9th was then tapped to produce a track on Jay-Z's Black Album, which became his first major label placement. From there, 9th Wonder produced 3 songs for the R&B Super group Destiny's Child on the album "Destiny Fulfilled ("Girl", "Is She the Reason", "Game Over"), won a Grammy with Mary J. Blige for her album The BreakThrough ("Good Woman Down"), Erykah Badu's "Honey", and "20 Feet Tall" on the album New Amerykah 1 and 2, Ludacris' "Do the Right Thang", a song featuring Common and Spike Lee, and most recently David Banner on the album Death of a Popstar. 9th will also be working with Drake for the second time on his sophomore album release. 9th also has 3 albums with Murs, an Emcee that hails from MidCity, CA, in which all three albums have received critical acclaim.
9th was chosen by Aaron McGruder to score music for the critically acclaimed series "The Boondocks". He has endorsed companies such as M-Audio Electronics, FL Studio, LRG Clothing Company, and Creative Recreation Shoe Company. 9th Wonder was one of 12 individuals selected by The Pepsi Corporation for the African American Calender, "The First Of Many". 9th has also worked on an album with Hollywood actor Idris Elba.
He is the president, founder and CEO of It's a Wonderful World Music Group, which focuses on catering to the 28 to 40 year old demographic of hip-hop music lovers, 9th Wonder hosts a radio show along with Kyle Santillian on Soul 104.5 FM in Fayetteville, NC called "TRUE SCHOOL RADIO" playing the first 24 years of hip-hop, along with 80's R&B, and New Jack Swing.
9th Wonder and six other individuals founded the True School Corporation in 2006 to celebrate the music, culture, and film of 70's babies and The Spike Lee Era. In the United States there are millions of Black Americans between the ages of 28-40 that grew up in a time where hip-hop was diverse, informative, and soulful. These same individuals have gone on to become doctors, lawyers, accountants, dentists, etc., and still have a love of what hip-hop used to be. The media has demonized hip-Hop in the last 10 years; so many Black Americans tend to shy away from the picture that the media has created for hip-hop. True School has changed the minds of the generation before us (50's and 60's babies) and let them know that emcees such as Chuck D, Rakim, KRS-One, The Native Tongues, Outkast, and countless other has had much of an effect on our lives as our teachers and educators.
9th believes in the preservation of Black Music throughout all its divisions (jazz, gospel, funk, soul, afrobeat, hip-hop), and its connections to music enthnocology and the African diaspora. 9th was recently appointed the National Ambassador For Hip-Hop Relations and Culture for the NAACP by Ben Jealous, President of The NAACP, where he leads a board of PhD's, Hip-Hop Artists, and Juris Doctorates. 9th was recently interviewed by Neill McNeill of FOX 8 News in The Piedmont, NC, for a segment entitled "NewsMaker", to showcase North Carolinians who are making a difference in the community. 9th Wonder is also a member of the Zulu Nation, a hip-hop peace organization started by Afrika Bambaataa in 1973.
9th was appointed Artist in Residence by former North Carolina Central University Chancellor James Ammons (now President of Florida A&M University) in the fall of 2006. An Artist in Residence is someone involved heavily in the music industry to conduct a course or seminar of a particular subject. He was approached by Dr. Kawachi Clemons, PhD of Education, to develop a course called "Hip Hop in Context, 1973-1997, a study of the development and cultural history of Hip-Hop starting with James Brown in the late 1960's, going all the way to death of The Notorious B.I.G. in 1997. He is now currently an Adjunct Professor at Duke University while still traveling the country lecturing at different universities.
"You have to see one to be one." Hip-Hop is now making its 20yr generational turn, and there are a new breed of artists who are children of the first hip-hop generation, that have studied that generation's sound, look, and feel. "If the younger generation. . . " he continues. With President Barack Obama's message, and the new movement of hip-hop hipsters. . . "Along with several colleagues, I plan to have Summits, Festivals, and lecture panel series throughout the year, to show kids the true manifestation of the hip-hop culture and lifestyles," 9th says.
"Hip-Hop is the voice of at least 2 generations. At one time, it was the POSITIVE voice, as stated earlier. Chuck D was the black history teacher I never had, along with countless other black Americans my age. It can be that again, but with the right voices and the right players. As the late Curtis Mayfield said, "We must educate and Well as Entertain."
Brooklyn In My Mind
9th Wonder Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ready, ready for action
Intimate swift like a cash transaction
Speaker blow out from row house to the mansion
This ghetto sound crowd right arousal of passion
They don't know the language, but shouting the anthem
The beat translated make the world understand some
In summary I'm rare, ordinary, elaborate
Now check the profile this is lyrically handsome
Resemble my pay scale, slim nigga ain't frail
And I ain't in the gym on some Ebony man shit
I'm in the laboratory bench pressing the standard
It's your hand, I'm raising the bar
Right home in the?, Get closer to God, stay focused and sharp
High stake and there's way more than paper involved
You must evolve or die, that ain't falsified
Home team I know you keep trouble on your mind
But don't let bullshit knock you off your grind
That's real talk for all of mine
And for all of yours
Rocksteady keep about your cause
Low-key, cool breeze, and I'm about my balls
It's tap-tap, knock down your door
Tap-tap and break down the wall
Collect and count it all
And like bang in the air I'm gone
Yes I'm riding on, keep cool, you can ride along
But keep it up, you won't ride for long
That's word to bond, show me where you are
BK we the brightest star, let's get involved
This is history twice, first girl on a Crooklyn series
Spent ninth
First one, just clearly Brooklyn in the mind
Not Brooklyn I was born, but in Brooklyn I was formed
Not Brooklyn I was raised, but Brooklyn I was taught to form a young woman
Dawn on my first love, first love is back
Thirst to rap at 307 Clinton, nurse that
First crib out of Manhattan
Young, broke, man
Back in the days the G train jam packing
On the stoop year round forty in hand
Kum Kau Chicken and Broc on Myrtle Ave
Say word to Brooklyn, act words so that Brooklyn's back
Like the track's fixed on the L train on the weekday
Black bent on the metrocard that's how we pay? spilling it backwards like my man D first spilt in the bathroom
Man Brooklyn gave me confidence
Fulton Brooklyn boys with them with them compliments
When my mind slipped Brooklyn gave me consciousness
Accomplice Clinton Hill's Bushwick
So I still just
Walk the BK swag and rep two boroughs
Say she's so bad buts been too thorough
Neck tatted and sweat blood for NY
Medina, Mecca, niggas heads high
Brooklyn stand up, come on
What we be doing the most
It's diverse you now rocking with Memph, Jean and Mos
And this verse it ain't where you from it's where you at
The body off to travel, the mind ahead of that
That's why I'm both albums deep none of which been printed
Cause I ain't got a script what, a nigga really living
Cause I ain't on the fabricating or imagine
Brooklyn ain't a dream, them boys really be clapping
So I'll never greet you with peace, cause they'll never be peace
I tell you stay down to stay off the street
Bed-Stuy, what's up
Crown Heights, what's up
Flatbush, Brownsville, what's up
It's all love where I come from
The keep it real shit
I used to cut school on the block Big come from
But in the stu to try to come with flow
At 15 I spit something that impress Hov and here I go
The song "Brooklyn in My Mind" talks about the experiences of different artists and their connection to Brooklyn. The lyrics are a celebration of the diversity and strength of the people of Brooklyn. The song begins with the artists showcasing their skills and their ability to connect with people. They are ready for action and can make people feel passion through their music, regardless of language barriers. The artists talk about their love for Brooklyn and how it has formed them, taught them, and given them confidence. They also talk about the struggles they have faced, with one artist mentioning how Brooklyn gave her consciousness when her mind slipped. The song highlights the uniqueness of Brooklyn, and how it has a special place in the hearts of those who have lived there.
One of the interesting facts about the song "Brooklyn in My Mind" is that it features four different artists who all have a connection to Brooklyn. Mos Def, Jean Grae, Memphis Bleek, and DJ Premier are all from Brooklyn or have spent a significant amount of time in the borough. The song features production by 9th Wonder, who is known for his work with artists such as Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole. The song was released in 2007 and was part of a compilation album titled "Brooklyn Keeps on Taking It."
Another interesting fact about the song is that it was Jean Grae's first appearance on the popular "Crooklyn" series. The series was created by director Spike Lee and featured music from a variety of artists who had a connection to Brooklyn. The song features a sample from the song "The Big Beat" by Billy Squier, which has been sampled in many other hip-hop songs. The song also features a reference to Jay-Z, with one of the artists mentioning how he impressed Hov with his flow when he was just 15 years old.
The chord progression for "Brooklyn in My Mind" is not available as the song was created using samples and electronic instruments.
Line by Line Meaning
Ready, ready for action
Fully prepared and eager to engage in activity
Intimate swift like a cash transaction
Smooth and fast-paced like a financial transaction
Speaker blow out from row house to the mansion
The sound system is powerful enough to be heard in both modest homes and luxurious mansions
This ghetto sound crowd right arousal of passion
The energetic and powerful music stirs up strong emotions in the urban audience
They don't know the language, but shouting the anthem
Although they may not fully understand the lyrics, the audience enthusiastically sings along to the song
The beat translated make the world understand some
The rhythm of the song has the ability to resonate with people worldwide and convey a universal message
My voice like magic, my flow fantastic
The artist's vocal delivery is captivating and his rap style is exceptional
In summary I'm rare, ordinary, elaborate
In essence, the artist possesses a unique combination of qualities that sets him apart, while still being relatable and intricate
Now check the profile this is lyrically handsome
Examining the artist's overall talent, he is undeniably attractive in terms of his lyrical abilities
Resemble my pay scale, slim nigga ain't frail
In terms of financial success, the artist's income matches his physical build -- he may be slender, but he is not weak
And I ain't in the gym on some Ebony man shit
Contrary to stereotypes, the artist's physical fitness is not solely focused on conforming to societal expectations
I'm in the laboratory bench pressing the standard
The artist is constantly working hard and pushing himself to meet a high standard in his craft, much like weightlifting in a lab environment
It's your hand, I'm raising the bar
The artist is challenging others to step up their game and reach higher levels of achievement
Right home in the?, Get closer to God, stay focused and sharp
In order to reach a state of spiritual connection and maintain clarity, one must strive to stay disciplined and attentive
High stake and there's way more than paper involved
The risks and rewards in the artist's endeavors go beyond just monetary gain
You must evolve or die, that ain't falsified
In order to survive and thrive, one must adapt and grow, and this is an undeniable truth
Home team I know you keep trouble on your mind
Being part of the local community, the artist understands that there are many challenges and concerns that occupy people's thoughts
But don't let bullshit knock you off your grind
Despite facing obstacles and distractions, it is important to stay focused and not let trivial matters derail one's progress
That's real talk for all of mine
These words of wisdom apply to everyone the artist is connected with
And for all of yours
These words of wisdom also extend to everyone the listener is connected with
Rocksteady keep about your cause
Stay strong and unwavering in pursuing your purpose
Low-key, cool breeze, and I'm about my balls
The artist remains calm, collected, and focused on his own goals
It's tap-tap, knock down your door
With persistence and determination, the artist will break through barriers and obstacles in his path
Tap-tap and break down the wall
Continuing the metaphorical knocking, the artist will overcome barriers and create opportunities for himself
Collect and count it all
Gather all the rewards and benefits from his efforts and evaluate them
And like bang in the air I'm gone
Like a sudden explosion of energy, the artist will leave an impactful impression and then move on
Yes I'm riding on, keep cool, you can ride along
The artist is confidently progressing in his journey, but invites others to join him as long as they stay composed
But keep it up, you won't ride for long
If one fails to maintain the required effort and commitment, their involvement will be short-lived
That's word to bond, show me where you are
This statement is a sincere affirmation and request to demonstrate one's current position and involvement
BK we the brightest star, let's get involved
Brooklyn is the shining star among the various places, and the artist encourages active engagement and participation
This is history twice, first girl on a Crooklyn series
This is a significant achievement, as the artist became the first female in the Crooklyn series
Spent ninth
Emerging in the ninth position, gaining recognition and establishing herself
First one, just clearly Brooklyn in the mind
Emphasizing that her identity and upbringing are deeply rooted in Brooklyn
Not Brooklyn I was born, but in Brooklyn I was formed
Although she may not have been born in Brooklyn, the artist's character and identity were shaped by her experiences and influences in the borough
Not Brooklyn I was raised, but Brooklyn I was taught to form a young woman
While she may not have spent her entire childhood in Brooklyn, the artist learned valuable lessons and developed into the woman she is today through her time there
Dawn on my first love, first love is back
Reflecting on the beginning of her passion for music and now experiencing a resurgence of that love
Thirst to rap at 307 Clinton, nurse that
Having a strong desire to showcase her rapping skills at a specific location in Brooklyn
First crib out of Manhattan
Her initial residence outside of Manhattan was in Brooklyn
Young, broke, man
At that time, she was young and financially struggling
Back in the days the G train jam packing
Recalling a time when the G train was overcrowded and frequently congested
On the stoop year round forty in hand
Spending time on the front steps of buildings throughout the year, typically holding a forty-ounce bottle of alcohol
Kum Kau Chicken and Broc on Myrtle Ave
Referring to specific food establishments on Myrtle Avenue that were frequented
Say word to Brooklyn, act words so that Brooklyn's back
Paying homage to Brooklyn and ensuring that her lyrics and actions represent the essence of the borough
Like the track's fixed on the L train on the weekday
Similar to a malfunctioning train track on the L train during the workweek, the artist's commitment to her craft is unwavering
Black bent on the metrocard that's how we pay? spilling it backwards like my man D first spilt in the bathroom
Symbolizing the use of a black debit card that is swiped on a metrocard reader to access transportation, referencing her friend D's legendary spillage of liquor in a bathroom
Man Brooklyn gave me confidence
Reflecting on how growing up in Brooklyn instilled her with a strong sense of self-assurance
Fulton Brooklyn boys with them with them compliments
Acknowledging the praise and admiration received from the boys in the Fulton Street area of Brooklyn
When my mind slipped Brooklyn gave me consciousness
During moments of mental vulnerability, Brooklyn served as a source of enlightenment and self-awareness
Accomplice Clinton Hill's Bushwick
Moving through the neighborhoods of Clinton Hill and Bushwick, forging connections and forming alliances
So I still just
Therefore, I remain
Walk the BK swag and rep two boroughs
Displaying the style and attitude of Brooklyn while proudly representing two different boroughs
Say she's so bad buts been too thorough
Although she is often described as attractive, she is known for being thorough and detail-oriented
Neck tatted and sweat blood for NY
Having tattoos on the neck and working tirelessly and sacrificing for New York
Medina, Mecca, niggas heads high
These references to Islamic holy sites represent the artist's pride in her heritage and cultural identity
Brooklyn stand up, come on
Calling on the people of Brooklyn to assert themselves and rise together
What we be doing the most
Explaining that their actions and accomplishments surpass what is typical or expected
It's diverse you now rocking with Memph, Jean and Mos
Highlighting the diversity and talent of the artists -- Memph, Jean, and Mos -- that the listener is currently experiencing
And this verse it ain't where you from it's where you at
The importance lies not in one's place of origin, but rather in their current location and state of being
The body off to travel, the mind ahead of that
While physically going places, the mind is already anticipating and planning ahead
That's why I'm both albums deep none of which been printed
The artist has already released multiple albums, yet none of them have been physically produced or distributed
Cause I ain't got a script what, a nigga really living
Because the artist lives authentically and does not adhere to a predetermined plan, they are genuine in their actions
Cause I ain't on the fabricating or imagining
The artist does not engage in deceit or create false realities
Brooklyn ain't a dream, them boys really be clapping
Contrary to being a fantasy, Brooklyn is a place where violent actions actually occur
So I'll never greet you with peace, cause they'll never be peace
Considering the ongoing conflicts and violence, the artist will not wish for peace, as it is an unattainable state
I tell you stay down to stay off the street
Advising others to remain grounded and away from dangerous situations on the streets
Bed-Stuy, what's up
Addressing and acknowledging the neighborhood of Bedford-Stuyvesant
Crown Heights, what's up
Extending greetings to the area of Crown Heights
Flatbush, Brownsville, what's up
Sending regards to the neighborhoods of Flatbush and Brownsville
It's all love where I come from
Expressing affection and unity for the place she originates from
The keep it real shit
Promoting an authentic and genuine approach to life and music
I used to cut school on the block Big come from
Revealing a rebellious past of skipping school, similar to the rapper Biggie Smalls
But in the stu to try to come with flow
However, she now spends her time in the studio, striving to refine her rap flow
At 15 I spit something that impress Hov and here I go
At a young age of 15, she delivered a rap performance that impressed Jay-Z, and from that point on, her career took off
Contributed by Josiah D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Richard Reardon
Jean Grae always kills it!!!
Om R
The instrumental to this is straight up wedding music status! Beautiful.
Nicholas Campbell
Dig son, I may sound corny or whatever, this and a few other key joints were the score to major accomplishments in my life over the past year. Big up.
Tyson France
not corny at all man
Jordan Rael
Same here bro
mastertrey
9th wonder’s a production genius
mitch grimm
Found this on a 9th wonder vinyl lp at the local record shop on free record Friday. So happy.
Jaye Bogar
memphis bleek had a solid verse.
I’m Just Saying
Facts
E Weldon
It’s such a beautiful song💁🏽♀️