The number twelve - whether… Read Full Bio ↴The Beat Assailant - Hard Twelve History
The number twelve - whether its a money making lucky roll of the dice, the number of songs on his first album or simply the month he was born - is a number which has carried significance throughout the life path of Hip Hop artist BA "The Beat Assailant".
This is the story of an artist whose interesting life path has taken him from Miami to Atlanta to Paris. From a performing arts school to the gritty stages of the Atlanta underground Hip Hop scene to the eclectic Paris music community. From all of these experiences, influences and journeys, BA has created an eclectic 12 track album entitled Hard Twelve.
Like every true artist B.A. has lived his life with a need and vision to create enduring works. The 26 year old rapper was born in Miami in 1977 and moved quickly thereafter to Atlanta where he grew up and still resides today. At an early age BA was driven by the need to express himself through the creation of music and began his unique musical experience as a teenager at North Atlanta’s High School for the performing arts. His first step into hip hop’s Notoriety came when he was discovered at Rowdy Records' Open Mic Battles held in Atlanta. This led to his first recordings at Dallas Austin's famed DARP studios while working with producers like Sol Messiah of Zulu Nation and Tim & Ted of La Face records.
BA worked fast and furious as he continued to perfect his craft by hustling his way to the stage. While attending the University of Georgia, he plunged into the flourishing underground hip hop live scene, constantly performing on stage even opening up for legendary artists such as Outkast and Gza.
Then one day B.A. decided to visit a family friend in Paris: "When I first went to Paris I was taken aback, by how strong the vibe was, and even more so by the influence of music here." explains B.A. "Once I came and began to experience the culture, the nightlife, and some of the real artists there, I immedeately realised I had the potential to do great things there." It was then that B.A. decided to go back, live and create in Paris.
In 2001 he came back to Paris where he quickly began to understand and fit into the Paris music scene. He found himself in a world full of artists that have influenced his work today including artists such as MC Solaar and Blackjack. Then BA met Zash, a local artist known for his productions and compositions through labels like Jazznova Compost Records and Dreyfus Jazz Records. The two immediately started working together informally until B.A. decided to make it official, sign to Twin Fizz Records and begin
working on his debut album Hard Twelve.
Hard Twelve was recorded between February 2002 and december 2003 at Twin Fizz Records
Studios, based in Paris. The whole musical concept was conceived and directed by B.A and producer Zash. The album magically weaves a blend of pure Hip Hop roots with jazz, electro, afro and Brazilian musical textures. It is an eclectic mix of many musical influences and real life experiences.
B.A. and Zash have created a collection of 12 tracks that take the listener on a journey from the glory days of Hip Hop mic battles in "The Most Real" to the emotional tale of broken lovers in "The Break Up Song" to the ultimate relaxation treat with "Chronic Break". On "Secret Weapon", B.A. addresses societal problems such as violence and government intervention while offering a positive spritual way to deal with the complexities of human nature.
On the album B.A. chose to work with a wide selection of guests from all over the world. Special guests such as Tash (Alkaholics), J-Zone, Phil da Agony, Vanessa Jacquemin (Brooklyn Funk Essentials), and Danger Mouse (Warp / Lex Records) prove to be essential ingredients in making The Hard Twelve so musically original. When asked the driving force behind B.A.'s artistry as a musician he explains: "The prevailing message is to devote yourself to creating something that’s bigger than you. We as people are all mortal, but music, art, love, vibes, etc. live on forever. In the same way we still
revere great artists and musicians of the past, we all can create something that endures. This is the secret weapon that everyone possesses, if everyone works hard to make something constructive, rather than destructive, we all survive. This is the common thread woven throughout the album, that can’t die"
Official website: www.beatassailant.com
French fans forum: www.hardtwelve.fr
B 4 Prez
Beat Assailant Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
One’s sleeping in tha streets cuz’ tha world is wrong
This is maniac tha whole plan is overboard
Rent so steep I might smack the landlord
It’s hard times on a global scale
Crooked cops on tha streets filllin’ up tha jails
Wanna go to school but can’t pay tuition
Only hearin’ lies from all tha politicians
and I don’t give a fuck cuz’ tha world is slum
no matter where u at or if u got money
can’t hide from tha fact that the streets is hungry
it’s bound to come back like bunjees
or even boomerang cuz’ tha karmas ugly
each man deserve respect
whether or not he got commas off in his check
Chorus
This is for tha world-
Takin’on hard knocks tha trade winds swirl
Goin through hard times this is for tha world
It’s hard to find work these days
Couldn’t even get a job payin minimum wage
Taxin’ us to death with cuts for the wealthy
Ain’t got insurance and dog that ain’t healthy
And wonder why i keep on tha grind
Gotta stay makin beats just to ease my mind
The city is a magnet for violent crime
You can get held up for your cash at any time
They fightin’ wars but movies televised
Got twenty news stations that sensationalize
Currency is weak no signs of gettin’ better
Paid fifty just to fill up tha tank in Mike’s Jetta
Spendin’ more chedda with tha price inflatin
Fake candidates on tha stage debatin’
I gots no choice in who runs for government
I’m a say fuck tha world B.A. for president
Chorus
This is for tha world-
Takin’on hard knocks tha trade winds swirl
Goin through hard times this is for tha world
The lyrics to Beat Assailant's song "B" talk about the struggles and hardships of life. The first verse starts by describing the feeling of being in the "valley of the shadow of death," which is a biblical reference to a place of darkness and fear. The lyrics suggest that there is no guarantee for the next breath, emphasizing the unpredictability of life. However, the artist is not worried about the storm and is determined to sail his ship. He's going to take his shine through the adversity, using his wisdom to see that he has to bide his time. The artist is grounded, and each verse he writes sounds like a hurricane about to come, and he's ready for it. He's determined to work from the bottom to boost up his maker, even if he moves up fast or slow.
The second verse talks about how the artist has been through the pressure and pain, and a boatload of drama is weighing deep on his brain. The artist has brushed back the haters trying to hold him down, and he's going through the worst to represent his sound. The artist talks about how it's not business for him, but his love for the art, but the companies don't respect him nor care about him. He was born to be an MC, and he's down to do the work to leave the audience's confidence hurt. The artist is determined to stay true to himself and leave his mark regardless of the obstacles.
Line by Line Meaning
I’m dwelling in the valley of the shadow of death
I'm in a precarious situation where danger is always present
Where’s there’s no guarantee my next breath could be next
I'm acutely aware that my life could end at any moment
I really ain’t promised what the day gon’ bring
I don't know what the future holds for me
I’m focused on the now I got to do my thing
I'm living in the present moment and concentrating on achieving my goals
I ain’t worried bout the storm I’m gon sail this ship
I'm not afraid of facing adversity and overcoming it
We all in tha same boat so yo I ain’t gon trip
We're all facing similar challenges and I'm not going to let that discourage me
It’s through adversity that Imma take my shine
I'll use difficult times to motivate me to succeed
I’m smart enough to know that I gots to bide my time
I understand the importance of being patient and waiting for the right opportunity
Writing rhymes over paper I’m bound to play it safer
I'm being cautious by focusing on my passion for music rather than taking unnecessary risks
Imma work from the bottom to boost up my maker
I'll start at the bottom and work my way up to achieve success
Can’t take it down too slow
I can't afford to slow down in pursuit of my goals
Heads could blow from comin’ up fast I stick with tha flow
It's important to maintain balance and not rush things to avoid negative consequences
Well grounded – wrote each verse that sounded
I'm confident in my abilities and create music that reflects my authenticity
Like a hurricane comin’ I felt the wind hummin’
I could sense something big and impactful was about to happen
It’s the ill preminition that tricked out tha mission
My intuition helped guide me towards my goals
I’m the black rap magician slash hip hop musician
I see myself as both an artist and an entertainer who uses his talents to inspire and uplift others
I been through the pressure no stranger to pain
I'm accustomed to difficult situations and have learned to persevere
I got a boatload of drama weighing deep on my brain
I have a lot of personal issues that I'm working through
I brushed back the haters tryin’ to hold me down
I ignore the negativity of others who try to derail my progress
I’m goin’ through the worst to represent this sound
I'm willing to endure hardships to promote and advance my music
Fuck ya company ‘cuz they don’t really respect me
I don't care about conforming to the expectations of record labels who don't value my artistry
Don’t care about B.A. just wanna know where tha check be
They're only interested in making money, not supporting my vision
To them it’s business but now I’m coming correct see
I'm going to prove them wrong by succeeding on my own terms
Ain’t really got a choice yo I was born to M.C.
I believe that music is my calling and I'm destined to pursue it
Ones is on tha side steady sayin’ I’m crazay
Some people doubt my abilities or think I'm foolish for pursuing music
They hopin’ for my spot but they business is lazay
Others may envy my success but their lack of hard work and persistence will prevent them from achieving similar outcomes
I’m down to do tha work to leave ya confidence hurt
I'm willing to put in the effort necessary to show others what I'm capable of achieving
I’m either at ya jam or at ya next concert
If you're a fan of my music, you can count on me to perform at your next event
Faith in my dreams like Joseph
I believe in my vision for the future and trust that it will come to fruition
Chillin’ with freinds when dealin’ with ends my enemies closest
I surround myself with positive influences and stay away from those who seek to undermine me
Quote rhymes over times with tha swagger
I approach my music with confidence and style
Finished with cloaks from outta tha smoke we dealin with daggers
I always have to be on guard and protect myself from the negative influences around me
I stand still – when inside I can’t chill
Although I may appear calm and composed on the outside, I'm actually struggling to manage my internal anxieties
Adrenaline could rush thru my veins it can’t kill
I'm able to manage my stress and anxiety despite the challenges I face
The anxiety inside of me
I'm often plagued by feelings of nervousness and apprehension
The ups and the downs of societys trying me
I'm challenged by the stresses and difficulties of life in society
Complying me to be still
In spite of my challenges, I'm learning to stay calm and composed in the face of adversity
Lyrics © CHRYSALIS EDITION FRANCE, BMG Rights Management
Written by: Adam TURNER, Nicolas GUEGUEN, Maxime LEBIDOIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Mystère Au Chocolat
Best album, best track.