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.
Street Hop
Royce da 5'9" Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Nickel.
The M.I.C. bitch
(Statik)
You show off.
Verse one.
[Verse One]:
My shit been bonkers
The flow been conquered
Hoes I been pompous (Smash Squad)
I've been conceited but I don't 5-0
I haven't been shot up either and I ain't from Chicago
When I enter the center stage the show's over
Minutes later the floor is frozen, a Rolls, rolls up
I'm demonstratin' a coke flow but I'm so sober
The original +Renegade+ before Hova
They like, "Damn, why ain't Dre ever get him?
He seem like so much anger and pain represent him."
Eminem himself will tell you I'm the only nigga livin'
That done ever spanked him on the same record with him
Your man's gettin' jealous
Cause what I'm spittin' is sicker than his single
He got to think of a dance just to sell it
This is street hop to the fullest
To them real niggas out there on the corner beat boxin' with bullets
Niggas that be trigger packin'
Pop lockin' with glocks
Could aim well enough to shoot the zippers off your Thriller jacket
Me, I'm the illest rapper
Since every rapper killin'
From here on out, you can call me Shottie The Killer Capper
These record labels just manufacture shit
Like the pimp game homie, I'm here to snatch yo bitch
Got a fist game on me that ain't an afro pick
Try that ying yang on me, I'll handy cap you quick
[Woman speaking]:
Verse two.
[Verse Two]:
Usually I play the two or three I been ballin'
Bitch, losin' me is like the Piston's losin' Ben Wallace
I'm to Detroit like what Souljah Slim is to Chopper City
So losin' me is like musically losin' Pac or Biggie
I'll be your ass, leave you with your mouth piece wired
Losin' pounds in the hospital, be quiet
Til you finally come up out that coma, boney
Lookin' like somebody put you on the South Beach Diet
If you hearin' me spit it, it's soundin' like the king died
Trippin' when I kick it, it's soundin' like my strings tied
I put the clip in and pull it
And woof
Woof
Listen, the pistol is soundin' like Hakeem's bride
And you don't wanna beef nigga cause my arm's be
All through Cali and Miami like a palm tree
My crew be
In New York or New Jerz usually
With tools to recognize you as who is you?
Excuse me
You don't wanna fool with the etiquette or the Uzi
I'll put you in the credits that's at the end of the movie
I pity your mother
She never seen you in a magazine
For the obituary I give you the cover
(Smash squad)
So when I'm rhymin' with ya
I'm Ving Rhames of the pimp game
I play the same role as Tiny Lister
Again and again
The Debo of the type cast
When I TiVo the mag they be showin' the white flag
So sit at the table and get it like it's digital cable
I torture you into talkin' to me till it get's fatal
Fuck with you till I put you out of your misery
With a silence or I'ma just muffle it up with a potato
[Scratch Outro]:
"This is street hop" - Nas 'Made You Look'
DJ Premier on the cut.
"Six July" on the beat.
The song 'Street Hop' by Royce da 5'9" is a powerful commentary on the rap industry and its various players. In the beginning, a woman is talking to Nickel (Nickel is Royce's nickname) and referring to him as an M.I.C. bitch, which likely stands for "music industry capitalist" meaning that he is making money and rising to success in the rap industry. The first verse talks about how he has been a monster lyricist and has had a conceited attitude (hence, the line "I've been conceited but I don't 5-0") but he has never been shot or injured despite the violent nature of rap music. He refers to himself as the "original Renegade before Hova," which is likely a nod to his collaboration with Eminem on the song "Renegade" from Jay-Z's album 'The Blueprint'. Royce touches on how people often underestimate him or don't see his talent as much as Eminem's, despite the fact that he's proven his worth as a rapper numerous times. The chorus proclaims that this is 'street hop' to the fullest, and Royce is rapping directly to the real thugs out there who can appreciate his authenticity and raw talent.
The second verse refers to Royce's place in the rap game, equating himself to Ben Wallace's significance to the Detroit Pistons and Slim's value to Chopper City. He talks about how if a rapper were to beef with him, his arm would reach farther than just Detroit, since his crew has ties to Cali and Miami. The line "I torture you into talkin' to me till it gets fatal" is particularly chilling, invoking images of interrogation and murder. The song ends with the scratch outro of Nas' "Made You Look," tying in the idea that this is 'street-hop' - rap music that is authentic, real, and inspired by the streets. The production is handled by DJ Premier and Six July, two veterans in the rap industry known for their hard-hitting beats and classic sound. Overall, 'Street Hop' is a powerful, unapologetic song that speaks to Royce's skill as a rapper and his devotion to the rap genre.
Line by Line Meaning
I've been a monster bitch
I have been an incredibly successful and dominating rapper
My shit been bonkers
My music has been amazing and unparalleled
The flow been conquered
I have mastered the art of rapping
Hoes I been pompous (Smash Squad)
I have been arrogant and boastful about my success and the success of my crew
I've been conceited but I don't 5-0
I have been arrogant, but not in the way that a police officer would be
I haven't been shot up either and I ain't from Chicago
I have not been the victim of gun violence, despite being from Detroit, a city known for it
When I enter the center stage the show's over
When I perform, I steal the show and leave no room for anyone else to shine
Minutes later the floor is frozen, a Rolls, rolls up
My performance is so impressive that the crowd is left stunned and silent, as if the entire room has frozen over. This line also references a Rolls Royce car, which is associated with luxury and prestige.
I'm demonstratin' a coke flow but I'm so sober
I am able to rap with a fast and smooth flow, like the movement of cocaine, but I am not under the influence of any drugs or alcohol
The original +Renegade+ before Hova
I am referencing the song Renegade, which features Eminem and Jay-Z. I am saying that I was doing what Jay-Z did on that song before he did it.
They like, "Damn, why ain't Dre ever get him?
People are wondering why Dr. Dre has not worked with me, given my talent and success
He seem like so much anger and pain represent him."
People associate me with anger and pain in my music
Eminem himself will tell you I'm the only nigga livin'
Eminem, who I have collaborated with, would agree that I am one of the best rappers in the game right now
That done ever spanked him on the same record with him
I am saying that I have done a song with Eminem where I outperformed him
Your man's gettin' jealous
Other rappers are feeling envious of my success
Cause what I'm spittin' is sicker than his single
My music is better and more impressive than what other rappers are releasing
Niggas that be trigger packin'
People who carry guns and are always prepared for violence
Pop lockin' with glocks
People who are skilled at dancing and also carry guns
Could aim well enough to shoot the zippers off your Thriller jacket
These people are such good shots that they could shoot the zippers off of your jacket, like in Michael Jackson's Thriller video
Me, I'm the illest rapper
I am the best rapper
Since every rapper killin'
At a time when there are many talented and successful rappers, I am still considered the best
From here on out, you can call me Shottie The Killer Capper
I am giving myself a new nickname, implying that I am the greatest (similar to how the mafia refers to their hitmen as "cappers")
These record labels just manufacture shit
The music industry is more concerned with making money than producing quality music
Like the pimp game homie, I'm here to snatch yo bitch
Similar to how pimps control women for their own gain, I am here to take over the rap game
Got a fist game on me that ain't an afro pick
I am skilled at fighting with my fists, not just with an afro pick like some people might joke about
Try that ying yang on me, I'll handy cap you quick
If someone tries to fight me with a martial arts style like ying yang, I will easily defeat them
Usually I play the two or three I been ballin'
In basketball, the positions two and three are known for their scoring abilities. I am saying that I have been doing well ("ballin'") in my role as a rapper
Bitch, losin' me is like the Piston's losin' Ben Wallace
Ben Wallace was an important player for the Detroit Pistons basketball team - losing him would cause them to perform worse. I am saying that losing me as a rapper would be similarly detrimental to the hip hop scene in Detroit
I'm to Detroit like what Souljah Slim is to Chopper City
Souljah Slim was a rapper from New Orleans who was a big part of the local music scene. I am saying that I am similarly important to Detroit's music scene
So losin' me is like musically losin' Pac or Biggie
Tupac Shakur and Notorious B.I.G. were two of the greatest rappers of all time who were both killed in the prime of their careers. I am saying that losing me would be like losing them musically
I'll be your ass, leave you with your mouth piece wired
I will beat up any challenger and potentially cause them to need their jaw wired shut as a result
Losin' pounds in the hospital, be quiet
My violence towards you would be so severe that you would end up losing weight while recovering in the hospital
Til you finally come up out that coma, boney
The violence towards you would be so severe that you would end up in a coma, and when you finally wake up, you would be thin from all the time spent in the hospital
Lookin' like somebody put you on the South Beach Diet
The South Beach Diet is known for causing people to lose weight quickly. I am saying that the beating someone would receive from me would leave them looking extremely thin, as if they were on the diet
If you hearin' me spit it, it's soundin' like the king died
My rapping is so impressive and powerful that it's like the king of rap (whoever that may be) has died
Trippin' when I kick it, it's soundin' like my strings tied
When I rap, it sounds like my shoelaces are tied together (which would cause me to trip). This is a metaphor for how impressive and complex my rhymes are
I put the clip in and pull it
And woof
Woof
Listen, the pistol is soundin' like Hakeem's bride
The sound of the gun being fired is so loud and intimidating that it sounds like a dog barking ("woof") and is compared to the sound of Hakeem Olajuwon's wife (who was known for her loud and distinctive voice)
And you don't wanna beef nigga cause my arm's be
You don't want to get into a fight with me because I am very strong
All through Cali and Miami like a palm tree
Palm trees are associated with California and Florida. I am saying that my strength is known all throughout those states
My crew be
In New York or New Jerz usually
With tools to recognize you as who is you?
My crew is often in New York and New Jersey, and they are armed and prepared to identify and confront any potential threats
Excuse me
Introducing a new subject or changing the topic of conversation
You don't wanna fool with the etiquette or the Uzi
You don't want to mess with us or our guns - we are both polite and violent
I'll put you in the credits that's at the end of the movie
If you mess with me, you will be acknowledging your defeat and surrender, similar to how a movie will list the names of people who worked on it at the end
I pity your mother
She never seen you in a magazine
For the obituary I give you the cover
I feel sorry for your mother that she will only see you in a magazine after you are killed, and she will see your picture on the cover of the obituary
So when I'm rhymin' with ya
I'm Ving Rhames of the pimp game
When I rap with other people, I am like Ving Rhames - a dominant and imposing figure, similar to a pimp
I play the same role as Tiny Lister
Tiny Lister is another actor known for playing tough and imposing characters, and I play that same role in the rap game
Again and again
The Debo of the type cast
Similar to how Tiny Lister played the same type of role many times, I am also often cast as the tough, imposing figure
When I TiVo the mag they be showin' the white flag
When I watch TV, the people on screen know that I am watching and they are scared of me
So sit at the table and get it like it's digital cable
I am saying that I am so powerful and dominant that people should listen to me like they listen to their TV ("get it like it's digital cable")
I torture you into talkin' to me till it get's fatal
If someone crosses or challenges me, I will torment them until they give up or die
Fuck with you till I put you out of your misery
I will continue to harass and torment you until you are no longer able to withstand it and are put "out of your misery"
With a silence or I'ma just muffle it up with a potato
I will either use a silencer on my gun, or I will use a potato to muffle the sound of my gun, so people won't know what's happening
Contributed by Kayla I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Danny Rodriguez
Royce is one of the most consistent rappers in the game. I've yet to hear a wack verse let alone a wack song from this guy.
Cas Depuydt
royce is one of the best writers ever, together with eminem
Arthur Ball
This man is straight blazin! Royce truly reps the D for real.
Josh D
I love this song, one of my favorite Royce songs. Nice video to go wit it man.
jwhitdatman27
Damn this song really should have more views for real. Royce kills everything he's on. I Love his aggresive flow......come check out my rhymes on my page and let me know what u think J-WHIT
Bryce Huffman
2019 and we still bumping this heat!
Holiday Styles
Royce is up there with Lloyd Banks and Tray Deee as the most underrated
King Ramesez
i wasn't comparing their newest albums, i was comparing their overall rhyme skills
Jay Smith
Outstanding flow
fulavision
"Woof, Woof!!! Listen, the pistol is sounding like Hakeem's bride!"