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
Wings Of The Morning
Capleton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Selassie I every time
I say Jah shall execute judgment and justice
And none shall escape, what me say
Selassie I leave em terrified, what me say
Boy you better put on the wings of de morning and fly
There is no escape from King Selassie I
There is no escape from his Majesty
A long time he a tell you bout the duttie square breed
A long time he a tell you bout the brutality
A long time he a tell you bout the him fantasy
But why yo, boat men shan manakhe
But why yo, a-bout the black he body
But why yo, I vote with equality
But why yo, a-bout Marcus Garvey
We there yo, I feel love his Majesty
Selassie I, soul that kept me
Selassie I, for I the trinity
A ex amount of action been dumped onto me
No stop from wicked them no stop from flee
Ah nowhere to run and there is no void
Boy you better put on the wings of de morning and fly
There is no escape from King Selassie I
Flying on the income must fall to the sea
There is no escape from his Majesty
Here come that rude boy shit, criminology lefit
Legalize dude to get me mega-rich Selassie I
We can all get by if we unify
Gettin' chinky eye off the stimuli, blazin' the gun
And all that good stuff, six-three walk with a strut
On these New York streets like baby what
Anything can happen, it usually does
I'm from Staten, the Island, peep me on G-Street, Ticallion
Everything is real ain't nuttin' fronted
Down a fake rapper haveta bungee
He's in it for the munties, money
But you can't take it witcha when you die, Selassie high
If you put-ta on de wings and tempt to exit
Then no conjure Christ and none gone bullshit
Ay Selai for the righteous but the wicked are to perish
With them burn the gun and them whole poli-tricks
Half the people dem a turn and half the people dem a twist
Now shoot dem, another ear-trick done perish
Get M some 16 and some rusty-matic
After the whole of them from gone then push up them fists
Leave the ship them a strip, you must get punish
Go ahead, speed up your judgment, stand up boy boy
Boy you better put on the wings of de morning and fly
There is no escape from King Selassie I
Flying on the income must fall to the sea
There is no escape from his Majesty
So ahh, and one of these day
When you hear a boy faint then uhh
Where you gonna run too, oh woy
I said they gonna run to the rock
And mountain but they will be no rock, no rock
They're gonna run to the rocks
And mountain but they will be no rock, so what we say
Wu-Tang Clan's in the area, Capleton's in the area
We got Shaolin in the area
Big up yourself black man, my brothers
Hell is the plan for the other, discover, discover, discover, c'mon, c'mon
New lands for you man and your family
Reminisce on back in the days, can it be
It was all so simple then, we all kin
And black-skinned, original Don set the trend
Let's be men, if not for us, then for the babies
The little ones the revolution has now begun
(Put on put on the wings of the morning and fly
There is no escape from King Selassie I)
Now, ow, everybody
Get in where you fit in
For nine-five, the nine-nickel
Cold as an icicle, Method Man
Capleton, representing
Dynamic Duo on the track
The song "Wings of the Morning" by Capleton and Method Man features lyrics that pay homage to Rastafarian beliefs and ideals while encouraging listeners to live righteously and unify. The lyrics declare that the great Rastafarian leader Haile Selassie should be praised and his justice will soon be executed. The verses also warn against wickedness and materialistic thinking, urging listeners to put on the wings of the morning and fly away from evil. The song concludes by encouraging unity and a return to simpler times, urging listeners to participate in a revolution for change.
One interesting fact about the song is that it was produced by RZA of the Wu-Tang Clan, who also appears in the song's concluding lines. "Wings of the Morning" was released on Capleton's album "Prophecy" in 1995 and has since become one of his most popular tracks. Additionally, the song features a prominent reggae hook and a heavy hip-hop beat, blending both genres seamlessly.
Line by Line Meaning
And so great is a man goin' to be praised
A great man deserves to be praised for his accomplishments and contributions.
Selassie I every time
This phrase praises the greatness of Selassie I in every context of the song.
I say Jah shall execute judgment and justice
According to the artist, God will ensure that everyone is treated fairly.
And none shall escape, what me say
No one will escape from the judgment of God.
Selassie I leave em terrified, what me say
Selassie I is portrayed as powerful and terrifying in his ability to bring justice.
Boy you better put on the wings of de morning and fly
The artist urges people to flee from Selassie I's justice and escape to safety.
There is no escape from King Selassie I
There is no way to escape from Selassie I's power and judgment.
Flying on the income must fall to the sea
The lyrics advise people to escape by flying, as the income will fall to the sea as a result of God's judgment.
A long time he a tell you bout the duttie square breed
The artist has been warning people about the corrupt people in society for a long time.
A long time he a tell you bout the brutality
The artist has been warning people about brutal actions for a long time.
A long time he a tell you bout the him fantasy
The artist has been telling people about his beliefs and values for a long time.
But why yo, boat men shan manakhe
The lyrics express confusion about why people continue to support corrupt individuals.
But why yo, a-bout the black he body
The lyrics question why people discriminate against black people.
But why yo, I vote with equality
The artist expresses the importance of voting for equality.
But why yo, a-bout Marcus Garvey
The lyrics reflect on the life and beliefs of Marcus Garvey and the importance of following his teachings.
We there yo, I feel love his Majesty
The artist expresses his love and admiration for King Selassie I.
Selassie I, soul that kept me
The artist acknowledges Selassie I as a guiding force in his life.
Selassie I, for I the trinity
The artist views Selassie I as a part of the holy trinity.
A ex amount of action been dumped onto me
The artist has experienced a great deal of negative actions committed against him.
No stop from wicked them no stop from flee
The wicked continue to run, with no end to their actions.
Ah nowhere to run and there is no void
There is no way to escape the judgment of God.
Here come that rude boy shit, criminology lefit
The artist reflects on the rough and dangerous life he has lived as a 'rude boy'.
Legalize dude to get me mega-rich Selassie I
Legalizing marijuana will make the artist very rich and allow him to honor Selassie I.
We can all get by if we unify
The artist believes that everyone can succeed if they work together and support each other.
Gettin' chinky eye off the stimuli, blazin' the gun
The artist is influenced by his surroundings and feels he must carry and use a gun to protect himself.
And all that good stuff, six-three walk with a strut
The artist is confident and proud of his background and the lifestyle that he has lived.
On these New York streets like baby what
The artist is at home on the streets of New York and is comfortable with his lifestyle.
Anything can happen, it usually does
Life is unpredictable and full of surprises.
I'm from Staten, the Island, peep me on G-Street, Ticallion
The artist is from Staten Island and can be found on G-Street and Ticallion.
Everything is real ain't nuttin' fronted
The artist is genuine and honest in his music and life.
Down a fake rapper haveta bungee
The artist prevents fake rappers from copying his music by making them 'bungee', or bounce.
He's in it for the munties, money
Some rappers are only interested in making money for themselves.
But you can't take it witcha when you die, Selassie high
Money and possessions are meaningless after death and will not bring salvation.
If you put-ta on de wings and tempt to exit
If you put on the wings and try to fly to escape,
Then no conjure Christ and none gone bullshit
You can't trick or deceive God even if you follow religious teachings.
Ay Selai for the righteous but the wicked are to perish
God will protect the righteous and punish the wicked according to the artists' belief system.
With them burn the gun and them whole poli-tricks
The artist hopes to eliminate guns and politically corrupt actions from society.
Half the people dem a turn and half the people dem a twist
Half of the people are standing up for righteousness while others continue to follow corrupt people and practices.
Now shoot dem, another ear-trick done perish
The artist calls for the end of corrupt tactics and supports justice and righteousness.
Get M some 16 and some rusty-matic
The artist hopes for change and the end to corrupt actions through the power of music.
After the whole of them from gone then push up them fists
Once the corrupt and wicked are gone, the artist urges for change through peaceful protest and unity.
Leave the ship them a strip, you must get punish
Those who continue to support corrupt actions and people will face punishment according to the artist's beliefs.
Go ahead, speed up your judgment, stand up boy boy
The artist urges those who stand for justice to act quickly and take a stance against corrupt actions.
So ahh, and one of these day
At some point in the future,
When you hear a boy faint then uhh
When someone cries out for help,
Where you gonna run too, oh woy
There will be nowhere to escape when faced with the judgment of God.
I said they gonna run to the rock
People may try to find refuge in the mountains when faced with judgment.
And mountain but they will be no rock, no rock
However, there will be no protection or salvation to be found in physical locations.
They're gonna run to the rocks
People will try to find a way to escape God's judgment.
And mountain but they will be no rock, so what we say
The artist emphasizes that there is no escape or salvation from God's judgment and encourages people to do what is right.
Wu-Tang Clan's in the area, Capleton's in the area
A shout-out to the Wu-Tang Clan and the artist Capleton.
We got Shaolin in the area
The artist is with his crew, Shaolin.
Big up yourself black man, my brothers
The artist expresses love and respect for the black community, particularly black men.
Hell is the plan for the other, discover, discover, discover, c'mon, c'mon
The artist believes that those who commit wicked actions will face punishment and encourages people to discover righteousness.
New lands for you man and your family
The artist hopes for a better future and a better world for families to live in.
Reminisce on back in the days, can it be
The artist reflects on the past and the changes he's gone through.
It was all so simple then, we all kin
Life was simpler and everyone was united at some point in the past.
And black-skinned, original Don set the trend
Black people have been trendsetters and influencers in the past.
Let's be men, if not for us, then for the babies
The artist urges people to be responsible and mature, especially for the sake of children.
The little ones the revolution has now begun
The artist believes that the younger generation will bring change through revolution.
(Put on put on the wings of the morning and fly
An encouragement to escape and flee to safety.
There is no escape from King Selassie I)
Despite the encouragement to flee, there is ultimately no way to escape the judgment of God.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Capitol CMG Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: SLY DUNBAR, CLIFTON ("CAPLETON") BAILEY, STUART BROWN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@tynitty516
Kids today will never no HOW BIG this song actually was......
@HunkyMonkey-ye4hz
Yeah hip hop.
@wolfthuganomics130
Sunday hot 97 down here was lit with Reggae this is one of classics tru classic
@victorventura9164
Yuuuup!
@anthonysavoy298
Straight banger
@adnanojd
Big tune
@terrenceharris-hughes4436
NY Undercover had an underrated soundtrack
@bertabickham7507
NEW YORK UNDERCOVER BROUGHT ME HERE....STILL BUMPING THIS IN THE 2022 & BEYOND...🎶🎶🎶💯💯💯💯👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿💪🏿💪🏿💪🏿💪🏿🥰🥰
@amora3512
Me too
@darwincharles2787
Me to🇹🇹