide power from you
I have learned to never reveal my full strength.
I should just put it in a book
I should write down my secrets so no one else will know.
You illiterate parasites I'll kill you every time
I will always defeat those who underestimate me.
Throw a nigga body around the room
I am capable of extreme violence.
Have a nigga looking like Jamiroquai
I can easily disfigure someone.
And yes, I am a firm believer that the naked truth
I believe in being honest and transparent.
Looks a hundred times better then the best dressed lie
Truth is more valuable than a pretty falsehood.
While you nigga's is hating, I wonder is God really an atheist
I ponder the notion that even God may not believe in himself.
He made me the same temperature as his nemesis Satan
God made me powerful and unrelenting like Satan.
Y'all need to repent because y'all been imitating
I believe that my imitators need to repent.
A statue of me to you is a statute of limitations
Being associated with me could lead to a criminal record.
You backwards as me and a feminist dating
We have nothing in common.
Let's tally the sales, like Gladys and Patty LaBelle
I am successful and have sold more records than my competition.
I'm a big wig, my straws in the hole
I am a major player and have connections in high places.
Of a volcano, I'm having a big swig
I am enjoying my success.
I'm legendary, legendary, legendary
I am reminding you once again that I am legendary.
Contributed by Anthony B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.