They have recieved several Gospel Music Association Dove Awards throughout their career. Their first first was "Rap/Hip Hop Song" for "Alcoholic Plagiarism", from Factors of the Seven. The next year they took the same award for "They All Fall Down", from Grammatical Revolution. In 2003 The Art Of Translation won the award for "Rap/Hip Hop Album", and the following year their song "Believe" from the same album took "Rap/Hip Hop Song". They also shared in the "Special Event Album" that year, for their contribution to !Hero The Rock Opera.
Album list:
1. Mental Releases
2. Factors of the Seven
3. Grammatical Revolution in the Spirit
4. Art of Translation
5. Dichotomy A
6. Dichotomy B
7. Art of Transformation (remix album of Translation)
8. 7 (best of album)
9. Redemption
10. The Greatest Hits
11. Reiterate
12. Quarantine
Tennessee Bwoys
Grits Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Double n e (Tennessee)
Double s now double e
Now spell that out for me
No matter where I be
Everybody say it loud for me
Rock from state to state
Still remain my home plate
Bonafides my name
To change the games my aim
Gone break the chain and steak my claim
While putting Nashville all on the brain
With a twist of the mid south twang
And a little bita bounce to bang
Gone feed the soul and crowd the floors
And take control and break the mold
Kick the doors and spit the flows
We in the pros what you ain't know
Cause round here they caddy roll
With gold grills and twenty wheels
On Jefferson at Mary ribs
Bounce to this from state to fisk
We keep it hot for every spot
Been round the world done seen a lot
To all the boys out on the block
Got love for y'all for real dog
You the reason I'm here at all
And took the call to break the fall
And show the way from where I stay
In Tennessee boy the dirty south bwoy
65 south ridin' dirty window down open mouth
Spirit stirred off the sermon I just heard that's my wordDipped and doused
Awakened quickly mold me shape me but first strip,
Hold me take me to extremes in my reside
Though it seems I'm so beside
Myself in this state I'm place in open the box my fate
Encased in break the seal and let me out
In Tennessee that's what I'm talkin' bout
Now I'm here not much can stop me you
A supporter if you got this copy now show dem
Pearlies boys and girlies buff and burlies straight
And curlies no surprises, where we at got all shapes
And sizes put on the brakes remove all disguises
Erupt like geysers, sound off one time (wooh)
Whether sadistic legalistic outcast, or misfit
Fortun
ately, we can find peace amidst the chaos and confusion of life, and for Tennesseans, that peace comes from their home state. In the opening lines of the chorus, Grits emphasizes the spelling of the state, underlining the importance and pride the Tennessee people have for their state. No matter where they travel, Tennesseans consider their home state as their foundation, a place where they can always come back and feel the sense of belonging.
The song highlights the determination and resilience of Tennesseans in pursuing their dreams and breaking the stereotypes of the "dirty south." Bonafide, the artist, aims to change the game, break the chain and break the mold while putting Nashville on the map. In this verse, he acknowledges that Tennesseans have come a long way, and they have faced many challenges to get where they are now. However, they continue to push forward, using their distinct Mid-South twang and bounce, feeding the soul of people with their music, and taking control of their destiny.
Through this song, Grits and Bonafide shed light on the culture and lifestyle of Tennessee. They mention locations such as Jefferson or Mary ribs, which are famous for their food scene. They also reference the gold grills and twenty wheels, which are common among the local people. Overall, the song is a tribute to Tennessee's rich heritage, vibrant culture, and resilient people who have built an identity based on their sense of community, pride, and hard work.
Line by Line Meaning
T e (Tennessee)
Representing the state of Tennessee, a significant part of my identity.
Double n e (Tennessee)
Emphasizing the unique spelling that captures the essence of my roots.
Double s now double e
Continually highlighting the letters that make up my profound connection to this place.
Now spell that out for me
Inviting others to see and understand the importance of this identification.
No matter where I be
Regardless of my location, I carry the spirit of Tennessee with me.
Everybody say it loud for me
Encouraging everyone to passionately acknowledge and celebrate our roots.
Rock from state to state
Traveling and sharing my music widely while representing my home.
Still remain my home plate
Despite my journeys, Tennessee remains my true home base.
Bonafides my name
I have credentials and authenticity that define my presence in the industry.
To change the games my aim
Aiming to alter the music landscape significantly through my contributions.
Gone break the chain and steak my claim
Determined to shatter limitations and establish my place in the music scene.
While putting Nashville all on the brain
Constantly thinking about Nashville, the heart of country music and my inspiration.
With a twist of the mid south twang
Incorporating the characteristic Southern sound that evokes my cultural background.
And a little bita bounce to bang
Adding a rhythmic flair to my music that makes it lively and engaging.
Gone feed the soul and crowd the floors
My music nourishes the spirit and fills dance floors with life.
And take control and break the mold
Confidently leading the way and challenging conventional styles in music.
Kick the doors and spit the flows
Entering the scene forcefully and delivering powerful, expressive lyrics.
We in the pros what you ain't know
We are professionals and skilled musicians, maybe unexpected to some.
Cause round here they caddy roll
Locally, people enjoy luxury lifestyles and vibrant cultures.
With gold grills and twenty wheels
Describing a flashy, confident style often seen among the local artists.
On Jefferson at Mary ribs
Referencing a local area known for good food and community gathering places.
Bounce to this from state to fisk
My music resonates well from one place to another, creating a universal appeal.
We keep it hot for every spot
We consistently produce exciting and relevant music for all audiences.
Been round the world done seen a lot
Having traveled extensively and gained diverse experiences that enrich my art.
To all the boys out on the block
Acknowledging and showing love to my local friends and supporters.
Got love for y'all for real dog
Sincerely appreciating my community and their support in my journey.
You the reason I'm here at all
Recognizing that my success is largely due to their influence and encouragement.
And took the call to break the fall
Responding to the challenges and setbacks, pushing through to succeed.
And show the way from where I stay
Leading by example and sharing my journey to inspire others from my hometown.
In Tennessee boy the dirty south bwoy
Proudly declaring my Southern heritage and emphasizing my roots in Tennessee.
65 south ridin' dirty window down open mouth
Driving down the highway with freedom and expression, enjoying life’s joys.
Spirit stirred off the sermon I just heard that's my word
Reflecting on inspiring messages that motivate and guide my life philosophy.
Dipped and doused
Immersed in experiences that shape my identity and artistic vision.
Awakened quickly mold me shape me but first strip
Eager for transformation but requiring honesty and vulnerability first.
Hold me take me to extremes in my reside
Seeking to fully embrace and experience life's highs and lows within my environment.
Though it seems I'm so beside
Feeling detached or out of sync, despite being immersed in my surroundings.
Myself in this state I'm place in open the box my fate
Struggling with my identity within this current reality, yearning for freedom.
Encased in break the seal and let me out
Feeling trapped and desperately wanting release from these constraints.
In Tennessee that's what I'm talkin' bout
Affirming that my struggles and experiences are deeply connected to being from Tennessee.
Now I'm here not much can stop me you
Confidently asserting my presence and the unstoppable force of my ambitions.
A supporter if you got this copy now show dem
Encouraging fans to back me and showcase our shared pride and identity.
Pearlies boys and girlies buff and burlies straight
Celebrating the diversity and strength of the community, from all walks of life.
And curlies no surprises, where we at got all shapes
Embracing the uniqueness of individuals within our community without judgment.
And sizes put on the brakes remove all disguises
Acknowledging the need to be authentic and drop pretenses in our interactions.
Erupt like geysers, sound off one time (wooh)
Inviting a passionate expression of joy and authenticity, leading to an energetic outburst.
Whether sadistic legalistic outcast, or misfit
Recognizing and accepting diverse identities and backgrounds among us.
Fortun
Indicating the culmination of a journey that reflects the fortunes and lessons learned from life.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Capitol CMG Publishing, MOON AND MUSKY MUSIC
Written by: OTTO MONTGOMERY PRICE JR., RIC ROBBINS, STACY BERNARD JONES, TERON DAVID CARTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind