Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in Palm Beach, Florida, Elijah was surrounded by talent. His mother and father were no strangers to music, being avid participants in church and his childhood friends all boasted either singing or dancing abilities beyond their years. “Everybody wanted to make it. Everybody wanted to be somebody special.” In an area riddled with crime, Elijah, with guidance from his mother, struggled to stay out of trouble. Soon, his talent would find him a way out of trouble and onto a stage.
Seeing a great opportunity to keep her son on the right track, Elijah’s mother got him involved in church. It was here singing in the choir, that his talent was first discovered. “The choir director would sing something and expect me to sing it back. He took it up the scale to higher notes and I was able to stay with it. I didn’t even know what vocal range was at the time, but that day, I found out I had it.” Elijah continued singing in the choir, often doing solos and helping with arrangements.
Singing wasn’t the only talent Elijah excelled at. Dancing became another way for him to not only express himself, but entertain. Elijah formed a group with a few friends from Palm Beach. Heavily focused on dancing, the group honed his choreography skills early on. Eventually, he made his way onto competitive stages across the city, impressing judges and crowds with his vocal, dancing and poetry performances.
Elijah’s father noticed the determination he was putting into performing and after realizing he was serious, decided to help his son reach his dreams. An incredible piano player himself, Elijah’s father began practicing with him and producing songs for Elijah to sing. “My dad was like Matthew Knowles or Joe Jackson—he wanted me to be great just as bad as I did. Most kids played games and hung out after school… I practiced. He made sure of it.”
All of that hard work paid off. In 2008, after recording several songs with his father and uploading them to Myspace, Elijah amassed an enormous fan following, drawn from across the world to listen to Elijah’s songs. Elijah began preparing his first project for sale independently and sold thousands of units.
Later that year and thanks to Myspace, Elijah met Troy Taylor, the person responsible for the career of R&B superstar Trey Songz. Taylor recognized Elijah’s potential and not long after, Elijah was working on his music alongside Troy and Trey Songz, who began guiding and supporting him. “I never saw myself writing songs for other people, but one day Trey asked if I would mind writing a song to fit him. Initially, I was unsure, but once I heard the track I started humming melodies and coming up with words. That’s how ‘Jupiter Love’ came about.” This would prove to be just the beginning of Elijah’s songwriting for others.
Before long, Elijah had worked with some of the industry’s biggest stars including Usher, Ciara, Kelly Rowland, Kanye West, Bono, Keyshia Cole Mary J. Blige, Nas and Alicia Keys. Gaining friends who are veterans in music is a perk of being a much sought after songwriter, and whose advice is more ‘veteran’ than Usher? “It’s crazy because he’s one of my influences and the fact that I’ve not only worked with him, but can call him a friend is amazing.” Soon after co-writing the song “Climax,” (which went on to be a #1 hit) Elijah sat down with Usher to talk about how he maintained longevity as an artist. It was during this conversation that Usher inspired to him to begin on his own music again.
Elijah went into the studio in October of 2011 and finished a mixtape (still unreleased) that put him in meetings with the industry’s top record labels to discuss signing. With various deals being contemplated, there was only one thing he could do. “I prayed about it... Any major decision can become an easy one with prayer.” That prayer was answered just two months later by music producer and Def Jam VP, No I.D. who signed Elijah to a deal with Def Jam through his Artium imprint. “To know that the label supports me like it does is a blessing. At this stage in my career everything is coming together—I’m ready.” Elijah began working on his debut album in January of 2012, collaborating with hit producers No I.D., Salaam Remi, T-Minus, Diplo, Stargate, Fuego, Q-Tip, Don Cannon, Jerry Wonder, Pop & Oak, and the Fisticuffs. You can also look forward to some very impressive features with new music set to drop in the Summer of 2012. The album will release soon after.
Elijah Blake discusses the project with enthusiasm. “Music is therapy. For me, doing a song is about leaving everything you have there in those 3 minutes. I have so much to say that I know people can relate to. We, as men, don’t always have to talk down to women or only speak about love in a prideful way. Guys have emotions too, we may be better at hiding it, but we do. If my music helps to start a conversation, then I’m happy.” With all the buzz surrounding Elijah Blake’s debut album, his music is sure to do more than just start conversation; Elijah Blake is poised to define a musical generation
Freedom
Elijah Blake Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Her momma out there somewhere in that Bentley tryin' to find a roof
Poof, I wave my wand and here comes Kendrick
Niggas say the west ain't winnin', I'm just tryin' to find the proof
Speakin' of Proof, I'm 'bout to roll one with Snoop
Blow the smoke out to your memory and toast to Eminem
Cause he, gave me the shit that I needed on Documentary
Keep it real with myself, I got murdered like John Kennedy
Watchin' Bizarre pop pills while 2Pac in my Hennessy
First time in Detroit, had to rock the Grant Hills
Cause I threw up my dukes when California was at a stand still
But hope ain't lost cause Dr. Dre the man still
Had faith in me, knew I had heat like an anvil
Ran through entire crews, put their remains in a landfill
And I ain't lost the hunger, I'm eatin' out the can still
Yeah, wherever Hov and Nas at in the world right now
I know they listenin' like
This young nigga be killin' this shit
Hip-hop is life's ciroc I'm 'bout to drop a pill in this shit
Let's go, esco bars nigga, like Nas nigga
The flow is Rakim with the Birdman cars nigga
Hold on I gotta take Birdman's call nigga
Stunna, what up blood?
"Whattup blood? What's poppin' my nigga?
Look, I know this the last one after this it's straight Cash Money, my nigga
So, it's YMCMB, wild life my nigga, let's get it poppin'"
Rich game
Off the chain, one hunnid
Suwoo
New coupe, remove roof
I'm from where niggas'll do your bitch and bitch niggas'll do you
Inevitably we take celebrity bitches and run a chu-chu
We puttin' on magnums, taggin' that wagon, some of these birds kookoo
And murder is what I do to
These Just Blazes, Kanyes, shit on Swizz, I handle my biz
The whole world know what I do to Dre's shit
Niggas know I'm classic, I ain't even gotta say shit
Frank Ocean more of a man than you niggas, get up off that gay shit
Fuck copyin' styles, niggas be tracin'
Whether it's me, the movie, or Jadakiss, niggas just can't fuck with Jayceon
So let's go
Laa, da da da dup da ah
Thought you love me before
I'm glad to kill it some more
Every hood needs an anthem
Laa, da da da dup da ah
Winning comes with a price
No matter how hard you try
Can't buy freedom
We're far from being free
Yea we're far from being free
We're far from free
Wanna welcome everybody to Jesus Piece
After my album fades, my competition will lyrically be deceased
Niggas saying I'm underrated
Like a younger Jay with heat, but not the ones the Thunder play with
So Los Angeles King is sort of an understatement
Let me find a gun to play with, I leave you niggas under pavement
Tell 'em they rent's due, pay up or get cement shoes
All this dope be around, you act like I ain't lean on that fence too
But now you up here and bitches and cars is what I'm into
You wanna send me to God, I wear 45 in that French shoe
I fuck with Wale, Ross, and my nigga French too
And me and Face just slashed the last beat up like a Ginsu
My album like a 'Rari, a lot of dope features
Glad you bought it, now sit back and just blow reefer
I know the concept behind it is gon' reach ya
Now turn this mufucka up and blow speakers
Ladies and gentleman
I would like to introduce to you
An incredible gentleman
He goes by the name Elijah Blake
Let's go
Laa, da da da dup da ah
Thought you love me before
I'm glad to kill it some more
Every hood needs an anthem
Laa, da da da dup da ah
Winning comes with a price
No matter how hard you try
Can't buy freedom
We're far from being free
Yea we're far from being free
We're far from free
And last but definitely not least
I wanna send a special shout out, to my nigga James Harden
Another Los Angele's nigga carrying rockets
Ballin' on you bitches
The song "Freedom" by Elijah Blake is an introspective commentary on the life of the musician. The first verse talks about holding his daughter in the music booth while her mother is outside, trying to find shelter. Blake then talks about his association with various rappers like Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, Eminem, and Dr. Dre, who have had an impact on his life and career. He also mentions the dark side of the music industry, where drug abuse is rampant, including watching Bizarre pop pills, while 2Pac is in his Hennessy.
In the second verse, Blake talks about his passion for his art form and compares himself to legends in the industry like Jay Z, Nas, Rakim, and Jadakiss. He also hits out at copycats that try to copy his style. Towards the end of the song, he talks about his album Jesus Piece, which he believes will put him in the league of greats in the music industry.
Overall, "Freedom" touches upon the themes of struggle, perseverance, and success, as well as emerging from a place of despair and fighting for one's beliefs despite the odds. Painful life experiences probably shaped the artist as a person, and he conveys his emotions in the form of music.
Line by Line Meaning
Holdin' my daughter in the booth
I am in the recording booth with my daughter, symbolizing the importance of family and love in my life.
Her momma out there somewhere in that Bentley tryin' to find a roof
The mother of my daughter is searching for stability and a comfortable life, represented by her efforts to find a roof while driving a luxurious Bentley.
Poof, I wave my wand and here comes Kendrick
Suddenly, Kendrick Lamar appears on the scene, signifying the emergence of a talented artist in the music industry.
Niggas say the west ain't winnin', I'm just tryin' to find the proof
People claim that the West Coast music scene is not successful, but I am determined to find evidence to prove them wrong.
Speakin' of Proof, I'm 'bout to roll one with Snoop
Referring to rapper Proof, who passed away, I am about to smoke a joint with Snoop Dogg as a way to honor and keep the memory alive.
Blow the smoke out to your memory and toast to Eminem
I exhale the smoke in tribute to those who are no longer with us and raise a toast to Eminem for providing me with the inspiration and guidance I needed in my career.
Cause he, gave me the shit that I needed on Documentary
Because Eminem provided me with the support and guidance I needed during the making of my album 'Documentary'.
Keep it real with myself, I got murdered like John Kennedy
I stay true to myself and acknowledge that I have faced struggles and setbacks, like the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
But that was cool cause I was just there for the energy
Despite the challenges I faced, I embraced the experience because I was there to absorb and be motivated by the energy surrounding me.
Watchin' Bizarre pop pills while 2Pac in my Hennessy
While observing Bizarre, a member of D12, consuming drugs and drinking Hennessy, I am reminded of the legendary rapper 2Pac and the mix of emotions this scene evokes.
First time in Detroit, had to rock the Grant Hills
During my first visit to Detroit, I had to wear Grant Hill sneakers as a symbol of respect and tribute to the city's basketball culture.
Cause I threw up my dukes when California was at a stand still
I stood up and defended myself during a time when California was facing significant challenges and struggles.
But hope ain't lost cause Dr. Dre the man still
Despite the difficulties, I remain hopeful because Dr. Dre, an influential figure in the music industry, continues to make a powerful impact.
Had faith in me, knew I had heat like an anvil
Dr. Dre believed in my talent and knew that I possessed the ability to create impactful and powerful music.
Ran through entire crews, put their remains in a landfill
I have defeated and surpassed numerous rap collectives, leaving their remnants and defeat behind like discarded waste in a landfill.
And I ain't lost the hunger, I'm eatin' out the can still
I have not lost my drive and ambition; I am still thriving, even if it means metaphorically having to eat out of a can.
Yeah, wherever Hov and Nas at in the world right now
Wherever Jay-Z and Nas are currently located in the world,
I know they listenin' like
I am confident that they are paying attention and taking notice of my music and talent.
This young nigga be killin' this shit
I, as a young artist, am excelling and impressing others with my skills and talent.
Hip-hop is life's ciroc I'm 'bout to drop a pill in this shit
Comparing hip-hop to a popular vodka brand, Ciroc, I am about to enhance the impact and sensation of this genre like taking a pill and intensifying its effect.
Let's go, esco bars nigga, like Nas nigga
Let's proceed with a confident and strong delivery of my rhymes, reminiscent of the style and skill of Nas, also known as 'Esco.'
The flow is Rakim with the Birdman cars nigga
My flow and style resemble the legendary rapper Rakim, combined with the lavish lifestyle represented by the cars owned by Birdman.
Hold on I gotta take Birdman's call nigga
Excusing myself momentarily to answer a phone call from Birdman, symbolizing the connection and influence of powerful figures in the music industry.
Stunna, what up blood?
Addressing Birdman, I greet him with respect and familiarity, acknowledging our connection through a common bond.
"Whattup blood? What's poppin' my nigga?
Responding to Birdman, I express enthusiasm to continue the conversation and inquire about his well-being.
Look, I know this the last one after this it's straight Cash Money, my nigga
Acknowledging that this is the final call or collaboration with Birdman, after which I will be exclusively associated with Cash Money Records.
So, it's YMCMB, wild life my nigga, let's get it poppin'
Referring to myself being part of Young Money Cash Money Billionaires (YMCMB), I anticipate an exciting and lively journey ahead with my music career.
New coupe, remove roof
I have acquired a new car, and in a symbolic gesture, I remove the roof, representing my elevated status and ability to enjoy life's luxuries.
I'm from where niggas'll do your bitch and bitch niggas'll do you
I come from an environment where men are willing to have sexual relations with someone's partner and weak individuals are ready to harm or betray others.
Inevitably we take celebrity bitches and run a chu-chu
Inevitably, we get involved with famous women and engage in romantic or sexual relationships before moving on to pursue new opportunities.
We puttin' on magnums, taggin' that wagon, some of these birds kookoo
We engage in sexual encounters while using condoms, as represented by the mention of magnums, and leave evidence of our presence behind, symbolized by tagging a wagon. Some women involved in these encounters may display irrational behavior.
And murder is what I do to
I excel at destroying my competition and proving my dominance in the music industry.
These Just Blazes, Kanyes, shit on Swizz, I handle my biz
I surpass producers like Just Blaze and Kanye West, and I outperform Swizz Beatz in terms of my skills and professionalism in handling my business affairs.
The whole world know what I do to Dre's shit
Everyone is aware of my ability to excel and make impactful music under the mentorship and guidance of Dr. Dre.
Niggas know I'm classic, I ain't even gotta say shit
People recognize and acknowledge that my music is timeless and of the highest quality without me having to explain or justify it.
Frank Ocean more of a man than you niggas, get up off that gay shit
Frank Ocean, as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, displays more courage, authenticity, and masculinity than the individuals who criticize or discriminate against such identities. I encourage them to abandon their prejudiced mindset.
Fuck copyin' styles, niggas be tracin'
I condemn the act of imitating or copying someone else's style, as many artists lack originality and merely trace the work of others.
Whether it's me, the movie, or Jadakiss, niggas just can't fuck with Jayceon
No matter the context or scenario, whether it's my music, my involvement in films, or even being compared to Jadakiss, no one can rival or surpass my talent, skills, and impact as an artist.
So let's go
With this statement, I assert my readiness and determination to continue making great music and leaving a lasting impact in the industry.
Thought you love me before
Reminding the listeners that they claimed to love and support me in the past.
I'm glad to kill it some more
I am pleased to continue delivering exceptional music and impressing my audience.
Every hood needs an anthem
Emphasizing the importance of having a song that represents and resonates with every neighborhood or community.
Winning comes with a price
Achieving success entails sacrifices and challenges along the way.
No matter how hard you try
Regardless of one's efforts or determination,
Can't buy freedom
True freedom cannot be purchased or acquired through material possessions or wealth.
We're far from being free
Despite the progress we have made, we are still a long way from achieving true freedom and equality.
Yea we're far from being free
The statement is reiterated, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for freedom and equality.
I wanna welcome everybody to Jesus Piece
I extend a warm greeting to everyone, inviting them to listen and engage with my album 'Jesus Piece'.
After my album fades, my competition will lyrically be deceased
Once my album becomes less popular or fades away, my competitors will no longer be able to compete with me in terms of lyrical skills and ability.
Niggas saying I'm underrated
Some individuals believe that I am undervalued or not given enough recognition and praise for my talent.
Like a younger Jay with heat, but not the ones the Thunder play with
Comparing myself to a younger version of Jay-Z, I am known for my exceptional talent and skill, but not in the context of basketball and the Oklahoma City Thunder team.
So Los Angeles King is sort of an understatement
Referring to myself as the King of Los Angeles, the statement is an understatement as my influence and impact go beyond just one city.
Let me find a gun to play with, I leave you niggas under pavement
Expressing my prowess and dominance, if given the opportunity, I will harm or defeat my rivals, leaving them metaphorically buried underground.
Tell 'em they rent's due, pay up or get cement shoes
Addressing my competitors, I inform them that they owe a debt and must pay up or face severe consequences.
All this dope be around, you act like I ain't lean on that fence too
Despite being surrounded by drugs and illegal activities, some individuals act as if I have not been involved or taken advantage of such opportunities myself.
But now you up here and bitches and cars is what I'm into
Now that you have achieved success and power, you are solely focused on accumulating material possessions and pursuing romantic relationships.
You wanna send me to God
You desire to harm or kill me, wishing for my demise.
I wear 45 in that French shoe
To protect myself, I carry a .45 caliber firearm, metaphorically represented as a shoe designed in France.
I fuck with Wale, Ross, and my nigga French too
I have a friendly and collaborative relationship with artists such as Wale, Rick Ross, and French Montana.
And me and Face just slashed the last beat up like a Ginsu
My friend and collaborator, Scarface, and I have flawlessly performed on the latest instrumental, figuratively likened to using a sharp knife like a Ginsu to slice through it effortlessly.
My album like a 'Rari, a lot of dope features
My album is comparable to a luxurious sports car, like a Ferrari, and it includes numerous top-tier guest appearances and collaborations.
Glad you bought it, now sit back and just blow reefer
I appreciate your support in purchasing my album, and now I encourage you to relax, enjoy the music, and smoke marijuana.
I know the concept behind it is gon' reach ya
I am confident that the underlying message and thematic concept of my album will resonate and connect with you.
Now turn this mufucka up and blow speakers
Finally, I instruct the listeners to increase the volume of the music and enjoy it to the point where the artists may be damaged or blown out.
Ladies and gentleman
Addressing the listeners respectfully, both male and female.
I would like to introduce to you
I am excited to present and bring attention to
An incredible gentleman
Referring to myself, highlighting my exceptional talent and skills as an artist.
He goes by the name Elijah Blake
Introducing myself, revealing my stage name to the audience.
Let's go
With this statement, I express my enthusiasm and readiness to begin.
Winning comes with a price
Achieving success entails sacrifices and challenges along the way.
No matter how hard you try
Regardless of one's efforts or determination,
Can't buy freedom
True freedom cannot be purchased or acquired through material possessions or wealth.
We're far from being free
Despite the progress we have made, we are still a long way from achieving true freedom and equality.
Yea we're far from being free
The statement is reiterated, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for freedom and equality.
And last but definitely not least
Referring to the following statement as the final one in the song, indicating its significance.
I wanna send a special shout out, to my nigga James Harden
I want to give a special acknowledgment and shout out to James Harden, a professional basketball player from Los Angeles who represents my city and has achieved great success.
Another Los Angele's nigga carrying rockets
Highlighting the association of James Harden with the Houston Rockets basketball team while also emphasizing his roots in Los Angeles.
Ballin' on you bitches
Demonstrating his exceptional skills and success in the game of basketball, surpassing and outperforming his opponents.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ANTWAN J THOMPSON, JAYCEON TAYLOR, SEAN DAVID FENTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
THAT BOI
Holdin' my daughter in the booth
Her momma out there somewhere in that Bentley tryin' to find a roof
Poof, I wave my wand and here comes Kendrick
Niggas say the west ain't winnin', I'm just tryin' to find the proof
Speakin' of Proof, I'm 'bout to roll one with Snoop
Blow the smoke out to your memory and toast to Eminem
Cause he, gave me the shit that I needed on Documentary
Keep it real with myself, I got murdered like John Kennedy
But that was cool cause I was just there for the energy
Watchin' Bizarre pop pills while 2Pac in my hennessy
First time in Detroit, had to rock the Grant Hills
Cause I threw up my dukes when California was at a stand still
But hope ain't lost cause Dr. Dre the man still
Had faith in me, knew I had heat like an anvil
Ran through entire crews, put their remains in a landfill
And I ain't lost the hunger, I'm eatin' out the can still
Yeah, wherever Hov and Nas at in the world right now
I know they listenin' like
This young nigga be killin' this shit
Hip-hop is life's ciroc I'm 'bout to drop a pill in this shit
Let's go, esco bars nigga, like Nas nigga
The flow is Rakim with the Birdman cars nigga
Hold on I gotta take Birdman's call nigga
Stunna, whattup blood?
"Whattup blood? What's poppin' my nigga?
Look, I know this the last one after this it's straight Cash Money, my nigga
So, it's YMCMB, wild life my nigga, let's get it poppin'"
Rich game
? One hunnid
Suwoo
New coupe, remove roof
I'm from where niggas'll do your bitch and bitch niggas'll do you
Inevitably we take celebrity bitches and run a chu-chu
We puttin' on magnums, taggin' that wagon, some of these birds kookoo
And murder is what I do to
These Just Blazes, Kanyes, shit on Swizz, I handle my biz
The whole world know what I do to Dre's shit
Niggas know I'm classic, I ain't even gotta say shit
Frank Ocean more of a man than you niggas, get up off that gay shit
Fuck copyin' styles, niggas be tracin'
Whether it's me, the movie, or Jadakiss, niggas just can't fuck with Jayceon
So let's go
Laa, da da da dup da ah
Thought you love me before
I'm glad?
Every hood needs an anthem
Laa, da da da dup da ah
Winning comes with a price
No matter how hard you try
Can't buy freedom
We're far from being free
Yea we're far from being free
We're far from free
Wanna welcome everybody to Jesus Piece
After my album fades, my competition will lyrically be deceased
Niggas saying I'm underrated
Like a younger Jay with heat, but not the ones the Thunder play with
So Los Angeles King is sort of an understatement
Let me find a gun up here, [when?] I leave you niggas under pavement
Tell 'em they rent's due, pay up or get cement shoes
All this dope be around, you act like I ain't lean on that fence too
But now you up here and bitches and cars is what I'm into
You wanna send me to God, I wear 45 in that French shoe
I fuck with Wale, Ross, and my nigga French too
And me and Face just slashed the last beat up like a ginsu
My album like a 'Rari, a lot of dope features
Glad you bought it, now sit back and just blow reefer
I know the concept behind it is gon' reach ya
Now turn this mufucka up and blow speakers
Ladies and gentleman
I would like to introduce to you
An incredible gentleman
He goes by the name Elijah Blake
Let's go
Laa, da da da dup da ah
Thought you love me before
I'm glad?
Every hood needs an anthem
Laa, da da da dup da ah
Winning comes with a price
No matter how hard you try
Can't buy freedom
We're far from being free
Yea we're far from being free
We're far from free
And last but definitely not least
I wanna send a special shout out, to my nigga James Harden
Another Los Angeles nigga carrying rockets
Ballin' on you bitches
blue11
This project is timeless... I've revisited it NUMEROUS times over the years
sharper7gr
As long as Game brings his work to our ears i can sleep easy knowing that west and hip hop are stiill alive.. Big ups .....
AngelHD123
Rip mf doom thank you for all your precious beats and letting other produce get a lil taste of it and give it a lil twist of their own! The sample is from mf doom - emblica officinalis, you’re welcome!
Skillz
This was a DOOM beat?
Keke Edordu
He might have a butterfly but this is soul music at its finest
random user
I completely agree. Kendrick is the first rapper in years (10+) that has struck the perfect balance between the quality of underground hip hop and the popularity and recognition of main stream. He crossed over but didn't sacrifice his style. That's what makes him so very talented and good.
Holtzy95
how do some people not feel this album??? classic
Cody
Fucking love this joint man. And people said this album was trash. This album is nice front to back
Juliette
Cette chanson est juste parfaite.
k. Johnny
he did his thang on this album i swear