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.
Shoot Sideways
The Alchemist Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Brrah
Uh, yeah
Please pick a side or run from your boy, boy
Who wanna die? My gun kill for joy, joy
Come take a dive, my demons deploy, 'ploy (uh, yo)
Bum-diggy-bum, bum-diggy-bum-bay
Bum-diggy-bum, bum-diggy-bum-bay
How many times I did it my way?
Uh, hide the cookware in the kitchen cabinet (ha)
Comin' at me, you better get your ratchet (go get your gun, nigga)
My lil' shooter like A.I., but he been missin' practice (rappin')
But he still scorin' on the opps and he still hittin' baskets
(doot, doot, doot, doot, doot, doot, doot, doot)
He with the action, still ridin' with a stick in traffic (cap)
So if it's smoke, he 'bout to have your mama pickin' caskets (ha)
I came a long way from flippin' on a pissy mattress (ha)
Now I smell the piss on the bricks when I rip the plastic (woo)
I move the powder on the side, it ain't talcum (talk to 'em)
Try to slide, you gon' die, you know the outcome (you know what's up, nigga)
Before I even got signed, or dropped an album
I was in the trap, Draco by the blinds like Malcolm (uh-huh)
Diss me, I don't respond, I ain't gon' give you the exposure (ah)
But the semi in the holster if the enemy approaches (ah)
Body shit every time Alchemist sendin' me a folder
It's a wrap for these rap niggas, literally, it's over, ah (talk to 'em)
Please pick a side or run from your boy, boy
Who wanna die? My gun kill for joy, joy
Come take a dive, my demons deploy, 'ploy (uh, yo)
Bum-diggy-bum, bum-diggy-bum-bay
Hands in the air, or I'll shoot it sideways
Bum-diggy-bum, bum-diggy-bum-bay
How many times I did it my way?
Yeah, I'm from where you gotta fire your biscuit (ha)
Listen, I told Vanessa let me cook this brick up inside of your kitchen (let me whip this right quick)
Nigga, my environment different
Still sellin' China, it's fine and terrific, come and buy it and sniff it (cap)
Uh, my mind scientific, I'm rhymin' prolific (ha)
Uh, I'm 'bout to kill 'em this summer, God as my witness (facts)
Hit the back of your head with this iron and lift it
'Cause in my city, niggas get shot mindin' their business
Yeah, I'm in position niggas dyin' to get in
You wouldn't know what to do with it if I let you get it (hahahaha)
Every time I drop a project, I just increase the violence with it
Talkin' funeral homes, hospital visits (talk to 'em)
Yeah, I got the killers on the loose
Not stoppin' 'til the opps blood spillin' on my boots (boom, boom, boom)
In the streets or on a beat, I can kill 'em in the booth
Shooter lock 'em in the scope, he 'bout to drill 'em from the roof, ah (brr)
Please pick a side or run from your boy, boy
Who wanna die? My gun kill for joy, joy
Come take a dive, my demons deploy, 'ploy (uh, yo)
Bum-diggy-bum, bum-diggy-bum-bay
Hands in the air, or I'll shoot it sideways
Bum-diggy-bum, bum-diggy-bum-bay
How many times I did it my way?
Like, I ain't in this shit to just be
I'm just happy to be here, like
I need to be, I need my
I need my motherfuckin' twisted, twisted face on Mount Rushmore of hip hop
Carve my shit in, chisel me in, man
The Alchemist & Conway The Machine's song Shoot Sideways is a gritty and intense depiction of the violent realities of the streets. The hook of the song warns listeners to choose a side or run away from trouble - a choice that boils down to life and death in the dangerous environment where the lyrics are set. The powerful verses describe a life of crime, drugs, and violence where the singers use their guns to eliminate their enemies without a second thought. The lyrics delve into the mind of someone who has seen it all and is ready to use their experience to come out on top, regardless of the cost. They are both brazen and unapologetic in their delivery of the lyrics, which are delivered over a haunting beat created by The Alchemist.
The theme of Shoot Sideways is inspired by the harsh realities of life in the streets, which are given a voice in the song. The lyrics tell a story of survival and the reality of how the streets can be unforgiving, and how the gun is a tool. It highlights the fact that for people living in those circumstances, there is little choice but to defend themselves just to survive. The title of the song, “Shoot Sideways,” alludes to the idea of being reckless with their weapons and how they will take a chance if it presents itself. The song's lyrics are not glorifying or promoting life in the streets, but instead giving us a glimpse into the reality of the situation.
Line by Line Meaning
Please pick a side or run from your boy, boy
Decide whose side you're on or face the consequences
Who wanna die? My gun kill for joy, joy
My weapon brings me pleasure and will end lives
Come take a dive, my demons deploy, 'ploy (uh, yo)
Let your guard down and I'll unleash my inner demons
Bum-diggy-bum, bum-diggy-bum-bay
A meaningless phrase used for rhythm and emphasis
Hands in the air, or I'll shoot it sideways
Submit to my power or face the consequences
How many times I did it my way?
I have always lived on my own terms
Uh, hide the cookware in the kitchen cabinet (ha)
Conceal your illegal activity with discretion
Comin' at me, you better get your ratchet (go get your gun, nigga)
If you confront me, be prepared to use deadly force
My lil' shooter like A.I., but he been missin' practice (rappin')
My young accomplice is inexperienced, but still effective
But he still scorin' on the opps and he still hittin' baskets
He is still successful in our criminal endeavors
(doot, doot, doot, doot, doot, doot, doot, doot)
Another meaningless phrase used for rhythm and emphasis
He with the action, still ridin' with a stick in traffic (cap)
He is always ready for trouble, even in public
So if it's smoke, he 'bout to have your mama pickin' caskets (ha)
He has no qualms about killing his enemies and causing their families to suffer
I came a long way from flippin' on a pissy mattress (ha)
I have overcome my poor upbringing to achieve success in crime
Now I smell the piss on the bricks when I rip the plastic (woo)
I am still in touch with my roots and the criminal underworld
I move the powder on the side, it ain't talcum (talk to 'em)
I deal drugs and do it discreetly
Try to slide, you gon' die, you know the outcome (you know what's up, nigga)
Don't cross me, or you will pay with your life
Before I even got signed, or dropped an album
I was already a successful criminal
I was in the trap, Draco by the blinds like Malcolm (uh-huh)
I was always armed and ready to defend myself
Diss me, I don't respond, I ain't gon' give you the exposure (ah)
I won't engage in social media drama and give you attention
But the semi in the holster if the enemy approaches (ah)
I will still be ready to protect myself if necessary
Body shit every time Alchemist sendin' me a folder
I always bring violence to the tracks Alchemist creates for me
It's a wrap for these rap niggas, literally, it's over, ah (talk to 'em)
I am better than all other rappers and will end their careers
Yeah, I'm from where you gotta fire your biscuit (ha)
I am from a dangerous place where you need to carry a gun for self-defense
Listen, I told Vanessa let me cook this brick up inside of your kitchen (let me whip this right quick)
I pressure women into helping me with my illegal activities
Nigga, my environment different
I come from a unique and dangerous place
Still sellin' China, it's fine and terrific, come and buy it and sniff it (cap)
I am still dealing drugs and making good money from it
Uh, my mind scientific, I'm rhymin' prolific (ha)
My mind is analytical and my rapping skills are exceptional
Uh, I'm 'bout to kill 'em this summer, God as my witness (facts)
I am confident I will achieve great success this season
Hit the back of your head with this iron and lift it
I will use brutal force to take out my enemies
'Cause in my city, niggas get shot mindin' their business
My city is violent and you can be a victim for no reason
Yeah, I'm in position niggas dyin' to get in
I am rich and powerful and others want to be like me
You wouldn't know what to do with it if I let you get it (hahahaha)
You couldn't handle my life and success
Every time I drop a project, I just increase the violence with it
My music is getting more and more violent with each release
Talkin' funeral homes, hospital visits (talk to 'em)
My music is so violent that it can lead to people dying or being hurt
Yeah, I got the killers on the loose
I have a team of dangerous criminals working with me
Not stoppin' 'til the opps blood spillin' on my boots (boom, boom, boom)
I won't rest until my enemies are dead and their blood is on my shoes
In the streets or on a beat, I can kill 'em in the booth
I can use my skills as a rapper to take out my enemies
Shooter lock 'em in the scope, he 'bout to drill 'em from the roof, ah (brr)
My shooter is ready to take out my enemies from a distance
Like, I ain't in this shit to just be
I'm not doing this just for fun
I'm just happy to be here, like
I am grateful for my success and status in the criminal world
I need to be, I need my
I need to be recognized as one of the greatest criminals of all time
I need my motherfuckin' twisted, twisted face on Mount Rushmore of hip hop
I want people to remember me as one of the greatest criminals in history
Carve my shit in, chisel me in, man
Make sure my name lives on forever through my crimes
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: Desmond Price, Quincy Hanley, Daniel Alan Maman
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@p..9973
Conway's flow + Schoolboy Q + Alchemist production = 🔥 💥🔥
@TheKing-ji2qg
Agreed
@GabrielPlcs
Word
@dwnpour4122
@ALCIBIADES LISIS that's raw asf
@NakedCamel420
Underrated comment. On EVERYTHING.
@kylanstokes
THIS BEAT LITERALLY FEELS LIKE JAWS.
@nickymirks2671
Alchemist will do that
@giyutomioka689
Perfect avatar
@jtl6272
Kylan Stokes superfax
@roundhousemusic
It feels like the shark coming