Eventually taken in by his uncle, Fashawn spent his teenage years calling First & Shields Ave in Fresno, California his home. Here is where he would find skating, the distractions of the streets, and the pursuance of his music career to be more rewarding than school. Yet, he had a constant thirst for knowledge that extended beyond the streets, so he became an avid reader with an affinity towards non-fiction and motivational books.
In 2006, Fashawn released his first mixtape, “Grizzly City”. Catching the attention of fellow Fresno emcee, Planet Asia, Fashawn was invited to go on the road with him. Knowing this was a chance of a lifetime; the then 17-year-old emcee dropped out of school to follow his dreams and has never looked back.
Since then he’s had the honor of working with two of the Mid-West’s premier DJs, Mick Boogie and Terry Urban on the Orisue clothing sponsored “One Shot One Kill” mixtape, and with Hip-Hop internet heavyweights OnSmash.com and NahRight.com on his “Higher Learning” mixtape. Both efforts garnered him nationwide recognition.
Fashawn has also been fortunate enough to work in the studio with DJ Muggs, DJ Khalil, Evidence, The Alchemist, Aloe Blacc, U-N-I, and Planet Asia, as well as on the stage with The Roots.
Recognized as a leader in Central California's hip hop scene, steering a vibrant pack of young artists with his innovative style and originality in his music, Fashawn is more than ready to take on the world with his debut album Boy Meets World. Produced entirely by Los Angeles native Exile, “’Boy Meets World’ is just a story about a kid growing up,” explains Fashawn. “It’s my story, it’s very honest, it’s very in depth. So whatever you thought you knew about me, listen to this and you’ll really get a good look at who I am. It’s going to be classic.” FRY ONE
Freedom
Fashawn Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
"Livin' my life, expressin' my liberty
It gotta be done properly" "done properly"
[Verse 1:]
My patterns is unmatched
I leave MC's hunchbacked with one rap
Guaranteed no comeback
Made a lot of niggas retire, I be ya highness
Sucka MC's might as well call me a sire
Just shootin' the breeze
Fuck a plane, I take you higher
This is rap for my niggas that pack, push packs
To the citizens, fakin' no jax and we militant
Straight up out the trenches
Young black and gifted
Slung sacks ridiculous, done that, you kiddin'?
160, but with a pen, I feel brolic
I can still knowledge, bang out hits like Phil Collins
Duck tail with the Starter cap, way before the rap
I was pullin' ho's, kickin' verses off the dome
Now I'm movin' up, I can't even front
Should be in the pen for all the shit I done did
But I'm livin' my life
[Hook]
[Verse 2:]
Yeah, you are now about the witness the strength of street knowledge
Give it to 'em
Knowledge increase it, college enroll
Captivity, leave it, keep dreamin', goals
Power, money, spend it with control
God, life, mind, body and soul
Reach one, teach one, young to the old
History's a mystery and lies were sold
Positive reality, luxury homes
Bentley, Ferrari, Jaguar, Rolls
Royce's, racism, royalty, gold
Conflict diamonds, the world is cold
Niggas, bitches, freedom, senses
CPS infants, the future, the children
Addiction, supplements, hustlin', pimpin'
Fame, jealousy, pain, redemption
Politics, bullshit, ignorant content
Conscious nonsense, the mind is complex
Progress, the president, the people, the projects
Progress, the president, the people, the projects
[Hook]
In Fashawn’s song “Freedom”, he takes on a reflective and introspective tone as he raps about his life and experiences. The hook, provided by a Talib Kweli sample, emphasizes the importance of living life and expressing one’s freedom properly. Fashawn’s lyrics in the first verse boast of his skills as a rapper, claiming that he is unmatched and that even one rap from him can leave other MCs hunchbacked. He also speaks about his past experiences in the trenches, as a young black man slinging drugs, but now he's moving up in life.
In the second verse, Fashawn’s lyrics shift to more societal issues. He talks about reaching one and teaching one to build a better future for younger generations. He also touches on complex political issues, such as racism, the conflict diamonds trade, and the difficulties within impoverished communities. Fashawn juxtaposes mundane and gritty life experiences with more abstract concepts, highlighting the complexities of life and society.
Overall, “Freedom” by Fashawn is a thought-provoking and poignant song that blends witty and skillful rapping with insightful and reflective lyricism.
Line by Line Meaning
Livin' my life, expressin' my liberty
I am living my life and expressing my freedom to the fullest extent.
It gotta be done properly, done properly
It's important to express my freedom in the right way.
My patterns is unmatched
My unique style and approach is unparalleled.
I leave MC's hunchbacked with one rap
I defeat other rappers with a single line.
Guaranteed no comeback
I leave no room for a response or rebuttal.
I run laps around 'em, roll like Dunlap tires
I easily surpass and outperform my competitors.
Made a lot of niggas retire, I be ya highness
My skills and dominance have caused many other rappers to quit, and I am a king in this field.
Sucka MC's might as well call me a sire
Incompetent rappers can refer to me as their superior or leader.
Just shootin' the breeze
I am casually and effortlessly spitting rhymes.
Fuck a plane, I take you higher
I can take you to the next level solely with my skills rather than any extrinsic factors.
This is rap for my niggas that pack, push packs
My audience includes those who sell drugs and carry weapons.
To the citizens, fakin' no jax and we militant
We are honest citizens who are also fiercely committed to our cause.
Straight up out the trenches
I come from a background of struggle and hardship.
Young black and gifted
I am a young black man with extraordinary talents.
Slung sacks ridiculous, done that, you kiddin'?
I have sold and transported illegal drugs, and it's absurd to think otherwise.
160, but with a pen, I feel brolic
I have a small frame, but my pen is my weapon and source of power.
I can still knowledge, bang out hits like Phil Collins
I have the ability to produce both enlightening and popular music.
Duck tail with the Starter cap, way before the rap
I had a unique hairstyle and fashion sense prior to becoming a rapper.
I was pullin' ho's, kickin' verses off the dome
I was engaging in sexual activities and freestyling.
Now I'm movin' up, I can't even front
I am progressing in my career and can't hide it or deny it.
Should be in the pen for all the shit I done did
I have committed illegal acts and should be in jail for them.
But I'm livin' my life
However, I am still living my life and moving forward.
Knowledge increase it, college enroll
Gain knowledge through education, enroll in college.
Captivity, leave it, keep dreamin', goals
Escape from limiting circumstances, keep dreaming and striving towards goals.
Power, money, spend it with control
Have power and wealth, but use it responsibly and with caution.
God, life, mind, body and soul
Focus on spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being.
Reach one, teach one, young to the old
Pass on knowledge and wisdom to all ages.
History's a mystery and lies were sold
History can be unclear or unreliable, and false information was spread.
Positive reality, luxury homes
Focus on positive experiences and aspirations for upscale living.
Bentley, Ferrari, Jaguar, Rolls
Mentioning luxury car brands associated with wealth.
Royce's, racism, royalty, gold
Refers to Rolls Royce cars, referencing classism, royalty, and wealth.
Conflict diamonds, the world is cold
Diamonds are often obtained through unethical practices, and the world can be harsh and cruel.
Niggas, bitches, freedom, senses
Mentions common topics and themes in rap culture and also references the concepts of freedom and awareness.
CPS infants, the future, the children
Refers to children and their well-being, particularly addressing the issue of infants in the Child Protective Services system.
Addiction, supplements, hustlin', pimpin'
Mentions various practices and issues associated with drug use, supplements, and illegal activities.
Fame, jealousy, pain, redemption
Topics related to fame, emotional and physical pain, and the possibility of redemption or healing.
Politics, bullshit, ignorant content
Criticism of political discourse and widespread misinformation.
Conscious nonsense, the mind is complex
Mentions the complexities of the mind and the potential for contradiction in one's conscious decisions.
Progress, the president, the people, the projects
References progress in society, the role of the president, the importance of the people, and the significance of public projects.
Contributed by Alice H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
C Clark
Nice
iration3
Samples Carl Bradney "Slipping into Darkness"