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.
It's Gon' Pop
The Alchemist Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
These cats are little ornaments
That fall off eventually
Good or bad, every time I rhyme
They wanna mention me
Thorns in my side are just pricks
A waste of energy call me what you want
Ain’t phased by my title
I’m gassed by the game
Never starstruck from stardom
Went uptown and found Heaven up in Harlem
In NY but in the LA zone
Still wherever I roam remain LA’s own
Peace to Madlib, Wildchild, DJ Romes
Got my clothes and loot packed up ready to go
This blackout, never back out type anthems
We blam them, the logo’s for life
Understand ‘em
We stay at this, it’s target practice
Judge the cover and the book, motherfucker
It’s the total package
I’m ‘bout to give them the best of me
But you ain’t seen nothin’
Y’all don’t wanna see the rest of me
Homeboy, I got the recipe on lock next to me
I’m the future
What they sayin’ the best could be
But it’s best to be cool with me
Y’all don’t wanna really fool with me
Yeah, you better off acting like you used
To go to school with me
‘Cause you a square like them
Cubes in the cooler be as I said
I ain’t even reach my full potential
Still I stepped in the
Game with full credentials
Stars on the collar, stripes on the sleeves
Remember when I used to spend
Nights in the breeze
Sleeping in the car, speaking into bars
Joe got right so now I’m weakening your odds
Y’all dudes lames and names
Equal out to frauds
Y’all ain’t men, you bitch
Better get your bras
So you could hate, I really ain’t concerned
Say what you want when
Will you motherfuckers learn?
I don’t listen to shit that they tell me
Got the Evidence, Joe fucks with the ALC
Yeah, I put the stamp on it
Got the game in a lock, I put the clamp on it
I’m going straight to the top
I’ll bet your camp on it put grands on it
Then proceed with the plans on it
Any cash to snatch
You know that my hands on it
The fans want it, any stage
I’ll stand on it and jam on it
Yeah, just me and my man on it, no band on it
Jump in the crowd and I land on it
Signature style, I’m burning my brand on it
The way I cook a track and dance on it
You don’t wanna chance on it
Make a move or make an advance on it
Don’t plan on it, I cancel it
And leave you to handle it
You like my style, I see done ran with it
I’m the man with it
I don’t break the beat down
I fuckin’ dismantle it
I savage it, damage it
Bruise it and bandage it
I shit on it, piss on it, stomp on it
Stand on it
"Well, let me respond
What I wanna do is jump across the
Table and beat your fuckin’ ass
That’s what I wanna do that’s what I’m about
So what’s up?"
In the song "It's Gon' Pop" by The Alchemist, the lyrics convey a sense of confidence and determination. The artist reflects on his journey from being a lesser-known figure to achieving recognition and success. He compares his detractors to insignificant ornaments that eventually fall off, suggesting that their opinions hold little weight.
The lyrics also highlight the artist's resilience and disregard for titles or fame. He remains unaffected by his status and asserts that he can lie on any Bible to prove his authenticity. The Alchemist expresses his unwavering dedication to the game and his ability to find inspiration no matter where he goes. He shows gratitude towards Madlib, Wildchild, and DJ Romes, hinting at the positive influence they have had on his career.
Furthermore, the lyrics emphasize the artist's belief in his own potential. He references his past struggles, spending nights in the breeze and sleeping in cars. However, these experiences have only fueled his determination to succeed. The Alchemist suggests that his critics are mere frauds and advises them to respect his abilities. He demonstrates his loyalty to Evidence, also known as "Joe," further highlighting his authenticity and commitment to his craft.
The final phrase in the lyrics signifies a confrontational tone, as the artist expresses a desire to physically retaliate against someone who has provoked him. This demonstrates the intensity of his emotions and his willingness to defend his reputation and honor.
Line by Line Meaning
Went from Bourne Identity to Bourne Supremacy
I have progressed and elevated my status from being average to being exceptional.
These cats are little ornaments
These individuals are insignificant and merely decorative.
That fall off eventually
They will eventually fade away and lose relevance.
Good or bad, every time I rhyme
Regardless of the outcome, whenever I rap.
They wanna mention me
They feel the need to acknowledge and talk about me.
Thorns in my side are just pricks
The challenges I face are insignificant nuisances.
A waste of energy call me what you want
It is pointless to try and insult me because I don't care.
Ain’t phased by my title
I am unaffected by the label or position I hold.
Believe a notebook, I’ll lie on any Bible
I am so committed to my craft that I can deceive anyone with my lyrics.
I’m gassed by the game
I am fueled and motivated by the music industry.
Never starstruck from stardom
I don't get overwhelmed or obsessed with fame.
Went uptown and found Heaven up in Harlem
I discovered a heavenly experience while in Harlem.
In NY but in the LA zone
Although I am physically in New York, my mindset is influenced by Los Angeles.
Still wherever I roam remain LA’s own
No matter where I go, I always represent Los Angeles.
Peace to Madlib, Wildchild, DJ Romes
Sending greetings and respect to Madlib, Wildchild, and DJ Romes.
Got my clothes and loot packed up ready to go
I'm prepared and packed with money to embark on my musical journey.
This blackout, never back out type anthems
My songs are powerful and intense, never retreating.
We blam them, the logo’s for life
We strongly represent and promote our brand for a lifetime.
Understand ‘em
Comprehend the meaning and intentions behind our music.
We stay at this, it’s target practice
We are dedicated to this craft and constantly improving our skills.
Judge the cover and the book, motherfucker
Don't underestimate or judge me solely based on appearances.
It’s the total package
I possess a combination of talents and qualities that make me exceptional.
I’m ‘bout to give them the best of me
I am prepared to deliver my absolute best.
But you ain’t seen nothin’
What you have witnessed so far is just the beginning.
Y’all don’t wanna see the rest of me
You are not prepared to witness and handle my true capabilities.
Homeboy, I got the recipe on lock next to me
I possess the perfect formula and it is securely in my possession.
I’m the future
I represent the upcoming and promising era.
What they sayin’ the best could be
I am the embodiment of what people consider as the best.
But it’s best to be cool with me
It is advisable to maintain a good relationship and not provoke me.
Y’all don’t wanna really fool with me
You do not want to engage or cross paths with me.
Yeah, you better off acting like you used
It is in your best interest to pretend as if you were once friends with me.
To go to school with me
To have attended the same educational institution as me.
‘Cause you a square like them
Because you are uncool and dull like those
Cubes in the cooler be as I said
Cubed ice that remains in the cooler for extended periods, as I previously mentioned.
I ain’t even reach my full potential
I have not yet achieved my maximum capabilities.
Still I stepped in the
Even so, I entered the
Game with full credentials
I arrived fully equipped and qualified to excel in the industry.
Stars on the collar, stripes on the sleeves
Symbolic elements suggesting status and authority.
Remember when I used to spend
Recall the past when I would allocate
Nights in the breeze
Evenings in the calm and refreshing air.
Sleeping in the car, speaking into bars
Resting inside the vehicle while given lyrical performances.
Joe got right so now I’m weakening your odds
I successfully improved my situation, thus diminishing your chances of success.
Y’all dudes lames and names
You individuals are not only uninteresting but also lack significance.
Equal out to frauds
Collectively, you amount to being deceitful.
Y’all ain’t men, you bitch
You are not respectable individuals, but rather, weak and cowardly.
Better get your bras
You should gather your female undergarments and retreat.
So you could hate, I really ain’t concerned
You are free to dislike and resent me, but it does not affect me.
Say what you want when
Express your opinions and comments
Will you motherfuckers learn?
When will you ignorant individuals finally understand?
I don’t listen to shit that they tell me
I refuse to pay attention to the nonsense they try to feed me.
Got the Evidence, Joe fucks with the ALC
I have the proof, Joe collaborates with the Alchemist.
Yeah, I put the stamp on it
I have marked and established my authority over it.
Got the game in a lock, I put the clamp on it
I have complete control and dominance over the industry.
I’m going straight to the top
I am determined to achieve the highest level of success.
I’ll bet your camp on it put grands on it
I am so confident in my abilities that I am willing to wager a significant amount of money.
Then proceed with the plans on it
Afterward, I will execute and carry out the intended strategies.
Any cash to snatch
Any available money to claim or obtain.
You know that my hands on it
You are aware that I have control and influence over it.
The fans want it, any stage
The audience craves and eagerly awaits my performances on any platform.
I’ll stand on it and jam on it
I confidently and skillfully perform on the stage.
Yeah, just me and my man on it, no band on it
It is only me and my close companion, without the need for additional support.
Jump in the crowd and I land on it
I boldly dive into the audience and land effortlessly on my feet.
Signature style, I’m burning my brand on it
My distinctive style becomes associated and permanently marked with me.
The way I cook a track and dance on it
The manner in which I create a captivating song and effortlessly flow on it.
You don’t wanna chance on it
You do not want to take a risk and underestimate my abilities.
Make a move or make an advance on it
Either take action or attempt to seize the opportunity presented.
Don’t plan on it, I cancel it
However, do not expect success, as I will cancel your plans.
And leave you to handle it
I will leave you to deal with the consequences.
You like my style, I see done ran with it
You seem to admire and imitate my style of rap.
I’m the man with it
I possess and dominate this style and talent.
I don’t break the beat down
I do not dismantle or weaken the rhythm.
I fuckin’ dismantle it
Instead, I skillfully deconstruct and disrupt it.
I savage it, damage it
I ruthlessly attack and harm it.
Bruise it and bandage it
Then, I metaphorically bruise and repair it.
I shit on it, piss on it, stomp on it
I metaphorically defecate, urinate, and aggressively trample on it.
Stand on it
Ultimately, I continue to assert my dominance over it.
"Well, let me respond
"Allow me to react and address your statement.
What I wanna do is jump across the
My desire is to physically leap over the
Table and beat your fuckin’ ass
Furniture and physically assault you.
That’s what I wanna do that’s what I’m about
That is my intention and purpose, that is who I am.
So what’s up?"
So, what is your response or reaction to my statement?
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Craig Davis
Classic!!!
J. W.
Well, it is mid 2017... and this gem is still disrespecting the majority of rappers out. #ALC #GOAT
Craig Davis
Dope!!!
Craig Davis
True Hip Hop For Life Man.
O K
This deserves a lot more views.
Willy Tokerson
This one slaps all across the zip code
Craig Davis
R.I.P.James Brown!!!🎵🎵🎵🎧🎧🎧🎤🎤🎤💗💗💗🙏🙏🙏
Phillip Watts, Jr.
2:42--"I represent 'peace and knowledge'...but I WILL CONTRADICT THAT!"
Pangeaner
killer beat
Phillip Watts, Jr.
"What I wanna do is JUMP ACROSS THE TABLE AND BEAT YOUR FUCKIN' ASS!" Looks like Kris is in rare form in this one!