He's even got scripture on being 'phat like dat'. Here's what he says:
"Yeah, I'm phat like dat". What I'm saying is, to be phat, the root meaning comes from Prov. 11:25: "The liberal soul shall be made fat, and he that waters shall be watered also himself." So, I'm talking Bible fat, not baby fat! Basically it's saying that the person who gives their time, money, wisdom for the benefit of someone else, God in turn makes your soul fat like that. So whatever fat is blessed."
As Jive's hip-hop pride and joy, the hefty artist clearly revels in double meaning, and takes obvious delight in explaining what his rhymes mean.
"Basically I've been giving my time and wisdom and money for others, and God is making my soul fat like that. So on "Don't Be Mad (Who's Da Blame?)", I'm saying don't be mad because I'm blessed, because I have an abundance in my life. Don't be mad because I'm blessed like that. Don't be mad because you're style is wack —that's like, a lot of people look in the mirror and don't like what they see, they 're miserable with themselves. I'm saying 'blame God', simply because God is the one who is blessing me. He's the one who has given me the opportunity, he's the one who lets us rise up out of circumstances, who makes something out of nothing, who makes a way out of no way, and gives an opportunity for everyone. But it's up to an individual to accept his way or to reject his way. So it's not my fault, He's the one responsible, He's the one to 'blame' for all my blessings."
That line about 'blaming God' is just one of the points of heated discussion that have been raging about B.B.Jay, ever since his independently-released "Pentacostal Poppa" single starting heating up the BET video request line back in 1998. Much of that controversy has centered around the elemental similarity of his style to that of the late secular hip-hop artist, Biggie Smalls.
"I sound like Biggie? Yeah, so many people say that. As a hip-hop artist, and as a fan of hip-hop music, no one can deny that he was a great part of hiphop. He's greatly missed —I wish I could have got to work with him. The thing is, I feel so overwhelmed that people even mention my name in the same breath as Biggie Smalls, simply because I feel like I'm not worthy [of that]. I don't try to sound like Biggie. I always tell people, I could never be Biggie Smalls, I can only be B.B.Jay. A lot of people try to skip goodness and go to greatness, but I'm just trying to be a good B.B.Jay. If I just stay the course, maybe I'll be a great B.B.Jay some day."
So if not Biggie, then how about Rocky? That's the first comparison that he makes when asked about who he is.
"I'm like the Rocky Balboa of hip-hop. I represent people all over the world, you know, having an intimacy and a realness, first of all acknowldging God our creator, and then acknowledging his people, who are his creation, and the world. I'm like Rocky because a true champion is not necessarily one who wins the awards, the platinum and silver. No, it's because I say, 'look, I have ups and downs in life, I have things to deal with in life', and thats like the everyday person, every level, every ethnic group. A true champion is one who never gives up. I represent everyone who has a desire to be a champion, and who IS a champion every time they get up and go to work or school or whatever. It can be difficult sometimes, but I'm not going to give up."
The boxing theme also surfaces on the title of his debut album, Universal Concussion (see review), which B.B.Jay says refers to 'world wide impact' and references his vision to change the face of rap through the delivery of good news, of sanctified rhymes. To some it will sound brash, perhaps even bragging. Indeed, if you isolate a phrase or two from his material and don't examine the surrounding rhyme, it certainly does appear that way. And yet in rap and in conversation, B.B. always qualifies that confidence by saying "I acknowledge God in everything simply because without Him, I am nothing, and with Him, I can do everything but fail."
"Like on 'I Told You So', I'm saying that whenever you try to do something, you got people who support you and people who don't support you. It's a song that says that I was [bound] to be successful, based on my hard work and my faith in God. And now I'm phat like that —I'm blessed like that. I say look at God, look at what God has done, he's taken something that was nothing, and made something beautiful out of it. So people relate to that because everyone's trying to reach a goal. I'm really blessed to do what I do, and it's really not based on my skill, it's based on my faith in God. And the word of God says that faith without works is dead. The reason why B.B.Jay is so alive and kickin' like a newborn is because of my faith and hard work. It goes together real well."
The story of how he went from a struggling artist in the streets of New York to landing a Jive Records contract is one that B.B. Jay likes to tell. During his "Pentecostal Poppa" days, B.B. was consecutively signed to two small, independent labels. "Both situations were ones where I learned alot, but there were two times where my contract was bought out." Through those business dealings, his work somehow reached the ear of the influential music industry exec., Andre Harrell.
"Man, I'm so grateful for that. I went to meet him in an Italian restaurant in midtown Manhattan, and I walked in and I said, 'Wow that's Andre Harrell'. So we sat down and he asked me a couple questions, and then he turned to his people and said' Ok, that's enough, this kid is a superstar, I've heard enough.' So he introduced me to Jive Records, and it's been a lot of love.
On the way, B.B.Jay has had the opportunity to meet and work with some of renowned. He's quick to acknowledge mentorship of MC Hammer.
"He's like a big brother to me. He's just a great guy, we hang out and chat. You know, a lot of people tell me, 'B.B. you need this and you need that in your entourage, you need two DJs, you need more of this etc.', but this means nothing to me. I've learned so much from Hammer, because if anyone has learned about doing too many things and going over budget, it would be him. He's educated me so well. I'm going at a pace that I know I can handle. The things I've learned form him is wisdom that I could never learn in a book."
Then there's Prince Markie Dee, of Fat Boy fame, who worked with B.B.Jay in producing much of the album.
"To work with Markie was a big joy. I mean I was so much into The Fat Boys. I was always eating pizza, to the point my mom thought I knew them! She'd be like, 'there's your friends on TV!', and I'd be like, Ma, I really don't know them. So to actually work with Markie was a great joy."
B.B. is one of only a handful of hip-hop artists with a Gospel message on a mainstream label. "Sometimes it's good to be isolated, and being the first [here] to do what I do, is a great responsibility. There's a lot of artists who are rooting for me on the Gospel side as well as on the mainstream side. They're saying, 'B.B.Jay, do your thing because you're the bridge that's going to allow a lot of people to come over."
"My genre of music is Gospel, hip-hop and R&B actually, and I'm trying to expand. Music being the medium, I don't consider myself as 'B.B.Jay the Gospel rapper'. Yes I am a Christian, I believe strongly in Jesus Christ, I believe he died for my sins and the while nine, and I believe that God put a message in my mouth for this day. It's a strong message for this 'mess age'."
"I'm also a performer. When I hit the stage, I'm a big brother, but I get down, you know what I'm saying? I was born to perform. because, I'm free. The Bible says that he who the Son sets free is free indeed, and I'm so free. You see, the only person I have to please is God. Yes, I have obligations as a recording artist to Jive. But the only person I have to please is God, and if God gives me the green light, then I put my foot on the gas and I'm outta here, you know what I'm saying? He opens the doors, and that's why I'm allowed to do the things that I do.
And these things, that's not because of my talent, but because God is so awesome, and being that no-one can put God in a box, He is showing that His are the best in every genre, in every career, and I'm just a manifestation of that. My career is 'hop-hop artist'; I rap and I have faith in Jesus Christ. I rap good things and good news, which is what Gospel means. I'm not ashamed of my faith. Because of God I am who I am and without Him I'm nothing. I wish people wouldn't get so caught up in titles. You are who you are, and I'm a hiphop artist.
"I'm really living my dream right now. Why dream the life when you can live the dream."
And you can be sure that B.B.Jay's got scripture on that one too.
B.B. Jay - “Universal Concussion”
March 01, 2001
The beats are steady, deep and lyrical. The message is provocative, literate and hardcore. And yet there is not one profane word. This is B.B. Jay: Rap music’s conscience and soul.
Long before recording “Universal Concussion,” B.B Jay had developed a devoted following, having attracted millions of fans for his first independent single “Pentecostal Poppa.” The song received considerable airplay on both BET, the Box and national radio play in 1998 and its popularity resulted in his deal with Andre Harrell and Jive Records.
“I want people to see clearly the difference between hip-hop an hip-slop,” he says. “I enjoy music that has meaning and I live for my music to be authentic and soul-stirring for all music lovers.”
B.B. Jay displayed his musical talents very early, writing his first song in sixth grade. That tune—“Follow Your Dream,” remains his theme song today. “Music is the way I express myself.” he says. “I always enjoyed reading and writing and I’ve always been searching for that inner-peace that only a world wide stage could provide.” He spent his adolescence in an ethically diver New Jersey neighborhood, where he gained an appreciation for multiplicity. “I’m glad I could live in that environment,” he notes. “I can dispel myths.” As a result of this milieu, he developed an interest in different musical artists and styles, from Duke Ellington, Stevie Wonder, Patti LaBelle, Run DMC, MC Hammer and Fred Hammond to Will Smith, Elton John and John Lennon.
B.B. Jay began his hip-hop journey as a local DJ at house parties, community youth groups and neighborhood events. After making his way at various shows and events, his greatest encounter happened when he met MC Hammer. Quickly forming a friendship, B.B. Jay and Hammer began collaborating on various projects, after which Hammer invited B.B. Jay to perform with him during the 1999 summer jam series. The culmination of their efforts happened when Hammer asked B.B. Jay to join him at the Wango Tango show at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. Sharing the stage with the likes of Will Smith, Britney Spears, Ricky Martin and Dru Hill, B.B Jay performed for the huge crowd which topped over 65,000 people.
Today, B.B. Jay still remains unfazed by the heady company he’s kept on his way to establishing his own career, inspired by well-known artists yet humbled by up and coming artists still struggling to make their dream a realization.
B.B. Jay’s greatest influence is a desire to dispel negative stereotypes and promote a positive attitude, especially in the face of adversity. This serious, probing sensibility is widely evident throughout “Universal Concussion.” Co-produced by B.B. Jay, Swing Central and mark Morales (Prince Markie Dee), the album pierces rap mythology, with hard hitting commentary celebrating truth and values combined with a sound and vibe that transcends musical boundaries.
“Hiz Love” which makes seductive use of DeBarge’s 1983 mega hit “All This Love,” is about love but in the B. B. Jay vision. “We ought to know how to love anybody. Basic kindness, simple consideration,” B. B. Jay says. “The world is full of so much hate, that love can turn all this hate into something beautiful.” While “One Way” with its practical message for people in pain was inspired by “ a time in my life when I was in a distressful place in my mind,” he says. “It’s a real special song to me.”
“Don’t Be Mad”, another provocative track, reveals B.B. Jay’s thoughts on the one true thing that is wholly responsible for all his blessings. The hook says it all, as B.B. Jay spits over a hard hitting beat, “Don’t be mad ‘cause I’m phat like that, don’t be mad because I’m blessed like that, don’t be mad ‘cause your style is whack, blame God.” “Hot Ta Def” invites listeners to “Defeat Every Fallacy,” he says. “Everything that’s been glorified, that’s destructive, my music puts an end to all that.”
“Po No Mo’” is a song about mental, physical and spiritual poverty. “People are peace oppressed,” B. B. Jay says. “If you don’t have peace, you also lack direction, and if you lack direction then you have no destiny.” “Okeedoke,” is about the games people play and the on-going deceptions of mankind. “Okeedoke” is a phrase I use to describe the scams of the foolish.”
B.B. Jay reveals his sentimental side on “For The Ladies, “ a gloriously loving, melodic and respectful tribute to women. “It’s from the heart,” B.B. Jay says. “It’s an anthem for women all over the world, a celebration of divine femininity.”
The album’s title track “Universal Concussion” makes clear B.B. Jay’s artistic ambitions. “I want everything I do to have meaning worldwide, beyond all parameters.” He states. “Through its authenticity, hip-hop can reach beyond its own boundaries. The music is soulful and its impact is like a universal quaking of the earth.”
I Told You So
B.B. Jay Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
there's an old saying that every dog has his day
I want'chall to know a lil somthin somthin
Every child of God has his season
And right about now, its all mine
Yo, check it, check it
It seems as it was just yesterday I was doing po'ly
I was broker than a vase, living like a pauper
Poverty followed me everywhere like a stalker
Native New Yorker, born in Brook'lawn
Grew up in Jersey where you die if you look wrong
Hooked on somethin coloussal (Word to God)
Holy hip-hop apostle (God Squad)
Original general, quite like a girdle
Representin Jesus the eternal life colonel
I'm over like a hurdle, harder than the turdle
Lyrics healthier than herbal
B.B. Jays sturdy, never profane
Never x-rated or dirty, never ashamed
(Holy hustler) Practice sold faithful
I'm on some holy holy, emcees be grateful
Hook: [B.B. Jay]
I hate to say I told you so, but didn't I?
Tell you I was gonna blow-up and be the bomb
Everybody had mad jokes when I was strugglin
Now I'm fat like that, what, word to God
I hate to say I told you so, but didn't I?
Tell you I was gonna blow-up and be the bomb
Everybody had mad jokes when I was strugglin
Now I'm fat like that, what, word to God
[B.B. Jay]
Check it
It all started way back when I was a chap in grade school
Used to write songs an' poems in the day room
Every music award show, yo I stayed tuned
Word to God, as true as I grew, kids made room
No doubt, rejection was a sho' thing
Never get love until you doing yo' thang
You know how it is, around ghetto kids
Hype, do you sign ???
Made a lot of rap fears when I drops mines
Lotta cats did all they could to stop mines
Recognize yo, you can't stop the shine
Or the glow, ice on ice, I make livin look pro
Show ya right, the son of abraham I am
Born American, culture African
A lotta of imposters I peeped your chief-tan
I'm a holy hustler, backwards buster
Hook
[B.B. Jay]
I used to rock a lot, back in the day, back of the class
In back of the school, battlin for cash in back of tha cab
I used jack up a lotta (Rap dummies)
I used to stak up a lotta (Lunch money)
Dough fo' sho' my flow was a number one
Yo, I told you cats since day number one
B.B. Jay ain't nothin but a plan and a man
But little did you know I had the power of I Am
All day from the getty up
Even back when I was leaving cats belly up
With they skull cracked, uh huh
I ain't always where I be at
Used to get buzzed with cous' like "where the tree at?"
Life of sin, had to flee that, palm was icy
On my way to hell, believe that, on some shiesty
Now I see clearly, holy life the nicest
Fat pastor, loungin with the righteous
Hook x2
In his song "I Told You So," B.B. Jay delivers a message about persistence and faith. He says that every child of God has their season, and his is now. The lyrics reflect on his past struggles and how he was once poor and broke, surrounded by people who couldn't do anything for him. Despite these struggles, he remained faithful and focused on his dreams of making it big in the music industry. He is now successful and reminds everyone that he told them so.
B.B. Jay's lyrics showcase his strong faith and perseverance. He talks about how he never gave up, even when nobody believed in him. He also touches on the challenges that he faced as a child of poverty, growing up in a tough neighborhood. However, through it all, he kept pushing forward, and now he's living proof that hard work and a little faith can lead to success.
The chorus of the song is a reflection of B.B. Jay's journey – he tells listeners that he hates to say it, but he told them so. He went from being the target of mad jokes to being on top, and he wants everyone to know that he did it through his perseverance. Overall, the song delivers a message of hope and encourages listeners to keep striving for their dreams.
Line by Line Meaning
there's an old saying that every dog has his day
Every person has their time to succeed and shine.
I want'chall to know a lil somthin somthin
I want to share some knowledge with you.
Every child of God has his season
Every person who believes in God has their time to succeed and shine.
And right about now, its all mine
I am currently experiencing my time to succeed and shine.
It seems as it was just yesterday I was doing po'ly
It feels like only yesterday that I was struggling.
Surrounded by jokers that couldn't do nothing fo' me
I was surrounded by people who were incapable of helping me.
I was broker than a vase, living like a pauper
I was extremely poor and living in poverty.
Poverty followed me everywhere like a stalker
I was constantly plagued by poverty and it seemed to always be present.
Native New Yorker, born in Brook'lawn
I was born in Brooklawn and grew up in New York City.
Grew up in Jersey where you die if you look wrong
I grew up in New Jersey where violence was common and one could get hurt for looking the wrong way.
Hooked on somethin coloussal (Word to God)
I was addicted to something major.
Holy hip-hop apostle (God Squad)
I am a devout Christian and a hip-hop artist.
Original general, quite like a girdle
I am unique and strong like a girdle.
Representin Jesus the eternal life colonel
I am a representative of Jesus Christ and his teachings.
I'm over like a hurdle, harder than the turdle
I have overcome obstacles and am stronger than ever.
Lyrics healthier than herbal
My lyrics are powerful and beneficial like medicinal herbs.
B.B. Jays sturdy, never profane
I am reliable and trustworthy, and never use vulgar language.
Never x-rated or dirty, never ashamed
I never use explicit or indecent content in my music and am not ashamed of my values.
(Holy hustler) Practice sold faithful
I am a Christian who practices my faith with dedication and commitment.
I'm on some holy holy, emcees be grateful
I am devoted to my faith and other hip-hop artists should appreciate that.
I hate to say I told you so, but didn't I?
I don't want to sound arrogant, but didn't I predict my success?
Tell you I was gonna blow-up and be the bomb
I told you that I would become successful and well-known.
Everybody had mad jokes when I was strugglin
People used to make fun of me when I was struggling and unknown.
Now I'm fat like that, what, word to God
Now I am very successful, and it is all thanks to God.
It all started way back when I was a chap in grade school
My career began when I was a young student in school.
Used to write songs an' poems in the day room
I used to write music and poetry in my free time in the school day room.
Every music award show, yo I stayed tuned
I was always interested in awards shows and watched them whenever I could.
Word to God, as true as I grew, kids made room
As I became more talented and experienced, people began to respect me and make space for me.
No doubt, rejection was a sho' thing
Rejection was a common occurrence for me.
Never get love until you doing yo' thang
I was never respected until I started doing what I loved.
You know how it is, around ghetto kids
Growing up in a rough neighborhood was difficult.
Hype, do you sign ???
You have to be confident and sell yourself to get a record deal.
Made a lot of rap fears when I drops mines
My rap music attracted a lot of fans and supporters.
Lotta cats did all they could to stop mines
Many people tried to prevent me from succeeding.
Recognize yo, you can't stop the shine
People should recognize that nothing can stop me from succeeding.
Or the glow, ice on ice, I make livin look pro
I am successful and make living a luxurious lifestyle look easy.
Show ya right, the son of abraham I am
I am a follower of Abraham and his teachings.
Born American, culture African
I was born in America but have a strong connection to African culture.
A lotta of imposters I peeped your chief-tan
I have seen many fake people claiming to be leaders.
I'm a holy hustler, backwards buster
I am a hardworking Christian who believes in standing up against negativity.
I used to rock a lot, back in the day, back of the class
I used to rap and perform a lot in school, often at the back of the classroom.
In back of the school, battlin for cash in back of tha cab
I used to compete with other rappers around the school and in taxis for money.
I used jack up a lotta (Rap dummies)
I used to make fun of less talented rappers.
I used to stak up a lotta (Lunch money)
I used to save up a lot of money from lunch and other small sources.
Dough fo' sho' my flow was a number one
My rap flow was incredibly talented and successful.
Yo, I told you cats since day number one
I have been telling people about my talent and potential since the beginning.
B.B. Jay ain't nothin but a plan and a man
I am an ambitious and talented person with a clear plan.
But little did you know I had the power of I Am
I had the power of God and my faith behind me all along.
All day from the getty up
Every day, I work hard from the beginning.
Even back when I was leaving cats belly up
Even when I was making others fail, I was still working hard to succeed.
With they skull cracked, uh huh
People who tried to stop me ended up failing.
I ain't always where I be at
I have come a long way since my early struggles.
Used to get buzzed with cous' like "where the tree at?"
I used to smoke marijuana with my cousins and friends.
Life of sin, had to flee that, palm was icy
I was living a sinful life, but then had to escape it and repent.
On my way to hell, believe that, on some shiesty
I was headed down a bad path towards hell, but then changed my ways.
Now I see clearly, holy life the nicest
Now, as a devout Christian, I see things more clearly and appreciate a holy life the most.
Fat pastor, loungin with the righteous
I am successful and a respected pastor of the righteous community.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: HOROWITZ, RODRIGUEZ
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind