While Bahamadia has been consistently active in the recording industry since her introduction in 1996, she has (amazingly) only two solo album releases to her credit. First was the now "classic" EMI Records release "KOLLAGE", which she described as "various sound blends and textures of my interpretation of hip-hop music that encompasses topics of importance to me." "KOLLAGE", which was the first LP ever written/co-produced entirely by a female hip-hop artist, generated the 1996 SOUL TRAIN LADY OF SOUL award nomination for BEST NEW R&B/RAP ARTIST. Bahamadia 's second solo project, the critically acclaimed "BB QUEEN", was released in the year 2000 on the indie label Good Vibe Recordings. "BB QUEEN" was also the debut of multi-talented Virgin Recording artist Dwele.
In addition to being a respected songwriter/producer, Bahamadia serves as a positive role model for, and mentor of, many upcoming artists. She is a regular participant in educational lectures at universities, as well as in music conferences and seminars. She has been a contributing writer for Stress Magazine in New York City. Her historic weekly radio show at Philadelphia's 103.9FM, "BAHAMADIA'S B-SIDES"(circa 1997-1999), reigned as
one of the highest rated radio shows in Philadelphia. " BAHAMADIA'S B-SIDES" gave Philly radio listeners their first taste of then unknown artists like Eminem, Mos Def, and many of the Rawkus Records roster of artist during the late 1990's. In a nutshell, "B-SIDES" showcased underground talent worldwide and served as a template for taste-maker forums such as "Now Hear This" presented by fellow Philadelphians The Roots. In Bahamadia's words, "the show was designed to nurture grass-roots culture."
Bahamadia has collaborated with a wide variety of her musical contemporaries. Although many of these collaborations have resulted in groundbreaking creations(for example, the track entitled "NEW FORMS", produced by MERCURY AWARD winner Roni Size, was the first "Drum-n-Bass" track to feature a rap vocalist), they mostly came about in distinctly organic fashion. Simply put, "sonic gems" were created because of musicians' mutual respect for each other. These works include songs with Lauryn Hill, Morcheeba, Sweet Back (Sade & Maxwell's band), Towa Tei, The Roots, King Britt, Ramsey Lewis(Jazzmatazz, Vol.2), Talib Kweli, Erykah Badu, Mc Lyte, Zap Mama, and more. When asked why she chooses to work with such an eclectic range of artists, Bahamadia explains, "I do it in order to push the envelope and stop the music from being stagnant".
Not only in demand for concert performances throughout the United States, Bahamadia had been invited to participate in many overseas tours, embracing fans in Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, Holland, England, France, Poland, Austria, and Australia gaining a global cult following based on integrity & skill.
Now that she has helped set the stage for Philadelphia artist and other practitioners of her idea of "quality" hip-hop to get their just due, she is ready to do the same for herself. Family and community before herself?Bahamadia wouldn't have it any other way!
Chaos
Bahamadia Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Of light out of the chaos cuttin down overzealous
Players who stare we're the winners of the game
Walk in we'l prepared climbin the stairways
To heaven while you scared of the people livin under
Ground heard the sound of the clap made you wonder
If it was a gun the crowd or some thunder
All of that was out my window when I was younger
If you don't know by now, let me aquaint you with my steez
(C'mon) I don't get on stage and waste your time
Niggaz got a lot to say but they just can't rhyme
They just babies, I snatch em out they incubators
Attach them to respirators, they breathin hard like Darth Vader
Hard as candy and suck like Now or Laters
After a while your style's tasteless and it GOT NO FLAVOR
Projects my eyesights to the heavens like dead or wise sages
Release what I hold save it through my book of rhyme pages
Scripts be ageless, like scrolls from dead sea
The cadence off and on like the motion of Tai Chi
Ba-ha-ma-D, wor-dy, to Reflect, Eternally
Science to a remedy to help and get my people free, but
Little support, got my thesis on freeze
My only option's doin bootlegs for the Japanese
Get about eight G's, a heavy buzz overseas
Sacrifice a pill to mainstream and do what I believe, cause
Down to the chromosomes I'm a purist to this artform
Enlighten who I touch and let the world catch on
Yeah, we your rhyme sayers, who lead you like a beacon
Of light, out of the chaos, cuttin down overzealous
Players who stare, we're the winners of the game
Walk in well prepared, climbin the stairways
To heaven while you scared of the people livin under-
-ground heard the sound of the clap, made you wonder
If it was a gun, the crowd, or some thunder
All of that was out my window when I was younger
Oppose for the nine, how no content sections of the earth
Walkin vexed, out of my sticks, laced on every verse
My cells begin to peak at least a hundred thousand hertz
Meanin my joint's prevalent in Fat Beats and Footworks
I cater to these markets first, cause they gravitate to me
And appreciate the vision of what I do musically
Mmm, mmmm, mmmm, mmm!!
I walked in and they stared, see how they screwin me
Break you down, til you ain't the man you used to be
Domination of my jurisdiction, people's addiction to lies
It blurs the lines between the fact and fiction
Now we back omission, I fix your face for you, keep yappin
You start to hate the man in the mirror like Michael Jackson
Majors they try to hold me captive but mine are figure factions
But the foundation of hip-hop hold my braincells for ransom
I chance none, fuck them spots on charts and number one
If it's meant, then I'll accept it gracious when the time comes
This grassrooted curriculum, got me sprung like twisted ankles
Experience is missable, so I approach it from all angles and
Inject some substance deep inside of rap's core
Take an MC and back to where it was before
Call us Liberty like the Bell of Philadelphia scenery
Me and Bahama-D, style free like Mumia need to be
Seein me, feelin me, we right here on the level
Turnin hardrocks to pebbles, exposin the devil
Lyrical olympian like John Carlos winnin gold medal
Take that bass out yyour voice you talk to me in treble
I'm _Serious_ as Steady be so you know I ain't playin
I'm stimulatin, makin crowds MOVE like organizations in Philly
Keep it positive, my prerogative is exercise
See through the chaos with my third eye
Word I exhibit the exquitiness, since a child I was vivid
Throw your hands in the air if you with it, dig it
Yeah, we your rhyme sayers, who lead you like a beacon
Of light, out of the chaos, cuttin down overzealous
Players who stare, we're the winners of the game
Walk in well prepared, climbin the stairways
To heaven while you scared of the people livin under-
-ground heard the sound of the clap, made you wonder
If it was a gun, the crowd, or some thunder
All of that was out my window when I was younger
Seven-eighteen, to five-one-three
We meet at two-one-five
Reflection Eternal, Bahamadia, yes yes
Yo listen the fuck up why'all
It's Mr. X to the Z Xzibit
Broadcastin with the home grown
That's right, they straight out of my backyard
The Beat Junkies, on Rawkus Records understand me?
It's Soundbombing 2!
In Bahamadia's song Chaos, the artist highlights her role as a rapper and how she leads her audience towards the light out of chaos. The lyrics suggest that while some rappers are over-zealous players who just cannot rhyme, Bahamadia is a winner of the game who is well-prepared and who climbs the stairways to heaven. The song reflects Bahamadia's maturity as she has aged, and how she has become a lyrical clap MC who is serious about her steez. The artist seems to derive motivation from serving her people and achieving a science as a remedy to securing their freedom.
Bahamadia laments about not receiving adequate support to pursue her thesis on freeze. She spoke about only having an option to do bootlegs for the Japanese which would fetch her about eight G's. Nevertheless, she remained unwavering in her artistic pursuits, catering first to the fans in the grassroots market because they appreciate her vision of what she does musically. She also emphasized the importance of injecting some substance deep inside rap's core and taking an MC back to where it was before.
The lyrics of the song are a call to action for fans to look beyond chaos and find a beacon of light to follow. Bahamadia's lyrics have been celebrated for their thoughtfulness and depth. Her lyrics present her view of the world, her neighborhood, and other topics that affect her life and the lives of those around her.
Line by Line Meaning
We your rhyme sayers we lead you like a beacon
We, as skilled lyricists, guide and inspire you with our words like a guiding light
Of light out of the chaos cuttin down overzealous
We bring clarity and cut through the chaos created by arrogant individuals
Players who stare we're the winners of the game
We are the champions and victors of the rap game, while others merely watch
Walk in well prepared climbin the stairways
We enter with confidence and readiness, steadily progressing towards success
To heaven while you scared of the people livin under
While you fear and judge those who are less privileged, we aim for greatness
Ground heard the sound of the clap made you wonder
The sound of applause startled you and made you question what it was
If it was a gun the crowd or some thunder
You were uncertain if it was the sound of a gun, a cheering crowd, or thunder
All of that was out my window when I was younger
I left behind those distractions and uncertainties when I matured
Now I'm much older, lyrical clap MC's
As I've grown, I've become more experienced in lyricism, surpassing other mediocre rappers
If you don't know by now, let me acquaint you with my steez
If you're unaware of my style and abilities, allow me to introduce myself
(C'mon) I don't get on stage and waste your time
I don't perform on stage without purpose, I value your time and deliver quality
Niggaz got a lot to say but they just can't rhyme
Many individuals try to speak but lack the skill to express themselves through rhyme
They just babies, I snatch em out they incubators
They are juvenile and inexperienced, easily defeated by my skill and expertise
Attach them to respirators, they breathin hard like Darth Vader
I metaphorically attach them to breathing machines, as they struggle to keep up with me
Hard as candy and suck like Now or Laters
They may seem tough, but they lack substance and skill
After a while your style's tasteless and it GOT NO FLAVOR
Eventually, their style becomes bland and lacks any distinctiveness
Projects my eyesights to the heavens like dead or wise sages
I elevate my perspective to a higher level, akin to wise and esteemed figures
Release what I hold save it through my book of rhyme pages
I express and preserve my thoughts and ideas through my collection of rhymes
Scripts be ageless, like scrolls from dead sea
My written verses are timeless, comparable to scripture found in the Dead Sea Scrolls
The cadence off and on like the motion of Tai Chi
My rhythm and flow fluctuate, similar to the fluid motions of Tai Chi
Ba-ha-ma-D, wor-dy, to Reflect, Eternally
I am Bahamadia, poetic and profound, here to reflect and influence eternally
Science to a remedy to help and get my people free, but
I use the power of knowledge and wisdom as a remedy to liberate and uplift my community, however
Little support, got my thesis on freeze
I receive minimal support, hindering the development and implementation of my ideas
My only option's doin bootlegs for the Japanese
My limited options force me to create bootleg recordings for the Japanese market
Get about eight G's, a heavy buzz overseas
I earn a respectable amount of money and gain popularity internationally
Sacrifice a pill to mainstream and do what I believe, cause
I compromise my creative integrity for mainstream success, yet I remain true to my beliefs
Down to the chromosomes I'm a purist to this artform
To the very core of my being, I am devoted and authentic to the art of rap
Enlighten who I touch and let the world catch on
I aim to enlighten and inspire those I interact with, allowing my influence to spread globally
Oppose for the nine, how no content sections of the earth
I confront and challenge those who lack substance or meaningful contributions in different regions of the world
Walkin vexed, out of my sticks, laced on every verse
I confidently express my frustrations and opinions in my lyrics, leaving a lasting impact
My cells begin to peak at least a hundred thousand hertz
My creative energy and talent reaches its maximum potential, resonating at high frequencies
Meanin my joint's prevalent in Fat Beats and Footworks
My music is popular and widely recognized in renowned record stores and dance studios
I cater to these markets first, cause they gravitate to me
I prioritize these specific markets because they are naturally attracted to my style and music
And appreciate the vision of what I do musically
They understand and value the artistic vision and creativity behind my work
Mmm, mmmm, mmmm, mmm!!
Expressing satisfaction and delight in the quality of my music
I walked in and they stared, see how they screwin me
When I entered the room, people stared at me, realizing the impact I have on them
Break you down, til you ain't the man you used to be
I have the power to dismantle your ego and make you rethink your previous self
Domination of my jurisdiction, people's addiction to lies
I exercise control over my domain, exposing society's addiction to deception and falsehoods
It blurs the lines between the fact and fiction
This addiction creates confusion and makes it difficult to distinguish reality from fiction
Now we back omission, I fix your face for you, keep yappin
I return with a vengeance, silencing those who spread lies by confronting them directly
You start to hate the man in the mirror like Michael Jackson
Your guilt and self-loathing intensify, similar to Michael Jackson's struggle with his own reflection
Majors they try to hold me captive but mine are figure factions
Major record labels attempt to control and limit my artistic freedom, but I am resistant and independent
But the foundation of hip-hop hold my braincells for ransom
The essence of hip-hop and its values hold my creativity and intellectual capacity hostage
I chance none, fuck them spots on charts and number one
I take no risks in compromising my integrity for chart positions or top rankings
If it's meant, then I'll accept it gracious when the time comes
If success aligns with my destiny, I will accept it with humility and gratitude
This grassroots curriculum, got me sprung like twisted ankles
I am deeply invested and enthusiastic about this grassroots movement, like one with sprained ankles
Experience is missable, so I approach it from all angles and
Experience should not be disregarded, so I actively seek knowledge and insight from various perspectives
Inject some substance deep inside of rap's core
I strive to infuse rap music with meaningful content and substance
Take an MC and back to where it was before
I aim to guide and restore the essence of MCing to its original roots
Call us Liberty like the Bell of Philadelphia scenery
We symbolize freedom and liberation, just like the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia
Me and Bahama-D, style free like Mumia need to be
Both Bahamadia and I possess a style that is unrestricted and unchained, similar to the freedom Mumia Abu-Jamal deserves
Seein me, feelin me, we right here on the level
When you see and experience our presence, you realize we are on the same wavelength
Turnin hardrocks to pebbles, exposin the devil
We have the power to weaken and expose tough individuals, revealing their true nature
Lyrical Olympian like John Carlos winnin gold medal
We possess the skills and abilities comparable to John Carlos, who won an Olympic gold medal
Take that bass out yyour voice you talk to me in treble
Lower your aggressive tone when you speak to me, communicate in a more respectful manner
I'm _Serious_ as Steady be so you know I ain't playin
I am serious and dedicated, just like Steady B, proving that I'm not joking around
I'm stimulatin, makin crowds MOVE like organizations in Philly
I am energizing and inspiring, causing crowds to move and react like influential organizations in Philadelphia
Keep it positive, my prerogative is exercise
I aim to spread positivity, my priority is maintaining a healthy mental and creative state
See through the chaos with my third eye
I can perceive and understand the chaos of the world through my enhanced perception and insight
Word I exhibit the exquitiness, since a child I was vivid
I demonstrate the beauty and excellence of my craft, which I've possessed since childhood
Throw your hands in the air if you with it, dig it
If you're in agreement and enjoying the music, show your enthusiasm and raise your hands
Seven-eighteen, to five-one-three
Referring to the area codes for Rahway, New Jersey (718) and Cincinnati, Ohio (513)
We meet at two-one-five
Referring to the area code for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (215)
Reflection Eternal, Bahamadia, yes yes
Acknowledging Reflection Eternal (Talib Kweli & Hi-Tek) and Bahamadia, affirming their presence and collaboration
Yo listen the fuck up why'all
Attention, everyone, listen closely
It's Mr. X to the Z Xzibit
Introducing Xzibit, the singer of this message
Broadcastin with the homegrown
Delivering this message alongside local and authentic talent
That's right, they straight out of my backyard
Highlighting the fact that these artists are from Xzibit's local community
The Beat Junkies, on Rawkus Records understand me?
The Beat Junkies, signed to Rawkus Records, share the same understanding and perspective
It's Soundbombing 2!
Referring to the album Soundbombing 2, which features this collaboration
Lyrics Β© Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ANDREA JEANETTE MONTANO, DIANNE DE LEON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@EyaoPantah
[Hook: Talib Kweli + Bahamadia]
We are rhyme sayers, we lead you like a beacon
Of light, out of the chaos, cuttin down overzealous
Players who stare, when the winners of the game
Walk in well prepared, climbin the stairways
To heaven while you scared of the people livin under-
-ground heard the sound of the clap, made you wonder
If it was a gun, the crowd, or some thunder
All of that was out my window when I was younger
[Talib Kweli]
Now I'm much older, lyrically clap MC's
If you don't know by now, let me acquaint you with my steez
(C'mon) I don't get on stage and waste your time
Niggas got a lot to say but they just can't rhyme
They just babies, I snatch em out they incubators
Attach them to respirators, they breathin hard like Darth Vader
Hard as candy and suck like Now or Laters
After a while your style's tasteless and it GOT NO FLAVOR
[Bahamadia]
Projects my eyesights to the heavens like dead or wise sages
Release what I hold sacred through my book of rhyme pages
Scripts be ageless, like scrolls from dead sea
The cadence off and on like the motion of Tai Chi
Ba-ha-ma-D, wor-dy, to Reflect, Eternally
Science to a remedy to help and get my people free, but
Little support, got my thesis on freeze
My only option's doin bootlegs for the Japanese
Get about eight G's, a heavy buzz overseas
Sacrifice a pill to mainstream and do what I believe, cause
Down to the chromosomes I'm a purist to this artform
Enlighten who I touch and let the world catch on
[Talib Kweli + Bahamadia]
Yeah, we your rhyme sayers, who lead you like a beacon
Of light, out of the chaos, cuttin down overzealous
Players who stare, when the winners of the game
Walk in well prepared, climbin the stairways
To heaven while you scared of the people livin under-
-ground heard the sound of the clap, made you wonder
If it was a gun, the crowd, or some thunder
All of that was out my window when I was younger
[Bahamadia]
Oppose for the nine, how no content sections of the earth
Walkin vexed, out of my sticks, laced on every verse
My cells begin to peak at least a hundred thousand hertz
Meanin my joint's prevalent in Fat Beats and Footworks
I cater to these markets first, cause they gravitate to me
And appreciate the vision of what I do musically
[Talib Kweli]
Mmm, mmmm, mmmm, mmm!!
I walked in and they stared, see how they screwin me
Break you down, til you ain't the man you used to be
Domination of my jurisdiction, people's addiction to lies
It blurs the lines between the fact and fiction
Now we back omission, I fix your face for you, keep yappin
You start to hate the man in the mirror like Michael Jackson
[Bahamadia]
Majors they try to hold me captive but mine are figure factions
But the foundation of hip-hop hold my braincells for ransom
I chance none, fuck them spots on charts and number one
If it's meant, then I'll accept it gracious when the time comes
This grassrooted curriculum, got me sprung like twisted ankles
Experience is missable, so I approach it from all angles and
Inject some substance deep inside of rap's core
Takin emceein back to where it was before
[Talib Kweli]
Call us Liberty like the Bell of Philadelphia scenery
Me and Bahama-D, style free like Mumia need to be
Seein me, feelin me, we right here on the level
Turnin hardrocks to pebbles, exposin the devil
Lyrical olympian like John Carlos winnin gold medal
Take that bass out your voice you talk to me in treble
I'm "Serious" as Steady B so you know I ain't playin
I'm stimulatin, makin crowds MOVE like organizations in Philly
Keep it positive, my prerogative is exercise
See through the chaos with my third eye
Word I exhibit the exquitiness, since a child I was vivid
Throw your hands in the air if you with it, dig it
[Talib Kweli + Bahamadia]
Yeah, we your rhyme sayers, who lead you like a beacon
Of light, out of the chaos, cuttin down overzealous
Players who stare, when the winners of the game
Walk in well prepared, climbin the stairways
To heaven while you scared of the people livin under-
-ground heard the sound of the clap, made you wonder
If it was a gun, the crowd, or some thunder
All of that was out my window when I was younger
[Talib Kweli]
Seven-eighteen, to five-one-three
We meet at two-one-five
Reflection Eternal, Bahamadia, yes yes
[Xzibit]
Yo listen the fuck up y'all
It's Mr. X to the Z Xzibit
Broadcastin with the home grown
That's right, they straight out of my backyard
The Beat Junkies, on Rawkus Records understand me?
It's Soundbombing 2!
@Dutch3k5
Arguable one of the greatest Hiphop album covers of all time
@Smegma_pirate
And probably one of the best hip hop albums of all time
@tarikkapetanovic2959
Bahamadia the greatest female MC of all time, hands down!!
@liMaPrincChannel
+Tarik Kapetanovic u pravu si
@Reetlegna
+Tarik Kapetanovic Yes!
@CokerSkater
Yeeeeeeeeeeeesssss!!!
@miamiwax5504
Noooo Lauryn got it. Bahamadia is up there tho.
@JesusWonAlready4Sure
Nope, Lauryn Hill, but Bahamadia is very talented!
@DisturbedJuggalo420
Bahamadia will take any track over the top She's one sick emcee
@edwardhegeman8983
top shelf