"FILM THE POLICE," has quickly become an anthem for the #Occupy generation, and shows no signs of slowing it's spread.
B. Dolan began performing in 1999 in the heart of the spoken word scene; New York City's famous Nuyorican Poets Cafe, where he developed his chops quickly. An 18 year old Dolan arrived for the first time as part of HBO's Def Poetry Series in 2002, and the respect earned with numerous performance poetry championships in the two years that followed.
2003 also saw the first release of "The Failure," [at the time] a two-disc, homegrown demo full of Dolan's earliest work.
After this self-release, Dolan disappeared from the poetry scene to pursue more overtly musical projects, as well as his own contribution to the struggle against social injustice.
In the midst of inventing the ragged, breakdown aesthetic of his later work, Dolan also dug in his activist roots by creating and co-founding the Knowmore.org website with former slam teammate and friend Sage Francis.
B. Dolan joined Francis on The Knowmore.org Tour in support of the project, which is when Francis expressed interest in releasing a revised version of "The Failure" on Strange Famous Records.
2008 brought about the official re-release of "The Failure" lp, which was trimmed down by a disc, and was critically acclaimed as a genre-defying, unheralded classic. It also earned a legion of die hard fans for Dolan's spoken word pieces, who've stuck around since to watch this unique artist's continual reinvention.
In 2009 he released House of Bees vol. 1, a full length mixtape that served to build momentum toward his 2010 release. Then, in 2010, "Fallen House, Sunken City" hit. Dolan's decidedly hip-hop sophomore lp was hailed by rap legends, critics and fans as a massive success. Alternative Press called the album "proof that underground hip hop still has bite," and The Onion's A.V. Club named it "One of the best albums of 2010." "Earthmovers," the album's first video, also became an MTVu Freshman of the Week and was entered into rotation on MTV2.
Since his signing to SFR, Dolan has toured exhaustively and internationally, most notably as part of the Paid Dues, SXSW 09, Soundset, and Rock the Bells festivals.
In addition to his partner and frequent collaborator Sage Francis, Dolan has also toured with the likes of Buck 65, Alias, Sole, Solilaquests of Sound, Prolyphic, Dan le sac vs. Scroobius Pip, Grand Buffet and others.
STILL HERE
B. Dolan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Grind like it my last Dre said don't play with it
And everybody ain't gone love it that's the part that came it
Never been about the fame nigga but it gotta be real if my name in it
So we spread love like T.R.I.G. do, give me flowers before my Vigil
Life's short though I'm six two
My homies dead man that shits proof
Can't kick it with em jiu jitsu
But I cried like shit when my Grandma died man
I swear to God that I miss you g pops too
And the block told me we got you
Who else if it's not you
Take a good look in the mirror homie you're the only one that can stop you
Four albums in and I realize they're ain't much left that I can do
Ain't a lot left I got prove but I love this shit so it's a lot to lose
So it's Two AM in the booth with it, Paul Pierce I'm the truth with it
We'd make music in my parents garage that Whiskey had me feeling loose with it
We was too legit and we still are, them dreams used to be real far
And I be trying to say goodbye but can't give it up it's real hard
And I feel like we done done it all
Since fourteen we done come so far
And everybody know I'm still here
Still here
Still here
And I might leave and I might stay
Just gotta do it the right way
But while you're waiting know I'm still here
How you day dream in the night time, thinking 'bout all those bright lights
Man I always on grind time won't really Into that night life
Some switched on me have nice life, now they looking for like I spy
'Cause they heard I got a buzz and they'll do anything to stay connected like WiFi
And I've tried but why lie man I ain't rocking with a lot y'all
Claiming y'all don't get put on shows but when I look around y'all not involved
That's larceny, who me? I got bars for weeks
Who you? Man partially
I got real brothers in this rap shit that's can get a verse and it all for free
Yea, that's mean it's all on me
Keep my foot all on that gas 'til my tank all on E
Send Mike all of drafts he be like B that's heat
And sometimes I ain't gotta ask my brothers like what you need
I done dropped four of them things, they gone want more from me
I give this shit all I have, that's so important to me
Looked up to big bro, Dub was like Jordan to me
And this here's more than dream
And I don't got nothing left more for the beat I'm gone
And I feel like we done done it all
Since fourteen we done come so far
And everybody know I'm still here
Still here
Still here
And I might leave and I might stay
Just gotta do it the right way
But while you're waiting know I'm still here
The lyrics to B. Dolan & Buddy Peace's song "Still Here" delve into themes of perseverance, self-reflection, and dedication to one's passion. The lines "I put my heart and soul in this, I won't change with it" highlight the artist's commitment to their craft, emphasizing their refusal to compromise their authenticity. The mention of Dre's advice not to play with it reinforces this notion of taking their art seriously and giving it their all.
The lyrics also touch on the challenges that come with pursuing a creative career. The line "everybody ain't gone love it that's the part that came it" acknowledges that not everyone will appreciate or support the artist's work, but the artist remains determined to stay true to themselves. The mention of spreading love like T.R.I.G. and giving flowers before a vigil suggests a desire to appreciate and uplift others while they are still present, recognizing the brevity of life.
The song includes personal reflections on loss, as the artist shares their emotional response to the deaths of loved ones. The grief expressed when they say, "But I cried like shit when my Grandma died man, I swear to God that I miss you g pops too" demonstrates the impact these losses have had on them. However, despite the hardships faced, the artist declares their resilience, proclaiming "I feel like we done done it all" and highlighting the progress they have made since a young age.
Overall, "Still Here" serves as a testament to the artist's dedication to their craft, their ability to overcome obstacles, and their determination to stay true to themselves in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
I put my heart and soul in this I won't change with it
I am fully committed to my craft and will remain true to myself
Grind like it my last Dre said don't play with it
I work hard as if it's my last opportunity, taking Dr. Dre's advice seriously
And everybody ain't gone love it that's the part that came it
Not everyone will appreciate my work, but that's just how it goes
Never been about the fame nigga but it gotta be real if my name in it
I'm not motivated by fame, but if my name is associated with something, it must be authentic
So we spread love like T.R.I.G. do, give me flowers before my Vigil
We show love like the T.R.I.G. crew, acknowledging and appreciating me while I'm still alive
Life's short though I'm six two
Despite being six feet two inches tall, life still feels short and fleeting
My homies dead man that shits proof
The fact that my friends have passed away serves as visible evidence of life's fragility
Can't kick it with em jiu jitsu
I can no longer spend time with them, despite my desire to
Lionhearted I'm a big dude
I have a brave and strong personality, even though I physically stand tall
But I cried like shit when my Grandma died man
I experienced intense grief and shed many tears when my Grandma passed away
I swear to God that I miss you g pops too
I genuinely and deeply miss my Grandma and my grandpa as well
And the block told me we got you
The community assured me of their support and loyalty
Who else if it's not you
If it's not me, then who else will take responsibility
Take a good look in the mirror homie you're the only one that can stop you
Reflect on yourself and realize that you are the only obstacle standing in your way
Four albums in and I realize they're ain't much left that I can do
After releasing four albums, I've come to the realization that there aren't many unexplored possibilities left
Ain't a lot left I got prove but I love this shit so it's a lot to lose
There isn't much left for me to prove, but because I have a deep passion for this, there's a lot at stake
So it's Two AM in the booth with it, Paul Pierce I'm the truth with it
I'm dedicated to my craft, even working late at night, just like Paul Pierce who played basketball with great skill
We'd make music in my parents garage that Whiskey had me feeling loose with it
Back in the day, we used to create music in my parents' garage while being intoxicated, which gave us a carefree feeling
We was too legit and we still are, them dreams used to be real far
We were genuinely authentic then and continue to be now, but our dreams seemed distant in the past
And I be trying to say goodbye but can't give it up it's real hard
I struggle to let go and move on from this lifestyle because it's truly difficult
And I feel like we done done it all
I have a sense of accomplishment that we have achieved almost everything
Since fourteen we done come so far
We have come a long way since we were fourteen years old
And everybody know I'm still here
Everyone is aware that I'm still present and active
And I might leave and I might stay
I am uncertain about whether I will depart or remain
Just gotta do it the right way
If I make a decision, I need to ensure that I handle it correctly
But while you're waiting know I'm still here
While you wait for my decision, understand that I am still around and involved
How you day dream in the night time, thinking 'bout all those bright lights
You daydream during the night, longing for success and envisioning the glamorous aspects of it
Man I always on grind time won't really Into that night life
I consistently work hard and prioritize my craft over indulging in the nightlife
Some switched on me have nice life, now they looking for like I spy
Some people changed their loyalty towards me, wishing me well as they try to gain benefits, now acting as spies
'Cause they heard I got a buzz and they'll do anything to stay connected like WiFi
They are aware of my growing popularity and are willing to do anything to maintain a connection with me, similar to staying connected to WiFi
And I've tried but why lie man I ain't rocking with a lot y'all
I've tried to be friendly, but honestly, I'm not fully supportive of many of you
Claiming y'all don't get put on shows but when I look around y'all not involved
You claim to not be given opportunities to perform, but I observe that you are not actively involved in the music scene
That's larceny, who me? I got bars for weeks
This behavior is like theft, and it's directed towards me. However, I possess an abundant amount of lyrical prowess
Who you? Man partially
Who are you? Well, only partially significant
I got real brothers in this rap shit that's can get a verse and it all for free
I have genuine friends in the rap industry who can receive a verse from me for free
Yea, that's mean it's all on me
Yes, that's what it means, the responsibility lies solely on me
Keep my foot all on that gas 'til my tank all on E
I will continue to work tirelessly until I exhaust all of my energy
Send Mike all of drafts he be like B that's heat
I send my drafts to Mike, and he often responds with enthusiasm, acknowledging their quality
And sometimes I ain't gotta ask my brothers like what you need
At times, I don't even need to ask my friends in the industry what they require because we have a strong bond
I done dropped four of them things, they gone want more from me
I have already released four albums, and now people will have higher expectations from me
I give this shit all I have, that's so important to me
I dedicate my entire being to this craft because it holds immense significance for me
Looked up to big bro, Dub was like Jordan to me
I greatly admired my older brother, Dub, who was like a Michael Jordan figure in my eyes
And this here's more than dream
This is more than just a dream, it has become a reality
And I don't got nothing left more for the beat I'm gone
I have nothing more to offer to this beat, signaling that it's time for me to move on
And I feel like we done done it all
I have a sense of accomplishment that we have achieved almost everything
Since fourteen we done come so far
We have come a long way since we were fourteen years old
And everybody know I'm still here
Everyone is aware that I'm still present and active
Still here
I am still around and involved
Still here
I am still present and active
And I might leave and I might stay
I am uncertain about whether I will depart or remain
Just gotta do it the right way
If I make a decision, I need to ensure that I handle it correctly
But while you're waiting know I'm still here
While you wait for my decision, understand that I am still around and involved
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Brent Butler
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind