Chronic Future released their self-titled debut album in August 1997 and a followup, 4 Elements, in August 2000. Both albums gained them local popularity, but the band didn't achieve commercial success until the release of their third album, Lines in My Face, in 2004. They signed their first major label deal with Interscope for the release of the album and it reached #18 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart. The lead single was "Time and Time Again" which saw heavy airplay on MTV, MTV2, and Fuse. The single also reached #40 on the Billboard Modern Rock chart and was featured in the video games Burnout 3: Takedown and MVP Baseball 2004. During this time the band recruited Ryan Breen to play rhythm guitar on the road. He joined as a full-time member but quit in the same year to begin a solo project of his own, Back Ted N-Ted. He was replaced by Mike Loy who also left to embark on his own musical ventures.
In 2006, Chronic Future left Interscope to continue as an indie band. Members collaborated with Back Ted N-Ted, Busse began a hip hop side project with Charlie Brand of Miniature Tigers called Future Lords. On October 1, 2006, Ben Collins launched his own label Modern Art which signed Back Ted N-Ted, Miniature Tigers, Brothers Backward, Foxglove Hunt, Gospel Claws, and Future Lords.
In late 2006, Chronic Future released a limited edition album, This and of That. It was available exclusively from their official website in 1000 copies. Demos of some of the songs were uploaded to the website leading up to the album's release. The album showed their change from rap rock to an alternative/hip hop/electronic crossover style; their guitar sounds changed to a more electronic sound as opposed to the normal rock sound of previous recordings. Ryan Breen had also returned to provide programming on the album.
In 2008, Chronic Future performed at Bamboozle for its west coast show in Irvine, CA on April 6. They also toured with fellow Arizonans The Medic Droid later that year after opening for them twice in AZ earlier in the year. On November 11, they released the Modern Art EP. It further demonstrated their crossover style, but with far more melodic music than This and of That. The digital EP featured re-recordings of demos previously uploaded to their official website and MySpace page.
From mid-2009, the band stopped updating their online pages. No information was available until a fan posted an email from Ben Collins who stated that the band members had all moved to New York City and that Chronic Future "isn't over yet." According to his personal Facebook page, he had left the band in January 2010.
On March 12, 2015, Ben Collins tweeted that Chronic Future currently has "no plans to tour, but are having fun together (as we always have) and playing NYC this summer." The band is once again active and will be playing their first show together at Bowery Ballroom on July 18, 2015. Opening the show will be Jangula and Charlie Brand.
New York NY
Chronic Future Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Especially when they know that you're out looking to sign dots
I tried to tell this girl how twisted my mind got
But it's her dream to ride the conveyer belt of that side walk
She's got intentions of being number one
But can she handle rejection in the city of no sun
Where bricks change colors faster than careers do
And few people drive away and like what's in their rearview
New York city's so far away
But I can't wait even for one more day
They say these things come and these things go
But if I don't try I'll never know
She don't care what it takes
She knows she's got the ability
And with what her folks make
You know she'd have stability
She just needs to get out there
And step toward her validity
She can't keep dying over this
Because it's just killing me
She's not used to foot steps digging in her chest
High heeled investments and suites getting undressed
Growing old and having new recruits become the best
And finding that she's stepped on everyone and no one's left
Well it hurts like walking barefoot on light bulbs
Smashing ideas with open skin
Till the pearl white drops of blood turn red
And everyone can tell
That you've worked hard enough
It's time to go
Go get your map and compass and don't listen to them
And don't think about how much time you're fixing to spend
The dirt only ends when the pavement begins
This is your heart your dream
And you're your only friend so go
You can kick the earth as hard as you want
To show your frustration
Or you can get in your car and kick your foot to the gas
And keep accelerating till you hit your destination
So go
The song "New York NY" by Chronic Future is a powerful and emotive piece, exploring the challenges and opportunities that come with chasing one's dreams in the big city. The lyrics speak to the struggles and perseverance required to make it in New York, and the toll that it can take on one's mental health and sense of self-worth. The opening lines set the tone, with the singer lamenting the blind spots that people in the city have for one another, and the difficulty of being seen when you're out there trying to make something of yourself. The next verse is centered around a girl who is determined to make it to the top, despite the potentially crushing rejection that she may face. The chorus of the song is a rallying cry to push forward, to take risks and embrace one's own dreams, even in the face of uncertainty.
The second verse of "New York NY" is particularly poignant, as it delves into the harsh realities of trying to succeed in a place where the competition is fierce and the stakes are high. The girl in the song is beset by doubts and fears, but is driven by a fierce desire to prove herself and make something of her life. The imagery of "high heeled investments and suites getting undressed" adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, speaking to the temptation of using one's sexuality or status to get ahead in a cutthroat world. The final verse of the song is a call to action, urging the listener to take control of their own destiny and pursue their dreams, no matter how difficult or challenging the path may be.
Overall, "New York NY" is a powerful and personal song that speaks to the struggle of finding one's way in a world that can be both beautiful and cruel. It's a song that encourages listeners to keep pushing forward, to keep fighting for what they believe in, and to always be true to themselves.
Line by Line Meaning
Well all these people of the city will keep you in their blind spots
People in the city may not notice you even if you're trying to make yourself visible.
Especially when they know that you're out looking to sign dots
People in the city may intentionally ignore you when they know you need something from them.
I tried to tell this girl how twisted my mind got
The singer attempted to confide in someone about their personal struggles, but was unsuccessful.
But it's her dream to ride the conveyer belt of that side walk
The girl referenced earlier dreams of finding success and achieving her goals in the city, similar to the hustle and bustle of the sidewalk.
She's got intentions of being number one
The girl has a strong desire to be the most successful and achieve her dreams.
But can she handle rejection in the city of no sun
The singer questions whether the girl is ready to face failure and disappointment in a city that is notoriously difficult and unforgiving.
Where bricks change colors faster than careers do
In the city, the landscape changes quickly and unexpectedly, much like the fluctuation of job opportunities and career paths.
And few people drive away and like what's in their rearview
Not many people who leave the city look back and feel content with what they left behind.
New York city's so far away
The city the artist and the girl aspire to is physically distant.
But I can't wait even for one more day
The artist is eager and impatient to start their journey towards the city and their dreams.
They say these things come and these things go
Some people say that opportunities and trends are fleeting and temporary.
But if I don't try I'll never know
The artist believes that not taking a chance to succeed will only lead to regret and a sense of not knowing what could have been.
She don't care what it takes
The girl is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve her dreams.
She knows she's got the ability
The girl is confident in her own skills and potential for success.
And with what her folks make
The girl comes from a wealthy family and has financial stability that could aid in her pursuit of success.
You know she'd have stability
The girl has the potential to have financial stability due to her family's wealth.
She just needs to get out there
The girl needs to take action and make moves towards her dreams.
And step toward her validity
The girl needs to take steps to prove herself and her worth to the world.
She can't keep dying over this
The girl cannot continue to be consumed by her goals and pursuits to the point of mental exhaustion.
Because it's just killing me
The artist is being emotionally affected by the girl's struggles and stress.
She's not used to foot steps digging in her chest
The girl is not accustomed to feeling burdened and weighed down by her fears and stress.
High heeled investments and suites getting undressed
The city is filled with opportunities to rise to the top, but these opportunities can often be shallow and come with a high cost.
Growing old and having new recruits become the best
In the city, there will always be new people striving for success, making it difficult for those who have been there for a long time to remain at the top forever.
And finding that she's stepped on everyone and no one's left
The girl may succeed in the city, but at the cost of betraying and hurting others, leaving her feeling alone and empty.
Well it hurts like walking barefoot on light bulbs
The pain and struggle of pursuing one's dreams is excruciating and unbearable.
Smashing ideas with open skin
The rejection and failure that comes with chasing one's dreams can feel like being wounded and vulnerable.
Till the pearl white drops of blood turn red
The pain and struggle of the journey eventually takes a toll and becomes overwhelming.
And everyone can tell
The artist or another individual recognizes the struggles and pain of the person pursuing their dreams.
That you've worked hard enough
Despite the struggles, the effort and hard work put into pursuing one's dreams is commendable.
It's time to go
It is time to embark on the journey towards one's dreams.
Go get your map and compass and don't listen to them
The singer encourages the person pursuing their dreams to trust themselves and not let others dictate their path forward.
And don't think about how much time you're fixing to spend
The artist advises the person to not worry about how long the journey will take, but rather focus on the end goal.
The dirt only ends when the pavement begins
The journey is rough and difficult, but it will become smoother once the person reaches the city and starts making progress towards their goal.
This is your heart your dream
The artist reminds the person that their dream is important and deeply connected to their identity and sense of self.
And you're your only friend so go
The person must rely on themselves and their own strength to succeed in their journey towards their dreams.
You can kick the earth as hard as you want
The journey towards one's dreams can be frustrating and maddening.
To show your frustration
The singer acknowledges the importance of expressing one's emotions, even if they are negative or painful.
Or you can get in your car and kick your foot to the gas
Instead of dwelling on frustration, the person can take action and make moves towards their goals.
And keep accelerating till you hit your destination
The person must keep pushing forward, even if the journey towards their goal is long and difficult.
So go
The artist encourages the person to take action and start their journey towards their dreams.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BARRY LOUIS COLLINS, BENJAMIN MELAN COLLINS, BRANDON MICHAEL LEE, MICHAEL COOK BUSSE, RYAN MICHAEL BREEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind