Terfry is also a host at CBC Radio 3, with hosting a program on the CBC Radio 3 website's web radio station during weekdays. In addition, he will be the host of the weekday 3-6pm CBC Radio 2 show beginning in the fall of 2008.
Early career and influences
Terfry was born in 1972 and raised in Mount Uniacke, a rural community outside of Halifax, Nova Scotia. He was first exposed to rap music in the mid-1980s while listening to CBC Radio's late night show Brave New Waves, and then by listening to Halifax campus community radio station CKDU. CKDU then broadcast at only 33 watts, and he had to climb a tree in his yard to hear the station's hip hop show on his cheap transistor radio. Fascinated by hip hop, the young Terfry taught himself how to rap, DJ, and, later, to produce records. His musical influences include MC Shan, David Lynch, Gitche Manitou, and Kool Keith.
Using the moniker DJ Critical, he later hosted a hip-hop show on CKDU called "The Bassment" (later renamed "The Treatment Program", when he assumed the stage name Jesus Murphy), which aired for several years. This period overlapped with many of his non-major-label releases.
Stage Names
Buck 65 has also used a number of other stage names including Johnny Rockwell, Stinkin' Rich, Haslam, and Uncle Climax. These pseudonyms typically represent different characters in his raps (as in Uncle Climax, Johnny Rockwell and Stinkin' Rich) or different aspects of Buck's creativity (as noted above, DJ Critical was his DJ name on CKDU.) Rumours abound that Buck 65's alias comes from his childhood nickname of Buck and his weight of 165 pounds; possibly the pseudonym comes from the weight of the first buck he shot or the $1.65 standard bus fare for Halifax Regional Municipality riders. He has been known to say on stage, "They call me Buck 65... I don't know why." Buck 65's website mentioned previously that he was named after his uncle's 1965 Buick automobile ("'65 Buick" is a track on the Synesthesia album); he performed a show under that name but the promoter mistakenly wrote the name as it is now spelled.
Recently Buck 65 has recorded an EP under the name of Dirk Thornton alongside Irishman DJ Flip, it was scheduled for release early 2007 but the date was not set.
The first release under Dirk Thornton will be a 7" single with the tracks "Yesterday's News" and "Catwalk".
He is also involved in an online collaboration with "Greetings From Tuskan" auteur Joëlle Phuong Minh Lê, as Bike For Three, though a release is yet unforthcoming.
Early releases
In 1993, he released his first cassette of rap tunes while performing under the alias Stinkin' Rich on the Halifax label No Records. The five song cassette was titled Chin Music, which was a reference to his past interest in baseball. The release brought Stinkin' Rich to the attention of members of Halifax alternative rock band Sloan. Sloan signed him to their independent record label Murderecords and released a 7" single and a full length cassette called Game Tight, again featuring a reference to baseball. (Terfry has often stated in interviews that in his teens he had been scouted to play for the New York Yankees but that the death of the talent scout coupled with an injury had caused the deal to fall through)
After a brief break, Terfry returned reconstituted as Buck 65, releasing Language Arts on cassette and the 12" single Wildlife Trilogy, followed by Vertex, which included his popular song "The Centaur." He recorded Sebutonedef (released in 1996 by Funtrip Records) as a collaboration with fellow Halifax artist Sixtoo. Other releases by the duo, known as the Sebutones, are Psoriasis and 50/50 Where It Counts. While still far from mainstream success, he received several odd jobs in Canada's entertainment industry, including making soundtrack music and providing narration for a TV commercial for NBA apparel, and song lyrics for the popular children's program Sesame Street. During a live performance Buck 65 told a story in which he attributed why he was chosen for Sesame Street to three things; his upstanding lifestyle of not drinking, smoking, or doing drugs, his intelligence that wasn't too intelligent for the kids, and Sesame Street's assumption that he was a virgin.
Man Overboard, originally released on the anticon. label, was a significant turning point in his career. The record, and the entire anticon. collective (of which Sixtoo was also a part), were considered hallmarks of a new avant-garde movement in underground hip hop. It was at this time that Buck met Cincinnati DJ Mr. Dibbs who inducted him into the 1200 Hobos, a loosely-knit hip-hop collective named for their proficiency in manipulating the Technics 1200 turntable.
Critical Acclaim
Many of his early projects attracted attention after they were re-released, first on the independent Metaforensics label and subsequently by Warner Music Canada. While Buck 65 has gained critical acclaim and worldwide exposure through his major label deal, commercial success has escaped him. Although Warner's worldwide affiliates distribute his records, Warner USA does not. After a deal was signed with V2 USA, This Right Here Is Buck 65 was released in the States, a sort of "Best of" that was marketed as an introduction to his work. However after V2 chose not to release his next effort, Secret House Against the World, the deal was amicably dissolved. Since then Buck 65 was signed onto Strange Famous Records where he's planning on taking over hip-hop with Sage Francis. His latest release is titled "Situation".
Buck's most recent albums have gradually moved away from his original 'pure' hip-hop sound into territory influenced by folk, blues and electronica, with some even comparing elements of his sound to Tom Waits. Some of Buck 65's music is used on the Canadian show Trailer Park Boys, frequently in the character Julian's car. He gained additional recognition in 2006 when he appeared at the national Juno Awards with Pamela Anderson.
Kerrang! “Controversy”
In August 2004, he sparked controversy in the underground hip-hop world over comments he made to an interviewer in Kerrang! magazine. Buck was quoted as saying:
“I now hate hip hop, the more I’ve educated myself about music, the more I’ve grown to hate it. I don’t use that word lightly, either.”
In response, former anticon. label-mate Sage Francis (in a post on his website) stated that
"Buck has had his head up his arse for many years now."
Buck later wrote in a letter to Exclaim!:
“I’m apologizing for all that. I lost my cool on tape which is never good. The journalist was provoking me, calling me a sell-out and a whore. I was trying to make a point by playing devil’s advocate, but I went way overboard. No hint of irony or role-playing or intelligence came across in the story. Now I just look like an idiot. I take it back. I don’t really believe any of that. I don’t think being able to read music is a concern. Most of my favourite music was made by non-educated musicians. It doesn’t matter. I still have heavy criticisms of most hip hop, but I really didn’t make them well on this particular day. I put my foot in my mouth and I’m apologizing for that."
Dirty Work
Buck 65 released a 5 song digital EP called "Dirty Work". It was released over a month long campaign, adding one song per week for free download via his MySpace page. All five tracks are still available for download on his official website. The EP comes with artwork drawn by Buck himself, and the tracks are all b-sides from the full length record 'Situation'.
Situation to present
Buck 65 released the album Situation on October 30th, 2007, on Strange Famous Records in the US and Warner Music worldwide. The album is a concept album based around the year 1957, and is a return to a more 'pure' hip-hop sound than the previous blues, country and avant-garde influences in Secret House Against the World. It was produced by fellow Halifax DJ Skratch Bastid, aimed at making a "classic hip-hop record that pulses with joy and clarity of purpose".
Buck 65 is currently working on a new album which, judging from live material, will feature much more prominent electronic beats than before. Additionally, Buck 65's collaboration project with "Greetings From Tuskan" auteur Joëlle Phuong Minh Lê, Bike for Three!, has its debut album completed for release in early 2009.
He has been a host of CBC Radio 3's web radio for the past year, and recently accepted daily hosting duties on CBC Radio 2's national radio beginning fall 2008.
Lipstick
Buck 65 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oddity. Sexual object. Hot commodity.
I've seen the future. The source of metamorphosis.
Broken home. Spoke alone. Grew up in an orphanage.
Free spirited. Easy-going. Percipient.
Hot under the collar. A scholarship recipient.
Neck sore. People should explore sex more.
X. Not exactly the girl next door.
Dark corners for the very most obscene of arts.
Body beautiful, long hair, coal black,
Whole stack. Never been one to hold back.
The eyes have it. Few words said cryptic.
Cameras flashing, nothing on but red lipstick.
Dangerous curves. Kids crying, adults wallowing.
Girl with the perfect figure and cult following.
Shy but daring. More poses. Try comparing.
Without glitz, homemade outfits that I am wearing.
Outrageous extrovert, I speak up with passions.
Business and politics. Don't keep up with fashions.
The camera loves me more than the typewriter or drink tray.
I'm humble. My favourite record's 'Rumble' by Link Wray.
Hair, makeup. Don't care. Shake it in their snake pit.
I love to swim and roam around the home bare naked.
Simple and exotic why should you be afraid
Of a cutie displayed in the pages of 'Beauty Parade'?
Duty betrayed. Cry and beg. Watch out for the flying leg.
Hips and shoulders. The drips can go fry an egg.
Sweaty. Painless. I'm getting to be pretty famous
Amused man plenty. I'm a huge fan of Bette Davis.
Some call me jungle girl. Polka dot. Peppermint.
Effortless. See me in a bikini made of leopard print.
Cavorting in the forest nude, I go there still.
Most parties and dances are nowheresville.
Joe blows and bozos with weird fetishes and no-no's.
The S&M themes pay me for the other photos.
It's necessary. Better than being a secretary.
Oddly assuming there's nothing wrong with the human body.
But this month there's a witch hunt. They chase me today.
I wish a flying saucer would take me away sometimes
The lyrics to Buck 65's "Lipstick" portray a woman who is confident in her own beauty and sexuality, but also struggles with societal expectations and judgment. She is described as "nice and naughty," a "sexual object," and a "hot commodity," but she also speaks up with passion about business and politics and doesn't keep up with fashion trends. The woman grew up in a broken home and/or orphanage, which may have contributed to her rebellious and free-spirited nature. She enjoys swimming and roaming around naked, and doesn't care about wearing makeup or glamorous outfits. Despite her confidence, the woman feels trapped by societal expectations and fears being hunted down or judged for her body and lifestyle.
Overall, the song seems to be a commentary on the objectification of women and the pressure to conform to societal norms, as well as a celebration of individuality and self-acceptance. The woman in the song is complex and human, with both strengths and vulnerabilities, and the lyrics allow listeners to empathize with her struggles.
Line by Line Meaning
Nice and naughty. Dark angel. Enticing body.
The singer is using contradictory language to describe themselves and their body in a seductive way.
Oddity. Sexual object. Hot commodity.
The singer is seen as unusual and exotic, and as a result, they are highly desired sexually.
I've seen the future. The source of metamorphosis.
The singer believes they have a clear vision of what's to come and they see themselves as an agent of change.
Broken home. Spoke alone. Grew up in an orphanage.
The artist had a difficult childhood and as a result, they feel isolated and disconnected from others.
Free spirited. Easy-going. Percipient.
The artist is carefree, relaxed, and has a keen sense of insight or intuition.
Hot under the collar. A scholarship recipient.
The singer is easily aroused and has received a scholarship for their academic achievements.
Neck sore. People should explore sex more.
The singer has a sore neck from engaging in sexual activity and believes that people should be more adventurous when it comes to sex.
X. Not exactly the girl next door.
The artist is not a typical or conventional woman and is seen as unique or unconventional.
Queen of hearts. Everybody's seen the parts.
The artist is highly sought after and has shown their body to many people.
Dark corners for the very most obscene of arts.
The artist has seen and participated in extremely explicit sexual activity (perhaps in secret or taboo places).
Body beautiful, long hair, coal black,
The singer has an attractive body and long, jet-black hair.
Whole stack. Never been one to hold back.
The artist has a lot to offer sexually and has never been afraid to be experimental or adventurous.
The eyes have it. Few words said cryptic.
The singer's eyes are very expressive and they tend to speak in a mysterious or enigmatic way.
Cameras flashing, nothing on but red lipstick.
The singer is posing for a photo shoot wearing nothing but red lipstick.
Dangerous curves. Kids crying, adults wallowing.
The singer has a very alluring body shape that causes children to cry and adults to feel envious.
Girl with the perfect figure and cult following.
The artist has an ideal body shape and has a devoted fan base.
Shy but daring. More poses. Try comparing.
The artist is somewhat introverted but is willing to take risks and try new things when it comes to modeling.
Without glitz, homemade outfits that I am wearing.
The singer is wearing handmade clothing and accessories rather than expensive or flashy items.
Outrageous extrovert, I speak up with passions.
The singer is very outgoing and speaks with enthusiasm about their interests.
Business and politics. Don't keep up with fashions.
The artist is involved in serious, professional endeavors and is not concerned with keeping up with fashion trends.
The camera loves me more than the typewriter or drink tray.
The artist believes they are more suited for modeling than for writing or serving drinks.
I'm humble. My favourite record's 'Rumble' by Link Wray.
The artist is modest and enjoys music that is considered old-fashioned or unconventional.
Hair, makeup. Don't care. Shake it in their snake pit.
The singer is not concerned with their appearance and is willing to perform in any location regardless of how unappealing it may be.
I love to swim and roam around the home bare naked.
The artist enjoys swimming and moving around their house without clothing on.
Simple and exotic why should you be afraid
The singer is both uncomplicated and unusual and sees no reason to be afraid of being different.
Of a cutie displayed in the pages of 'Beauty Parade'?
The singer wonders why people are afraid of an attractive woman being featured in a magazine.
Duty betrayed. Cry and beg. Watch out for the flying leg.
The singer has broken some obligations, causing others to become upset and possibly violent.
Hips and shoulders. The drips can go fry an egg.
The artist is confident in their body shape and doesn't care if people criticize them for it.
Sweaty. Painless. I'm getting to be pretty famous.
The artist is becoming well-known and successful despite the challenges and discomfort they face.
Amused man plenty. I'm a huge fan of Bette Davis.
The singer enjoys making people laugh and is a big fan of the actress Bette Davis.
Some call me jungle girl. Polka dot. Peppermint.
The singer has been given various nicknames based on their appearance, such as 'jungle girl' and 'polka dot'.
Effortless. See me in a bikini made of leopard print.
The artist is able to look attractive and stylish without much effort and has worn a leopard-print bikini before.
Cavorting in the forest nude, I go there still.
The artist enjoys being outdoors and has gone into the forest naked before.
Most parties and dances are nowheresville.
The artist does not enjoy typical social gatherings and finds them to be boring or pointless.
Joe blows and bozos with weird fetishes and no-no's.
The singer encounters many strange and unsavory people who have unusual sexual desires or behaviors.
The S&M themes pay me for the other photos.
The artist participates in BDSM-themed photo shoots because they are paid more for these types of images.
It's necessary. Better than being a secretary.
The singer sees modeling as a necessary job and prefers it over working as a secretary.
Oddly assuming there's nothing wrong with the human body.
The singer believes that there is nothing inherently shameful or wrong about the naked human body.
But this month there's a witch hunt. They chase me today.
The singer is being targeted or harassed by others who disapprove of their modeling career.
I wish a flying saucer would take me away sometimes.
The artist sometimes wishes they could escape from their problems and responsibilities in a dramatic way, as if being abducted by aliens.
Writer(s): Paul Murphy, Richard Terfry Copyright: Buck 65 Music Inc., Strange Nurse Publishing
Contributed by Evan N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.