The three grew up in Jamaica and Trinidad, and hence reggae strongly influenced its style, but it was in 1992 in Brooklyn, NY, where Mister Man first saw Kaos perform, that the group was formed. The two began collaborating, and after Mister Man suggested adding a reggae toaster, Y-Tee joined the group. After their early concert dates attracted major-label interest, the trio performed live office auditions and signed with Reprise three months after launching the group. Their first album, Ambushed (1994), featured production from Jermaine Dupri, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, Salaam Gibbs (later known as Salaam Remi) and the group itself, among others. Later releases included "Remember We" in 1995 and their 1996 second album Gravity, which was the group's first underground and commercial success. Its lead single, "The Love Song", was produced by Posdnous of De La Soul; that single also featured a then-unknown Mos Def singing the chorus, who also sang the chorus and rapped the third verse of the album's seventh track, "S.O.S".
Mr. Man later changed his nickname to Mr. Khaliyl and went on to produce for other artists, and also released a rare 12-inch single on Rawkus featuring Talib Kweli, Pharoahe Monch and DCQ. Mr. Man has also recently produced for such artists as Res and Fabolous
Gravity
Bush Babees Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Is it East and West? I ask you original the best
Well I don't know what's with all this stress
Got up in the morning many man a contest
And so I think 'em
Hook:
Everybody want the same thing one day
Rudebwoy you wanna be number one
I'm gonna run it down the line one time
[Lee Majors]
We in this modern day Babylon with empty palms
I think about my last dollar while you hollar for these rap songs
I'm in my Eden when I rap about what I believe in
No deceivin' Illuminati got that ass thinkin'
Should I even rap or will I ever blow
Or should I take the loot I got and call a cab and go
Cause now-a-days you can't smile up in your video
I'm livin' off sour milk and cold cereal
My moms stated that life is what you make it
Hold everyday sacred I'm filled with such hatred
Cause a lot of niggas in the east don't represent
And out west I saw a few that was fraudulant
Hesitant to give a man a pound and step
Cause when your songs don't bump
They look through that ass like fish net
With no respect how could you look up at the mirror
The world is lookin' shadey and the futures no clearer
[Hook]
[Y-Tee]
Now as dem rumors done spreadin' I want a single now-a-day
Everybody want to the king but no man want to work ?
[Hook]
[Mr. Man]
It's time to invent the future cause there ain't nobody else
Who can make it happen right so make it happen for yourself
Instead of stressin' everything the next man got
And trying to blow up the next mans' spot
And always actin' like you got a whole lot
When the fact is you're trying to be something you're not
Yo if you don't cut it out you're gone be forgot
Cause the madness got to stop
See life is kinda stressful
So many twist and turns it's like you walkin' on a pretzel
Yet and still I swear to build by any means
Mr. Man and Nine Ether represent for Elohim
And you don't stop
[Hook]
[Lee Majors]
Yeah it's like gravity check it out one time y'all.
It's what it means to me.
It's like that ch'all. It's like gravity.
The Bush Babees's song "Gravity" is a reflection on contemporary society's preoccupation with fame and the drive to attain it at all costs. The lyrics highlight the stress and competition experienced in modern times, emphasizing the universal desire for success and to be recognized as number one. The opening verse by Y-Tee prompts the question of whether it is a battle between East and West, while Lee Majors' verse juxtaposes his personal ambition alongside a critique of the industry that perpetuates these ideals, exposing the reality of living off "sour milk and cold cereal." Mr. Man provides the final verse, calling for a change in perspective and an end to the endless cycle of envy and striving for more, advocating for individual agency in "making it happen for yourself" despite life's inherent stresses.
Overall, "Gravity" serves as a commentary on the pressure to achieve and succeed, and the detrimental effects it has on both individuals and society as a whole. However, it also provides a message of hope and a call to action, encouraging listeners to take responsibility for their own paths and to resist the trappings of fame and fortune in favor of a more fulfilling and authentic life.
Line by Line Meaning
Is it East and West? I ask you original the best
I'm questioning whether the old ways from the East or the new ways from the West are the best.
Well I don't know what's with all this stress
I don't understand why people are so stressed out about trying to be the best.
Got up in the morning many man a contest
Every morning feels like a competition to be the best.
And so I think 'em
I ponder on this idea.
Everybody want the same thing one day
Everyone wants to be successful and famous.
Everybod want to be number one [x2]
Everyone wants to be the best and achieve success.
Rudebwoy you wanna be number one
You want to be the best and take the top spot.
We in this modern day Babylon with empty palms
We live in a world driven by commercialism where we often have nothing to show for it.
I think about my last dollar while you hollar for these rap songs
While people are shouting for attention and fame, I'm thinking about my financial security.
Cause now-a-days you can't smile up in your video
In today's society, image is everything and you have to put up an image of toughness and seriousness.
My moms stated that life is what you make it
My mom taught me that your life depends on the choices you make.
Cause a lot of niggas in the east don't represent
Many people from the East don't represent their cultural values.
And out west I saw a few that was fraudulant
In the West, I saw people who were fake and dishonest.
Cause when your songs don't bump, they look through that ass like fish net
When your music isn't popular, people disregard you and you become irrelevant.
Now as dem rumors done spreadin' I want a single now-a-day
Now that rumors have spread about me, I want to release a new song and get back in the spotlight.
Everybody want to the king but no man want to work?
Everyone wants to be the leader, but no one wants to put in the work required to be a true king.
It's time to invent the future cause there ain't nobody else
It's time to create our own future because no one else will do it for us.
And always actin' like you got a whole lot
People always act like they have everything, even when they don't.
When the fact is you're trying to be something you're not
The truth is, you're trying to be someone you're not.
Yo if you don't cut it out you're gone be forgot
If you don't stop acting fake, people will forget about you.
Yet and still I swear to build by any means
Despite the challenges, I promise to build and succeed using any means necessary.
Yeah it's like gravity check it out one time y'all.
This is like gravity, it's an unseen force that affects everyone.
It's what it means to me.
This is what gravity means to me.
It's like that ch'all.
It's like that, everyone feels the force of gravity in their life.
Contributed by Gianna J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
luchador21
Sunday evening, gazing out of the window, clear sky, sun is shining, bumpin' this joint - and once again you realize how beautiful hip hop can be!
matt mikuska
that's about perfect. on deck Lighter Shade of Brown
MILLCITY FLEXXX
𝕝𝕠𝕧𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕤𝕞𝕠𝕠𝕥𝕙 90𝕤 𝕧𝕚𝕓𝕖 ... #𝕚𝕝𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕥𝕙𝕖90𝕤
Harold Lee
Thx thats real @hleemajors IG
Christian Vera
never understood why these cats never blew up...good lyrics, flow & productions
steeltownbrown52
@IDKaboutthisyoutube Warner was the worst label for hip hop (Jungle Brothers, World Renown).
Hiphophead1
White people only promote nonsense to the black world population cause thats the state they want us in
IDKaboutthisyoutube
Ask Warner
IDKaboutthisyoutube
If you hear the lyrics and then you find out Warner tried to bury this
Rodrigus Knight
So much thug life hype at that time had the media and trend following fans overlooked this.