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.
Time Is Running Out
Brand Nubian Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Every man sharpens man, like steel sharpens steel
The threat of a war is real
Where my soldiers for the battlefield?
And as the days of the two-oh approach
I drop a seed in my girl, so I can stay in this world
And decompose the foes that jumped up under our clothes
We still trickin' out, jerkin out
Half the project workin' out
They buildin' underground cities
While we concerned about seein' titties
With they secret, commities, and society, orders
They carryin' out the slaughter
Picture your daughter on State's for a quarter
My old Uncle Sam fought in the war of Vietnam
Got caught with napalm and burned off half his fuckin' arm
The government knew then about the lasting effects
And they cut off his checks
and if he wild out he'll be murdered
Or possibly herded, to the VA Hospi-tal
Where they got em under on roof
Where they can conceal the proof
You can see shit changin' cat it can't stay the same
Damn I wish the government didn't have my real name
The time is running out, tick-tock, like the grains of sand
Every man sharpens man, like steel sharpens steel
The threat of a war is real
Where my soldiers for the battlefield?
The time is running out, tick-tock, like the grains of sand
Every man sharpens man, like steel sharpens steel
The threat of a war is real
Where my soldiers for the battlefield?
Time for my army to get it on, we marched upon the lawn
out in D.C., stated our word is bond on TV
Unfold the prophecy left in the cold by democracy
This whole world is based on hypocrisy
It's evil to the roots and now we burn and loot, and shoot guns
Extort funds, kidnap another Patty Hearst
and tap her daddy's purse, anarchist, smoking cannabis
wrapped in brown leaves, you now trapped with the town thieves
The ground breathes in the fumes of death
Clouds loom from the smoke, of the fires we set
We travel underground the sewer system, and train tunnels
We let you know that you was victims, of brain funnels
Information like computer generation, see
Proper Education Always Causes Elevation
It's time for liberation, we gonna put this plan in activation
Government assassination, written in revelation
Pardon me mister, well it's the eight-five resister to give
your brain cell a blister so fine-tune your resistor
Every ghetto corner's goner so I think that should want to
take heed to the seed, once I plant it we can feed
Now we stuck on stupid in a state of unawareness
Makes us, fearless endearless
Recklessness makes us careless
This idiology, stupidity, lack of ideology
periodically destroys us psychologically
Cipher's dimension is viewed on dissension
Like a undetected chemical that creates mad tension
We all been inject now we all become infected
Ways and action of our people is the way that we detect it
It's gettin trifer, we should run the six sects
Taking tons of you now follow by, twenty-one ciphers
But we don't, cause we frozen, posin, at thirty-two degrees
That's no way for the chosen to be dosin
The time is running out, tick-tock, like the grains of sand
Every man sharpens man, like steel sharpens steel
The threat of a war is real
Where my soldiers for the battlefield?
The time is running out, tick-tock, like the grains of sand
Every man sharpens man, like steel sharpens steel
The threat of a war is real
Where my soldiers for the battlefield?
'Cause right about this time, they tryin to trace my moves
by simple things like bills, they tryin to mark my location
At home or on vacation through my ChemicalBank card
They tryin to kill the God and through my food feed me lard
It be that lesson temptation for them devilish type creations
Making the black mind feeble with they thought pattern Evil
like Kneival, or conniving, got no time for eighty-fiving
It's time to educate instead of wasting all our time
We goin' to hell in a handbasket, fell into a casket
'Cause for drastic measures, we should all stick together
Final Call, we better heed instead of chasin after cheddar cheese
Before we back to slavery commitin acts of bravery yo
The time is running out, tick-tock, like the grains of sand
Every man sharpens man, like steel sharpens steel
The threat of a war is real
Where my soldiers for the battlefield?
The time is running out, tick-tock, like the grains of sand
Every man sharpens man, like steel sharpens steel
The threat of a war is real
Where my soldiers for the battlefield?
"Time Is Running Out" by Brand Nubian is a song that warns against the impending danger of war and the consequences of government's actions on their people. The lyrics describe the dire state of society and the need for unity and resistance against forces that seek to control and oppress. The song paints a graphic image of the situation that people find themselves in, and how those in power exploit the masses for their gain.
The lyrics in verse one depict the impending danger of war, and the need for soldiers to fight against the enemy. It also highlights the burden of bringing a child into this world, and the hope that they will grow up to be strong enough to protect themselves. The second verse talks about the hidden secrets of the government and their lack of care for their soldiers, as evidenced by the government's treatment of a war veteran. The verse ends with the singer realizing the need for anonymity in a system that exploits their identity.
The third verse highlights the need for action against the government, instead of living in fear of their power. It emphasizes the need for proper education to create change and a willingness to unite for a common goal. The final verse speaks about the government's intrusion into people's lives and the need to resist the temptation to conform to their values. The song ends with the singer calling for people to unify and resist their oppressors before it's too late.
Line by Line Meaning
The time is running out, tick-tock, like the grains of sand
Time is limited and is passing quickly like sand slipping through an hourglass.
Every man sharpens man, like steel sharpens steel
We can learn and grow from each other like metals that are sharpened by rubbing against each other.
The threat of a war is real
The possibility of a war is a genuine concern.
Where my soldiers for the battlefield?
Who are the strong and courageous individuals willing to fight for justice?
And as the days of the two-oh approach
As the years move closer to 20XX (unknown future date).
I drop a seed in my girl, so I can stay in this world
I impregnate my partner to leave a legacy and live on through my child.
And decompose the foes that jumped up under our clothes
I will defeat any hidden enemies that may try to harm me or my loved ones.
We living on rows on top of rows and, half our stores is clothed
We live in crowded urban areas where most of our stores sell clothing.
We still trickin' out, jerkin out
We are indulging in unnecessary and superficial purchases and activities.
Half the project workin' out
Only half of the people in our community are making an effort to improve their health and wellbeing.
They buildin' underground cities
The government is secretly constructing underground facilities and cities.
While we concerned about seein' titties
Meanwhile, we are distracted and preoccupied with trivial things like the female anatomy.
With they secret, commities, and society, orders
The government is operating through secret committees and hidden orders.
They carryin' out the slaughter
The government is causing mass harm and destruction to our society.
Picture your daughter on State's for a quarter
Imagine your daughter being imprisoned and sold for sex.
My old Uncle Sam fought in the war of Vietnam
My relative served in the Vietnam War.
Got caught with napalm and burned off half his fuckin' arm
My relative was injured by napalm and lost half of his arm.
The government knew then about the lasting effects
The government was aware of the long-term consequences of certain weapons and technologies.
And they cut off his checks
The government stopped providing financial assistance to my injured relative.
and if he wild out he'll be murdered
If he acts irrationally, he may be killed.
Or possibly herded, to the VA Hospi-tal
He may be forced to go to the VA Hospital for treatment.
Where they got em under on roof
Where he is kept under close surveillance and control.
Where they can conceal the proof
Where they can hide evidence of their mistreatment and neglect.
You can now see shit changin' cat it can't stay the same
We can see that things are changing and cannot remain the same.
Damn I wish the government didn't have my real name
I regret having to register with the government and losing a part of my identity.
Time for my army to get it on, we marched upon the lawn
It is time for my group of activists to take action and protest on the government's lawn.
out in D.C., stated our word is bond on TV
We will express our convictions and views on national television in Washington, D.C.
Unfold the prophecy left in the cold by democracy
Reveal the message that democracy has ignored or dismissed.
This whole world is based on hypocrisy
The world operates under a system of double standards and hypocrisy.
It's evil to the roots and now we burn and loot, and shoot guns
The root of our world's problems is pure evil and has resulted in violence and destruction.
Extort funds, kidnap another Patty Hearst
We resort to criminal acts to fund our activism and possibly kidnap someone like Patty Hearst (an heiress who was kidnapped by a leftist group in the 1970s).
and tap her daddy's purse, anarchist, smoking cannabis
We will steal from her father's finances and promote anarchist ideals while smoking marijuana.
wrapped in brown leaves, you now trapped with the town thieves
We are trapped by our illegal and dangerous activities.
The ground breathes in the fumes of death
The earth suffers from pollution and contamination that harms living creatures.
Clouds loom from the smoke, of the fires we set
Smoke from the fires we started creates ominous clouds that loom over the area.
We travel underground the sewer system, and train tunnels
We use underground passageways such as sewers and subways to remain hidden from the authorities.
We let you know that you was victims, of brain funnels
We inform society that they are victims of manipulative and distorting information.
Information like computer generation, see
Modern technology and computing have fueled this information war.
Proper Education Always Causes Elevation
Receiving proper knowledge and education can lead to self-improvement and success.
It's time for liberation, we gonna put this plan in activation
It is time for us to break free from oppression and put our plan into action.
Government assassination, written in revelation
The government may try to assassinate or eliminate us in accordance with religious prophecies.
Pardon me mister, well it's the eight-five resister to give
Excuse me, sir, but I am a resistor who opposes the policies of 1985.
your brain cell a blister so fine-tune your resistor
I intend to challenge your thinking and refine your resistance.
Every ghetto corner's goner so I think that should want to
Our neighborhoods are deteriorating and need attention and support.
take heed to the seed, once I plant it we can feed
Pay attention to my message, as it will grow and nourish us.
Now we stuck on stupid in a state of unawareness
We are foolish and ignorant, and lack awareness of our surroundings and circumstances.
Makes us, fearless endearless
We become brave and fearless in the face of adversity.
Recklessness makes us careless
Our recklessness and imprudence make us negligent and thoughtless.
This idiology, stupidity, lack of ideology
Our way of thinking lacks coherence and rationality, and is ultimately detrimental.
periodically destroys us psychologically
This mindset harms us mentally and emotionally, even if only occasionally.
Cipher's dimension is viewed on dissension
The code and message we espouse can be seen through the disagreements and conflicts we encounter.
Like a undetected chemical that creates mad tension
Like a dangerous and subtle substance, our message fuels anger and tension.
We all been inject now we all become infected
We have all been exposed to harmful and problematic ideals, and have become contaminated and influenced by them.
Ways and action of our people is the way that we detect it
We can understand the problematic ideas and actions of our society by observing the way our people behave.
It's gettin trifer, we should run the six sects
Things are getting more complicated, and we need to organize ourselves into six different movements or factions.
Taking tons of you now follow by, twenty-one ciphers
We will amass many allies who will follow us, and add to our strength by engaging in 21 different code-making or code-breaking activities.
But we don't, cause we frozen, posin, at thirty-two degrees
Unfortunately, we do not organize or take action because we are paralyzed and held back at a particular point in our resistance.
That's no way for the chosen to be dosin
This is not an effective or ideal way for us, the chosen or selected individuals, to proceed or behave.
Cause right about this time, they tryin to trace my moves
It is at this moment that the government is attempting to track my movements and activity.
by simple things like bills, they tryin to mark my location
They are attempting to track me through my financial transactions and possibly pinpoint my location.
At home or on vacation through my ChemicalBank card
They may track me even when I am using my bank card from my home or on vacation.
They tryin to kill the God and through my food feed me lard
They are attempting to harm or kill me, and are possibly poisoning my food with rendered animal fat.
It be that lesson temptation for them devilish type creations
These are the type of tests and temptations that evil entities impose on us.
Making the black mind feeble with they thought pattern Evil
Their aim is to weaken and corrupt the minds of black individuals with their wicked and malevolent ideology.
like Kneival, or conniving, got no time for eighty-fiving
Like the daredevil Evel Knievel or a schemer, I have no interest in engaging with those who conform or obey the rules.
It's time to educate instead of wasting all our time
Instead of wasting time and energy, it is time to educate ourselves and others.
We goin' to hell in a handbasket, fell into a casket
Our situation is dire and we are headed for disaster.
'Cause for drastic measures, we should all stick together
We need to take extreme measures and remain united as a community.
Final Call, we better heed instead of chasin after cheddar cheese
This is our final opportunity to act, and we should pay attention to the call instead of pursuing material wealth.
Before we back to slavery commitin acts of bravery yo
Before we revert back to a state of enslavement, we must engage in courageous and bold acts.
Where my soldiers for the battlefield?
Who are the brave and strong individuals willing to fight for our survival and freedom?
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ill El-Zorro
This song is DEEP!!! Brand Nubian, one of the best crews to exist!!!
saadiqmusic
I can definitely digg it
Richard Steele
❤❤❤🙏🙏🙏✨✨✨✨
Supreme Ruler
Indeed! About time. The God's are back.
Luiz Souza
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Cyril Lammie
About time yeah..
Kevin McDonnell
3,2,1 🎉
SkyMoneyNature
D🔥PE🫴💨✨️🎶