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
Payback
Beat Assailant Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
x2
Double cross me behind my back-
Talk about me what’s up with that -
I- keep It real you know me black
Can’t hate on a player when it’s on it’s on- PAYBACK
Verse 1
Payback is a dish that’s best served cold
Never could I fold - chillin with tha pressure
Cats comin’ close but never could they measure
To the lines that I drop and tha rhyme scheme
So fluid on tha track- flowin like streams
Yo my team be tha best- take it to ya chest
Bounce it off ya dome from tha east to tha west
Now- where you rest is six below
Imma come to ya show straight stop ya flow
Oh- B.A. on tha mic correct
I’m gettin of on tha track we can earn respect
I drop it down when tha style is free
We gettin hot on tha mic like it’s ‘sposed to beez
I ain’t tha one that it’s wise to cross
Payback motherfuckas and I’m still tha boss
CHORUS 2
x2
Double cross me behind my back-
Talk about me what’s up with that -
I- keep It real you know me black
Can’t hate on a player when it’s on it’s on- PAYBACK
Verse 2
Payback what its got to be
When ya stressin’ these lies and ya wanna test we
Why they gotta lie? Why they gotta hate?
Talkin mo shit when I see ‘em at the gates
B.A. navigate known to float tha times
I’m getttin hot on tha mic when I drop my rhymes
I’m on the run like a G at large
Caught a knife in my back but I’m still in charge
I- been burned in tha past before
Now I’m bringin payback to you bastards door
This is war up against the fakes
I’m gettin hot on tha mic we can catch tha brakes
Ay yo- I drop it down when tha style is free
We gettin hot on tha mic like its sposed to beez
I ain’t tha one that it’s wise to cross
Payback motherfuckas and I’m still tha boss
The lyrics to Beat Assailant's song "Payback" revolve around the theme of seeking revenge against those who have double-crossed and talked about the singer behind their back. The chorus emphasizes this desire for payback, proclaiming that when it's on, it's on. The song opens with the idea that payback is best served cold, implying that the singer will patiently wait for the right moment to strike back. They express their confidence in their abilities, particularly on the mic, boasting about their rhymes and flow. The verse also touches on the loyalty of the singer's team and their ability to dominate in the rap game. The message is clear: cross the singer, and payback will be inevitable.
In the second verse, the singer questions why people feel the need to lie and hate, particularly when faced with their presence. The lyrics suggest that the singer has been betrayed before, but they are now ready to bring payback to the door of those who have wronged them. They identify themselves as being on the run like a "G at large," implying that they are hunted but still maintain their authority. There's a sense of determination in seeking payback and challenging the fake individuals. The verse concludes with a repetition of the chorus, reinforcing the message that payback is imminent.
Line by Line Meaning
Double cross me behind my back-
Betray me secretly without my knowledge or consent
Talk about me what’s up with that -
Engage in gossip or negative discussions about me
I- keep It real you know me black
I am always honest and true to myself
Can’t hate on a player when it’s on it’s on- PAYBACK
You can't criticize or undermine someone when they are successful, as they will seek revenge
Payback is a dish that’s best served cold
Seeking revenge is most effective when done calmly and strategically
When I’m rockin on tha mic got more cash to hold
When I am performing on stage, I earn more money
Never could I fold - chillin with tha pressure
I will never give up or surrender, even under difficult circumstances
Cats comin’ close but never could they measure
Others may try to compete with me, but they can never match my skills or abilities
To the lines that I drop and tha rhyme scheme
Referring to the lyrics and structure of my rap verses
So fluid on tha track- flowin like streams
I have a smooth and effortless delivery when rapping
Yo my team be tha best- take it to ya chest
My crew is the most talented and we will dominate the competition
Bounce it off ya dome from tha east to tha west
My music will reach and impact people from all across the country
Now- where you rest is six below
Your position or status has significantly declined
Imma come to ya show straight stop ya flow
I will personally interrupt and disrupt your performance to undermine your success
Oh- B.A. on tha mic correct
I, Beat Assailant, am always flawless and skilled when performing
I’m gettin of on tha track we can earn respect
Through my impressive performance, I will gain admiration and recognition
I drop it down when tha style is free
I showcase my talent and creativity when I have the opportunity to express myself without constraints
We gettin hot on tha mic like it’s ‘sposed to beez
We are delivering an exceptional and powerful performance as expected
I ain’t tha one that it’s wise to cross
It is unwise and risky to betray or antagonize me
Payback motherfuckas and I’m still tha boss
I will retaliate against those who wrong me, and I will remain in control and dominant
Payback what its got to be
Seeking revenge is necessary and inevitable
When ya stressin’ these lies and ya wanna test we
When you spread false information and provoke us, you will face consequences
Why they gotta lie? Why they gotta hate?
Why do people feel the need to deceive and show animosity?
Talkin mo shit when I see ‘em at the gates
They speak negatively about me when they encounter me at events or gatherings
B.A. navigate known to float tha times
Beat Assailant has the ability to smoothly navigate and adapt to various situations and periods
I’m getttin hot on tha mic when I drop my rhymes
I am delivering an exceptional and energetic performance when I rap my verses
I’m on the run like a G at large
I am constantly moving and evading trouble like a skilled criminal
Caught a knife in my back but I’m still in charge
Although I have been betrayed, I maintain control and authority
I- been burned in tha past before
I have experienced betrayal and deception previously
Now I’m bringin payback to you bastards door
I am seeking revenge against those who have wronged me
This is war up against the fakes
I am engaged in a battle against the deceptive and insincere individuals
We gettin hot on tha mic we can catch tha brakes
We are delivering an intense and powerful performance that will make others pause or halt
Ay yo- I drop it down when tha style is free
Hey, I showcase my skills and talent when I have the freedom to express myself
We gettin hot on tha mic like its sposed to beez
We are delivering an exceptional and energetic performance as expected
I ain’t tha one that it’s wise to cross
It is unwise and risky to betray or antagonize me
Payback motherfuckas and I’m still tha boss
I will retaliate against those who wrong me, and I will remain in control and dominant
Lyrics © CHRYSALIS EDITION FRANCE, BMG Rights Management
Written by: BEAT ASSAILANT, Stanislas AUGRIS, Nicolas GUEGUEN, Maxime LEBIDOIS, Thibault RENARD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
SMBDTC
Were you influenced by Nell'ys "It's getting hot in here" for this tune?