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.
Making Progress
Blackalicious Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We keep embellishing upon the new unchartered path
Expressing what we see and how we comprehend the math
So there's enough for everyone we gotta make it last
We gotta make it last
As I embark on life's journey from the point where I'm at
Piece to everyone I know and who I go way back with
Every gangstar, the Jack
Every hustler feeding babies
Anybody pro-black
Every sister raising kids without the help of a dad
Wanting for they're children all the things that they never had
All the brothers handling businesses, I know shit's hard
Wakin up at 5 a.m. holding down 3 jobs
All my Rasta bretheren getting insight from trees
To my brothers up in college getting PHD's
Or any other degree
Even if you just reading for mental health
Feed your conscious so that your mind is free
All my people locked down for your past mistakes
Mentally and spiritually dwelling past the gates
You can change your ways
Elevate today
To all recovered alcoholics chillin up in AA
Every black-owned business keep doin for self
Helpin out the community and spreadin the wealth
Understanding help ain't gonna come from nowhere else
Revolutionary's fakin me and just get dealt
With head on black people got to lead the task
Educate keep learnin', got to question, ask
And let your light keep shinin and remember the past
By any means necessary you'll be free at least
Chorus
As I embark on life's journey from the point where I'm at
Peace to everybody strivin to live right and exact
Even though anxieties try to pull you down
See your troubles as a blessing and you're homeward bound
Everybody gotta struggle, that's the way of the world
Can't develop biceps if you don't do curls
Can't achieve a garden if you never water your crops
If you never pay your dues then you don't get props
Can't eat a proper meal without cooking it first
Can't receive a paycheck if you don't do work
If it wasn't for the rain then the trees won't grow
When the spring came 'round what a site to bestow
When you face adversities, dark cloud won't last
If you never study how do you expect to pass?
The grasshoppers laid around while the ants did chores
When the winter came around he was left outdoors
See the cycle keeps moving like a big machine
Evolution of the mind, soul, body and being
God'll never put up on you more than you can take
Sometimes you even gotta learn from other people's mistakes
With head on black people got to lead the task
Educate keep learnin', got to question, ask
And let your light keep shinin and remember the past
By any meeans necessary you'll be free at least
Chorus
The song "Making Progress" by Blackalicious is a call for unity and progress within the Black community. The song offers a message of hope that change is possible if individuals work together, support one another, and continue to learn and grow. The chorus emphasizes the idea of moving forward down a new and uncharted path that can be sustained for generations to come. The lyrics also acknowledge the struggles that many Black individuals face, whether it be financial hardships, absent fathers, or past mistakes, and encourages them to keep persevering towards a better life.
The first verse of the song pays homage to various individuals within the Black community who are striving towards success in their respective fields, such as business owners, recovering alcoholics, and college graduates. The verse also acknowledges the hardships faced by single mothers and those working multiple jobs just to make ends meet. The second verse speaks to the universal truth that everyone faces obstacles but encourages individuals to see these struggles as opportunities to grow and better themselves. The verse references various metaphors such as the need to "water your crops" to achieve a "proper meal" or having to "do curls" to "develop biceps."
Overall "Making Progress" is a thought-provoking song that encourages its listeners to reflect on their own lives and find ways to be agents of change within their communities.
Line by Line Meaning
We keep embellishing upon the new unchartered path
We continue to enhance our understanding of the unknown trail
Expressing what we see and how we comprehend the math
Sharing our perspectives and interpretations of reality
So there's enough for everyone we gotta make it last
Ensuring resources are sustainable for all to benefit from
We gotta make it last
It is our responsibility to ensure sustainability
As I embark on life's journey from the point where I'm at
Starting my personal growth and development from where I currently stand
Piece to everyone I know and who I go way back with
Respect to all those who have been part of my journey
Every pimp, every mack
Acknowledging those who have struggled and made a living in unconventional ways
Every gangstar, the Jack
Paying homage to those who have been streetwise
Every hustler feeding babies
Recognizing the struggles of those who have resorted to illegal means to provide for their families
Anybody pro-black
Appreciating those who work towards advancing the lives of black people
Every sister raising kids without the help of a dad
Respecting the hard work of mothers who single-handedly care for their children
Wanting for they're children all the things that they never had
Aspiring for their kids to have better opportunities and experiences than they did
All the brothers handling businesses, I know shit's hard
Acknowledging the difficulties of running a business, particularly as a black man
Wakin up at 5 a.m. holding down 3 jobs
Recognizing the hard work of those who have multiple jobs to make ends meet
All my Rasta bretheren getting insight from trees
Saluting those who seek wisdom and guidance from nature
To my brothers up in college getting PHD's
Respecting the academic achievements of those pursuing higher education
Or any other degree
Acknowledging all academic accomplishments
Even if you just reading for mental health
Encouraging reading as a means of improving mental well-being
Feed your conscious so that your mind is free
Promoting the importance of nourishing one's mind and soul
All my people locked down for your past mistakes
Recognizing those who have been incarcerated for their past errors
Mentally and spiritually dwelling past the gates
Acknowledging the emotional and spiritual confinement of those behind bars
You can change your ways
Emphasizing the possibility of self-improvement and growth
Elevate today
Encouraging personal progression and development
To all recovered alcoholics chillin up in AA
Praising the strength and resilience of those overcoming addiction
Every black-owned business keep doin for self
Encouraging self-sufficiency and entrepreneurship within the black community
Helpin out the community and spreadin the wealth
Promoting community support and economic empowerment
Understanding help ain't gonna come from nowhere else
Realizing that true progress and growth require self-reliance and action
Revolutionary's fakin me and just get dealt
Separating genuine activism from pretentious behavior
With head on black people got to lead the task
Recognizing the black community's responsibility to lead in their own liberation
Educate keep learnin', got to question, ask
Encouraging constant learning and curiosity as a means of empowerment
And let your light keep shinin and remember the past
Preserving one's heritage and culture while encouraging individuality
By any means necessary you'll be free at least
Emphasizing the importance of taking action towards liberation
Peace to everybody strivin to live right and exact
Respect to those who prioritize living a just and truthful life
Even though anxieties try to pull you down
Acknowledging the challenges of remaining positive and motivated
See your troubles as a blessing and you're homeward bound
Finding purpose in life's challenges and overcoming them with faith and hope
Everybody gotta struggle, that's the way of the world
Recognizing the ubiquitous nature of hardship and obstacles in life
Can't develop biceps if you don't do curls
Success requires consistent effort and hard work
Can't achieve a garden if you never water your crops
Consistency and nourishment are crucial for growth and success
If you never pay your dues then you don't get props
Recognition and respect come from putting in effort and hard work
Can't eat a proper meal without cooking it first
Investing time and effort is required to achieve a beneficial outcome
Can't receive a paycheck if you don't do work
Success and rewards come from putting in effort and hard work
If it wasn't for the rain then the trees won't grow
Challenges and hardships are necessary for growth and development
When the spring came 'round what a site to bestow
Looking forward to the transformation and growth that follows difficult times
When you face adversities, dark cloud won't last
Believing that hardship is temporary and progress is inevitable
If you never study how do you expect to pass?
Education and learning are key to achieving success
The grasshoppers laid around while the ants did chores
Success requires diligence and consistency, not procrastination
See the cycle keeps moving like a big machine
Life continues to change and progress, like a perpetually moving machine
Evolution of the mind, soul, body and being
Development and growth in all aspects of life is crucial for progress
God'll never put up on you more than you can take
Believing in the strength to overcome challenges and adversity
Sometimes you even gotta learn from other people's mistakes
Growth and development can come from learning from others' experiences
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind