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.
Foundation
Brand Nubian Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And you know it don't stop until the party ends
So get your hands up high, if you feel me reply
'Cause you know these brothers here we keep it extra tight
Look, listen and observe, it took precision to connect
The words of dialect within a rhythm you never heard
Forbidden fruit, take a bite, you could lose your life
Lord Jamar, Sadat X and Puba's here tonight
We got next on the court, I don't know what you thought
This flow can't be bought, only sold in exchange
For platinum ang gold, you've been told, open up the manifold
Only to reveal scrolls and scrolls
Premeditated to be dedicated to lost souls
Properly educated, never sloppily operated
Playing the beats for all my people incarcerated
We stay in the streets and find new ways to eat
Crime wave, I remember wetting my feet
In my blind days, now these niggas getting they heat
From under they seat, I wonder when the guns'll deplete
Brand Nubian brothers here to flip it again
And you know we don't stop until your party ends
So get your hands up high, if you feel me reply
'Cause you know these brothers here, we keep it extra tight
The Foundation, as we hitcha with a Brand Nu creation
New millennium we don't mess around
Do the knowledge as we blaze the situation, so just feel me now
I'm in a rush, who got the keys to my truck?
Who am I? I just might be a spy
I drop a tear at the sight of the blue NY
I'm a threat just like Garnette
Pick a player out my set like Marbury
Serve me sherry with a cherry
I always eat what you think
I ain't got no shoes on my feet, I'm from down the street, huh
Now cats ride around New York with the slick hot rods
Some late model usually pushing full throttle
Hanging illegal U's and staying with the gleaming shoes
Riding one deep but back to back to back
Fuck a buzz, it's gonna happen just because
Sure I was with her was, but I don't know what she does
Big dimes hit me everytime like it's a crime
My prime will steadily climb
Yeah, I can't release nothing to y'all before it's time
Brand Nubian brothers here to flip it again
And you know we don't stop until your party ends
So get your hands up high, if you feel me reply
'Cause you know these brothers here, we keep it extra tight
The Foundation, as we hitcha with a Brand Nu creation
New millennium we don't mess around
Do the knowledge as we blaze the situation, so just feel me now
Now my verbal illustration graphic more than Playstation
Microphone occupation operation save the nation
Black crusader, persuader, educator
Knowledge detonator none greater
Leave haters stuck like a project elevator
Always jammin it airtight like a laminate
You can't contaminate it
Go-getters we be superb like Justin's catfish fritters
Now I got 2000 flows, only 4 less than all of my hoes (*Hey!*)
Oops I mean my bro's but I'm just keeping y'all on your toes
Excitement for your enlightenment, spitting novels, getting bravos
Tear it up like El Nino, keeping it hotter than jalapenos
Microphone holder doing more damage than rolling boulders
Rhyme style should've fooled ya, knocked your head right off your
Shoulders
See my intention, black-on-black prevention, break the tension
Teach the seeds, tell them what they need and then collect my pension
Brand Nubian, baby, born more flows than a test tube valve
Your radio ain't really on if Brand Nubian ain't on your dial
Yeah, as we do it like this
2000, Brand Nubian comin atcha one time
New millennium style
In their song "Foundation," Brand Nubian draws on their own position as innovators and leaders within the rap community while also addressing their place within a larger social and historical context. The lyrics suggest that just as the foundation of a building must be strong and stable for the structure to stand, so too must the foundation of a society be built on strong principles and values. The group asserts their own importance in this foundation, noting that they keep their rhymes "extra tight." They also cite significant historical figures such as Christ and Musa (the Arabic name for Moses) as examples of those who were treated unjustly for speaking truth to power.
In addition to drawing on historical figures, Brand Nubian also reference contemporary concerns, such as the prevalence of guns and violence. The lyrics urge listeners to open up their minds and consider new ways of thinking and living. The group also emphasizes the importance of education, both formal and informal, in creating a solid foundation for the future.
Overall, "Foundation" is a powerful anthem that urges listeners to think deeply about the important issues of our time and to take action to create a better world.
Line by Line Meaning
Brand Nubian baby, here to flip it again
Brand Nubian is back to make a new song
And you know it don't stop until the party ends
The party will remain lively
So get your hands up high, if you feel me reply
Raise your hands and join in if you hear us
'Cause you know these brothers here we keep it extra tight
Brand Nubian always performs to the best of their ability
Look, listen and observe, it took precision to connect
We perform with precision and attention to detail
The words of dialect within a rhythm you never heard
Our lyrics are unique and innovative
Forbidden fruit, take a bite, you could lose your life
Our music can be dangerous if taken too seriously
Like how they crucified Christ Musa's hair was white
We reference historical figures and their experiences
Lord Jamar, Sadat X and Puba's here tonight
Listing the members present for the performance
We got next on the court, I don't know what you thought
Brand Nubian has more to come in the music scene
This flow can't be bought, only sold in exchange
Our unique style cannot be replicated or bought
For platinum and gold, you've been told, open up the manifold
We've achieved fame and success but remain humble
Only to reveal scrolls and scrolls
We have a lot to offer in our music
Premeditated to be dedicated to lost souls
Our music is meant to resonate with the lost and forgotten
Properly educated, never sloppily operated
Our music is executed with care and diligence
Playing the beats for all my people incarcerated
We make music for everyone, even those in prison
We stay in the streets and find new ways to eat
We stay connected to our roots and find new opportunities
Crime wave, I remember wetting my feet
We've experienced struggles and hardship
In my blind days, now these niggas getting they heat
We've grown and matured since our younger days
From under they seat, I wonder when the guns'll deplete
We question when gun violence will come to an end
The Foundation, as we hitcha with a Brand Nu creation
The Foundation is an integral part of Brand Nubian's sound
New millennium we don't mess around
We're bringing our sound into the new millennium with force
Do the knowledge as we blaze the situation, so just feel me now
We're educating and entertaining with our music
I'm in a rush, who got the keys to my truck?
Starting the verse with a personal anecdote
Who am I? I just might be a spy
We keep our identities and intentions unclear
I drop a tear at the sight of the blue NY
We have emotional connections to our hometown
I'm a threat just like Garnette
Comparing oneself to a known threat
Pick a player out my set like Marbury
Recruitment of people to join our movement
Serve me sherry with a cherry
Playful wordplay
I always eat what you think
Mystery and ambiguity in our lyrics
I ain't got no shoes on my feet, I'm from down the street, huh
We come from humble beginnings
Now cats ride around New York with the slick hot rods
Reference to the changing times and culture
Some late model usually pushing full throttle
We take notice of the extravagance and excess
Hanging illegal U's and staying with the gleaming shoes
Acknowledgment of criminal activity in the streets
Riding one deep but back to back to back
We're always ready and connected
Fuck a buzz, it's gonna happen just because
We don't rely on hype or trends
Sure I was with her was, but I don't know what she does
Miscellaneous personal anecdotes without clear meaning
Big dimes hit me everytime like it's a crime
Women are attracted to us
My prime will steadily climb
We're confident in our abilities and potential
Yeah, I can't release nothing to y'all before it's time
We keep our music under wraps until it's perfected
Now my verbal illustration graphic more than Playstation
Our lyrics are vivid and creative
Microphone occupation operation save the nation
Our music has a meaningful and positive impact
Black crusader, persuader, educator
Our music has a social justice message
Knowledge detonator none greater
We share knowledge and insight through our music
Leave haters stuck like a project elevator
People who oppose us are stagnant and stuck
Always jammin it airtight like a laminate
Our performances are tight and well-executed
You can't contaminate it
Our music is pure and untouchable
Go-getters we be superb like Justin's catfish fritters
We have a sense of pride in our excellence
Now I got 2000 flows, only 4 less than all of my hoes (*Hey!*)
Playful and boastful wordplay
Oops I mean my bro's but I'm just keeping y'all on your toes
Having fun with language and teasing the listener
Excitement for your enlightenment, spitting novels, getting bravos
Our music is entertaining and enlightening
Tear it up like El Nino, keeping it hotter than jalapenos
We're passionate and intense in our performances
Microphone holder doing more damage than rolling boulders
We make a significant impact with our music
Rhyme style should've fooled ya, knocked your head right off your shoulders
Our lyrics and flow are powerful and memorable
See my intention, black-on-black prevention, break the tension
Our music is meant to unite and prevent conflict
Teach the seeds, tell them what they need and then collect my pension
Our music has a educational and uplifting purpose
Brand Nubian, baby, born more flows than a test tube valve
Brand Nubian has an endless supply of creativity
Your radio ain't really on if Brand Nubian ain't on your dial
Our music is essential and should be heard by all
The Foundation, as we hitcha with a Brand Nu creation
The Foundation is an integral part of Brand Nubian's sound
New millennium we don't mess around
We're bringing our sound into the new millennium with force
Do the knowledge as we blaze the situation, so just feel me now
We're educating and entertaining with our music
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: LORENZO DECHALUS, DEREK MURPHY, MAXWELL DIXON, MILES DAVIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind