Braintax originally performed as a duo, but former member DJ T.E.S.T. left in the mid-1990s. T.E.S.T. only appeared on one official Braintax release - the 1992 debut EP, Fat Head. Christie retained the recording name and it has since become synonymous with him as a solo artist.
Though Christie had been involved in the underground breakdancing and rapping scenes for a number of years, his career effectively started with the release of the Fat Head EP. Perhaps most noted was track 5, "Talk About The Future," sampling Quincy Jones's "Summer In The City." The sample was used in response to American hip hop act The Pharcyde's use of it in its track "Passin Me By," from album Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde. Braintax's lyrics reflected a maturity beyond his years and this track in particular was a sign of what was to come.
Throughout his career, Braintax's lyrics have been thoughful, hard hitting and reflective, ranging from politics to spirituality and the state of hip hop music to the war in Iraq. Decrying the fake posturing and the laziness of UK hip hop acts, Braintax, along with a slew of cohorts such as Blade, Harry Love and Lewis Parker, triggered a renaissance in the UK hip hop scene, both setting the pace and paving the way for new artists and labels. As well as the variation in production styles, the depth and complexity of Braintax's lyrics are a clue to his success. Though he may not like it, philosophical musings, such as those on "Oceans" (Biro Funk, 2001), on the essence of contentment and the struggle to find peace in the modern world, appeal to a wide audience and, significantly, a middle class audience. In any case, Braintax has been a pioneer of the renaissance in UK hip hop and remains heavily involved, constantly pushing the music forward: "If there is a point it should be that we benefit more from music we relate to than from that we just listen to."
Joe Christie has also recorded or appeared under the pseudonyms Brando Flux and Joey Brains.
Biro Funk
Braintax Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Escuchame...
It's like a long walk to China trying to reach these heads
See, the world around your body makes your brain stay dead
Stand around in thick traffic just inhaling some lead
I'm in the phone box breathing off some stranger's breath
Busy now is all the message said, let me leave you
Let your brain cook, mobile – you're agile
Still hearing cancer rays until you're off-the-hook
My mindset stays steady, taking shelter in a hut
On a mountainside, ready for the wind and the ruck
I see a storm blow past with economic avalanche
Because the rich, fat nations try to cling to every branch
Me, I'm playing mind chess then Monopoly with stress
Flipping cards by the log fire with thoughts of death
Got a year's supply of Bics, hiding out in Deep Six
I'll emerge in twenty years when there's no cash left
But for now I'm back to basics, spilling out raps
Freestyling in the snow while I'm laying squirrel traps
It's survival; really none of us can pull it off
Just filling up the silence with my fresh air cough
See, I got theory off but now I'm losing my mind
The poisons in my blood are trying to make it to the outside
Outside – money and cars and more waste, detox
I'm displaced, fighting craving for that city taste
Escuchame... Survival got me bugging – Inspectah Deck And like I said I'm all in it like on live through life
Paranoia strikes, creeping out the forest at night
I like to sit back holed up, sharpen my knife
Learning all about myself but I'm missing the hype
It's survival; the helicopter left me with a rifle
But it rusted up so I'm onto snow and berry trifles
I sing aloud in my hideout cause no one can hear me
And nature's looking bigger and it doesn't fear me
Or any of my city ways, haven't said a word for one month
Hear my snow boots crunch through the wasteland
This could be a parallel to cityscapes
Where tree towers overpower and isolate many souls
Nature's like a friend until she turns cold
Those icy looks are icebergs on my tent pole
The IMAX is now live from the arctic
You can call me Braintax, now my verbal film's starting:
Reindeer, a target on the hill by the tree line
I move quick, this reminds me of the free line
Live simple, hunt-and-gather rules still apply
But we never turn to greed and death's a catalyst to life
CAN YOU HEAR ME?!
Survival got me bugging – Inspectah Deck
Escuchame...
Survival got me bugging – Inspectah Deck Escuchame...
The lyrics to Braintax's song "Biro Funk" speak to the struggles of survival and the way that modern society can stifle the mind and body. The opening lines suggest that reaching people's minds can be difficult, especially when our surroundings are toxic and suffocating. He describes inhaling lead in traffic and breathing in a stranger's breath in a phone box, highlighting the ways in which the world can be harmful to our wellbeing.
As the lyrics progress, Braintax touches on the themes of paranoia, isolation, and the struggle for survival. He imagines himself living off the land, hiding out and sharpening his knife, trying to survive in a world that has turned cold. This can be seen as a metaphor for society, where people are isolated and forced to fend for themselves in a world that is increasingly disconnected.
The tone of the song is introspective, with Braintax reflecting on his own mindset, fears, and struggles. It is a reminder that, despite our perceived toughness and strength, we are all vulnerable to the forces of society and the environment.
Line by Line Meaning
It's like a long walk to China trying to reach these heads
Trying to communicate with people who are disconnected from reality is an impossible task
See, the world around your body makes your brain stay dead
The mundane routines of modern life lead people to a state of mental numbness
Stand around in thick traffic just inhaling some lead
Being trapped in harmful environments, like traffic, can have negative effects on one's health
I'm in the phone box breathing off some stranger's breath
Being in close proximity to others, even strangers, can pose health risks
No change left, I fed my last gold Queen's head
I am out of money and resources
Busy now is all the message said, let me leave you
I am being neglected or ignored by society
Let your brain cook, mobile – you're agile
Take a break from the constant stimulation of technology and let your mind wander
Still hearing cancer rays until you're off-the-hook
Exposure to harmful radiation is a constant threat to our health
My mindset stays steady, taking shelter in a hut
I maintain a level head and seek refuge from the chaos of the world
On a mountainside, ready for the wind and the ruck
I am prepared to face the challenges of nature
I see a storm blow past with economic avalanche
The economic turmoil caused by wealthy nations is as destructive as a natural disaster
Because the rich, fat nations try to cling to every branch
The wealthy nations are greedy and try to take more than they need
Me, I'm playing mind chess then Monopoly with stress
I am strategizing and dealing with the stressful realities of life
Flipping cards by the log fire with thoughts of death
I contemplate the inevitability of death while passing time by a fire
Got a year's supply of Bics, hiding out in Deep Six
I am prepared for a long period of isolation and have hoarded supplies
I'll emerge in twenty years when there's no cash left
I plan to wait out the collapse of modern society before reemerging
But for now I'm back to basics, spilling out raps
I am resorting to a simple form of expression to deal with my frustrations
Freestyling in the snow while I'm laying squirrel traps
I am using my downtime to engage in creative pursuits and provide for myself
It's survival; really none of us can pull it off
Surviving in a harsh environment is difficult for everyone, not just me
Just filling up the silence with my fresh air cough
Even my coughing is a reminder of my isolation and struggle for survival
The poisons in my blood are trying to make it to the outside
The toxins in my environment are taking a toll on my health
Outside – money and cars and more waste, detox
The outside world is filled with materialism and pollution, I need to detoxify my body and mind
I'm displaced, fighting craving for that city taste
I am displaced from modern society and struggle with my desire for its comforts
And like I said I'm all in it like on live through life
I am completely committed to my survival and living a simple life
Paranoia strikes, creeping out the forest at night
I am fearful and paranoid, even in the safety of the forest
I like to sit back holed up, sharpen my knife
I find comfort and security in being prepared and self-sufficient
Learning all about myself but I'm missing the hype
I am discovering myself in nature, but I am not part of popular culture
The helicopter left me with a rifle
The only means of survival in some environments is through violence
But it rusted up so I'm onto snow and berry trifles
I am resourceful and adapt to the limitations of my environment
I sing aloud in my hideout cause no one can hear me
I have the freedom to express myself without the constraints of society
And nature's looking bigger and it doesn't fear me
I am in awe of nature's power and my place within it
Haven't said a word for one month
I have been in isolation for a prolonged period of time
Hear my snow boots crunch through the wasteland
My movements are the only sounds in the desolate environment
This could be a parallel to cityscapes
My experience in nature can be compared to the crowded and noisy city
Where tree towers overpower and isolate many souls
The tall buildings in the city can create a sense of isolation and detachment from nature
Nature's like a friend until she turns cold
Nature can be both beautiful and harsh, like a friend who can turn on you
Those icy looks are icebergs on my tent pole
The icy conditions of the environment are a constant threat to my shelter
The IMAX is now live from the arctic
I am living in a larger-than-life environment and experiencing it firsthand
You can call me Braintax, now my verbal film's starting:
My experience in nature is like a movie and I am the singer
Reindeer, a target on the hill by the tree line
I am hunting for food in a natural setting
I move quick, this reminds me of the free line
My movements are quick and strategic, like in a game of football
Live simple, hunt-and-gather rules still apply
The basic principles of survival still apply even in modern times
But we never turn to greed and death's a catalyst to life
We do not succumb to greed and instead see death as a part of the cycle of life
CAN YOU HEAR ME?!
I am shouting to be heard and understood in a world that is often indifferent to my struggles
Survival got me bugging – Inspectah Deck
The struggle for survival is a constant source of anxiety and stress
Writer(s): Colin Emmanuel Copyright: Warner/Chappell Music Ltd.
Contributed by Colton E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
DuBjam
still love this as much as the first time i heard it.
kazryan91
fookin good tune! ITS THE BIRO FUNK
Callum Brown
HIP HOP BEFORE GRIME!
Italblessings
BIG!!!! Reminds me of being a student walking the streets of a dark Bristol.
munk1984
Dun know bruv!! Lived there between 2003-2006 and thet were sick years man. All these old UK hip hop tracks from Braintax, Jehst, Phi-Life Cypher, Rodney P etc bring back so many memories man........god I wish I was back in those times!! lol
CheeseBurgerTM
Remember listening to this on the train when I had 3 ounces down my pants. Must have looked like I had big balls.
NoFoolinDoolin
He didn't really rip anyone off. In a sense, Because he owned a label, he took all the money of it and moved to another country, which in all fairness he said at the start of his career on how he wants to make enough money to move. and thats what he did, some see it as the wound of UK hiphop, the label had to shut down as it had no revenue. theres a chance im wrong, but im sure thats right
Ben Smith
left a hell of a scar and thats for sure whatever the reasons
Gobshite
The UK scene isn't the same as the states. It's usually mates making music together. So no, there are no excuses. He ripped his mates off
swanskdb
big up the Swansea massive lol ;)