Freestyle Fellowship was formed at the Good Life Café in LA during the early to mid 90s. Originally they were just a group of friends that met up at the Good Life's open mic sessions. The original Freestyle Fellowship consisted of over 50 members. The Emcees known as Freestyle Fellowship were the members that consistently came to the most open mic sessions.
Officially forming in 1991 and releasing the underground track To Whom It May Concern, the Fellowship became known in tape-trading circles, identified by their range in rhyming, at times bordering on scat, and Afrocentric messages over jazz inspired beat production. Their 1993 release, Innercity Griots is acknowledged by many to be among the most influential albums in the history of real hip hop.[citation needed]Aceyalone, the most prolific artist of the group in terms of solo album releases, is known for such works as All Balls Don't Bounce and Love and Hate, a cooperative album with producer RJD2. Mikah 9, P.E.A.C.E. and Self Jupiter also had solo releases, affirming the group's position as showcase for the varied and individual talents of the individual MC. Each member continues a part time commitment to the original group, most recently making a 2005 appearance on a compilation for Los Angeles based label Project Blowed, with the track "Outro".
Mary
Freestyle Fellowship Lyrics
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Mary
M-M-M-M-M-M-M-Mary
M-M-M-M-M-M-M-Mary
Mary make my mind imminent, make mine m-melody delightful?
give me the funk, a blunt if not some give me the spliff
a pipe full
chocolate, gotta get raided
don't be afraid, take a toke and choke until you kill it
just go away with the smoke and smoke until you feel it
Miss Mary-juana want to marry me and make me happy
I know you want to, I can see your green eyes starin' at me
Those who know can understand the life of Mary
Those who glow, they live the life of lovin Mary
Those who grow can see the life preserve in Mary
Those opposed...
Mikah 9:
Do you want to know how to control and separate your ego from your soul?
come follow me, come follow me equality grows
and those who oppose legality then their faility shows
their virtu-o-so, it won't hurt you, no
so, roll, roll, roll your joint and anoint
to the point ??? to ignite
get a light, better strike
a match a bright green batch
of buddha, tye, indo, the sess
would it tie into your stress
yes, yes, this is cannabis
indeed I mean ?
M-M-M, M-M-M, M-M-M, M-M-M-M-M-M-M-Mary
boss, buds, got you in love
took a tug and presto blood vessels
love the drug into your system
you're feelin' high, your inner eye
oh my, see the sky, good bye
it's everywhere so why do they lie
you want to try to deny, be shy
what a guy, can you keep a secret?
hemp is a temporary pimp for those that need
he know not, but a hot bowl of pot to free his soul
and one planted seed
Aceyalone:
M-M-M-M-M-M-M-Mary
some call you ganjah, pot, grass, ???, gold
take an indo load, in load, unload, take a hit, hold, sold
at the nearest corner right down the road
the more he growed, he showed, unfold a twenty and get blowed
it glowed in the dark, so park your car and spark a bowl
whether young or old we all love M-M-M-M-M-M-M-Mary
and since me no sense is illegal
I'mma toke on my blunt and smoke when I want and fly...
M-M-M-M-M-M-M-Mary
Mary Bell, Mary Mack, Mary Tyler Moore/more sacks
Mary Jane attracts merry kings and Queen Marys
Mary sings fifteen Marys
Mary has a little thing for green Marys
the government is lovin' it, you dealin' it
they killin' it
so I defend the herbal blessing with verbal expression
so roll, roll, roll your joint gently at the seams
merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily, life is not a dream
The song 'Mary' by Freestyle Fellowship is an ode to marijuana. The lyrics of Aceyalone and Mikah 9 revolve around the various aspects of the drug and its effects on people. The repeated chorus of "Those who know can understand the life of Mary, Those who glow, they live the life of loving Mary, Those who grow can see the life preserved in Mary" highlights the perception of people towards the herb who understand the joys and peace that it has to offer. Aceyalone's first verse begins by addressing Mary as a partner who makes his mind imminent and his melodies delightful. He talks about how taking a hit of the drug is stimulating and helps in killing stress. Mikah 9's verse talks about how the drug elevates one's thoughts and brings about a sense of equality in people. Both artists advocate for the use of marijuana for its ability to free one's soul and help achieve inner peace while defending it against its illegal status.
The song speaks about the euphoria in getting high on marijuana and how it brings people closer together despite the prejudices and division created around the world. The artists use different terms to refer to the herb like 'indo,' 'sess,' 'buddha' highlighting the cultural diversity of the users. The song reveals the artists' perception towards marijuana as a 'herbal blessing' that helps people achieve a stress-free life.
Line by Line Meaning
Mary make my mind imminent, make mine m-melody delightful?
I want Mary (marijuana) to make my mind and music more lively and enjoyable.
give me the funk, a blunt if not some give me the spliff
Give me some good music and some marijuana to smoke.
a pipe full chocolate, gotta get raided
I want a bit of cake and to enjoy some marijuana cigarettes.
take a hit, shake a bit, I'm stimulated
After smoking marijuana, I become more active and creative.
don't be afraid, take a toke and choke until you kill it
Don't be scared, just smoke as much marijuana as you can handle.
just go away with the smoke and smoke until you feel it
Just let the smoke engulf you until you feel its effects.
Miss Mary-juana want to marry me and make me happy
Marijuana has become such a pleasurable thing in my life that it's like a spouse to me.
I know you want to, I can see your green eyes starin' at me
Aceyalone feels that marijuana is calling for him to indulge in it more.
Those who know can understand the life of Mary
Only those who partake in marijuana can truly understand its effects on one's mind and body.
Those who glow, they live the life of lovin Mary
Those who use marijuana regularly are more relaxed and happy because of it.
Those who grow can see the life preserve in Mary
Those who grow marijuana have a greater appreciation for the plant and its effects.
Do you want to know how to control and separate your ego from your soul?
Would you like to achieve greater self-awareness and mindfulness in your life?
come follow me, come follow me equality grows
Mikah 9 wants listeners to join him in promoting equality and fairness for all people.
and those who oppose legality then their faility shows
Those who oppose marijuana's legalization are shortsighted and ultimately fail.
their virtu-o-so, it won't hurt you, no
The use of marijuana doesn't cause harm, contrary to what some people may believe.
so, roll, roll, roll your joint and anoint
Roll your marijuana cigarette and enjoy its effects.
a match a bright green batch of buddha, tye, indo, the sess
Use a bright match to light up a high-quality strain of marijuana.
would it tie into your stress yes, yes, this is cannabis
Marijuana can help alleviate stress and anxiety.
boss, buds, got you in love
The quality of marijuana itself can be alluring and makes you fall in love with it.
took a tug and presto blood vessels love the drug into your system
As soon as you smoke marijuana, it quickly enters your bloodstream and affects your body.
you're feelin' high, your inner eye oh my, see the sky, good bye
After smoking marijuana, you feel euphoric and may observe things that may not have been noticeable otherwise.
it's everywhere so why do they lie you want to try to deny, be shy
Marijuana is readily available and yet there are people who are ashamed of admitting to using it.
what a guy, can you keep a secret?
Marijuana can be stigmatized because of societal perceptions, and Aceyalone doesn't want it to be a secret thing.
hemp is a temporary pimp for those that need he know not, but a hot bowl of pot to free his soul
Marijuana can have healing effects for those who use it to alleviate physical and mental ailments.
Mary Bell, Mary Mack, Mary Tyler Moore/more sacks
Marijuana can be referred to as many different names and can take many forms.
Mary Jane attracts merry kings and Queen Marys
Marijuana use can be enjoyed by people of many different social standings.
Mary sings fifteen Marys
Marijuana shares its name with many famous musical artists.
Mary has a little thing for green Marys
Marijuana enthusiasts enjoy high-quality marijuana strains that look and smell amazing.
the government is lovin' it, you dealin' it they killin' it
The government enjoys the benefits of marijuana taxes, but individuals dealing with the substance may be punished.
so I defend the herbal blessing with verbal expression
Aceyalone defends marijuana and its benefits through his music.
so roll, roll, roll your joint gently at the seams merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily, life is not a dream
When smoking marijuana, one should roll the joint with care and relish the happiness it brings.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: KIM GORDON, LEE M. RANALDO, STEVEN JAY SHELLEY, THURSTON JOSEPH MOORE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Eric Draven
word, there's so many good life emcees you can hear in pieces of bone.. but i do have to give them props for how cleverly they mixed the styles so it's hard to put your finger on exactly, especially with how underground a lot of that shit is. but seriously on crossroads, you can hear even their vocal tone mirroring myka at times, ESPECIALLY krayzie.. he sounds SOOOO MUCH like myka on that track it's scary.
fernandoiscrazy
This track does mix the melodic rapping which is influenced by Jazz Scatt. I would say that Freestyle Fellowship was more Jazz influenced where Bone was more R&B influenced. You never hear a low voice mixed with a high voice in FF they were just flowing in a melodic jazz style. Where Bone's style would be like mini-choruses mixing and overlapping harmonies. Bone adds "HARMONY" to their flow FF don't harmonize with each other Both are REGGAE influenced
LFiers
fernandoiscrazy Wow! Perfectly put dude. Very logical and accurate analysis. People are quick to jump and act like it's the same. Not quite.
HOSTYLE 619SD
Bro you put this in such a great way
Both these groups are pioneers
LiL Essa
No …. Bone heard this song and made 100s of songs and made their whole style from this song bruh
Mikey babyBABY
When Bone came out they were the kings of rap. Most people didn't hear this then. Bone bit this joint extra hard.
CAPSOL
Real recognize real....and those who were big hip hop fans in the early 90's know how many trails this blazed and styles this album birthed.
Self Jupiter
their artist to sound like the new thing..been doing it for years...it's not speculation..its fact. we had conversation wit easy and dr. dre many times..back then..just wanted to shine some light on the 85vrs..maybe i should put it all in a book..THATS IT!! A BOOK!! FRESTYLE FELLOWSHIP..THE PROMISE ALBUM SOON!! BIG UPS FF FANS..MUCH LOVE!!
Mr.E 93tilinfinity
Self Jupiter Thanks for the knowledge, the styles, and the honesty throughout the years of recording sounds! PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE write that Fellowship Lost Years novel!!! Young heads like myself need to be put up on the Wisdom of the Griots so we can harness the tool that is OriGinality and hone it so that it can be applied in every facet of life. I also really wanna know about the FF/Bone Thugs and FF/Hiero battles. Acey hinted at something about FF flying out to E 99 and battling Bone. That would be cool to include in the book as well! I’m still patiently waiting for that Freestyle Fellowship Experience album I hear is in the works!!!!
P.S.
Condolences for your loss of Heavyweight Ganjah KMC. May he Rest In Power so that his “legacy lives on” through his music, his actions, and his enormous positive influence. OG’s will never die!
mynock77
didnt ya only appear on half the album and them kicked to the curb????