2. MC from Portland, Oregon.
3. Hardcore band, probably active in the 90's.
4. A hardcore punk band from Philadelphia, PA that has been active since 2012. http://braillephiladelphia.bandcamp.com/
1) As the house-oriented solo project of Praveen Sharma (see Sepalcure, Praveen, and Praveen & Benoit), Braille combines classic chicago house vocals with deep, dubby melodic elements, all under the pulse of post-dubstep-influenced, sub-dominating bass. His debut EP, The Year 3000, is slated for a May, 2011 release on Rush Hour.
2) Always on a musical mission, BRAILLE has become one of rap’s best-kept secrets. He has released three solo albums, performed throughout the U.S., Europe and Japan with artists like the late James Brown, De La Soul and others, been named one of the “Next 100” by URB magazine and collaborated with rap heavyweights such as 9th Wonder, CunninLyguists, and Pigeon John. All of these accomplishments set the stage for Braille’s fourth album, the splendid The IV Edition (Syntax Records).
In addition to being his fourth album, the title represents three other things. Braille wants the album to serve as an IV to distribute musical medicine for social illnesses directly into the veins of the society. IV also stands for “International Vision” (becoming more aware of what's going on in the world around us) and “International Version” (the album is made for an international audience and features German, French, Finish and Australian producers like M-Phazes, Aetoms, Staffro, etc).
The album’s title song serves as an ode to Braille’s rap roots. Produced by Marco Polo and featuring scratches from Rob Swift, the energetic, drum-driven tune is a lyrical showcase that caters to rap’s tremendous subterranean following. “The underground hip-hop base is a lot bigger than people think it is,” Braille reveals. “Sometimes when people think of the word underground, they think of basement albums that just get dubbed on tape. So I’m sticking to my roots. I believe that the audience for lyricism and good hip-hop is much larger than most people assume. I wanted to start with the hip-hop base and take it from there.”
Elsewhere, Braille acknowledges his personal and artistic history on “Remember Your Path” and channels the energy of music icon James Brown on “Main Squeeze,” with whom Braille toured as an opening act during 2005 and 2006. Then on “Calculated Risk” Braille gets personal by examining his decision to pursue and create lyric and beat-drive rap music with spiritual overtones. It’s been a full time mission since 1999. “This could really end up being really detrimental to my career. I understand the risk of doing what I’ve done thus far. I understand the risk that I might not make it, that people might not buy my records. I understand those risks, but it’s still worth it to me to put everything into a making a record the way I want it to sound and not worry about what’s going on in the industry and on the radio.”
Braille was attracted to hip-hop at a young age. Hearing the variety of different styles and artists that existed during the early- to mid-‘90s, Braille was inspired by the idea that he could write songs based on his own personal experiences and that he didn't have to fit into any specific stereotypes. One group that was fundamental in Braille's development at the time was A Tribe Called Quest, who changed his outlook on music with its landmark 1993 album Midnight Marauders. Rap was in the midst of a gangster rap renaissance at the time and the album’s uplifting, positive vibe gave the then teen-aged Braille a boost. “Hearing people talk from different perspectives, I started to realize, ‘Hey, I could make music and still be myself,’” the Portland-raised rapper recalls today. “It was fine that I grew up where I grew up. My size, stature and my personality are all attributes. They’re not negatives. That’s just who I am, so I felt that if I embraced those things, then I could do whatever I wanted with it.”
Growing up, Braille had more to worry about than music. Born in Portland, he and his family relocated to New Jersey when he was in high school. During his stay on the east coast, his family went bankrupt and returned to Portland to live with Braille’s grandmother. However, Braille enjoyed being close to Philadelphia and New York and decided to stay by himself on the East Coast. In 1999, when he was 17, independent startup ESWP music released his first album, Lifefirst: Half The Battle.
The battle to survive proved too tough, so Braille moved back to Portland only to find out there was no room in the house for him. He took a bus to Los Angeles in order to pursue a career in music. After a year in LA, he went back to Oregon and met the woman that would eventually become his wife. With music dreams, no high school diploma and newfound responsibility, Braille and his future wife started a business cleaning out repossessed homes.
That wasn’t the work Braille wanted to do, so he and his wife moved out of their place, put their stuff in storage and lived out of their van while they toured around the United States doing concerts. They didn’t ask for payment at shows. With no bills, they sold merchandise to pay for gas and food. “I didn't have many career options because I spent most of my teenage years working on music,” Braille says. “That’s where I invested all of my time, so I was willing to make some sacrifices in order to continue pursuing it.”
Fortunately, the more Braille pursued his dream of making a living making music, the more real that dream became. He buckled down and in 2004 released his second album, Shades of Grey. The collection featured collaborations with 9th Wonder (Jay-Z, Destiny’s Child) and Rob Swift and laid the foundation for a successful career. Thanks to such powerful, politically minded songs as “Keep On,” it was easy for URB magazine to tap Braille one of their “Next 100.”
The following year, Braille’s newly formed label Hiphop IS Music released his third album, Box of Rhymes. Following the album’s release he would experience the joy of becoming a father as well as the pain of loosing one. The IV Edition deals with these issues and provides an outlook compromising of social change, spiritual beliefs, confidence and the ability to carry on.
Though he did not grow up in a spiritual household, Braille found the spiritual references he encountered in rap encouraging and decided to act upon them. “I believed there was something out there,” Braille says, “and I started out trying to be a positive person. I felt a gut on my heart and I eventually ended up meeting this other artist, Trust One, and when we got together, I thought we were going to talk about hip-hop. He told me more about God and I started on my path as a follower of Christ. That had a big impact on the direction I took in life and as an artist"
3) No info about them, released a demo tape.
4) Four Adult Males from Philadelphia. 90s-influenced hardcore punk with its own unique twist. Sean, Dustin, Andrew, and John.
Goliath
Braille Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
since before I made tapes that ignored
since before I had a rap name or started to record
I've been chilling in the back getting prepared for war
I got a strategy, this isn't random rapid fire
this is one shot, headed for Goliath (I can't miss)
target practice on topics, flipping rhymes off the top
waiting for this one chance to throw my rock (rock on)
judgements passed to blast my confidence, I won't surrender or retreat
return my gifts to the sender, this is worship in the chaos
this is heavy concentration (got my game face on)
an eruption of noise flooding from a mouth of silence
I'm nobody, a spec of dust battling a giant
he stands and mocks me, everyone things I'm crazy
laughing as if I'm not aware of who I'm facing
Goliath, I sat back and watched for to long
you can't hold me down anymore
Goliath, it's been going on for to long
I'm sick and tired, now I'm taking out the giant
Goliath, I sat back and watched for to long
you can't hold us down anymore
Goliath, it's been going on for to long
I'm sick and tired, now I'm taking out the giant
And his shadow covers the country side, we're dwelling in the darkness
running away, while he's running things
calling shots, got us locked in bondage
his threats hold us hostage, afraid to be free from his grip
I can't hold my tongue, I'm holding this stone
hands sweaty and callus, mentally un-balanced, I'm ready for the challenge
seen many before me back down and crack under pressure
it's time to take drastic measure, let it loose
intimidation factor tries to set in, I'm grab my weapon
not arrogant, but it's apparent that he's feeling threatened
I'm stepping in his direction, the point of no return
with every action backed by the power of words
Goliath, I sat back and watched for to long
you can't hold me down anymore
Goliath, it's been going on for to long
I'm sick and tired, now I'm taking out the giant
Goliath, I sat back and watched for to long
you can't hold us down anymore
Goliath, it's been going on for to long
I'm sick and tired, now I'm taking out the giant
My armor is weak, I don't expect to be hit at all
I'm entering, knowing I'm protected (he can't touch me)
mental simulations, got me picturing victory
he's snickering and slithering, I'm setting him strait
full speed ahead, he's surprised by my approach
probably thinking I'ma try and swing a sword to his throat
but I go for what I know, throw a stone with precision
accurate and cracking his skull, when it hits it
he's tripping, he's shaking, I'm taking him out
and before he could react he fell flat on the ground
the whole earth shook, I returned to finish him
chopped of his head and carried it through the villages
the city people cheered, I delivered a speech
they all danced in the streets celebrating his defeat
I said, he was dead, before the battle started
to take him out you just gotta aim for the right target
In Braille's song Goliath, the artist uses a metaphor to describe a personal struggle against a powerful entity. Using the image of the biblical story of David and Goliath, Braille paints a picture of himself as an underdog against a much stronger opponent. He talks about being prepared for the moment of confrontation since he was born, waiting for one shot to take down the giant. He describes the mental preparation that goes into facing a challenge, including visualizing victory and mentally practicing the moves. Throughout the song, Braille talks about his fear of being defeated, but he ultimately takes the risk and throws a rock with precision, taking down Goliath and freeing himself from bondage.
Braille uses this song as a way to encourage people to stand up against their fears and take risks, even when they feel like helpless underdogs. The song is a call to action, a reminder that it's never too late to take that one shot and make a difference in your life or in the world. By drawing on the story of David and Goliath, Braille creates a powerful metaphor that resonates with people who feel small and powerless in the face of daunting challenges.
Line by Line Meaning
Trained for this moment since the day I was born
I have been preparing for the time to defeat Goliath since birth.
since before I made tapes that ignored
Even before I was starting to ignore things by making music.
since before I had a rap name or started to record
Before I had become Braille and started making music.
I've been chilling in the back getting prepared for war
I've been in the background preparing myself for battle.
I got a strategy, this isn't random rapid fire
I have a solid plan, this isn't impulsive or haphazard.
this is one shot, headed for Goliath (I can't miss)
This is my one chance to take down Goliath and I won't miss it.
target practice on topics, flipping rhymes off the top
I've been honing my skills on various topics, improvising rhymes.
waiting for this one chance to throw my rock (rock on)
I've been waiting for this opportunity to strike, and now I'm ready.
the least expected to defeat the beast
Even though I'm the underdog, I have the potential to defeat Goliath.
judgements passed to blast my confidence, I won't surrender or retreat
Despite being judged and criticized, I won't give up or back down.
return my gifts to the sender, this is worship in the chaos
This is my way of giving thanks to my talents and abilities, even in difficult circumstances.
this is heavy concentration (got my game face on)
I am highly focused and determined to win, fully prepared for battle.
an eruption of noise flooding from a mouth of silence
I may have been silent, but now I am making a lot of noise.
I'm nobody, a spec of dust battling a giant
I may seem insignificant, but I am taking on someone much bigger and stronger than me.
he stands and mocks me, everyone things I'm crazy
Goliath underestimates me, and others think I'm delusional for trying to take him down.
laughing as if I'm not aware of who I'm facing
Goliath is mocking me as if I don't know who he is or how difficult it will be to defeat him.
Goliath, I sat back and watched for to long
I've been waiting and observing for too long.
you can't hold me down anymore
I won't let Goliath control me any longer.
Goliath, it's been going on for to long
The tyranny of Goliath has gone on for too long.
I'm sick and tired, now I'm taking out the giant
I'm fed up and ready to defeat Goliath once and for all.
And his shadow covers the country side, we're dwelling in the darkness
Goliath's influence is vast and oppressive, casting a shadow over everything.
running away, while he's running things
We are retreating, while Goliath is in control.
calling shots, got us locked in bondage
Goliath is calling the shots, and we are trapped in a state of oppression.
his threats hold us hostage, afraid to be free from his grip
We are afraid to break free from Goliath's tyranny, held hostage by his threats.
I can't hold my tongue, I'm holding this stone
I can't stay silent any longer, I'm ready to take action with my weapon (rock).
hands sweaty and callus, mentally un-balanced, I'm ready for the challenge
My hands are sweating and blistered, and I feel unstable mentally, but I'm still prepared for the challenge.
seen many before me back down and crack under pressure
Others have been in my shoes and failed due to the pressure.
it's time to take drastic measure, let it loose
It's time for me to take extreme action and let loose.
intimidation factor tries to set in, I'm grab my weapon
Despite feeling intimidated, I'm holding onto my weapon (rock).
not arrogant, but it's apparent that he's feeling threatened
I'm not being arrogant, but it's clear that Goliath is starting to feel threatened by me.
I'm stepping in his direction, the point of no return
I'm approaching him directly, with no going back.
with every action backed by the power of words
I am using my words to back up my actions.
My armor is weak, I don't expect to be hit at all
I know that I'm vulnerable, but I'm not expecting to be struck.
I'm entering, knowing I'm protected (he can't touch me)
I'm fully aware of my vulnerability, but I'm still protected (by my faith or my preparation, etc).
mental simulations, got me picturing victory
I've been visualizing victory in my mind, which helps me to stay focused.
he's snickering and slithering, I'm setting him strait
Goliath is being sneaky and manipulative, but I'm confronting him directly.
full speed ahead, he's surprised by my approach
I'm charging ahead at full speed, surprising Goliath with my direct approach.
probably thinking I'ma try and swing a sword to his throat
Goliath is likely expecting me to try to kill him with a sword.
but I go for what I know, throw a stone with precision
Instead, I use my skills (rock throwing accuracy) to take him down.
accurate and cracking his skull, when it hits it
My throw is spot-on, cracking Goliath's skull when it connects.
he's tripping, he's shaking, I'm taking him out
Goliath is hurt and unstable, and I'm finishing him off.
and before he could react he fell flat on the ground
I took Goliath down before he could respond.
the whole earth shook, I returned to finish him
My victory had a tremendous impact on everything, and I went back to ensure Goliath was dead.
chopped of his head and carried it through the villages
As proof of my victory, I took Goliath's head and paraded it through the towns.
the city people cheered, I delivered a speech
The people celebrated my victory, and I made a speech about it.
they all danced in the streets celebrating his defeat
Everyone was thrilled to be free from Goliath's oppression, and they celebrated their newfound freedom.
I said, he was dead, before the battle started
I knew that Goliath was going to lose before we even started fighting, and now everyone knows it too.
to take him out you just gotta aim for the right target
To defeat Goliath, you just need to find the right way to attack him.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CHARLIE MIDNIGHT, DAN HARTMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind