Decreasing attention spans and increasing online media usage have created a new genre of artist deemed "college rap." The name springs from the overwhelming number of creative students who have been able to leverage their music through social media and on-campus groups. This new wave of artist uses guerilla marketing and word of mouth advertising tactics to create buzz throughout their local campuses. The problem with this movement is the lack of longevity and differentiation that exists in this realm.
Enter Hendersin. Never a slave to the industry nor a victim to the problem, Tyronne “Hendersin” Henderson attempts to defy the odds by offering a combination of intellect, emotion, fun, and artistic punch lines. He never wears the mask of others, crediting his hometown and life experiences for his continued rise.
Growing up in a small town in Western Massachusetts allowed Hendersin to shine in his community by way of academics, athletics, and the arts. After spending a year at Bridgewater State College, he decided shift his focus to music and put academics in his back pocket. Rather than moving to Boston or New York like most of his peers, he moved home to build a reputation in a relatively untapped market. Here, he teamed up with childhood friend Corey Ricketts, who had taken his training as a Sales and Marketing professional into the entertainment industry. This allowed Hendersin to focus on the music while Corey built a reputation.
Being local enabled word to travel fast and soon enough Hendersin was performing with the likes of Boston’s own - Mr. Lif, the lyrical - Immortal Technique, Jurassic 5’s - Chali 2na, Wu-Tang’s - Raekwon, Wiz Khalifa, Fablolous, Big Sean and others. Rather than take every show he could get, Hendersin focused his time on creating good music and soon began producing his own beats.
To date, Hendersin has compiled 6 mix tapes, most notably "No Rhyme Or Reason Vol. 2" which has gained over 10,000 downloads on Datpiff. Hendersin also independently released the album "Henny In Ya System" in September 2013 which peaked at number 85 on iTunes Hip Hop Album charts. In August 2014 Hendersin made his Billboard debut landing at the number 10 spot on Billboard's Next Big Sound chart. Hendersin is currently working on an album as well as booking a tour.
Light it Up
Hendersin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Stay round bars, all I'm missing is a bouncer
Ain't fucking with the camp, my position is a counselor
They say that life a bitch, but don't you dare denounce her
Sharp like a muthafucking dagger
And I walk through like fuck your swagger
Just gotta say, wasn't always this way
But you know sometimes we all fall, Niagara
Y'all don't get the picture, maybe I should tag ya
Maybe I should make that shit a little more clearer
Cause it's time for reflection, I don't need a mirror
But I knew that my drive, it would take me far
Now my rate of interest going up, APR
Yeah, they blowing hot air like a dryer
I'm a set it off and then set it on fire
We can light it up up up
So they can't put it out out out We gonna let it burn burn burn burn burn burn I
keep moving, you're about the starlit
Been through more bars than an alcoholic
Hope your bluff picking up cause I'm about to call it
I got the game in my back pocket like a wallet
All it takes is a really big break
And I guess that it's apparent I'm about to raise the stakes
Used to Medusa, I ain't fucking with you snakes
I fight for my career but I'll never hit the brakes
I'm the answer if you wanna ask me
I'm a smart guy but you never gonna pass me
Been spitting real since Drake was on Degrassi
Ain't that shit about a bitch, Lassie
Knew that my drive, it would take me far
Now my rate of interest going up, APR
Yeah
You're blowing hot air like a dryer
I'm a set it off and then set it on fire
We can light it up up up
So they can't put it out out out We gonna let it burn burn burn burn burn burn I
I know they gonna hate (hate)
They just trying to bring me down (down)
But I don't give a fuck (fuck)
You should probably king me now (now)
Yeah I'm moving forward (forward)
Y'all should fall back (back)
If this ain't dedication (-cation)
Tell me what you call that
W-w-working every night
So everything I write takes flight
Kinda like a kite
I'm like Mike on a mic
But I might fight for the right
With the might of a knight
In the sight of the light, alright? (Alright)
Yeah you try to take our shine, Bad Boy, '99
Tell'em that we doing just fine, it's our time
In "Light It Up," Hendersin raps about his relentless pursuit of success in the music industry. He acknowledges that he wasn't always at the top of his game, but he has been able to overcome his shortcomings through hard work and determination. He confidently proclaims that he will not let anyone - even those who try to bring him down - stand in the way of his success.
Hendersin starts with a metaphor about being a counselor, not a bouncer, connecting his role in music to guiding and supporting those who follow him, rather than acting as a gatekeeper. He takes aim at those who are overconfident in their own abilities, reminding us that life is not always easy, and it's important to stay humble. The song includes several metaphors including a sharp dagger, walking with confidence, falling like Niagara and getting up like Viagra, and using hot air and fire to describe the different approaches to achieving success.
Hendersin remains steadfast in his belief in himself and his talent, and urges listeners to keep pushing forward, even when the odds are stacked against them. The track is both motivational and honest, conveying deep and meaningful messages about resilience and the need to stay true to oneself.
Line by Line Meaning
Making noise, Hendersin the Announcer
Hendersin is introducing himself as a significant, loud presence
Stay round bars, all I'm missing is a bouncer
Hendersin is spending a lot of time writing and rapping in a musical environment, but wishes he had more of a defender or protector for his work
Ain't fucking with the camp, my position is a counselor
Hendersin is independent and not trying to follow or be a part of any specific group, but is still a valuable advisor to others in his position
They say that life a bitch, but don't you dare denounce her
Although life can be challenging and difficult, you should never disrespect or reject it
Sharp like a muthafucking dagger
Hendersin is talented and precise in his rap skills
And I walk through like fuck your swagger
Hendersin is unimpressed by other people's arrogance and is confident in his own abilities
Just gotta say, wasn't always this way
Hendersin acknowledges that he hasn't always been as successful or self-assured as he is now
But you know sometimes we all fall, Niagara
We all experience setbacks and tough times in life, like the waterfall Niagara
It's really if you gonna get up, Viagra
It's up to you to pick yourself back up and keep going, like the medication Viagra helps with sexual performance
Y'all don't get the picture, maybe I should tag ya
Hendersin thinks his message isn't being understood, and suggests that he needs to clarify and direct it more specifically to his audience
Maybe I should make that shit a little more clearer
Hendersin acknowledges that he needs to be more concise and articulate in his communication
Cause it's time for reflection, I don't need a mirror
Hendersin is taking time to evaluate himself and his life, without needing external validation or feedback
But I knew that my drive, it would take me far
Hendersin always believed that his determination and ambition would lead to success
Now my rate of interest going up, APR
Hendersin is becoming more valuable and deserving of attention, like an accruing APR (annual percentage rate) on a financial investment
Yeah, they blowing hot air like a dryer
Other people are boasting and talking excessively, like a hair dryer blowing hot air
I'm a set it off and then set it on fire
Hendersin is going to ignite his work and career, and make a big impact
We can light it up up up
So they can't put it out out out
We gonna let it burn burn burn burn burn burn I
Hendersin is determined to create something significant and powerful, that can't be diminished or extinguished
I know they gonna hate (hate)
They just trying to bring me down (down)
But I don't give a fuck (fuck)
You should probably king me now (now)
Hendersin is aware that some people will dislike and criticize him, but he's not going to let that hinder his confidence or drive
Yeah I'm moving forward (forward)
Y'all should fall back (back)
If this ain't dedication (-cation)
Tell me what you call that
Hendersin is making progress and pushing forward with his work, and suggests that people who aren't as committed should move aside
W-w-working every night
So everything I write takes flight
Kinda like a kite
I'm like Mike on a mic
But I might fight for the right
With the might of a knight
In the sight of the light, alright? (Alright)
Hendersin works tirelessly to make his writing and music successful, like a kite taking off in the wind. He compares himself to the famous basketball player Michael Jordan on a microphone, and suggests that he's willing to stand up for what he believes in and defend it like a knight
Yeah you try to take our shine, Bad Boy, '99
Tell'em that we doing just fine, it's our time
Hendersin is suggesting that people who have tried to steal his spotlight or success, like the record label Bad Boy in 1999, have failed and it's now his time to shine
Contributed by Adalyn L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@McR3VOLUTI0N
Hendersin killin it once again
@BikePvP
ITS A PANCAKE PARTY
@Holyfckimjack
BikePvP FUCKIN PANCAKES :D
@WadeIsOP
This isn't a brand new song been out for a couple months since like April, but that doesn't mean it isn't good.
@BikePvP
WᴀᴅᴇIsOP™ m8 when he says hes killing it again he means that the song is GOOD. no one here said anything bad about this song.
@dezix3040
PancakePvP I BIG SUUUUUUP!!! NOTICE ME SENPAI!!!! DO U PLAY LEAGUE OF LEGENDS ADD ME YOOOO
@Saskahh
Hendersin never disappoints, this song is sick
@Mesothelioma420
Hendersin makes such good songs.
@xheaven
Ellie x Hendersin = perfection
@someguyraf
Im gonna set it on fire...Bitch
~Hendersin 2014