After dropping one full-length album (Blue Scholars LP, 2005) and an EP (The Long March, 2005) the Blue Scholars have emerged as the latest in a long line of torchbearers for Seattle and greater Pacific Northwest hip-hop scene. The duo formed in early 2002 after ciphers and sessions in a makeshift attic-bedroom-studio in Seattle's University District, where emcee Geologic and DJ/producer Sabzi came from vastly different musical approaches to collide. One a distinguished battle emcee and poet, the other a former punk/ska drummer and jazz-trained pianist, the duo's backgrounds laid the foundation for a versatile combination of beats and rhymes at once political and personal.
Since 2002, the duo has become renowned live show veterans, rocking nearly 200 shows with the likes of De La Soul, Immortal Technique, The Coup, Zion I, One Be Lo, Soul Position, Slick Rick, and Spearhead. The mass appeal of their live show has brought them to many diverse venues - from labor organizing conferences and youth-run community center shows to playing the main stage at Sasquatch! (2006) and Bumbershoot (2006).
In June 2006, Blue Scholars joined forces with Common Market (emcee RA Scion and DJ Sabzi) and emcee Gabriel Teodros (of Abyssinian Creole) to launch MASS LINE MEDIA, a new artist-run independent record label.
Year Formed: 2002
LOYALTY
Blue Scholars Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Bayani, loyalty (got to have)
It's more than just a hobby or pastime
'Cause 24/7 I'm representin' the Massline
Daily grind, 85, wonder why, maybe I'm
Way behind lately been occupyin' my mind
With the possibility this means we'll all end
And friends I call my comrades, and comrades who stand
Together write a book 'till it ends
Indeed as we be headed in directions getting whole towns polarized
Either love it or leave it, indeed I'm giving credit to the fam who believed it
Preceding the hype of the hyperbole of the media
Even though some people abandon ship on the other hand
Some were skeptical quick, but now they quick to bandwagon up
Saggin' my pants at the cocktail party with the mayor
And later rockin' a party with a thousand in the air
That's a beautiful thing, and if you're new to this thing
Don't front, ask a question, stay humble, do your thing
But just remember you ain't gotta prove a thing
Stand up or fall down thanks for listenin' y'all
Because I, got your back even if you don't got mine
Grind in the dark when the clock strikes hard times
We ain't nothing if this bond ain't solidified
Give thanks in war time that people still alive
Dignified soldiers who walk with the spirit of 12 million plus lost and found in this lyric
Sound man turn it till the whole town hear it
Either stand up or fall down now if you feel it
Stand up or fall down
Stand up or fall down
While the record goes round stand up or fall down
Stand up or fall down
Stand up or fall down
While the record goes round let the whole town know that it's us
Somebody tell me where the riders and the soldiers are
Before they close the door and go and start a colder war
I see 'em posted up in corner stores holdin' fort
Hopin' for a life from the crack of an open door
And so the storm comes to cleanse without warn
While the youth play with fire just to keep themselves warm
In a cold world, cold people, playin' cold songs
Sold for spare change while the broke hold on
Why they call themselves right, but then act so wrong
Dollar sign challenge why the unemployment line long
No call for the blue collar gettin' low ball
It's a long climb just to get to petty bourgeois
While we, gettin' lifted but forgettin' that we fall
Hit and shake cause your movin' but without the roll call
This is protracted struggle revolutionized patience
Bump this on your right wing radio station
And maybe crack a top 10 daily rotation but until then
You can keep ignorin' what I'm sayin'
But just remember you ain't gotta prove a thing
Stand up or fall down thanks for listenin' y'all
Because I, got your back even if you don't got mine
Grind in the dark when the clock strikes hard times
We ain't nothing if this bond ain't solidified
Give thanks in war time that people still alive
Dignified soldiers who walk with the spirit of 12 million plus lost and found in this lyric
Sound man turn it till the whole town hear it
Either stand up or fall down now if you feel it
Stand up or fall down
Stand up or fall down
While the record goes round stand up or fall down
Stand up or fall down
Stand up or fall down
While the record goes round let the whole town know that it's us
The song "Loyalty" by Blue Scholars talks about the importance of patience, understanding, and loyalty in life. The first lines emphasize the need for loyalty in the context of Bayani, a reference to the album of the same name by the band. The lyrics reflect that the band is not pursuing music as just a hobby as they are committed to representing the Massline 24/7. The song implies that success doesn't necessarily come quickly, but with patience and loyalty, one can achieve their goals.
The song poses questions about one's place in society and the responsibilities that come with it. The lyrics focus on how society is polarized, and the people are forced to take sides. The mentioned friends, comrades, and families serve as the support system for the band. The band gives due credit to their fans and followers who have been their backbone throughout their journey.
The song talks about the struggles that people face in life, such as unemployment, low wages, poverty, and loss of spirit. It also mentions that the people of the state have a legacy and a history that they should be proud of. In times of war, people must be united and show loyalty towards each other to survive.
Overall, the song "Loyalty" is a reminder to the fans not to give up on their dreams and ideals, to stay committed and loyal to their values, and to stand strong through the difficult times.
Line by Line Meaning
It's more than just a hobby or pastime
Representing the community is a serious responsibility that goes beyond personal interests.
With the possibility this means we'll all end
Their music may have a limited lifespan and they're aware of that fact.
Either love it or leave it, indeed I'm giving credit to the fam who believed it
Their music is not for everyone, and they appreciate those who support them.
Preceding the hype of the hyperbole of the media
They gained recognition for their music before it was hyped up by the media.
Saggin' my pants at the cocktail party with the mayor
They are true to themselves and don't conform to societal expectations.
Because I, got your back even if you don't got mine
They prioritize loyalty and support for their community above personal gain.
Dignified soldiers who walk with the spirit of 12 million plus lost and found in this lyric
Their music is a tribute to and representation of historically marginalized communities.
Somebody tell me where the riders and the soldiers are
The community needs leaders who are willing to fight for their rights.
Why they call themselves right, but then act so wrong
Those in power may claim to be right, but their actions prove otherwise.
This is protracted struggle revolutionized patience
Their music is about the long-term struggle for social change and patience in that process.
Because I, got your back even if you don't got mine
Reiterating their loyalty and support for their community.
Dignified soldiers who walk with the spirit of 12 million plus lost and found in this lyric
Their music is a tribute to and representation of historically marginalized communities.
Contributed by Riley A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Abalinth
Much Love from the UK. "Dignified soldier's who walk with the spirit of 12 Million plus lost and found in this lyric" - Blown away
@stevem3996
I remember playin this for anyone back in the 2000s.."i got your back even if you don't got mine" that line always got em..still love it though
@theshazman
These guys aint rappers, they're scholars. Scholars of life. My hats off to them.
@19MJsPr89
Man I wish I could re-live 2007. It's when you watch videos like this that you realize how much things have changed.
@thesilentcartographer5575
Times have truly changed from when this comment was made, we entered the stage on our lives where we no longer understand what this world is thinking.
@AG.Floats
Saw them over a decade ago when I was in college. Me and some friends jumped in the car, drove 4 hours popped a bunch of acid and watched the show. Blue Scholars opened up for Atmosphere is I remember right and Blue Scholars stole the show for me.
Hearing this song was unreal and I'll never forget it.
@cangle86
Legit, incredible song. The flow is out of this world, the lyrics rock my mind, overall, this makes me want to be as good of man as I can ever be
@SethMacLeod95
cangle86 hey good comment
@pauloneill2872
Fucking awesome energy
@sterling919
That's beyond awesome, Much love and peace from Raleigh, NC USA Blue Scholars all over the globe, that's why most of it's Blue.