As a teen, Al began to identify strongly with the rebellious lyrics and urban sounds of hip-hop, and he began writing his own lyrics as a creative outlet. He joined up with other like-minded artists who wrote lyrics and rebelled strongly against their "uptight" suburban surroundings, among whom were Shifty Shellshock of Crazy Town, Evidence of Dilated Peoples and Scott Caan, son of James Caan. They would often hang out in urban areas of Los Angeles and participated in typical teenage rebellious activities like partying, smoking marijuana, and general mischief.
Al and Scott decided to become a duo named The Whooliganz. While rhyming at a party in L.A., they attracted the attention of B-Real of Cypress Hill. He invited the teens to join his crew, The Soul Assassins, which also included the groups House of Pain and Funkdoobiest. In 1993, the Whooliganz released their first single, "Put Your Handz Up." The song received little radio airplay and their record label, Tommy Boy Records, decided to shelve their album. Rejected, Scott focused his creative energy on acting while Al became interested in process of making hip-hop beats.
DJ Muggs took Al under his wing and taught him how to use a sampler and mixing board. After helping to produce a few tracks for Cypress Hill, Al became the main producer for his childhood friend, Evidence and his group Dilated Peoples. When Dilated debuted in 1998, they were an underground sensation creating a huge buzz about the man behind those incredible beats.
In 1999, Muggs introduced Al to his good friends, the popular hip-hop group Mobb Deep. Al produced two songs for their Murda Muzik album. Impressed by his production skills and street smarts, Mobb Deep took him under their wing, using his beats on all their subsequent albums. As Alchemist's profile increased, he went on to produce for many of hip hop's most successful and prominent artists, such as Nas, Fat Joe, Jadakiss, Ghostface Killah and Snoop Dogg. He has also remixed songs for bands and artists in other genres such as Linkin Park and Morcheeba. Al stayed loyal to his old friends, continuing to produce for Dilated, Cypress Hill, Everlast (formerly of House of Pain) and Crazy Town. He also enjoys producing for lesser-known underground rappers, often giving them some of his best beats. In 2004, 11 years after his rapping career folded, The Alchemist returned with his long-awaited debut album, "1st Infantry." The album yielded the hit single "Hold You Down" (featuring Prodigy, Illa Ghee, and Nina Sky), which hit number ninety-five on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2005.
Alchemist was the official tour DJ for Eminem on his 2005 Anger Management 3 Tour, replacing the recently-ousted DJ Green Lantern. However on July 13, 2005, the tour bus carrying Eminem's entourage (including rapper Stat Quo as well as Alchemist) swerved off the road and turned over. Alchemist was treated for broken ribs and a collapsed lung.
The Alchemist is one of the music producers behind the video game Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars released by Rockstar Games. He was also on Tim Westwood TV, when Eminem, Royce Da 5'9" and Mr. Porter freestyled. During an interview with Worldwide Conspiracy Radio, The Alchemist revealed he would be dropping a 2-part project with fellow West Coast producer Oh No entitled Gangrene, the first to be released in July, the second in November, both on Decon. Alchemist was also the DJ for the Eminem set on the BBC1 chat-show Jonathan Ross on June 4, 2010.
Alchemist is Eminem's official DJ, since DJ Green Lantern departed from Shady Records in 2005 because of a dispute related to the feud of 50 Cent and Jadakiss. In 2006, Eminem released a collaboration album with Shady Records called Eminem Presents: The Re-Up. Since the Alchemist is his official DJ, he produced some of the tracks on the mixtape, as well as compiling the album in a mixtape fashion. On December 18, 2013, he was named the runner-up for Producer of the Year by HipHopDX.
Clip in a Tray
The Alchemist Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah, uh
Nigga, that's that Oxycontin
Flow cotton mouth, nigga, like trap
Uh, yeah, uh
Yo, yo, yo, yo, yeah, yeah, uh
Sliding with the baddest, the baddest of bitches here, uh (yeah)
Check it out, uh
I put your life on a ash, I got my clip in a tray
Huh, yeah, yeah, ain't gon' (uh, uh)
I put your lifeline on ash, I bought my clip in a tray
Uh, I like that, yeah, you feel me?
I put your lifeline on ash, I turn my clip in a tray
Brrat, brrat, brrat, uh, lay you down when I- (ay)
You know the next words, nigga
You see the flip birds, nigga
Ayy, ayy (uh, brrat)
I'm feelin' dangerous
Rastafari, lock the cages
Uh, this stanky lanky, learn me nothin', felt it teething
Ayy, this groovy baby, sear me perfect, filled with gravy
Uh, my pot to piss, the back I made, the rocket ship, uh, uh
The saucy Crip, the jane, 'caine, was on that wrist
Uh, you play with your nose or double that pill, whatever's the goal
Uh, I planted the seed, I see all my kids, I'm watchin' it grow
Uh, ain't questionin' marks, I'm guess any loc, I'm guessin'-
Uh, kill 'em in bulk, I'm sparkin' them ash, this clip is a show
Uh, I'm covered in dope, shoo, uh
The color of love, if Tooky was Dugg, I am what we has
Uh, if Redman was cuz, I never could bleed that body enough
Uh, I'm Gotti or what?
Ah, soo
what's my job, John?
ay, killing people, what else?
Fine, clip 'em both if it makes you feel good (uh)
I put your life on a ash, I got my clip in a tray
Huh, yeah, yeah, ain't gon' (uh, uh)
I put your lifeline on ash, I bought my clip in a tray
Uh, I like that, yeah, you feel me?
I put your lifeline on ash, I turn my clip in a tray
Brrat, brrat, brrat, uh, lay you down when I- (ay)
You know the next words, nigga
You see the flip birds, nigga
Ayy, ayy (uh, brrat)
The lyrics of The Alchemist's song "Clip in a Tray" depict a sense of aggression and assertiveness. The first verse suggests a nonchalant attitude towards violence, emphasizing the act of shooting someone as a means of personal gratification. The reference to Oxycontin, a prescription painkiller often abused for recreational purposes, adds a layer of drug-induced numbness and detachment to the lyrics.
In the chorus, the line "I put your life on ash, I got my clip in a tray" represents the artist's ability to end someone's life effortlessly, as if disposing of a cigarette ash. This line conveys a sense of power and control, as if the artist holds the ability to determine someone's fate. The phrase "clip in a tray" refers to a loaded clip of ammunition ready to be used, highlighting the artist's readiness for violence.
The following verses continue with a mix of abstract and more concrete imagery. The mention of Rastafari and locking cages suggests a rebellion against societal restrictions and a desire for liberation. The lines "groovy baby, sear me perfect, filled with gravy" imply a self-satisfaction and contentment, regardless of the negative consequences of their actions.
The lyrics also touch upon the artist's involvement in drug trafficking, as indicated by references to sowing seeds, watching "all my kids" grow, and the mention of Redman and Tooky, both known figures associated with drug culture. The line "If Redman was cuz, I never could bleed that body enough" implies a sense of loyalty and dedication to maintaining their criminal lifestyle.
Ultimately, the lyrics of "Clip in a Tray" convey a sense of an individual who is confident in their ability to commit violent acts and who finds gratification in the power and control it brings them. The imagery and wordplay used throughout the song add depth to these themes, highlighting the artist's toughness and disregard for societal norms or consequences.
Line by Line Meaning
Fine, clip 'em both if it makes you feel good
If it brings you satisfaction, go ahead and eliminate both targets
I put your life on a ash, I got my clip in a tray
I've brought your existence to an end, and my weapon is ready for further action
I put your lifeline on ash, I bought my clip in a tray
I've terminated your source of vitality, and I've acquired the necessary ammunition
I put your lifeline on ash, I turn my clip in a tray
I've extinguished the essence of your existence, and I prepare my firearm for use
I'm feelin' dangerous
I am experiencing a heightened state of recklessness and audacity
Rastafari, lock the cages
Drawing upon the spiritual beliefs of Rastafari, I call for the confinement of perceived threats
This stanky lanky, learn me nothin', felt it teething
Despite my conspicuous appearance, I remain vigilant and cunning, always anticipating danger
This groovy baby, sear me perfect, filled with gravy
This alluring individual possesses desirable qualities and indulges in pleasures, reminiscent of a succulent meal
My pot to piss, the back I made, the rocket ship
The meager resources I possess were transformed into a source of propulsion, propelling me towards success
The saucy Crip, the jane, 'caine, was on that wrist
I flaunt my bold and confident demeanor, the diamonds and cocaine adorning my wrist
You play with your nose or double that pill, whatever's the goal
Indulging in illicit substances or enhancing one's experience with medication, depending on the desired outcome
I planted the seed, I see all my kids, I'm watchin' it grow
I initiated a process or idea, and now observe its development and success
Ain't questionin' marks, I'm guess any loc, I'm guessin'-
Avoiding uncertainty, I confidently navigate through any unknown territory or situation
Kill 'em in bulk, I'm sparkin' them ash, this clip is a show
Engaging in multiple acts of violence, leaving a trail of destruction; my weapon discharge is both fierce and captivating
I'm covered in dope, shoo
I am surrounded by drugs, emphasizing my connection to the illicit world
The color of love, if Tooky was Dugg, I am what we has
Representing affection and unity, embodying the essence of Tookie and Dugg; an embodiment of our collective identity
If Redman was cuz, I never could bleed that body enough
Drawing a parallel to Redman's loyalty, I would never be satisfied until inflicting significant harm on an adversary
I'm Gotti or what?
Am I not similar to the notorious mob boss John Gotti?
What's my job, John?
John, what is my role or duty?
Ay, killing people, what else?
Well, my primary responsibility is to eliminate individuals, isn't it?
You know the next words, nigga
You are aware of the subsequent lyrics, my acquaintance
You see the flip birds, nigga
You observe the illegal activity involving drug transactions, my acquaintance
Ay, ay (uh, brrat)
Expressing enthusiasm or agreement (sound representation)
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Daniel Alan Maman, Quincy Matthew Hanley
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@alamakthaoffice4808
Al is not only one of my favorite producers...his philosophy of what he does is amazing.still to this day being a student of the culture is inspiring man.
@olegtsoysamples
I agree. Alc should be a model to everyone including disciplines outside of Hip-Hop 😎👍🏼
@Ghostinthemachine47
💯
@the2ndcoming135
Ngl. Sh*t just be a vibe sometimes🤷🏽♂️
@bruceleeds7988
Get back to work Carlos 🤣🤣
@geekylove3603
Yep. Sounds like something that could be Cuban Linx. The strings at the very least.
@vice8811
AL doesnt just make beats, he creates environments
@NoEnemiesRahim
He paints on air
@ZALAZA00
environmentals
@fufu1405
''Alchemist my favorite producer and he my friend.''