In 1999, Gentleman released his first album Trodin on and in 2002, his 2nd longplayer Journey to Jah. His album Confidence climbed to number 1 on the German album charts in 2004.
2007: Another Intensity
His career began with the collaboration of the band Freundekreis which produced the song “Tabula Rasa.” After beginning his career as dancehall deejay , his music oriented to the classic form of the reggae, as it was between 1970 and 1985, with artists as Bob Marley, Max Romeo, Jacob Miller, Junior Murvin, Devon Irons, Burning Spear and Black Uhuru. He sings mainly in Jamaica Patois English. With songs like “Send A Prayer” Gentleman expresses his deep belief in God from an universal religious persepctive. His album Confidence climbed to number 1 on the German album charts in 2004.
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Gentleman is also an Indie(ish) band from Maryland. Members of The Summer We Went West, Dawn Treader, Monument, etc.
Allstar Jam
Gentleman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
fi bun down saddam and go more up bun buckingham everyday
worry a nuh stray
we now inna hear say hey nah layed, lay nah come fi play
we tell ya tie dem glamorous, bitteres, we a move conscious
de pulls up in a dem legs as and now thinks are dem a dangerous
put a faya pon deh wake they cant stop us
ignore and bumbo you'll soon a collaborate
gwaan we a go celebrate, time fi you fi face
you cyaan take wha fi do cause we'll set deh pain, nowadays
Son we nah fit in a dem counting, a rist, and then
no relieness in di business, wie did da chief, one spin twice
shine no real truths ago release, hypocrits and parasites
yuh soon ago freeze, fi nah stop bunin justice and plant ganja
chase deh politics, turn ina herbalist we would a live in peace
meh go so than
In the opening lines of Gentleman's "Allstar Jam", the artist expresses his desire to see Saddam Hussein burned down while simultaneously wishing harm on Buckingham Palace. He follows this with a reminder that worry shouldn't be a distraction, implying that there are more pressing issues beyond concerns about safety or well-being. The artist then expresses a desire for glitz and glamour, but insists that he and his crew move with intention and thoughtfulness. He goes on to warn against following those who are dangerous or ridiculous, instead urging listeners to light a fire and keep pressing forward.
Throughout the song, there is a sense of urgency and purpose. Gentleman is advocating for action and change, rather than simply complaining or wringing one's hands over problems. The lyrics imply a desire to shake up the status quo and push back against oppressive systems or individuals. The repeated reference to fire and burning is a powerful and visceral image, symbolizing both destruction and transformation.
One interesting fact about "Allstar Jam" is that it features multiple artists, including Anthony B, Warrior King, and Determine, all of whom contribute their unique voices and perspectives to the song. Additionally, the song became a hit in Europe and was featured on various compilations. Its strong political and social message resonated with audiences, particularly in the wake of the Iraq War and other global conflicts. The song's use of patois and Jamaican slang adds to its authenticity, and highlights the importance of music as a platform for cultural expression and activism.
Line by Line Meaning
mi sing five til hardway
I sing my song in five parts, a reference to the musical structure of the song.
fi bun down saddam and go more up bun buckingham everyday
I voice my opposition to those in power, whether it be Saddam Hussein or the British monarchy.
worry a nuh stray
Don't be worried or distracted, stay focused on the cause.
we now inna hear say hey nah layed, lay nah come fi play
We don't just talk about our beliefs, we act on them and won't be stopped.
we tell ya tie dem glamorous, bitteres, we a move conscious
We reject the shallow and superficial aspects of society and instead strive to be conscious and mindful of our actions.
de pulls up in a dem legs as and now thinks are dem a dangerous
People may think they are powerful because of their appearance or material possessions, but we don't buy into that.
nah follow dem because dem move to ridiculous
We won't follow those who act in a ridiculous or nonsensical manner.
put a faya pon deh wake they cant stop us
We ignite a fire within ourselves to pursue our goals, and we won't let anyone stop us.
ignore and bumbo you'll soon a collaborate
Those who ignore us or act foolishly will soon be collaborating with us, as others realize the validity of our cause.
gwaan we a go celebrate, time fi you fi face
We're going to celebrate our successes, and it's time for our opponents to face the consequences of their actions.
you cyaan take wha fi do cause we'll set deh pain, nowadays
You can't stop us from doing what we believe is right, and we will make our presence felt in today's world.
Son we nah fit in a dem counting, a rist, and then
We don't conform to society's expectations or play by their rules.
no relieness in di business, wie did da chief, one spin twice
Business and politics are not reliable, and even the leaders can be corrupt and turn on their own people.
shine no real truths ago release, hypocrits and parasites
The truth is often hidden or distorted, and there are many people who are hypocritical or parasitic in nature.
yuh soon ago freeze, fi nah stop bunin justice and plant ganja
Our opponents will soon be frozen with fear, as we continue to fight for justice and our right to grow and use marijuana.
chase deh politics, turn ina herbalist we would a live in peace
We reject the corrupt nature of politics and instead aspire to live in peace as herbalists.
meh go so than
A closing statement, indicating that this is how we feel and how we will continue to act.
Contributed by Levi O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@vegamupp
The jam kicks ass!
@NicoJParco
Gentleman macht viele deutsche rappers hörbar... obwohl in dem lied da sind einigen rappers die königen von dem old school D-land style!!
@saibot4574
2022
@papajeriko
biiiim