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.
Rewind
Royce da 5'9" Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Cause being loud is old
Silent is gold, smile and unload
No police gotta know
Cause when ya problem is told
Ya problem isn't getting told, that's a no
I'ma tell a couple stories about
The notorious route
In 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
Here's a little story, I got to tell about
A couple dudes who didn't know so well
They didn't get a chance to blow but they could flow so well
This is the perfect time for you haters to go, oh well
Let's take it down to the Noila where them boys is warriors
They notorious for ordering more then just hits, so
Take heed, I seen dude in the V and the D
He must of been moving with B.G.
Before "Slow Motion" I heard dude was so focused
On the street credibility, he's a "Soldier"
Would he rather have beef or exposure?
I don't know, I never met em
I just know that I ain't trying to forget em
As soon as he went home, the place he got the most love
Niggas popped up and shot him in cold blood
At the worst time and they crept up behind em
And uh, just rewinded em
Story Two!
I said boy, would you boss up and get this money
For my niggas who ain't here?
Bring the trees, and blow a huge cloud in the air
For niggas who move without fear
Gotta pour more than a beer, nigga pour out a fifth
Fuck it we rich nigga, pour out some Cris
A young nigga got shot up once, put in a wheelchair
Still liked to light up blunts like "look, I'm still here"
It's so true
He came out of the hospital with way more money, way more jewels
Roll through, any hood that you want in the city of Detroit
They playing one of his tunes
He probably should of been with a goon
He stopped at a car wash
I guess the dude he was with ain't know what to do
They crept up on the side of em and
Put the nine to em and, just rewinded 'em
Story Three!
We bout to take the NYC, they know about him in the NYC
But they don't know him in the D
As far as emceeing, this nigga was crazy
Motherfuckers used to say he was better than Jay-z
The first time time I heard him was 9-5 "Ebonics"
I played it and all my niggas was high trying to rewind it
Them niggas was like, "damn"
This nigga said that a snot box was a nose
Without stopping the flow and I was like, "man"
I swear to God that this nigga's a problem
I think he better than Nas
He's so ahead of his time, you play his music in 0-6
This nigga sound regular now
I heard that he was thugging, had a brother who was thugging
He was sitting on a stoop and he didn't see it coming
They crept up in front of em and
Put the gun to em and, just rewinded 'em
Yeah, the street's got a code
Cause being loud is old
Silent is gold, smile and unload
No police gotta know
Cause when ya problem is told
Ya problem isn't getting told, that's a no
I just told a couple stories about
The notorious route
That niggas take when they thirst
R.I.P. in
5, 4, 3, 2, 1
In "Rewind", Royce da 5'9" talks about three stories of different people who ended up falling victim to street violence. He emphasizes the code of secrecy in the streets and how speaking out about problems could lead to even more danger. The lyrics also touch upon the thirst for fame and street credibility and how it can be a dangerous game. In the first story, Royce talks about a person who was so focused on being seen as a "soldier" and having street credibility that it ultimately led to his downfall. In the second story, Royce talks about a person who survived a shooting but still continued to move like he was fearless and invincible, and eventually met his demise. The third story talks about a talented rapper who was highly respected for his lyricism but ended up being killed in the streets due to his association with his thug brother.
Overall, "Rewind" is a commentary on how dangerous the streets can be and how the lure of fame and street credibility can lead people down a path of destruction. The message is also about being cautious and understanding the code of the streets to prevent oneself from falling victim to the same fate as those in the stories.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah, the street's got a code
There are certain unspoken rules that everyone in the streets is expected to follow.
Cause being loud is old
Being flashy and drawing attention to oneself is no longer in fashion among the streets.
Silent is gold, smile and unload
It's best to remain quiet and carry out one's intentions with a smile rather than verbal threats.
No police gotta know
It's important to not involve the police in any street matters.
Cause when ya problem is told
Once others become aware of one's problems, it's likely to worsen.
Ya problem isn't getting told, that's a no
It's important to keep one's problems to oneself and not reveal them to others in the streets.
I'ma tell a couple stories about
I will now recount a few stories of experiences in the streets.
The notorious route
The dangerous path that some people in the streets choose to take in order to achieve success.
That niggas take when they thirst, hear me out
This is the path that some people take when they are desperate and hungry for success.
In 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
Now let's begin with the stories.
Here's a little story, I got to tell about
The first story is about a pair of rappers who had the talent but not the success.
A couple dudes who didn't know so well
These two rappers were not experienced enough in the streets.
They didn't get a chance to blow but they could flow so well
They never made it big but they were very talented.
This is the perfect time for you haters to go, oh well
This is where the haters can tune out.
Let's take it down to the Noila where them boys is warriors
Let's discuss the city of New Orleans where there are many tough men.
They notorious for ordering more then just hits, so
These guys are known for being involved in more than just shootouts.
Take heed, I seen dude in the V and the D
Be warned, I saw one of them in both Virginia and Detroit.
He must of been moving with B.G.
He was probably affiliated with the rapper B.G.
Before "Slow Motion" I heard dude was so focused
Before B.G.'s hit song "Slow Motion", this guy was very motivated.
On the street credibility, he's a "Soldier"
He was known in the streets for being tough and a "soldier".
Would he rather have beef or exposure?
Did he prefer drama or attention?
I don't know, I never met em
I'm not sure, I never met him.
I just know that I ain't trying to forget em
All I know is that we shouldn't forget about him.
As soon as he went home, the place he got the most love
When he returned home to New Orleans, that's where he was most appreciated.
Niggas popped up and shot him in cold blood
Unfortunately, he was shot and killed when someone ambushed him.
At the worst time and they crept up behind em
They caught him off guard and attacked him from behind.
And uh, just rewinded em
They "rewound" him by reversing the positive things he had going for him.
Story Two!
Let's move onto the next story!
I said boy, would you boss up and get this money
I urged a young man to take charge and make some money.
For my niggas who ain't here?
In honor of the friends who have passed away.
Bring the trees, and blow a huge cloud in the air
Let's smoke some marijuana and pay tribute with a big cloud.
For niggas who move without fear
For those who move through life with no fear.
Gotta pour more than a beer, nigga pour out a fifth
We need to drink more than just a beer, let's drink a fifth.
Fuck it we rich nigga, pour out some Cris
We're rich, let's celebrate with some Cristal champagne.
A young nigga got shot up once, put in a wheelchair
A young man was shot and ended up in a wheelchair.
Still liked to light up blunts like "look, I'm still here"
But he still enjoyed smoking marijuana even after what had happened to him.
It's so true
This is a fact.
He came out of the hospital with way more money, way more jewels
After being hospitalized, he somehow came out with a lot of money and expensive jewelry.
Roll through, any hood that you want in the city of Detroit
He could go through any neighborhood in Detroit without fear.
They playing one of his tunes
The radio is playing one of his songs.
He probably should of been with a goon
Perhaps he should have been accompanied by someone who is tough and protective.
He stopped at a car wash
He stopped at a car wash.
I guess the dude he was with ain't know what to do
The person he was with didn't know how to handle the situation.
They crept up on the side of em and
They snuck up on him from the side and
Put the nine to em and, just rewinded 'em
They shot him and took away all of the positive things he had going on for him.
Story Three!
Let's move to the final story.
We bout to take the NYC, they know about him in the NYC
We're going to talk about someone who is well known in New York City.
But they don't know him in the D
But he isn't as well known in Detroit.
As far as emceeing, this nigga was crazy
As far as rapping goes, this guy was very talented.
Motherfuckers used to say he was better than Jay-z
Some people used to say that he was more talented than Jay-z.
The first time time I heard him was 9-5 "Ebonics"
The first time I heard him was when he released "Ebonics" in 1995.
I played it and all my niggas was high trying to rewind it
I played it and all of my friends were trying to listen and understand it better.
Them niggas was like, "damn"
They guys were amazed and impressed.
This nigga said that a snot box was a nose
He used the term "snot box" to refer to a nose.
Without stopping the flow and I was like, "man"
He continued rapping without pausing and I was amazed.
I swear to God that this nigga's a problem
I honestly believe that this guy is very talented and could be a problem for other rappers.
I think he better than Nas
I believe that he is even more talented than Nas.
He's so ahead of his time, you play his music in 0-6
He was way ahead of his time, his music would still be relevant in 2006.
This nigga sound regular now
But nowadays, he sounds like any other rapper.
I heard that he was thugging, had a brother who was thugging
I heard that he was involved in tough street life, and even his brother was involved.
He was sitting on a stoop and he didn't see it coming
He was just sitting outside and didn't know an attack was about to happen.
They crept up in front of em and
They snuck up on him from the front and
Put the gun to em and, just rewinded 'em
They shot him and took away all of the positive things he had going on for him.
Yeah, the street's got a code
To reiterate, there are unspoken rules that everyone in the streets is expected to follow.
Cause being loud is old
Being flashy and drawing attention to oneself is no longer in fashion among the streets.
Silent is gold, smile and unload
It's best to remain quiet and carry out one's intentions with a smile rather than verbal threats.
No police gotta know
It's important to not involve the police in any street matters.
Cause when ya problem is told
Once others become aware of one's problems, it's likely to worsen.
Ya problem isn't getting told, that's a no
It's important to keep one's problems to oneself and not reveal them to others in the streets.
I just told a couple stories about
To wrap things up, I recounted a few stories of experiences in the streets.
The notorious route
The dangerous path that some people in the streets choose to take in order to achieve success.
That niggas take when they thirst
This is the path that some people take when they are desperate and hungry for success.
R.I.P. in
May he rest in peace.
5, 4, 3, 2, 1
And that's it.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: GAETANO CURRERI, VASCO ROSSI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Kor6 Bigtime
Here's a little story, I got to tell about
A couple dudes who didn't know so well
They didn't get a chance to blow but they could flow so well
This is the perfect time for you haters to go, oh well
Let's take it down to the Nolia where them boys is warriors
They notorious for ordering more then just hits, so
Take heed, I seen dude in the V and the D
He musta been moving with B.G
Before "Slow Motion" I heard dude was so focused
On the street credibility, he's a "Soldier"
Would he rather have beef or exposure
I don't know, I never met him
I just know that I ain't trying to forget him
As soon as he went home, the place he got the most love
Niggas popped up and shot him in cold blood
At the worst time and they crept up behind him
And uh, just rewinded em
Story Two
I said boyyyyy, would you boss up and get this money
For my niggas who ain't here
Bring the treeeees, and blow a huge cloud in the air
For niggas who move without fear
Gotta pour more than a beer, nigga pour out a fifth
Fuck it we rich nigga, pour out some Cris
A young nigga got shot up once, put in a wheelchair
Still liked to light up blunts like "look, I'm still here"
It's so true
He came out of the hospital with way more money, way more jewels
Roll through, any hood that you want in the City of Detroit
They playing one of his tunes
He prolly shoulda been with a goon
He stopped at a car wash
I guess the dude he was with ain't know what to do
They crept up on the side of 'em and
Put the nine to 'em and, just rewinded em
Story Three
We bout to take the NYC
They know about him in the NYC
But they don't know him in the D
As far as emceeing, this nigga was crazy
Muthafuckas used to say he was better than Jay-Z
The first time time I heard him was '95 "Ebonics"
I played it and all my niggas was high tryin to rewind it
Them niggas was like, "Daaaammnn"
This nigga said that a snot box was a nose
Without stopping the flow and I was like, "maannnnn"
I swear to God that this nigga's a problem
I think he better than Nas (damn)
He's so ahead of his time, you play his music in 0-6
This nigga sound regular now
I heard that he was thugging, had a brother who was thugging
He was sitting on a stoop and he didn't see it comin
They crept up in front of em and
Put the gun to em and, just rewinded em
Yeah, the street's gotta code
Cause being loud is old
Silent is gold, smile and unload
No police gotta know
Cause when ya problem is told
Ya problem isn't getting told, that's a no
I just told a couple stories about the notorious route
That niggas take when they thirst
R.I.P. in... 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
Kor6 Bigtime
Here's a little story, I got to tell about
A couple dudes who didn't know so well
They didn't get a chance to blow but they could flow so well
This is the perfect time for you haters to go, oh well
Let's take it down to the Nolia where them boys is warriors
They notorious for ordering more then just hits, so
Take heed, I seen dude in the V and the D
He musta been moving with B.G
Before "Slow Motion" I heard dude was so focused
On the street credibility, he's a "Soldier"
Would he rather have beef or exposure
I don't know, I never met him
I just know that I ain't trying to forget him
As soon as he went home, the place he got the most love
Niggas popped up and shot him in cold blood
At the worst time and they crept up behind him
And uh, just rewinded em
Story Two
I said boyyyyy, would you boss up and get this money
For my niggas who ain't here
Bring the treeeees, and blow a huge cloud in the air
For niggas who move without fear
Gotta pour more than a beer, nigga pour out a fifth
Fuck it we rich nigga, pour out some Cris
A young nigga got shot up once, put in a wheelchair
Still liked to light up blunts like "look, I'm still here"
It's so true
He came out of the hospital with way more money, way more jewels
Roll through, any hood that you want in the City of Detroit
They playing one of his tunes
He prolly shoulda been with a goon
He stopped at a car wash
I guess the dude he was with ain't know what to do
They crept up on the side of 'em and
Put the nine to 'em and, just rewinded em
Story Three
We bout to take the NYC
They know about him in the NYC
But they don't know him in the D
As far as emceeing, this nigga was crazy
Muthafuckas used to say he was better than Jay-Z
The first time time I heard him was '95 "Ebonics"
I played it and all my niggas was high tryin to rewind it
Them niggas was like, "Daaaammnn"
This nigga said that a snot box was a nose
Without stopping the flow and I was like, "maannnnn"
I swear to God that this nigga's a problem
I think he better than Nas (damn)
He's so ahead of his time, you play his music in 0-6
This nigga sound regular now
I heard that he was thugging, had a brother who was thugging
He was sitting on a stoop and he didn't see it comin
They crept up in front of em and
Put the gun to em and, just rewinded em
Yeah, the street's gotta code
Cause being loud is old
Silent is gold, smile and unload
No police gotta know
Cause when ya problem is told
Ya problem isn't getting told, that's a no
I just told a couple stories about the notorious route
That niggas take when they thirst
R.I.P. in... 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
Godofpoop Holly
Nick Lampkin RIP Icewood always One of the kings of Detroit. Forever missed in our city #DetroitVsEverybody #DetroitStandUp
Daddy Ninjae4976
Damn, that's a good line. "I think he's better than Nas." RIP Big L
Ricco
Rip Soulja
Rip Blade
Rip Big L
Julz Don Agyy
Put the 9 to him Nn Just rewind”em
Nicholas Lampkin
RIP Slim, Icewood, and L
Godofpoop Holly
Nick Lampkin RIP Icewood always One of the kings of Detroit. Forever missed in our city #DetroitVsEverybody #DetroitStandUp
Nique two ten
the rapper in the second verse is Soulja Slim
corey millett
rip big l
Moses Osmosis
Both wrong first story about soulja slim 2. about blade icewood and 3. about BIG L