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.
Roman Candles
The Alchemist Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hawaiian shorts shit, four-fifths, pour stick
Cut the dog's shit, fuck a whore, never courtship
Knocked a couple whores down, raw, never caught shit
Got a gorgeous dick, I was fortunate, you fraudulent
I got the formula, cop the 550 with the spoiler
Bitch, I'm kinda spoiled like a four-year-old
My ring of Rollies like "Ring Around the Rosie"
Kill a Haza, I'm realer than a river monster
To rock for my niggas is an honor
Recordin' life, not lyrics
I was visited by spirits, your shit isn't authentic
Genuine article, like 9/11 with the fog lights
With the arm all I write is hard white, well, all right
The guns in the palm tight
Beef is on sight, niggas didn't have the foresight
In Dior slippers, can't get caught slippin'
'Cause when it's on and clickin', it be like, "Shoulda wore the Pippen's"
Rock the bucket like I'm fishin', who dissin' might come up missin'
Got a hundred bitches, grew up underprivileged
Old drama's never water under bridges
I still love the corners from a distance
Keep a pistol where my dick is, this shit is Bisquick
I don't fit in, I'm still a misfit
Uh, higher cause shit, Thought shit
Triple black Maserati Sport skrrtin' out the clear port, shit
Auction at Sotheby's, I bought a rare portrait
The City of Brotherly's an iron clad fortress
I'm at the orchestra, focused like Randolph and Mortimer
Talk in broken language like a foreigner
The one and only that's more holy than matrimony
I charge you and your homie with actin' phony
A real impostor, I'm deeper than the realest roster
Allah's my bodyguard, no Kevin Costner
Uh, come get your life augmented, your image is schizophrenic
My memory, photogenic
Return of the prodigal-like, a periodical, methodical type
Game changer, call an audible like, well, all right
Y'all niggas rap and all hype
Your temperament is the equivalent of soft light
Get caught trippin' and visit the mortician
Right with the shortlist of niggas who support snitchin'
I'm like ghetto Gastro up in the kitchen
Embarkin' on this official, astrophysical mission
I broke the internet like an intermission
Raisin' the bar is like raisin' the partition
The messiah that stretch higher to catch fire
The empire of the motherfuckin' esquire
(I know that you feel that you're on you're own, yeah)
(All your lucky stars)
(Listen to me, listen to me, yeah)
(Listen to me, yeah, come on and)
(Listen, sugar darling)
(Listen to me, sugar dumpling)
(Listen to me, you better)
The lyrics to The Alchemist's song "Roman Candles" depict a sense of confidence, power, and authenticity. The opening lines set the tone with references to material possessions and sexual encounters, highlighting a disregard for conventional courtship. The artist boasts of his success and mentions his fortunate nature, contrasting it with those who are fraudulent or fake.
The song continues with a mix of metaphors and vivid imagery, showcasing the artist's unique perspective. He compares his expensive jewelry to the children's game "Ring Around the Rosie" and boasts about his toughness, claiming to be "realer than a river monster." The Alchemist also emphasizes the importance of loyalty and honor among his friends in the music industry.
Throughout the lyrics, The Alchemist references his distinct style and non-conformity, stating that he doesn't fit in and is still a misfit. He also touches on societal issues, such as poverty and violence, with lines like "I still love the corners from a distance" and "Beef is on sight, niggas didn't have the foresight." The song merges his personal experiences with social commentary, creating a multi-layered narrative.
Line by Line Meaning
Uh
The beginning of the song, setting the tone.
Hawaiian shorts shit, four-fifths, pour stick
Describing a careless lifestyle characterized by wearing Hawaiian shorts and carrying firearms.
Cut the dog's shit, fuck a whore, never courtship
Engaging in disrespectful and promiscuous behavior without any intention of pursuing a meaningful relationship.
Knocked a couple whores down, raw, never caught shit
Having sexual encounters without consequences or being held accountable for one's actions.
Got a gorgeous dick, I was fortunate, you fraudulent
Expressing confidence in one's attractiveness and criticizing those who pretend to be something they're not.
I got the formula, cop the 550 with the spoiler
Claiming to possess the secret to success and acquiring a luxurious car with enhancements.
Bitch, I'm kinda spoiled like a four-year-old
Comparing oneself to a spoiled child, suggesting a sense of entitlement.
Uh, live in the flesh, a real macaroni
Existing physically and embodying a unique identity or style.
My ring of Rollies like 'Ring Around the Rosie'
Referring to a collection of expensive Rolex watches in a playful manner.
Kill a Haza, I'm realer than a river monster
Asserting dominance and authenticity by comparing oneself to a mythical creature.
To rock for my niggas is an honor
Expressing pride and gratitude for representing and performing for one's close friends.
Recordin' life, not lyrics
Emphasizing a focus on documenting real experiences rather than creating fictional or fabricated narratives.
I was visited by spirits, your shit isn't authentic
Claiming to have received guidance or inspiration from higher forces and dismissing others' work as lacking genuineness.
Genuine article, like 9/11 with the fog lights
Positioning oneself as the real deal, similar to the historical event of 9/11 with its memorable visuals.
With the arm all I write is hard white, well, all right
Referring to writing lyrics that are authentic and powerful, comparing it to a substance associated with purity and success.
The guns in the palm tight
Holding firearms tightly and being prepared for conflict.
Beef is on sight, niggas didn't have the foresight
Being ready to engage in confrontation without hesitation, highlighting the lack of anticipation by others.
In Dior slippers, can't get caught slippin'
Wearing expensive designer footwear and ensuring one is always alert and prepared.
'Cause when it's on and clickin', it be like, 'Shoulda wore the Pippen's'
Suggesting that in intense situations, one might regret not being better equipped or protected.
Rock the bucket like I'm fishin', who dissin' might come up missin'
Taking risks and showing fearlessness, warning that those who oppose may face serious consequences.
Got a hundred bitches, grew up underprivileged
Having numerous sexual partners while acknowledging a disadvantaged upbringing.
Old drama's never water under bridges
Stating that past conflicts or issues are not easily forgotten or forgiven.
I still love the corners from a distance
Maintaining a connection to one's roots or the streets, although keeping a safe distance.
Keep a pistol where my dick is, this shit is Bisquick
Carrying a firearm close to oneself and comparing it to a brand known for quick and easy cooking.
I don't fit in, I'm still a misfit
Expressing a sense of non-conformity and not belonging to mainstream society.
Uh, higher cause shit, Thought shit
Referring to a higher level of consciousness or elevated thinking, potentially influenced by the rapper Thought.
Triple black Maserati Sport skrrtin' out the clear port, shit
Driving a luxurious black Maserati Sport vehicle at high speed through a clear area.
Auction at Sotheby's, I bought a rare portrait
Participating in a prestigious auction and acquiring an exclusive and valuable artwork.
The City of Brotherly's an iron clad fortress
Describing Philadelphia as a place of strength, resilience, and loyalty.
I'm at the orchestra, focused like Randolph and Mortimer
Being fully engaged and attentive, similar to characters from the movie 'Trading Places.'
Talk in broken language like a foreigner
Communicating in a fragmented or unique manner that is unfamiliar or difficult to understand.
The one and only that's more holy than matrimony
Portraying oneself as unique and sacred, surpassing the significance of marriage.
I charge you and your homie with actin' phony
Accusing others, including their companions, of being deceitful or dishonest.
A real impostor, I'm deeper than the realest roster
Posing as someone fake, but possessing greater depth and authenticity than even the most genuine individuals.
Allah's my bodyguard, no Kevin Costner
Believing in divine protection and relying on a higher power, contrasting it with the movie 'The Bodyguard.'
Uh, come get your life augmented, your image is schizophrenic
Inviting others to improve their lives and suggesting that their public persona is inconsistent or conflicting.
My memory, photogenic
Having an exceptional memory, akin to a photograph capturing every detail.
Return of the prodigal-like, a periodical, methodical type
Making a comeback reminiscent of the biblical parable, characterized by consistency and careful planning.
Game changer, call an audible like, well, all right
Being a revolutionary force, ready to adapt and make strategic changes at any moment.
Y'all niggas rap and all hype
Referring to other rappers as merely hype-driven and lacking substance.
Your temperament is the equivalent of soft light
Critiquing others for having a weak or timid disposition, comparing it to dim and gentle lighting.
Get caught trippin' and visit the mortician
Warning that recklessness or making mistakes can lead to death and visiting the undertaker.
Right with the shortlist of niggas who support snitchin'
Being aligned with a select few individuals who condone or are involved in informing to authorities.
I'm like ghetto Gastro up in the kitchen
Being skilled and innovative in the culinary world, similar to the group Ghetto Gastro.
Embarkin' on this official, astrophysical mission
Venturing into a legitimate and grand endeavor, likening it to exploring the cosmos.
I broke the internet like an intermission
Causing a significant impact or disruption comparable to the internet breaking during a break or pause in an event.
Raisin' the bar is like raisin' the partition
Setting higher standards or expectations, paralleling raising a physical barrier or divider.
The messiah that stretch higher to catch fire
Portraying oneself as a savior-like figure, reaching greater heights to ignite inspiration and passion.
The empire of the motherfuckin' esquire
Dominating and ruling over the realm of hip-hop, symbolizing both power and sophistication.
(I know that you feel that you're on you're own, yeah)
Acknowledging that one may feel isolated or alone in certain situations.
(All your lucky stars)
Recognizing and appreciating the fortunate circumstances or opportunities that have come one's way.
(Listen to me, listen to me, yeah)
Requesting others to pay attention and heed the artist's words.
(Listen to me, yeah, come on and)
Encouraging others to listen attentively and engage in the conversation.
(Listen, sugar darling)
Using endearing terms to capture someone's attention and emphasize the importance of listening.
(Listen to me, sugar dumpling)
Employing affectionate language to convey a sense of closeness and affection while insisting on being heard.
(Listen to me, you better)
Emphasizing the urgency and importance of listening attentively and following the artist's instructions.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network
Written by: Daniel Alan Maman, Rahkeim Calief Meyer, Tariq Luqmaan Trotter
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind