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.
Sound The Alarm
Royce da 5'9" Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Album: The Bar Exam
Year: 2007
Featured artist(s): Royce Da 5'9" ft. Black Milk and Guilty Simpson
Song: Sound the Alarm (Remix)
Beat: Statik Selektah
Out! (x4)
--Woman--
"Statik Selektah"
--Black Milk--
Yeah, uh, just when you thought it was safe
We came back to brawl and feel like you fought with an ape
But walked in his cage and can't get out
No way out, lost, feel like you walked in a maze
And yes, trying to walk a mile in my shoes is a waste
You couldn't even walk 10 paces
Yes, I already ran that race And
Already came in first place And
Black Milk, I'm like a horror film in the makin'
Spit that Freddy verse Jason
Believe when I say niggas move when I weigh like all comin' police car chases
Move, it gets that ugly
Yo bitch more money, but she can't get that from me
No, sound the alrm on em'
Still gunnin'
Sound like the fire men coming.
Hands to the sky
Get em' high
??? sound.
Detroit, the world go round'.
--Royce Da 5'9"--
Nothin' else left to do but be the best with it
All I need is respect with it
It ain't goin' stop
I put yo flow in a bullet
Put it in my gun
And pull it like I'm playing roulette with it
It ain't goin' pop
I put yo brain in the blender for tryin' to figure out
How to enter the train of my thoughts
You ain't a contender
Why you still starvin'
I can put my hand on my dick like I'm still a star
As long as I feel large
I'm the real raw
Niggas can't kill God
Most incorrect politically next to Bill Maher
Arrest me, try to correct me with bars
Me, Black and Guilty next years' tsars
I'm bout' to put you fools on a diet
Put your food in a ring
And then I'm crownin' the biggest loser the king
Nigga try to try me then I'll prolly try to body these mobs
Then after that you gotta sound the alarm.
Hands to the sky
Get em' high
Mothafucka let's go
--Guilty Simpson--
Steady the game and hit the ground runnin'
So when I start
Show you rap cats how to play that part
But we ain't actin'
They play him but he ain't crackin'
The same ol' same
With a verse so soft I sleep on it, the night off
When a nigga tries to speak on it, come again
Be in the streets, man
Fuck a benz
I got a 3 digit for the number man
Cause when the scratch run out
Tre-5-7 watch that come out
I got a keen ear, boy, latch your mouth
Or repeat what you said while I'm at your house
But we don't knock
Kick through both locks then inflict bodily harm
Gun in my palm
You cats ain't even lukewarm
Man, sound the alarm.
Hands to the sky
Get em' high
The song "Sound The Alarm" by Royce da 5'9" is an intense rap about his skill as a lyricist and how he and his collaborators (Black Milk and Guilty Simpson) are here to shake things up. The song begins with "Statik Selektah" and a woman's voice shouting, indicating that something significant is about to happen. Black Milk jumps in, stating that he is like a horror film in the making, spitting bars that are like Freddy vs. Jason. He says that trying to walk a mile in his shoes is a waste, and already, he has won the race. When he raps, people move like they're being chased by the police. Royce da 5'9" steps in with a steady flow, claiming that all he needs is respect and that he's going to continue doing what he does best. He's not going to stop, and he has all the confidence in the world.
Guilty Simpson adds to the intensity, stating that he is going to hit the ground running, and when he starts rapping, he's going to show everyone how it's done. He uses violent imagery, threatening anyone who dares to challenge him. The chorus repeats, asking everyone to put their hands up high and get ready to go. In summary, the song is an intense rallying call from Royce and his crew, telling the world that they are here to make a statement and that people should be prepared to be blown away.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah, uh, just when you thought it was safe
We're coming back strong when you think the danger is over.
We came back to brawl and feel like you fought with an ape
We're powerful and intimidating when we fight.
But walked in his cage and can't get out
You're trapped with us and can't escape us.
No way out, lost, feel like you walked in a maze
There's no escape from the difficult situation we've put you in.
And yes, trying to walk a mile in my shoes is a waste
It's impossible for you to understand my life and experiences.
You couldn't even walk 10 paces
You can't even handle a small amount of what I deal with.
Yes, I already ran that race
I've already overcome those obstacles.
And Already came in first place
I was the best at what I did.
Black Milk, I'm like a horror film in the makin'
I am terrifying and unstoppable like a horror movie villain.
Spit that Freddy verse Jason
My flow is as intense as a fight between two horror movie legends.
Believe when I say niggas move when I weigh like all comin' police car chases
People are afraid of me and move out of my way like they would for a police car chase.
Move, it gets that ugly
Things will get violent if you don't move.
Yo bitch more money, but she can't get that from me
I have money and power, and your girl can't use her looks to get anything from me.
No, sound the alrm on em'
Alert everyone to the danger I bring.
Still gunnin'
I am still aggressively taking on my enemies.
Sound like the fire men coming.
I am coming with noise, force, and destruction, like a fire truck.
Nothin' else left to do but be the best with it
I have nothing left to do but be the greatest at what I do.
All I need is respect with it
All I want is to be respected for my work and talent.
It ain't goin' stop
I will keep going, no matter what happens.
I put yo flow in a bullet
I am using your flow to create something powerful.
Put it in my gun
I am using this powerful creation as a weapon.
And pull it like I'm playing roulette with it
I am taking a gamble with this powerful weapon, but I will win.
I put yo brain in the blender for tryin' to figure out
I am punishing you severely for trying to understand my thoughts.
How to enter the train of my thoughts
You can't even get close to understanding my mindset.
You ain't a contender
You are not a match for me.
Why you still starvin'
Why are you still trying when you know you can't win?
I can put my hand on my dick like I'm still a star
I can still boast about my status as a celebrity.
As long as I feel large
As long as I feel successful.
I'm the real raw
I am authentic and genuine.
Niggas can't kill God
No one can bring me down because I am unbeatable like a God.
Most incorrect politically next to Bill Maher
I am misunderstood and incorrect, even more so than controversial figure Bill Maher.
Arrest me, try to correct me with bars
I am challenging anyone to try to stop me, even those who think they are better than me.
Me, Black and Guilty next years' tsars
We are going to dominate the rap game in the future.
I'm bout' to put you fools on a diet
I am going to take away your power and control.
Put your food in a ring
I am going to make you fight for it.
And then I'm crownin' the biggest loser the king
The weakest among you will still be defeated, but will be awarded a humiliating title.
Nigga try to try me then I'll prolly try to body these mobs
Anyone who challenges me will regret it and face potential violence.
Then after that you gotta sound the alarm.
You will need to alert everyone to how dangerous I am.
Steady the game and hit the ground runnin'
Bring your best effort and be prepared for what's to come.
So when I start
When I begin rapping, be ready for something intense and powerful.
Show you rap cats how to play that part
I am going to show everyone how true rap is done.
But we ain't actin'
This isn't a game, this is real.
They play him but he ain't crackin'
Other rappers try to take him down, but he remains strong.
The same ol' same
Other rappers haven't changed or improved their game.
With a verse so soft I sleep on it, the night off
Their raps are so weak, he doesn't even need to worry about them.
When a nigga tries to speak on it, come again
If someone tries to criticize him or his music, come back even stronger.
Be in the streets, man
He's always out there, making music and making a name for himself.
Fuck a benz
He doesn't care about luxury cars or material possessions.
I got a 3 digit for the number man
His goal is to make money and elevate himself, regardless of the means he must take.
Cause when the scratch run out
When he has no money left.
Tre-5-7 watch that come out
He's going to turn to violence and become dangerous.
I got a keen ear, boy, latch your mouth
He's always listening and ready to retaliate if necessary.
Or repeat what you said while I'm at your house
You'll have to face the consequences of what you've said, even when alone.
But we don't knock
They don't wait for permission or warning.
Kick through both locks then inflict bodily harm
They'll destroy anything in their way and hurt anyone who tries to stop them.
Gun in my palm
He always comes prepared with weapons.
You cats ain't even lukewarm
Other rappers aren't even close to being as talented and dangerous as him.
Man, sound the alarm.
He's coming hard and fast, and everyone needs to be warned.
Contributed by Nolan P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.