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.
Let's Dance
Brand Nubian Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Get up everybody, make your ass move fast
Check it out, like this, check it out
Let's dance, I know you got the feeling
Let's dance, come on and get down
Brand Nubian '98, hot shit for your ass
Get up everybody, make your ass move fast
Let's dance, I know you got the feeling
Let's dance, come on and get down
Brand Nubian '98, hot shit for your ass
Get up everybody, make your ass move fast
Check it out, like this, check it out
Let's dance, I know you got the feeling
Let's dance, come on and get down
One time for your mind and it just don't stop (Hah)
Chickens flock, I hit you wit dat knock (Hah)
I be the Grand Royal makin it hot, flame broiled (What? What?)
To this I stay loyal while your style goes spoiled (Huh)
One of a kind, I'm like a diamond in the mine (Hah)
Brush of the dirt and watch the Haji God shine
Mama Pu, Mama Pa, Mama Grand Puba (Hah hah)
Alamo, Dotty X and the Lord Jamar (Woooooo, hah)
We want to party (huh), fiesta (Wooooo)
Together (hah), forever (huh)
Say word, son, a nigga flow like Chandon
Champion, been in more cooties than a tampon (hah)
Grand Puba Nubian co-workers (Hah)
Specialise in music, these cats'll never lose it (Huh)
Time for some action for your satisfaction (Hah)
Stackin Benji Jacksons without no procastinatin
Let's dance, I know you got the feeling (Brand Nubian makes the party, hot)
Let's dance, come on and get down
Let's dance, I know you got the feeling (This jam is all for you)
Let's dance, come on and get down
Let's dance, I know you got the feeling (It's the energy that's hot)
Let's dance, come on and get down
Let's dance, I know you got the feeling (My body's all for you)
Let's dance, come on and get down
Here's a simple joint that a baby could follow
I had wrote some twisted shit that niggas just couldn't follow
Love Vivica, Nia, Pam and Tamia
Soul Food with the cornbread, greens and head (Hah)
I'm off-ramp while y'all camp under a street lamp (Huh)
I got a stamp from back then, remember when you was ten
But now you're burstin, enough to make me you-turn on Lennox
Watch your mouth, this a grown man with the grown plan (Hah)
And a swift hand on the witness stand
Before the grand, I can't go out on my man
I know nothing of the sort, never seen a transport (Hah)
Wax built thors and cats who open doors (Huh)
Can get it in their paws when I release my youth
Down with Jamar, he's in the B-K, Haji in the Rule
Known Alamo since birth, young boys we went to school
Family planner, I can't forget my daughter in Atlanta (What?)
Let's dance, I know you got the feeling (Brand Nubian makes the party, hot)
Let's dance, come on and get down
Let's dance, I know you got the feeling (This jam is all for you)
Let's dance, come on and get down
Let's dance, I know you got the feeling (It's the energy that's hot)
Let's dance, come on and get down
Let's dance, I know you got the feeling (My body's all for you)
Let's dance, come on and get down
Yeah
Light-skinned, understandin see with brown eyes (hah)
Seen me in the van, the streets of Crown Heights (Huh)
Wit weed in my hand, runnin lights (Uhh)
In need of a grand to put down on a fight (Yeah)
See me and the Brand Nubians keep it tight
Flew me in to do a show in the middle of the night
If we don't get our dough then you know we're gonna fight
Keepin niggas on their toes 'cause our flows be right (Word up)
I used to bag hoes on sight
Now it turns me off when their clothes be tight, I'm on the road of the right (Uhh uhh)
And just, when I was 15, I used to smoke dust
Now I strive to stay pristine and free from lust
Watch the 3 bust, I be the Black G-zus (Hah)
Attack any man who plan to freeze us
Your hand should be up, my man's be tree'd up (huh)
In a land that the black man needs to free up!
Everybody let's dance, I know you got the feeling
(Brand Nubian makes the party, hot)
Let's dance, come on and get down
Let's dance, I know you got the feeling (This jam is all for you)
Let's dance, come on and get down
Let's dance, I know you got the feeling (It's the energy that's hot)
Let's dance, come on and get down
Let's dance, I know you got the feeling (My body's all for you)
Let's dance, come on and get down
Hah yeah, Brand Nu's
Busta Rhymes, all in a 12 jewel
Break fool, nigga, no go to school
One down, fuck ya head up
One shot, bounce nigga bounce to this
Just bounce to this, just bounce nigga bounce nigga bounce to this
The song 'Let's Dance' by Brand Nubian and Busta Rhymes is an upbeat, feel-good party track with a catchy chorus that encourages everyone to dance. The song starts with the repetition of the line "Brand Nubian '98, hot shit for your ass" which sets a confident, fun tone for the rest of the song. The chorus "Let's dance, I know you got the feeling, come on and get down" is simple and repetitive, making it easy for listeners to join in and dance along.
The rap verses in 'Let's Dance' touch on a variety of topics. The second verse mentions the group's fellow Brand Nubian members and their loyalty to the music they make. The third verse includes references to some of the group's favorite things such as Vivica A. Fox, soul food, and smoking weed. The fourth verse mentions the importance of keeping one's values in check and being free from lust. Finally, Busta Rhymes ends the song with a closing verse that encourages listeners to let loose and dance.
In summary, 'Let's Dance' is a fun and upbeat party track, with a confident and playful tone, catchy chorus and rap verses that touch on a variety of topics like music, loyalty, and cultural references.
Line by Line Meaning
Brand Nubian '98, hot shit for your ass
Brand Nubian has great music for you in 98
Get up everybody, make your ass move fast
Everyone get up and ready to dance
Let's dance, I know you got the feeling
Let's dance, I know you can feel the energy
Let's dance, come on and get down
Come on and dance
One time for your mind and it just don't stop (Hah)
We're here to entertain nonstop
Chickens flock, I hit you wit dat knock (Hah)
Ladies love our music
I be the Grand Royal makin it hot, flame broiled (What? What?)
I am the Grand Royal and I'm heating things up
To this I stay loyal while your style goes spoiled (Huh)
I am loyal to my music but you are losing style
One of a kind, I'm like a diamond in the mine (Hah)
I am unique like a diamond found in a mine
Brush of the dirt and watch the Haji God shine
Clean off the dirt and Haji God will shine
Mama Pu, Mama Pa, Mama Grand Puba (Hah hah)
Shoutout to Mama Pu, Mama Pa, and Mama Grand Puba
Alamo, Dotty X and the Lord Jamar (Woooooo, hah)
Shoutout to Alamo, Dotty X, and Lord Jamar
We want to party (huh), fiesta (Wooooo)
We want to party
Together (hah), forever (huh)
We will stay together forever
Say word, son, a nigga flow like Chandon
Listen carefully to my rap, I flow like the wine brand Chandon
Champion, been in more cooties than a tampon (hah)
I am a champion and I have been through more difficult situations than a tampon
Grand Puba Nubian co-workers (Hah)
Grand Puba works with Brand Nubian
Specialise in music, these cats'll never lose it (Huh)
We specialize in music and will never lose our touch
Time for some action for your satisfaction (Hah)
It's time for musical action to satisfy you
Stackin Benji Jacksons without no procastinatin
Making money without wasting time
Let's dance, I know you got the feeling (Brand Nubian makes the party, hot)
Let's dance, you can feel our music heating up the party
Let's dance, I know you got the feeling (This jam is all for you)
Let's dance, this musical jam is just for you
Let's dance, I know you got the feeling (It's the energy that's hot)
Let's dance, the energy in the room is heating up
Let's dance, I know you got the feeling (My body's all for you)
Let's dance, my body is all for you
Here's a simple joint that a baby could follow
Here is a simple musical piece even a baby could follow along to
I had wrote some twisted shit that niggas just couldn't follow
I wrote some complex lyrics that many listeners couldn't understand
Love Vivica, Nia, Pam and Tamia
Shoutout to Vivica, Nia, Pam and Tamia, who I love
Soul Food with the cornbread, greens and head (Hah)
I enjoy soul food with cornbread, greens, and more
I'm off-ramp while y'all camp under a street lamp (Huh)
I'm different from you and don't hang around under street lamps
I got a stamp from back then, remember when you was ten
I have a personal identification stamp from when we were younger
But now you're burstin, enough to make me you-turn on Lennox
But now you're showing off, it's making me want to turn around on Lennox street
Watch your mouth, this a grown man with the grown plan (Hah)
Be careful what you say, I am a grown man with a mature plan
And a swift hand on the witness stand
I am prepared to defend myself on the witness stand
Before the grand, I can't go out on my man
I can't betray my friend before the Grand
I know nothing of the sort, never seen a transport (Hah)
I don't know anything about this, I've never seen a transportation
Wax built thors and cats who open doors (Huh)
Wax figures of Thor and people who open doors
Can get it in their paws when I release my youth
They'll be impressed when I release my skills
Down with Jamar, he's in the B-K, Haji in the Rule
I'm on Jamar's side, he's in Brooklyn. Haji is in the Ruler's camp
Known Alamo since birth, young boys we went to school
I've known Alamo since birth and we used to go to school together
Family planner, I can't forget my daughter in Atlanta (What?)
I am a family man and can't forget my daughter in Atlanta
Light-skinned, understandin see with brown eyes (hah)
I have light skin and a deep understanding, seen through my brown eyes
Seen me in the van, the streets of Crown Heights (Huh)
You might've seen me in my van, cruising through the Crown Heights neighborhood
Wit weed in my hand, runnin lights (Uhh)
I'm driving recklessly with weed in hand
In need of a grand to put down on a fight (Yeah)
I need a thousand dollars to bet on a fight
See me and the Brand Nubians keep it tight
Me and the Brand Nubians are a tightly-knit group
Flew me in to do a show in the middle of the night
I was flown in to do a show in the middle of the night
If we don't get our dough then you know we're gonna fight
If we don't get paid, there will be conflict
Keepin niggas on their toes 'cause our flows be right (Word up)
Our music keeps people on their toes because it's great
I used to bag hoes on sight
I used to pick up women easily
Now it turns me off when their clothes be tight, I'm on the road of the right (Uhh uhh)
Now it turns me off when their clothes are tight. I'm on the path of righteousness
And just, when I was 15, I used to smoke dust
When I was 15, I used to smoke Angel Dust
Now I strive to stay pristine and free from lust
Now I strive to stay pure and free from sexual desires
Watch the 3 bust, I be the Black G-zus (Hah)
Watch the three of us bust, I am like the Black Jesus
Attack any man who plan to freeze us
I will attack anyone trying to prevent our progress
Your hand should be up, my man's be tree'd up (huh)
You should be raising your hand, my partner is handing out drugs
In a land that the black man needs to free up!
In a country where the black man needs more freedom
Everybody let's dance, I know you got the feeling (Brand Nubian makes the party, hot)
Let's dance, you can feel our music heating up the party
Hah yeah, Brand Nu's
Brand Nubian is here
Busta Rhymes, all in a 12 jewel
Busta Rhymes is wearing 12 jewelry pieces
Break fool, nigga, no go to school
Act foolish, don't go to school
One down, fuck ya head up
Take one hit and confuse yourself
One shot, bounce nigga bounce to this
One shot and start dancing to our music
Just bounce to this, just bounce nigga bounce nigga bounce to this
Just keep bouncing to our music
Lyrics © DistroKid, Ultra Tunes, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JOSE M REYES, DAVID HANLEY, SADA JACKSON, JOEL BODKER, BRIAN KENNEDY, TYLER LOGAN, TISHA SANCHEZ
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind