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.
TV Dinners
The Alchemist Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
goddamn, ain't shit gon' happen, alright? Alright?
Damn, we just gon' find these little marks and smoke 'em
Shit ain't that hard
For sho'
You got killers, nigga, I'm a killer
You need a gun, I need a 3D printer
I run the money East quick like a Ethi' sprinter
'Cause I'm supposed to, stand on my money like Kareem in the post
I want the most, like, can't you see we winners?
Judge tried to give our asses the most
My best friend servin' ten, eatin' TV dinners
Why you think I never laugh at your jokes?
And oftentimes, I'm mean-muggin', you don't see me grinnin'
You wanna meet the plug, but, moe, I'm tryna be that nigga
That's why I play the game cold like a DC winter
Singin' birds don't come by my window
I got some swans on the floor
And what you want? I got that shit for the low
My Detroit partner got that shit that you pour
And I be sippin' too much of it, I'm gone
screamin', "Free Fleas", I can't wait 'til you home
But with my brothers every day on the phone
And that money right here waitin' for you
this shit ain't a loan
It's off the strength, blood, muscle, and bone
Got it off the stress, weed, broken flip phones
Me and the homies have needs, so we kicked in the door
Goin' through shit, I'd rather cry on my own
These people don't really know who I am
They just know the destruction I can
No, will do for my fam
I keep a hammer if, when an exam
For the same reasons, we're soldiers
Soldiers don't go to Hell
It's war
Soldiers, they kill other soldiers
Blew a fifty on a Dwele, with girly out in LA
Tryna stick me, gotta get up earlier than Thebe
Goyard skully, gazin' at the stars in the Culli'
It's still Hell Block hully-gully
Gift wrap them brickies then we kidnap them slippies
Forties on deck like a six pack of mickeys
Name heavy in the street as a rose gold Phillipe
Came fully AP'd, now I need a Richie
Wasn't takin' 'til I hit it with the G-rizzy
Watched it come together, full circle, did a 360
Cut it with the lactose and get a free fifty
Reekin' of second hand crack smoke and cheap whiskey
Ghost Glock on my waist, made a killin' off the noise
Block so hot, got the paint peelin' off the walls
Quarter, half brick, whole brick, I can move it all
Auntie want it quick, gettin' sick, goin' through withdrawals
Where we at?
I stay home for a week, I ain't touch nothin'
And, and next week, I was smokin' again
It's contagious, isn't that right?
I wanna better my life, you know
I don't wanna be runnin' around the streets
Gettin' high, you know
And not carin' about my whereabouts, myself, my personal hygiene
No matter how great a saint you are (yeah)
If you hang around sinners-
The Alchemist's song "TV Dinners" is a reflection of the rapper's gritty lifestyle and the struggles he and those around him face. The lyrics are a mix of braggadocio and vulnerability as the rapper talks about his experiences with drug dealing and life on the streets. The song begins with a conversation between two people discussing a problem with a third person, Monte. The singer dismisses the issue and suggests they focus on finding new customers to sell drugs to instead. The lyrics then delve deeper into the rapper's experiences, including his prowess as a killer, his desire for wealth, and his loyalty to his friends. The song also touches on themes of addiction, loneliness, and the consequences of a life of crime.
One interesting fact about "TV Dinners" is that it samples the song "Crying in the Chapel" by The Orioles. The Alchemist is known for his eclectic sampling style, which often incorporates obscure and unexpected sources. Another interesting fact is that the song features guest verses from rappers Boldy James and Westside Gunn, both of whom are associated with Griselda Records, a rising hip-hop collective from Buffalo, NY. The Alchemist has produced for several prominent rappers, including Eminem, Nas, and Kendrick Lamar. He has also collaborated with a number of indie artists, such as Earl Sweatshirt and Armand Hammer. Despite his prolific output as a producer, he has released relatively few solo albums of his own. "TV Dinners" appears on his album "The Food Villain," which was released in 2020.
Chords: Unfortunately, the chords for "TV Dinners" are not available as it is a rap song and does not include any traditional instrumental accompaniment.
Line by Line Meaning
Why you keep on bitchin' about Monte man?
Why do you keep complaining about Monte? It's pointless and won't change anything.
goddamn, ain't shit gon' happen, alright? Alright?
No matter how much you complain, nothing will happen. So stop it.
Damn, we just gon' find these little marks and smoke 'em
Instead of complaining, let's just find and smoke our targets.
Shit ain't that hard
It's not that difficult to accomplish what we need to do.
For sho'
Definitely.
You got killers, nigga, I'm a killer
You have skilled gunmen on your side, but I am equally capable of killing.
You need a gun, I need a 3D printer
You rely on weapons, while I can create my own through technology.
My guns are long, your paper ten inch, nigga
My weapons are more powerful and effective than your mere ten-inch stack of money.
I run the money East quick like a Ethi' sprinter
I can quickly and easily distribute cash to clients in East locations, just like a skilled Ethiopian sprinter.
'Cause I'm supposed to, stand on my money like Kareem in the post
It is my duty to showcase and protect my wealth, just like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar guarding his position on the basketball court.
I want the most, like, can't you see we winners?
I strive for the most success and wealth, can't you tell that we are already winners?
Judge tried to give our asses the most
The judge attempted to sentence us to the maximum punishment.
My best friend servin' ten, eatin' TV dinners
My closest friend is serving ten years in prison and surviving on low-quality meals like TV dinners.
Why you think I never laugh at your jokes?
I do not find your humor amusing or necessary.
And oftentimes, I'm mean-muggin', you don't see me grinnin'
I am often giving dirty looks instead of smiling, which you may not notice.
You wanna meet the plug, but, moe, I'm tryna be that nigga
You want to contact the drug source, but I am trying to become the person who controls and sells drugs.
That's why I play the game cold like a DC winter
I approach this lifestyle with calculated, ruthless tactics like the cold winters in Washington DC.
Singin' birds don't come by my window
My life is not pleasant enough to attract singing birds to my window.
I got some swans on the floor
Instead of elegant birds, I have cheap, decorative swans on my floor.
And what you want? I got that shit for the low
Whatever you need, I can sell it to you for a low price.
My Detroit partner got that shit that you pour
My affiliate in Detroit has the drug supply that you can sell in liquid form.
And I be sippin' too much of it, I'm gone
I drink too much of the product and become intoxicated.
screamin', "Free Fleas", I can't wait 'til you home
I am loudly advocating for my incarcerated friend Fleas to be released from prison and cannot wait for their homecoming.
But with my brothers every day on the phone
I am in constant communication with my close friends and associates on a daily basis.
And that money right here waitin' for you
I have funds immediately available for Fleas upon their release.
this shit ain't a loan
I am not lending the money, it is a gift.
It's off the strength, blood, muscle, and bone
The money is provided out of loyalty, family, and physical ability.
Got it off the stress, weed, broken flip phones
The money was obtained through dealing drugs, coping with stress, and selling broken flip phones.
Me and the homies have needs, so we kicked in the door
My friends and I have necessities, so we are willing to rob others to get what we need.
Goin' through shit, I'd rather cry on my own
When facing difficult times, I prefer to deal with my emotions alone.
These people don't really know who I am
Most individuals are not aware of my true identity and personality.
They just know the destruction I can
People only recognize me for my potential for causing destruction or harm.
No, will do for my fam
I am willing to do anything necessary for my family.
I keep a hammer if, when an exam
I always carry a weapon for protection if needed.
For the same reasons, we're soldiers
We are all soldiers in this violent lifestyle, facing similar battles and threats.
Soldiers don't go to Hell
When soldiers die in battle, it is believed they will not go to Hell.
It's war
This lifestyle is a constant battle and struggle.
Soldiers, they kill other soldiers
In this war, we are killing each other, fellow soldiers in the fight for survival and success.
Blew a fifty on a Dwele, with girly out in LA
I spent fifty dollars on a particular brand of marijuana, while enjoying time with a woman in Los Angeles.
Tryna stick me, gotta get up earlier than Thebe
Someone attempted to trick or rob me, but they need to be earlier and more clever than Thebe (The Alchemist's birth name).
Goyard skully, gazin' at the stars in the Culli'
Wearing a designer Goyard hat, I am stargazing while located in Cullinan, a luxurious neighborhood in South Africa.
It's still Hell Block hully-gully
Despite the luxurious setting, this lifestyle is still dangerous and violent.
Gift wrap them brickies then we kidnap them slippies
We package and prepare the drugs to sell, then we steal from our clients.
Forties on deck like a six pack of mickeys
I have multiple forty ounce beer bottles on hand, ready to drink like a six-pack of Mickey's beer.
Name heavy in the street as a rose gold Phillipe
My reputation in the streets is just as valuable and flashy as a rose gold Philippe watch.
Came fully AP'd, now I need a Richie
I arrived at this position with a fully-equipped AP watch, and now I need a more expensive Richard Mille watch.
Wasn't takin' 'til I hit it with the G-rizzy
I was not attacked until I acquired a powerful weapon, the G-rizzy (presumably a type of gun).
Watched it come together, full circle, did a 360
I witnessed the cycle of events, completing a full circle, but I did not make any real progress, as a 360 degree turn just brought me back to my starting point.
Cut it with the lactose and get a free fifty
By diluting the drugs with lactose, I can sell a greater amount, but also offer a free fifty dollars worth to clients.
Reekin' of second hand crack smoke and cheap whiskey
I smell like second-hand smoke from crack cocaine and inexpensive whiskey.
Ghost Glock on my waist, made a killin' off the noise
I carry a Glock gun at my side, and I made a fortune off of the violence and chaos that I instigated.
Block so hot, got the paint peelin' off the walls
The streets are so full of danger and activity that the painted walls are literally peeling off.
Quarter, half brick, whole brick, I can move it all
I am capable of selling different quantities of drugs - a quarter, half, or full brick - without issue.
Auntie want it quick, gettin' sick, goin' through withdrawals
My aunt needs a quick drug fix, as she is experiencing withdrawal symptoms and feels unwell.
Where we at?
What is our current situation? Where are we located?
I stay home for a week, I ain't touch nothin'
I stayed home for a week without using any drugs.
And, and next week, I was smokin' again
Despite my brief break from drugs, I returned to smoking again the following week.
It's contagious, isn't that right?
Addiction and drug use can be contagious and spread amongst individuals.
I wanna better my life, you know
I desire to improve my situation and increase my quality of life.
I don't wanna be runnin' around the streets
I no longer want to be navigating the streets in dangerous circumstances.
Gettin' high, you know
Partaking in drug use.
And not carin' about my whereabouts, myself, my personal hygiene
I do not want to neglect my personal responsibilities, like taking care of myself and practicing proper hygiene.
No matter how great a saint you are (yeah)
Even if you are a very virtuous person,
If you hang around sinners-
If you spend time with individuals who frequently engage in negative or sinful behaviors,
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Royalty Network
Written by: James Clay Jones III, Daniel Alan Maman, SIDESHOW
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@TheDdaniel10000
Sideshow's verse - One of the best this year.
@wavyflackokid6289
This is factual 💯
@teeyann
@@wavyflackokid6289boldys verse>>
@AreamtheGreat
@@teeyann <<<<sideshow
@prettynikki3667
He is sick❤
@renetorres1997
This whole album is the definition of Quality>Quantity
@frankme104
This the alc’s trademark
@porkfriedrice1530
He made another quantum leap
@mishimafam
Sideshow got a Soulful Nipsey Hussle Flow.
@beatbyrich2891
he is the best hip hop producer right now.