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
S.O.S
Bush Babees Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
breaker breaker 1 9 maydey
surviving off of pennies until my next payday
all I ever wanted was a real nice lady
a clean pair of socks
and some fish for my gravy
but all I get is rice
which will have to suffice
so I never ever really tried to heed no advice
but in the end we all pay the price
so let's get to the point (point point)
of the whole situation
so many obstacles
so many confronations
but still I'm focused on reaching every station
coz destiny is my destination
I came to make it happen
instead of wasting time I don't got
the time is now
coz I only got one shot
navigating through the schemes
and the intricate plots
coz you and I is all we got
lets make it happen
S.O.S.
breaker breaker 1-9 maydey
surviving off of pennies until my next payday
all I ever wanted was a real nice lady
a clean pair of socks
and some fish for my gravy
(Lee Majors verse)
why
why is the world round
why do the suckas bite
why do the freaks come out at night
why they paint Jesus white
I sit and wonder why
we breakin hip hop laws
doing videos in houses that we know ain't yours
representing projects
man them shits ain't yours (check your lease)
what I release I'll make you shit in your draws
Well then
hear what I say (OK)
your begin for an easy way
well I don't know (well I don't know)
oh yes I don't know
Yo light
let me let these niggas know
its like all I ever wanted was a girl with
respect and a 3rd eye
DKNY ain't what makes you fly
lights in my face
government in my pocket
its hard to be a prophet and still make a profit
S.O.S.
breaker breaker 1-9 maydey
surviving off of pennies until my next payday
all I ever wanted was a real nice lady
a clean pair of socks
and some fish for my gravy
(Mos Def)
I swing with phat cats to smack tracks over phat raps
it's all of that we tread the BK back road (brooklyn)
'96 about to put it on
hey baby palm
put a quarter upon the needle head
to hold it still while I lace up the verbal threat
now watch me sew shit up
mos def in your spot about to blow shit up
see i've been rhyming since when I was growing up
that's why I say that shit that
make the party open up
like the sky
plus my voice is fly
I roll with dave mase
and wonder why
I rock it from Medina green on to the strong i-i
land on my feet coz I'm a cool cat
make the kids around my way say
how you do that
be careful what you say coz ain't no takebacks
and if you makin' moves
don't fake jacks
perhaps that's the sound when you smack the drum skin
whenever y'all want to jump in
man I don't want the landlord kicking my door in
you tired of getting high but you
never know when
and fuck around and get low again
but you can always be certain my friend
how your low tide is always gonna come in
it's like that
so check it on out y'all
S.O.S.
breaker breaker 1-9 maydey
surviving off of pennies until my next payday
all I ever wanted was a real nice lady
(Lee Majors)
(It's like right about now you're probably sitting on
your couch thinking, damn what is son doing.
I don't understand
you try to front but its like you can't son
its music
you gotta appreciate music
take a listen
yeah, y'all don't understand
before you a mc
you a artist
you make music
so make that music
listen to this, yeah, I feel it
I see your heads..)
The Bush Babees's song "S.O.S." is a reflection of the trials and tribulations of living in a society that can be unforgiving, particularly when it comes to the struggle for success within the music industry. The song opens with a reference to the CB radio code, "breaker breaker 1-9 maydey," signaling that the rapper is reaching out for help. The first verse describes the hardships of living in poverty, hoping only for a nice lady, clean socks, and a decent meal, but having to settle for rice instead. The chorus repeats this sentiment, reiterating the desire for basic necessities as a means of survival.
The second verse, delivered by Lee Majors, takes on a more philosophical tone, questioning why the world seems to be filled with so much negativity and why people are not allowed to be true to themselves. He goes on to criticize the image portrayed in hip-hop videos, where many artists try to represent themselves as coming from the projects, but in reality, live in houses that they do not own. Majors’ verse goes on to describe the difficulties of being a prophet in a capitalist society, where making a profit must come first.
The final verse by Mos Def portrays a more positive outlook. He exudes confidence as he raps about being part of a community of successful artists, making music that speaks to the people. He references his experience growing up in Brooklyn and the people who have helped him along the way. The song concludes with a final chorus, with a sense of unity among the artists and acknowledgment of their ultimate goal to succeed in the music industry.
Line by Line Meaning
S.O.S.
Call for help, indicating the hardships of surviving on a tight budget
breaker breaker 1-9 maydey
Using radio communication to make a call for help
surviving off of pennies until my next payday
Struggling to make ends meet with limited resources
all I ever wanted was a real nice lady
Desiring a partner who is kind and authentic
a clean pair of socks and some fish for my gravy
Basic necessities that provide comfort and satisfaction
but all I get is rice which will have to suffice
Settling for less than one deserves, despite craving more
coz I always used to think I didn't need no advice
Believing that one does not require guidance or advice
so I never ever really tried to heed no advice
Choosing to ignore advice and not learning from others' experiences
but in the end we all pay the price
Consequences of actions, whether good or bad, will affect us all in the long run
so let's get to the point (point point) of the whole situation
Let's address the main issue and deal with it instead of beating around the bush
so many obstacles, so many confronations
Facing various challenges and conflicts
but still I'm focused on reaching every station
Determined to achieve every goal, despite obstacles
coz destiny is my destination
Believing that destiny is predetermined and will lead the person towards their goals
I came to make it happen instead of wasting time I don't got
Putting in the effort to make things happen instead of wasting time that is limited
the time is now coz I only got one shot
Taking advantage of the present time because it is the only chance to achieve one's goals
navigating through the schemes and the intricate plots
Overcoming the complex challenges in life
coz you and I is all we got
Highlighting the significance of mutual support and cooperation
lets make it happen
Motivating oneself to take action towards achieving goals
why is the world round
Questioning the existence and nature of things
why do the suckas bite
Wondering why people imitate and copy others
why do the freaks come out at night
Questioning the behavior and activities that occur at night
why they paint Jesus white
Critiquing the whitewashing of history and religious figures
representing projects man, them shits ain't yours
Addressing the cultural appropriation of neighborhoods and communities, also reminding people to mind their own business
what I release I'll make you shit in your draws
Confidently stating that his words are powerful and impactful
your begin for an easy way, well I don't know
Responding to the desire for an easier life with uncertainty and doubt
oh yes I don't know
Affirming the previous uncertainty
DKNY ain't what makes you fly
DKNY clothing is not what defines one's worth or success
lights in my face,government in my pocket
The struggle of dealing with different types of expectations and pressure
it's hard to be a prophet and still make a profit
It is difficult to balance one's purpose with making a living
I swing with phat cats to smack tracks over phat raps
Collaborating with talented people to make great music
it's all of that we tread the BK back road
Nostalgic feelings for the old days in Brooklyn
hey baby palm put a quarter upon the needle head to hold it still while I lace up the verbal threat
Making preparations for recording a rap verse
now watch me sew shit up mos def in your spot about to blow shit up
Exhibiting confidence and readiness to make great music
perhaps that's the sound when you smack the drum skin whenever y'all want to jump in
Encouraging others to join in and contribute to the music
man I don't want the landlord kicking my door in
Wary of landlords evicting residents out of their homes
you tired of getting high but you never know when and fuck around and get low again
The cycle of addiction and disappointment, never knowing when life will hit rock bottom
but you can always be certain my friend how your low tide is always gonna come in
Assurance that bad times will not last forever
so check it on out y'all
Encouraging listeners to pay attention to the music
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ACKLINS KHALIYL DILLON, DANTE SMITH, HAROLD W LEE, JAMAHL KAHEEL HANNA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Goofy2242
Ok, who's here because of Da Bush Babees, and not some random skateboarder I've never even heard of?
If you are here because of this Yuri guy - check out their other stuff. Gravity has to be one of my all-time favourite albums. Also, if you do, make sure to light up a joint if you haven't already.
@randomass180
"its hard to be a prophet and still make a profit" that line will be timeless to me
@haroldlee9007
randomass180 thx for the compliment on that bar - Leemajors
@missayawk
2:01
@Goofy2242
Ok, who's here because of Da Bush Babees, and not some random skateboarder I've never even heard of?
If you are here because of this Yuri guy - check out their other stuff. Gravity has to be one of my all-time favourite albums. Also, if you do, make sure to light up a joint if you haven't already.
@willieyohanna6490
definitely here cuz of bushbabees
@vaniofilipe879
2020 we steel be here 4ever!
@chason2108
2021 💚👍
@DrB_84
NO dislikes-that is awesome I remember these guys back in 96
@sfearz
you a good man for posting this track.... i remember living in a group home as a kid listening to this song cleaning the house with my now best friend at 15 for the foster parents... homie this made me feel that age again thanks... hey post 3-2-1 its on this album...
@DIYD
a forgotten diamond in the ruff.. should have been members of native tounges..