Celph Titled was born in Tampa, Florida and grew up in the heart of Hillsborough County's rapidly expanding multicultural landscape. The product of an Ybor City Cuban-American mother and a German-Scottish father, Celph's folks always encouraged his knack for creative expression. In the 80's, young parents that videotaped all the classic videos on MTV and an uncle in a popular local rock band had a big impact on the scope of Celph's musical inspirations. "My dad used to show me all the classic videos; 'Thriller', 'Owner of a Lonely Heart' and everything else from Herbie Hancock to ZZ Top, so I was always glued to MTV. Then one day I saw a Fat Boys video it was over. I knew I loved this music," Celph recalls fondly. After penning some of his own lyrics and making beats with minimal equipment, he began recording demos in the early 90's on his uncle's 4-track machine. When asked to describe that particular time in his life, Celph states, "I knew from that point on that I wanted to be a recording artist and I never stopped chasing that goal. I was quite the mischievous kid but it soon became clear that hip hop was my calling."
Still a teen fresh out of high school, Celph's relentless hustle and talent were noticed when he was courted by an independent record company to relocate to New York City and begin working as an in-house producer and A&R. This was the move that would change his life and give him the platform to establish a name in underground hip hop. The now-defunct BUDS International and Bronx Science Records released all of Celph's early records on vinyl, including his original group, Equilibrium, and singles from career-long partner-in-rhyme, Apathy. After soaking up the NYC scene for a few years, the hard work and dues-paying finally began to pay off as publications, websites, taste-makers and even major record labels began taking notice of the pale-skinned Latino and his associates. As a leading member of two legendary crews, The Demigodz and Jedi Mind Tricks' Army of the Pharaohs collective, Celph became a fan-favorite for his standout quotable-filled performances and hard-hitting East Coast-style production featured on the crews' respective blockbuster releases. In addition, Grammy-winner Mike Shinoda, of Linkin Park fame, invited Celph to join his Los Angeles cohorts, Styles of Beyond (S.O.B.), as an official part of 2005's Fort Minor project, released on Linkin Park's Machine Shop/Warner Bros imprint and executive produced by Shawn Carter a/k/a Jay-Z. Aside from his appearance on that album, and his jaw-dropping verses on the industry-approved DJ Green Lantern Invasion "Fort Minor: We Major" mixtape, Mr. Titled embarked on a nationwide tour with FM in 2006. Following the tour, Celph released a unique compilation entitled, "The Gatalog." The impressive quadruple-disc set captured a long discography of Celph's guest appearances and freestyles, going all the way back to his early releases from 1998. The comp was a great success, continuing to buzz and remain a top-seller consistently, even years after its release. The word of mouth spread vigorously and it became the catalyst in generating a tidal wave of demand for a proper solo debut from Celph Titled. It was a plan that worked better than ever, as it set up the enterprising MC to have the privilege of releasing an official debut to a thriving fanbase that already viewed him as a seasoned veteran.
After the release of "The Gatalog" and a move back to his Gulf Coast hometown, Celph spent three years working with iconic 'Diggin' In The Crates (D.I.T.C.)' multi-platinum producer, Buckwild, on what would become his October 26, 2010 debut album, "Nineteen Ninety Now" on No Sleep Recordings. Spearheaded by longtime friend James "DL" Ellison, the project set out to be a first of its kind, utilizing never-before-released tracks made in 1994 and 1995 and creating new songs out of them with the stylings of present day. As a true scholar of the 90's golden era of rap, Celph explains, "This is the project I've always wanted to do. To have my debut produced by a legend like Buckwild can't be topped in my mind. My first album is always going to be looked at as a masterpiece by my fans. It reminds you of the techniques no longer used in today's hip hop and it takes you right back to that feeling, even if it's just for one album." With a critically acclaimed solo album under his belt, Celph Titled is now an independent mogul and a monster force to be reckoned with. To feed the fans' rabid appetite to be a part of his movement, he has created his own brand called Mad Ammo, which will represent not only his apparel line but also the next wing of the Demigodz/Pharaohs family.
Truly no words can do proper justice to describe the uncanny attributes of this man's character. A militant, war-savvy style inventor that can only be self-described and does whatever the f**k Celph decides.
Without Warning
Celph Titled Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah, that's right
You know what I mean
Bombay Safire, the India Bambaataa
Ain't no underground shit right here
Ay, yo, Electro, bring in the drums son
It's like niggas see your mug up on TV
You know what I mean
Do a couple of major label tours
And shit ain't sweet
Ay, yo, Celph Titled
Talk to these mother fuckers
(Verse 1: Celph Titled)
Look down the barrel mother fucker
You can see what hell look like
I ain't never rock a halo
I grow horns from my head at midnight
My whole steeze consists of anger management release
Act like a baby and get dropped right on your head piece
This flow is deadly faggot, fuck, what you stupid
Oppose me and have you running
From an angry mob of Cubans
I'm a cross between Bram Stoker and La Cosa Nostra
We organized vampires with a chrome attire
This ain't no tough talk, it's words from a genius
You could me the meanest thug
I'll still have homicide cleaning your rug
Drinking the dick syrup, you bitches is intoxicated
I never use a rubber ma, my glocks are chrome plated
Up in the studio, my masters rest in an alter
We keep a holy dress code, my engineers wear priest collars
Duck from the fire spray, this is how we making hits
I love the taste of burnt flesh, it tastes like bacon bits
(Verse 2: The1shanti)
I know you seen us in those videos (Right)
And heard our voice on the radio (True that)
With all of the pretty faces, check the phrasing
We keep it moving, Cuban to Asian
In this game, it's either me or you star
I ain't come up like Harold and Kumar
More like that kid who's counting them blue cars
Fucks with mines, you'll be calling on Blue Cross
Aspiring, I take it one step higher than
I stay trail blazing, they bootleg firemen
Conspiring, thinking of me retiring
You in too deep, now you wrestling leviathan
Deny a man from getting paid right
You all perspiring because you a bunch of playwrights
Stay tight with family, don't need friends kid
When I said 90 percent nigga I meant it
Some man shit, this is my school, y'all suspended
Never missing a day of the hustle, perfect attendance
Liquor a blend with to make your head spin
With electro-four yo, that nigga president
(Outro: The1shanti)
I know you seen us in those videos (True)
And heard our voice on the radio (Right)
With all of the pretty faces, check the phrasing
We keep it moving, Cuban to Asian
It's like mother fuckers see your mug up on MTV
And shit and think shit's sweet all the sudden.
Y'all ain't grinding on the levels we've been grinding at
Mother fucking assholes
Trying to take away a little bit of shine
Because we've been grinding a decade and then some
Put in your time and then talk the shit
Do your homework
Before you talk to the mother fucking professors
Celph mother fucking Titled
Mother fucking 1shanti
Electro mother fucking four
Do the research
The song "Without Warning" by Celph Titled and The1shanti is an aggressive track that addresses the misperceptions people might have of them after seeing them on TV and hearing their music on the radio. The lyrics in the song suggest that the artists are not to be taken lightly and that they are very serious about their craft. The opening verse by Celph Titled shows his confidence and bravado as he talks about his abilities as a lyricist and his readiness to face any challenge that comes his way. He mentions his anger management issues and his willingness to use violence if necessary to protect his credibility. He also refers to himself as a vampire and his gang as organized vampires with chrome attire, adding a flare of horror to the song.
The1Shanti, on the other hand, talks about his personal journey in the music industry and how he came up from humble beginnings to achieve success. He mentions that he never had it easy and had to work hard to get to where he is today. The song is a warning to those who might think that the artists are soft or easy targets. They are letting their fans and detractors know that they are serious business and should not be messed with. The chorus of the song emphasizes this point with the hook: "It's like mother fuckers see your mug up on MTV and shit and think shit's sweet all of the sudden."
Line by Line Meaning
Look down the barrel mother fucker
Pay attention, I am warning you
You can see what hell look like
I will make you suffer
I ain't never rock a halo
I am not a saint
I grow horns from my head at midnight
I become evil at night
My whole steeze consists of anger management release
I control my anger by expressing it in my music
Act like a baby and get dropped right on your head piece
If you act immature, I will hurt you
This flow is deadly faggot, fuck, what you stupid
My rap style is dangerous and I am not afraid to say it
Oppose me and have you running
If you go against me, you will be in trouble
From an angry mob of Cubans
You will face a group of angry people who are ready to fight
I'm a cross between Bram Stoker and La Cosa Nostra
I am a blend of horror literature and organized crime
We organized vampires with a chrome attire
We are a group of stylish vampires with a plan
This ain't no tough talk, it's words from a genius
I am not trying to act tough, I am just being honest
You could me the meanest thug
Even if you are tough, I am not afraid of you
I'll still have homicide cleaning your rug
I will kill you and make someone else clean up the mess
Drinking the dick syrup, you bitches is intoxicated
I am so powerful that just listening to me can make you high
I never use a rubber ma, my glocks are chrome plated
I don't need protection, my guns are shiny and powerful
Up in the studio, my masters rest in an alter
In my studio, the music that I made is respected like a religious artifact
We keep a holy dress code, my engineers wear priest collars
Everyone who works with me respects the music we make like a religion
Duck from the fire spray, this is how we making hits
We are creating great music by being aggressive and dangerous
I love the taste of burnt flesh, it tastes like bacon bits
I love to destroy my enemies and compare it to eating bacon
I know you seen us in those videos (Right)
You have seen us on TV
And heard our voice on the radio (True that)
You have heard us on the radio
With all of the pretty faces, check the phrasing
Even though we look good, pay attention to our lyrics
We keep it moving, Cuban to Asian
We keep changing and evolving
In this game, it's either me or you star
In this industry, only one of us can be the star
I ain't come up like Harold and Kumar
I didn't become successful through luck or comedy movies
More like that kid who's counting them blue cars
I became successful by working hard and being dedicated
Fucks with mines, you'll be calling on Blue Cross
If you mess with me, you will need medical attention
Aspiring, I take it one step higher than
I am always improving and reaching higher goals
I stay trail blazing, they bootleg firemen
I am a leader, while others copy me
Conspiring, thinking of me retiring
People are hoping for my downfall
You in too deep, now you wrestling leviathan
You are in a situation you can't handle
Deny a man from getting paid right
Don't stop someone from getting what they deserve
You all perspiring because you a bunch of playwrights
You are nervous because you are just pretending to be important
Stay tight with family, don't need friends kid
Family is more important than friends
When I said 90 percent nigga I meant it
Most people in this industry are not authentic
Some man shit, this is my school, y'all suspended
This is real life, and you are not prepared for it
Never missing a day of the hustle, perfect attendance
I am always working and staying consistent
Liquor a blend with to make your head spin
Our music will make you dizzy and crazy
With electro-four yo, that nigga president
Electro is the leader of our group
Contributed by Amelia E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.