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."
The Animal
9th Wonder Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Your whole album I sleep through nigga
'cause 'Te's an avalanche so call an ambulance
And tell 'em to pick up ya people nigga
Don't call Pharocon to squash it
Better yet call the sheriff
And the coroner's office
Tell 'em there's a dead body
And Alston, I would proceed with caution
These motherfucka's really think the 'Te done lost it
He sold a couple records now they think he flossin'
But I ain't stopped battling, I just stopped rattling
Off rhymes for free 'cuz y'all were making me nauseous
Understand fucka I'm gon win regardless
I still got the hunger pains from my apartment
When me and 9th were both splittin' cans of StarKist
Arguing about who LP was the hardest
And a hand full of CD's ready to burn
Some real hip hop for your listening nerves
A year later hooked up with a nigga named Murs
Now everybody play our records for they women and churn
Jay-Lee got the Eastcoast getting the loot
Living Legends on the Westcoast, ready to shoot
Get ourselves while they call up the troops
Phonte Taylor made for the game y'all just following suits
Hey yo the animals, ready for war, destined for combat
Play the CD or tape and then rewind that
You want beef motherfucker never mind that
(And if he owe me money, bitch nigga better find that)
We animals, ready for war, destined for combat
Play the CD or tape and then rewind that
So let me know where ya mind at? (what!)
Murs 3:16 meets Foreign Exchange
Keep ya ear to the speaker, quit ignoring the names
Welcome to the next level, top floor in the game
Felize done hooked up with a clubbed-out nigga so
Skip the sidekick, I'm a nextel nigga
If I hit ya on the chirp, with a verse you better roger that
Picture word-perfect from the land where the Dodgers at
Trying to get some money with some pussy on the side of that
Never have to ask where my killas or my riders at
But when fake gangstas try to find where them dollars at
Go to any city where there's pretty ma's to holla at
The illest in your state, one on the tour-date
And more-great, than your grandfather's father
'Te I know it gotta hurt a man they stand by the slaughter
Oughta be locked away when I rock this way
Get rocked on the airwaves but not for play
If my heart should stop and I drop today
I went against all odds and I got my way
Hey yo the animals, ready for war, destined for combat
Play the CD or tape and then rewind that
You want beef motherfucker never mind that
(And if he owe me money, bitch nigga better find that)
We animals, ready for war, destined for combat
Play the CD or tape and then rewind that
So let me know where ya mind at? (what!)
In these lyrics, 9th Wonder is expressing his confidence and aggression towards other artists who underestimate him. He starts by asserting his superiority, claiming that he easily overpowers his rivals and finds their music unimpressive. He likens himself to an avalanche, suggesting his music is unstoppable and overwhelming. The imagery of an avalanche is further reinforced by the mention of calling an ambulance to pick up the defeated artists.
9th Wonder dismisses the idea of seeking resolution through peaceful means, as he sarcastically suggests involving Pharocon, the sheriff, and the coroner's office to deal with the aftermath of his lyrical attack. He wants to show his opponents that their resistance is futile and that he will leave them defeated and lifeless figuratively in the corner.
The lyrics also reveal 9th Wonder's dedication and hunger to succeed in the music industry. He reminisces about his early struggles, living in an apartment with producer 9th Wonder and arguing about who had the best LP. Despite the challenges, his determination remains strong, and he fills his lyrical content with passion and substance. He mentions his collaboration with Murs, which has gained them recognition and popularity among listeners.
The second verse introduces Murs as a collaborator, demonstrating their unity and strength as a team. They are not afraid of confrontation and are always prepared for war. The "animals" metaphor suggests their ferocity and readiness to battle. They challenge anyone who tries to oppose them, emphasizing their confidence in their skills.
Murs highlights the significance of their collaboration, describing it as the meeting of Murs 3:16 (his own project) and Foreign Exchange (9th Wonder's group). He asserts that they are operating on a higher level, claiming the top floor of the music industry. Their chemistry and talent make them a force to be reckoned with.
Overall, these lyrics reflect 9th Wonder and Murs' determination, confidence, and unity as they assert their dominance in the rap game. They are unapologetically aggressive towards other artists who underestimate them and are ready to show the world their undeniable talent.
Line by Line Meaning
I heard your style and I beat you nigga
I listened to your style and I outperformed you
Your whole album I sleep through nigga
I find your entire album uninteresting and unimpressive
'cause 'Te's an avalanche so call an ambulance
Because my talent and skill are overwhelming, call for help
And tell 'em to pick up ya people nigga
And tell them to gather your crew, as they will need support
Don't call Pharocon to squash it
Don't involve Pharocon to resolve the situation peacefully
Better yet call the sheriff
Instead, call the law enforcement authorities
And the coroner's office
And call the department responsible for handling deceased individuals
Tell 'em there's a dead body
Inform them that someone has been killed
In the corner of Lawson
In the specific location of Lawson
And Alston, I would proceed with caution
And in Alston, I advise you to be careful
These motherfucka's really think the 'Te done lost it
These individuals truly believe that I have lost my edge and talent
He sold a couple records now they think he flossin'
Because I sold a few records, they mistakenly assume that I am flaunting my success
But I ain't stopped battling, I just stopped rattling
But I haven't stopped engaging in rap battles, I just stopped boasting incessantly
Off rhymes for free 'cause y'all were making me nauseous
I used to give away rhymes for free, but now I charge because your presence was making me sick
Understand fucka I'm gon win regardless
You should understand that I will win no matter what
I still got the hunger pains from my apartment
I still have the drive and ambition I had when I lived in a small apartment
When me and 9th were both splittin' cans of StarKist
When 9th Wonder and I were sharing cans of StarKist tuna
Arguing about who LP was the hardest
Engaging in debates about which hip-hop artist had the most impactful album
And a hand full of CD's ready to burn
And with a handful of CDs ready to distribute
Some real hip hop for your listening nerves
Authentic hip hop music prepared to stimulate your auditory senses
A year later hooked up with a nigga named Murs
A year later, I collaborated with an artist called Murs
Now everybody play our records for they women and churn
Nowadays, everyone plays our songs to impress their romantic partners and get excited
Jay-Lee got the Eastcoast getting the loot
Jay-Lee is successfully obtaining money on the East Coast
Living Legends on the Westcoast, ready to shoot
The Living Legends group from the West Coast is prepared for action
Get ourselves while they call up the troops
We are preparing ourselves as they bring in reinforcements
Phonte Taylor made for the game y'all just following suits
Phonte Taylor is perfectly tailored for the rap game, while others are merely imitating
Hey yo the animals, ready for war, destined for combat
Hey, we, the artists, are fierce and prepared for battle
Play the CD or tape and then rewind that
Listen to our music repeatedly to fully appreciate it
You want beef motherfucker never mind that
If you are looking for a confrontation, then disregard that thought
(And if he owe me money, bitch nigga better find that)
(And if someone owes me money, they better locate it quickly)
We animals, ready for war, destined for combat
We, the artists, are fierce and prepared for battle
So let me know where ya mind at? (what!)
So inform me of your thoughts and intentions
Murs 3:16 meets Foreign Exchange
The collaboration between Murs 3:16 and Foreign Exchange begins
Keep ya ear to the speaker, quit ignoring the names
Pay attention to the music, stop disregarding the artists' names
Welcome to the next level, top floor in the game
Welcome to the highest level of the rap game
Felize done hooked up with a clubbed-out nigga so
Felize has formed a partnership with a wealthy individual, resulting in
Skip the sidekick, I'm a nextel nigga
Ignore the lesser individuals, I am on a higher level
If I hit ya on the chirp, with a verse you better roger that
If I contact you via a two-way radio, you better acknowledge and accept my verse
Picture word-perfect from the land where the Dodgers at
Imagine precise and impeccable lyrics originating from the region of the Los Angeles Dodgers
Trying to get some money with some pussy on the side of that
Attempting to secure wealth while having romantic partners accompanying the journey
Never have to ask where my killas or my riders at
I never need to inquire about the whereabouts of my tough associates or loyal supporters
But when fake gangstas try to find where them dollars at
However, when phony gangsters attempt to locate wealth
Go to any city where there's pretty ma's to holla at
They go to cities where attractive women are present to seek attention
The illest in your state, one on the tour-date
I am the most skilled artist from your state, performing on this specific tour date
And more-great, than your grandfather's father
And even greater than your ancestor's ancestor, showcasing my excellence
'Te I know it gotta hurt a man they stand by the slaughter
I know it must be painful for individuals to witness my overwhelming success
Oughta be locked away when I rock this way
Those who oppose me should be confined when I perform in this manner
Get rocked on the airwaves but not for play
My music dominates the radio waves, but it's not due to trivial reasons
If my heart should stop and I drop today
If my heart were to cease beating and I were to pass away today
I went against all odds and I got my way
I defied all difficulties and managed to achieve success on my terms
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: JAZ COLEMAN, KEVIN WALKER, MARTIN GLOVER, MATTHEW FERGUSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Realest1979
Phonte can kill a verse.
suf_
Definitely one of my all time favourite songs. Everything is on point.
Christian A.Villette
Same I get super nostalgia when I hear this track always stays with you
Cjguinness
Lyrics, beats, style, class, nuff said !
Alfred Cowans
Yes Saaaa💪👌😎
Iniki Porth
This whole album is a banger from start to finish one of the few albums yu can pick up n listen to every song without skipping REAL HIPHOP
Zar Sentinel
Realest lyricists to ever bless the mic. People need to listen to this, instead of that junk-food on the radios.
Spike Razzor
Man, I love this song so much. The beat just gives you that summer night in the city feel, anyone feel me?
GoldenSoul1
Beat is out this world! Murs & Phonte come correct as usual!!
Michael Dodson
“When me n 9th was broke, splittin cans of starkist” 🤦🏾♂️ This song will live forever