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.
Respect My Gangster
The Alchemist Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah, respect my gangsta
Yeah yeah yeah, respect my gangster
(We duffin', we bustin'
You know that it's on)
Gangster (Either or, we gon' lock horns)
Respect my gangster (We bustin', we duffin'
You know that it's on)
Yeah, respect my gangster
‘cause I ain't nothin' to play with
Yo, I walks that righteous path
So I'm protected from danger
And I ain't runnin', I stay with
My clique when the shit gets thick
(Why?) ‘cause I'm a team player
And I ain't frontin', I'm laying it up
Down to the tape so quick you
Think I was the Speed Racer
As a percussion, I'm lacing ‘em with the
Yeah, yo, you can expect that flavor
Layers, the different ways to do the regular
(That's right)
‘Cause that's how I gets my paper
And I ain't stuntin', I'm making it
Look so simple but it's so complex
It gets deeper
Y'all gotta follow the footsteps
Watch, learn, and study the manuscripts
Drop, earn, and work with the fans you get
Respect my gangster...gangster
Respect my gangster...gangster
Yeah yeah yeah, respect my gangster
(We duffin', we bustin'
You know that it's on)
Gangster (Either or, we gon' lock horns)
Respect my gangster (We bustin', we duffin'
You know that it's on)
Yeah, yo, yo, nigga, hold mines
Is you stupid? We're a goldmine
You front on us
You get shot three or four times
On different occasions
I keep giving it to you
And save the death shot for last
It's beautiful
How I handle it, I'm not a menace
They ain't got a word for how I bring it
A little psychotic but
That's an understatement
A little narcotics'll put me in a place where
I can get my mind off all of y'all fake shit
Just look at how we raised you
And still raising you
Y'all niggas are duh dun-duh dunts
You hear me on the news
It ain't ‘cause loose shot
(nah) , ain't ‘cause I'm stabbed
Word, they screamin' my name?
I musta got bagged
And I ain't tryin' to say I can't get it
‘Cause I'm a nigga in the midst of
This shit where everybody could get wrapped
Niggas wanna see if my shit is easy to grab
Reaching on me is like reaching for God
So say your prayers
Respect my gangster...gangster
Respect my gangster...gangster
Yeah yeah yeah, respect my gangster
(We duffin', we bustin'
You know that it's on)
Gangster (Either or, we gon' lock horns)
Respect my gangster (We bustin', we duffin'
You know that it's on)
The lyrics to The Alchemist's song "Respect My Gangster" paint a vivid picture of the artist's self-assured and confident persona, demanding respect for his gangster lifestyle. The repetition of "Gangster...gangsta...respect my gangster" sets the tone for the assertive and commanding nature of the track. The artist emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and respecting his gangster identity and ethos throughout the song, making it clear that he is not to be underestimated or taken lightly.
The lyrics delve into the artist's unwavering dedication to his path, proclaiming that he walks a righteous path that protects him from danger. He highlights his loyalty to his team, portraying himself as a team player who stands by his clique when faced with difficult situations. The reference to Speed Racer and the intricate rhyme schemes suggest a level of skill and proficiency in his craft, indicating that he operates on a different level than his competitors.
The second verse takes a darker turn as the artist warns against underestimating him and his crew, emphasizing the consequences for those who dare to cross them. The vivid imagery of getting shot multiple times on different occasions and saving the "death shot" for last conveys a sense of ruthless determination and a no-nonsense attitude towards those who oppose him. The artist's blunt and unapologetic demeanor shines through as he navigates the complexities of his lifestyle.
Overall, "Respect My Gangster" serves as a declaration of confidence, strength, and resilience in the face of adversity. The artist asserts his dominance and demands respect for his gangster persona, showcasing a mix of bravado, skill, and loyalty to his crew. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a figure who navigates the dangers of his world with a mix of calculated precision and unwavering resolve, making it clear that his gangster persona is not to be trifled with.
Line by Line Meaning
Gangster...gangsta...respect my gangster
Embrace and recognize my true essence as a gangster
Respect my gangsta
Acknowledge and honor my gangster lifestyle
Yeah, respect my gangster
Indeed, show admiration for my gangster persona
(We duffin', we bustin'
You know that it's on)
We engage in fights and confrontations, letting you know we are ready
Gangster (Either or, we gon' lock horns)
As gangsters, we are prepared to face any challenge head-on
Respect my gangster (We bustin', we duffin'
You know that it's on)
Understand and honor our readiness for action, as we are ready to fight and defy any opponent
‘cause I ain't nothin' to play with
I am not someone to be taken lightly or underestimated
Yo, I walks that righteous path
I choose to follow a moral and principled way of life
And I ain't frontin', I'm laying it up
I am being honest and straightforward, showing my skills
Down to the tape so quick you
Think I was the Speed Racer
I move swiftly and efficiently, like a skilled racing driver
As a percussion, I'm lacing ‘em with the
In my craft, I deliver a strong impact with my performance
Yeah, yo, you can expect that flavor
Be prepared for the unique and distinctive style I bring
And I ain't stuntin', I'm making it
Look so simple but it's so complex
I appear effortless, but my methods are intricate and multifaceted
Y'all gotta follow the footsteps
Watch, learn, and study the manuscripts
You should emulate my path, observe, and analyze my teachings
Respect my gangster...gangster
Honor and acknowledge my gangster presence
Yeah, yo, yo, nigga, hold mines
Is you stupid? We're a goldmine
Recognize the value and potential of what we possess
You front on us
You get shot three or four times
On different occasions
If you challenge us, you will face consequences repeatedly
A little narcotics'll put me in a place where
I can get my mind off all of y'all fake shit
Using drugs allows me to escape from the dishonesty and pretense of others
Reaching on me is like reaching for God
So say your prayers
Attempting to harm me is akin to challenging a higher power, so prepare yourself
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@phillipwattsjr.4714
ALC & Prodigy had an awesome run together.
@masterciphersupreme648
Damn I haven't heard this in a couple of minutes. This that real live street music right here. 👍👍💯💯💯💯💯
@simonforrest2522
took the words outta my mouth yo
@chicagoclassichip-hopmusic1014
🔥🔥🔥2021 and Forever
@michaelparker6240
Still bumpin this in 2019! Timeless p street music from the two goats alc and p!
@ScottyGaines
Prodigy too slick on this
@simonforrest2522
Damn.. this some classic shit right here.. R.I.P Prodigy.. King from Queens (i know he's from Hempstead but..) .. neva be another .. rest in paradise Thuuuuun!!!
@adrianmattison6111
Rip P
@adrianmattison4889
This shit da truth ear cocaine this beat make me wanna throw that hoody on and punch in lmao
@gtg9866
Certainly ear coke. VIP-IMD . . . simply the best.