In early 2014, Arif signed a career management deal with Nora Collective. While working on his long-play debut, Arif released one of the biggest urban hits of the summer of 2014; “Lowkey” and in January 2015, he released the radio-friendly “Kanke Gi Opp” (feat. Magnus Eliassen), the first single from the April 2015 album “HighEnd / Asfalt” - raising the expectations for his album debut even further.
Background:
In the wake of the critically acclaimed EP, along with the national hit “Gal”, Arif was named Untouched Artist of The Year - a prestigeful aknowledgement for new, independent artists, presented by the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (NRK). After his performance at Norwegian music festival by:Larm, Arif was hailed as a rising star by VG, P3, Dagbladet and Aftenposten - some of Norway’s largest media outlets. This paved the way for a career step in the right direction when major label EMI/Warner Music Group signed Arif in early 2013. He released his well recieved sophomore-EP “Aldri & Alltid” in the fall of 2013, which had a more dark and serious theme than his debut release.
Arif’s music and impressively energetic live performances, combined with his charismatic appearance, has helped earn Arif gigs at the biggest festivals, his own t-shirt collection together with the Varner Group, as well as several radio and TV performances, including a guest role in TV show “Helt Perfekt” with comedian Thomas Giertsen.
Kanke Gi Opp
Arif Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Bakvendt land, hva om vi bare criss cross,
Jeg er en migri-migri mac man mac on a stack som en bigmac vistack for real
Yeah yeah yeah
La meg på neptun og hang som gardiner
Ba 'em sjekke mit tryne
Jeg vet du vil dele din jay og wachine
Jeg har det i rygg som en fysioterapaut
Sorry mitt hjerte
Du leker så deilig, du er alt for deilig
Tørr ikke å la meg komme inn og rope ut ferdig
Til jeg blir ferdig
(Ta den)
Det er bang-bang
Baby la meg bang bang
Ikke la meg be for det, for det er bare bad bad
Vi kanke gi opp
Vi kanke gi opp
Vi kanke gi opp
Vi kanke gi opp
Vi kanke gi opp (da da)
Vi kanke gi opp (da da)
Vi kanke gi opp, opp, opp, opp, opp
Vi kanke gi opp
The verse "Helt baklengs, nå kjører disco / Bakvendt land, hva om vi bare criss cross" suggests a sense of disorientation in a world that feels like it's moving backwards or in reverse. The suggestion to "criss cross" implies an attempt to regain some sense of control in a world that seems to be constantly spinning out of their grasp. The reference to disco adds an ironic twist, as disco music was popular in the 70s and often associated with carefree partying and escapism. Here, the tone is more cynical and slightly disenchanted.
The next lines "Jeg er en migri-migri mac man mac on a stack som en bigmac vistack for real / Yeah yeah yeah" are somewhat nonsensical, but appear to be a boast about the singer's own abilities or status. The references to "migri-migri" and "bigmac" seem to be cultural touchstones, perhaps related to the experience of being an immigrant or a person of color in Norway. The repetition of "yeah" suggests a certain bravado or swagger.
The chorus "Vi kanke gi opp" (We can't give up) is a rallying cry that punctuates the song. It suggests that despite the difficulties and disorientation expressed in the verses, the singer is determined to persevere and find a way forward. The repeated phrase "Vi kanke gi opp" takes on a kind of mantra-like quality, serving as a reminder to stay motivated and focused.
In summary, "Kanke Gi Opp" seems to reflect a sense of being lost or adrift in a chaotic world, but also expresses a determination to keep moving forward despite the odds. The song features a mix of cultural references, bravado, and vulnerability that come together to create a compelling message of resilience.
Line by Line Meaning
Helt baklengs, nå kjører disco
Going backwards, now driving disco
Bakvendt land, hva om vi bare criss cross,
Reverse land, what if we just criss cross
Jeg er en migri-migri mac man mac on a stack som en bigmac vistack for real
I am a migri-migri mac man mac on a stack, like a bigmac vistack for real
Yeah yeah yeah
Expressing agreement or enthusiasm
La meg på neptun og hang som gardiner
Let me hang on Neptune like curtains
Ba 'em sjekke mit tryne
Asking them to check my face
Jeg vet du vil dele din jay og wachine
I know you want to share your jay and wachine with me
Di, di er piss og maur
They, they are piss and ants
Jeg har det i rygg som en fysioterapaut
I have it in my back like a physiotherapist
Sorry mitt hjerte
Apologizing to my heart
Du leker så deilig, du er alt for deilig
You play so deliciously, you're too delicious
Tørr ikke å la meg komme inn og rope ut ferdig
Don't dare to let me come in and yell out finished
Til jeg blir ferdig
Until I'm finished
(Ta den)
(Take that)
Det er bang-bang
It's bang-bang
Baby la meg bang bang
Baby let me bang bang
Ikke la meg be for det, for det er bare bad bad
Don't let me beg for it, because it's just bad bad
Vi kanke gi opp
We can't give up
Vi kanke gi opp (da da)
We can't give up (da da)
Vi kanke gi opp, opp, opp, opp, opp
We can't give up, up, up, up, up
Contributed by Mila I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@dydididy7832
Damn, why is Norwegian rap so underrated.. I am a huge fan of it. Continue the good work, France loves you.
@rodeostruerager
Such a great song... Arif is so talented.I really love norwegian music, love from Brazil ! 🇳🇴🇧🇷
@pd_gameryt5011
Kom hit i 2020 😂😂 og hørte den på kasim sin Episode 😂😂😂
@CeesusBeats
Great music, love from the Netherlands.
@halvormundal9011
+Cees Trip Arif and Magnus Eliasen is norwegian tho
@konsba
+Halvor Mundal that dosen't mean a shit
@mrchigz8
This track is awesome whewwww. discovered Arif through Quick Crew
- melbourne Australia
@49kalafatis
Sykt kul låt, Arif! Gleder meg til å høre resten :-----)
@ObeyTehPro
Legende
@kencho364
så dope!!!