Paz was born in Sicily, Italy, where he lived for a short time before moving with his family to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is of Sicilian/Italian heritage. He has both Italian and American citizenship. Paz originally started rapping with fellow Jedi Mind Tricks member Stoupe in his basement.
In 1996, Paz released the Amber Probe EP. This was the debut EP from the duo and it was released in 1996. It featured guest appearance from The Lost Children of Babylon. It was in 1997, Jedi Mind Tricks released their debut album; The Psycho-Social, Chemical, Biological & Electro-Magnetic Manipulation of Human Consciousness (often abbreviated as The Psycho-Social CD). The group only consisted of Paz and Stoupe the Enemy of Mankind at this time and featured Apathy, Jus Allah, and Black Thought.
He released his first solo album, Season of the Assassin in 2010. This was 18 years after Paz had originally started rapping. He released his second album God of the Serengeti in October 2012. In 2013, Paz confirmed that he was working with Army of the Pharaohs to release In Death Reborn, which was released in 2014. October 22, 2013 marked the release date of his second EP, Carry On Tradition. Paz's third solo LP, The Cornerstone of the Corner Store, was released on October 28, 2016. He released his fourth solo album, The Pain Collector, in September 2018. Subsequently, his newest solo album titled As Above so Below was released in February, 2020.
Paz owns an independent record label, Enemy Soil.
Paz is known for his raw and gritty lyrical delivery. His lyrics frequently contain references to religion, war, politics, mythology, conspiracy theories, and the paranormal. His more recent albums such as Servants in Heaven, Kings in Hell show a more obvious approach to politics and world issues. This gritty style of Paz became apparent with the release of Violent by Design, and has become progressively more defined since its release.
Raised Catholic, Paz is now a Muslim, which plays a major role in much of his lyrics, often controversially, as on "Heavenly Divine", where he rapped "I'm with Allah 'cause he chose me, I broke into the Vatican, strangled The Pope with his rosary." Paz is also a heavy metal fan, and occasionally uses song titles and band names in JMT tracks and lyrics.
Paz has a number of aliases, such as: "Ikon the Verbal Hologram", "Louie Doggs", "Boxcutter Pazzy", "Pack Pistol Pazzy", "Hologram", "Paz", "Vinnie P", "The Pazmanian Devil", Odrama Vin Laden", "Ikon the Python", and "Pazienza".
My Universe
Vinnie Paz Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A whole squadron invisible sniper-type
We living the life just like a movie
But our reality bite you in half
Like a great white bites though your raft
This ain't no cartoon, you're shark food
Hurry up, swim for the shore
Or wrestle with jaws if you think you're built for this war
Street-wise grime combined with the mind of a scientist
And a heart of granite sharper than diamonds to scar the planet
Inscripted within the star-patterns how the God planned it
We were put here for a good reason
From the mountain tops to the highest cypress hills
So the entire world sees it
We put our pain into these words
Breathe life into these bangers
Y'all relate to every verse and feel our anger
Feel the love and hate, feel every emotion that is possible
Shock you like a suicidal explosion in a hospital
Rock you, shocking every vital nerve and killer instinct
Fighting every homicidal urge that's living within
Every individual cell and molecule in your body
Every fiber in your trigger finger shooting the shotty
That's the turning point
In other words, the point of no return infernally
I've been told that my soul will burn for eternity
Answer to a higher power
Truth, as far as I'm concerned?
You can't tell me nothing motherfucker
It's my universe
The universe is ruled by the strong
The strong prey on the weak
The sky's owned by the dawn
(This is a lesson, so follow me
Let's travel at magnificent speeds around the universe)
In this world there's only one way out
Close your eyes then
You're in the lion's den in a state of zazen
The black hearse is occupied, watch the tires spin
An old man with a whiskey-nose and high chin
Looks across the scene
It's a scene he seen before
Since a teen he's seen the war
Bullets careening off the walls
To the car that's speeding off
Blood on the asphalt
Families dress in black for the son they had the mask for
The young man inside the casket this time?
That's George
'far as the old man can see, he got what he asked for
He knew him as a youngin and he schooled him to the game
His tutelage had brung him ‘til he grew to live the same
As an older gangster gentleman but barely in his 30s
The whole city was burning, but Georgie kept earning
He was ambitious, too ambitious
Man the kid was so determined
Now he's laying in the casket while the priest offers a sermon
He let his future rock inside the cradle of fate
Made a deal with the enemy, that was a fatal mistake
When you're a rat you better watch what you say to a snake
Or your family will stand around you while you lay at your wake
See the neighborhood's violent
Mother is silent with loneliness
He fills the priest's coffers and he offers his condolences
Gets inside his Lincon
While you presume the worst...
You can't tell me nothing young man:
This is my universe
The universe is ruled by the strong
The strong prey on the weak
The sky's owned by the dawn
(This is a lesson, so follow me
Let's travel at magnificent speeds around the universe)
The song "My Universe" by Vinnie Paz is a contemplative rap that explores themes of survival, power, and the human condition. The opening lines describe the singer's unyielding and brutal nature as a "stonehearted digital tiger-stripe" and "invisible sniper-type," highlighting his ability to thrive in a harsh and unforgiving world. The song then turns to explore the rapper's introspective side, as he reflects on the meaning of his existence and the actions that define him.
Vinnie Paz sees himself and his fellow human beings as survivors, toughened by the trials of life and strengthened by their willpower. He uses vivid and brutal imagery to describe the forces that threaten us, including the "great white" that can "bite through your raft" and the "lion's den" that awaits those who dare to close their eyes. But despite these dangers, Paz believes that we can still shape our own destinies, that we can still create our own universes, and that no one can tell us what to do or how to live.
As the song unfolds, Paz explores the interconnectedness of all things and the ways in which we are shaped by our environment and our experiences. He emphasizes the importance of standing up for ourselves and fighting for what we believe in, acknowledging that it is only through such struggle that we can truly grow and evolve. With its powerful lyrics and intense rhythms, "My Universe" is a stirring tribute to the human spirit and its boundless capacity for resilience and courage.
Line by Line Meaning
Stonehearted digital tiger-stripe
I am a tough and fierce individual
A whole squadron invisible sniper-type
I have a team of highly trained and unnoticed soldiers
We living the life just like a movie
Our lives feel like they are straight out of a film
But our reality bite you in half
However, the harshness of our actual situation can destroy you
Like a great white bites though your raft
It will be as if a great white shark has torn through your boat
This ain't no cartoon, you're shark food
The danger we are in is not fictional, you will become a victim
Hurry up, swim for the shore
You need to escape while you can
Or wrestle with jaws if you think you're built for this war
Otherwise, you will have to face the consequences of fighting for survival
I was born from a long line of cast iron survivalists
My ancestors were skilled at surviving in difficult times
Street-wise grime combined with the mind of a scientist
I have a brilliant mind and grew up in a tough neighborhood
And a heart of granite sharper than diamonds to scar the planet
My heart is firm and strong enough to make an impact on the world
Inscripted within the star-patterns how the God planned it
My destiny has been written in the stars according to divine intervention
We were put here for a good reason
I believe there is a purpose for us in this world
From the mountain tops to the highest cypress hills
We will make our presence known to the entire world
So the entire world sees it
Our impact will be felt worldwide
We put our pain into these words
Our lyrics are an expression of the pain we've experienced
Breathe life into these bangers
We bring our music to life
Y'all relate to every verse and feel our anger
Our fans connect and understand our emotional expressions
Feel the love and hate, feel every emotion that is possible
Our music evokes intense emotions from our fans
Shock you like a suicidal explosion in a hospital
Our music can be jarring and intense
Rock you, shocking every vital nerve and killer instinct
Our music is electrifying and evokes a range of emotions and reactions
Fighting every homicidal urge that's living within
We struggle to control our violent tendencies and impulses
Every individual cell and molecule in your body
Our music has a profound effect on your entire being
Every fiber in your trigger finger shooting the shotty
Our music impacts even the way you handle a gun
That's the turning point
This is a critical moment
In other words, the point of no return infernally
This is a place where there is no turning back and consequences are serious
I've been told that my soul will burn for eternity
I have been warned of the eternal consequences of my actions
Answer to a higher power
I am accountable to a higher authority
Truth, as far as I'm concerned?
In my opinion, I know the truth
You can't tell me nothing motherfucker
I won't take orders from anyone
It's my universe
I am the master of my own destiny
The universe is ruled by the strong
Those who are powerful hold control over the universe
The strong prey on the weak
The powerful dominate over the vulnerable
The sky's owned by the dawn
Those who wake up before dawn are the masters of the sky
This is a lesson, so follow me
Pay attention, I am teaching you something
Let's travel at magnificent speeds around the universe
We will soar through the universe at a rapid pace
In this world there's only one way out
There is only one certain way to escape this world
Close your eyes then
It involves shutting down all senses
You're in the lion's den in a state of zazen
You will find yourself in dangerous circumstances in a meditative trance
The black hearse is occupied, watch the tires spin
You will see a black funeral car with spinning wheels
An old man with a whiskey-nose and high chin
An elderly man with a rough appearance
Looks across the scene
He takes a detailed look at the surroundings
It's a scene he seen before
This is a familiar sight to him
Since a teen he's seen the war
He has seen war since he was a teenager
Bullets careening off the walls
He has seen bullets ricochet around him
To the car that's speeding off
He is watching a vehicle quickly drive away
Blood on the asphalt
There is blood on the ground
Families dress in black for the son they had the mask for
A family mourns the son who embraced a criminal lifestyle
The young man inside the casket this time?
The person in the coffin is a young man this time
That's George
His name is George
'far as the old man can see, he got what he asked for
The elderly man believes he got what he deserved
He knew him as a youngin and he schooled him to the game
The old man mentored George when he was young
His tutelage had brung him ‘til he grew to live the same
George followed in the old man's footsteps
As an older gangster gentleman but barely in his 30s
George was a young man who had risen fast in the world of crime
The whole city was burning, but Georgie kept earning
During chaotic times, George continued to make money
He was ambitious, too ambitious
George's ambition led to his downfall
Man the kid was so determined
George was relentless in his pursuit of power and money
Now he's laying in the casket while the priest offers a sermon
George is now dead and a priest is giving a speech at his funeral
He let his future rock inside the cradle of fate
George accepted the consequences of his actions
Made a deal with the enemy, that was a fatal mistake
George made an agreement with someone who ultimately brought about his downfall
When you're a rat you better watch what you say to a snake
If you betray someone, you should be careful about what you say to them
Or your family will stand around you while you lay at your wake
If you are disloyal, your family may mourn you at your funeral
See the neighborhood's violent
The area they live in is dangerous
Mother is silent with loneliness
A mother is coping with the sadness of her child's death
He fills the priest's coffers and he offers his condolences
The old man donates money to the church and expresses his condolences
Gets inside his Lincon
The old man leaves in his luxury car
While you presume the worst...
While you are expecting the worst
You can't tell me nothing young man:
I will not take orders from anyone
This is my universe
I am the master of my own destiny
Lyrics © RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Sethae
I had this friend who I used to listen La Coka with and got drunk from time to time. Year ago he jumped off a roof of an insane asylum, high on meds and died. R.I.P to him and long live La Coka. When this new album comes out, I'll put it on and get drunk once for him.
Usman
I would never ever want underground hip hop to die out
CrazyIndividual
On a serious note...ILL BILL never fell off, his lyrics are ALWAYS sharp as fuck..like when you just thought he'd said his piece, baM! he hits us with some new ill shit that he hasn't said before!! QUALITY MUSIC
EvenJackStevens
yoooooo Bill's verse just knocked my head off my neck, bringing back that old cult leader style, and that ill ass delivery for the last 8 bars. This record is gonna be bananas holy fuck.
Damian Gray
these guys never seem to amaze me always coming out with quality music year in and year out
Jon DGAF
WOW some of the realest shit I've ever hears, JUST FUCKIN AMAZING. ILL BILL IS THE ONE OF THE REALEST AND DOPEST MC'S EVER, THE PASSION HE HAS BEHIND THE MIC IS UNSURPASSED.
Reverend
This song is Fuckin AWESOME!! cant wait for the new album
LiftedOgx3Og
its about time they come out with a new album. this song is dope!
KB
daaamn if u ask me Slaine killed this, so sick lyrics
Floro Florek
CZEKANKO Z RĘKĄ W GACIACH