Born Adam Traore, a first generation US citizen to West African and Italian parents, A-1’s music is constructed around vivid stories of growing up in The City while searching for happiness and self awareness. Regardless of whether a song is catered to be the perfect back drop to a night of raging, or a thought provoking opportunity for reflection, the music always remains true to A-1’s personal experiences. Driven by a desire to be an inherently good person in a morally complex society, A-1′s positivity shines brightly throughout his body of work. His goal is to put himself in a position to help others, starting with himself, his family, and his community, but the rest of the country and world are not too far from his sights either.
The successes of The Book Of Adam and 2012’s THURL have been catalysts in A-1’s career. His music has continued to thrive online and has been consistently posted by Complex, The Fader, The Smoking Section, OkayPlayer, OnSmash, HipHopDX, and more. He was voted by local fans and tastemakers into Thizzler.com’s 2012 Bay Area Freshmen 10 list. In addition to working the online circuit, A-1 has been able to leverage his internet coverage to help him take his music on the road. He’s been a part of Roach Gigz’ Bugged Out Tour w/ Iamsu!, the Canadian leg of Zion I’s Shadow Boxing tour, as well as tours with Equipto and George Watsky, and has opened up for an array of artists ranging from Too $hort and Andre Nickatina to Wallpaper.
Equipped with a heart filled with passion, an insatiable desire for creativity, discerning eyes and ears for quality, and a plan to spread his music to as many people as possible, A-1 is poised to be the first name in music lover’s ipods and itunes in the very near future.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Born in 1987 to immigrant parents, Adam Rashid Traore better known by his stage name A-1, is a first generation American rapper from the San Francisco Bay Area. Born and raised in the Mission District of San Francisco, A-1 was brought up by his Italian mother and mentored by his Senegalese father who both introduced him to an extreme diversity of cultures from a young age. Being exposed to so many walks of life helped define A's open-minded and charismatic nature, as well as added to his artistic creativity.
Since debuting as a solo artist in early 2009, A-1 has dropped 6 independent mixtapes and is releasing his 7th mixtape, "After School Special" in August 2010.
Twisted
A-1 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's hard hard to focus cuz these problems comin all at once
I have my time I'm antisocial I ain't the type to front
But lately I ain't felt like myself in I lost track of months
But I been holdin' on to my dreams by tryna stack my funds
How can you truly trust a person when you can't trust yourself?
How can you truly love somebody when you can't love yourself?
I don got used to bein' dolo don't need nobody else
I had to stop givin' attention, yall just kept on wastin' my time
Uh, Ain't never accepting no handout, you know for a fact Imma grind
The gas got high as the sun, so you know for a fact imma shine
Shawty keep hittin' my telly, she want me to put dick in her spine
Out the blue I get silent, so everybody think I'm losin' my mind
I told I'm straight but deep down I think they all know that I'm lyin'
Cuz I'm fucked up mentally
Know they aint feelin' me
What don got into me?
Cold as December be
This shit ain't workin' out
I need a better route
Battlin' these problems got me twisted (It got me twisted)
Smoked another blunt, don't know who lit this (Don't know who lit this)
I been chasin' guap cuz it's my fitness(Cuz it's my fitness)
I'm gon be right at the top and you my witness (Yeah you my witness)
Battlin' these problems got me twisted (It got me twisted)
Smoked another blunt, don't know who lit this (Don't know who lit this)
I been chasin' guap cuz it's my fitness (Cuz it's my fitness)
I'm gon be right at the top and you my witness (Yeah you my witness)
(Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah)
She ride dick like skateboard, do a kickflip (Kickflip, yeah)
Once I hit it from the back, you dismissed
(From the back you dismissed, dismissed lil bitch)
I need me that tesla around Christmas (Christmas, skrt skrrt)
I could put your wifey on my hitlist (Hitlist, bow boom)
No time for fuckin' around and playin' games (Playin' games)
Old friends they look at me and say "EliJah you have changed"
(That you have changed)
I look at them and say " Was I supposed to stay the same?" (Was I supposed to ?)
My nigga Tay lettin off shots like it's a shootin' range (Boom boom boom)
Yeah my money long like I'm Roota Bang (My long)
And I been fucked up in the head I don't know who to blame (I don't know who to)
So get the fuck up out my way, you better choose a lane (Better choose a)
And i just hit up all my plugs they told me choose a strain, choose a strain
(I can choose anything)
Battlin' these problems got me twisted (It got me twisted)
Smoked another blunt, don't know who lit this (Don't know who lit this)
I been chasin' guap cuz it's my fitness (Cuz it's my fitness)
I'm gon be right at the top and you my witness (And you my witness)
Battlin' these problems got me twisted (It got me twisted)
Smoked another blunt, don't know who lit this (Don't know who lit this)
I been chasin' guap cuz it's my fitness (Cuz it's my fitness)
I'm gon be right at the top and you my witness (Yeah you my witness)
The lyrics to A-1's song "Twisted" delve into the struggles, frustrations, and internal conflicts the artist is facing. The opening lines set the tone, expressing the difficulty of focusing when problems seem to be piling up all at once. A-1 acknowledges his tendency to be antisocial, not one to put up a front or pretend to be someone he's not. However, he admits that lately, he hasn't felt like himself and has lost track of time. Despite this, he clings onto his dreams by trying to accumulate financial stability.
The lyrics then delve into the theme of self-trust and self-love. A-1 questions how one can truly trust and love another person when they can't trust and love themselves. He reflects on his independence and self-reliance, stating that he has become accustomed to being alone and doesn't need anyone else. He reveals that he has suppressed his emotions, keeping them on a metaphorical shelf, and has stopped giving attention to those who waste his time.
A-1 further expresses feelings of being mentally fucked up and misunderstood, indicating that people may perceive him as losing his mind. He admits to struggling and lying about being okay deep down. The chorus repeats, emphasizing the battle with inner turmoil that has left him twisted. Smoking a blunt becomes a means of escapism, but he doesn't even know who lit it, highlighting his detachment from his surroundings.
Overall, the lyrics of "Twisted" by A-1 paint a picture of an artist grappling with personal struggles, emotional turmoil, and a desire for financial success. It explores the difficulties of trust, love, and self-acceptance, as well as the coping mechanisms used to navigate these challenges.
Line by Line Meaning
It's hard hard to focus cuz these problems comin all at once
I find it difficult to concentrate because I am faced with multiple challenges simultaneously.
I have my time I'm antisocial I ain't the type to front
I prefer to spend time alone and I don't feel the need to pretend or show off.
But lately I ain't felt like myself in I lost track of months
Recently, I haven't been feeling like my usual self and I've lost sense of time.
But I been holdin' on to my dreams by tryna stack my funds
I've been striving to achieve my dreams by working hard to accumulate wealth.
How can you truly trust a person when you can't trust yourself?
It is difficult to trust someone else when you don't have confidence in your own judgment.
How can you truly love somebody when you can't love yourself?
Genuine love for someone else is challenging when you don't have self-love.
I don got used to bein' dolo don't need nobody else
I have become accustomed to being alone and I don't rely on anyone else.
I never been da one to trip, my feelings on the shelf
I have always been emotionally stable and keep my feelings aside.
I had to stop givin' attention, yall just kept on wastin' my time
I stopped paying attention to others because they were consistently wasting my time.
Ain't never accepting no handout, you know for a fact Imma grind
I never accept any form of assistance; you can be certain that I will work hard.
The gas got high as the sun, so you know for a fact imma shine
The intensity and quality of my performance will be exceptional; just like the high sun.
Shawty keep hittin' my telly, she want me to put dick in her spine
A woman keeps contacting me and desires a sexual encounter.
Out the blue I get silent, so everybody think I'm losin' my mind
Occasionally, I become quiet without warning, leading others to believe I am mentally unstable.
I told I'm straight but deep down I think they all know that I'm lyin'
I claim to be fine, but deep inside, I believe others can see through my lies.
Cuz I'm fucked up mentally
Because I am mentally disturbed or unwell.
Know they aint feelin' me
I am aware that others don't understand or empathize with me.
What don got into me?
I wonder what has influenced or affected me negatively.
Cold as December be
I am emotionally detached or distant, similar to the coldness of December.
This shit ain't workin' out
This situation or arrangement is not going well or yielding desired results.
I need a better route
I require a different course of action or plan.
Battlin' these problems got me twisted (It got me twisted)
Engaging in a struggle with these challenges has caused me mental and emotional turmoil.
Smoked another blunt, don't know who lit this (Don't know who lit this)
I consumed another marijuana joint, uncertain of its origin or who ignited it.
I been chasin' guap cuz it's my fitness (Cuz it's my fitness)
I have been relentlessly pursuing money because it aligns with my desires or goals.
I'm gon be right at the top and you my witness (Yeah you my witness)
I will ultimately achieve great success, and you will be there to confirm it.
She ride dick like skateboard, do a kickflip (Kickflip, yeah)
She performs sexual acts with skill and agility, similar to a skateboard trick.
Once I hit it from the back, you dismissed (From the back you dismissed, dismissed lil bitch)
After having sex with her from behind, she no longer pays attention to me or disrespects me.
I need me that tesla around Christmas (Christmas, skrt skrrt)
I desire to own a Tesla car as a Christmas gift.
I could put your wifey on my hitlist (Hitlist, bow boom)
I am capable of seducing or getting intimate with your wife.
No time for fuckin' around and playin' games (Playin' games)
I don't have time for pointless activities or engaging in foolish behavior.
Old friends they look at me and say 'EliJah you have changed' (That you have changed)
People from my past observe me and comment that I am no longer the same person.
I look at them and say 'Was I supposed to stay the same?' (Was I supposed to ?)
In response, I question whether I was expected to remain unchanged.
My nigga Tay lettin off shots like it's a shootin' range (Boom boom boom)
My friend Tay is firing shots or behaving recklessly, as if he is in a shooting range.
Yeah my money long like I'm Roota Bang (My long)
I possess a significant amount of money, just like the rapper Roota Bang.
And I been fucked up in the head I don't know who to blame (I don't know who to)
I have been mentally troubled, and I am unsure of who or what is responsible.
So get the fuck up out my way, you better choose a lane (Better choose a)
Move aside and select a clear path, or else you will face the consequences.
And I just hit up all my plugs they told me choose a strain, choose a strain (I can choose anything)
I recently contacted my various drug suppliers, and they advised me to select a type of marijuana strain.
Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: CaRTer gOInS, JaMiL BuRCH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@bastienfelix4605
I just realized that the disney “villains” singing in “Twisted” were not randomly chosen. They each represent one of jafar’s motivations and show him that you can’t always have what you want without hurting other people.
Ursula represents his desire to be respected by the people and to be a fair ruler.
Scar represents his desire for equality between people from all backgrounds.
Gaston represents his love for his wife and his desire to save her.
Maleficent represents his desire to fit in amongst the people and the court.
Captain hook represents his frustration caused by the Princess’ lack of responsibility.
Huge props to the people that wrote this musical. This level of depth is just incredible(unless i’m over-interpreting).
@skysiren4113
One of my favourite details is that in "Dream a little harder" when the towns people are singing all the ways Jafar could meet his end, they reference the ways the villains that appear in "Twisted met their ends
Skewed by a ship = Ursula
Eaten by Hyenas = Scar
Plummet to their death from a castle = Gaston
The only villains death that is mentioned but they don't appear in "Twisted" is "hanged in tangled jungle vines" which it obviously references Clayton, who is commonly said to have one of the most brutal and violent deaths in any disney film
The attention to detail in this musical is insane
@carouselpigeon6686
I love that the other Disney villains weren’t just randomly chosen, but each of them actually represent each of Jafar’s desires.
Gaston represents Jafar’s desire to be with Scherezade yet again.
Ursula represents Jafar’s desire to be a fair ruler/someone who the citizens can rely on.
Scar represents Jafar’s desire to fix the citizens’ problems.
Maleficent represents Jafar’s desire to be liked by the citizens, instead of being treated like a monster.
Captain Hook represents Jafar’s desire to teach the Princess responsibility and how much he wants to see her become a fitting ruler for the kingdom.
And I believe that Cruella, though it seems random, represents Jafar’s more sinister desires and thoughts. Although Jafar seems to be a rather kind person in this musical, there might have been certain times where he has done not very kind things. I might be wrong!
@doomsdaybard9168
HAPPY 10TH ANNIVERSARY to one of the most hilarious musicals I have ever seen.
A few years back, a friend of mine mentioned this show and said that it was available on YouTube, I watched it and was transfixed by the humor and the genuine heart that was in this top tier Parody of the animated classic I grew up with.
There are one or two line's that don't age all that well, but honestly the show as a whole still holds up beautifully. Stand-out performances from Dylan Saunders and Meredith Stepien, but my personal favorite has got to be Joseph Walker who cracks me up every time he is on-screen.
I want to see this live some day and would love to mount my own production of it, as well. It's so damn good.
"For though it may seem small
The power to love one another
Is the greatest power of all..."
@yengma9408
I just realized something about Jafar at the ending. It took me this long but... yeah.
When Jafar became a Djinn, the way he did things was still very logical. The blue Djinn just poofed everything to existence, but Jafar had plausible reasons for the wishes being answered.
Sultan - the Sultan was signing a will
Money - stray ammunition destroyed a wall, conveniently discovering a large sum
Happiness - (this is a bit of a stretch but) he did say earlier that he wanted the genie to conclude even without him directly wishing, just by 'natural' logic, that someone who saved the city and stuff needs someone by his side so the genie would grant him his bride back? (again this one is a bit of a stretch)
It ties in to his very logical character.
@bloopity4117
When the fanfic is better than the original thing
@quinnsinclair7028
Starkid in a nutshell.
@Hi-ul2gc
Avpm: You called?
@Tori16547
Literally!
@nacho_girl
Guys. I have only watched the very Potter trilogy firebringer tgwdlm Black Friday and tto and obvs I'm watching twisted now do you have any other suggestions? Or have I watched the best already
@bloopity4117
@Molly Hayes Watch Holy Musical B@man! It's my personal favorite musical and it's super fun!
@angiem6674
The duality of “Science says you’re dead and gone forever, reason says I’m talking to the air” and “I’ll be the one who plunders her cave of wonders” is the reason I love this musical so much
@MANTUEFLIE2
It will hit you with the most vile and egregious sex jokes then switch up to the hardest line in a musical
@Raven-yv6di
Starkid has always been so good in that regard I love it as well
@ezelfrancisco1349
Starkid in Twisted: “Watch us make one song about f***ing someone and another song about a guy singing about his legacy!”