Blair grew up in rural Clarks Town in the northwestern parish of Trelawny. His deeply religious family life (his mother was a Seventh-day Adventist and his grandmother a Revivalist) imbued him with a profound spirituality. During his youth, his favorite singers were reggae legends Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Bunny Wailer, musicians who strongly influenced his own style. Peter Tosh's influence can definitely be heard in Anthony B's vocal delivery and revolutionary stance.
Anthony B adopted Rastafarian beliefs as a teenager, a decision which was not well-received by his family. The stubborn and determined Anthony B refused to give up his new religion and his dreadlocks and moved to the home of his aunt and uncle in the Kingston suburb, Portmore.
While attending high school, Anthony B debuted as a deejay for the local sound system, Shaggy Hi-Power. In 1988, he befriended reggae artists such as Determine, Mega Banton, Ricky General and Terror Fabulous.
At this point in the reggae industry, singing "slack" songs about women was the popular thing to do. Anthony B did not believe in degrading women and chose to pen politically-slanted songs rather than so-called "gyal chunes." He hooked up with Little Devon the Half Pint sound-a-like singer he made his debut single "The Living is Hard" on the Wizard label in 1993. Anthony B tried many different producers but found that none of them fit his style of music. Finally, Anthony B teamed up with Richard "Bello" Bell, creating hits such as Fire Pon Rome, Raid Di Barn, Rumour, and Repentance Time. Anthony B's 1996 debut album Real Revolutionary was highly acclaimed in the reggae community. In late 1997, Anthony B released Universal Struggle which showed that Anthony B had a consistent, high-calibre talent. Anthony B has released a large number of albums since that time including 1999's Seven Seals and 2004's Untouchable which featured collaborations with artists including Wyclef Jean.
Anthony B tours extensively in Europe and North America and is known for his fiery, high-energy performances.
Anthony B is a member of the Bobo Ashanti branch of the Rastafarian movement. "Bobo Dreads", as they are known, are recognizable by their long robes and turbans. The strong Afrocentric pride and the other Rastafarian beliefs (or "overstandings" as Rastafarians prefer to call them) which Anthony B holds are reflected in his songs.
Discography
* Predator & Prey (1996, Alpha Enterprises)
* Real Revolutionary / So Many Things (1996, Greensleeves)
* Universal Struggle (1997, VP Records)
* Seven Seals (1999, VP Records)
* That's Life (2001, VP Records)
* More Love (2001, AO ! Records)
* Live On The Battlefield (2002, Jahmin' Records)
* Reggae Max (2002, Jet Star)
* Street Knowledge (2003, Nocturne)
* Judgment Time (2003, 2B1 Records)
* Smoke Free (2003, Bogalusa Records)
* Voice Of Jamaica vol. 2 (2003, Nocturne)
* Wise Man Chant (2004, Black Scorpio)
* Justice Fight (2004, Nocturne)
* Untouchable (2004, Togetherness Records)
* Power Of Creation (2004, Nocturne)
* Black Star (2005, Greensleeves)
* My Hope (2005, AL.TA.FA.AN. / Minor 7 Flat 5)
Freedom Fighter
Anthony B Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Always find another door
While at the gates of paradise they beat us down some more
But our mission's set in stone
'Cause the writing's on the wall
I'll scream it from the mountain tops pride comes before the fall
So many thoughts to share
Unlike those who hide the truth I tell it like it is
If the truth will set you free
I feel sorry for your soul
Can't you hear the ringing 'cause for you the bell tolls
I'm just a freedom fighter
No remorse
Raging on in holy war
Soon there'll come a day
When you're face to face with
Face to face with me
Can't you hear us coming?
People marching all around
Can't you see we're coming?
Close your eyes it's over now
Can't you hear us coming?
The fight has only just begun
Can't you see we're coming?
I'm just a freedom fighter
No remorse
Raging on in holy war
Soon there'll come a day
When your face to face with me
Face to face with me
The lyrics of Anthony B's song Freedom Fighter are a call to action for those who seek justice and equality in the face of oppression and discrimination. The opening lines suggest that while envious people always find another opportunity, those who strive for paradise are beaten down. Despite this, their mission is set in stone, written on the wall, and they will scream it from the mountaintops until it is heard. The chorus declares the singer's role as a freedom fighter, raging on in a holy war with no remorse. The final verses suggest that despite opposition, the fight has only just begun, and soon those in power will come face to face with the singer and others like him.
The song's message is powerful and inspiring, and the use of the metaphor of a holy war adds an extra layer of intensity to the lyrics. The theme of standing up against oppression is a common one in reggae music, and Anthony B's song is a fine example of the genre. The energy of the song is infectious, and it is easy to imagine the crowds at a concert chanting along with the chorus. The final lines suggest that the singer and his fellow freedom fighters are a force to be reckoned with, and that those in power should be afraid.
Line by Line Meaning
The mouths of envious
Always find another door
People who are envious constantly search for new opportunities to undermine others.
While at the gates of paradise they beat us down some more
Despite being so close to achieving our goals, we are still facing obstacles and setbacks.
But our mission's set in stone
'Cause the writing's on the wall
Our goals and objectives are crystal clear and we are unwavering in our pursuit of them.
I'll scream it from the mountain tops pride comes before the fall
Those who are too proud and overconfident are more likely to experience failure and disappointment.
So many thoughts to share
All this energy to give
I have a wealth of ideas and enthusiasm to offer.
Unlike those who hide the truth I tell it like it is
I am honest and straightforward, even when it may be uncomfortable or inconvenient.
If the truth will set you free
I feel sorry for your soul
If you cannot handle the truth and continue to live in denial, you will not find true inner peace and contentment.
Can't you hear the ringing 'cause for you the bell tolls
You are running out of time and need to take action before it is too late.
I'm just a freedom fighter
No remorse
Raging on in holy war
Soon there'll come a day
When you're face to face with
Face to face with me
I am a passionate advocate for freedom and justice, unafraid to fight for what I believe in, and I am willing to face opposition head-on.
Can't you hear us coming?
People marching all around
Can't you see we're coming?
Close your eyes it's over now
Can't you hear us coming?
The fight has only just begun
Can't you see we're coming?
We are a powerful movement gaining momentum and will not back down until our mission is fulfilled.
Contributed by Violet P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@patigreenGreen
Amazing art of work my ppl.
May the most high protect us ALL!!!
@choche-bd5jg
Pura vida Costa Rica 🇨🇷
Nunca pasará de moda esto ❤🔥
@vinylblack1316
que asco costa rica
@marthatorrentes5670
David 😍😍😍alondra😍😍😍😍😍😍😍mi amor😚😚😚😚😇😇😇😇😇😇💪💪💋💋💋💋
@alexanderaleman6967
Big up es un sentimiento que nunca se olvida
@josuepicado9654
Praaaaaa praaaaa respect ...... ke nivel ANTHONY B.....
@anthonyoelu5106
Pura vida bro
@tonymarley1768
Freedom ✊🏾🔥
@jackgithinji2955
Kenyans 2024 #occupyeverywhere freedom fighters VIVA!!!!!
@jonas8149
Freedom everywhere and for everybody!!!