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.
Yeah
Royce da 5'9" Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Nickle, nine, nine in the waistline
Diss me fine, you won't be the first one
Piss me off, you get done in the worst way
I bring light to the night, put the sun in the earth's way
Balls of the outlaw, hanging out the draws
Of the dark blue house, y'all
Got hit, shot, with the cannon when I'm standing up and going all out for
Phantom on opera, sitting in the Phantom
In the parking lot, examining how I keep my name out y'all mouth
I drop names like Game, but I don't mean say 'em
I mean spray em, they drop [gun sound] ha
I have a nigga blistering quicker then chicken pox
In a box in a river sitting stiffer then six o'clock
Knock, you can't see me, labels you can't sign me
You can either Jay-Z me or JV me, get it?
Yeah, nickle ain't going nowhere
Yeah, I ask who want it, nobody
Say, Yeah, hoes that used to be like no
Going Yeah, somebody, anybody
Say, Yeah, my niggaz in the back of the spot
Like, Yeah, bitches up under the spotlight
Like, Yeah
I'm the last emcee that's alive
I'm the captain and the sergeant, the opposite of laws
I'm the politics involved and with profit in the starving
The model in the car means I told her
Mami, if you hopping in this car then you gotta get me off
I got Vicious with me, so you gotta get him off
So, rinky dink labels still trying to make me offers
You don't wanna tear me off, you will only scare me off
I'm a boss, hear me out, gimme every office
Each and every artist y'all got, I want 'em
So run em, they don't wanna fuck wit me then I'll gun 'em
So don't get me started
'cause lately I been on my Black Eyed Peas and Q's and it's gon' "Get Retarded"
Fees for shoes, Ivizu jeans breezing through
Leaving your team green and blue
Only thing, the thing to do
Only thing, this ain't no dream homie, this whole theme is true, get it?
Yeah, nickle ain't going nowhere
Yeah, I ask who want it, nobody
Say, Yeah, hoes that used to be like no
Going Yeah, somebody, anybody
Say, Yeah, my niggaz in the back of the spot
Like, Yeah, bitches up under the spotlight
Like, Yeah
I'm the last emcee that's alive
Yeah, weeding out static, holding what I would rather have
And not need, then need and not have it
Me without gats is like me without battling
Beef without blasting, P without Havoc
The born again rapper, sitting on enough classic tracks
That could fill up a 40 gig Apple
I-Pod, I'm God, all bets I'm down like the rest I'm wild, yes
Plus I'm a teacher, niggaz play hard
But I'm way harder 'cause I can keep it up like Levitra
Big dick, I could fit you up my urethra
Sick spit, like I musta been touched by Jesus
Like I musta been groped by a diva
Or fucked by a model, nope, you ain't been approached by either
You standing where ya mans is at
I'm on stage, getting paid controlling where y'all hands is at, get it?
Got it
Yeah, nickle ain't going nowhere
Yeah, I ask who want it, nobody
Say, Yeah, hoes that used to be like no
Going Yeah, somebody, anybody
Say, Yeah, my niggaz in the back of the spot
Like, Yeah, bitches up under the spotlight
Like, Yeah
I'm the last emcee that's alive
The lyrics of Royce da 5'9"'s song "Yeah" are largely centered around his confidence as an emcee, his talent for wordplay and his willingness to engage in battle with other rappers. The opening line of the song, "I'm the last emcee that's alive," sets the tone for the rest of the verses, with Royce making it clear that he sees himself as one of the best in the game and isn't afraid to back up his claims with his sharp rhymes and bold attitude. Throughout the song, he plays with double-meanings and metaphors, often using violent imagery to emphasize his dominance and his willingness to go to war with anyone who challenges him.
Royce da 5'9"'s lyrics are often complex and layered, requiring a keen ear and a deep understanding of hip-hop culture to fully appreciate. His use of metaphors and wordplay is especially impressive, as he seamlessly blends together different ideas and concepts to create a unique and powerful message. Despite the aggressive and confrontational tone of the lyrics, there is also a sense of humor and playfulness present, as well as a deep respect for the craft of emceeing and the hip-hop community at large.
Overall, "Yeah" is a powerful and memorable rap song, demonstrating Royce da 5'9"'s formidable skills as an emcee.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm the last emcee that's alive
I am the only emcee who is still standing and making music
Nickle, nine, nine in the waistline
I have a gun with a 9mm bullet in it and it's at my waist
Diss me fine, you won't be the first one
If you try to insult me, you won't be the first person to do so
Piss me off, you get done in the worst way
If you make me angry, I will do something terrible to you
I bring light to the night, put the sun in the earth's way
My music shines brightly like the sun and can bring light to the darkest of nights
Balls of the outlaw, hanging out the draws
I am brave like an outlaw and my underwear is showing
Of the dark blue house, y'all
I come from a tough neighborhood
Standing and rambling with all of that mouth y'all
People talk a lot of nonsense without thinking
Got hit, shot, with the cannon when I'm standing up and going all out for
I am like a powerful cannon when I am rapping with all my might
Phantom on opera, sitting in the Phantom
I am sitting in a luxury car like a Rolls-Royce Phantom like an opera singer
In the parking lot, examining how I keep my name out y'all mouth
I am looking at my car in the parking lot and thinking about how I keep my name out of people's mouths
I drop names like Game, but I don't mean say 'em
I might mention other rappers like The Game, but I am not trying to disrespect them
I mean spray em, they drop [gun sound] ha
I mean I will shoot them down with my rhymes and they will be defeated
I have a nigga blistering quicker then chicken pox
I can make someone feel the pain of chicken pox, but quicker
In a box in a river sitting stiffer then six o'clock
Someone will feel like they are in a box in a river, stiff like the time six o'clock
Knock, you can't see me, labels you can't sign me
I am unstoppable and no label can sign me
You can either Jay-Z me or JV me, get it?
You can either buy me out like Jay-Z did to Damon Dash, or I will remain independent like JV (Jay's former partner)
Yeah, nickle ain't going nowhere
I am here to stay and I am not going anywhere
Yeah, I ask who want it, nobody
I am asking who really wants it from me, but nobody does
Say, Yeah, hoes that used to be like no
Women who used to reject me are now interested in me
Going Yeah, somebody, anybody
People are beginning to notice me and my music
Say, Yeah, my niggaz in the back of the spot
My friends are in the back of the club dancing
Like, Yeah, bitches up under the spotlight
Girls are dancing and trying to get attention under the spotlight
I'm the captain and the sergeant, the opposite of laws
I am in control and I do not follow rules or laws
I'm the politics involved and with profit in the starving
I am involved in the politics of the music industry and I am trying to make money despite the competition
The model in the car means I told her
I have a beautiful woman in my car because I asked her to come with me
Mami, if you hopping in this car then you gotta get me off
If you come with me, you have to be willing to satisfy me sexually
I got Vicious with me, so you gotta get him off
I have my friend Vicious with me and you have to please him too
So, rinky dink labels still trying to make me offers
Small, unimportant record labels are still trying to sign me
You don't wanna tear me off, you will only scare me off
You don't want to anger me because I will only run away from the situation
I'm a boss, hear me out, gimme every office
I am in charge and I want all the power and control
Each and every artist y'all got, I want 'em
If you have any other musicians, I want to work with them too
So run em, they don't wanna fuck wit me then I'll gun 'em
If anyone tries to interfere with me, I will take them down
So don't get me started
Do not try to upset me or start an argument
'cause lately I been on my Black Eyed Peas and Q's and it's gon' "Get Retarded"
I have been working hard on my music and it is going to be amazing
Fees for shoes, Ivizu jeans breezing through
I am wearing expensive shoes and designer jeans as I move quickly
Leaving your team green and blue
I am leaving your team feeling envious and sad
Only thing, the thing to do
I am the only one who is doing what needs to be done
Only thing, this ain't no dream homie, this whole theme is true, get it?
This is not just a fantasy, it is all real and happening right now
Yeah, weeding out static, holding what I would rather have
I am getting rid of any negative energy and focusing on what is important to me
And not need, then need and not have it
I would rather have something and not need it than need it and not have it
Me without gats is like me without battling
Not carrying a gun is like not having a battle when I am rapping
Beef without blasting, P without Havoc
Not using a gun in a fight would be like rappers Mobb Deep not using their signature beats
The born again rapper, sitting on enough classic tracks
I am a rapper who has been reborn and I have enough classic songs to fill up a whole album
That could fill up a 40 gig Apple
My classic tracks could take up the whole storage on a 40 gigabyte Apple device
I-Pod, I'm God, all bets I'm down like the rest I'm wild, yes
I am confident and powerful like a god, and I am willing to take risks like anybody else
Plus I'm a teacher, niggaz play hard
I am also a teacher, and many people try to act tough
But I'm way harder 'cause I can keep it up like Levitra
I am harder than them because I can last longer, like the effect of a Levitra pill
Big dick, I could fit you up my urethra
I am so confident and powerful that I could fit someone up my urethra (which is impossible)
Sick spit, like I musta been touched by Jesus
My rap lyrics are so amazing that they must have been approved by Jesus himself
Like I musta been groped by a diva
I feel like I have been touched by a famous music diva because of my talent
Or fucked by a model, nope, you ain't been approached by either
I have not been with a model or a famous person, but my talent makes me feel like I have
You standing where ya mans is at
You are standing where your friends are
I'm on stage, getting paid controlling where y'all hands is at, get it?
I am on stage performing and I am controlling where the crowd puts their hands in the air
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CARLOS BROADY, RYAN MONTGOMERY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind