Apollo began making his own music in 1996 using now-archaic Voyetra audio software, then upgraded to Cool Edit 2000 in becoming a self-described bedroom beat-maker for roughly the next eight years. After graduating from Michigan State University with a degree in business administration, he moved to the west side of Detroit and immersed himself in the local hip-hop community, forming the Black Day in July production crew with high school classmate and Wu-Tang affiliate Bronze Nazareth. When the pair branched off into individual work, Apollo relocated to the east side of the Motor City and continued to build before becoming disenchanted with music and stepping away from production for two years.
It was the mid-2000s, and the upstart producer saw no future for his work—work he had dedicated his life to—in an industry where radio was setting a formulaic pattern for mainstream music. But he eventually began to miss the creativity in his craft and began producing once again, releasing the instrumental albums Skilled Trade (2007) and Make Do (2009). Apollo was soon in high demand, collaborating with Detroiters Finale, MaGestiK LeGenD, Danny Brown, Paradime, and Kam Moye aka Supastition. He went on in 2009 to win the Detroit Red Bull Big Tune Championships and competed in the national finals. Apollo then signed as a producer with the Mello Music Group in December of 2009, having left Michigan in late 2007 to take a position as a property inspector in Cleveland, Ohio. A week after signing, he was laid off from his job.
“Beautiful,” was Apollo’s reaction, as he viewed the layoff as a blessing and prepared for what he terms his “one-year plan.” Starting things off will be The Reset, a series of reworked tracks in true remix tradition, with new music and arrangements for verses by Rapper Big Pooh of Little Brother, Black Milk, MED, Grap Luva, labelmates Kenn Starr, Oddisee, and Diamond District, along with a host of others.
Next up was Brown Study with Boog Brown which features Miz Korona, Invincible, Kam Moye, and Kenn Starr. When the long-awaited Gas Mask LP by The Left with DJ Soko and MC Journalist 103 took the stage in late October 2010 Apollo cemented his place as one of the games best new producers.
Then early in 2011 Apollo released his first Mello Music Group instrumental album, Clouds, and dominated best of lists at the end of the year. 2011 also saw the release of the album Daily Bread, with Rochester, New York MC Hassaan Mackey.
After taking just under a year off to create a new masterpiece, Apollo released his biggest album to date with the legendary O.C. of D.I.T.C. entitled Trophies. The internet again became abuzz with talk of album of the year. Never one to rest on his laurels, Apollo spent the next 7 months both campaigning for "Trophies" and putting together another album, Dice Game, with Motor City compatriot Guilty Simpson. The result of his intense immersion in his work was yet another year with two albums ("Dice Game" and "Trophies") ending up on people's Best of 2012 lists.
Apollo’s credo is simple: “Everything I make, I try to make it my favorite album of all time.”
Tao Te Ching
Apollo Brown Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To help me cope with anything
If you see the wonder of a fairy tale
You can take the future even if you fail
I believe in angels
Something good in everything I see
I believe in angels
When I know the time is right for me
I have a dream, a fantasy
To help me through reality
And my destination makes it worth the while
Pushing through the darkness still another mile
I believe in angels
Something good in everything I see
I believe in angels
When I know the time is right for me
I'll crossed the stream - I have a dream
I have a dream, a song to sing
To help me cope with anything
If you see the wonder of a fairy tale
You can take the future even if you fail
I believe in angels
Something good in everything I see
I believe in angels
When I know the time is right for me
I've crossed the stream - I have a dream
I've crossed the stream - I have a dream
It appears that the lyrics provided are not actually from Apollo Brown's song "Tao Te Ching," but instead come from the song "I Have a Dream" by ABBA. Therefore, I will provide an analysis of the ABBA lyrics.
The lyrics of "I Have a Dream" seem to express a sense of hope and optimism, in spite of present difficulties or even failures. The singer talks about having a dream or a song that can help them "cope with anything," suggesting that music has some kind of healing or comforting power. They suggest that even if you fail in your attempts to accomplish something, if you are able to see the "wonder of a fairy tale" and believe in the good of the world, you can still move forward and succeed in the future.
The repeated refrain of "I believe in angels/Something good in everything I see" gives this sense of hope and belief in the ultimate goodness of the world. The final lines, "I've crossed the stream - I have a dream," could be interpreted as a metaphor for overcoming obstacles and achieving one's goals.
Overall, the lyrics of "I Have a Dream" express a sense of positivity and resilience, promoting the idea that even in difficult times, one can hold onto hope and persevere towards their dreams.
Line by Line Meaning
I have a dream, a song to sing
I have aspirations that I want to pursue and express through music.
To help me cope with anything
Music is a coping mechanism that helps me deal with any challenges I face in life.
If you see the wonder of a fairy tale
If you can appreciate the beauty and magic of stories, like fairy tales, you can find hope and inspiration for the future.
You can take the future even if you fail
Failure doesn't have to define or limit your future. You can still move forward and strive for your dreams despite setbacks.
I believe in angels
I have faith in the goodness of the universe and the existence of benevolent beings who watch over us.
Something good in everything I see
I choose to focus on the positive aspects of life and find goodness in every situation I encounter.
When I know the time is right for me
I trust that the universe will guide me towards the right path and opportunities when the timing is right.
I'll cross the stream - I have a dream
I'll overcome any obstacles or difficulties in my path, and pursue my aspirations and dreams until I reach my destination.
I have a dream, a fantasy
My dreams and aspirations are idealistic and may seem like fantasies to others, but they provide me with hope and motivation.
To help me through reality
Pursuing my dreams and passions helps me stay grounded and navigate the complexities of everyday life.
And my destination makes it worth the while
The end goal of my journey towards my dreams is so rewarding that the journey itself becomes worth the effort and challenges.
Pushing through the darkness still another mile
Persisting through difficult times and challenges, and never losing sight of my goals, no matter how far away they may seem.
I've crossed the stream - I have a dream
I've overcome my obstacles and challenges, and I'm living proof that determination and perseverance can lead to achieving one's dreams.
Contributed by Kaelyn G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Mello Music Group
Michael White was a good friend that lost his life too early. He lived everything we consider Hip-hop - it brought him to life and took it. It was through his passing that our direction with this music was made more clear. His life and passing inspired the creation of Mello Music Group.
Kamil Antoš
this track has deeper story inside that many of nowadays rappers in their songs
Joaquin F
so glad you still have this instrumental uploaded. was feeling kinda down. challenging day at work. helping me return to a more balanced state. thank you for sharing. <3
UltraBeatzHD
Can't Stop listening to this song!
Jan Sobolewski
No proste, a ja od godziny chodzę po głowie i szukam. dzięki
ItsSaintNick
you create my inspiration with your sounds.
josephjasonsantiagolacour
Perfect balance can only be attained through motion. Keep it movin' son.
WakeWorkRepeat
I can't get enough of this.
Graail7
Apollo Brown is one of my inspirations in making beats!!!can't wait for my "toys" to arrive!!!
The Simp Circus
This brother drops some heated tracks.