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.
Up the Middle
Buck 65 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
pop the line it's buck 65
full blown combinating with johnney rockwell and the Centaur
double dipped
yo, right about this time next year
certain others digging up bones
not to mention that I'm harder than a math test
leave you lying face down naked from the waist down
after that I'll go back and burn your place down
I'll take cheese outta you handy snack
then I'll call your granny back
gotta a great big of cash in my fanny pack
A flat bus broken
the angle dust smoking
man with hand cuffs on
just joking I describe myself as half decent sax player
armature coin collecter john q tax player
shy around girls with my face all scared
the only thing in my wallet is a baseball card
I live in the city but miss farming life
all i need to surive is my swiss army knife
the story of my childhood is bad luck and crisis
born in the year of the rat and I'm a picses
which makes me a rat fish
so I'm gonna soon need someone to tie my shoes and spoon feed me
can't wait till the day when i ride round in rocking cars
were short sleeve shirts and all i eat is chocolate bars
take my place granted assume the position
on top of the heap because soon the tradition
winning the game of one swinging the bat will forever will be a thing of the past
if I be myself I'll be by myself
but I don't wanna be remembered by the way I've been rendered
no I don't, no
they keep me couped up in this hot sweaty cage
with a worn out mattress and a poster of eddie page
And supposed to write the great American love story
why don't they sound trumpets and release flocks of doves for me
I've got to be particular about how my carrier is handled
before i record i should go and get my ears candled
I'd like a glass of water and box of facial tissue
doing what i do has never really been a racial issue
some day soon though I'm gonna have to settle down
before my bones start making that metal on metal sound
the difference between me and other people is the greasy palms
i was never one to hold my breath when I resed bombs
its possible that i could be huge but i doubt it
my phones off the hook buts that about it
handling my biz I should really do a shipment
try and make some money to buy some new equipment
with a brand new mike and a room with insulation
coloured pencils all I need is inspiration
which brings me back to this hot and sweaty cage
the worn matress and the poster of eddie page
I look at people look at me
showing a picture that isn't even close to real
the final approach is upon me, i can feel it
I might call this song I was right all along
or I might call this song I've never had stitches
or I might it Mr Know it all
or don't forget the chaos
or two sizes to big
the hydro-twist
the scene river
creative differences
no time to lose
or
beasts?
pieces?
The song "Up the Middle" by Buck 65 begins with the rapper introducing himself and the other members of the group, Johnny Rockwell and the Centaur. He asserts his superiority and toughness with the lines "not to mention that I'm harder than a math test/leave you lying face down naked from the waist down/after that I'll go back and burn your place down." These lyrics suggest a violent persona, but later in the song, Buck 65 presents himself as a gentler, more vulnerable character: "the only thing in my wallet is a baseball card/I live in the city but miss farming life/all I need to survive is my Swiss army knife/the story of my childhood is bad luck and crisis/born in the year of the rat and I'm a Pisces."
There is a sense of frustration and confinement in the second half of the song as Buck 65 describes being trapped in a "hot and sweaty cage" with a "worn-out mattress and a poster of Eddie Page." He expresses his desire for recognition ("why don't they sound trumpets and release flocks of doves for me") and his struggle to make a living as a musician ("handling my biz I should really do a shipment/try and make some money to buy some new equipment"). Overall, "Up the Middle" presents a complex and multifaceted portrait of Buck 65 as an artist and a person.
Line by Line Meaning
yeah coming through from the 902
I am from the 902, and I am announcing my entrance
pop the line it's buck 65
Introducing myself, Buck 65
full blown combinating with johnney rockwell and the Centaur
I am collaborating with Johnney Rockwell and The Centaur
double dipped
I have experience and skills in multiple areas
yo, right about this time next year
Looking forward to the future, about a year from now
certain others digging up bones
Other people may be seeking to uncover secrets or information
got flat chest and head like rats nest
I have a small chest and messy hair
not to mention that I'm harder than a math test
I am strong and tough
leave you lying face down naked from the waist down
I will defeat someone and leave them humiliated
after that I'll go back and burn your place down
I will go back and destroy everything important to you
I'll take cheese outta you handy snack
I will take everything valuable from you, even just a small amount
then I'll call your granny back
I will even taunt your grandmother about my victory over you
gotta a great big of cash in my fanny pack
I have a lot of money in my bag
A flat bus broken
A broken down bus
the angle dust smoking
Angle dust (PCP) is being smoked
man with hand cuffs on
A man is being arrested
just joking I describe myself as half decent sax player
I am just kidding, but I do describe myself as a somewhat decent saxophonist
amateur coin collector john q tax player
I also enjoy collecting coins and am a regular taxpayer
shy around girls with my face all scared
I am shy and self-conscious around women
the only thing in my wallet is a baseball card
I don't have much money, and a baseball card is the most valuable thing I own
I live in the city but miss farming life
I currently live in the city, but I miss the simpler life of living on a farm
all I need to survive is my Swiss Army knife
I value practicality over luxury, and my knife is an important tool for me
the story of my childhood is bad luck and crisis
My childhood was characterized by unfortunate events and difficult situations
born in the year of the rat and I'm a Pisces
I was born in the Chinese zodiac year of the rat, and my astrological sign is Pisces
which makes me a rat fish
Combining the two zodiacs makes me a unique hybrid of a rat and a fish
so I'm gonna soon need someone to tie my shoes and spoon feed me
Jokingly saying that I will soon be too old and helpless to handle basic tasks
can't wait till the day when I ride round in rocking cars
Looking forward to a time when I can afford luxuries like fancy cars
wear short sleeve shirts and all I eat is chocolate bars
Dreaming of a future where I can dress casually and indulge in sweets
take my place granted assume the position
People are too quick to make assumptions about me and underestimate me
on top of the heap because soon the tradition
I will soon be on top and lead the way for what is expected
winning the game of one swinging the bat will forever will be a thing of the past
Old ways of doing things are becoming obsolete, and we need to adapt and change
if I be myself I'll be by myself
I often feel like I am alone in who I truly am
but I don't wanna be remembered by the way I've been rendered
I don't want to be defined by how others see me
they keep me couped up in this hot sweaty cage
Feeling trapped and confined in a difficult situation
with a worn out mattress and a poster of Eddie Page
Living in a place with little comfort or entertainment
And supposed to write the great American love story
Expected to achieve something great and significant, like writing a classic novel
why don't they sound trumpets and release flocks of doves for me
Questioning why I am not receiving more recognition and praise for my work
I've got to be particular about how my career is handled
Being careful and calculated in how I approach my profession
before I record I should go and get my ears candled
Jokingly suggesting a holistic method for preparing to record music
I'd like a glass of water and box of facial tissue
Asking for basic supplies to get through a difficult time
doing what I do has never really been a racial issue
Proud to know that one's success is not due to their race
someday soon though I'm gonna have to settle down
Knowing that one day I will have to prioritize stability over adventure and spontaneity
before my bones start making that metal on metal sound
Acknowledging that old age is starting to creep up and affect physical abilities
the difference between me and other people is the greasy palms
Proudly acknowledging that my hard work and success is due to my own efforts, not through corruption or bribery
I was never one to hold my breath when I resed bombs
Having experienced high-pressure situations and responding calmly and bravely
it's possible that I could be huge but I doubt it
Realistically understanding that it's unlikely for one to become massively successful
my phone's off the hook but that's about it
Nothing much going on in one's social life at the moment
handling my biz I should really do a shipment
Focusing on one's professional responsibilities and considering the next task
try and make some money to buy some new equipment
Thinking about earning more money to invest in tools to improve performance
with a brand new mike and a room with insulation
Desiring better equipment and environment for optimal music production
coloured pencils all I need is inspiration
Using simple tools to unleash one's creativity and put ideas to paper
which brings me back to this hot and sweaty cage
Returning to the original difficult and confining situation
the worn mattress and the poster of Eddie Page
Lamenting the lack of comfort and entertainment in one's current dwelling
I look at people look at me
Feeling judged and scrutinized by others as one examines them in return
showing a picture that isn't even close to real
People make assumptions and create perceptions about you that aren't based on the whole truth
the final approach is upon me, I can feel it
Sensing that a significant moment or decision is approaching soon
I might call this song I was right all along
Considering naming this piece of music 'I Was Right All Along'
or I might call this song I've never had stitches
Alternately considering titling this song 'I've Never Had Stitches'
or I might call it Mr. Know it all
Another option for a title choice, 'Mr. Know-It-All'
or don't forget the chaos
Naming the song 'Don't Forget the Chaos', as chaos can be an influential factor in life
or two sizes to big
Naming the song 'Two Sizes Too Big', suggesting that expectations placed on one exceed their capabilities
the hydro-twist
A abstract, creative title choice without a particular meaning
the scene river
Another abstract and creative title choice, without clear meaning
creative differences
An apt title choice, capturing the struggle of creative clashes with others
no time to lose
A title that evokes a sense of urgency and motivation to take action
or beasts?
An open-ended, abstract title without clear meaning, leaving it up to interpretation
pieces?
Another abstract possible title, suggesting something being put together or fragmented
Contributed by Daniel Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@folkskateboards
it's just the best damn shit , ever!!
@MrDef3y3
Battery intro!
@simoncarroll7546
Exactly
@folkskateboards
exactly!!
@@simoncarroll7546
@jasonsanchez156
🍻
@jasonotto9126
This isn't an album this is a journey
@evanw4059
The real version
@johnperez8333
I just got the “ reissue “
@Mondo_0ne
This song is not on man overboard is it?
@johnperez8333
@@Mondo_0ne its on the anticon version i bought the warner version and its not on there 😢