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.
Grand Concourse Benches
The Alchemist Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Let me warm up on this
Knowledge Reigns Supreme
I’m a teacher to my people
They won’t leave me alone
With The Alchemist producing Kris, yeah
We in the zone anytime I’m in the club
You my family, so disrespect, well
We’ll let you know what you sayin’?
"Squeezing this trigger like a
Silly bully" "brrrrr"
You’re going deep with this brother
He don’t speak like no other
He keeps it undercover
Only truth he will ever utter
The proof he discover
We use it for many others
That keep another to discover how they
Keep from not going under
The beat’s like no other
It’s heat like the summer
I was raised in the streets too
But I wasn’t bein’ a runner
I wanted them beats that was butter
So I could toast ‘em while I utter
Another club thumper for the summer
I tagged KRS-ONE, uh
With rhymes like thunder
I propelled myself from right
Under gutter what, sir?
I’m a wisdom and knowledge lover
A philosophical brother
With Alchemist here, I think we got another
I’m a teacher to my people
They won’t leave me alone
With The Alchemist producing Kris, yeah
We in the zone anytime I’m in the club
It’s like I’m really at home
You my family, so disrespect, well
We’ll let you know
This what you bumpin’ right now
"Squeezing this trigger like a
Silly bully" "brrrrr"
I ain’t grow up in a mansion
I grew up in the street, sir
I wasn’t trying to be
Handsome, sexy or sweet, sir
I used to hang out ‘round Bleecker
By CBGB’s with the air tings
With coke and reefer
I was houseless, looking for beats to
Heat the streets, for eat, money and sneakers
Sitting in West 4th eating a pizza
I visualized my whole life as The Teacher
Hip-hopper, showstopper, Glock cocker
Street philosopher, then I met
DJ Scott La Rock, and uh
We formed Boogie Down Productions in ‘85
Hip-hop culture about to become politicized
Yeah, we them guys that see them lies
Like Buju said, ‘Seckle with your 45’
It ain’t no horsey ride
We’ve been in the trenches
I’m from 149th Street
Grand Concourse Benches
You don’t even know what tense is
Until rappers are claiming the top
Spot that KRS-ONE enters
(Just like…) I start taking
‘em out like dentures
Hittin’ ‘em in their ego
Shocking their nerve centers
I’m a teacher to my people
They won’t leave me alone
With The Alchemist producing Kris, yeah
We in the zone anytime I’m in the club
It’s like I’m really at home
You my family, so disrespect, well
We’ll let you know what you sayin’?
"Squeezing this trigger like a
Silly bully" "brrrrr"
Knowledge Reigns Supreme
In the song "Grand Concourse Benches" by The Alchemist, featuring KRS-One, KRS-One starts by acknowledging his role as a teacher to his people. He feels a deep connection with his audience, comparing them to his family. The Alchemist's production creates a zone where KRS-One feels comfortable and at home, especially when in the club. However, he warns those who disrespect him that he and his team won't hesitate to call them out.
KRS-One praises The Alchemist, stating that he is a unique and talented producer who brings out the best in him. KRS-One describes himself as someone who seeks truth and uses the knowledge he discovers to help others. The beat of the song is compared to the heat of the summer, emphasizing its impact and power. KRS-One adds that he grew up in the streets but chose not to be a runner (someone who engages in illegal activities), instead focusing on his passion for music. He aims to create club anthems and proves himself as a lyrical force, collaborating with The Alchemist.
Reflecting on his upbringing, KRS-One recounts his experiences growing up in New York City. He mentions hanging out near CBGB's and seeking shelter with no permanent home. He hustled to find beats that would resonate with the streets, seeking financial stability and fashionable sneakers. Despite his challenging circumstances, KRS-One visualized himself as "The Teacher," a figure deeply connected to the hip-hop culture. He notes the formation of Boogie Down Productions in 1985, acknowledging their influence in politicizing hip-hop.
KRS-One takes pride in his upbringing in the Bronx, specifically mentioning 149th Street and the Grand Concourse Benches, which symbolize his roots. He asserts that until other rappers challenge him for the top spot, they don't truly know the intensity and competitiveness of the industry. He metaphorically describes himself as taking out competition like removing dentures, striking their ego and shocking their nerve centers.
Overall, "Grand Concourse Benches" is a song that highlights KRS-One's role as a teacher and his connection with his audience. The lyrics also delve into his personal journey, from his humble beginnings to his rise in the music industry, emphasizing the power of knowledge and the competitive nature of the hip-hop scene.
Line by Line Meaning
KRS…yeah, this is it right here
KRS-One, the rapper, is expressing his approval and excitement about the upcoming song.
Let me warm up on this
KRS-One wants to start rapping and getting into the flow.
I’m a teacher to my people
KRS-One sees himself as a mentor and educator to his community.
They won’t leave me alone
KRS-One's followers or fans are always seeking his guidance and support.
With The Alchemist producing Kris, yeah
KRS-One acknowledges The Alchemist as the producer of the song and expresses his collaboration with him.
We in the zone anytime I’m in the club
Whenever KRS-One is performing in a club, he feels completely comfortable and connected.
It’s like I’m really at home
The club environment is so familiar and welcoming to KRS-One that he feels as if it's his own home.
You my family, so disrespect, well
KRS-One considers his fans as his family, and if anyone disrespects them, he will respond strongly.
We’ll let you know what you sayin’?
KRS-One wants to make sure that anyone who disrespects his family will face the consequences.
"Squeezing this trigger like a Silly bully" "brrrrr"
KRS-One metaphorically warns those who disrespect his family that he can retaliate forcefully.
You’re going deep with this brother
The listener is appreciating the depth and profoundness of KRS-One's lyrics.
He don’t speak like no other
KRS-One's unique style of speaking and delivering his message sets him apart from other rappers.
He keeps it undercover
KRS-One tends to keep his true intentions or deeper meanings hidden beneath his lyrics.
Only truth he will ever utter
KRS-One always speaks the truth and doesn't hide any falsehoods in his lyrics.
The proof he discover
KRS-One presents evidence and proof to support his ideas and perspective.
We use it for many others
The knowledge and truths that KRS-One discovers are useful for many other people.
That keep another to discover
Those who are seeking knowledge and truth can find it through KRS-One's lyrics.
How they keep from not going under
KRS-One's teachings and insights help people avoid falling into unfavorable situations or struggling.
The beat’s like no other
The instrumental beat of the song is unique and exceptional.
It’s heat like the summer
The beat is energetic and powerful, just like the heat of the summer.
I was raised in the streets too
KRS-One had a similar upbringing and experienced the realities and challenges of living in the streets.
But I wasn’t bein’ a runner
Despite the difficulties, KRS-One didn't try to escape or avoid the streets.
I wanted them beats that was butter
KRS-One desired smooth and flawless beats for his songs.
So I could toast 'em while I utter
KRS-One wanted to complement the beats with his skillful and meaningful lyrics.
Another club thumper for the summer
KRS-One aims to create another hit song that will be played in clubs during the summer.
I tagged KRS-ONE, uh
Another artist or person mentions or acknowledges KRS-One.
With rhymes like thunder
KRS-One's rap verses are powerful and impactful, like the sound and force of thunder.
I propelled myself from right under gutter
Despite starting from a disadvantaged position, KRS-One managed to rise above his difficult circumstances.
I’m a wisdom and knowledge lover
KRS-One expresses his deep appreciation and passion for acquiring wisdom and knowledge.
A philosophical brother
KRS-One considers himself a philosophical person who seeks to understand and analyze different concepts.
With Alchemist here, I think we got another
KRS-One believes that The Alchemist's presence as the producer will result in another great song.
I ain’t grow up in a mansion
KRS-One didn't have a luxurious upbringing or live in a fancy mansion.
I grew up in the street, sir
KRS-One's childhood and early life were spent in the streets, facing the challenges and realities of that environment.
I wasn’t trying to be Handsome, sexy or sweet, sir
KRS-One didn't prioritize looking attractive or appealing in a conventional sense.
I used to hang out ‘round Bleecker
KRS-One spent time in the Bleecker Street area.
By CBGB’s with the air tings
KRS-One would be in the vicinity of the famous CBGB's punk rock club with his friends.
With coke and reefer
KRS-One and his friends would indulge in recreational drugs like cocaine and marijuana.
I was houseless, looking for beats to Heat the streets, for eat, money and sneakers
KRS-One was homeless and searching for good beats to create music that would resonate with the streets and provide him with opportunities for survival and material needs.
Sitting in West 4th eating a pizza
KRS-One recalls a specific moment where he was sitting in the West 4th area, enjoying a pizza meal.
I visualized my whole life as The Teacher
KRS-One had a clear vision and aspiration to become a respected and influential figure in hip-hop, known as 'The Teacher'.
Hip-hopper, showstopper, Glock cocker
KRS-One describes himself as a skilled and captivating hip-hop artist, capable of grabbing attention and even handling a Glock firearm.
Street philosopher, then I met DJ Scott La Rock, and uh
KRS-One highlights his role as a philosopher who shares wisdom from the streets. He also mentions meeting DJ Scott La Rock, a significant figure in his life and career.
We formed Boogie Down Productions in ‘85
KRS-One and DJ Scott La Rock came together to create the musical group 'Boogie Down Productions' in 1985.
Hip-hop culture about to become politicized
KRS-One and his group were instrumental in making hip-hop music more socially and politically conscious.
Yeah, we them guys that see them lies
KRS-One and his group are perceptive and able to recognize the falsehoods and deceptions in society.
Like Buju said, ‘Seckle with your 45’
KRS-One refers to lyrics from Buju Banton's song 'Wanna Be Loved', emphasizing the need to be cautious and aware in a challenging environment.
It ain’t no horsey ride
KRS-One acknowledges the difficulties and struggles involved in navigating life.
We’ve been in the trenches
KRS-One and his group have faced and endured challenging and difficult situations.
I’m from 149th Street Grand Concourse Benches
KRS-One identifies his origin from Grand Concourse Benches, a location on 149th Street.
You don’t even know what tense is
The listener or audience does not have a deep understanding of the intensity and reality of difficult experiences.
Until rappers are claiming the top Spot that KRS-ONE enters
Other rappers would only realize the competition and intensity when KRS-One enters and claims the top spot.
(Just like…) I start taking ‘em out like dentures
KRS-One begins defeating other rappers, removing them from their positions of influence, using a simile of removing dentures.
Hittin’ ‘em in their ego
KRS-One aims to strike at the ego of other rappers, challenging their self-esteem and self-perception.
Shocking their nerve centers
KRS-One's rap verses have the power to surprise and shock the listeners, affecting their emotions and thoughts.
This what you bumpin’ right now
KRS-One questions the current musical preferences or choices of the listener.
"Squeezing this trigger like a Silly bully" "brrrrr"
KRS-One, once again, metaphorically warns those who disrespect him, comparing his retaliation to a trigger being squeezed on a gun.
Knowledge Reigns Supreme
This phrase, repeated throughout the song, emphasizes the importance and power of knowledge as the ultimate authority.
Lyrics © Royalty Network
Written by: ALAN MAMAN, Krishna Lawrence
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind