Their debut album One For All is one of the more popular and acclaimed alternative hip hop albums of the 1990s, known for socially conscious and politically charged content inspired by the teachings of the Nation of Gods and Earths.
1989-1992
Brand Nubian formed in 1986 after Grand Puba's original group, Masters of Ceremony, split up. Its first single, "Brand Nubian," was released in 1986. Signed to Elektra Records by A&R man Dante Ross, its debut album, One For All, was released in 1990. Generally acclaimed, the album drew fire for militant Five-Percenter rhetoric on tracks such as "Drop the Bomb" and "Wake Up." The controversy helped sales, though the album was still not a great commercial success. To date, the album has sold 350,000 units. A version of the Fab Five Freddy-directed video for the single "Wake Up," featuring a Black man in white-face makeup, was also banned from MTV. On MTV and from official WEA sources, this image was replaced by a Baptist preacher. The singles "Slow Down," "All for One," and "Wake Up" all became hits on Billboard’s Hot Rap Tracks chart in 1991.
Shortly after its debut release, Sadat X and Lord Jamar began having problems with Grand Puba, which caused him to leave the group, along with DJ Alamo, to pursue a solo career. Lord Jamar and Sadat X enlisted DJ Sincere to join the group in 1992. The same year, Puba released his solo debut, Reel to Reel, which featured the hit single "360° (What Goes Around)".
Later in 1992, the Puba-less Brand Nubian released a hit single of its own, "Punks Jump up to Get Beat Down". The track was met with controversy over alleged homophobic content, referencing the Sadat X line "I can freak, fly, flow, fuck up a faggot/I don't understand their ways, I ain't down with gays." Despite the controversy, the single charted on the Billboard Hot 100 at number 77. Later versions omitted the line, including the version on the greatest hits compilation The Very Best of Brand Nubian.
1992-1996
In late 1992, the crew released its second album, In God We Trust. "Punks Jump Up to Get Beat Down" was included on this release, as well as the number-92 Hot-100 single, "Love Me or Leave Me Alone." The effort sold moderately well, fueled by the crew's continuing controversy. Also in 1993, the group contributed a track for the Menace II Society soundtrack, titled "Lick Dem..........."
The group’s next release, Everything is Everything, was issued in November 1994. The controversy kept growing, with further accusations of the group’s music being analogous to hate speech. The album received very mixed reviews and mediocre sales, despite the top-40 Hot Rap Tracks singles "Word is Bond" and "Hold On (feat. Starr)." In 1995, the group broke up, left Elektra, and launched solo careers in music and television. That year, Puba released his second solo effort, 2000, featuring another Billboard Hot 100 single, "I Like It (I Wanna Be Where You Are)." Sadat X released his first solo effort, titled Wild Cowboys (Loud/RCA/BMG Records), in 1996.
1997-2000
The original members reunited in 1997, contributing a song to the Soul In The Hole soundtrack, titled "A Child is Born". Another song, "Keep It Bubblin'," appeared on the 1997 Money Talks soundtrack. In 1998, the four original members returned with the album Foundation on a new label, Arista/BMG Records. The album received wide acclaim and featured contributions from a larger group of producers, including DJ Premier, Buckwild, Lord Finesse, and Diamond D. The lead single "Don't Let it Go to Your Head" became, at number 54, the group's highest-charting single on the Hot 100. In 2000, the crew once again teamed up with Buckwild of D.I.T.C. and released the underground single "Rockin' It," before the members continued their individual pursuits. Sadat X released a solo EP in 2000, The State of New York vs. Derek Murphy, on Loud/Relativity Records.
2001-present
Puba released his third solo effort, Understand This, in 2001, which received little attention despite featuring his fellow Brand Nubian members. The original members reunited once again in 2004 for the release of its fifth album, Fire in the Hole, their first release on an independent label, Babygrande Records. The album received mixed reviews and sold below expectations. Sadat X released another solo effort in 2005, titled Experience and Education, receiving mostly positive reviews. Jamar also furthered his acting career, recently appearing on an episode of The Sopranos, as well as episodes of Oz, Third Watch, and Law & Order. Lord Jamar released his first solo album, The 5% Album, June 27, 2006, on Babygrande Records. Sadat X's third full length album, titled Black October, was released October 2006. In 2007 the group released an album titled Time's Runnin' Out.
Don't Let It Go To Your Head
Brand Nubian Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Books and books of rhyme concepts and hooks
Session to session to get thoughts manifested
Stressin' and stressin' to hit the world with a blessin'
Lot of people often ask, "Puba how you givin' back?"
The way I give back is through the knowledge of my raps
like a gem, for all my people caught out on a limb
"I'm feelin' you I know you gettin' down like that
but what I'm sayin' Dog is let me hold a little somethin' black!
I'll hit you back!" come on dead that, that's the tenth time
I heard that -- all you know is gimme I work hard for every penny
that I make -- video and tape
LP and CD, if I fall, you feedin' me?
No dough to spread, always keep a level head
Long as my seeds get fed, it won't go to my head, so..
"Don't let it go your head, no!"
Everybody love a star, when he on top
"Don't don't let it go your head, no!"
Nobody comes around when the star start to drop
"Don't let it go your head, no!"
Strive to help others who help themselves
"Don't let it go your head, no no no no no!"
Knowledge of self, and good health and wealth
The ladies are datin', no question but you can't tell her that
'Cause subconciously, we put our hand out
Like I'm that ATM cat, drop me off at Chase
Earring in the navel like you sex-you-al
Royalty, while the whole loyalty means [shit]
Get wreck in the kitchen like she were on the cooking channel
and didn't have a [nigga] in the car do'
Got ??? she's a mother to be, I hope they're twins
Give me a whole tribe
and be as sexy as Janet was on the cover of Vibe
She slick talk, playin' you
well she got a girlfriend that used to tap
back when, so she always worryin' with you
Tell her hold it down ma, I give you high ranks
Sometimes you wild but I guess that's your style
If you lay up in my high rise, will you stay wise?
Will the slave thighs open your eyes, girl..
"Don't let it go your head, no!"
Don't believe those jealous type cats
"Don't don't let it go your head, no!"
Cause I'm the one makin' some late night cash
"Don't let it go your head, no!"
I told you girl my home is my castle
"Don't let it go your head, no no no no no!"
Understand it won't be no hassle
I heard your single on the battle of the beats
It won five nights, I bet you had the time of your life
Workin' so hard, and so long, to make a record
Finally to make a song people respected
Collect the dough at a show as you sip the Mo'
Now you hittin' the flo', you never hit befo'
Got you trippin', how much better could it get?
Got the leather with the work check, all up in the whip
They're all legitimate, callin' it what it's really not
This is just one single you got, that's really hot
Tomorrow it could bust just like a blood clot
Leave you in the dust with your body to rot
Another party to rock, if it's you or if it's me
it doesn't matter cause it just won't stop
Don't let your gray matter pop
'Cause when you release the album
If they don't cop, you gonna get dropped, so..
"Don't let it go your head, no!"
'Cause one single don't make you a hit
"Don't don't let it go your head, no!"
Stay true to who you are don't never forget
"Don't let it go your head, no!"
Keep your feet on solid ground
"Don't let it go your head, no no no no no!"
'Cause what goes up, must come down, uhh
"Don't let it go your head, no!"
"Don't don't let it go your head, no!"
"Don't let it go your head, no!"
"Don't let it go your head, no no no no no!"
In the song "Don't Let It Go To Your Head," Brand Nubian is warning new and emerging rappers not to let success go to their heads. They are using their experiences to explain how difficult it is to rise to the top and how easy it is to lose it all. Instead, they stress the importance of staying true to oneself and helping others along the way. The lyrics discuss the challenges of making it as a rapper, including the constant pressure to come up with new rhymes and the temptation to overspend once you have made it.
The lyrics touch upon the idea of fame and how people can become obsessed with it. The line "Everybody love a star when he on top" speaks to how people often celebrate success but then disappear shortly after when someone else comes along. The song also talks about the importance of staying humble and grounded, no matter how much success one may achieve. Brand Nubian advocates for helping others along the way, with lines such as "Strive to help others who help themselves" and "The way I give back is through the knowledge of my raps."
The song is a reminder to all aspiring artists that the music industry can be fickle and that success is fleeting. It encourages artists to remain focused on their craft and their community, rather than simply chasing fame and fortune. The overall message is one of perseverance, humility, and giving back.
Line by Line Meaning
Now a lot of people think this is easy as it looks
Many people underestimate the amount of work that goes into creating and producing music.
Books and books of rhyme concepts and hooks
Writing music involves developing and refining countless lyrical concepts and hooks.
Session to session to get thoughts manifested
Recording music requires numerous sessions to manifest the composer's thoughts and ideas.
Stressin' and stressin' to hit the world with a blessin'
Musicians often stress over making music that they feel will positively impact the world.
Lot of people often ask, "Puba how you givin' back?"
People frequently ask Brand Nubian how they give back to their community.
The way I give back is through the knowledge of my raps
Brand Nubian gives back by sharing knowledge through their music.
like a gem, for all my people caught out on a limb
Brand Nubian's music is like a gem to people who feel trapped or limited.
who be givin' in, caught out on a stem, who don't want to win
Brand Nubian's music offers hope to those who feel stuck and unmotivated.
"I'm feelin' you I know you gettin' down like that
People express their appreciation and admiration for Brand Nubian's music.
but what I'm sayin' Dog is let me hold a little somethin' black!
People often ask for financial assistance from Brand Nubian.
I'll hit you back!" come on, dead that, that's the tenth time
Brand Nubian is tired of constantly being asked for money.
I heard that -- all you know is gimme I work hard for every penny
Brand Nubian feels that people don't understand the hard work and effort it takes to achieve success in the music industry.
that I make -- video and tape
Brand Nubian generates income from music videos and recorded albums.
LP and CD, if I fall, you feedin' me?
Brand Nubian questions whether the people who continuously ask for money will support them when they're no longer successful.
No dough to spread, always keep a level head
Brand Nubian maintains a humble mindset, even when they're not making as much money.
Long as my seeds get fed, it won't go to my head, so..
Brand Nubian values taking care of their loved ones and staying grounded.
"Don't let it go your head, no!"
Brand Nubian warns against becoming too egotistical or arrogant.
Everybody love a star when he on top
People tend to admire successful musicians, but only when they are at their peak.
"Don't don't let it go your head, no!"
Brand Nubian emphasizes the importance of remaining humble and grounded.
Nobody comes around when the star start to drop
People often lose interest in musicians who are no longer at their peak.
"Strive to help others who help themselves
Brand Nubian believes in helping those who are willing to work hard and help themselves.
"Don't let it go your head, no no no no no!"
Brand Nubian reiterates that humility is key to maintaining long-term success.
Knowledge of self, and good health and wealth
Brand Nubian values self-awareness, good health, and financial prosperity.
The ladies are datin', no question but you can't tell her that
Brand Nubian acknowledges that ladies are attracted to successful musicians but warns against being too boastful.
'Cause subconciously, we put our hand out
Brand Nubian reflects upon how people often ask for handouts from successful musicians.
Like I'm that ATM cat, drop me off at Chase
Brand Nubian feels like they are seen as an ATM machine, always being asked for money.
Earring in the navel like you sex-you-al
Brand Nubian criticizes materialistic and sexual displays by some women.
Royalty, while the whole loyalty means [shit]
Brand Nubian believes that some people prioritize status over values like loyalty.
Get wreck in the kitchen like she were on the cooking channel
Brand Nubian praises women who are skilled cooks.
and didn't have a [nigga] in the car do'
Brand Nubian questions why some women have materialistic displays but lack a partner or ride of their own.
Got ??? she's a mother to be, I hope they're twins
Brand Nubian expresses hope for a pregnant woman to have twins.
Give me a whole tribe and be as sexy as Janet was on the cover of Vibe
Brand Nubian desires a partner who is both attractive and able to bear children.
She slick talk, playin' you well she got a girlfriend that used to tap
Brand Nubian exposes the deceitful tactics of some women who have romantic partners on the side.
back when, so she always worryin' with you
Brand Nubian warns against being in a relationship with someone who has a history of being unfaithful.
Tell her hold it down ma, I give you high ranks
Brand Nubian expects a partner to remain committed and faithful.
Sometimes you wild but I guess that's your style
Brand Nubian accepts that some people have a wild or erratic personality.
If you lay up in my high rise, will you stay wise?
Brand Nubian questions whether a partner would stay grounded and humble if they lived in a luxurious high-rise.
Will the slave thighs open your eyes, girl..
Brand Nubian warns against being blinded by materialism and sexual temptation.
"Don't let it go your head, no!"
Brand Nubian emphasizes the importance of avoiding arrogance and materialism.
Don't believe those jealous type cats
Brand Nubian suggests not believing those who are envious or jealous.
"Don't don't let it go your head, no!"
Brand Nubian reminds listeners to remain humble and remember their values.
Cause I'm the one makin' some late night cash
Brand Nubian acknowledges that they are making considerable money.
"Don't let it go your head, no!"
Brand Nubian warns against becoming too proud or vain.
I told you girl my home is my castle
Brand Nubian values their home as a place of comfort and refuge.
"Don't let it go your head, no no no no no!"
Brand Nubian again stresses the importance of remaining grounded.
Understand it won't be no hassle
Brand Nubian assures that there won't be any problems or difficulties.
I heard your single on the battle of the beats
Brand Nubian recalls hearing another musician's single in a music competition.
It won five nights, I bet you had the time of your life
Brand Nubian acknowledges the success of the other musician's single.
Workin' so hard, and so long, to make a record
Brand Nubian understands the hard work and dedication it takes to create a successful album.
Finally to make a song people respected
Brand Nubian recognizes the importance of creating music that is well-received by people.
Collect the dough at a show as you sip the Mo'
Brand Nubian enjoys receiving payment for performing at concerts.
Now you hittin' the flo', you never hit befo'
Brand Nubian enjoys newfound success and fame.
Got you trippin', how much better could it get?
Brand Nubian is excited about their current level of success.
Got the leather with the work check, all up in the whip
Brand Nubian enjoys luxury items like a leather car interior.
They're all legitimate, callin' it what it's really not
Brand Nubian criticizes people who lie or deceive about their success.
This is just one single you got, that's really hot
Brand Nubian believes that true success is not based on one single, but on a sustained career.
Tomorrow it could bust just like a blood clot
Brand Nubian acknowledges that success can be temporary and short-lived.
Leave you in the dust with your body to rot
Brand Nubian warns that being too proud and arrogant can lead to negative consequences.
Another party to rock, if it's you or if it's me
Brand Nubian is always ready to perform at another concert.
it doesn't matter 'cause it just won't stop
Brand Nubian is highly motivated to continue making music.
Don't let your gray matter pop
Brand Nubian encourages people to not become overwhelmed or stressed by the music industry.
'Cause when you release the album
Brand Nubian understands that releasing an album can be a stressful experience.
If they don't cop, you gonna get dropped, so..
Brand Nubian emphasizes the importance of album sales for continued success.
"Don't let it go your head, no!"
Brand Nubian again warns against becoming too proud or vain.
'Cause one single don't make you a hit
Brand Nubian emphasizes the importance of sustained success, not just one hit single.
Stay true to who you are don't never forget
Brand Nubian values authenticity and encourages people to stay true to themselves.
Keep your feet on solid ground
Brand Nubian emphasizes the importance of remaining grounded and level-headed.
"Don't let it go your head, no no no no no!"
Brand Nubian stresses the importance of humility and self-awareness.
'Cause what goes up, must come down, uhh
Brand Nubian acknowledges that success can be temporary and that things can change at any moment.
"Don't let it go your head, no!"
Brand Nubian emphasizes once again the importance of remaining humble and grounded.
"Don't don't let it go your head, no!"
Brand Nubian reiterates the theme of the song: remaining humble and level-headed amidst success.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Cloud9, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: KENNETH GAMBLE, KENNY GAMBLE, LEON HUFF
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@geolectric_universe
Puba, Sadat and Jamar - the memories that ride on all these legendary golden age rapppers. I wish I could go back - such a simpler time it seems these days. Struggles felt different back then I feel like. Cheers to the 90s.
@goddessteetee4987
I don't care what nobody says.. These guys were dope!!
@BryantOden
Big Facts!
@eugenereeves418
Shut up kid of course they were dope🤷🏿♂️
@goddessteetee4987
Lol I'm far from being a kid. I will be 40 in less than 3 years.. But ok 😅😅😆
@tmomoh7964
Dope as heaven
@JeSsE10mCcOy11
@@goddessteetee4987 they're underrated
@cb3p0
I cry listening to this. My childhood was great. My parents would play songs like this and we would dance and rap or be driving around having a good time. Simple times for me but I understand how hard they were for them. Appreciate your parents for everything they do guys, and the joy we brought each other.
@lashandamoore3105
A Mouth Full 💯💯 Lord knows that they really need to play this song today!! This generation will never understand the message of the song!
@tiffanycooper7342
I’m glad you were exposed to this the nowaday we have to fight to be who we truly are….most people are moved materialisticly and forget…where they come from