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.
If I May
Blackalicious Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Come along and reap
I need my song
We're climbin' over
Beneath the sea
March on
Time is almost gone
It's all in me
[Gift Of Gab]
Here we go again
Slip into my conscience, come along an take in
A story bout a battle, in this corner, Satan
Cunning, baffling, and jumping into half the drink
And suddenly disasters and catastrophe
And acting unrationally
Reacting savagely
To passionately
Bask in everlasting like escapes from just what its creating
Jeopardizin' love
Look at all the people that you took advantage of
See your hypnotized
Rom be gone, take another cup
In consequences lurk
While the reaper got your shirt size
Nigga wack up
Times overdue for the birth of a power that the universe grew from
[Chorus: x2]
[Gift Of Gab]
You search for the answers outside
Refocus causin' time and time again, backslide
You've noticed times before the presence of that "I"
But never did submit to it and let it apply
Whatever be his will in this present life time
Or essence like mine
Know the blessings you might find
If you let your higher power inside
Emerge and apply to every single thing in your balance
You will truly find
Who you really are
Die and become reborn
When God is present in your life than you can come reap on
And ain't a storm that you can't weather
You got a purpose you was born to create
Destiny is waitin' for you
Arms open, take with ya
Knowledge bestowed by the great giver
Lakes, rivers
Mountains and steams
Now reality's the dream wraitha
No more searchin' for truth that was always wit' cha
It had to hit ya through the struggle and the turmoil
Ya soul was planted and it sprouted out above soil
And let the sun shine freely down
At times it looked like it wouldn't
But the plant came to flourish
Now it's standin' on solid ground
[Chorus: x2]
[Lateef]
Sun rises like water up in my eyes
I'm watchin' changing times but like a changing tide
Tryna to keep my head above the ed if I could be
[Lateef & Erinn Anova]
The sun rises like water up in my eyes
I'm watchin' changing times but like a changing tide
Tryna to keep my head up
Above the ed if I could be
Least
If I may
[Chorus; x4]
The song "If I May" by Blackalicious features introspective lyrics that touch upon spirituality and self-improvement. The chorus with Erinn Anova singing "Come along and reap, I need my song, we're climbin' over, beneath the sea, march on, time is almost gone, it's all in me, no maybe" speaks to the idea of taking action and moving forward despite the obstacles and challenges that may come along the way. The song then moves on to Gift of Gab's verses that recount a battle with Satan and the struggles of self-improvement. The lyrics urge the listener to look inside themselves for growth and blessings that can come from a higher power.
Throughout the song, there are references to overcoming adversity, being reborn, and finding inner peace through spiritual awakening. The line "Die and become reborn when God is present in your life, then you can come reap on" speaks to the idea of shedding the old self and being reborn, ready to take on new challenges and embody one's true self. The song encourages the listener to let their "higher power" guide them and merge with every aspect of their lives, leading them to finding their true purpose and destiny.
The song "If I May" is a deep and introspective song that speaks to the power of spirituality and self-discovery. It encourages the listener to look within themselves for strength and to trust in a higher power to guide them through the struggles of life.
Line by Line Meaning
Come along and reap
Join me in the journey of reaping the rewards of hard work and perseverance.
I need my song
Music is an outlet for me to express myself and find inner peace.
We're climbin' over
We're overcoming obstacles and challenges that life throws our way.
Beneath the sea
Sometimes our struggles are hidden beneath the surface, but they still impact us deeply.
March on
Keep moving forward, even when things get tough.
Time is almost gone
There is a sense of urgency to make the most out of the time we have on this earth.
It's all in me
I have the power and ability within myself to achieve great things.
No maybe
There is no doubt or hesitation, only a determination to succeed.
Here we go again
Starting a new journey or challenge with a sense of familiarity but also excitement.
Slip into my conscience, come along an take in
Join me in exploring my thoughts and emotions about a particular subject or experience.
A story bout a battle, in this corner, Satan
A tale of a fight against evil or negative forces within oneself or the world.
Cunning, baffling, and jumping into half the drink
The temptation and allure of destructive behaviors and habits.
And suddenly disasters and catastrophe
The consequences of giving into those destructive behaviors and habits.
And acting unrationally
Making choices and decisions that are not logical or wise.
Reacting savagely
Responding to challenges or conflicts with anger or violence.
To passionately
With intense emotion or drive.
Bask in everlasting like escapes from just what its creating
Finding temporary relief or pleasure in things that are actually harmful or damaging in the long run.
Jeopardizin' love
Putting our relationships and connections with others at risk due to our choices and actions.
Look at all the people that you took advantage of
Reflecting on times when we may have hurt or exploited others for our own gain.
See your hypnotized
Realizing that we have been caught up in negative patterns or cycles that we struggle to break free from.
Rom be gone, take another cup
Trying to dull or escape from our problems or pain through substance abuse.
In consequences lurk
The negative outcomes or repercussions that result from our actions or choices.
While the reaper got your shirt size
Death is always a possibility or lurking danger, and we never know when our time will be up.
Nigga wack up
Wake up and face reality, stop living in denial or delusion.
Times overdue for the birth of a power that the universe grew from
It's time for a new era of change and growth, fueled by the energy and power that is present in all things.
You search for the answers outside
Looking for solutions or validation from external sources rather than within oneself.
Refocus causin' time and time again, backslide
Getting distracted or losing touch with one's goals and values, leading to regression or setbacks.
You've noticed times before the presence of that 'I'
Being aware of the inner voice or intuition that is inside all of us.
But never did submit to it and let it apply
Ignoring or suppressing our inner guidance or wisdom, and not putting it into action.
Whatever be his will in this present life time
Accepting that there are forces beyond our control and trusting in a higher power's plan for our lives.
Or essence like mine
Acknowledging that we are all made of the same spiritual essence or energy.
Know the blessings you might find
Recognizing the positive outcomes or benefits that can come from living in alignment with our true selves and values.
If you let your higher power inside
Allowing ourselves to connect with a spiritual source or energy that is bigger than ourselves.
Emerge and apply to every single thing in your balance
Bringing that sense of spiritual connection and energy to all areas of our lives.
You will truly find
Discovering a sense of clarity or purpose that may have been missing before.
Who you really are
Coming to a deeper understanding of oneself and one's true identity.
Die and become reborn
Going through a transformative process that may involve letting go of old beliefs or habits in order to grow and evolve.
When God is present in your life than you can come reap on
Having a sense of spiritual connection or presence can lead to a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
And ain't a storm that you can't weather
Having the inner strength and resilience to face any challenge or difficulty that comes our way.
You got a purpose you was born to create
Each of us has a unique calling or mission in life that we are meant to fulfill.
Destiny is waitin' for you
Believing that there is a higher purpose or calling that is guiding our lives.
Arms open, take with ya
Being open to the opportunities and experiences that come our way.
Knowledge bestowed by the great giver
Finding wisdom or insight from a spiritual source or higher power.
Lakes, rivers
Connecting with the natural world and its beauty and power.
Mountains and steams
Finding inspiration and awe in the majesty of nature.
Now reality's the dream wraitha
Realizing that the world we live in is a reflection of our inner thoughts and beliefs.
No more searchin' for truth that was always wit' cha
Recognizing that the answers or wisdom we seek have been within us all along.
It had to hit ya through the struggle and the turmoil
Sometimes the biggest lessons or insights come from the most challenging or difficult times in our lives.
Ya soul was planted and it sprouted out above soil
Believing that each of us has a unique purpose or destiny that is waiting to be fulfilled.
And let the sun shine freely down
Allowing ourselves to bask in the warmth and light of positivity and hope.
At times it looked like it wouldn't
Acknowledging the moments of doubt or uncertainty that can arise during the journey towards personal growth and transformation.
But the plant came to flourish
Finding success, fulfillment, and happiness in life through hard work and perseverance.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@stabngab
RIP, Gift of Gab. One of the GOATS <3
@borismartin6276
Here I am again at the end of 2022 revisiting this absolute ray of golden musical sunshine! Timeless classic
@Eziokilla9595
Gift of Gab is one of the absolute greatest Hip-Hop artists to ever live.
@zacquolex2524
+Eziokilla9595 That's likely a fact. Naturally.
@Eziokilla9595
Zacquole X He's top 5 DOA, on my list.
@DudeLongcouch
RIP to a real one.
@Eziokilla9595
@@DudeLongcouch fuck man, we lost a giant
@zillionsofatoms
I cry every time I listen to this song
@jerryrichards9107
2022 and I still can't find this vibe anywhere else
@schwaggbagYES
The way he raps the first verse blows my mind. His voice flows like.. . water or some shit