(From Reach Records website bio: https://www.reachrecords.com/artists/1k-p… Read Full Bio ↴(From Reach Records website bio: https://www.reachrecords.com/artists/1k-phew/)

Crossover appeal is a buzzy phrase that means more to the marketers trying to sell a record than the artist trying to make it. Yet hip hop, well, hip hop done right and true bridges every gap. Even the gap between Faith and Culture. Not by abandoning the culture it’s born from, but illuminating that culture for the world to see. 1K Phew embodies authenticity, his life and his music are a showcase for the culture that forged him wherever he goes. Listen once, and you can’t help but hear the shine.
1K Phew exudes that authenticity in his music and lifestyle, all the way down to the name. “My mission is to keep it 1,000. That’s where the 1K comes from,” says the 25-year-old rapper. His latest project, What’s Understood 2 is pure, unfiltered trap, not designed in a lab, but shaped by his East Atlanta home.
“Everybody that’s around me, I want them to feel love. It’s just my vibe, and I want y’all to feel it.”
They do. As evidenced by his mixtapes Sunday Night (2015) and Life (2016) and his last album, What’s Understood, Phew’s got plenty of swag with the wisdom to match, a package that has brought him an incredible platform, including the 2019 season-anthem for his hometown Atlanta Falcons. The young artist was instrumental in connecting contemporary trap legend Zaytoven with Reach Records co-founder Lecrae, leading to their critically acclaimed collaboration, Let the Trap Say Amen.
There’s a sense of transparency that comes through in his music, a refined rawness only be gained through experience and honing your craft, leading up WU2.
“I feel like the streets respect that. If you’re somebody you not, they won’t. And that’s why I keep it 1K.”
The project is strapped with explosive features, from emerging trap star the 2-Chainz signed Skooly, who shines on the contemplative, atmospheric, string-laden standout track “Heatwave,” to labelmate Lecrae on their head-bopping “Wild N Out.” WHATUPRG, Jamie Grace, Foggie Raw and more lend their talents to WU2’s packed roster, wrapped together by a young artist maturing by leaps and bounds.
“I found myself as an artist, and more importantly as a man through, WU2,” says Phew. “Making this music helped me discover a whole new world in myself.”
He’s got a word for the church, too, because “sometimes I’m preaching to the choir, but everybody in the choir ain’t all the way there.” Phew himself was that kid — always on time for Sunday service, but caught up trying to chase the approval of a crowd on a destructive path.
As he crept into adulthood, the young rapper still flirted with disaster. A weed deal intended to score extra money for college quickly went south, forcing Phew and his crew to flee the scene, speeding down city streets and dodging oncoming traffic as gunshots trailed in the distance. One bullet connected with the car mirror. Soon, the whole crew ducked their heads as shots whirred past their vehicle. Phew made it out in one piece, but once he stepped out the car he dropped to his knees.
“Something came over me that day,” says Phew. “My whole body was numb. I told God, ‘I’m done. I’m done, I’m done, I’m done.’ If I kept going, I’d be dead or in jail.”
He credits the goodness of God for making it out alive, and the love of his parents with getting his mind right and keeping his heart pure.
It’s why he wants everybody, from the choir to the club, to hear the true Phew throughout WU2 and see his comfort in his own skin. “I’m tryna show my people,” adding, “you don’t need nobody’s approval for your dopeness.”For those that haven’t heard, or just need the reminder, WU2 is here for you.

Back Then
1K Phew Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Yeah, it's 1K forever, you know what I'm saying?
Zaytoven

Just the other day I was reminiscing 'bout
the bad times and the good times that we had
A lot of situations went left, aw man, I ain't never going out sad
Not me, no way, no house
Slept back then, but not right now

Living up north, I can't go south
But I'm always in the south

'Cause I was born and raised on that
East side of Atlanta (born and raised, man)
Used to ride around town with Dirty Diana (Michael Jackson, man)
Still kick the flavor,
you can even tell from my grammar (I think it's like)
Had to change my life 'cause I was on my way to that slammer, yeah man

We came a long way from back then (long way)
Came a long way from back then (long way)
Came a long way from back then
We came a long way from back then (long way)
I remember way back when
Yeah, I remember way back when (I do)
Came a long way from back then
Phew
(Came a long way from back then)

Let me take you back to when we were doing them
dirty things in that side street, and they'd call at 12
Young and wild we was all 12
Skipping class and we all failed
I ain't tryna say that was cool, just thinking 'bout how we was
Cracking up with Dre, that boy a fool, man, rest in peace to my cuz
I got time to count on these folk
I'ma stay real and that's on my fam
I'ma stay true 'cause that's who I am
Came a long way from busting them stamps
Working hard with my co-workers
1K is my faculty
Waving at my haters as I'm looking down from my balcony
Let's do it

Born and raised on that East side of Atlanta (born and raised, man)
Used to ride around town with Dirty Diana (Michael Jackson, man)
Still kick the flavor,
you can even tell from my grammar (I think it's like)
Had to change my life 'cause I was on my way to that slammer, yeah man

We came a long way from back then (long way)
Came a long way from back then (long way)
Came a long way from back then
We came a long way from back then (long way)
I remember way back when
Yeah, I remember way back when (I do)
Came a long way from back then
(Came a long way from back then)

It's a lot of folks that wish they never would've doubted
They ain't really think we was grinding
Now I bet they really know we 'bout it
Yeah, I believe in perfect timing
Everyday I'm throwing up who, what,
when, feeling like they giving me the heimlich
'Cause I gotta stick to my assignment
So lit, we be changing all the climates
We done got it turnt, church gone wild already
I ain't even know it was coming this fast
[?] like, "He ain't gon' last"
Now we got the whole wide world on smash
With a new touch, everybody gon' know them, that's no lie
It's going up when I'm in yo' state and I know why (How come?)

'Cause I was born and raised on that
East side of Atlanta (born and raised, man)
Used to ride around town with Dirty Diana (Michael Jackson, man)
Still kick the flavor,
you can even tell from my grammar (I think it's like)
Had to change my life 'cause I was on my way to that slammer, yeah man

We came a long way from back then (long way)
Came a long way from back then (long way)
Came a long way from back then
We came a long way from back then (long way)
I remember way back when

Yeah, I remember way back when (I do)
Came a long way from back then

Overall Meaning

The song "Back Then" by 1K Phew reminisces about tough times and overcoming them. The rapper reflects on the bad times and the good times he's experienced, and how they have shaped him into the person he is today. He talks about the things he used to do to survive, like sleeping in his car and selling drugs, but emphasizes that those days are long gone. He acknowledges the mistakes he made in the past but is proud of how far he has come.

1K Phew also talks about the importance of sticking to his values and staying true to himself. He wants to make it clear that he won't compromise his integrity or morals to get ahead. Through hard work and determination, he has been able to achieve success and prove his doubters wrong.

Overall, "Back Then" is an uplifting song about overcoming adversity and staying true to oneself. It's a song that resonates with anyone who has struggled and worked hard to achieve their goals.

Line by Line Meaning

Yeah, it's 1K forever, you know what I'm saying?
1K Phew is committed to 1K forever and will always stand by this statement.

Just the other day I was reminiscing 'bout the bad times and the good times that we had
1K Phew was reflecting on his past experiences, both positive and negative.

A lot of situations went left, aw man, I ain't never going out sad
Despite facing difficult situations in the past, 1K Phew will not give up or fail.

Not me, no way, no house
1K Phew will not back down or be defeated.

Slept back then, but not right now
1K Phew used to be inactive, but he is now active and working hard.

Living up north, I can't go south
1K Phew is in a different place now and cannot return to his previous lifestyle.

But I'm always in the south
Despite being in a different location, 1K Phew still has connections and roots in the south.

'Cause I was born and raised on that East side of Atlanta (born and raised, man)
1K Phew is from the east side of Atlanta and it is an important part of his identity.

Used to ride around town with Dirty Diana (Michael Jackson, man)
1K Phew would ride around Atlanta with someone named Dirty Diana, referencing a Michael Jackson song.

Still kick the flavor, you can even tell from my grammar (I think it's like)
1K Phew's style and music reflect his roots and upbringing in Atlanta.

Had to change my life 'cause I was on my way to that slammer, yeah man
1K Phew had to make changes in his life to avoid going to jail.

We came a long way from back then (long way)
1K Phew and his community have made significant progress since their past experiences.

Came a long way from back then
1K Phew and his community have come a long way since their past experiences.

I remember way back when
1K Phew is reminiscing about his past experiences.

It's a lot of folks that wish they never would've doubted
Many people now regret doubting or underestimating 1K Phew and his community.

They ain't really think we was grinding
Many people did not think that 1K Phew and his community were working hard.

Now I bet they really know we 'bout it
Now the same people know that 1K Phew and his community are dedicated and hardworking.

Yeah, I believe in perfect timing
1K Phew has faith in the idea that everything happens at the right time.

Everyday I'm throwing up who, what, when, feeling like they giving me the heimlich
1K Phew is always asking questions and working hard, sometimes feeling overwhelmed but persevering.

'Cause I gotta stick to my assignment
1K Phew is dedicated to his goals and will not deviate from them.

So lit, we be changing all the climates
1K Phew and his community create a fun, exciting environment wherever they go.

We done got it turnt, church gone wild already
1K Phew and his community have created a lively and exciting atmosphere everywhere they go, even in church.

I ain't even know it was coming this fast
1K Phew did not expect his success to come so quickly.

Now we got the whole wide world on smash
1K Phew and his community have gained a huge following and success all around the world.

With a new touch, everybody gon' know them, that's no lie
1K Phew and his community have a unique and recognizable sound that will continue to gain popularity.

It's going up when I'm in yo' state and I know why (How come?)
Everywhere 1K Phew goes, his popularity and success continue to increase.

Contributed by Owen O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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