Their often politically-charged, culturally-introspective, and motivational lyrics find influence rooted in the early works of Nas, Public Enemy, Outkast and Common Sense. The production could be described as warm, soulful and organic -- born out of the school of producers that cite the likes of RZA, Pete Rock, Jay Dee, and DJ Premier. Cyne's "sound" is impacted by everything from Bad Brains to Krautrock, from Camp Lo to Kate Bush – it's a hybrid of emotional, historical, and challenging influences.
The group's debut release was a 12" entitled "African Elephants," released in 2001. Cyne has since released a number of EPs, singles, and two critically well-received albums. They have also collaborated on projects with internationally acclaimed artists Daedelus, Four Tet and Nujabes.
With previously released albums on Botanica Del Jibaro, P-Vine and City Centre Offices, Cyne has created a reputation as artists that stay true to the lyrical power and gritty cut-and-paste aesthetic of classic hip hop while managing to explore new sonic territory.
Samura's Optic
Cyne Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Afro-American, livin in the eyes of Aryan
Characteristics, contacts and hair extensions
And what we doin to ourselves just to fit in
They had us in the fields or slavin in the kitchen
It is my mission, to shed light to the subject
Confederate flags over the houses of the rednecks
American pride, or just evil in disguise
To bring change in the midst of pain and oppression
We had to stand together and our hope was the weapon
Now we neglectin, important lessons from our forefathers
We need to stand tall and reclaim our lost honor
[Akin:]
Definin blackness, what's ghetto, and what's real
And what the fuck make a nigga wanna feel
That he gotta chase, dollars and fake
Pipe dreams and 38s, hate, wit the nickel plate
Within a arm's grasp, I'm marchin past
Them so called thugs waving arms to blast
Another black, ass
Destruct the masses, I'm Cassius Clay boxin bastards
Lyrically speaking I'm tryna touch the people and
Lyrically speaking I must critique the people and
I'm far from the likes of God
Though I am one wit self yo position is odd
Nigga, how the fuck you go knockin my style
If I'm not a real nigga than what's the profile
Is it, new shoes on my feet, every other week
Or carryin heat but niggaz just like me
I'd rather spend the most of my time
Writin in my composition note, book of rhymes
My mind's confined for now but it'll be free
When the fat lady sing from her soul to me
[Cise Star:]
We're quick to forget history's hardships
And ready to trade pride for money and bullshit
It's sick the way the media portrayin our people
Instead of motivatin change they're perpetuating evil
Negative outlooks make impressions on the youth
They try to ignorance synonymous with blackness
It's blasted, the way the images of acid
Burning into the soul, go give it guns and ratchets
[Akin:]
Yo, it's farewell to hell and, welcome in heaven
A new man is born divine like the number seven
Walk with me, if you will
Through the depths of a nigga's will it might feel
Kinda surreal
I woke up this morning smiling wit the rising sun
Like Robert Ness but hardly my day begun
One with the most high, I keep her close by
My heart when folks try
To bring me down now I'm knockin on heaven's door
Jump the gate ask for God on the seventh floor
Come holla at me see my people gotta hate complex with self
Til the point where we're numb to the pain that's dealt
Across the load, this bullshit we're not gonna know
About some brothers killin people in Sierra Leone
Over jewels that we cherish, here in America
Peace to Sorious Samura, thanks for helping the
World see the truth that they already know
So let's get free people all across the globe
From the great walls of China to France, to Johannesburg
Back to the land of Egu-Egu I recite the words
[Cise Star:]
I pledge allegiance only to those believing in me
My eyes steady on the prize til the people are free
Words to the wise so I always try to see
The things holdin me back so I can breathe
The lyrics of CYNE's "Samura's Optic" discuss the struggles and challenges faced by black Americans, highlighting the pressure for them to conform to white American standards of beauty and behavior. Cise Star notes the way that black people have had to alter their physical appearances to fit in, whether through hair extensions or colored contact lenses. The song also alludes to the history of slavery and segregation in America, with Confederate flags flying over the homes of white supremacists serving as a painful reminder of the oppression and violence that black people have experienced throughout history.
However, Akin maintains a sense of hope and optimism in his part of the song, calling for a re-examination of what it means to be black and the values associated with that identity. He critiques the idea that blackness is entwined with poverty, guns, and material wealth, instead arguing that it is possible to be a conscious, critical thinker who seeks change and justice while also valuing education, art, and self-reflection. This sentiment is reinforced by both rappers in the final verse, as they pledge their allegiance to those who support and believe in them and strive to be better individuals.
Overall, CYNE's "Samura's Optic" is a socially conscious work of art that encourages listeners to critically examine the social, political, and cultural factors that shape their lives and the world around them. It serves as a powerful call to action for those who wish to foster positive change and create a society that is more just and equitable for all people.
Line by Line Meaning
Afro-American, livin in the eyes of Aryan
Living as a Black person in a society controlled by White people
Characteristics, contacts and hair extensions
Making changes to our physical appearance to fit in with societal beauty standards
And what we doin to ourselves just to fit in
Harming ourselves in order to conform to societal norms
They had us in the fields or slavin in the kitchen
Referencing the history of Black enslavement in the United States
It is my mission, to shed light to the subject
Trying to bring awareness and understanding to the issues faced by Black people
Confederate flags over the houses of the rednecks
Symbolizes racism and oppression in the American South
American pride, or just evil in disguise
Querying the true intentions behind American patriotism
A close reminder of why many of my people died
Reflecting on the history of violence and oppression against Black people
To bring change in the midst of pain and oppression
Working towards social justice amidst suffering and mistreatment
We had to stand together and our hope was the weapon
Through solidarity, hope and resilience can be utilized as tools for change
Now we neglectin, important lessons from our forefathers
Forgetting the struggles and wisdom of past generations, making it harder to create change
We need to stand tall and reclaim our lost honor
Urging for Black people to have pride in themselves and their history
Definin blackness, what's ghetto, and what's real
Challenging the societal definitions and stereotypes of Blackness
And what the fuck make a nigga wanna feel
Questioning why some Black individuals seek to conform to societal norms instead of embracing themselves
That he gotta chase, dollars and fake
Pursuing material gain and shallow ideals instead of true self-expression and fulfillment
Pipe dreams and 38s, hate, wit the nickel plate
Futile desires and violence, portrayed through a firearm reference
Within a arm's grasp, I'm marchin past
Breaking free from harmful mindsets and behaviors
Them so called thugs waving arms to blast
Critiquing the glorification of violence and aggression in Black culture
Another black, ass
Expressing frustration over the perpetuation of Black stereotypes
Destruct the masses, I'm Cassius Clay boxin bastards
Referencing Muhammad Ali's fight against racial oppression and standing up against the societal norms
Lyrically speaking I'm tryna touch the people and
Using music and lyrics as a means to connect with and inspire others
Lyrically speaking I must critique the people and
Acknowledging the need to critique harmful aspects of Black culture and society
I'm far from the likes of God
Acknowledging personal imperfections and faults
Though I am one wit self yo position is odd
Despite having a strong sense of self, it can be difficult to navigate societal norms and expectations
Nigga, how the fuck you go knockin my style
Challenging those who criticize or belittle one's authenticity
If I'm not a real nigga than what's the profile
Questioning the societal expectations of Black authenticity
Is it, new shoes on my feet, every other week
Suggesting that material possessions do not define true Blackness
Or carryin heat but niggaz just like me
Exploring the societal pressure and glorification of violence in Black culture
I'd rather spend the most of my time
Prioritizing personal growth and creativity over superficial gains
Writin in my composition note, book of rhymes
Utilizing music and writing as forms of self-expression and creativity
My mind's confined for now but it'll be free
Acknowledging current limitations, but holding hope for personal and societal change
When the fat lady sing from her soul to me
Referencing the liberation and expression found in music
We're quick to forget history's hardships
Forgetting the lessons and struggles of the past
And ready to trade pride for money and bullshit
Succumbing to societal pressures and selling out one's values for superficial gains
It's sick the way the media portrayin our people
Critiquing the media's portrayal of Black people as violent or unintelligent
Instead of motivatin change they're perpetuating evil
The media's negative framing of Black people exacerbates societal issues
Negative outlooks make impressions on the youth
Negative societal messaging impacts the development of young people
They try to ignorance synonymous with blackness
Suggesting that the societal expectation for Black people is ignorance or lack of education
It's blasted, the way the images of acid
Metaphorically describing how harmful messaging burns into the psyche of society
Burning into the soul, go give it guns and ratchets
Harmful messaging can lead to the perpetuation of violence
Yo, it's farewell to hell and, welcome in heaven
Highlighting a shift towards positivity and personal growth
A new man is born divine like the number seven
Referencing the spiritual significance of the number seven
Walk with me, if you will
Inviting the listener to join in a journey of growth and change
Through the depths of a nigga's will it might feel
Describing a personal journey towards self-discovery and change
Kinda surreal
Acknowledging the strangeness of personal growth and transformation
Peace to Sorious Samura, thanks for helping the
Recognizing and showing gratitude towards those who bring attention to societal issues
World see the truth that they already know
Acknowledging that societal issues are often intentionally ignored by those in power
So let's get free people all across the globe
Calling for worldwide liberation and equality
From the great walls of China to France, to Johannesburg
Referencing global locations and calling for worldwide change
Back to the land of Egu-Egu I recite the words
Referencing ancestral roots and traditions while calling for change
I pledge allegiance only to those believing in me
Prioritizing personal growth and the support of those who believe in one's journey
My eyes steady on the prize til the people are free
Maintaining focus and determination towards societal change
Words to the wise so I always try to see
Seeking wisdom and understanding in order to create meaningful change
The things holdin me back so I can breathe
Working through personal barriers and obstacles in order to find personal and societal freedom
Contributed by Wyatt Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.