They are known for the 2006 single, "Where'd You Go", which features Holly Brook and Jonah Matranga, and also his single, "Remember the Name". Thus far, Fort Minor has released one album, 2005's The Rising Tied (as well as one mixtape, FMInvasion - We Major, which featured DJ Green Lantern), and also has a fan club similar to Linkin Park Underground, titled Fort Minor Militia.
Mike Shinoda's plan was to make music while enjoying time with his friends, who include Ryu, Tak, and many other leading musical artists.
Fort Minor's first major album The Rising Tied, features 16 tracks (with three bonus tracks on the Limited Edition), many of which are specific to the lives of Shinoda and his collaborators. "Remember the Name", for example, describes the group's views on being rappers, while "Kenji" describes the experiences of Shinoda's family during the Japanese American internment of World War II. Other tracks, such as "Slip Out the Back" which features Joe Hahn of Linkin Park, have more general lyrical themes. In the lyrics of the track "Get Me Gone", Shinoda says that before the debut album of Linkin Park came out, someone at Warner Bros. Records told him to quit rapping and just play keyboards because the band didn't need an MC in addition to a singer. He goes on to say that with the help of the band, Mike released the album as it was and many critics were silenced.
Fort Minor won Ringtone of the Year for "Where'd You Go" at the 2006 MTV Video Music Awards.
In mid August of 2006 Fort Minor performed at the Summer Sonic 2006 along side Linkin Park and other bands.
In November of 2006, Fort Minor released a video for "Remember the Name", which features a montage of various amazing feats. Shinoda has stated he felt the video was a nice wrap-up for Fort Minor. Also in November, Shinoda stated that Fort Minor is on hiatus, because of his dedication to Linkin Park.
As of August 19, 2006, Fort Minor's debut album has sold 400,000 copies.
In 2006, Holly Brook released an exclusive version of 'Where'd You Go?' to radio stations, made completely by Holly Brook. Mike does not appear on this version, which can be heard by request on various American radio stations.
In 2015, after Shinoda teased it on his own and Fort Minor's social media, the stand-alone single Welcome was released on June 21.
High Road
Fort Minor Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
These people are running off at the mouth
Trying to convince me that I'm running on empty
Trying to convince themselves that the record with Jay was a fluke
That the record that I'm making is a mistake
And I can't take this
Let me tell you where I'm at with this
I'm not plastic and fake
When I make tracks I take facts and lay them out for the masses
You assholes are gonna see soon that I'm not playing
And start asking me the names that I'm not saying
But I'm trying to be bigger than the bickering
Bigger than the petty name calling
Under-the-breath talking
Rumors and labels and categorization
I'm like a struggling doctor, no patients
But you can say what you want about me
Keep talking while I'm walking away
You can say what you have to say
'Cause my mind's made up anyway
I'm taking the high road going above you
This is the last time that I'm gonna trust you
You can say what you have to say
'Cause my mind's made up anyway
All that bullshit you talk might work a lot
But it's not gonna work today
Mike
You people are running off at the mouth
Trying to make me take myself off safety
Trying to make my friends turn their backs on the team we've built
Building up some mistaken information
And I can't take this
Let me spell it out plain for you
Angry groups complaining about the things we do
I'm not changing direction, I'm stepping my game up
Maintaining my name, same way that I came up
You're gonna see that I'm not playing
And start asking the names that I'm not saying
But I'm tryin not to mention the names of people who wanna siphon attention
You like the hype but pretending you're part of the picture won't pass
You're like a high school dropout, no class
You can say what you want about me
Keep talking while I'm walking away
Why does it always have to be
Somebody's always watching me
All I really need is some room to breathe
Is anybody out there listening
'Cause I can't stand to keep this in
All I really want I'll say again
Fort Minor's "High Road" is a song that details the frustration and anger that the artist is feeling towards his critics. The lyrics describe how the artist is tired of people talking about him behind his back and trying to convince him that his music is a mistake. He goes on to express his desire to rise above the petty bickering, name-calling, and rumors, and to take the high road by staying focused on his music and ignoring his detractors. He describes how he's not plastic or fake and lays out the facts for his audience in his tracks.
Mike Shinoda, the rapper and vocalist of Fort Minor, expresses his frustration and anger towards people who are trying to make him take himself off safety and turn his friends against him. He talks about how they are building up some mistaken information and complaining about the things he's been doing. Shinoda is adamant about not changing the direction of his music and stepping up his game. He also mentions his desire not to give attention to those who seek to siphon attention, and he compares them to high school dropouts with no class. The song concludes with Shinoda expressing his desire to be listened to and acknowledged, stating that all he wants is some room to breathe.
Line by Line Meaning
These people are running off at the mouth
Other people are talking too much and not minding their own business.
Trying to convince me that I'm running on empty
They are trying to tell me that I have no more energy, that I'm tired.
Trying to convince themselves that the record with Jay was a fluke
They believe the successful record I made with Jay-Z was just a lucky coincidence.
That the record that I'm making is a mistake
They think the new music I'm creating is a poor choice and won't be successful.
And I can't take this
I am fed up with all the negative comments and criticism.
Let me tell you where I'm at with this
I'm going to explain my position.
You bastards are gonna have to take back that shit
People need to retract their negative comments and apologize.
I'm not plastic and fake
I am authentic and true to myself.
When I make tracks I take facts and lay them out for the masses
My music is based on truth and I present it to my fans.
You assholes are gonna see soon that I'm not playing
People will soon realize that I'm serious and won't tolerate disrespect.
And start asking me the names that I'm not saying
People may wonder who I'm talking about, but I won't name names.
But I'm trying to be bigger than the bickering
I am attempting to rise above petty arguments and drama.
Bigger than the petty name calling
I won't engage in childish name-calling.
Under-the-breath talking
People talking behind my back, secretly.
Rumors and labels and categorization
People are making up stories about me and trying to put me into a specific category.
I'm like a struggling doctor, no patients
I am a struggling artist with no support or patience from others.
But you can say what you want about me
People are free to say whatever they want about me.
Keep talking while I'm walking away
I'm not going to stick around and listen to their negativity.
You can say what you have to say
People can express their thoughts and opinions.
'Cause my mind's made up anyway
But I am confident in my own decisions and beliefs.
I'm taking the high road going above you
I am choosing to take the high road and not engage in negativity.
This is the last time that I'm gonna trust you
I won't trust those who have mistreated me in the past.
All that bullshit you talk might work a lot
Their negative comments and lies may sometimes be effective.
But it's not gonna work today
But I won't let it get to me today.
Mike
Addressing the artist himself, Mike Shinoda.
Trying to make me take myself off safety
They want me to be vulnerable and exposed.
Trying to make my friends turn their backs on the team we've built
They are trying to break apart the strong connections I have with my friends and collaborators.
Building up some mistaken information
They are creating and spreading false ideas and rumors.
And I can't take this
I am sick of their behavior and can't take it anymore.
Let me spell it out plain for you
I am going to make my thoughts and feelings clear.
Angry groups complaining about the things we do
There are angry people who are unhappy with our actions and decisions.
I'm not changing direction, I'm stepping my game up
I am not going to change my approach, but instead improve and elevate what I already do.
Maintaining my name, same way that I came up
I am going to stay true to my roots and maintain the same standards I had when I first started.
Why does it always have to be
I am wondering why there always has to be conflict and drama.
Somebody's always watching me
I feel like there is always someone criticizing and observing me.
All I really need is some room to breathe
All I want is some peace and space to be myself and create.
Is anybody out there listening
I am questioning if anyone is actually paying attention.
'Cause I can't stand to keep this in
I need to express my thoughts and emotions before they become overwhelming.
All I really want I'll say again
I am going to reiterate my desires and needs.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: MIKE SHINODA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Monow
Lyrics :
[Intro: Mike Shinoda]
Let's go, ya'll
[Verse 1: Mike Shinoda]
These people are running off at the mouth
Trying to convince me that I'm running on empty
Trying to convince themselves
That the record with Jay was a fluke
That the record that I'm making is a mistake
And I can't take this
Let me tell you where I'm at with this
You bastards are gonna have to take back that shit
I'm not plastic and fake
When I make tracks, I take facts and lay them out for the masses
You assholes are gonna see soon that I'm not playing
Start asking me the names that I'm not saying
But I'm trying to be bigger than the bickering
Bigger than the petty name calling, under-the-breath talking
Rumors and labels and categorization
I'm like a struggling doctor, no patients
But you can say what you want about me
Keep talking while I'm walking away (bitches)
[Chorus: John Legend]
You can say what you have to say
'Cause my mind's made up, anyway
I'm taking the high road going above you
This is the last time that I'm gonna trust you
You can say what you have to say
'Cause my mind's made up anyway
All that bullshit you talk might work a lot
But it's not gonna work, today
[Verse 2: Mike Shinoda]
You people are running off at the mouth
Trying to make me take myself off safety
Trying to make my friends turn their backs
On the team we built
Building up some mistaken information
And I can't take this
Let me spell it out plain for you
Angry groups complain about the things we do
I'm not changing direction, I'm stepping my game up
Maintaining my name, the same way I came up
You're gonna see that I'm not playing And Start asking me the names that I'm not saying
But I'm trying not to mention the names of people
Who wanna siphon attention, you like the hype
But pretending you're part of the picture won't pass
You're like a high school dropout, no class
You can say what you want about me
Keep talking while I'm walking away, bitch
[Chorus: John Legend]
You can say what you have to say
'Cause my mind's made up, anyway
I'm taking the high road going above you
This is the last time that I'm gonna trust you
You can say what you have to say
'Cause my mind's made up anyway
All that bullshit you talk might work a lot
But it's not gonna work, today
[Bridge: John Legend]
Why does it always have to be
Somebody's always watching me
All I really need is some room to breathe, breathe, breathe
Is anybody out there, listening?
'Cause I can't stand to keep this in
All I really want, I'll say it again, yeah, yeah
(Like that)
[Chorus: John Legend]
You can say what you have to say
'Cause my mind's made up, anyway
I'm taking the high road going above you
This is the last time that I'm gonna trust you
You can say what you have to say
'Cause my mind's made up anyway
All that bullshit you talk might work a lot
But it's not gonna work, today
@sydnib9479
Mike Shinoda is the most underrated rapper ever. Love him.
@literallystingy2858
Sydni S I know right. 😣
@redfather5342
4real
@cainification
And producer
@musicaccount3340
I think he's pretty rated.
@Tboss8910
@@musicaccount3340 how? Most people dont even know him
@MrQ000000
John Legend absolutely nailed that chorus.
@fredfredburger3615
So true.
@KenanVideos
+MrQ000000 ayy
@dhruvishvmistry4511
yes !! I love em