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.
Nickel Nine-
Royce da 5'9" Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Uhh-uhh uhh uhh, yeah homeboy
Two gangstas, whattup Smut Peddlers?
My man Milo, yeah yeah yeah
Whattup Ruckus? We gangstas, yeah
Niggaz don't know me, call me heat
That's all you know is these verses, these names
Nigga nigga nigga
Nickel Nine is - me, not, them
This is - him, not, they
Royce, Reef, double, are
Beef is close but trouble's, far
Nickel Nine is what the rhyme is
I put my time in, nigga Nickel Nine is
Uhh uhh - me, not, them
This is - him, not, they
Yo, he is.
[Royce Da 5'9"]
The reason why the funds is dizzy
Money continuously spendin, round and around like a frisbee
My runs is sticky from, the second-hand smoke
From outta the guns they busy, ehh-Ehh-Ehh-Ehh come get me
He is - quick on the draw, same nine
That I used when he thought I copped it and popped it at the same time
Shit, carry tools, you gotta
The streets is over-populated with niggaz who cheap, like Andrew Goulatta
Royce and Reef, double are
When the gutterest beefs meet with the troubled bar it's nothin but heat
Niggaz I'm in and outta this booth, like Clark Kent for the youth
Flyin with the narc proof tint for the Coupe
Niggaz be trippin a lot, so I keep the longest clip in a lock
Hit you while you loadin the clip in the glock
Like blaow! No life, no breath
The only games I play is "Umi Says" like Mos Def (nigga)
[Chorus:]
[Royce Da 5'9"]
Over-protected, heed the poet's connections
When it goes in effect the only thing froze is the necklace
That's it, keep the gat by me, I'm that rowdy
So none of you's can see me like Jack Ponty
None of you niggaz bad as me, I got a Mobb
And we Deep like Hav'
The song Nickel Nine by Royce da 5'9'' starts with an introduction where he mentions some names and establishes himself as Nickel Nine, a gangster. The chorus reiterates that Nickel Nine is him and not them, and that he's put in the time and effort to establish his name in the game. Royce then delves into the reasons why the funds are dizzy and that money keeps flowing around like a frisbee. He talks about how the streets are overpopulated with cheap people, and he, along with his team (Reef, Double are), meets the troubled bar with heat. Royce also talks about how he keeps himself protected and carries a gun around at all times.
Throughout the song, Royce establishes his persona as a gangster. He's built his reputation, and people know who he is. He's got a team behind him, and they're ready to take on any challenge that comes their way. Royce mentions how he's constantly in and out of the booth, recording his music and doing what he loves while still keeping one eye on the streets.
Overall, the song Nickel Nine is a powerful message from Royce da 5'9'', where he establishes himself as a force to be reckoned with in the rap game. The lyrics are provocative and showcase Royce's skills as a wordsmith.
Line by Line Meaning
Uhh-uhh uhh uhh, yeah homeboy
Introducing and greeting the listener with a casual acknowledgment
Two gangstas, whattup Smut Peddlers?
Acknowledging and greeting fellow rappers by their names
My man Milo, yeah yeah yeah
Showing appreciation and recognition to another rapper
Whattup Ruckus? We gangstas, yeah
Greeting and acknowledging another rapper
Niggaz don't know me, call me heat
Referring to oneself as 'heat' in response to being unknown to some people
That's all you know is these verses, these names
Acknowledging that people only know Royce through his verses and his name as a rapper
Nigga nigga nigga
Repeating a common term used by some rappers, which may be interpreted as a form of self-identity or as an offensive language, depending on personal opinion
Nickel Nine is - me, not, them
Introducing the nickname 'Nickel Nine' as a reference to himself, distinguishing him from others
This is - him, not, they
Emphasizing that the nickname belongs to him, not anyone else
Royce, Reef, double, are
Referring to two rappers named 'Royce' and 'Reef' as a powerful duo
Beef is close but trouble's, far
Suggesting that conflict and rivalry may be present, but the real trouble and danger may be farther away
Nickel Nine is what the rhyme is
Affirming that the nickname is an important part of the rapper's identity in his music
I put my time in, nigga Nickel Nine is
Asserting that the rapper has put in a lot of effort and work into this nickname, and it is an important part of his persona
Yo, he is.
Restating and affirming the identity and importance of the nickname
The reason why the funds is dizzy
Explaining the difficulty of managing and keeping track of money
Money continuously spendin, round and around like a frisbee
Comparing the spending of money to the movement of a frisbee, which can be unpredictable and fast-paced
My runs is sticky from, the second-hand smoke
Admitting the harmful effects of smoking and how it is affecting the rapper
From outta the guns they busy, ehh-Ehh-Ehh-Ehh come get me
Addressing the danger of guns, but also expressing a sense of excitement or bravado
He is - quick on the draw, same nine
Describing someone else as quick and skilled with a gun
That I used when he thought I copped it and popped it at the same time
Recounting a past event when the rapper used a gun quickly and skillfully in self-defense
Shit, carry tools, you gotta
Advising others to always be prepared and armed with weapons, as to protect themselves
The streets is over-populated with niggaz who cheap, like Andrew Goulatta
Observing how dangerous and cheap people can be in the streets, similar to a specific boxer
Royce and Reef, double are
Referring to himself and Reef again as a powerful duo
When the gutterest beefs meet with the troubled bar it's nothin but heat
Describing how conflicts and rivalries can quickly escalate and become dangerous
Niggaz I'm in and outta this booth, like Clark Kent for the youth
Comparing his in-studio presence to that of a superhero, as if he could transform into a different persona
Flyin with the narc proof tint for the Coupe
Describing a special car equipped with protection against police surveillance
Niggaz be trippin a lot, so I keep the longest clip in a lock
Acknowledging the propensity for conflict in his world and ensuring that he is prepared with a large magazine of bullets
Hit you while you loadin the clip in the glock
Threatening to attack someone who may not be ready with a loaded gun
Like blaow! No life, no breath
Describing the potential outcome of a gunfight with deadly force
The only games I play is "Umi Says" like Mos Def (nigga)
Comparing his own serious approach to life to a song by another rapper that encourages positive behaviors
Over-protected, heed the poet's connections
Acknowledging that he receives extra protection due to his occupation and personal relationships
When it goes in effect the only thing froze is the necklace
Anticipating the freezing of assets during times of danger, but emphasizing the importance of keeping one's prized necklace safe
That's it, keep the gat by me, I'm that rowdy
Asserting that he is a loud and potentially dangerous person, and therefore requires a weapon for self-defense
So none of you's can see me like Jack Ponty
Comparing himself to a famous criminal who evaded capture for many years
None of you niggaz bad as me, I got a Mobb
Boasting that he and his associates are more dangerous and powerful than any other group
And we Deep like Hav'
Emphasizing the size and strength of his gang, and comparing it to another well-known rap group
[Chorus:]
Repeating the chorus
Over-protected, heed the poet's connections
Acknowledging again that he receives extra protection due to his occupation and personal relationships
When it goes in effect the only thing froze is the necklace
Repeating this line from earlier in the song
That's it, keep the gat by me, I'm that rowdy
Repeating this line from earlier in the song
So none of you's can see me like Jack Ponty
Repeating this line from earlier in the song
None of you niggaz bad as me, I got a Mobb
Repeating this line from earlier in the song
And we Deep like Hav'
Repeating this line from earlier in the song
Nickel Nine is - me, not, them
Repeating this line to close out the song
This is - him, not, they
Repeating this line to close out the song
Yo, he is.
Repeating this line to close out the song
Contributed by Nathaniel I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@iamgalaxey
This song is over 20 years old only true hip hoppers know nickel nine been around for a long time
@Verykawaiiyoucantrelate
Had this on a cd with oc rass cass man was a dope tape can’t remember the name of it
@briangroben8390
Facts homie , but I guess it never got cleared for streaming cause Rock City’s playlist is all jacked up on Spotify with even different cover art. Got the OG version on my pc at least if anyone needs it
@terrelyoung422
Still bumping in 2023
@Smeet9
i still fuck with this song
@pp4289
why is he so underrated
@JohnsonB1987
I completely agree with you. We will never know unless they all were in a room together. So everyone just grow up and enjoy the music.
@ZeBastian456
one of his best songs ever - eastern conference
@marcusleavitt4536
This shit is so slept on
@JosephO75
he rips this one the fuck up.