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.
Find a Way
The Alchemist Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Thinking back to all the days I used to smile through the pain
When I was searching for this burning desire that I've obtained
But if there's one thing that I've learned you can't have fire without flames
The struggle brings the strength
The strain brings the growth
And all the obstacles you face they were made to make you evolve
You see patience will take you places that really you won't believe
You have the power and the key
It's how you choose to use it
See me I took that energy and channeled it to music
Now I know I found my purpose and I'm never gonna lose it
But in this school of knowledge I'll forever be a student
I'll be working on myself on the daily
I'm smoke free cos the weed made me lazy
The same soul but I know that I'm changing
The same soul but I know that I'm changing
Everything's gonna be okay
I wonder where my path's gonna take me
I'm just tryna find my way
I look up just trust that you'll take me home
It's gonna be okay
I wonder where my path's gonna take me
I'm just tryna find my way
I look up just trust that you'll take me home
They say home is where the heart is
But following my heart has made me take all of these chances
Now I'm standing at the peak and looking back at where I started
Till I turn around and found out that the journey's everlasting
I was stuck up in a haze
Just counting down the days
If you don't know which way to go just let go of the reigns
You're intuition has a vision that you can't explain
And all you gotta do is shut your eyes and open up your brain
So take a step back these set backs won't break you
They'll make you and take you to a higher place
And I know that the road ahead is so long but to grow you must fly away
So take a step back these set backs won't break you
They'll make you and take you to a higher place
And I know that the road ahead is so long but to grow you must fly away
Everything's gonna be okay
I wonder where my path's gonna take me
I'm just tryna find my way
I look up just trust that you'll take me home
It's gonna be okay
I wonder where my path's gonna take me
I'm just tryna find my way
I look up just trust that you'll take me home
No matter where you are in this life
It's all part of your journey
Don't worry if you get lost
How else are you gonna find yourself
You are here for a reason
And it's your purpose to find it
The lyrics to "Find a Way" by The Alchemist Feat. Big Twins reflect on the journey of self-discovery and personal growth. The verses speak to the struggles faced along the way and the empowering realization that obstacles are meant to shape and evolve us. The song encourages listeners to embrace patience and follow their dreams, acknowledging that everyone possesses the power and potential to find their purpose. It emphasizes the importance of constant self-improvement and remaining open to learning and growth.
The lyrics also touch on the idea of finding one's way home. Home, in this context, represents a place of comfort and belonging. It suggests that by trusting in oneself and the journey, eventually, everything will fall into place. The song underscores the significance of following one's heart, taking chances, and embracing the unknown to uncover new experiences and opportunities.
Overall, "Find a Way" inspires listeners to persevere through challenges, believe in their inner strength, and remain dedicated to self-discovery, even in the face of uncertainty.
Line by Line Meaning
Stood smiling in the rain
I stood in the rain with a smile on my face
Thinking back to all the days I used to smile through the pain
Reflecting on the days when I managed to find happiness despite the hardships
When I was searching for this burning desire that I've obtained
In the past, I was on a search for a passion that I have now found
But if there's one thing that I've learned you can't have fire without flames
I've come to understand that you cannot have success without going through challenges
The struggle brings the strength
Through difficulties, we gain strength
The strain brings the growth
Challenging situations lead to personal growth
And all the obstacles you face they were made to make you evolve
Every obstacle you encounter is meant to help you grow and evolve
You see patience will take you places that really you won't believe
Having patience can lead you to incredible places beyond your imagination
Just follow all your dreams there's no difference in you and me
Pursue your dreams without hesitation, as we are all capable of achieving greatness
You have the power and the key
You possess the power and the means to achieve success
It's how you choose to use it
It depends on how you decide to utilize your abilities
See me I took that energy and channeled it to music
Personally, I redirected my energy and expressed it through music
Now I know I found my purpose and I'm never gonna lose it
I have discovered my purpose in life and I will never let it go
But in this school of knowledge I'll forever be a student
Although I have found my purpose, I will always seek to learn and grow
I'll be working on myself on the daily
I will continuously work on improving myself every day
I'm smoke free cos the weed made me lazy
I no longer smoke because it had a negative impact on my productivity
The same soul but I know that I'm changing
I am still the same person, but I am aware of the positive changes happening within me
Everything's gonna be okay
Despite challenges, everything will turn out fine
I wonder where my path's gonna take me
I am curious about the direction my journey will lead me
I'm just tryna find my way
I am simply attempting to navigate and discover my path
I look up just trust that you'll take me home
I have faith that higher powers will guide me back to where I belong
They say home is where the heart is
People often say that home is where you feel the most connected and content
But following my heart has made me take all of these chances
Following my intuition has led me to take numerous risks
Now I'm standing at the peak and looking back at where I started
I have reached a high point and can reflect on how far I have come
Till I turn around and found out that the journey's everlasting
Until I realized that the journey of personal growth is ongoing and never-ending
I was stuck up in a haze
I was trapped and confused
Just counting down the days
Merely passing time without purpose
If you don't know which way to go just let go of the reigns
If you are unsure about the direction to take, release control and allow life to guide you
You're intuition has a vision that you can't explain
Your intuition holds a vision that may be difficult to articulate
And all you gotta do is shut your eyes and open up your brain
All you need to do is close your eyes and expand your mind to perceive the vision
So take a step back these set backs won't break you
Take a moment to reassess, as setbacks cannot overpower you
They'll make you and take you to a higher place
Setbacks will help you grow and elevate you to a better state
And I know that the road ahead is so long but to grow you must fly away
Although the journey ahead is lengthy, true growth requires taking flight and embracing new experiences
No matter where you are in this life
Regardless of your current situation in life
It's all part of your journey
It is all a significant part of your personal voyage
Don't worry if you get lost
Do not fret if you feel directionless
How else are you gonna find yourself
For it is through being lost that you often discover your true self
You are here for a reason
You exist in this world with a purpose
And it's your purpose to find it
It is your responsibility to seek and uncover your purpose
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Logan Cooney
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
YouCanNeverFeelMyPain QB
Twin Gambino has never sounded better in my ears, this is bone chilling.
TheBelle
This shit brings a tear to my eye every time
ThisGuy TM
Had this on repeat this beat hard wish it went longer
Sora Heart
This beat is incredible
Jack Mead
That sample and the whole song beautiful-Alchemist delivered once again- I can feel the pain when he said his friends is I the grave and he hay visiting them
Jack Mead
That sample and the whole song beautiful-Alchemist delivered once again- I can feel the pain when he said his friends is I the grave and he hay visiting them
lu dogg
Bodied the whole track / beat
Neo Mmope
Too short 😔 - soo soulful 🙌🏾 - abusing the repeat button 👌🏾
Alfred Cowans
My Shit!!!! Hard!!!💪🏾😎
C Gill
Conway would’ve been a perfect addition to this joint🤘🏾