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".
The Gone-Away World
Vinnie Paz Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Before I transgress against the
Lord and his accord
Y'all are playin' games and it's somethin'
You can't afford
Babylon the grey horse, cities they adored
Babylon kill Eric Garner
Babylon protect it'self with armor
Philando Castile was a martyr
And they only response to disarm us
This a fuckin' promise
I ain't gon' subscribe to any dogmas
Cognitive process of my conscience
There's no solace
Before the storm always calmest
The Jezebels call theyself Goddess
Maybe cause they Godless
Maybe cause they arrogant and pompous
Philosophy is sat around a dumbass promise
Why do y'all choose to ignore the obvious?
Isaac gave dower at the obelisk
Prophesized hawk at the monolith
Return to destroy the populace
The megalopolis
Come on my friends, open your eyes
See the sunshine from the west
The sky is burning and
The birds stopped singing
Come on wake up from your rest
(yeah) - Gabriel came to Allah apostle
The Great Tribulation and the Gospel
Describe the Ulama as colossal
The All Aware One never doubts you
Metamorphesize to a fossil
It's water in the bottle
Resurrect the dead from the fox hole
Yemenite Kings had to jostle
They ended the life of Kalief Browder
Cause mafuckers didn't speak louder
He ain't have power
They ruined his mind and he got devoured
Babylon tortured him and tarred him
Then he cowered
Mafuckers just resigned to die on the avenue
Same shit, different day, pie
Roe and ballyhoo
Your mans ain't gonna help you
He ain't gon' carry you
The same one who call himself
Your brother will embarrass you
I take these mafuckers out and do it proudly
It's better to die on the mountain
Than live in the valley
In these lyrics, Vinnie Paz addresses various themes related to power, authority, oppression, and the struggle for justice. He starts by expressing his loyalty to his own principles and beliefs, stating that he would rather die defending them than commit any transgressions against a higher power. He criticizes those who play games and engage in actions they can't afford, suggesting that they are like Babylon, a symbol of corruption and decadence that exalted itself above cities and committed wrongs such as the killing of Eric Garner, putting up armor to protect itself. The reference to Sodom and Gomorrah further emphasizes the horror and degeneration promoted by such powers.
The lyrics then mention the names of Philando Castile and Kalief Browder, both victims of social injustice. Paz labels Philando Castile a martyr and implies that the response to such acts is to disarm the affected community, making a promise to resist that path. He critiques the arrogance and pomposity of those who call themselves goddesses but may lack spirituality or humility. He questions why society chooses to ignore the obvious issues and embrace flawed philosophies, indicating a widespread ignorance and negligence towards societal problems.
In the next section, Paz brings religious and supernatural elements into the discussion. He mentions Gabriel coming to Allah's apostle, suggesting a connection to Islamic teachings and the Great Tribulation described in the Gospel. He describes the Ulama, highly knowledgeable religious scholars, as colossal figures. The "All Aware One" refers to Allah, conveying the idea that the divine is always aware and does not doubt humankind. He uses the metaphor of transforming into a fossil to illustrate something becoming preserved or stagnant over time, suggesting the importance of staying aware and adaptable.
The lyrics touch upon the story of Yemenite Kings struggling for power, and how they were involved in the ending of Kalief Browder's life, emphasizing how those with power can silence those who lack it, even if they are innocent. Babylon's torture of Kalief Browder and his subsequent submission highlights the ability of oppressive powers to crush their victims mentally and emotionally. Paz dismisses the idea that someone's friend or brother would come to their aid, suggesting that they are more likely to embarrass or betray them instead. He asserts his readiness to take on his enemies and die with pride on the "mountain" of resistance rather than live in the "valley" of submission or compromise.
Line by Line Meaning
(yeah) - I'll die on my own sword
I am willing to stand up for my beliefs and principles, even if it means facing dire consequences.
Before I transgress against the Lord and his accord
I will never disobey or go against the teachings and commandments of God.
Y'all are playin' games and it's somethin' You can't afford
You are engaging in deceptive actions and it will ultimately have serious repercussions.
Babylon the grey horse, cities they adored
Babylon, representing corruption and destruction, was admired and embraced by the cities.
Babylon kill Eric Garner
The oppressive system symbolized by Babylon caused the death of Eric Garner.
Babylon protect itself with armor
The corrupt system of Babylon shields itself with defenses to maintain its power.
Sodom and Gomorrah, this is horror
The society has become morally depraved and resembles the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, causing great distress.
Philando Castile was a martyr
Philando Castile, who was unjustly killed, sacrificed his life for a larger cause.
And they only response to disarm us
The authorities only aim to weaken and silence us by disarming us.
This a fuckin' promise
This is an emphatic assurance and commitment.
I ain't gon' subscribe to any dogmas
I refuse to conform to any set beliefs or ideologies blindly.
Cognitive process of my conscience
The rational thinking and moral awareness within me guides my actions.
There's no solace
There is no comfort or peace to be found in these troubling times.
Before the storm always calmest
Just before a major crisis, things appear seemingly peaceful.
The Jezebels call theyself Goddess
Certain women, referred to as Jezebels, falsely claim divine status and worship.
Maybe cause they Godless
Perhaps their arrogance stems from their lack of genuine spiritual belief.
Maybe cause they arrogant and pompous
Their excessive pride and self-importance contribute to their behavior.
Philosophy is sat around a dumbass promise
Intellectual theories and reasoning are often based on empty and meaningless assurances.
Why do y'all choose to ignore the obvious?
Why do you deliberately overlook what is clearly evident?
Isaac gave dower at the obelisk
Isaac made a significant offering at the memorial monument.
Prophesized hawk at the monolith
A hawk, representing a prophetic omen, perched upon the towering monument.
Return to destroy the populace
The hawk's return signifies the impending destruction of the general population.
The megalopolis
Referring to the vast urban and densely populated areas that will face the consequences.
Come on my friends, open your eyes
I implore you, my comrades, to awaken and recognize the truth.
See the sunshine from the west
Observe the illumination and enlightenment that comes from unconventional sources.
The sky is burning and
The heavens are ablaze and
The birds stopped singing
The natural harmony and serenity is disrupted, leaving a barren silence.
Come on wake up from your rest
It is imperative that you arise from your slumber and take action.
Gabriel came to Allah apostle
The angel Gabriel, bringing divine messages, appeared before the prophet of Allah.
The Great Tribulation and the Gospel
Referring to both the immense trials and hardships, as well as the teachings of Christianity.
Describe the Ulama as colossal
The religious scholars, known as Ulama, are described as highly influential and prominent figures.
The All Aware One never doubts you
God, possessing complete knowledge, never questions or doubts your worth.
Metamorphesize to a fossil
To undergo a significant transformation, like fossilization, resulting in a timeless state.
It's water in the bottle
The contents of the bottle represent life-giving sustenance and nourishment.
Resurrect the dead from the fox hole
Revive those who have lost hope or are trapped in dire circumstances.
Yemenite Kings had to jostle
The rulers of Yemen had to contend with difficulties and struggles.
They ended the life of Kalief Browder
The injustice and mistreatment led to the tragic death of Kalief Browder.
Cause mafuckers didn't speak louder
Because people failed to voice their outrage and demand justice more forcefully.
He ain't have power
Kalief Browder did not possess the necessary influence or authority to protect himself.
They ruined his mind and he got devoured
The mental and emotional torment inflicted upon him ultimately consumed and destroyed him.
Babylon tortured him and tarred him
The oppressive system of Babylon subjected him to torture and defamation.
Then he cowered
He responded with fear, submission, and surrender.
Mafuckers just resigned to die on the avenue
People have simply accepted their fate and are prepared to meet death passively.
Same shit, different day, pie
The situation remains unchanged and monotonous, and it's not worth much.
Roe and ballyhoo
All the fuss and commotion is meaningless and insignificant in the grand scheme of things.
Your mans ain't gonna help you
Your closest companions will not come to your aid or offer assistance.
He ain't gon' carry you
They are not capable or willing to bear your burdens and provide support.
The same one who call himself Your brother will embarrass you
The person you consider as your brother will be the one to humiliate and disgrace you.
I take these mafuckers out and do it proudly
I will eliminate these individuals without hesitation and with a sense of pride.
It's better to die on the mountain Than live in the valley
It is preferable to die while fighting for what you believe in, rather than surrendering and living in a state of defeat.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind