The first seeds of Psycho Realm were sown in the tough downtown Pico-Union neighborhood, right across the street from Doheny Park. First-generation Americans and the eldest two of the four Gonzalez boys, Jack and Gustavo, a.k.a. "Duke," grew up in the contentious neighborhood in the mid- and late-1980s.
"Our side of town is the 'Sick Side' of town. They have the South Side, North Side, East Side, whatever. Our side is the Sick Side," Jack explains over a lunch of Argentine Lomo and Mimosas on Hollywood's Melrose Avenue one recent Sunday, fresh off a series of concert dates in Italy.
The patriarch of the Gonzalez family came to the U.S. from Mexico at the age of 15 and supported his family by painting cars. Their house was filled with music: classic oldies, which surface prominently in Psycho Realm's tracks, along with regional Mexican music and giants of the 1960s and '70s like Creedence Clearwater Revival, Led Zeppelin, and Jimi Hendrix.
Immersed in hip-hop as a middle-school student, Jack's neighborhood friend, Yonjo, got ahold of a record featuring a guy out of Miami rapping in Spanish. They threw it on the turntable and, inspired by what they heard, the boys wrote a Spanglish rap about all of the friends they grew up with and the growing specter of neighborhood gang warfare that would crest just a few years later in the early 1990s.
Older brother Duke was attending Cal State Northridge (CSUN) at the time, and Jack and Yonjo made the trip out one weekend to see Latin hip-hoppers A Lighter Shade of Brown play the on-campus pub. When the following act was late to the stage, a deejay friend of Duke's threw on an instrumental beat and persuaded Jack and Yonjo to get on stage. Their song about the neighborhood characters got the crowd going crazier than the headlining act, and Jack was hooked.
Eventually, Yonjo dropped out to work for his family's business, Duke got in on the act, and his days at CSUN soon came to an end as well. "I think he went with the intention of doing something, but didn't know what he wanted to do," says Jack. According to his little brother, Duke spent most of those two years with his '79 Regal backed up to the door of his dorm room, juicing up the batteries on his hydraulics with free electricity, courtesy of the Cal State University system. When the party was over, he left.
By now Jack was attending the Los Angeles Center for Enriched Studies' (LACES) magnet high school Mid-City. Always a talented writer, he once won an essay contest for an opportunity to travel to the Soviet Union, but those plans were derailed by the ill-timed collapse of communism. Jack also played first-chair trumpet in the band and rubbed elbows in Miss Cox's music class with Lucas MacFadden (a.k.a. DJ Cut Chemist of Jurassic 5, Ozomatli and the Brainfreeze projects with DJ Shadow), and a certain actor you may have heard of named Leonardo DiCaprio.
Jack admits that he and his boys used to give Leo a hard time, but when they ran into each other years later at a Playboy magazine party, there were no hard feelings. "He was like, 'Hey, your music's tight.' I was like, 'You're acting's dope,'" Jack remembers.
After graduating from LACES, Jack also took a stab at higher education, attending Santa Monica College on scholarship, taking random courses for credit like weight training. "My dad always wanted us to do the college thing," he says. "Get a good job, make eighty-, a hundred-thousand-dollars a year. Live the good life, you know?" But with an infant daughter to support (he's now the proud father of five girls) and a waning interest in academics, Jack decided that his energy was better spent working and nurturing Psycho Realm's music.
About that time, Psycho Realm caught what could be considered the band's big break. It was 1993 and they were playing a free "End Barrio Warfare" show at the Olvera Street Plaza downtown, which happened to be attended by B-Real of Cypress Hill. B liked what he heard, met with Jack and Duke after the show, and eventually signed Psycho Realm to his production company and the Ruffhouse/Columbia/Sony label, mentoring the fledgling duo. "He was a good mentor," says Jack. "He helped us structure our songs more.
Live shows, he taught us how to work the crowd."
B-Real was so impressed with Psycho Realm that he actually wanted to join the group and make it a trio, but Jack and Duke were reluctant to let anyone else in the fold. "We had the mentality of the old rock bands: If you can't do an album on your own, you ain't shit," says Jack. The brothers told B-Real they would pass, but he was persistent. "We told him if you're going to be in the group, you've got to do all the promotional stuff, too. You don't get superstar status. And he was down with it, so we were like, 'Let's do the whole album.' And we did the whole first album with him."
The Big Debut
When it came time to put out their self-titled debut album in 1997, Jack and Duke were adamant that it was credited only to Psycho Realm, minting them as their own brand. Sony didn't go for it. "On everything, every sticker, it said, 'Featuring B-Real of Cypress Hill,' " recalls Jack. "You can't really blame them because they're sinking so many dollars into it. They're going to go for the marketing aspect." It wasn't all bad news, though. Even now, when Cypress Hill comes up, Psycho Realm usually gets a mention, and vice-versa.
Timing was not on their side, however. Simultaneously, Cypress Hill, Nas, and the Fugees were all on the Ruffhouse label, and they all had big radio hits. Not being a radio-friendly group, Psycho Realm fell into a no-man's land, and consequently fell through the cracks. "They didn't know what to do with us," laments Jack. "Two Mexican guys from L.A. rapping. They were just like, 'What is this? How can we market this?' "
Psycho Realm eventually decided it was best to part ways with Sony. "Sony did give us a worldwide promotional campaign, so we're known all over the world now," says Jack. "We can go to Europe and have promoters pay us to do shows. And we have fans that are coming to the shows all over the world – Mexico, South and Central America, Europe, Australia."
With a DIY work ethic, the Gonzalez brothers have also cultivated a vast network of independent distributors around the globe, keeping their music, their fans – and their profits – close to their chests. Jack breaks it down: "Instead of making eighty cents a record, we're making six or seven dollars a record. It's more of a direct contact with the streets, too, because on a day-to-day basis I'm going around to stores dropping off product. People at the shows buy it, people see me on the streets. I'm out there every day. It's being accessible. I think a lot of people can relate to us and the fact that we're in everybody's face, we're standing next to everybody, it makes it that much more real."
The ugly face of Los Angeles street violence got a little too real for Psycho Realm in late January 1999, just a month before their second album, "A War Story, Book 1," was scheduled for release on their own Sick Symphonies label. After a Delinquent Habits show at the El Rey theatre, Duke and a few friends went in search of late-night nourishment, ending up at Tommy's burger stand at Beverly and Rampart. Following an altercation in the parking lot, Duke was shot in the neck, severing an artery, with the bullet ending up right between the "L" and the "O" of his "Los Angeles" tattoo.
War Story II
By the time Jack made it to the scene, Duke was already on his way to County-USC Medical Center, and only his jacket remained in the street, ringed by yellow police tape. He caught up with Duke in the hospital hallway, barely alive and disfigured by swelling, bandages and clamps. Duke survived, and the police arrested the shooter, but his injuries left him a quadriplegic at 28.
Jack calls the months after Duke's misfortune "The Dark Ages." "I wasn't really doing much," he says. "Not really making music, just cruising the streets." Duke eventually convinced Jack to get back to making music, and he hooked up with dedicated foot soldiers of the Psycho Realm promotion machine and fellow Angelenos, Street Platoon. Together they recorded "The Steel Storm," released in 2001. Dad went to nursing school so he could care for Duke full time and Psycho Realm eventually got back on track.
Now, along with his musical contributions, Duke runs Psycho Realm's cyber-domain, maintaining the Web site and mailing list. And L.A. hip-hop's favorite sons released their long-awaited third album, "A War Story, Book 2," in November 2003. On one of the 15 new tracks, "Poison Rituals," MTV News' Kurt Loder even recounts the night Psycho Realm's lives changed forever at the burger stand. Standout and single-worthy tracks also include head-bobbing party track "Good Times" and street anthem "The Killing Fields."
By all appearances, Psycho Realm barely missed a step. When they threw a record-release party at the El Rey, the same theater where they attended the Delinquent Habits show that fateful night in 1999, Sick Soldiers lined up around the block, and the 600-plus fans that were turned away incited a near-riot. The L.A.P.D. even showed up, decked out in riot gear, though the situation eventually ended peacefully.
"We do it all ourselves," says Jack. "For two guys [Street Platoon], me and my brother, who's quadriplegic, we're not doing too bad."
ONLINE:
For a list of independent retailers carrying Psycho Realm's catalogue, tour dates, news, and merchandise, visit www.psychorealmonline.com.
Good Times
The Psycho Realm Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Joke a little, Toke a little
Drink a little wine
They say there's goodtimes and badtimes
Well let me talk about the good in the hood
Cause this might be the last time I get to say my piece
I might decease
We're from the home of the killer bees
Where nine millis be peeling these caps
Filling these gaps some civillians get taxed
The feelings you catch from killing these rats
Happen sometimes but mostly we just chill and relax
Women we mack
Full time hustlers, money we stack
Six deuce
One broad in the front and four in the back
Two if You're fat
In your own car follow the pack
Got some jack in my lap to hold me back
It's that lust potion
After the bottle they look like a model
Otherwise one of the homies will do me the paro
My crew's motto let's get some naked time baby
If not we'll drop you off and we'll see you tomorrow
I like to have a good time
Joke a little, Toke a little
Drink a little wine
I'm that rolling stone that roams the streets stoned
Unless you got some money for me leave me alone
It's my life and I live it, too short for a loan
So I can't do it your way, I stick to my own
Block parties, backyard boogies, and mozy wozies
Alcohol, music, hoes, and homies
Girls that hold me and love me
Think the world of me
Beautiful women that don't give a fuck if I'm ugly
I got more time than money, homes
You know the song
If you think that they're getting dough from me
You're dead wrong
Those that play games get clowned my games strong
They get the L.D. then we move'em along
To the next pink the next drink
The next joint gets my eyes chinked
Who gives a fuck what you think
It's in the name of fun that's how my game is run
And I'll be joking and toking till my days are done
I like to have a good time
Joke a little, Toke a little
Drink a little wine
I like to have a good time
Joke a little, Toke a little
Drink a little wine
I like to have a good time
Joke a little, Toke a little
Drink a little wine
I like to have a good time
Joke a little, Toke a little
Drink a little wine
In "Good Times" by The Psycho Realm, the lyrics talk about the importance of living in the moment and enjoying life while you can, especially in the throes of difficult circumstances. The song begins with a declaration of enjoying a good time, by joking and toke up a little and drinking some wine. The gangster rap group acknowledges that there are both good and bad times in the hood, but they choose to focus on the good times to live their lives to the fullest, even with the possibility of dying any day. They're from a dangerous neighborhood where guns are common, and death might strike anytime, but they still prefer to relax, have a good old time and even hang out with women, either getting romantic or choosing something more casual.
They recognize and accept that there are times when they must risk their lives to protect their community and get rid of transgressors, while other times they can relax and party with their friends. There's a reference to the Wu Tang Clan, who popularized the "Killer Bees" nickname, as a nod to their city, and talk about how women find them attractive despite any glaring physical shortcomings. They're motivated by the here and now, focusing on block parties, backyard boogies, and mozy wozies. They love their alcohol, music, hoes, and homies. And when they're partying and drinking, even the average-looking women can look like models. Overall, the song encourages people to enjoy life, have fun with their friends, and party with upbeat rhythms.
Line by Line Meaning
I like to have a good time
I enjoy living life to the fullest and having fun.
Joke a little, Toke a little
I like to make jokes and smoke some marijuana.
Drink a little wine
I also enjoy drinking some wine.
They say there's goodtimes and badtimes
People often refer to both happy and difficult times in life.
Well let me talk about the good in the hood
I want to focus on the positives of my neighborhood.
Cause this might be the last time I get to say my piece
I feel like my time to express myself may be limited.
I might decease
I may die soon.
Cause the bad do to take over sometimes, kapish?
Occasionally, negative forces dominate.
We're from the home of the killer bees
We come from a dangerous place with violent inhabitants.
Where nine millis be peeling these caps
Weapons are commonly used to harm others.
Filling these gaps some civillians get taxed
Some innocent people become victims of violence and extortion.
The feelings you catch from killing these rats
Killing can sometimes have emotional repercussions.
Happen sometimes but mostly we just chill and relax
Violence occurs occasionally, but mostly we try to stay calm and enjoy ourselves.
Women we mack
We pursue women and try to flirt with them.
Full time hustlers, money we stack
We work hard to earn money and accumulate wealth.
Six deuce
Referring to a car model.
One broad in the front and four in the back
We have five people in the car, with one in the front and four in the back.
Two if You're fat
If one or more people are overweight, then only two can fit in the backseat.
In your own car follow the pack
If you have your own car, you can join our group and follow us.
Got some jack in my lap to hold me back
I keep my money on my lap to avoid losing it.
It's that lust potion
We are under the influence of alcohol and desire sex.
After the bottle they look like a model
After drinking, people may appear more attractive than they actually are.
Otherwise one of the homies will do me the paro
If I can't find anyone to have sex with, I can turn to one of my friends.
My crew's motto let's get some naked time baby
My friends and I share a desire to engage in sexual activity.
If not we'll drop you off and we'll see you tomorrow
If nobody wants to have sex with us, we will leave and try again later.
I'm that rolling stone that roams the streets stoned
I am a person who wanders the streets while under the influence of drugs.
Unless you got some money for me leave me alone
If you cannot offer me money, then please do not bother me.
It's my life and I live it, too short for a loan
I value my independence and do not want to owe anyone anything.
So I can't do it your way, I stick to my own
I prefer to do things my own way, even if it means going against what others expect of me.
Block parties, backyard boogies, and mozy wozies
We enjoy attending outdoor events with music and dancing.
Alcohol, music, hoes, and homies
We drink, listen to music, hang out with promiscuous women, and spend time with friends.
Girls that hold me and love me, think the world of me
I enjoy being close to women who care for me and appreciate my company.
Beautiful women that don't give a fuck if I'm ugly
Attractive women are interested in me despite my appearance.
I got more time than money, homes
I have more free time than I do money.
You know the song
You understand where I am coming from.
If you think that they're getting dough from me, you're dead wrong
If anyone expects me to give them money, they are mistaken.
Those that play games get clowned my games strong
I am skilled in competing and people who try to match my abilities often look foolish.
They get the L.D. then we move'em along
People who cannot keep up with our lifestyle are left behind.
To the next pink the next drink
We quickly move on to the next woman and the next drink.
The next joint gets my eyes chinked
When I smoke marijuana, I become relaxed and my eyes droop.
Who gives a fuck what you think
I do not care about your opinion.
It's in the name of fun that's how my game is run
My actions are motivated by the desire for pleasure and enjoyment.
And I'll be joking and toking till my days are done
I plan to continue making jokes and smoking marijuana until I die.
Contributed by Declan R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@chuytapia8246
This song never gets old. Been listening to it since high school, 14 years later and it still sounds good.
@Ali3ng0d
My love for Psycho Realm will never end.
@laadiccion8670
ESTO SI ES MUSICA VATOS!! NO MAMADAS ESTA ROLA LA TENGO EN LA CARPETA DE ROLAS PARA FUMAR!! BUENOS TIEMPOS
@kaletrisueno8534
@tMM chulada d rola para fumar
@Retamaoscar
Awuevooooo....
@alejandro8790
Solo para Psyclones Pelones
@deadfire18
They may have stolen my soul and brought me over to the darkside .. i still feel this shit i found out about Psycho Realm when i was 13 now i'm 21 and it never stops feeling amazing.
@ecarpoggi6787
When you get psycho, you get psycho 4 life homie, the vision of the human and life nevert gonna be the same.. Saludos from argentina!
@durtyd0075
deadfire18 keep listening to them...it only gets better!
@MA-vm6jl
Psycho 4 life once you hear them with your mind.