Mark Morrison's first official recording was the 1993 vinyl release, Where Is Our Love, pressed on his own private Joe'Mel label.
Main career
In mid-1995, Morrison released his debut single, Crazy, which became a Top 20 hit in the UK. The follow-up single, Let's Get Down, also entered the Top 40. They were followed in the spring of 1996 by Return of the Mack which became a smash international hit spending two weeks at #1 on the UK charts. Morrison became the first black UK male solo artist to reach #1 in the 1990s.
His debut album, also titled Return of the Mack, followed and became a multi-platinum success. It reached number four in the UK chart, and sold 3 million albums worldwide. It spun off several more hit singles over the next year. Crazy (Remix), Trippin', Horny, and Moan & Groan would all reach the UK Top 10 making him the first artist in British pop history to have five Top 10 hits from a debut album.
Although his career was going well, Morrison was constantly in trouble with the law. In 1997, he was imprisoned the same year he received four Brit Awards nominations, Mercury Prize nomination, an MTV Europe Music Awards nomination, and five Music of Black Origin Awards (MOBO) nominations as the single Return of the Mack began to climb its way to #2 on the American Billboard charts receiving platinum status en-route. It stayed on the Billboard charts for an incredible 25 weeks.
He also performed at the 1997 Brit Awards. The performance at the Brit's influenced WEA and Morrison to release Only God Can Judge Me, a 9-track EP which contained live performances, interviews, prayers, and three full-length songs including Who's The Mack! which reached #13 in the UK.
Legal issues
Morrison has faced various criminal charges during his career including a 1997 conviction for attempting to bring a firearm aboard an airliner for which he served three months just as his hit song, Return of the Mack, began rising up the US Billboard charts.[1][2] In 1998, he failed to appear in court on charges of possessing an offensive weapon, choosing to instead fly to the West Indies island of Barbados. He was arrested and remanded into custody upon his return to the United Kingdom.[3][4] He was later cleared of the offensive weapon charge.[5]
He was convicted of affray for his part in a brawl resulting in one fatality and sentenced to community service.[2] Morrison later was incarcerated in Wormwood Scrubs for a year for paying a lookalike to perform his court-appointed community service in his stead, while Morrison himself went on tour.[2][6] While in prison, Morrison reportedly converted to Islam and attempted to change his name to Abdul Rahman.[7] Also in 1998, Morrison was banned from driving for six months and fined £1,380 after twice being caught driving without a licence.[8]
In 2002, Morrison was arrested on suspicion of kidnapping and car theft.[9] He was released on bail but a policemen was later arrested on suspicion of taking a bribe from Morrison in return for his release.[9] Morrison failed to appear in court to face the charges and a warrant was issued for his arrest.[9]
In 2004, he was arrested and spent a night in custody after a fracas started when his medallion went missing.[10]
In 2009, Morrison was arrested for an assault in London.[11]
Return to music
Morrison appeared on the 1999 Brit Awards where he presented an award, introduced Whitney Houston and announced his return to music. In September 1999, a single titled Best Friend featuring Connor Reeves & Gabrielle became Morrison's ninth Top 40 hit single, reaching #23 on the UK Singles Chart.[12] The following year, it was announced by Billboard that Morrison had signed a five-year worldwide deal with Death Row Records founder Marion "Suge" Knight, making him the first, and only British artist to be signed with Death Row Records.[13]
He later signed to soccer player Kevin Campbell's 2 Wikid label in 2003. His only release for the label, a single entitled Just a Man/Backstabbers, was a minor UK hit, reaching #48 in the UK Singles Chart in August 2004.[14]
In May 2006, Morrison released the limited edition CD/DVD album entitled Innocent Man in the United Kingdom on his private label, Mack Life Records/Mona Records. The title track, Innocent Man, featuring DMX was released in March 2006. It was well received and reached #46 on the UK Singles Chart. In 2007, he was featured on hip-hop artist Cassidy's single titled Innocent (Misunderstood) from the B.A.R.S. The Barry Adrian Reese Story album. The track sampled Morison's vocals from the song, Innocent Man, and charted on Billboard's Bubbling Under Singles chart.
In 2008, Morrison announced the release of a 'best of' compilation, King of British R&B: The Best Of.. Mark Morrison, although it remains unreleased.[15]
In 2010, he announced the planned release of a new album entitled I Am What I Am which has a tentative release date of 2012. Plans for a world-wide tour to accompany the new release was also announced.
In 2012, Mark Morrison appeared as a guest feature on the Houston rapper Trae Tha Truth's "I'm On 2.0" which features notable rappers Big Krit, Jadakiss, J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, B.O.B, Tyga, Gudda Gudda and Bun B.
Return of the Mack
Mark Morrison Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Well I tried to tell you so (yes, I did)
But I guess you didn't know
As the saddest story goes
Baby, now I got the flow
'Cause I knew it from the start
Baby, when you broke my heart
That I had to come again and show you that I'm real
(You lied to me) all those times I said that I loved you
(You lied to me) yes, I tried, yes, I tried
(You lied to me) even though you know I'd die for you
(You lied to me) yes, I cried, yes, I cried
(Return of the Mack) there it is
(Return of the Mack) come on
(Return of the Mack) oh my God
(You know that I'll be back) here I am
(Return of the Mack) once again
(Return of the Mack) top of the world
(Return of the Mack) watch my flow
(You know that I'll be back) here I go
So I'm back up in the game (hustlin' snow)
Running things to keep my swing (all night long)
Letting all the people know
That I'm back to run the show
'Cause what you did, you know was wrong
And all the nasty things you've done (oh, oh, oh)
So, baby, listen carefully
While I sing my come-back song
(You lied to me) 'cause she said she'd never turn on me
(You lied to me) but you did, but you did
(You lied to me) all this pain you said I'd never feel
(You lied to me) but I do, but I do, do, do
(Return of the Mack) there it is
(Return of the Mack) hold on
(Return of the Mack) don't you know?
(You know that I'll be back) here I go
(Return of the Mack) oh, little girl
(Return of the Mack) once my pearl
(Return of the Mack) up and down
(You know that I'll be back) round and round
Uh, Mark stop lying about your big break
(You lied to me) 'cause she said she'd never turn on me
(You lied to me) but you did, but you did
(You lied to me) all this pain you said I'd never feel
(You lied to me) but I do, but I do, do, do
(Return of the Mack) there it is
(Return of the Mack) come on
(Return of the Mack) oh my god
(You know that I'll be back) here I am
(Return of the Mack) once again
(Return of the Mack) top of the world
(Return of the Mack) watch my flow
(You know that I'll be back) don't you know?
(Return of the Mack) there it is
(Return of the Mack) hold on
(Return of the Mack) be strong
(You know that I'll be back) here I go
(Return of the Mack) my little girl
(Return of the Mack) once my pearl
(Return of the Mack) up and down
"Return of the Mack" is a song by British artist Mark Morrison, released in 1996. In the song, the singer is back after a failed relationship, boasting his success and letting his ex-girlfriend know that he's now in control. He knew from the start that he had to come back and show her that he's still the real deal, and that she lied to him despite his love for her. Consequently, he sings his comeback song, describing how he's back in the game and running things all night long.
The lyrics of "Return of the Mack" are an anthem for anyone who has ever overcome a failed relationship or wants to show their ex that they've moved on. The song is about self-confidence, perseverance, and comeback, and how the singer overcomes feelings of anger, frustration, and humiliation to get back on top. The song's upbeat melody, catchy chorus, and Morrison's soulful vocals make it a timeless classic that has been remixed and referenced by several artists over the years.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh-oh-oh, come on, oh yeah
Introduction to the song with a hype and upbeat tone
Well I tried to tell you so (yes, I did)
I warned you about your behavior
But I guess you didn't know
You were ignorant and unaware
As the saddest story goes
Your actions led to a tragic ending
Baby, now I got the flow
I'm confident and in control
'Cause I knew it from the start
I had a feeling this would happen
Baby, when you broke my heart
Your actions caused me emotional pain
That I had to come again and show you that I'm real
I'll prove to you that I'm genuine and authentic
(You lied to me) all those times I said that I loved you
You were dishonest despite my love for you
(You lied to me) yes, I tried, yes, I tried
I made an effort to make things work despite your lies
(You lied to me) even though you know I'd die for you
I would have sacrificed everything for you, yet you still lied
(You lied to me) yes, I cried, yes, I cried
Your lies brought me to tears
(Return of the Mack) there it is
I'm back and better than ever
(Return of the Mack) come on
Join me in celebration
(Return of the Mack) oh my God
This moment is unbelievable
(You know that I'll be back) here I am
I told you I would return and I have
(Return of the Mack) once again
I've made my comeback
(Return of the Mack) top of the world
I'm on top of my game
(Return of the Mack) watch my flow
Observe my skills and expertise
(You know that I'll be back) here I go
I'm ready for my next move
So I'm back up in the game (hustlin' snow)
I'm back in business and making moves (this line could also refer to drug dealing)
Running things to keep my swing (all night long)
I'm in charge and keeping things going smoothly (alluding to sex or drug dealing)
Letting all the people know
I'm making sure everyone is aware
That I'm back to run the show
I'm here to take control
'Cause what you did, you know was wrong
You were in the wrong for what you did
And all the nasty things you've done (oh, oh, oh)
Your actions were cruel and malicious
So, baby, listen carefully
Pay attention to what I'm saying
While I sing my come-back song
I'm using music to express my emotions and triumph
(Return of the Mack) there it is
Once again, I've made my comeback
(Return of the Mack) hold on
Take a moment to appreciate the moment
(Return of the Mack) don't you know?
Don't act like you didn't see this coming
(Return of the Mack) my little girl
An endearing term for someone special (could be a child, lover, or friend)
(Return of the Mack) once my pearl
Another term of endearment for someone special
(Return of the Mack) up and down
I've experienced ups and downs, but I'm back at the top
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Mark Anthony Joseph Morrison
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind