From the mid-1950s until 1975, Estil Cortez Ball performed with his wife Orna and their Friendly Gospel Singers in churches and on the radio, especially on WKSK (AM) in West Jefferson, North Carolina and WBOB (AM) in Galax, Virginia. Ball's first recordings were made by John A. Lomax on behalf of the Library of Congress at the 1937 Galax Fiddler's Convention in Galax, Virginia, where E.C. performed with his Rugby Gully Jumpers string band (named after Paul Warmack's Gully Jumpers). Lomax recorded the string band and several duets by E.C. and Orna. John's son Alan Lomax recorded Ball three years later, in 1941, at E.C.'s home in Rugby, Virginia, and there again in 1959.
County Records released Ball's first LP in 1967, as E.C. Ball and the Friendly Gospel Singers. Two more LPs followed in the 1970s on Rounder Records: E.C. Ball and Fathers Have A Home Sweet Home. Ball was also recorded by John Cohen for his 1975 compilation album High Atmosphere: Ballads and Banjo Tunes from Virginia and North Carolina.
E.C. Ball's most famous composition was a piece he called "Tribulations," based, as he told Alan Lomax in 1959, "on the last book in the Bible: Revelations." It has been frequently covered by other musicians as "Trials, Troubles, Tribulations."
Ball died in 1978 in Grassy Creek, North Carolina, and is buried at Corinth Baptist Church in Rugby, Grayson County, Virginia.
In December 2009, a tribute album was released entitled Face A Frowning World: An E.C. Ball Memorial Album, on the Tompkins Square label, produced by Nathan Salsburg. Singers interpreting songs from E.C.'s repertoire include Jolie Holland, Bonnie "Prince" Billy, Jon Langford, the Handsome Family, Rayna Gellert, and Catherine Irwin, among others.
INTRODUCTION
E.C. Ball Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Throwing that all away on someone
Who turned from your favorite person
To your least favorite in a matter of months is shattering
Completely defeating
This album is a story of love, heartbreak and what's come after
I'm not over you, but I've accepted that you're bad for me
You're no longer the person I fell in love with
And probably will for a long time
They're the only memory of you that means anything anymore
I hope you hear this
Thanks, for nothing
In these lyrics by an unknown artist, the singer highlights their journey and evolution within the Hip Hop industry. They claim that their identity and skills have been shaped by the culture, and they have graduated with their pad and pen when the beat rocks. The singer also acknowledges how their thoughts can cause a big shock and that they have mastered the art of rap like Steve Jobs did for his profession.
Moreover, the lyrics communicate how the singer can deliver hot bars that can make people shiver, and they set the bar high for others to follow. They also speak of how they have brought Hip Hop back and that they are hotter on the block, making others pay to hear them. Furthermore, the singer gives insight into their daily struggles, such as having to work a nine to five job and sacrificing their time and life for their music. Despite everything, they have confidence in their talents and believe that they are the illest emcee and will continue to rise as the sun does.
Line by Line Meaning
I came in this Hip-Hop, raised in this Hip-Hop
I was introduced to Hip-Hop and grew up with it as a part of my life.
Everything I am I done shaped up in this rap
Hip-Hop has influenced and molded who I am as an artist and a person.
Graduated with my pad and pen when the beat rock
I honed my skills as a rapper through practice and dedication.
Born from simplicity, my thoughts causing big shock
My talent comes from humble beginnings, yet my words have the power to leave a lasting impact.
Mastered the art, I’m the flow’s modern Steve Jobs
I have become a leader in the Hip-Hop industry and am revered for my talents.
Unearthing my ether, these bars hot I deliver
I am constantly pushing the boundaries of my creativity and delivering high-quality lyrics.
Sipping through your mind and my rhymes y’all could shiver
My words have the ability to go beyond simply being heard and can evoke strong emotions in my listeners.
I rep the block, set the bar y’all could quiver
I represent my community and set the standard for what it means to be a skilled rapper.
I brought Hip-Hop back and son I deliver
I am a trailblazer in the Hip-Hop world and have breathed new life into the genre.
I’m the type of cat with the bars jabbing crazy
I am a talented rapper with a sharp delivery and lyrics.
Flow so gravy that your momma tried to birth me
My flow is so smooth and effortless that it seems almost natural, as if I was born with it.
Rapping from the block and your block gotta pay me
I am a respected artist from the streets and people recognize my worth.
I’m hotter on the block and your block needs an AC
My popularity and talent are undeniable and cannot be ignored.
I put sacrifice on my life when I emcee
I am dedicated to my craft and have made sacrifices in my personal life to pursue my dreams as a rapper.
Gotta work a nine to five, a seven-thirty-one
Even as a successful rapper, I still have to balance my passion with the reality of making a living.
Pillow talk with my thoughts when they say I’m the one!
I am confident in my abilities and know that I am meant to be a successful rapper.
I’m chasing for a dollar and my season just begun
I am ambitious and have big plans for my future in the Hip-Hop industry.
The illest emcee and I rise upon the Sun
I am one of the greatest rappers of my time and my star is still on the rise.
Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Carter Hamilton
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ismaelbelda1
Oh boy, that D-45 sounds like five pianos playing in unison.
@m0nk_dot
epic video find. where did this come from?