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.
Tragic
CYNE Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Infatuated with ice and parachute gold pants
Your nature revolves around money
I wake up in the morning thank God my sky is sunny
With or without stress
I refrain from being brain numb from smokin' cess
My grandmother spoke to me
Now I control the worst
I'm travelin' beyond this
Who wants this revolutionary conquest
My song strong like a soul folk
The rap poltergeist here to bring colder nights
Slayed rappers in the industry need to wake up
We organize, strategize for a better day
Scribe a masterpiece tryin' to find a better pay
It's tragic, people gang bang beretta way
But me and mine, the Cyne we find a better way
We organize, strategize for a better day
Scribe a masterpiece tryin' to find a better pay
It's tragic, people gang bang beretta way
But me and mine, the Cyne we find to get away
I abuse words to vocalize
My life's trife but I mobalize
Like 12 knights of Camelot
Like my name is Elian's tote
Which I respect though
I'm far from the every day
These rap cats out to find dope in every way
Yo, why brawl when I'm already king
I spit flame for profit
So of course I'm all in it
But a soldier with no limit
So why am I make sure the beast can't see your king
When it's time for the war
I curse your verse that made your star burst
Caution is first when I spit and rehearse
We organize, strategize for a better day
Scribe a masterpiece tryin' to find a better pay
It's tragic, people gang bang beretta way
But me and mine, the Cyne we find a better way
We organize, strategize for a better day
Scribe a masterpiece tryin' to find a better pay
It's tragic, people gang bang beretta way
But me and mine, the Cyne we find to get away
The lyrics of CYNE's song Tragic contain a message of hope and determination in the face of adversity. The opening lines describe the singer's love of hip-hop culture, but also their ability to see the negative influences of money and materialism. While others may seek happiness in these things, the singer is grateful for the simple pleasure of a sunny day, and tries to stay clear-headed by avoiding the mind-numbing effects of drugs.
The next section seems to be a reflection on the singer's personal history and the influence of family. They suggest that they have overcome some difficult circumstances in life, and have been empowered to "control the worst." The use of the phrase "revolutionary conquest" suggests a desire to make something better of the world, and the idea of a "song strong like a soul folk" reinforces this notion of harnessing the power of music for change.
The rest of the song speaks more broadly about the challenges faced by marginalized communities, especially those caught up in violence and despair. While acknowledging that the situation is "tragic," the singer insists that there is always a way out, and that they and their friends in CYNE are working to find it through creativity and action.
Overall, Tragic is an introspective and inspiring hip-hop track that encourages listeners to stay focused on positive goals and seek out better alternatives, even in the face of difficult situations.
Line by Line Meaning
Aye yo I'm tellin' them my b boy stance
I'm sharing my hip-hop roots and perspective with others.
Infatuated with ice and parachute gold pants
I'm into flashy, expensive things and stylish clothing.
Your nature revolves around money
You're obsessed with wealth and material possessions.
I wake up in the morning thank God my sky is sunny
I appreciate the good things in my life and try to stay positive.
With or without stress
Regardless of the pressures I face,
I refrain from being brain numb from smokin' cess
I choose not to dull my mind with drugs or other harmful substances.
My grandmother spoke to me
My elder and mentor gave me valuable advice.
Now I control the worst
I have the power to overcome difficult situations and emotions.
I'm sick about it then
I feel strongly and deeply about my struggles and pain.
I'm travelin' beyond this
I'm working towards a better future for myself.
Who wants this revolutionary conquest
Who is ready to join me in making a positive change in the world?
My song strong like a soul folk
My music is powerful and meaningful like traditional soul and folk genres.
The rap poltergeist here to bring colder nights
My rhymes and flow are powerful and chilling like a supernatural presence.
Slayed rappers in the industry need to wake up
Other rappers who have been beaten by my skills should take notice and improve their craft.
We organize, strategize for a better day
We collaborate and plan for a brighter future.
Scribe a masterpiece tryin' to find a better pay
We create great work while seeking financial stability.
It's tragic, people gang bang beretta way
It's sad that some resort to violence and gun culture to survive.
But me and mine, the Cyne we find a better way
My crew and I reject that path and seek a more positive and peaceful life.
I abuse words to vocalize
I use language skillfully to express myself.
My life's trife but I mobalize
I may come from a difficult background but I use my experiences to take action and make a difference.
Like 12 knights of Camelot
Like the legendary knights in King Arthur's court, we are honorable and powerful.
Like my name is Elian's tote
Like the Cuban boy who was at the center of a custody battle, my identity is significant and powerful.
Which I respect though
I honor and value my roots and identity.
I'm far from the every day
I'm unique and different from the norm.
These rap cats out to find dope in every way
Other rappers are too focused on drugs and money.
Yo, why brawl when I'm already king
Why fight when I'm already on top?
I spit flame for profit
I make money with my fiery and powerful rhymes.
So of course I'm all in it
I'm fully committed to my passion and career.
But a soldier with no limit
I'm like a fearless warrior, unafraid of challenges or risks.
So why am I make sure the beast can't see your king
I make sure to safeguard my power and success from those who would try to take it away.
When it's time for the war
When faced with a difficult situation or conflict,
I curse your verse that made your star burst
I criticize and defeat other rappers who rely on cheap rhyming and flashy tactics.
Caution is first when I spit and rehearse
I take my craft seriously and always practice with care and attention to detail.
But me and mine, the Cyne we find to get away
My crew and I seek to escape the negative aspects of the world and find a more positive path forward.
Contributed by Gabriel R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@jessybernal773
2022 still playing this gem!
@thagoat4951
Real song huh?
@ethikbalistik9705
even in 2023 :p
@Space_Cowboy209
2023
@consciousbeingoflight
2024 in the house 🎉🙏🏽
@PaulRudd1941
Sadness and hope conveyed in the same song. Fell in love with Cyne's music in 2016. Never looked back.
@consciousbeingoflight
Exactly right well put
@kingsk83rd
This song has such a chill vibe , mainstream cant touch this.
@jennifawasherr
Young Money will never be able to make a song that flows as smooth as this.
@himbaerno1
Whatever year, still got the cd and bumping this with all of you🥳