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.
Flashlight
The Alchemist Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Be days like this
When we was chillin’ on the
Stairwell wishing we was rich
The judge got a grudge, wanna see me in court
I chose to say ‘Fuck ‘em’
And got my license revoked
I got front, back, and side to side
I get it off another nigga ride
Run that chain, run that watch
Matter of fact, muh’fucka
Run up out them socks
I copped the new 6 off the lot
I made a living off of niggas
Taking shit they got
My wrist like light bulbs, a hundred watts
Got a bitch in Miami for a vacation spot
Call P, ask Hav, let me borrow the yacht
Yeah, I’m a little fucked up
I had a couple of shots
Rap ain’t shit but a cover-up for me
After I run in his crib and
Throw the covers up on me
Now everybody claim to be a thug
White T, jeans creased, and G’d up
We be chillin’ VIP up in the club
Come strapped, bitch
‘cause we don’t give a fuck
We are not the same, nigga, I’m different
Rassy spit a tsunami, I will twist ya then
Fuck being hot, nigga, I’m blistering
Gun butt, uppercut
I will clip ya chin get it?
Then I’ll David Blaine, I’ll lift ya then
Then they dip ya in
Right after your moms go hysterical
And kiss ya skin
And it’s just a sin, I’m raised Catholic
Go to confession and Crip again
I’m not the one, we are not the two
And your BG’s ain’t acting so
They not the zoo
I get it in like hard dick in wet pussy
In the pen on first watch
‘cause them faggots killed Tookie
Now I’m back with a lust
For that ragtop Bentley
Air Force Ones fuck two pair, cop 50
And I brought Glocc with me, 11 shot Lawson
Yeah, I brought Glock with me
My pop not picky
I love hot quickies, mushing a hoe
Stop hickey
Even hoes I meet on my MySpace miss me
You assholes the lamest of thugs
‘Cause you kiss crack like Hoopz
On Flavor of Love
Now everybody claim to be a thug
White T, jeans creased, and G’d up
We be chillin’ VIP up in the club
Come strapped, bitch
‘cause we don’t give a fuck
When I rap, I speak reality
I don’t just talk first of all
I’m the man that got the beats that rock
Got you saying
"How the fuck he got the streets that hot?"
Trying to double up the profit
And increase that knot
Representing the rebellious youth
I don’t beat around the
Bush, fuck the bullshit
I tell you the truth
Like the bitch who got with you
I could tell that she’s loose
Only rap about the pistols
I could tell that you’re new
Baskin-Robbins style
I’ll put you up in a scoop
Every day is like the same
Shit stuck in a loop
This is for that young buck on the stoop
On the ones and the twos
With the needle straight stuck to the groove
I show it’s nothing to prove
They loving my moves
Bad news for those that wanna
Fuck with my food
‘Til the finish line, I’m stuck with my dudes
Different weapons I choose to use
Step on my shoes and get abused
I dare you to make you turn it up
My sour diez smelling like I
Already burned it up
I put you on to something every time
I word ‘em up
I hold ‘em up, get ‘em folded up
I hurt ‘em up
Now everybody claim to be a thug
White T, jeans creased, and G’d up
We be chillin’ VIP up in the club
Come strapped, bitch
‘cause we don’t give a fuck
I was standing on the corner
Watching bitches walk down Crenshaw
Then I figured I would order
Earl’s hot dogs and peep the lip gloss
That’s when niggas got to
Trippin’, some B dancing
Some that Crip walk
Just another day in Cali, fool
Just don’t get lost in this part
The lyrics to "Flashlight" by The Alchemist depict a gritty and raw portrayal of street life and the mindset of someone navigating through it. The first verse introduces the singer's rebellious nature and disregard for authority. They talk about getting their license revoked and engaging in criminal activities such as stealing chains, watches, and even cars. This highlights their willingness to take risks for material gain. Additionally, the singer boasts about their expensive possessions, like a new car and a luxurious vacation spot, emphasizing their wealth and success.
In the chorus, the artist contrasts their lifestyle with those who claim to be tough or "thug." They express their superiority by emphasizing their different mindset and way of life. The singer sees themselves as unique and above the rest, showcasing their vivid and aggressive lyrical skills. The mention of violence and references to David Blaine and Crip religion add to the intensity and depth of their persona.
The second verse continues the aggressive and confrontational tone, with the artist asserting their dominance in the rap game and refusing to conform to societal expectations. They challenge the listener's authenticity and criticize other rappers for their empty bravado. The lyrics also touch on the artist's personal experiences and beliefs, such as their religious background and encounters with the legal system. The reference to Tookie, a former gang member and activist, showcases the singer's connection to street culture and the impact it has had on their mindset.
The final verse brings the focus back to the artist's skills and dedication to their craft. They pride themselves on speaking the truth and keeping it real in their lyrics. The mention of Baskin-Robbins and needles stuck to the groove metaphorically represents the artist's consistency and ability to stay true to their roots. They hint at the challenges they faced and will continue to overcome on their path to success in the music industry. The lyrics exude confidence and assertiveness, warning others not to interfere with their progress.
Overall, "Flashlight" provides a glimpse into the mindset and experiences of someone navigating the streets while asserting their dominance and authenticity as a rapper. The lyrics are filled with vivid imagery, gritty realities, and powerful metaphors, reflecting the artist's unique style and perspective.
Line by Line Meaning
The homies always told me it’d
Be days like this
When we was chillin’ on the
Stairwell wishing we was rich
My friends always warned me that there would be challenging days like this, reminiscing about the times we spent longing for wealth while hanging out on the stairwell
The judge got a grudge, wanna see me in court
I chose to say ‘Fuck ‘em’
And got my license revoked
The judge holds a personal vendetta against me and wants to take me to court, but I chose to disrespect them and as a result, they revoked my driver's license
I got front, back, and side to side
And what I don’t get
I get it off another nigga ride
I have access to various cars with different styles and features, and if there's something I don't have, I just take it from someone else's vehicle
Run that chain, run that watch
Matter of fact, muh’fucka
Run up out them socks
Give me your expensive jewelry, including your chain and watch, or better yet, I'll even take them from your socks
I copped the new 6 off the lot
I made a living off of niggas
Taking shit they got
I bought the latest luxury car right away and I've been able to sustain my lifestyle by robbing people of their possessions
My wrist like light bulbs, a hundred watts
Got a bitch in Miami for a vacation spot
My wrist is adorned with flashy and bright jewelry, shining with the intensity of a hundred-watt light bulb, and I have a female partner in Miami reserved for leisure trips
Call P, ask Hav, let me borrow the yacht
Yeah, I’m a little fucked up
I had a couple of shots
Contact P and Hav, inquire if I can borrow their luxurious yacht. Yes, I am slightly intoxicated; I consumed a few shots of alcohol
Rap ain’t shit but a cover-up for me
After I run in his crib and
Throw the covers up on me
Rap music is merely a facade for me, used as a disguise to hide the fact that I break into people's homes and hide under their blankets
Now everybody claim to be a thug
White T, jeans creased, and G’d up
We be chillin’ VIP up in the club
Come strapped, bitch
‘cause we don’t give a fuck
These days, it seems like everyone pretends to be a tough gangster, dressed in their white t-shirts, neatly pressed jeans, and overconfident demeanor. We hang out in the VIP section of the nightclub, armed and ready, because we simply don't care about anyone else's opinion
We are not the same, nigga, I’m different
Rassy spit a tsunami, I will twist ya then
Fuck being hot, nigga, I’m blistering
Gun butt, uppercut
I will clip ya chin get it?
You and I are not on the same level, I'm truly unique. When I rap, it's like a forceful burst of energy, capable of twisting and distorting your perception. I don't want to be just popular, I want to be scorching hot. If necessary, I'll use the butt of a gun or an uppercut to strike you directly in the chin - do you understand?
Then I’ll David Blaine, I’ll lift ya then
Then they dip ya in
Right after your moms go hysterical
And kiss ya skin
After I physically harm you, I'll metaphorically imitate David Blaine, making you levitate. Then, my associates will take you away while your mother becomes extremely upset and kisses your injured skin
And it’s just a sin, I’m raised Catholic
Go to confession and Crip again
These actions I'm involved in are morally wrong, and it contradicts my Catholic upbringing. I attend confession to seek forgiveness, but then I go back to living a life affiliated with the Crips gang
I’m not the one, we are not the two
And your BG’s ain’t acting so
They not the zoo
Don't mistake me for someone weak, and we as a group are even more formidable. Your crew members are not showcasing the wild behavior they claim to possess, making them no different than ordinary individuals
I get it in like hard dick in wet pussy
In the pen on first watch
‘cause them faggots killed Tookie
I engage in intense and forceful activities, similar to the act of sexual intercourse, as if I were inside a prison facility for the first time. This reference alludes to the fact that Tookie, someone important to me, was murdered by individuals I consider derogatory
Now I’m back with a lust
For that ragtop Bentley
Air Force Ones fuck two pair, cop 50
Now that I'm back, I have a strong desire for a convertible Bentley car. I don't settle for just two pairs of Air Force Ones sneakers; I'll buy fifty pairs without hesitation
And I brought Glocc with me, 11 shot Lawson
Yeah, I brought Glock with me
My pop not picky
I have my Glock firearm with me, loaded with eleven rounds. Yes, I also brought my Glock pistol along as an additional weapon. My father is not selective when it comes to using different weapons
I love hot quickies, mushing a hoe
Stop hickey
Even hoes I meet on my MySpace miss me
I enjoy engaging in passionate, brief sexual encounters with promiscuous women. I firmly press them to avoid leaving any visible marks on their necks. Even the women I interact with on MySpace have developed feelings for me and long for my presence
You assholes the lamest of thugs
‘Cause you kiss crack like Hoopz
On Flavor of Love
You are a group of pathetic and unimpressive thugs because you indulge in smoking crack, just like Hoopz did on the reality show Flavor of Love
When I rap, I speak reality
I don’t just talk first of all
I’m the man that got the beats that rock
Got you saying
"How the fuck he got the streets that hot?"
When I rap, I genuinely convey the truth and real-life experiences. I don't just engage in empty conversation. I am the person responsible for creating such amazing beats that captivate and energize you, making you wonder how I managed to dominate the streets with such remarkable music
Trying to double up the profit
And increase that knot
Representing the rebellious youth
I don’t beat around the
Bush, fuck the bullshit
I tell you the truth
I strive to double my earnings and accumulate a larger sum of money. I proudly represent the youth who challenge authority and defy societal norms. I don't waste time with unnecessary explanations; I tell you the unfiltered truth
Like the bitch who got with you
I could tell that she’s loose
Only rap about the pistols
I could tell that you’re new
Similar to the promiscuous woman who became involved with you, it's evident that she's not faithful. Your lyrical content solely revolves around firearms, exposing the fact that you're inexperienced in this lifestyle
Baskin-Robbins style
I’ll put you up in a scoop
Every day is like the same
Shit stuck in a loop
I have a multitude of ways to handle you, just like the various flavors at Baskin-Robbins. Life feels repetitive, with the same problems persisting endlessly
This is for that young buck on the stoop
On the ones and the twos
With the needle straight stuck to the groove
This verse is dedicated to the young individual sitting on the front steps, passionately operating the turntable and mixer, engrossed in the music playing through the needle on the vinyl record
I show it’s nothing to prove
They loving my moves
Bad news for those that wanna
Fuck with my food
I demonstrate that I have nothing to prove; people admire and are captivated by my actions. Adversaries who attempt to interfere with my earnings or livelihood will face dire consequences
‘Til the finish line, I’m stuck with my dudes
Different weapons I choose to use
Step on my shoes and get abused
I will remain loyal and united with my companions until the very end. I select a variety of weapons depending on the situation. If you dare to disrespect me by stepping on my shoes, I will respond with violence
I dare you to make you turn it up
My sour diez smelling like I
Already burned it up
I put you on to something every time
I word ‘em up
I challenge you to raise the intensity, but be warned that I have already consumed a considerable amount of strong marijuana. I introduce you to new experiences every time I speak, backed up by my authentic words
I hold ‘em up, get ‘em folded up
I hurt ‘em up
I engage in robberies, forcing individuals to comply and become submissive. I cause harm and inflict pain upon them
I was standing on the corner
Watching bitches walk down Crenshaw
Then I figured I would order
Earl’s hot dogs and peep the lip gloss
I positioned myself on the street corner, observing women stroll along Crenshaw Boulevard. Eventually, I decided to purchase hot dogs from Earl's and paid attention to the glossy appearance of their lips
That’s when niggas got to
Trippin’, some B dancing
Some that Crip walk
Just another day in Cali, fool
Just don’t get lost in this part
As soon as that happened, people began to engage in confrontations, with some individuals performing the Bloods dance and others showcasing the Crip walk. It's just another typical day in California, so be careful not to wander into dangerous territory
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
El Creepo
it's so simple yet so good, shit bangs
clammyclaude
this is when his sound really started to change and become uniqud
Phillip Watts, Jr.
Nice "Flashlight" flip! They should've started it off with someone other than 40 Glock (You know you need to step up your bars when ALC out-raps your ass!)
L' zy Accurate
This song sounds like that work!🍻
NYSOM718
What's that smooth groove track that plays at the end of this record?
Anthony Pardi
L.A. Nights - Yasuko Agawa
Antherny Lial
Oh shit Rass Kass on an Alc beat
Russell Edwards
The track at the end is L.A. Nights by Yasuko Agawa
pszemHub
This ending is better than the rest :D
Andrew Flood
GOOD FUCKING SONG BY DANIEL ALAN MAMAN AKA RAPPER ALCHEMIST !!!