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.
Exit
Braintax Lyrics
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I'm all up in your brain like... (drugs)
Robbie Burns-style chilling in these winter woods
Kinda humanist, all I really want is good
I feel hate sometimes but I suppress them thoughts
Now some people don't and their face contorts
And other folks won't, it's their main support
On the pavement screwing at the slightest nudge
Everybody here whispers on the bus
Paranoid eyes look away
If you cause a fuss still get away
No-one's up for looking out for who's next door
Want a quiet life rather never see the poor
Spare change? Not likely we can just afford a glance
By the cashpoint tramps with the drunken dance
And we'd like to help, but I'm trying to get rich
And I'm going for self and yeah life's a bitch
Don't you know it - we feel ashamed but won't show it
Is the difference I take my chance and you blow it ?
I do believe in the power of choice
But through the outside pressure can you keep your voice ?
I'm only here cos I'm tryin' to get out
I'm only certain that I'm living in doubt
Move yourself, wake up like know yourself
stay you then grow your wealth
I know the negative shit don't help come on move yourself
Living with the aftershock of a million woes
Now who's quick to mock like their heart just froze
And waves splash the rocks like the land erodes
Like the liver rots slow when the brandy flows
Or egos melt when you're all alone
And your friends are props that nowadays don't phone
Debt strips men down, takes away your house,
disregards your class and anulls your credit rating
We sit debating who's playa-hating
And think life's hard cos the heating's broke
So the cold's penetrating while I'm tapping on the Playstation
It's all relative
We stay neutral and never give
That Sky Digital shit is like a sedative
I watch the news and stay thankful for how I live
So why the hell can't I help this man
with the nerve to approach me with an empty hand
Put some money in them little envelopes for charity
It could be me in 5 years clinging on to sanity
The only truth's that there is no truth
So don't judge me and I won't judge you
I'm only here cos I'm tryin' to get out
I'm only certain that I'm living in doubt
Weak minds can't advance
But I'll jump for the money given half the chance
Cos no matter how good you get, you get dragged down
Big competition and I wanna opt-out
Wanna be where I 'm rich if my pocket's in drought
Not running through life with the silent movie shout
And give to the needy cos society is wicked
But I'm still Braintax saving for a plane ticket
I have to make a point, don't like it ? stick it
We all live selfish lives, come on admit it
And our morals catch twists talking plastic chat we live swish
Fat cats trying to feast on fish.....
I'm only here cos I'm tryin' to get out
I'm only certain that I'm living in doubt...
In Braintax's song "Exit", the rapper offers a detailed insight into the societal issues that plague modern society. He starts by talking about how he is in the heads of people like drugs, and how he subscribes to Robbie Burns-style humanism. He states that all he wishes for is good, but he acknowledges the resentment that he feels sometimes. He emphasizes the need to control such negative feelings to prevent twisting of one's face in hatred, which is common among some people. He also highlights how people use hate as their main support, and when they do, it is easy to judge harshly and hold petty grudges.
Braintax also addresses the level of paranoia that is commonplace in society, whereby everyone whispers when they are on the bus and people look away when there is a potential for confrontation. Such paranoia explains why it’s difficult for people to stand up for their neighbors or do an act of kindness. He also speaks about society’s obsession with wealth and how the poor are ignored, with spare change unlikely to be given. He highlights the hypocrisy in the societal make-up, including watching news and feeling grateful for one's life but not being willing to help a man approach with an empty hand. The lyrics highlight the power of individual choices and the importance of keeping one's voice through outside pressures.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm all up in your brain like... (drugs)
I have a significant influence over your thoughts and actions, much like the influence of drugs.
Robbie Burns-style chilling in these winter woods
Just like Robbie Burns sought inspiration and clarity in the woods, I too am looking for peace and direction in my life.
Kinda humanist, all I really want is good
I lean towards humanism and believe in doing good for the sake of humanity.
I feel hate sometimes but I suppress them thoughts
Although I have negative emotions like hate, I try to suppress them and strive for positivity.
Now some people don't and their face contorts
Some people are not able to suppress their negative emotions and it reflects on their facial expressions and body language.
And other folks won't, it's their main support
Some people rely on their negative emotions as their main motivation for action.
On the pavement screwing at the slightest nudge
People get upset and angry at the slightest provocation while walking on the pavement.
Petty grudge, harsh words, so quick to judge
People hold grudges and are quick to judge others based on their harsh words and actions.
Everybody here whispers on the bus
People on the bus talk in whispers so as to not draw attention to themselves.
Paranoid eyes look away
People have paranoid tendencies and avoid making eye contact with others.
If you cause a fuss still get away
If you cause a scene or argument, you can still get away from the situation.
No-one's up for looking out for who's next door
People are not interested in helping their neighbors and would rather live a comfortable, isolated life.
Want a quiet life rather never see the poor
People prefer to live a quiet and comfortable life and often choose to ignore the struggles of the poor.
Spare change? Not likely we can just afford a glance
People find it difficult to spare any spare change and show empathy for the suffering of the poor, and instead just give a cursory glance or ignore them entirely.
By the cashpoint tramps with the drunken dance
Homeless people often hang out by cashpoints and sometimes engage in drunken behavior.
And we'd like to help, but I'm trying to get rich
While people may want to help the poor, they are more focused on their own financial success.
And I'm going for self and yeah life's a bitch
I am primarily focused on pursuing my own self-interest despite the harsh realities of life.
Don't you know it - we feel ashamed but won't show it
People feel guilty or ashamed for not helping the poor but they won't admit it to others.
Is the difference I take my chance and you blow it ?
Is the difference between success and failure based on seizing opportunities and taking chances, versus not taking action and letting them slip away?
I do believe in the power of choice
I believe that we have the power to choose our own destiny.
But through the outside pressure can you keep your voice ?
Despite external pressures and influences, can you stay true to your own voice and beliefs?
Weak minds can't advance
People with weak minds are unable to progress in their lives and achieve their goals.
But I'll jump for the money given half the chance
Despite the risks, I would not hesitate to seize a financial opportunity that presents itself.
Cos no matter how good you get, you get dragged down
No matter how successful you become, there will always be external factors dragging you down and hindering your progress.
Big competition and I wanna opt-out
There is a lot of competition in the world and I would prefer to avoid it if possible.
Wanna be where I 'm rich if my pocket's in drought
I want to be financially successful even if I am currently struggling financially.
Not running through life with the silent movie shout
I don't want to live my life as a silent spectator, I want to take an active role and make my voice heard.
And give to the needy cos society is wicked
I believe in giving back to those in need because our society is inherently flawed and unjust.
But I'm still Braintax saving for a plane ticket
Despite wanting to help others, I am still focused on my own ambitions, like saving up for a plane ticket.
I have to make a point, don't like it ? stick it
I feel compelled to make a statement and express my beliefs, even if it is unpopular or disliked by others.
We all live selfish lives, come on admit it
We all prioritize our own self-interest over others to some extent and should acknowledge it.
And our morals catch twists talking plastic chat we live swish
Our moral values may sometimes become distorted or influenced by superficial or materialistic lifestyles.
Fat cats trying to feast on fish.....
The rich and powerful tend to exploit the poor and weak for their own gain.
I'm only here cos I'm tryin' to get out
I am here in this life trying to move towards something better or escape a current difficult situation.
I'm only certain that I'm living in doubt
Despite trying, I am still uncertain about the future and the path I should take.
Contributed by Thomas M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.