Andy "C-LiTe" Mineo grew up in a single parent h… Read Full Bio ↴Andy "C-Lite' Mineo
Andy "C-LiTe" Mineo grew up in a single parent home in Syracuse, New York. From a young age, he struggled with profanity, submission to authority, and physical aggression, to the point of being removed from the public school system and placed in behavioral modification centers.
At a summer retreat, Andy met people who shared with him the Gospel of Jesus Christ. One night, after a chapel service, he experienced God during a prayer session that literally brought him to the floor. He left that place, knowing that he had experienced God, and recognizing that he felt the start of true and powerful change.
Eventually, Andy moved back to the inner city of Syracuse and returned to public school. But, due to the lack of spiritual discipline, exemplary believers and mentors, Andy rode the spiritual high of his summer experience into the ground. As high school came along, so did a new season of temptations and trials.
Throughout high school, he excelled in athletics, playing football, basketball, and lacrosse. He also built a lucrative recording studio in his basement and recorded and produced hundreds of artists in Upstate New York. Beyond the producer credits, he was known as a battle rapper, winning freestyle competitions and performing with a hip hop group that he founded with three of his closest friends.
Because of the financial success of the recording studio, his rap group and athletics, Andy had local fame, money, and attention at the young age of seventeen. Unfortunately, all of this success and recognition only led to greater sin and rebellion. This continued until his freshman year of college.
At eighteen, he moved to New York City to attend college. Heavier convictions concerning his unrepentant heart and continued sin began to occur. Remembering his sin in light of the goodness of God he had once known, guilt and shame consumed him. Through tears and repentance, Andy experienced God's mercy, finding forgiveness at the foot of the Cross of Jesus, who by grace alone paid his sin debt.
With a commitment to turn from sin and follow Christ, he began to study scripture and examine his life against its pages. He grew an appetite to not only know about the things of God but to know this God personally.
Through meeting other believers who encouraged him in his walk, Andy discovered T.R.U.C.E. ministries, an opportunity that allowed him to fuse his musical abilities with his desire to serve God. Andy spent several months traveling with T.R.U.C.E. and sharing the Gospel in some of the most poverty-stricken and drug-infested neighborhoods in the U.S.
Andy is currently enrolled at the City College of New York, working toward a degree in Audio Technology. In the meantime, he has dedicated his life and talents to the advancement of the Gospel. He desires that men would look to the cross of Christ to find their only means of reconciliation towards God. He believes that the transforming power of God in Jesus will return man to his proper place in creation - to love, serve, worship, and honor God above all else (Ecclesiastes 12:13).
In My City
C-Lite Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(This what happens in the city e'ryday)
The city
See-see-livin in the ci-tayyyy!
The ci..see, ci-see, ci-see-see-see-see-ci-tayyyy!
From the city, although it ain't pretty
And times gettin down to the nitty gritty
The city busy, traffic tragic
Magic graphic ain't nuttin to laugh at
Poverty, robbery, larceny
Problems to me so don't bother me
with the drugs thugs I ain't got no time for that
I'm too busy tryin to get another brother's, pockets fat
Stay the fuck in school, cool learn the rule
Knowledge to fuel the brain the tool
I kick info just to let you know
the rhyme gonna show you how far you can go
in the city
L-li-li-la-li, li-li-livin in the ci-tayyyy!
The ci-tayyyy!
In C-Lite's song "In My City", the lyrics describe the harsh and gritty realities of living in an urban city. Despite the negative aspects of living in the city such as poverty, crime, and drugs, the lyrics encourage listeners to stay focused on their goals and pursue education in order to achieve success. The repeated refrain of "Livin in the livin in the livin in the livin in the ci-tayyyy!" emphasizes the chaos and constant activity that is present in the city, and serves as a reminder of the struggles that city dwellers face on a daily basis.
The verses give further insight into the struggles of living in the city, such as busy traffic and the prevalence of crime. However, C-Lite also acknowledges that the city can be a place of magical graphic design and encourages listeners to strive for success instead of getting caught up in negative influences. The lyrics ultimately convey that despite the challenges one may face living in the city, it is possible to rise above and achieve success through hard work and determination.
Line by Line Meaning
Livin in the livin in the livin in the livin in the ci-tayyyy!
Living in the city and experiencing its everyday occurrences.
(This what happens in the city e'ryday)
This is a daily reality in the city.
See-see-livin in the ci-tayyyy!
Living and witnessing the ongoing events in the city.
The ci..see, ci-see, ci-see-see-see-see-ci-tayyyy!
The city, with all its various features and characteristics.
From the city, although it ain't pretty
Despite the city's negative aspects.
And times gettin down to the nitty gritty
Times are becoming increasingly difficult.
The city busy, traffic tragic
The city is bustling with activity, but traffic can be dangerous.
Magic graphic ain't nuttin to laugh at
The visual appeal of the city is impressive, but should not be taken lightly.
Poverty, robbery, larceny
The city is plagued with issues such as poverty, robbery, and theft.
Problems to me so don't bother me
These issues do not personally affect me.
with the drugs thugs I ain't got no time for that
I am focused on more positive pursuits and do not involve myself with drugs or criminal activity.
I'm too busy tryin to get another brother's, pockets fat
I am working hard to improve my financial situation and help those around me do the same.
Stay the fuck in school, cool learn the rule
Education is important and can lead to success.
Knowledge to fuel the brain the tool
Acquiring knowledge can sharpen one's mind and be instrumental in reaching goals.
I kick info just to let you know
I am sharing information to help others.
the rhyme gonna show you how far you can go
The lyrics of this song can inspire and motivate listeners to reach their full potential, despite living in the city.
in the city
All of the above refers to the environment and lifestyle in the city.
L-li-li-la-li, li-li-livin in the ci-tayyyy!
Living in the city and adapting to its unique culture and challenges.
The ci-tayyyy!
The city - where everything takes place.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JOSEPH SIMMONS, DARRYL MCDANIELS, JASON MIZELL, TED SABETY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@UltraX34
That's also a load of nonsense. Guess Heroes for Sale and Uncomfortable dont exist, do they?
Come on. People keep saying about Andy and Lecrae "Oh, they've watered down the message!"
I've been listening to Lecrae (now I remember) since After the Music Stops. Andy? I've heard some Sin Is Wack back in the day. I've been here since the old days of CHH where most people thought it was wack.
And its gotten way better.
Seriously? The message hasnt changed AT ALL. I'm guessing that nothing Andy made after C-Lite exists at all. Like with all the Biblical lyrics in Heroes for Sale. Superhuman (the first track) literally starts off with "Come ye sinners poor and needy, weak and wounded, sick and sore. Jesus ready stands to save you. Grace requires nothing more. I will arise and go to Jesus. He will embrace me in his arms. In the arms of my dear saviour, there are tn thousand charms.
Why is it every time I step up on a train, I see a pretty dame and wonder what her name is?
Before I even get there the question on my brain is
'Do you love eh Lord, do you live to make him famous?"
Uncomfortable? Uncomfortable literally starts off with a track that calls out Pharisees.
"I apologize for Christians with pickets, saying 'God hates fags',
I promise Jesus wouldn't act like that."
Yeah, I don't know what the heck you guys are listening to, but it sure ain't Andy
@Joanny312
God belongs in my city is doing a prayer walk on OCT 31, 2015 in my city, NEW YORK baby!!! Definitely partaking in this powerful move. JESUS RESCUED ME FROM DARKNESS, I'll lay my life for my King! One taste of his love will change you forever, I am a walking testimony of his immense Grace!!! I LOVE YOU JESUS!!!!!!
@alexrojas9725
AMEN LIKE WISE GOD BLESS
@mzjaxx4272
we really need to do this right now all over the US!!!
@kaharafroson3651
December 2023, I just woke up one morning and this song was in my head, I had to come watch. Been 12yrs already, man we getting old fr 😂
@Prod_Martian
God belongs in my city🔥🔥
The message still stands even 12 years later..
@itscalebgreen
I remember bumping to this in 4th grade, now I'm in 10th grade! Man how time has flown!
@SandraGonzalez-jg4tr
Many of us are discouraged at the moral deterioration of our times, but God often sends revival when things are darkest. Let's pray with the psalmist: 'Will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You? (Psalm 85:6)
@Trendz361
13 yrs later but I still love this song..kudos Andy Mineo
@BryanBravoMusic
God bless everyone here.My name is Bryan and I am a believer in Christ.Recently I started making music with a message.God has allowed me to go through a lot but all for a testimony and the chance of helping many people out there going through what I went through.I'm not looking for fans, money, or a career out of this.But I do look to reach out to those who need it and can relate to me and like hip hop and songs of praise.Thank you for taking your time to read this and have a blessed day!
@jeffreyallenjr9940
My City needs God