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.
Swan Lake
Blackalicious Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sittin on top of the bay, watchin the tide
It's time to break the tension away, come take a ride
As you enter the dimension of the crew SoleSides
it ain't nuttin goin on but a party
Now brothers want to flex but I'm over they heads
I got the funky type of style to rip your vocals to shreds
I'm never runnin from the Feds wearin red Pro Keds
I dedicate that line to Shack from South Central
Not sayin I'm the baddest but I know I got potential
For every black man hung lyrically I lynch you
Your style is kinda dry hope my melody can quench you
My soul is one with all although my ego is against you
See rap is a raw meat, so now I got to mince you
I'm playin rappers out like an old pair of gym shoes
I can do anything, I can do anything
Crusin down the street in my six-four Impala
Is what I'd like to be doin if only I had the dollars
A baller ain't a baller if he ain't got balls
A scholar ain't a scholar if he ain't got scho-lastic
education, and if not that, then learn from life
Beyond all of the material crap
A human ain't a human if he doesn't make mistakes
And the name of this song is Swan Lake
Verse Two:
A planet ain't a planet if it don't have wars
A battle ain't a battle if you don't catch scars
A mind that ain't inquisitive really doesn't got
shit to live for if you can't explore the
realms of thought you ought not test lest
you be chomped up, like a pop rock, stopped for a
bead from the weed lady, thought it was the bomb
Really wasn't nuttin but a bag of strong palms
Lost twenty dollars, didn't get high
Maybe next time I use my finances right
Live another day, learn another lesson
Ain't no need to get my mental status cold stressin
that it's so ill that it's fo'-real that it's
no skill displayed, de shades gone now
So it's time to build my own umbrella
Tell it tell her hella mellow fellows loungin
Better bread I never fled a header of the sounds and
all I want to do is run my own universe
Grab the mic and let my spirit just FLOCK when I croon a verse
Mind over matter, spirit over mind
A doobie and a skin funky breakbeats and rhymes
A true blue homey to the end reminiscin with your
sister in the living room gin
A life with a plan nine acres on a land
Building self by yourself helpin out a fellow man
Prepare for the essence when your inner soul's free
Before the departure plantin of the right seed
I think what everybody's strivin for is peace of mind
I'm thinkin the world is full of inner places that are out there to
find
Manipulated minds need to make an escape
And the name of this song is Swan Lake
Manipulated minds need to make an escape
And the name of this song is Swan Lake
The lyrics to Blackalicious's "Swan Lake" touch on a variety of topics including personal potential, material wealth, education, mistakes, and the need for inner peace. In the first verse, Gift of Gab describes the party atmosphere of SoleSides and his ability to lyrically outplay his competition. He dedicates a line to Shack from South Central and acknowledges the potential he has, despite not considering himself the "baddest." Gab turns his attention to rap itself, likening it to raw meat that he must mince. He speaks of cruising down the street in a car he cannot afford, which serves as a metaphor for his desire for material wealth, which he ultimately deems unimportant. He acknowledges the importance of education and making mistakes, and that the title of the song is Swan Lake.
In the second verse, Gab opens with a statement on the nature of war, and how it defines a planet, and scars define battles. He emphasizes the importance of exploration of one's thoughts and desires, but acknowledges the risks involved. Gab relays a story about buying what he thought was drugs, but turned out to be fake, losing money in the process. He notes that life is about learning from mistakes and there's no need to overthink negative situations. Gab concludes that the song is called Swan Lake, and as manipulated minds need to make an escape, the quest for inner peace should be a priority above all else. Through his lyrics, Gab emphasizes the importance of inner growth, education, and self-discovery, reminding listeners that personal growth is a journey that requires both self-reflection and mistakes.
Line by Line Meaning
Sittin on top of the bay, watchin the tide
I am in a reflective mood, sitting by the bay, watching the tide roll in
It's time to break the tension away, come take a ride
Let's forget our worries for a while and enjoy a ride through our music
As you enter the dimension of the crew SoleSides
Welcome to our world, where we make music that reflects our innermost thoughts and feelings
It ain't nuttin goin on but a party
We are just here to have a good time and enjoy our music
Now brothers want to flex but I'm over they heads
Some rappers may try to compete with me, but they are out of their league
I got the funky type of style to rip your vocals to shreds
I have a unique and powerful style that can overpower anyone who tries to compete with me
I'm never runnin from the Feds wearin red Pro Keds
I am not afraid of the authorities and will not let them control me, even if it means running in my sneakers
Cause -- I ain't did nuttin to no-BODY!
I have not committed any wrongdoing, and therefore don't have to fear the authorities
I dedicate that line to Shack from South Central
This line is dedicated to the memory of Shack, who was unfairly treated by the authorities
Not sayin I'm the baddest but I know I got potential
I may not be the best, but I know I have the potential to be great
For every black man hung lyrically I lynch you
I speak out against racism and discrimination, and seek to bring justice for those who have suffered from it
Your style is kinda dry hope my melody can quench you
I hope my music can inspire and uplift you, and bring life and energy to what may have been a dull style
My soul is one with all although my ego is against you
My inner self is connected to all people, but my competitive ego may be opposed to some
See rap is a raw meat, so now I got to mince you
Rap is a fierce and competitive genre, and I am willing to battle and defeat any challengers
I'm playin rappers out like an old pair of gym shoes
I am easily defeating other rappers, as if I am playing a game of basketball in old sneakers
I can do anything, I can do anything
I am confident in my abilities and believe that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to
Crusin down the street in my six-four Impala
I imagine myself living a luxurious and carefree lifestyle, driving a fancy car
Is what I'd like to be doin if only I had the dollars
I may not have the financial means to live this kind of life, but it's a nice dream
A baller ain't a baller if he ain't got balls
A true player is someone who has the courage to stand out and be themselves
A scholar ain't a scholar if he ain't got scho-lastic education, and if not that, then learn from life
A true scholar is someone who is constantly learning and growing, whether through formal education or real-life experiences
Beyond all of the material crap
There is more to life than just pursuing material possessions
A human ain't a human if he doesn't make mistakes
Making mistakes is a natural part of being human and we should not be too hard on ourselves for them
And the name of this song is Swan Lake
This song is titled Swan Lake, a reference to the classic ballet that explores themes of love and tragedy
A planet ain't a planet if it don't have wars
Conflict is an inevitable part of life, and even planets experience their own battles
A battle ain't a battle if you don't catch scars
To truly experience a battle, it must leave a lasting impact, whether physical or emotional
A mind that ain't inquisitive really doesn't got shit to live for if you can't explore the realms of thought
To live a fulfilling life, one must have a curious and expansive mind, always exploring new ideas and perspectives
You ought not test lest you be chomped up, like a pop rock, stopped for a bead
If you underestimate me or try to challenge me, you may get humiliated or destroyed, like a hard candy that breaks apart in your mouth
From the weed lady, thought it was the bomb
I may have had high expectations for something, but ended up being disappointed
Lost twenty dollars, didn't get high
I lost money and didn't even get the anticipated reward for it
Maybe next time I use my finances right
I may learn from my mistakes and make better financial decisions in the future
Live another day, learn another lesson
Every day is an opportunity to learn and grow, and we should try to make the most of it
Ain't no need to get my mental status cold stressin
There is no benefit in stressing or worrying too much about things
that it's so ill that it's fo'-real that it's no skill displayed, de shades gone now
We are getting rid of the fake and superficial elements in our lives, and embracing the real and authentic
So it's time to build my own umbrella
It's time to create our own protection and safety, rather than relying on others
Tell it tell her hella mellow fellows loungin
We are spreading a message of peace and relaxation to those who may be stressed or anxious
Better bread I never fled a header of the sounds and
I have always stayed true to my art and the music that inspires me
All I want to do is run my own universe
I want to create my own world and reality through my music and art
Grab the mic and let my spirit just FLOCK when I croon a verse
When I perform, I want to let my innermost emotions and thoughts take over and guide me
Mind over matter, spirit over mind
Our minds and spirits are the most powerful forces we have, and we must learn to control them
A doobie and a skin funky breakbeats and rhymes
We can create amazing music with just a few simple ingredients: a joint, some good vibes, and a creative spirit
A true blue homey to the end reminiscin with your sister in the living room gin
We are loyal and true friends, always reminiscing and enjoying each other's company, even if it's just drinking gin in a living room
A life with a plan nine acres on a land
We aspire to have a well-planned and meaningful life, with enough space and resources to sustain ourselves
Building self by yourself helpin out a fellow man
We believe in self-sufficiency and using our skills to help others in need
Prepare for the essence when your inner soul's free
Be ready for the full experience when you are in touch with your true self and spirit
Before the departure plantin of the right seed
Make sure to plant the right seeds before you leave, so that you leave a positive legacy behind
I think what everybody's strivin for is peace of mind
Ultimately, we all want to find inner peace and contentment
I'm thinkin the world is full of inner places that are out there to find
There are countless opportunities for us to explore and discover within ourselves and the world around us
Manipulated minds need to make an escape
Those who have been manipulated or oppressed need to free themselves from their oppressors
And the name of this song is Swan Lake
The title of this song alludes to the idea of finding beauty and tragedy in life's struggles and conflicts
Manipulated minds need to make an escape
Those who have been manipulated or oppressed need to free themselves from their oppressors
And the name of this song is Swan Lake
The title of this song alludes to the idea of finding beauty and tragedy in life's struggles and conflicts
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: GALE TSCHAIKOWSKY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@MrPaycut
RIP Gift of Gab, one of the all time greats.
@kahlilsmith5243
Rest In Power FaSho.
@stephanietadic2051
😢
@jonathanfrancis109
I was today...
@MotorMavens
RIP Gift of Gab. I used to be one of their photographers back in the day when Melodica first dropped.
@UncleFishbits
Everyone like you has a story that confirms GoG was one of the nicest humans in the biz. Super tragic, but he'll never die as the future learns hip hop history. Masterful.
@epi4925
Good job homie thanks for documenting a legendary group
@airbender4040
Gift of gab, One of the greatest lyricist ever!
@16Sirens
After the intro... What an absolutely uplifting & funky 🎶😎🕺🏾💃🏽🥵...... one can't stop movin' so smooth, with that voice. Deep thoughts in motions as one moves in life 🌈🔥🔥🎊❤️✨️✨️🥵
@SkullFaceNinja
Rest In Power brotha - so much inspiration from this brotha Gift of Gab. 🙏🏽❤️