Their often politically-charged, culturally-introspective, and motivational lyrics find influence rooted in the early works of Nas, Public Enemy, Outkast and Common Sense. The production could be described as warm, soulful and organic -- born out of the school of producers that cite the likes of RZA, Pete Rock, Jay Dee, and DJ Premier. Cyne's "sound" is impacted by everything from Bad Brains to Krautrock, from Camp Lo to Kate Bush – it's a hybrid of emotional, historical, and challenging influences.
The group's debut release was a 12" entitled "African Elephants," released in 2001. Cyne has since released a number of EPs, singles, and two critically well-received albums. They have also collaborated on projects with internationally acclaimed artists Daedelus, Four Tet and Nujabes.
With previously released albums on Botanica Del Jibaro, P-Vine and City Centre Offices, Cyne has created a reputation as artists that stay true to the lyrical power and gritty cut-and-paste aesthetic of classic hip hop while managing to explore new sonic territory.
OUT OF TIME
CYNE Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I try to rap with thoughts close to home base facing opposite the darkness
Thinking got me hard, but it's mind erection
God bless the chosen few not totin' Glock 22's
Put lead to (?) rebel man singing blues
To who or what will listen
I believe the star and the sea God got admission
If you into spiritual things, it's not organized
The stuff from back then, we not just rapping
Yes we are, past present future was ours
I'm down to Earth but more importantly one with the stars
From afar, whether you praising Christ or Allah
There's a spirit in the air that I'm trying to be a part of
From afar, whether you praising Christ or Allah
There's a spirit in the air that I'm trying to be a part of
Let's get it together man, we running out of time
Let instinct dominate, overthrow your mind
See, we here to motivate people with the rhyme
There's 1/8 god, and my destiny still divine
I scribble thoughts down with hopes to get my point across
So many cultures lost, I preserved mine, with a firm mind
Clenched fist in the air like I'm ready for war
Some modern day Moors behind me as we knocked on your door
Cuz taking over steam, we letting spirits intervene
Between two extremes lies a king, now behold me
No longer scold me, I'm yours
Begging for more spiritual laws to govern my life and fight a cause
Behold, here come the litigants of the court
My heart is innocent, but my mind committed crimes so I reminisce
Over the evidence of my soul, my body relevant
Ready to take the stand,
and my lawyers ready for settlements
Council refused me, my predicament so confusing
I'm winning and losing at the same time, my mind lose me
It's going crazy making sense of all of this shit
Imagine gates of heaven standing ready for my final judgement
I stand alone solely responsible for my actions
I tried to live right, but needed practice
The song "Out of Time" by hip-hop group CYNE is a deep exploration of spirituality, mortality, and personal responsibility. The lyrics are dense with allusions and literary references, requiring careful listening and analysis to fully understand their meaning. The song’s opening lines set the tone for the entire track, drawing the listener's attention to the power of rhythm and the darkness that can sometimes surround us. The singer speaks of trying to rap with "thoughts close to home base," indicating a desire to stay grounded in his own experiences while still engaging with the wider world.
The theme of spirituality recurs throughout the song, with the singer expressing a belief in something beyond organized religion. He acknowledges the existence of a spiritual force in the world, but also suggests that everyone must find their own path to enlightenment. The line "Let yourself be, see me immortalized" seems to convey a desire for personal transcendence that goes beyond any particular dogma or doctrine.
Personal responsibility is another key theme in "Out of Time." The singer acknowledges that his own mind can sometimes lead him astray, but he also stresses the importance of taking control of one's own life. He speaks of fighting a cause and preserving his culture, suggesting that he sees himself as a member of a larger community that relies on him to take action.
Overall, "Out of Time" is a powerful meditation on what it means to be alive and awake in the world. It urges listeners to stay grounded in their own experiences while remaining open to the larger spiritual forces that surround us all.
Line by Line Meaning
As rhythm blasts from the Magnavox
The music is loud and powerful, setting the tone for what's to come.
I try to rap with thoughts close to home base facing opposite the darkness
Despite the darkness around us, I try to stay rooted in my personal beliefs and experiences.
Thinking got me hard, but it's mind erection
My intense thoughts and focus are like a mental erection, showing my mental strength.
God bless the chosen few not totin' Glock 22's
Bless those who don't feel the need to carry weapons for protection.
Put lead to (?) rebel man singing blues
Violence against those who speak out against injustice is common.
To who or what will listen
We share our message with anyone who will listen.
I believe the star and the sea God got admission
I have a spiritual connection to the stars and the divine.
If you into spiritual things, it's not organized
Spirituality is a personal journey that doesn't need to follow organized religion.
It's let yourself be, see me immortalized
Be true to yourself and your beliefs, and you will live on through your legacy.
The stuff from back then, we not just rapping
Our music is more than just entertainment, it tells the story of our history and culture.
Yes we are, past present future was ours
We are the culmination of our past, present, and future selves.
I'm down to Earth but more importantly one with the stars
I am grounded and connected to the earth, but also connected to the cosmos.
From afar, whether you praising Christ or Allah
Regardless of your religious beliefs, there is a spiritual energy that can be felt.
There's a spirit in the air that I'm trying to be a part of
I am trying to connect with the spiritual energy that surrounds us.
Let's get it together man, we running out of time
We need to come together and take action, as time is running out.
Let instinct dominate, overthrow your mind
Trust your instincts and let go of preconceived notions.
See, we here to motivate people with the rhyme
Our music is meant to inspire and move others.
There's 1/8 god, and my destiny still divine
We are all connected to a higher power, and my destiny is still guided by that power.
I scribble thoughts down with hopes to get my point across
Writing helps me express my thoughts and share my message with others.
So many cultures lost, I preserved mine, with a firm mind
Many cultures have been lost over time, but I hold on to mine with conviction.
Clenched fist in the air like I'm ready for war
I am ready to fight for what I believe in, like a warrior.
Some modern day Moors behind me as we knocked on your door
I am not alone in my fight, and others are with me on this journey.
Cuz taking over steam, we letting spirits intervene
We are taking control of our own lives while also allowing for spiritual guidance.
Between two extremes lies a king, now behold me
There is a balance between opposing forces, and I am at the center of it all.
No longer scold me, I'm yours
I am open to the guidance of a higher power.
Begging for more spiritual laws to govern my life and fight a cause
I am seeking a deeper understanding of spirituality to guide me in making positive change.
Behold, here come the litigants of the court
My inner turmoil is coming to the surface, and I am ready to face it head on.
My heart is innocent, but my mind committed crimes so I reminisce
I have good intentions, but I have made mistakes and am reflecting on them.
Over the evidence of my soul, my body relevant
My soul is what matters, not what happens to my physical body.
Ready to take the stand, and my lawyers ready for settlements
I am ready to face judgement for my actions, and am willing to make amends.
Council refused me, my predicament so confusing
I feel lost and alone, with no one to turn to.
I'm winning and losing at the same time, my mind lose me
I am going through a difficult time, with conflicting emotions and thoughts.
It's going crazy making sense of all of this shit
I am struggling to make sense of everything happening in my life.
Imagine gates of heaven standing ready for my final judgement
I am thinking about the afterlife and what will happen when I die.
I stand alone solely responsible for my actions
I take full responsibility for my choices and their consequences.
I tried to live right, but needed practice
I have made mistakes, but continue to work towards living a virtuous life.
Contributed by Jackson K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@mimimi230
Verse 1: Akin]
As rhythm blasts from the Magnavox
I try to rap with thoughts close to home base facing opposite the darkness
Thinking got me hard, but it's mind erection
God bless the chosen few not totin' Glock 22's
Put lead to (?) rebel man singing blues
To who or what will listen
What is not fiction
I believe the star and the sea God got admission
If you into spiritual things, it's not organized
It's let yourself be, see me immortalized
The stuff from back then, we not just rapping
Yes we are, past present future was ours
I'm down to Earth but more importantly one with the stars
From afar, whether you praising Christ or Allah
There's a spirit in the air that I'm trying to be a part of
From afar, whether you praising Christ or Allah
There's a spirit in the air that I'm trying to be a part of
[Hook: Akin] (x2)
Let's get it together man, we running out of time
Let instinct dominate, overthrow your mind
See, we here to motivate people with the rhyme
There's 1/8 god, and my destiny still divine
[Verse 2: Akin]
I scribble thoughts down with hopes to get my point across
So many cultures lost, I preserved mine, with a firm mind
Clenched fist in the air like I'm ready for war
Some modern day Moors behind me as we knocked on your door
Cuz taking over steam, we letting spirits intervene
Between two extremes lies a king, now behold me
No longer scold me, I'm yours
Begging for more spiritual laws to govern my life and fight a cause
[Verse 3: Cise Star]
Behold, here come the litigants of the court
My heart is innocent, but my mind committed crimes so I reminisce
Over the evidence of my soul, my body relevant
Ready to take the stand, and my lawyers ready for settlements
Council refused me, my predicament so confusing
I'm winning and losing at the same time, my mind lose me
It's going crazy making sense of all of this shit
Imagine gates of heaven standing ready for my final judgement
I stand alone solely responsible for my actions
I tried to live right, but needed practice
[Hook: Akin] (x2)
Let's get it together man, we running out of time
Let instinct dominate, overthrow your mind
See, we here to motivate people with the rhyme
There's 1/8 god, and my destiny still divine
@crazzylilnigga13
I hate the fact that Cyne has been underground for so much time Love you cyne im yo biggest fan homie keep the music up
@mimimi230
seriously. its better they stay underground. underground is always best. artists music everything. people should put away the though that mainstream means " good or better " totally not true. if they would become mainstream they will loose their sense for music. seriously all artist who went from underground to mainstream after some year totally changed their spirit and music.
@BillyBlankenchip
Found this track today from my old playlists, these lyrics resonate now to our time more than ever!
@92snp
damn...this beat is so chill, love it
@theLTstation
Word
@tejmunuganti
CYNE lyrical geniuses Big ups to Enoch, Speck, Akin and Cise Starr. The epitome of chill.
@mussesalah1132
I promise one day I will meet all of cyne, they are my heros
@jacquesdemange12
This is sick! Respect from Australia
@invrcuss
Hip Hop should be underground forever
@MrZooonk
this track is the antheme of my youth! <3