Focus… grew up in Manhatten. His dad was a musician, who played bass for the group Chic and wrote all the hits along with his partner, Nile. He’s worked with Rod Stewart, Diana Ross or The Jacksons. He was the first producer Focus… looked up to and he was and still is his only idol. After his dad performed one last show in Japan, he died in his hotel room. His partner Nile had found him.
His dad taught him to play instruments. “He showed us more than taught us meaning we would watch him and pick it up on our own. I say we because i have 2 sisters and three borthers who all are musically inclined. I taught myself bass guitar, guitar, i had some training in drums and some training in piano. My main instrument is keys though”, so Focus… to www.Aftermathmusic.com .
His step in the music industry opened for him when he moved to LA. He started doing remixes, like Rodney Jerkins and a lot of the New York producers were doing. He knew he had a talent. Every meeting he would go to he was told he was a head of his time. So at the age of 13 he told himself if this is what he wants then by any means nessesary go get it. And that’s what he did.
At the age of 28 he was signed to Aftermath. Mike Lynn made it happen for him. He brought Focus… to Dr. Dre’s attention. And another cat by the name of Mone had brought an artist Focus… was producing at the time to Dr. Dre’s attention, too.
“Dre was like ‘let me hear this kid’. Next thing I know I’m at a meeting with Dre. I was buggin. His back was to the door I came in. We met at this spot in North Hollywood. And he was cool as hell. Real down to earth and real focused - no pun intended. I told him I was ready to work.”
They put him in the studio that day to work with Shaunta, Brooklyn and Truth Hurts (”Next to Me” and “Do me” were his cuts with her), all at the same time. Shaunta had taken 3, Truth took 2 and Brooklyn took 3. Aftermath liked the consistancy. So they let him stay.
Dr. Dre said to Focus…: ‘If you think you ready there’s a spot open.’ So Focus… jumped on it and is officially signed to Aftermath.
Not every producer can get a stamp of approval from super producer icon Dr. Dre. Focus… is building a platinum plus discography without killing the spotlight. In the last few years Focus… has produced for the likes of Busta Rhymes, Stat Quo, Bishop Lamont, The Game, The Outlawz, Truth Hurts, Beyonce, Destiny’s Child, 112, Jennifer Lopez, Petey Pablo and many others and he’s working on what is said to be Dr. Dre’s last solo effort titled, Detox. He has have submitted close to 50 beats for Detox so Focus… is definitely looking forward to being a part of this highly anticipated album.
“I dont want to be anything, but a legendary producer.”
Introduction
Focus... Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
[Focus... :]
It's now or never...
Like Em said, "You only get one shot"
Got everything to gain, and a lot to lose...
Listen... [thunder cracks]
J Dilla, the World Trade, and New York City
I lost religion but STILL hopin that God's with me
Prayin that the haters never up and come get me
I keep my sons with me, hopin they never hear .350 [gunshot]
7 Mag, give 'em what I never had quickly
I lost a lot of fake friends cause I'm mad busy
I TRY to bring 'em with me, but niggaz is mad iffy
I let a lotta hoes trick me
Now I'm so picky, ain't no woman wanna roll with me
Give me pussy cause these bitches think I know 50
And Eminem, and then they wonder why I act shitty
Yeah I know Dre, but what's that got to do with me?
The industry is really actin like they through with me
They say I'm hot, but won't have nothin else to do with me
Screws with me, then the motherfuckin truth hit me
Stay dedicated to ya sons and to ya fam
They the ONLY ones that love me and really know who I am
I'm Focus... second, but first I'm a fuckin man
Dedicated before, but now I finally understand
I'm dedicated... [echoes]
[two slow heartbeats is heard]
The song "Introduction" by Focus... begins with 20 seconds of wind blowing followed by a heartbeat sound. The rapper then starts rapping about how life is too precious and that one has to make the most of their life. He references Eminem's "Lose Yourself" with the line "Like Em said, 'You only get one shot'", pointing out that life is short and that one needs to take advantage of every opportunity. He then talks about how he has lost a lot in his life, including his parents, famous rappers like Biggie and J Dilla, and the tragedy of 9/11. He regrets losing his religion but still hopes that God is with him. He prays that the haters never come for him, and he keeps his sons close to him, hoping that they will not have to experience the same loss that he did.
Focus... then talks about how he has lost a lot of fake friends because he is busy. He raps about trying to bring them with him, but they are not supportive, and he had to let them go. He also talks about regretting trusting some women who tricked him. Now, he is very selective, and no woman wants to be with him unless they think he knows famous rappers like 50 Cent and Eminem. He understands that the music industry is fickle, and he may not always be "hot," but he remains dedicated to his sons and his family. They are the only ones who love him and truly know him, and he is first and foremost a man before he is a rapper. He has learned to be dedicated to what truly matters in life.
Line by Line Meaning
It's now or never...
This is the time to act, there is no more time for waiting
Like Em said, "You only get one shot"
As Eminem famously rapped, life only gives you one chance, and this is it
Got everything to gain, and a lot to lose...
There is much to gain from taking action, but also a lot to lose if it goes wrong
Listen... [thunder cracks]
Pay attention, something important is about to be said or happen
I lost a lot in my life - moms, my pops, Biggie
I have experienced a great deal of loss in my life, including the deaths of my mother, father, and the rapper Notorious B.I.G.
J Dilla, the World Trade, and New York City
I have also experienced the loss of producer J Dilla, the events of September 11th, and the city of New York as a whole
I lost religion but STILL hopin that God's with me
Although I have lost my faith in religion, I still hold onto the hope that there is a higher power looking out for me
Prayin that the haters never up and come get me
I am hoping that those who dislike or have ill intentions towards me never try to harm me
I keep my sons with me, hopin they never hear .350 [gunshot]
I always keep my children close to me, and I hope they never have to hear the sound of gunfire
7 Mag, give 'em what I never had quickly
I will provide for my children and give them what I never had, and do so as fast as possible
I lost a lot of fake friends cause I'm mad busy
I have lost many friends who were not genuine because of my busy schedule
I TRY to bring 'em with me, but niggaz is mad iffy
Although I try to include them in my success, some of these friends are hesitant or unreliable
I let a lotta hoes trick me
I have made mistakes in allowing women to deceive or take advantage of me
Now I'm so picky, ain't no woman wanna roll with me
Because of this, I have become more selective in my relationships and not many women want to be with me
Give me pussy cause these bitches think I know 50
Some women are attracted to me because they believe I have connections with famous rapper 50 Cent
And Eminem, and then they wonder why I act shitty
These same women also expect me to introduce them to Eminem, and then become upset when I cannot fulfill their expectations
Yeah I know Dre, but what's that got to do with me?
I may know the famous rapper and producer Dr. Dre, but that does not necessarily benefit me personally
The industry is really actin like they through with me
The music industry seems to be done with me, and no longer interested in supporting or promoting my work
They say I'm hot, but won't have nothin else to do with me
Despite being considered talented and successful, many in the industry are not interested in working with me further
Screws with me, then the motherfuckin truth hit me
When the world seems to be working against me, the harsh reality of my situation becomes clear
Stay dedicated to ya sons and to ya fam
I urge others to remain committed to their families, especially their children
They the ONLY ones that love me and really know who I am
My family is the only group of people who truly love me and understand my true self
I'm Focus... second, but first I'm a fuckin man
Although I am known as "Focus...", I am first and foremost a human being with emotions and struggles
Dedicated before, but now I finally understand
I have always been dedicated in my work, but now I have a deeper understanding of what really matters in life
Contributed by Mia T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
John G
I learn something useful every time I watch these - and I'm reminded how mediocre public school classes were for me.
"Why didn't anyone teach me this in school?" My math classes were being given information to accept and regurgitate rather than understand the how or why. But at the end of the day I can't complain too much - we are responsible for ourselves.
Brent Lally
Well, hopefully services like Khan Academy will raise the bar. Teaching is tough and a skill not easily acquired. I'm sure there are many teachers who are learning how to teach with Khan. And if none of that is the case, at least students today have this to help them. I sure wish I had had Khan Academy. I'm learning more as an adult than I learned when younger. And, maybe I simply appreciate it more. Sal is a shining star in the world of education, that's for sure!
Al Gallero / アル ガイエーロ
Well said.
Your Royal Highness
As always, this is amazing. Very helpful
Brent Lally
Everything is so crystal clear with Khan. Thanks!
rushabh waghela
its outstanding i am clear about parabola tysm sir
Abdullah Al Tahin
Great sir
Your videos all are unique and marvellous!
Janglee
You're the best! Best teacher ever!
Aditya Kudale
Always wanted this :) thank you sal
sebastian cuello
I can't wait to start using these concepts in calculus next semester