Beanie Sigel's name derives from the street in Philadelphia where he was raised, "Sigel Street," and "Beans" is what people used to call him as a child. Beanie also founded the group and label State Property as well as the clothing company.
Sigel's debut LP, The Truth, was released February 28, 2000 on Roc-A-Fella Records. The album received a gold plaque for hits like "The Truth" and "Remember The Days" featuring Eve. His second album The Reason was released in mid-2001. The Reason was lighter material compared to his debut album and introduced the world to his own rap group State Property. Beanie Sigel helped launch the careers of fellow Philly rappers Freeway, Peedi Crakk and the Young Gunz.
Around 2001, Beanie Sigel and Jadakiss of the Ruff Ryders were involved in a beef that stemmed from Jada claiming rappers from Beans' home city of Philly were simply signed because they were a hot fashion among major labels, which to some extent was true at the time. Sigel took offense to this, and they sent several tracks back and forth. Eventually Styles P. (D-Block} and Jay-Z got involved, and Beans even called out DMX, who never responded.
The beef went on even after Russell Simmons, owner at the time of Def Jam (the label which Roc-A-Fella was under and Ruff Ryders was affiliated with through DMX) made the two declare a brief truce and Jay-Z apologized to Jadakiss and bowed out. Disses finally stopped flying after Sigel released a scathing diss track over Jada's "Put Ya Hands Up" beat, recalling when the LOX wore shiny suits in a Bad Boy video, among other things.
Sigel also was involved in directing his first movie State Property, the popular direct-to-video film produced by Roc-A-Films. The State Property clothing line was also created by Sigel.
The third album The B. Coming was released on March 28, 2005 under Dame Dash Music Group and features production from The Neptunes, Just Blaze, and Bink!, among others, with guest appearances by State Property, Redman, Snoop Dogg and usual suspects Cam'ron and Jay-Z. The album was recorded in the weeks between his sentencing and imprisonment and was released after he was locked up; he was released a few months ago.
While he was in jail, it is said none of the State Property members except for Oschino Vazquez came to visit him. He told Dame to pass the word on that State Property was no longer in effect, until after he was released. When the split between Roc-A-Fella owners occured, Dame made it clear that Beanie's intentions were to move State Property to his new Dame Dash Music Group.
However, all members except for, again, Oschino, chose to go with Jay-Z. When questioned, they claimed they were signed by Jay and never needed State Property or Beanie Sigel to make them popular. When he was released from jail, Beans had a few choice words for his friends, claiming "I still love them like brothers...I just don't know if we can make music again."
It was thought that Beans had chosen to sign with Dame; however, this is unclear, as he was present at Jay-Z's I Declare War concert in 2005, and has said he now has his own State Property Records under Jay-Z's Def Jam.
In September, 2005, a jury acquitted him of charges that he nearly shot to death a man on a crowded city street two years ago. In August, Sigel left federal prison after serving nearly a year on a federal weapons charge that stemmed from a 2002 traffic stop in Philadelphia.
Sigel also has fallen behind in child-support payments. He was briefly jailed in November until he paid $27,000 in child support and $2,000 in fines, but seems to be paying off his debts.
With the case behind him, Sigel now plans to "make music, make movies and work on his clothing line," said his attorney, Fortunato N. Perri Jr. The case was the last in a series of criminal charges against Sigel, who has a long arrest record dating back to his days growing up in South Philadelphia.
On Tuesday, January 10, 2006, Sigel was convicted of assault for a fight in 2003. He agreed with the prosecutor's version of events, and was convicted of misdemeanor simple assault. He was immediately sentenced to two years probation plus $180 in court costs.
The charges stem from an argument between Sigel and a man who said the rapper punched him in both eyes, breaking his left eye socket, during a January 2003 argument outside a Chinese restaurant.
Beanie Sigel is the co-creator of "The Playpen", a new animated series with writer/producers, Brian Ash and Myles Reiff. The show follows the misadventures of a group of hard-headed tykes in a maximum security daycare center called, The State Nursery.
Prayer
Beanie Sigel Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Before I even yawn or wipe the cold out my eyes
I say Al Humdulillah, givin' praise to my God
Allowin' me another day, blessin' me to rise
Know at any given moment, it could be my demise
'Cause you only get a minute to pray
(And a second to die)
One day I'm gon' burn for all my heinous acts
I know a sincere prayer can only change my fate
So I drop, prostrate and pray it ain't too late
For me to ask for forgiveness and increase my faith
And guide me on the path that's straight
And never lead me astray
'Cause I know I can't walk this alone
I'm in fear of that fork in the road
The devil there, waitin' to claim my soul
So I pray that You, hold my hand
As I follow your footprints in the sand
Now I know I done did some wrong
And I ain't been to talk to you in so, so long
So I'ma hit my knees and extend my palms
And send this up to you and hope you hear this
I'll be prayin'
(Prayin')
I'll be prayin'
(Prayin')
I'll be prayin'
(Yeah)
I'll be prayin'
(Ayee yeah)
I often find myself stuck, just starin' in space
Feel like hours at a time, my mind driftin' away
Can't quite collect my thoughts or put 'em in place
And I grab a glimpse of my momma with a head full of grays
I know they shouldn' be there
(Nah)
Not for her age
And then I think of how I stressed her and shortened her days
Her long sleepless nights, not knowing if I was safe
Or was my name on the list of the reaper that day
I sink deeper as I feel a tear creep down my face
I wipe it away, now my thoughts on life in the grave
I know on that day that three things gon' go wit ya
Ya family, ya wealth and ya deeds but two gon' leave
And when that last person leave that site
The grave gon' squeeze so tight
Ya ribs gon' overlap till every bone crack
I drop my head in despair, imagine going through that
I smell fire then I notice the hole in my pants
I drop my cigarette butt and brush off my ash
I'm still stuck but I notice a car pass
I hear the driver cussin' me out over his horn blast
Damn, this can't be right, let me snap back to life
How long I been stuck, day dreaming at this light?
Wondering if that's a sign of how I'm moving through life
A reckless abandon, a accident, just waitin' to happen
Now I know I done did some wrong
And I ain't been to talk to you in so, so long
So I'ma hit my knees and extend my palms
And send this up to you and hope you hear this
I'll be prayin'
(Prayin')
I'll be prayin'
(Prayin')
I'll be prayin'
(Yeah)
I'll be prayin'
(Ayee yeah)
In Beanie Sigel's song Prayer, he reflects on his mortality and the importance of prayer in his life. He mentions that each day is a blessing and gives thanks to Allah for allowing him to rise. He also acknowledges that death could come at any moment, and he must pray sincerely to change his fate. Beanie knows that he cannot walk through life alone and that the devil is waiting for him to make a mistake. He prays for guidance and forgiveness, hoping to follow the path that is straight and never stray from it. In the second verse, Beanie becomes lost in his thoughts, thinking of his mother and how he has shortened her days with his actions. He becomes emotional, thinking of life in the grave and what will leave with him when he dies. Beanie also notices that he has been daydreaming, and it could be a sign of how he's moving through life recklessly. He prays for forgiveness for his wrongs.
In conclusion, Beanie Sigel's song Prayer is an emotional reflection of his life, mortality, and the importance of prayer. He acknowledges his wrongs and seeks forgiveness, hoping to find the right path and not stray from it. The song's lyrics remind listeners that life is fleeting, and praying can change their fate and guide them on the right path.
Line by Line Meaning
As I wake up in the mornin', stretch my arms wide
I thank God for waking me up and giving me another day to live.
Before I even yawn or wipe the cold out my eyes
Even before I start my day, I praise God for everything He does for me.
I say Al Humdulillah, givin' praise to my God
I give my thanks to God for all of the blessings He has given me.
Allowin' me another day, blessin' me to rise
God has given me another day to live and I am grateful for this gift.
Know at any given moment, it could be my demise
At any moment, I could lose my life, which is why I am grateful for every day that I have.
'Cause you only get a minute to pray
We only have a limited amount of time to pray and connect with God.
(And a second to die)
Death can come suddenly and unexpectedly, so it's important to be ready for it at all times.
And realizing that I've come to terms with that
I have accepted that death is inevitable and I try to live my life with this knowledge in mind.
One day I'm gon' burn for all my heinous acts
I know I have made mistakes and I am prepared to face the consequences of my actions when I die.
I know a sincere prayer can only change my fate
Prayer can help change my destiny and bring me closer to God.
So I drop, prostrate and pray it ain't too late
I humble myself before God and pray that it's not too late to change my ways and ask for forgiveness.
For me to ask for forgiveness and increase my faith
I pray for forgiveness and a stronger faith in God to help guide me in the right direction.
And guide me on the path that's straight
I ask God to guide me on the right path to avoid making mistakes and doing wrong.
And never lead me astray
I pray that God keeps me on the right path and prevents me from straying from it.
'Cause I know I can't walk this alone
I know that I need God's guidance and support throughout my life, as I cannot navigate it alone.
I'm in fear of that fork in the road
I am scared of making the wrong choices in life and going down the wrong path.
The devil there, waitin' to claim my soul
I am conscious that the devil is trying to tempt me and lead me astray from God's path.
So I pray that You, hold my hand
I ask for God's guidance and ask that He never leaves me alone during difficult times.
As I follow your footprints in the sand
I hope to follow in God's footsteps, living my life according to His will.
I often find myself stuck, just starin' in space
I often lose myself in deep thought and reflection on my life and its meaning.
Feel like hours at a time, my mind driftin' away
I can become lost in thought for hours, pondering life's mysteries.
Can't quite collect my thoughts or put 'em in place
I struggle to organize my thoughts and feelings when I am deep in thought and reflection.
And I grab a glimpse of my momma with a head full of grays
I think of my mother and how much she has sacrificed for me, hoping that she is still healthy and safe.
I know they shouldn' be there (Nah)
I worry about my mother's health and wellbeing, noticing signs that may indicate she is not doing well.
Not for her age
She should not have to deal with health issues and ageing so quickly.
And then I think of how I stressed her and shortened her days
I regret the times that I have caused my mother stress and worry, knowing that it may have taken a toll on her health and wellbeing.
Her long sleepless nights, not knowing if I was safe
I think about the anxiety and worry that my mother has had to deal with, many sleepless nights worrying about my safety and wellbeing.
Or was my name on the list of the reaper that day
My mother has had to worry about the possibility of me dying and leaving her alone, which is a terrifying thought for both of us.
I sink deeper as I feel a tear creep down my face
I become increasingly emotional, feeling overwhelmed by my thoughts and emotions.
I wipe it away, now my thoughts on life in the grave
I try to pull myself together and shift my focus to the inevitability of death and how it affects our lives.
I know on that day that three things gon' go wit ya
When we die, we leave behind our family, wealth, and deeds to face judgment for our actions.
Ya family, ya wealth and ya deeds but two gon' leave
Of these three things, only our family and deeds will matter in the end, as wealth holds no value in the afterlife.
And when that last person leave that site
After everyone has left our gravesite and we are left alone, the realization of our death will hit us.
The grave gon' squeeze so tight
Our bodies will be compressed in the grave, with every bone cracking and breaking under pressure.
Ya ribs gon' overlap till every bone crack
The physical discomfort of being compressed in the grave is one of the terrifying realities we have to face in death.
I drop my head in despair, imagine going through that
The thought of death and the inevitability of it can be overwhelming, causing us to feel a deep sense of despair and sadness.
I smell fire then I notice the hole in my pants
I snap out of my thoughts and refocus my attention on the present moment, becoming aware of my surroundings.
I drop my cigarette butt and brush off my ash
I try to refocus my attention on the present moment, pulling myself out of my thoughts and becoming aware of my surroundings.
I'm still stuck but I notice a car pass
Even though I am still feeling lost and stuck in my thoughts, I try to be aware of the world and what is happening in the present moment.
I hear the driver cussin' me out over his horn blast
I become aware of the annoyance and frustration that others may feel due to my distraction and lack of focus.
Damn, this can't be right, let me snap back to life
I realize that my distraction and lack of focus is not the right way to live my life and attempt to get back to reality.
How long I been stuck, day dreaming at this light?
I question how long I have been lost in thought and how many moments I have missed while distracted.
Wondering if that's a sign of how I'm moving through life
I question whether my lack of focus and inattention is symbolic of how I am living my life, and whether I need to make changes to avoid getting lost in thought.
A reckless abandon, a accident, just waitin' to happen
I realize that my lack of focus is dangerous and may lead to accidents or other unintended consequences, prompting me to make changes in my life for the better.
I'll be prayin' (Prayin')
Throughout all of my struggles and distractions, I know that I can always rely on prayer to guide me in the right direction.
I'll be prayin' (Prayin')
Prayer is an essential part of my life and my relationship with God, and I know that I can always turn to it for guidance and support.
I'll be prayin' (Yeah)
No matter what challenges or obstacles I face in life, I know that I can always rely on prayer to help guide me through them.
I'll be prayin' (Ayee yeah)
Prayer is the cornerstone of my faith and my relationship with God, and I know that I can always rely on it to help me navigate life's challenges with grace and compassion.
Contributed by Luke W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
D
on special delivery (nas & d-block diss)
State prop!! Heavy hitta suckaaaaa