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.
Psyclones
The Psycho Realm Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
when you see what the fuck is comin'
psyclones all you sorry mothafuckas runnin'
the city has turned to renegades
and criminals seeking to get paid
i maintain, keep cool-ahead
in the face of destruction whether i live or die
unpredictable, invincible, untameable, individual
uncontrollable like a psycho deadly
so let us begin to take your min'
to another plane 'cause i know you ain't ready
the course of the psyclone is steady
so who in their right mind
would get in the way of the machete?
the serpent fuckin' with me
in the turbulent times of war on the street
gran your fuckin' heat
come with me inside the whirl wind
everybody's welcome into the psycho's den
chorus:
even though we don't know the attack's exact origin
man-made diseases show traces of an assassain
the government went deranged and came blastin'
tryin' to finish us off with poisoned rations
as you sleep
nightmares and dreamscapes awake
now it's time to renovate
use thoughts and plots to elevate
violence is like cellophane storing all you renegades
the only thing is you're already spoiled
so now you play the game
teams are spread out all over your city
mobile with your lo lo
on 520's and 560's
guns and drugs are spread into your town
you must realize open your eyes wide
the drama will be televised
revolution waitin' for your input like dail tones
strap on the psyclone's takin' your zone
grab your weapon keep streppin'
if you don't defend
don't mention it to anybody who questions
step into the eye and die you've been shook and took
by madman, psycho slash crook
the cities' survival depends on defense methods
we bring L.A. to the stage live coverage
methods are jagged like pieces of broken records
are now shanks we abuse in the holding tanks
it's going down in the middle of downtown
out of line, confined to get checked and robbed blind
vigilante to protect and serve the people
violent sequels 'til the evil and death equal
chorus:
even though we don't know the attack's exact origin
man-made diseases show traces of an assassain
the government went deranged and came blastin'
tryin' to finish us off with poisoned rations
the day could feel what i feel
life in the battlefield facing fuckin' steel, no shield
puppet goverments on the streets
to confiscate C.B.'s, batteries and M.C.'s
look at the deep thought dwelling within' your mind
do you got what it takes to survive the city of the blind?
everyone follow and let your soul feel free
can you keep up or will you fall behind me?
look for spies near telephones
neghibourhood informants, tapping into your dial tones
televisions act cameras also
enemies program your box of cables
invasion of your spaces calls for rowdy occasion
deliberate attacks on your stacks means retaliation
can you succeed in leaving the other side bleeding?
can you succeed in leaving the other side bleeding?
or will they defeat my street fleet?
can you succeed in leaving the other side bleeding?
The Psycho Realm’s song Psyclones paints a vivid picture of a dystopian city overrun by crime and violence, with renegade criminals seeking power and money through any means necessary. The song is a call to arms, urging listeners to join forces with the “psycho” protagonist and defend their turf against the corrupt government and rival gangs. The lyrics convey a sense of urgency and danger that is heightened by the chaotic and aggressive beat.
The theme of violence and survival is central to the song’s narrative, with the singer claiming to be “unpredictable, invincible, untameable, individual” and urging others to join him in the fight for survival. The use of language is aggressive and confrontational, with references to guns, blades, and deadly serpents. The chorus speaks to the threat of man-made diseases and poisoned rations, suggesting that even the government has become a threat to the city’s survival.
Overall, Psyclones is a powerful and intense song that explores themes of violence, survival, and rebellion. The aggressive beat and confrontational lyrics convey a sense of urgency and danger that is both thrilling and terrifying.
Line by Line Meaning
couldn't belive your eyes
You are in disbelief of what you are seeing
when you see what the fuck is comin'
You are about to witness something terrible
psyclones all you sorry mothafuckas runnin'
The chaos has arrived and everyone is trying to flee
the city has turned to renegades
The city has become filled with dangerous outlaws
with guns and blades
These renegades are armed with deadly weapons
and criminals seeking to get paid
These renegades are willing to do whatever it takes to make money
i maintain, keep cool-ahead
I remain calm and collected
in the face of destruction whether i live or die
I am prepared to face the consequences, no matter the outcome
unpredictable, invincible, untameable, individual
I am a force to be reckoned with, impossible to control or defeat
uncontrollable like a psycho deadly
I am unpredictable and dangerous, like a deadly psychopath
so let us begin to take your min'
Let's expand your mind and show you a new perspective
to another plane 'cause i know you ain't ready
I'm taking you to another level of understanding, even though you may not be prepared
the course of the psyclone is steady
The chaos and destruction is coming, and there's nothing anyone can do to stop it
so who in their right mind
No one would willingly put themselves in danger
would get in the way of the machete?
Who is willing to stand in the way of this violent force?
the serpent fuckin' with me
There is an enemy, symbolized as a serpent, who is causing trouble
in the turbulent times of war on the street
During this chaotic and dangerous period
gran your fuckin' heat
Arm yourself with a weapon
come with me inside the whirl wind
Join me in the chaos and destruction
everybody's welcome into the psycho's den
Anyone can join me in this dangerous world
even though we don't know the attack's exact origin
We are uncertain where this danger is coming from
man-made diseases show traces of an assassain
These illnesses were intentionally created by someone
the government went deranged and came blastin'
The government has become unhinged and is using violent tactics
tryin' to finish us off with poisoned rations
They are attempting to kill us with contaminated food
as you sleep
While you're unconscious
nightmares and dreamscapes awake
You are experiencing terrifying dreams and hallucinations
now it's time to renovate
It's time to make changes and take action
use thoughts and plots to elevate
Think strategically and take steps to improve your situation
violence is like cellophane storing all you renegades
Violence and crime are the norm for these outlaws
the only thing is you're already spoiled
These criminals are already corrupted and violent
so now you play the game
You must now participate in this dangerous world
teams are spread out all over your city
These outlaws are organized and widespread
mobile with your lo lo
They are constantly moving around in their lowrider cars
on 520's and 560's
They are driving on highways 520 and 560
guns and drugs are spread into your town
These outlaws are bringing weapons and drugs into your community
you must realize open your eyes wide
You need to acknowledge the dangers and be aware of your surroundings
the drama will be televised
The chaos and destruction will be documented and shown to the world
revolution waitin' for your input like dail tones
The opportunity for change is available, waiting for your contribution
strap on the psyclone's takin' your zone
Prepare for this violent force, as it takes over your area
grab your weapon keep streppin'
Arm yourself and remain prepared
if you don't defend
If you don't protect yourself
don't mention it to anybody who questions
Don't discuss your lack of defense with those who might criticize you
step into the eye and die you've been shook and took
If you enter this dangerous world, be prepared to face the consequences and potentially die
by madman, psycho slash crook
The violent forces in this world are insane and dangerous
the cities' survival depends on defense methods
The cities can only survive if they are properly defended
we bring L.A. to the stage live coverage
We are documenting the struggle in Los Angeles in real-time
methods are jagged like pieces of broken records
Our tactics are unconventional and disjointed, like a scratched record
are now shanks we abuse in the holding tanks
Our improvised weapons are now being used in the jails
it's going down in the middle of downtown
The chaos and violence is happening in the heart of the city
out of line, confined to get checked and robbed blind
Those who break the law will be punished and robbed
vigilante to protect and serve the people
We must take matters into our own hands and protect the community
violent sequels 'til the evil and death equal
We will continue to respond with violence until the evil forces are defeated
look at the deep thought dwelling within' your mind
Examine your innermost thoughts and feelings
do you got what it takes to survive the city of the blind?
Do you have the necessary skills to survive in this dangerous world?
everyone follow and let your soul feel free
Join me and let yourself feel liberated from the constraints of society
can you keep up or will you fall behind me?
Are you capable of keeping up with me in this dangerous world?
look for spies near telephones
Be aware of potential eavesdroppers on the phone
neghibourhood informants, tapping into your dial tones
Your neighbors may be spying on you and listening to your conversations
televisions act cameras also
Even your TV may be acting as a surveillance camera
enemies program your box of cables
Those who wish to harm you may be programming your technology
invasion of your spaces calls for rowdy occasion
Invasions of privacy are serious and require a strong reaction
deliberate attacks on your stacks means retaliation
If someone tries to take your possessions, you must fight back
can you succeed in leaving the other side bleeding?
Can you successfully defeat your enemies and leave them injured or dead?
or will they defeat my street fleet?
Will they be able to defeat me and my group of allies?
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: GUSTAVO GONZALEZ, JACK R. GONZALEZ, LOUIS M. FREEZE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
GWP EATZ
this album was ahead of its time, the lyrics were way ahead of their time, PSYCHO REALM DROPPING FACTS-
[Verse 4: Big Duke]
The day you could feel what I feel
Life in the battlefield, facin' fuckin' steel, no shield
Puppet governments on the streets
To confiscate C.B.'s, batteries and M.C.'s
[Verse 5: B-Real]
Look at the deep thoughts dwelling within' your mind
Do you got what it takes to survive the city of the blind?
Everyone follow and let your soul feel free
Can you keep up or will you fall behind me?
[Verse 6: Big Duke]
Look for spies near telephones
Neighborhood informants, tappin' into your dial tones
Televisions act as cameras also
Enemies program your box of cables
[Verse 7: Sick Jacken]
Invasion of your spaces calls for rowdy occasion
Deliberate attacks on your stacks means retaliation
Can you succeed in leaving the other side bleeding?
Can you succeed in leaving the other side bleeding?
Or will they defeat my street fleet?
Can you succeed in leaving the other side bleeding?
Majk Tajsonik
I almost died while driving 120mph+ after this joint played in the back cause...the solid road ended out of the blue. Poland strong!
Runar Antila
Fake
GillydaKid562
Crazy bro
Chomiczasty
Dużo zdrówka byku!
GWP EATZ
this album was ahead of its time, the lyrics were way ahead of their time, PSYCHO REALM DROPPING FACTS-
[Verse 4: Big Duke]
The day you could feel what I feel
Life in the battlefield, facin' fuckin' steel, no shield
Puppet governments on the streets
To confiscate C.B.'s, batteries and M.C.'s
[Verse 5: B-Real]
Look at the deep thoughts dwelling within' your mind
Do you got what it takes to survive the city of the blind?
Everyone follow and let your soul feel free
Can you keep up or will you fall behind me?
[Verse 6: Big Duke]
Look for spies near telephones
Neighborhood informants, tappin' into your dial tones
Televisions act as cameras also
Enemies program your box of cables
[Verse 7: Sick Jacken]
Invasion of your spaces calls for rowdy occasion
Deliberate attacks on your stacks means retaliation
Can you succeed in leaving the other side bleeding?
Can you succeed in leaving the other side bleeding?
Or will they defeat my street fleet?
Can you succeed in leaving the other side bleeding?
Cindy D
Forever grateful my older brother put me on to you guys xo you spiritually made me aware of everything politically wise . SICKSIDE FOREVED! Got ya tatted on me 💕💕
ulmehull
We don’t have Latinos here in Estonia but this Album and track made top3 in Rap category 1997. Such a legendary Album 🖤
Tonyogi
Sickest hip-hop album of all time.
WolfScythe91
SickSide
cyberbehr
Agreed