The dogged determination to prevail at any cost that both Strange and COGNITO share couldn't be a better match. The Fairfield, Calif.-raised father of two has poured his heart into albums, toured relentlessly, and stayed in the studio late numerous Friday nights when he could've been chilling at home with his family – all for the love of the game.
Growing up in the North Bay, COGNITO fast became intrigued with the burgeoning local hip-hop scene led by E-40 and B-Legit. The two hip-hop heavyweights exposed the young emcee to the hip-hop community, tapping his services at the Sick Wid It offices and schooling him in the art of promotion. He is the first to admit he was not the best student. But writing stories was his strong point in school. He started writing rhymes at 16, taking his cue from the people he was around. Yet it was hard to take rapping seriously as a career. A white rapper just wasn't considered normal yet. It wasn't until three years later, when Eminem's The Slim Shady LP released, that COGNITO's path became clearer.
“I don't think being a white rapper has held me back,” relays COGNITO about the always-controversial topic of the White Rapper. “It got me seen more. It got me out there. I stand out because I am white. But let my music speak for itself.”
As for the Eminem comparisons, COGNITO is flattered but suggests otherwise.
“When Eminem dropped minds were blown. I look at the Eminem comparison as an honor. He's the best rapper in game. But never once has a guy I work with said I sound like Eminem.”
At age 21 COGNITO earned himself a new title; father. In order to care for his family, he put hip-hop on the back burner for the next year, popping into the studio every so often to record tracks with producing partner D Buck. Mike Mosley, who had worked with E-40, TQ, C-Bo, Richie Rich and Tupac, heard COGNITO's music, and in 2002, offered him a deal with his Steady Mobbin' label.
“When Mike wants to offer you a record deal,” COGNITO states, “you take your career serious.”
COGNITO never dropped an album, but he did make a handful of important connections in the industry, one being QD3 producer Femi, one of the two producers he still consistently works with today. He continued doing shows and brushed up on the record industry rules.
2006 was a big year for COGNITO. He hooked up with Master P and his newly formed Gutta Music to release Recognition. It was an honor to be affiliated with P, a hip-hopreneur COGNITO had admired since hearing his West Coast Bad Boyz compilation in 1997. COGNITO would score his biggest hit to date, “Shift Kits,” from the Shift Kits and Hood Chicks DVD.
COGNITO stayed busy touring with fellow Bay Area rapper Andre Nickatina. When Nickatina took some time off, COGNITO hit the road solo. As fate would have it, COGNITO and Strange shared the same booker. Together on a string of show dates, COGNITO witnessed Strange's impressive stage show and extreme professionalism. COGNITO even shared a joke with Tech: He had previously recorded over Femi's “Slacker” beat, a song that appears on Tech's Absolute Power (2002).
The groundwork for the COGNITO-Strange merger was set in motion. Three years later when hip-hop activist Violet Brown, a longtime supporter of Strange, approached COGNITO about shopping a deal to the indie powerhouse, he was with it.
One conversation with Strange Music co-owner and CEO Travis O'Guin and another with Dave Weiner, Vice President of Strange Music West, plus one visit to Kansas City, the label's home, and COGNITO knew he was home. “I know it sounds cliché, but you can do anything you want,” tells COGNITO. “My motivation has been people saying I couldn't do this. I'm hardheaded. At the end of the day, you have to go get it and no one is going to give it to you. But I look at my progression. Seeing what I'm accomplishing on my own and knowing that if I go get it, it could happen. There hasn't been a goal I shot for that I haven't achieved when it comes to my music.”
Building on his own persistence, COGNITO is quick to admit his success has been buoyed by his supportive team: Violet Brown, Femi, Mike Mosley, Darien Smith, his studio engineer for the past seven years. The 29 year old has had an amazing team behind him, which has catapulted him to where he is today. Currently, COGNITO is working on his Strange debut, Automatic, scheduled for a February/March 2010 release.
“Stylewise, I'm a storyteller,” COGNITO points out. “Whether it's a club track or a serious, depressed track, I'm going to tell you a story and get my message across to you. I like when people can relate to a song. That's what I love more than anything.”
“I don't follow trends,” he adds. “I pride myself in making my music real. I don't like to front, but I also like to have fun. Take me serious, but don't take me too serious. Listen to me with an open mind. I want to be an inspiration like my musical influences were to me.”
As COGNITO prepares for the next stage of his career, he is more than ready for the full-time grind.
“From 21 until now I have given this everything. I don't stop until I achieve my goal. With Strange backing me, I feel that I can accomplish all my goals. I got a shot like this and I'm going to run with it and make it happen.”
I Can't Think About It
Cognito Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm far from a rock star, but I live that lifestyle frequently, there's no one left to compete with me but me inside my family tree.
I can't take back what I done wrong and thing's I've struggled with, maybe life as an addict stuck in limbo is my punishment.
Sometimes I feel my angels, most days I feel my demons, I can feel them fighting my feelings come and go like the season.
(Inhale, exhale)
The relieve this mounted pressure, it ain't nothing unexpected, learn lessons I've regretted.
My life's at a crossroad with friends and family demanding take the advice that they hand me like candy (but I can't think about it)
When I'm home all alone no one calling my phone and my mind starts to roam (but I can't think about it)
On my own..... my own, my own, my own.... On my own, my own, my own.... On my own, my own, my own...
(I think I'm losing it, but I can't think about it)
Depression's real and it hurt's bad prepare for the devastation, prepare for the ones that leave you, prepare for the medication.
Prepare for the judgement and all that comes along with it, they don't get it, find ways to spin it even when you admit it.
(I'm crying inside, feel I'm dying inside, no one riding beside me I'm lost can you find me?)
Emotions deep as oceans, never wanna be the one that's outcasted, only wanna be the one that's outlasting all of this pain and surpassed it.
See it's common to fight, what is wrong what is right, but I'll never be a prisoner that's trapped in my comments or likes.
When they hate you they can break you or they make you so I shout it, feel I'm losing I've left clues and no excuses (But I can't think about it)
Toss and I turn in my bed I can't sleep while the day's turn to weeks I feel weak (but I can't think about it)
When I'm home all alone no one calling my phone and my mind starts to roam (but I can't think about it)
On my own..... my own, my own, my own.... On my own, my own, my own.... On my own, my own, my own...
(I think I'm losing it, but I can't think about it)
my own, my own, my own.... On my own, my own, my own.... On my own, my own, my own...
(I think I'm losing it, but I can't think about it)
In "I Can't Think About It" by Cognito, the lyrics delve into the inner turmoil and struggles of the artist's life. The song captures the contrasting experiences of daytime and nighttime, where during the day, the artist can maintain control over their emotions, but at night, a different story unfolds. The artist expresses frustration with so-called friends and the boredom they feel towards relationships with others. Although the artist acknowledges that they are far from being a rockstar, they confess to living a rockstar lifestyle frequently, with no competition except themselves within their own family.
The lyrics allude to past mistakes and challenges, including struggling with addiction and feeling like life is in a state of limbo as a consequence. The artist notes the constant battle between their angels and demons, with emotions fluctuating like the changing seasons. They seek relief from the mounting pressure and unexpected circumstances by inhaling and exhaling, finding lessons within regrets.
The artist's life is at a crossroad, with both friends and family demanding that they take the advice given, but the artist confesses an inability to think about it. The lyrics also mention the artist's difficulty in sleeping, feeling weak and alone when no one is calling their phone. The feeling of being lost permeates the song, with a plea for someone to find them.
Depression and its devastating effects are addressed in the lyrics, with the artist preparing for the abandonment of others and the necessity of medication. They explain that others might not understand their struggles and instead find ways to twist their experiences, even when the artist admits their faults. Despite feeling like they are dying inside, the artist emphasizes the importance of not becoming imprisoned by the judgments of others or the validation sought through comments and likes.
Overall, "I Can't Think About It" is a deeply introspective and emotional song that touches on themes of self-doubt, addiction, loneliness, and the struggles of navigating through life's challenges while trying to maintain a sense of personal identity.
Line by Line Meaning
Day time I control my feelings, night times like a different story.
During the day, I try to keep my emotions in check, but at night, it becomes more challenging.
I'm tired of these so called friends and all of these girls that bore me
I'm exhausted by the people who claim to be my friends and the girls who don't interest me.
I'm far from a rock star, but I live that lifestyle frequently, there's no one left to compete with me but me inside my family tree.
I may not be a famous rock star, but I often adopt their lifestyle. There's no one left to challenge me except myself within my own family heritage.
I can't take back what I done wrong and thing's I've struggled with, maybe life as an addict stuck in limbo is my punishment.
I cannot undo the mistakes I've made and the difficulties I've faced. Perhaps my existence as an addict trapped in a state of uncertainty is my retribution.
Sometimes I feel my angels, most days I feel my demons, I can feel them fighting my feelings come and go like the season.
Occasionally, I sense the presence of my guardian angels, but most days, I am plagued by my inner demons. I experience an ongoing battle within myself, as my emotions fluctuate like the changing seasons.
(Inhale, exhale) The relieve this mounted pressure, it ain't nothing unexpected, learn lessons I've regretted.
Taking deep breaths helps alleviate the burden of mounting pressure. Although it's not surprising, I continue to learn from the lessons I regret.
My life's at a crossroad with friends and family demanding take the advice that they hand me like candy (but I can't think about it)
I find myself at a crucial juncture in my life where friends and family insist I follow their advice without question. However, I cannot dwell on it or give it too much thought.
Toss and I turn in my bed I can't sleep while the day's turn to weeks I feel weak (but I can't think about it)
I struggle to find rest as the days turn into weeks, leaving me feeling physically and emotionally drained. Yet, I must avoid dwelling on these thoughts.
When I'm home all alone no one calling my phone and my mind starts to roam (but I can't think about it)
When I find myself alone at home with no one reaching out to me, my thoughts wander aimlessly. Nevertheless, I must try to ignore them, not allowing them to consume me.
On my own..... my own, my own, my own.... On my own, my own, my own.... On my own, my own, my own...
I feel isolated, with no one else to rely on or understand my struggles.
(I think I'm losing it, but I can't think about it)
Despite feeling like I'm losing control, I cannot afford to dwell on these thoughts.
Depression's real and it hurt's bad prepare for the devastation, prepare for the ones that leave you, prepare for the medication.
Depression is a genuine and painful experience. One must brace oneself for the devastation it brings, for losing people, and for the possible need for medication.
Prepare for the judgement and all that comes along with it, they don't get it, find ways to spin it even when you admit it.
Be ready to face judgment and all the accompanying consequences. Others may not truly understand the situation, so you must find ways to navigate it, even if you acknowledge your own faults.
(I'm crying inside, feel I'm dying inside, no one riding beside me I'm lost can you find me?)
Internally, I am overwhelmed with sadness, feeling as though a part of me is perishing. I yearn for someone to accompany and guide me through this disorienting period.
Emotions deep as oceans, never wanna be the one that's outcasted, only wanna be the one that's outlasting all of this pain and surpassed it.
My emotions are as profound as the depths of the ocean. I never wish to be rejected or marginalized. I strive to be the one who endures through this pain and emerges stronger.
See it's common to fight, what is wrong what is right, but I'll never be a prisoner that's trapped in my comments or likes.
Conflicts between different perspectives on what is right and wrong are ubiquitous. However, I refuse to become trapped by the judgments or popularity of others on social media platforms.
When they hate you they can break you or they make you so I shout it, feel I'm losing I've left clues and no excuses (But I can't think about it)
When others harbor hatred towards you, they have the power to either break you or motivate you. I express my thoughts loudly, feeling like I'm losing control. I've provided evidence and accept no excuses for my actions, but I cannot dwell on these thoughts.
my own, my own, my own.... On my own, my own, my own.... On my own, my own, my own...
I am on my own, lacking the support or understanding of others.
(I think I'm losing it, but I can't think about it)
Although I feel like I'm losing my grip on reality, I cannot allow myself to dwell on these thoughts.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Michael Reef
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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