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.
Only U
Afu-Ra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Well, I just wanna ride with you
Well, I just wanna roll with you
Hey, hey, hey, we light it up everyday
Hey, hey, hey, hey, we light it up everyday
I'm talking what you talking, are you going my way?
Hey, hey, hey, we light it up everyday
I'm talking what you talking, are you going my way?
Hey, hey, hey, we light it up everyday
And always seem to come when something fresh to say
Hey, hey, hey
Look at me now, I'm on the come up, done up, what up, what up
Now we can build all night, until the sun'll come up
Have some of the raps yeah, we blaze and blazin'
Till my eyes roll back in my head, I feel amazing
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey we light it up everyday
I'm talking what you talking, are you going my way?
Hey, hey, hey, we light it up everyday
And always seem to come when something fresh to say
Hey, hey, hey
I just wanna ride with you
Well, I just wanna ride with you
Well, I just wanna roll with you and only u
That's right, purple haze, white widow, yeah, get me settled
I burn pirates in my head, hit the grittle, hello
Then talk about trees, so long, I put it in a song
Smoking a bong, like Cheech and Chong, that's right
We bubble it up, we bubbling up
And all my hydro home girls, aiyo, y'all know what's up
And all my fellas that's risen, y'all play the backwoods
Get your head right, come on, y'all know it's all good
I, well, I just wanna ride with you
Well, I just wanna ride with you
Well, I just wanna roll with you and only u
Hey, hey, hey, hey we light it up everyday
I'm talking what you talking, are you going my way?
Hey, hey, hey, we light it up everyday
And always seem to come when something fresh to say
Hey, hey, hey
I, well, I just wanna ride with you
Well, I just wanna ride with you
Well, I just wanna roll with you and only u
If you like your bats fat and your blunts real long
Let's get it on, let's get it on, let's get it on
I like my bags real fat and my spliff's real long
Let's get it on, let's get it on, let's get it on
Don't you like your bags fat and your spliff real long?
Let's get it on, let's get it on, let's get it on
I like my bats real thick and my blunts real long
Let's get it on, let's get it on, let's get it on
Hey, hey, hey, hey, we light it up everyday
I'm talking what you talking, are you going my way?
Hey, hey, hey, we light it up everyday
And always seem to come when something fresh to say
Hey, hey, hey, hey we light it up everyday
I'm talking what you talking, are you going my way?
Hey, hey, hey, we light it up everyday
And always seem to come when something fresh to say
Hey, hey, hey
The song "Only U" by Afu-Ra is a classic song that is riddled with wonderful wordplay and metaphors attributed to the cannabis culture. At first glance, the song appears to be promoting drug use, but a closer analysis reveals it to be a celebration of good times and great company in the pursuit of pleasure. The opening lines, "Well, I just wanna ride with you" and "I just wanna roll with you" are an invitation to join in a journey with a friend, with the singer seeking company that they can enjoy, whether it be just riding or something more along the line of a drug-fueled good time.
The chorus of the song centers on the constant lighting up and bubbling of cannabis. "Hey, hey, hey, we light it up every day" and "And always seem to come when something fresh to say" suggests that this is a regular occurrence among the singer’s circle of friends. They enjoy conversing and passing around the cannabis, carving out a culture of togetherness that fosters carefree moments for all involved. There is also an implicit message of going with the flow, asking, "I'm talking what you talking, are you going my way?" This can be interpreted as the singer imploring their friend to keep up with their rhythm, urging them to join in on the good times.
Overall, "Only U" is a classic ode to good times spent with friends, celebrating the joy of being able to be carefree, and bringing people together. The use of cannabis is just one of the many things that bond the singer’s circle of friends, forging a lasting camaraderie that is reflected in the song.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, I just wanna ride with you
The singer desires to be with the listener and enjoy their company.
Hey, hey, hey, we light it up everyday
The singers engage in drug use frequently.
And always seem to go when something fresh to say
The singers enjoy discussing new experiences while they are under the influence.
I'm talking what you talking, are you going my way?
The artist wonders if the listener shares their interests and desires.
Look at me now, I'm on the come up, done up, what up, what up
The artist is experiencing success and excitement in life.
Now we can build all night, until the sun'll come up
The singers plan to stay up late while they enjoy each other's company and engage in drug use.
Smoking a bong, like Cheech and Chong, that's right
The singers are referencing popular stoner culture icons and expressing enjoyment of drug use.
Well, I just wanna ride with you
The artist reiterates their desire to be with the listener.
That's right, purple haze, white widow, yeah, get me settled
The artists are referencing specific strains of marijuana and express satisfaction with their effects.
And all my hydro home girls, aiyo, y'all know what's up
The artist addresses a community of women who enjoy hydroponic grown marijuana.
I like my bags real fat and my spliff's real long
The singer prefers larger amounts of marijuana and longer joints.
Let's get it on, let's get it on, let's get it on
The artists express eagerness to engage in drug use together.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@oldschoolhiphop4life
afu ra is the most underated and amazing MC, hes keepin bucktown real
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killer
@mjss776
afu ra breaks it down again
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