How did it all start, you ask? Well after years of demos and performing throughout California, Damon Dash & Jay-Z, Co-CEO’s of the newly formed Roc-A-Fella Records received a demo of Christion’s music from a mutual friend, Shelly Fontana. After hearing “Full of Smoke” & “The Ghetto,” Damon and Jay-Z knew they had struck gold, and wasted no time signing the group to Roc-A-Fella. “Full of Smoke” was the first single Roc-A-Fella released on the unsuspecting ears of the public, and it took off like a missile. The song, a chilling tale of a street hustler coming to grips with his lifestyle, struck a chord with millions of R&B and Hip Hop fans in the inner cities and throughout the world. The amazing production, soulful vocals, and heartfelt lyrics were a breath of fresh air in a time of musical mediocrity. It was obvious to anyone who heard the song that there was a major new talent emerging in the R&B music scene. “Full of Smoke” helped to establish a unique sound that would soon be dubbed, “Neo-Soul.” The song was followed by the Prince-esque “Bring Back Your Love” and the group’s spot-on remake of the Rose Royce classic, “I Wanna Get Next To You”.
Their critically acclaimed and self produced Roc-A-Fella/Def Soul debut album, "Ghetto Cyrano (’97 Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam)," became a Soul & Hip-Hop classic and set the bar as well as influenced the entire Neo-Soul movement while garnering 4 to 5 star reviews in VIBE, Rolling Stone, Billboard, SPIN, XXL, Radio & Records, Black Radio Exclusive, People, Source, GAVIN and Urban Network. "The cats are genius B, crazy hot, you can't touch 'em...,” a statement made by multi-platinum rapper/CEO and Hip-Hop mogul Jay-Z. "Real talent, them dudes write real shit," comments super producer/rapper/CEO and Hip-Hop icon Dr. Dre.
After the success of their first CD, "Ghetto Cyrano," Christion’s sophomore album was delayed. They did however contribute tracks to Roc-A-Fella Soundtracks and Compilations “Streets Is Watching (1999)”, “DJ Clue presents… Backstage (2000)”, and “The Roc Files (2003). While “Ghetto Cyrano” oozed of Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield & Smokey Robinson, “Project Plato” embraces all the spectrums of “True Soul” with hints of James Brown, Sly Stone, Prince, and Cameo while still incorporating their signature smoothness and storytelling. As with “Ghetto Cyrano”, Christion pens all the songs on “Project Plato” with additional writing by Bikram Singh and Ezra. Kenni Ski takes the rein as Producer, with additional Production by Rodney Z., B-Square, Trae James, T. Smith and Shea Walsh.
While working on Christion’s current LP "Project Plato," T. Ross was asked his opinion on the current state of the Hip Hop/R&B market. T. Ross comments, "Shit has got to change; it's appalling the amount of brain poisoning crap they have on TV and radio, compared to the lack of anything symbolizing real life and real issues. I'm not trying to put anyone down, but what happened to the soul? We need fantasy and reality in today's music, the kids got a right to know."
Reality is definitely explored, questioned, and discussed in Christion’s songs. Ski says he writes from first hand experience and youthful wisdom. Christion takes you on a journey of street consciousness with the song "No Place," gives you fond memories of wearing out your Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson albums with the song "Do Ya Dance," and the two young men give you an insightful look into their world with the beautiful ghetto anthem, "Broken Streets."
"Everyone says they're tired of the same old stuff on the radio, but no one wants to take a chance on the real music,” says T. Ross. Ski adds, “Believe me, there is a market for real talk, Christion proved it before and we intend to do it again".
Whatever you choose to call Christion’s music, you won't forget the experience anytime soon. . .
The Ghetto
Christion Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
About my history
I'm sure a lot ya'll can relate to me
You see I'm from the ghetto
A place where me and my brother shared
The hardwood floor when the winter was cold
I'm talkin about the ghetto
said the ghet the ghet the ghet
I got plans to get out of here
I see my name, big lights
Oh Lord I want to take some of that good life
I want to be
I want to be
A superstar, go get them
Superstar,oh I want to be yeah
I've got be dreams
Of being a, superstar go get them
Superstar (a ghetto super star)
That is all I want to be
What you know about that hard knock life?
What you know about that ware fare life?
Scrape for dinner and government cheese
Praying for the Lord
Lord you bless me
Oh, and get grandmama out
Try to buy every Foot Locker out
Living ghetto fabolous no doubt
You know what I'm talking about
I want to be
Rolling out slamming cadillac doors
Holding down every homie I know
Never ever ever will I be broke
I want to be I want to be a ghetto superstar
Rolling out slamming cadillac doors
Never ever ever will I be broke
Holding down every homie I know
I want to be I want to be a ghetto superstar
And if some of ya'll went through what i went through
You know I just want ya'll to bob ya'll head
Cause you know every one didn't come from great homes
The song "The Ghetto" by Christion is a story about the life of a young man being raised in a disadvantaged community. He shares his experiences of growing up in the poverty-stricken conditions of the ghetto. He talks about how he and his brother had to share a hardwood floor to sleep on during the winter nights just to keep warm. It highlights how the hardships faced in the ghetto life can motivate individuals to strive for a better life.
He expresses his desire to rise above his current circumstance and become a superstar- one who lives the life of abundance and prosperity. The hook of the song declares his yearning to be a ghetto superstar. The lyrics demonstrate that the ghetto life is tough and how he had to struggle to make ends meet. Through this song, Christion encourages people to remain focused on their dreams and never allow circumstances to hold them back.
In conclusion, "The Ghetto" is an inspiring song that depicts the struggle of a young man raised in the ghetto. It is a heartwarming story about how hard times influenced him to pursue his dreams and pull himself out of tough times. It is not only an anthem for individuals facing harsh circumstances but also a statement of hope and resilience.
Line by Line Meaning
Can I tell ya'll a story
May I narrate my story for you all?
About my history
Regarding my past experiences
I'm sure a lot ya'll can relate to me
I am certain that many of you can sympathize with me
You see I'm from the ghetto
What I am about to share with you happened in a poor neighborhood
A place where me and my brother shared The hardwood floor when the winter was cold
During wintertime, when it is cold, my brother and I used to share a wooden floor as a sleeping arrangement.
I'm talkin about the ghetto
Once again, I am referring to the impoverished neighborhood where I grew up.
said the ghet the ghet the ghet
Emphasizing the fact that I am from the ghetto.
I'm not going to stay here no
I am not going to remain in this place.
I got plans to get out of here
I have aspirations to overcome my current condition.
I see my name, big lights
Envisioning seeing my name in bright lights, and associated wealth and success.
Oh Lord I want to take some of that good life
Dear Lord, I covet prosperity, access to the best life has to offer.
I want to be I want to be A superstar, go get them Superstar,oh I want to be yeah
I dream of being a well-known and accomplished figure, a superstar in every sense.
I've got be dreams Of being a, superstar go get them Superstar (a ghetto super star) That is all I want to be
All I aspire to be is a famous figure (especially from a low-income neighborhood), and I am determined to pursue this goal.
What you know about that hard knock life?
Do you have an understanding of a life fraught with difficulty and hardship?
What you know about that ware fare life?
Can you relate to a life characterized by poverty and dependence on government assistance to afford basic necessities?
Scrape for dinner and government cheese Praying for the Lord Lord you bless me Oh, and get grandmama out Try to buy every Foot Locker out Living ghetto fabolous no doubt You know what I'm talking about
Detailing day-to-day struggles experienced in a low-income household and how despite these challenges, I and my loved ones made every attempt to enjoy life to the fullest extent possible.
Rolling out slamming cadillac doors Never ever ever will I be broke Holding down every homie I know I want to be I want to be a ghetto superstar Rolling out slamming cadillac doors Never ever ever will I be broke Holding down every homie I know I want to be I want to be a ghetto superstar
Reiterating my hopes of achieving superstar status, with the added emphasis on never reverting to poverty.
And if some of ya'll went through what i went through You know I just want ya'll to bob ya'll head Cause you know every one didn't come from great homes
If some of you have endured similar experiences to mine, I want to evoke a sense of relatability and connection with my story.
Lyrics © Missing Link Music
Written by: Anthony Allen, Kenni Ski, S Carter, F Dipasquale
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@B-H76
This was one of the 5 best R and B albums of the 90s. definitely the most underrated!
@pleasureseekers80s
so so underrated.. Christion were brillaint!!!!
@itravel2luxury248
I absolutely loved this album. I swear I purchased like 10 cds and my friends stole every last one of them . Every body wanted my dang cd.
@BrotherAnthonyhorsey96
iTravel2 Luxury I had the single on tape casette..then I also purchase this album atleast 3 times.. lol
@mikeg981
I had the same thing happen, I had to go and get it back and another time I made sure they FedExed it back to me.
@robblowe88
In 2001 I borrowed the CD from my uncle, I still got the same CD today, 😆.
@williamstewart761
This group should try to make a comeback.
@alicedickens1607
Word
@ikerobin
True that!!!!!!🙌🙌🙌
@kwaseb
When all ppl do is download music 4 free? Yea, right