His first appearance was on Jeru the Damaja's classic 1994 album The Sun Rises in the East, on the song "Mental Stamina". He made another appearance on Jeru's sophomore album Wrath of the Math, on the track "Physical Stamina", in 1996. Afu's debut single "Whirlwind Thru Cities" was released in 1998, the song reached the Top 20 on Billboard's Hot Rap Singles chart. In 1999, he released another single, "Defeat b/w Mortal Kombat".
His anticipated debut album, Body of the Life Force, was released in October 2000. The album featured production from some of Hip Hop's finest, including DJ Premier, DJ Muggs, True Master and Da Beatminerz. Guests included Wu-Tang Clan's GZA/Genius and Masta Killa, M.O.P., Ky-Mani Marley and the Cocoa Brovaz. "Whirlwind Thru Cities", "Defeat" and "Mortal Kombat" were included here, as well as other popular songs "Equality", "Big Acts, Little Acts" and "D&D Soundclash". Afu released his sophomore effort Life Force Radio in May 2002, featuring production from DJ Premier, Curt Cazal, True Master, Easy Mo Bee, Needlez, Domingo and Ayatollah. Guests included Hip Hop legends Guru, Big Daddy Kane, RZA as well as R&B star Teena Marie.
In 2004, he released a compilation album titled Afu-Ra presents Perverted Monks. He returned with another album in 2005, State of the Arts. DJ Premier returned once again to produce the track "Sucka Free". Wu-Tang's Masta Killa appeared on the song "Livin' Like Dat", and underground favorite Royce da 5'9" apppeared on "Pusha". Afu was working on another album, which was prepped for a 2007 release, but it has not appeared to date.
All That
Afu-Ra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Perverted monk on this mic, you feel the sentence
Hot vernacular scorch just like incense
I'm intense, shit vibin' like a sixth sense
Lyrics mutilated like X-men
Shower ya, devour ya, technique algebra
Smoothness, movements, halloed in the matrix
Insightfully clear to you, how a master do
Roll with the high and mighty flow tai chi
Quench ya thirst, but first my journal high seas
Lyrical, mathematical, razzle and dazzle you
East New York, street talk, step with a better game
Hydrate rhymes like I was Gatorade
Rockin' a name, tappin' your brain
With the sugar Shane Mosley doin' it like it's supposed to be
They think they all that, steppin' on them like they were doormats
We bounce back and slap you with the raw tracks
Heatin' it up steadily, so heavenly
Straight up and down, streets bouncin' off the melody
They think they all that, steppin' on them like they were doormats
We bounce back and slap you with the raw tracks
Heatin' it up steadily, so heavenly
Straight up and down, streets bouncin' off the melody
Avoid the devil's army, they want to harm me
Salute to the Gulliani, crack babies, and zombies
Parkin' lots and drug spots, in the pots are coke rocks
A million in the building, buildings protected by more blocks
Young childs, ghost smiles, money clips colored vials
Stash fifty, in the world of bird city the warranters
Send the foreigners the coroners
A mess no vest multiplied wounds on chest
Invest in free markets, cream cheese and pockets
Three keys to a promise, stash keys in compartments
Desert eagle my targets, hit ya lease I spark ti
We get the drop on ya spot, make it hot and unlock it
Firearms make fireworks, I wonder where lies lurk
We bloodied up your shirt, all you saw was the fire spark
I'm one of too many, who get amped off Henny
Puttin' cowards in cemeteries, kill willies for pennies
They think they all that, steppin' on them like they were doormats
We bounce back and slap you with the raw tracks
Heatin' it up steadily, so heavenly
Straight up and down, streets bouncin' off the melody
They think they all that, steppin' on them like they were doormats
We bounce back and slap you with the raw tracks
Heatin' it up steadily, so heavenly
Straight up and down, streets bouncin' off the melody
Sex, butchery meat rack material, superior
Crank that shit amplify the whole scenario
Off the level live or in stereo
Young hustle to stay ahead of step
From where your best bet is to rep yours, repetitiously
'cause this veteran will thrash to wreck yours, repetitiously
If ever you get at me on some bullshit, flash quick
Exactly who the fuck I got pull with
Autographed it for big number one with a bullet
Expressin' black glove love hood it down, how I put it down
This style ain't never been shit to me, why would it now?
I come forth with gun smoke, no petty read ya bound by honor
That I mark you in the hunt for a dollar
Alive on the strength of power you
Divine karma, Allah's armor see you keep fraudulatin'
I'll sick my wolves in your basement, with loaded shell casings
They think they all that, steppin' on them like they were doormats
We bounce back and slap you with the raw tracks
Heatin' it up steadily, so heavenly
Straight up and down, streets bouncin' off the melody
They think they all that, steppin' on them like they were doormats
We bounce back and slap you with the raw tracks
Heatin' it up steadily, so heavenly
Straight up and down, streets bouncin' off the melody
The lyrics of Afu-Ra’s song All That are filled with intensity and metaphors. It starts off with the artist describing himself as hot, intense and perverted, having a sixth sense that makes him different from the rest. He then goes on to mutilate his lyrics like X-men, devouring whoever comes his way with his smooth movements and great technique. The song is also a reflection of the world around the artist and the struggles he sees in his neighborhood, with mentions of drug spots, zombies, and crack babies. He even describes the need to stay on top by hustling and staying ahead of others.
The artist’s lyrics are very descriptive and full of metaphors. He compares himself to a master paying homage to the ancients while striving to remain on top of his game. He also compares his skills to the movements of Tai Chi and raises his fist to the sky to show his strength. He uses his skills on the mic to paint a picture of his neighborhood, describing both the good and the bad. Overall, the song is a reflection of an artist’s struggle to survive and be successful while staying true to his roots.
Line by Line Meaning
You know I'm like a hop, skip and jump from slappin' you senseless
I'm so close to hitting you that it's like a small effort
Perverted monk on this mic, you feel the sentence
My rap skills are so good that they arouse you
Hot vernacular scorch just like incense
My words are powerful and impactful like a burning incense
I'm intense, shit vibin' like a sixth sense
I have a strong presence that you can feel like an extra sense
Lyrics mutilated like X-men
My rhymes are so intense and powerful that they can destroy like the X-men
Shower ya, devour ya, technique algebra
My rap style is so smooth and precise that it feels like solving an algebraic equation
Smoothness, movements, halloed in the matrix
My flow is so synchronized and perfect that it feels like it's a part of the Matrix
Fist held high, I raise it up to the ancients
I pay respect to those who came before me by raising my fist in the air
Insightfully clear to you, how a master do
I'm here to show you how a true master of rap does it with clarity and insight
Roll with the high and mighty flow tai chi
I'm flowing with a powerful, smooth, and precise technique similar to the tai chi martial art form
Quench ya thirst, but first my journal high seas
I'll fulfill your thirst for great rap, but first I'll take you through my journey on the high seas of life
Lyrical, mathematical, razzle and dazzle you
My rhymes are not only well-constructed but also entertaining and impressive
East New York, street talk, step with a better game
I represent East New York with my authentic street style, striving to improve the rap game with each step
Hydrate rhymes like I was Gatorade
My rhymes are so refreshing and nourishing like Gatorade
Rockin' a name, tappin' your brain
I'm making a name for myself in the rap game and tapping into your mind with my rhymes
With the sugar Shane Mosley doin' it like it's supposed to be
I'm performing like the skilled boxer Sugar Shane Mosley, doing rap the way it's supposed to be done
Avoid the devil's army, they want to harm me
I need to stay away from temptation and negative influences that want to harm me
Salute to the Gulliani, crack babies, and zombies
I acknowledge and respect the struggles and challenges faced by society including the former mayor of NYC Rudy Gulliani, crack babies and zombies
Parkin' lots and drug spots, in the pots are coke rocks
I'm familiar with the reality of drug culture, where cocaine is often sold and purchased on street corners
A million in the building, buildings protected by more blocks
There could be up to a million dollars in a single building, and they are often heavily protected
Young childs, ghost smiles, money clips colored vials
The streets are filled with young children who have lost their innocence, and people often carry drugs in colored vials
Stash fifty, in the world of bird city the warranters
People often hide money in small amounts of fifty dollars, especially in areas heavily patrolled by police
Send the foreigners the coroners
Foreigners who attempt to engage in drug dealing and other criminal activity in inner cities are often met with violent ends
A mess no vest multiplied wounds on chest
Criminals are often unprepared and unprotected, leading to many injuries and deaths
Invest in free markets, cream cheese and pockets
I advocate for investing in the free market and earning wealth, and then hiding it discreetly
Three keys to a promise, stash keys in compartments
There are three important steps to making a successful deal, one of which is keeping the keys hidden
Desert eagle my targets, hit ya lease I spark ti
I use the powerful Desert Eagle gun to take down my enemies without hesitation
We get the drop on ya spot, make it hot and unlock it
We always know what's going on and can quickly take over a location, making the situation more intense
Firearms make fireworks, I wonder where lies lurk
Guns can create fireworks but also bring harm, leading me to question what is really going on beneath the surface
We bloodied up your shirt, all you saw was the fire spark
I create a violent and intense scene with guns, leaving you with memories of the fire and blood
I come forth with gun smoke, no petty read ya bound by honor
I bring a serious and dangerous presence with me, but I also adhere to a strong sense of honor and loyalty
That I mark you in the hunt for a dollar
I'm on the hunt for money and success, and I'll mark anyone who stands in my way
Alive on the strength of power you
I thrive due to my strong sense of personal power and determination
Divine karma, Allah's armor see you keep fraudulatin'
I rely on the power of divine karma and Allah's protection, and can see through fraudulent behavior
I'll sick my wolves in your basement, with loaded shell casings
I'll send in my dangerous associates to attack you, armed with loaded guns
They think they all that, steppin' on them like they were doormats
Arrogant individuals who think highly of themselves will be crushed and humiliated by me
We bounce back and slap you with the raw tracks
I'll come back stronger and hit harder with my powerful rhymes and music
Heatin' it up steadily, so heavenly
I'm consistently producing hot and amazing music for all to enjoy
Straight up and down, streets bouncin' off the melody
My music is straightforward and honest, and the streets are loving it and bouncing to the beat
Lyrics © Royalty Network Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: AARON PHILLIP, DEMETRIUS GIBBS, LERONE IDLETT, STEPHEN JOHNSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind