In late 1997, Solesides became Quannum Projects and in 1999 Blackalicious released the A2G EP, which served as a precursor to their debut full length album, Nia, which was released the following year. This was followed by a major label contract with MCA Records and the release of the critically acclaimed album Blazing Arrow in 2002.
In May 2004 Gift of Gab released his first solo album, 4th Dimensional Rocketships Going Up, but he assured fans that Blackalicious was alive and well.
A third full length, entitled The Craft, was released on Epitaph Records imprint ANTI- on September 27, 2005.
Do This My Way
Blackalicious Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Blastin' off, castin' off
The ties that bind like a smashed guitar
Rode a mastodon out Jurassic Park
Chased by a fan in a Tyrannosaur mask
Travel the traffic cop
Past the spot
Where the ostrich got across for the ocelot
'cause they wouldn't a popped y'all
Just for me to cop it one
So I had to be up
I'm going gradually up
Into the galaxy bus
Until I can't feel my lungs
I pass the family up
I see an enemy's bus
Saw the anatomy up
I catch the ballerinas
Now I was walkin' down this one block
Didn't hear a gun shot
Smellin' hell or nature
Pickin' fruit off of a kumquat
Tree another day up in this life under the sunspot
Light upon my innervision searchin' for an answer
Heredetory, man-in-glory, days of the missile fury inventory took
And while I raise
Rain began to fall from the verbal dance I did amaze all the natives
And the ladies said "You're crazy - would you love to have my baby?"
And I plays with the chief of the Mohicans and the Sheikh
And travelled everywhere from Delaware way up to Mozambique
Was givin' praise with the Deacon at the steeple
Spirit-seekin'on the weekend with a tea can and a pair of old shades
It's such a beautiful thing
This musical thing
When I can do it my way
And shootin' no blanks
I just refute what you think
A quite unusual thing
Yes it's a mutual thing
'cause it's the root of all things, and we aims to be
The venomist, instrumentalist, syllabal-mystic man traveller
Skippin' through the brakes on a Wednesday into a city plaza
Tryin' to make it 20 out of 15 pennies on the after
The cold-hearted world creepin' on my destiny like salamanders
Enchanters, 'cause I run their goose and I be the gander
Cleanin' out the digestive tract of hip-hop like cranberries
Shinin' like amber
All of the children told me "Damn you're an
Answer to our ears and deadly threat that's posed by cancer"
On Prancer, on Comet, on Cupid, I'm Santa
Got more flow than Flo Jo, while I laugh Ho Ho Ho, got jo jo dancer
Punchlines, I'm a Crunchtime Casper, and a one-time champion for it
A hundred lifetimes in the hereafter, and for the reincarnation transform
What the heck I'll come back for it
Gotta handle chores now, and discuss all of that with God afterwards
We goin' bobsled off the Himalayas
With the bottle of bobs ?
In a big ol' box full of the latest compilations
And then we won't stop til we hit the Appalachians
To the Bulletts Bargain Basement
Then 'cross the Baltic ocean basin
The ride 'cross that Oakland night bridge
A drop deposit in the drop embankment
Makin' cakes that taste like Tecrine
Bakin' ex-potatoes, raisins, plaintains, M&M's, peanuts, grape juice
I'm savin' my pay checks to get my plane fixed why's that
We goin' fly all night - stop the propellors and
Jump out of the side with umberellas and
Let's make them all night the caterpillars that
Take us to the top the Himalayas
It's such a beautiful thing
This musical thing
When I can do it my way
And shootin' no blanks
I just refute what you think
A quite unusual thing
Yes it's a mutual thing
'cause it's the root of all things, and we aims
A lot of people follow ? and tolerate indeed
About to lead 'em all to battle upon the bottom of the beat
And plant a seed of thought that sproutin'
Like a balance like a teeter-totter
Seen a lot of freedom ? the feat amount to beat the drama
He began to dis
Until the nurse, the passengers had grabbed his shirts
And nothin' happened assured the captain and the person
But the pressure had expanded, and inertia burst, the cabin burst
And all 'em burgers, blankets, rations, animals and drinks
They flew out
Fleeds a lots of man ?
Climb upon the wall like Peter Parker
Meeter of the creed of darker regions
Darker seasons
These are not the reasons for the grief
And now proceed to outer-reaches
How to keep styles from seepin' outta me
They flew out
The fusilage
Had blew in time
It stupid to have
The attitude
When you would dive
Into the ground
(Now) if you'd have thought
Of suicide
If you would try
But you would tie
A parachute
Onto a slide
And took a dive
Now who's alive?
It's such a beautiful thing
This musical thing
When I can do it my way
And shootin' no blanks
I just refute what you think
A quite unusual thing
Yes it's a mutual thing
'cause it's the root of all things, and we end
Blackalicious's song "Do This My Way" is a lyrical journey through various experiences and emotions. The lyrics showcase the creative and narrative talents of rapper Gift of Gab, who weaves together diverse themes and stories to create a tapestry of thought-provoking images. The song opens with the line "I be the first-ever Asian astronaut," which sets the tone for the surreal, fantastical journey that follows. The imagery is vivid, with references to Jurassic Park, traffic cops, ballerinas, and Mohican chiefs all featuring in the verses. The song speaks to the power and beauty of music, with the chorus repeating the phrase "It's such a beautiful thing / This musical thing / When I can do it my way / And shootin' no blanks."
The lyrics of "Do This My Way" showcase Gift of Gab's talent for storytelling and lyricism. The song is an interesting exploration of the power of music, with references to various pop culture phenomena and personal experiences. The lyrics also touch on themes like perseverance, creativity, and individualism. Overall, "Do This My Way" is a thought-provoking and impressive piece of writing.
Line by Line Meaning
I be the first ever Asian astronaut
I am breaking barriers and venturing into uncharted territory as an Asian astronaut
Blastin' off, castin' off
Launching myself into the unknown and leaving behind the ties that hold me back
The ties that bind like a smashed guitar
The restrictions and limitations that constrict me, similar to a guitar that has been smashed
Rode a mastodon out Jurassic Park
I embarked on a grand adventure, riding a mastodon in the setting of Jurassic Park
Chased by a fan in a Tyrannosaur mask
Pursued by an enthusiastic admirer disguised as a Tyrannosaurus rex
Travel the traffic cop
Navigating through life's obstacles and challenges
Past the spot where the ostrich got across for the ocelot
Passing the point of unconventional occurrences, such as an ostrich crossing paths with an ocelot
What I couldn't of bought 'cause they wouldn't a popped y'all
The things I couldn't acquire because they wouldn't have been available or accessible to me
Just for me to cop it one
Reaffirming my determination to obtain and possess those things I desire
So I had to be up
I had to rise above the challenges and adversities
I'm going gradually up
Ascending slowly and steadily
Into the galaxy bus
Entering the realm of the stars and beyond
Until I can't feel my lungs
Soaring higher until I reach a point where I am breathless and exhilarated
I pass the family up
Surpassing societal expectations and norms
I see an enemy's bus
Identifying the presence of adversaries or opposition
Saw the anatomy up
Perceiving and understanding the inner workings or structure of something
I catch the ballerinas
Capturing the graceful and delicate movements of ballerinas
Now I was walkin' down this one block
Navigating through a specific neighborhood or area
Didn't hear a gun shot
Being blissfully unaware of any violent incidents or conflicts
Smellin' hell or nature
Perceiving the contrasting scents of destruction and natural elements
Pickin' fruit off of a kumquat
Indulging in the small pleasures and delights of life, like picking fruit
Tree another day up in this life under the sunspot
Existing and experiencing life under the radiance of the sun, day after day
Light upon my innervision searchin' for an answer
Seeking clarity, wisdom, and enlightenment through introspection
Heredetory, man-in-glory, days of the missile fury inventory took
Reflecting on the historical legacy, triumphs, and conflicts of humanity, specifically related to missile warfare
And while I raise
As I elevate myself
Rain began to fall from the verbal dance I did amaze all the natives
Evoking admiration and awe from those who witnessed my poetic and expressive performance
And the ladies said "You're crazy - would you love to have my baby?"
Receiving admiration from women, who express their fascination and desire to be connected to me
And I plays with the chief of the Mohicans and the Sheikh
Engaging and interacting with influential figures, such as tribal chiefs and wealthy Arab leaders
And travelled everywhere from Delaware way up to Mozambique
Journeying across the globe, from places as diverse as Delaware to Mozambique
Was givin' praise with the Deacon at the steeple
Being honored and recognized alongside a religious leader at the church steeple
Spirit-seekin'on the weekend with a tea can and a pair of old shades
Engaging in soul-searching and introspection during weekends, armed with a can of tea and worn-out sunglasses
It's such a beautiful thing
The power and expression of music is truly magnificent
This musical thing
The art form of music
When I can do it my way
The freedom to create and perform music according to my own style and preferences
And shootin' no blanks
Delivering powerful and meaningful lyrics without holding back
I just refute what you think
Challenging and contradicting preconceived notions and beliefs
A quite unusual thing
An unconventional and distinctive approach
Yes it's a mutual thing
Both the artist and the audience benefit and are engaged in this shared experience
'cause it's the root of all things, and we aims to be
Acknowledging that music is fundamental and influential in all aspects of life and striving to excel in this field
The venomist, instrumentalist, syllabal-mystic man traveller
Describing oneself as a skilled and poetic traveler, using music as a medium of expression
Skippin' through the brakes on a Wednesday into a city plaza
Casually navigating through the obstacles and challenges encountered on a typical weekday, arriving at a bustling city plaza
Tryin' to make it 20 out of 15 pennies on the after
Striving to exceed limitations and achieve an extraordinary outcome with limited resources or opportunities
The cold-hearted world creepin' on my destiny like salamanders
Feeling the weight of the world trying to restrict and dictate my fate, comparing it to the stealthy movements of salamanders
Enchanters, 'cause I run their goose and I be the gander
Showing dominance and control over those who try to deceive and manipulate me, metaphorically running the game
Cleanin' out the digestive tract of hip-hop like cranberries
Cleansing and purifying the essence and integrity of hip-hop, similar to the detoxifying properties of cranberries
Shinin' like amber
Radiating and exuding a brilliant and captivating presence
All of the children told me "Damn you're an Answer to our ears and deadly threat that's posed by cancer"
Receiving admiration and recognition from the youth, who see me as a source of hope and inspiration, while acknowledging the destructive impact of cancer
On Prancer, on Comet, on Cupid, I'm Santa
Drawing parallels to Santa Claus and his reindeer, as I bring joy, gifts, and entertainment to others
Got more flow than Flo Jo, while I laugh Ho Ho Ho, got jo jo dancer
Claiming to possess exceptional rhythm and lyrical flow, likening it to the legendary sprinter Flo Jo, all while exuding a joyful and lively spirit
Punchlines, I'm a Crunchtime Casper, and a one-time champion for it
Delivering impactful and clever punchlines, reminiscent of the ghostly character Casper, while earning the title of a champion in this craft
A hundred lifetimes in the hereafter, and for the reincarnation transform
Expecting to continue to refine and evolve my skills and legacy throughout countless lifetimes and the process of rebirth
What the heck I'll come back for it
Embracing the idea of returning to the pursuit of music and art, regardless of any challenges or setbacks
Gotta handle chores now, and discuss all of that with God afterwards
Acknowledging the need to attend to responsibilities and obligations, but also recognizing the importance of reflecting and conversing with a higher power about these experiences
We goin' bobsled off the Himalayas
Embarking on an exhilarating adventure of bobsledding down the slopes of the Himalayas
With the bottle of bobs ?
Carrying a bottle of alcohol to enhance the excitement and enjoyment of the experience
In a big ol' box full of the latest compilations
Transporting a large container filled with the most recent and captivating music compilations
And then we won't stop til we hit the Appalachians
Continuing the journey until we reach the majestic peaks of the Appalachian Mountains
To the Bulletts Bargain Basement
Making a stop at a discount store known as the Bulletts Bargain Basement
Then 'cross the Baltic ocean basin
Traversing the expansive Baltic Ocean basin
The ride 'cross that Oakland night bridge
Traveling across the iconic Oakland Bay Bridge during the nighttime
A drop deposit in the drop embankment
Leaving behind a symbolic offering or contribution at a significant location
Makin' cakes that taste like Tecrine
Creating and producing music that is innovative, unique, and leaves a lasting impression
Bakin' ex-potatoes, raisins, plaintains, M&M's, peanuts, grape juice
Infusing elements of different genres, flavors, and influences into the music, similar to baking a diverse mix of ingredients
I'm savin' my pay checks to get my plane fixed why's that
Prioritizing and budgeting my income to repair and maintain my aircraft, as it is crucial for my travels
We goin' fly all night - stop the propellors and
Continuing to fly throughout the night, even pausing the propellers at times to appreciate the stillness and serenity
Jump out of the side with umberellas and
Taking spontaneous and unpredictable actions, such as jumping out of the aircraft with umbrellas
Let's make them all night the caterpillars that
Transforming the night into a transformative and evolutionary experience, similar to the growth of caterpillars into butterflies
Take us to the top the Himalayas
Allowing these experiences and adventures to elevate us to new heights, similar to reaching the peaks of the Himalayas
A lot of people follow ? and tolerate indeed
Many people conform to societal norms and reluctantly accept the status quo
About to lead 'em all to battle upon the bottom of the beat
Preparing to inspire and guide others through a musical journey, focusing on the foundational elements of rhythm and melody
And plant a seed of thought that sproutin' like a balance like a teeter-totter
Introducing and nurturing profound and thought-provoking ideas that develop and flourish, similar to the motion of a seesaw
Seen a lot of freedom ? the feat amount to beat the drama
Having witnessed and experienced various forms of liberation and liberation struggles, acknowledging the significance of overcoming conflicts and difficulties
He began to dis
An individual started to criticize or challenge
Until the nurse, the passengers had grabbed his shirts
The nurse and other passengers intervened, restraining the individual by grabbing his shirt
And nothin' happened assured the captain and the person
Both the captain and the person involved were relieved that no incident transpired
But the pressure had expanded, and inertia burst, the cabin burst
However, the buildup of pressure and the sudden release of inertia caused the cabin to burst
And all 'em burgers, blankets, rations, animals and drinks
All the provisions, supplies, and living beings inside the cabin were scattered or lost due to the bursting
They flew out
These items and creatures were forcefully ejected from the cabin
Fleeds a lots of man ?
Escaping and fleeing from the chaos and dangers caused by the bursting of the cabin
Climb upon the wall like Peter Parker
Scaling a wall with agility and prowess, reminiscent of the fictional character Peter Parker, also known as Spider-Man
Meeter of the creed of darker regions
Encountering and interacting with individuals who dwell in obscure, mysterious, and unconventional realms
Darker seasons
Navigating through challenging and difficult periods in life
These are not the reasons for the grief
These circumstances or experiences may cause distress, but they should not be the primary source of sorrow
And now proceed to outer-reaches
Advancing and venturing into unexplored, distant territories
How to keep styles from seepin' outta me
Finding ways to retain and preserve one's unique and distinct artistic styles without losing or diluting their essence
The fusilage
Referring to the aircraft's fuselage, its main body or structure
Had blew in time
Burst or exploded at the right moment
It stupid to have
It is foolish or unwise to possess
The attitude
An arrogant or defiant mindset
When you would dive
If one were to plunge or jump
Into the ground
Entering or colliding with the earth's surface
(Now) if you'd have thought
In the scenario or situation where you had considered or contemplated
Of suicide
Taking one's own life
If you would try
If you were to attempt or make the effort
But you would tie
Instead, you would secure or fasten
A parachute
A safety device used for slowing down descent or preventing injuries when jumping from heights
Onto a slide
And attach it to a structure designed for gliding or descending
And took a dive
Then, you would take a plunge or leap
Now who's alive?
Now, who can confidently claim to be alive and present?
And we end
And this is the end of the song
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: TIMOTHY JEROME PARKER, TOM WILLIAM SHIMURA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind