A wise man onc… Read Full Bio ↴King Shango, King David, The Fireman and The Prophet.
A wise man once said that a prophet is not without honour save in his own country and so it has been with Capleton. While the veteran DJ's words and works long ago earned him the title of "The Prophet", the respect and honor that should rightfully be his have been a long time coming. "Anytime you try to uplift righteousness and upliftment of the people them, then you ah go get a fight", says the hottest entertainer in the worldwide reggae fraternity. "Bob Marley come do it and them fight him. And when Bob Marley dead, that's when they start to endorse him. I already aware of this, I am not unaware. So I know the more them fight I is the more I get stronger" In the fast-moving world of dancehall reggae, fame and success are hard to obtain and easy to lose. Fans can be fickle, and trends change in the blink of an eye, leaving most entertainers with painfully short career spans. Only a rare few can remain relevant from year to year, holding their audience's attention and leaving them crying for more. His lyrics are deep, precise, and thoughtful. His stage shows are nothing less than dynamic, explosive performances. But his remarkable staying power and longevity may be Capleton's greatest gift.
Born Clifton George Bailey III on April 13, 1967, in the rural parish of St. Mary, Capleton earned his future stage name from friends who were so impressed with his sharp reasoning skills that they named him after the most famous lawyer in town. From a tender young age, he was a lover of the traveling sound systems, sneaking out at night to catch the vibes until dawn. But it wasn't until he turned 18 and moved to Kingston that he was able to realize his destiny.
It was Stewart Brown, owner of a Toronto-based sound called African Star, who gave the untested artist his first break, flying him to Canada for a stage show alongside giants like Ninjaman and Flourgon. The audience poured out their appreciation, and he never looked back. When Capleton first burst on the scene in the late 1980s, the dancehall was a very different place than it is today. Slackness and gun talk were the order of the day. This bright promising newcomer announced his arrival with a string of hit songs from "Bumbo Red" to "Number One on the Look Good Chart" and "Lotion Man." Everything he touched hit the sound-good charts, and the youthful artist with the nimble vocabulary and hardcore voice quickly established himself as one of dancehall's most reliable hitmakers. But even he could not have predicted that eleven years later, at the start of the new millennium, he would be dancehall's ruling voice.
"I think the people dem see say me really deserve that because of the amount of years me put in," Capleton says, "and we never really bow and we still hold the faith. We stand up for whatever we a say. Yeah and we really work for it. And them say by your works, a so you get your pay. The people them see the amount of fight me face and the whole heap of accusation. And me still never give up"
When he dropped the tune "Alms House" in 1992, Capleton established himself as more than an entertainer but as a guiding light of righteousness through music. "United we stand and divided we fall," he sang for the benefit of his fans and dancehall comrades. "Nuff of them nah go know themself till them back against the wall." A few years later he came back with yet another antidote to the clashing and rivlary that had taken hold of the dancehall business. "Music is a mission," he reminded his fellow artists, "not a competition. Some man use the music to cause confusion." The path of this dancehall Prophet was clearly established in 1994 with a string of songs that declared his newfound faith in Rastafari. "INI sight up the light and see say really, yunno, Rasta is real," he recalls. "founder of the world, because Rasta did come set the trend. Y'unnerstand. Rasta is life."
The first words of his mega-hit "Dis The Trinity" made it plain that the DJ had experienced some kind of revelation. "I was once lost but now I'm found," he stated, "Selassie I live every time." Capleton became a strong advocate of the teaching of the Jamaican National Hero, Marcus Mosiah Garvey, founder of the Universal Negro Improvement Association and advocate of universal black repatriation. "Babylon rewarded us with hatred for our love," he declares. "They taught us to rape, steal and kill. For instance, they stole our literature and taught it back to us in a different manner so as to infiltrate our minds with foolishness and other misconceptions. Now we as black men do not see ourselves as prince and prophets, but as punks and guys. Our women do not see themselves as queens, princesses or empresses anymore, but as harlots and concubines." The only solution, as Bob Marley advocated, is to emancipate oneself from mental slavery.
"Over the years INI as a nation and a people, them no really teach INI nuttin' bout INI black self. You know I mean? Them teach INI them give we European philosophy. So INI and some other youths a try emerge now, we ask certain question and we ask fi certain things. Caw we know say an institute, or in a college, or in a certain organization we need we Ethiopian curriculum, we need the black man thing. We need to know about weself. Becaw the prophet Marcus Garvey did show we say, A nation without no knowledge of them own history is like a tree without a root. And if you don't know where you're coming from, you're not gonna know where you're going."
Even as he uplifts the black race, Capleton always makes a point of clarifying that he does not seek to alienate any race. "We are not being racial nor prejudiced star," he says. "Becaw we know Jah is for everyone. But where history and prophesy in concerned, that is our witness and we have to be ourself, and we cannot hide from the truth. Caw we woulda be a traitor and a sellout to ourself. And you cannot sell out yourself."
Soon thereafter came the song "Tour" a blazing state of the dancehall report written in the weeks following the slaying of Panhead and Dirtsman, two of Capleton's fellow artists. That song not only became an anthem of the roots revival within the dancehall, but a hip hop flavored remix of that song hit the Billboard charts, opening up a huge new audience to Capleton's messages of righteousness.
There followed a relationship with Def Jam records, who released two Capleton albums, Prophecy and I-Testament, which featured memorable collaborations with rap stars like Method Man and Q-Tip. Both records were warmly accepted by the international audience, but as the millennium drew to a close, Capleton sensed that it was time to return to his core audience. He had work to do. "I have to be myself, right? And I only can be me," he reasons. "So whichever way fi make me be me, I work with dat. Y'understand."
Capleton is now at the height of his powers. 1999 and 2000 have brought a ceaseless string of sound system favorite and dancehall chart toppers like the anti-violence anthem "Jah Jah City" and "Good In Her Clothes," a message of respect for the sisters who carry themselves like Empresses rather than. But even as he completes his mission of upliftment, Capleton has had many critics. One of his biggest hits, in fact, is addressed the naysayers in the press and the ivory towers of power. "Critics won't leave I alone," chats the Prophet. "They say they can't take the fire weh me put pon Rome"
Many of Capleton's songs "and most of his critics" make mention of this blazing fire. Capleton hopes to clear up the confusion once and for all. "Is not really a physical fire. Is really a spiritual fire, and a wordical fire, and a musical fire. You see the fire is all about a livity. But is people get it on the wrong term. People get confused.So when a man say "more fire" him think that mean say you fi go light the cane field or go light the church." Fire, Capleton explains, is a way of reminding one's brother that they are going astray. "That way a man know say him doing something wrong. That even give him the urge to know say Yo check up on yourself. What you're doing is not right, or else him would not say "Fire fi dat," or "Burn dat" or "More fire." "If we go check it back now," he continues, "fire is for the purification of earth, anyhow you check it. This earth itself have to even emerge from the literal fire also, which is the volcanic activity, we a talk bout lava. The hottest element to rise us in the morning is the sun. The water cleanse, but it's still the support from the fire that burn the water, burn out of the bacteria so the water coulda heal we fi cleanse. The herb heal, but it's still the fire fi burn the herb so the herb coulda heal we also."
{Bio is courtesy of Rob Kenner} www.vprecords.com
Firepower
Capleton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
King Shango and Rakaa getting hotta/
Getting in tacka/ Now the whole place locka/
Fya man seh bun dem, bun dem/ Mek wi bun dem,
Un dem/ Killing out di daughters and di son dem,
Dun dem/ Blaze up di fya mek it bun dem/ Bun out dem
Bombs and dem bullets and dem gun dem [Repeat]
[Rakaa]
The fire starts with a spark/ Then a shift up in
The mind/ People scared to be themselves/ Seem happy
To live a lie/ Give thanks for collie weed/ Never ever
Sniff a line/ Conquering Lion/ 225th in line/ If we say
We're "Pro-War"/ Only in the fight for peace/ Man, that
Means no war/ Think the price of life is cheap?/ But
We're saying "No More"/ Righteous recognize the beast/
Fireman'll baptize/ Burn 'em the light and heat/ Forward
To the power in a phrase like/ "Acts Of God"/ Prophet
Said he saw the flood waters rise/ And the flow was hard/
I was really shocked to see/ The truth was exposed as hard/
While the media was focused/ On the words by Kanye/ What
Was it I just heard the President's Mom say?/ People here
Are frustrated/ Still got a long way/ Fed up but remember/
Self Destruction is the wrong way
[Rakaa & Capleton]
Too much ratat.../ Keep it pon lock if you're gonna use one/
(Remember that)/ Ratat.../ Strictly self defense or for
Revolution/ (Remember that)
[Chorus](Capleton)
They think I'm crazy/ But di tables have to turn/ They
Think I'm crazy/ But di fya have to burn/ They think
I'm crazy/ But di children have to learn/ They think
I'm crazy/ Wow, wow, oh
[Capleton]
Rakaa tell dem seh fi bun dem, bun dem, bun dem, bun dem,
Bun dem, bun dem/ If dem kill di daughters and di son dem,
Bun dem/ Bun dem out dem bullet and and dem bomb and dem
Gun dem/ Wah mi seh fi bun dem, bun dem, bun dem, bun dem,
Bun dem, bun dem/ Serious mi serious ain't makin no fun
Then/ Weh mi seh fi bun dem, bun dem, bun dem, bun dem,
Bun dem, bun dem/ Listen to di words weh a come off a mi
Tongue/ Rakaa tell mi seh
[Rakaa]
It's Dilated with the Prophet/ Capleton the Fireman/
Visions of the future's clear/ Reign Of Fire in his hand/
Crown Prince Rakaa/ Preacher's son with a higher plan/
Coconut and carrot chalice/ Looking for the kaya man/
Babylon is vexed with us/ They should read Exodus/ Moses
And the burning bush/ Incense in Leviticus/ Lamb's Bread
Sacrament/ Check out 1st Corinthians/ Shipped of to
America/ All through the Caribbean/ No it's not an
Accident/ Gangbangin and the dope/ Guns and crack are
Lynching youth/ Swinging from a hangman's rope/ Addicts
Wanna shoot up/ Pop pills/ Wanna drink and toke/
Automatics spit hot/ You can still se the smoke
[Rakaa & Capleton]
Too much ratat.../ Keep it pon lock if you're gonna use one/
(Remember that)/ Ratat.../ Strictly self defense or for
Revolution/ (Remember that)
[Capleton]
Well bingyman wi haffi mek a decision/ Caan mek dem
Distract wi from Jah Jah mission/ Dem a worry bout mi sight
And ask bout mi vision/ Dem want to know weh certain things
It derive from/ From di injustice and di manipultation/
Death without dignity and exploitation/ So mi go, go ask di
Wicked man/ Weh dem dem pan/ Why dem haffi build so much
Evilous weapon/ So mi go, go ask di wicked man/ Why dem
Haffi build so much evilous weapon
Chorus
Outro
The song "When Tables Turn" by Capleton featuring Rakaa is a powerful commentary on the social and political issues faced by communities both in Jamaica and around the world. The lyrics speak strongly against violence and oppression, emphasizing the need for justice, peace, and unity. The song begins with Capleton's fiery vocals, urging listeners to stand up against those who oppress and push for change. Rakaa then follows with verses that address the root causes of violence and oppression, illustrating how individuals can make a difference by standing up for what is right. The song concludes with Capleton's final thoughts on the issue, calling for unity and a renewed commitment to justice and peace.
One of the notable features of "When Tables Turn" is the use of religious imagery to convey its message. Capleton's reference to King Shango, for example, is a nod to the Yoruba god of fire and thunder, who is associated with justice and power. Similarly, Rakaa's reference to the "Conquering Lion" is a nod to the Ethiopian emperor Haile Selassie I, who Rastafarians believe to be a divine figure. These references give the song added depth and meaning, speaking to the deeply held beliefs and traditions of Jamaican culture.
Another interesting feature of the song is its commentary on the role of media in shaping public opinion. Rakaa's lyrics, which reference how media attention is often focused on celebrities rather than important issues, suggest that the media has a responsibility to address social and political issues more directly. As he says, "While the media was focused/ On the words by Kanye/ What was it I just heard the President's Mom say?" This critique of media bias highlights the need for more balanced and informative reporting on issues that affect us all.
Overall, "When Tables Turn" is a powerful call to action for listeners to stand up against oppression, violence, and injustice. Through its use of religious imagery and penetrating lyrics, it provides a compelling message that is both thought-provoking and inspiring.
Line by Line Meaning
King Shango and Rakaa getting hotta/
Capleton and Rakaa are becoming more and more passionate in their message.
Getting in tacka/ Now the whole place locka/
Their message is gaining momentum and support, spreading across the area.
Fya man seh bun dem, bun dem/ Mek wi bun dem,
Capleton is calling for those who support him to burn those who oppose them.
Un dem/ Killing out di daughters and di son dem,
Capleton is accusing his enemies of killing innocent children.
Dun dem/ Blaze up di fya mek it bun dem/ Bun out dem
Capleton is calling for his supporters to use violence against their enemies.
Bombs and dem bullets and dem gun dem [Repeat]
Capleton is listing the weapons that he believes his enemies are using.
The fire starts with a spark/ Then a shift up in
The mind/ People scared to be themselves/ Seem happy
To live a lie/
Rakaa is speaking about the power of ideas and how people are afraid to fully express themselves.
Give thanks for collie weed/ Never ever
Sniff a line/ Conquering Lion/ 225th in line/
Rakaa is praising marijuana and the Rastafarian movement.
If we say
We're "Pro-War"/
Only in the fight for peace/ Man, that
Means no war/
Rakaa is saying that they are in favor of peace even if it means going to war.
Think the price of life is cheap?/ But
We're saying "No More"/
Rakaa is taking a stand against those who value life cheaply.
Righteous recognize the beast/
Fireman'll baptize/
Burn 'em the light and heat/
Forward
To the power in a phrase like/
"Acts Of God"/
Rakaa is calling for righteous individuals to fight against the forces of evil.
Prophet
Said he saw the flood waters rise/
And the flow was hard/
Rakaa is referencing a biblical prophecy about a great flood.
While the media was focused/
On the words by Kanye/
What
Was it I just heard the President's Mom say?/
Rakaa is questioning the media's priorities in reporting news.
They think I'm crazy/
But di tables have to turn/
They
Think I'm crazy/
But di fya have to burn/
They think
I'm crazy/
But di children have to learn/
They think
I'm crazy/
Wow, wow, oh
Capleton is saying that people may not understand him, but eventually, things will change.
Well bingyman wi haffi mek a decision/
Caan mek dem
Distract wi from Jah Jah mission/
Dem a worry bout mi sight
And ask bout mi vision/
Capleton is speaking about staying focused on his mission and not being distracted by his enemies.
Dem want to know weh certain things
It derive from/
From di injustice and di manipultation/
Capleton's enemies are questioning the source of his message, but he believes it comes from injustice and manipulation.
So mi go, go ask di
Wicked man/
Weh dem dem pan/
Why dem haffi build so much
Evilous weapon/
Capleton is questioning why his enemies need to create so many destructive weapons.
Lyrics © THE ROYALTY NETWORK INC., Royalty Network
Written by: CHRISTOPHER OROC, CLIFTON BAILEY, DAVID STRAUME, MICHAEL PERRETTA, RAKAA TAYLOR, Chris Oroc
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
eternallyunderground
Wtf man you got me hooked on this song! Haha straight music right here!
Michael Estrada
Had the original cd when it firts came out shit still banged the fuq out- revolution 🔫
horskyy
This is somethin I can roll to everyday
East Side Spitter
the fire starts with a spark, then a shift up in the mind. people scared to see themselves seem happy to live a lie. rakka!!
Jens B
YEAH MY MAN PORSE MADE THIS BEAT BIG UP!!!!!!
NYCxFreestyled
GAVE ME FUCKIN CHILLS
evnagralzostrym
no to gitarka bo się przeraziłem :D hahah
mat38520
Capleton the king of faya !!! BLESS!!
goozo o'gara
the "Conquering Lion", Capleton talks about is in reference to His Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie I (in this context), or rather on a general note, The Returning King Messiah
M Vo
Firedope! Eruption track!