Homeboy Sandman recorded and released his first EP, Nourishment, in March 2007. His debut album, entitled Nourishment (Second Helpings), was released in August 2007. In early 2008, Homeboy Sandman's work began to be featured on underground radio programs the Squeeze Radio Show on WKCR 89.9 FM and the Halftime Radio Program on WNYU 89.1 FM in New York. In June 2008, he was featured in Source Magazine's "Unsigned Hype" column.
His second album, Actual Factual Pterodactyl was acclaimed upon its release in August 2008. The album received an entry in XXL's Chairman's Choice column, which praised Homeboy Sandman's "sharp lyrics and irresistibly melodic flow, which, together, form an elastic instrument few MCs can match." Actual Factual Pterodactyl received critical acclaim in a multitude of other print and online publications, including Blender Magazine, Beyond Race Magazine, Okayplayer.com and MSN.com. At the end of 2008, Homeboy Sandman was named "Best Hip Hop Act in NYC 2008" by New York Press. Recently his music has received rotation on NYC's Power 105.1 FM and Hot 97.1 FM, the city's #1 Hip Hop and R&B radio station, as well as airplay on Spitkicker Radio (Channel 65 on XM Satellite Radio), DJ Premier's "Live From HeadQCourterz" (Sirius Satellite Radio's #1 ranked Hip Hop show) and BBC 1Xtra's Hip Hop M1X (Hosted by DJ Sarah Love).
In addition to his studio releases, Homeboy Sandman has garnered attention for his live performances. From January 2008 to August 2009, Homeboy Sandman served as the host of โALL THAT! Hip Hop, Poetry and Jazzโ at the Nuyorican Poets Cafรฉ, New York City's longest running open mic session (originally hosted by Hip Hop icon Bobbito Garcรญa). He has performed at the biggest hip hop shows around the country, including the South by Southwest (SXSW) music festival in Austin, Texas, the Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival in Brooklyn, New York, the Rock the Bells hip hop festival in Long Island, New York, the A3C Hip Hop Festival in Atlanta, Georgia and New York City's CMJ Music Marathon. Homeboy Sandman has recorded video interviews with other performers at his live shows, which are captured in his YouTube video series "Homeboy Sandman presents Live From...".
In addition to his own releases, Homeboy Sandman has appeared on records by other artists, frequently with members of the AOK Collective, with whom he is affiliated. He recently appeared on Fresh Daily's 2009 album The Gorgeous Killer: In Crimes of Passion and the 2008 album For Your Consideration released by P.SO (formerly P. Casso). Homeboy Sandman collaborated with both Fresh Daily and P.SO for the song "Get On Down," which is featured on Sonic Smash, the album released in 2009 by music producer DJ Spinna.[8] Homeboy Sandman has also laid down tracks for a series of features with RIDES Magazine. The track that Homeboy Sandman created for the Loud.com challenge, "Gun Control," was cited as one of the Top 25 Songs of 2009 by Hot 97 DJ Peter Rosenberg.
On June 1, 2010, Homeboy Sandman released his third album, The Good Sun, which features production from 2 Hungry Bros, Ski Beats, Thievin' Stephen, DJ Spinna, Psycho Les (The Beatnuts) and Core Rhythm, among others. The first single from The Good Sun was "Angels with Dirty Faces," produced by J57. In September 2010, Homeboy Sandman released his first official video for The Good Sun for the track, "The Essence".
In late 2010, Homeboy Sandman was featured as the coach in an episode of MTV's Made, which premiered in October 2010.
In August 2011, Homeboy Sandman signed with Stones Throw Records and released his debut project, Subject: Matter EP, with the California-based record label on January 24, 2012. Homeboy Sandman released his second EP with Stones Throw Records, titled Chimera in April 2012 and on September 18, 2012, released his debut full-length LP with Stones Throw entitled First of a Living Breed. The album featured production from Oddisee, J57, 6th Sense, RTNC and long-time production partners 2 Hungry Bros., along with label mates Jonwayne and Oh No, amongst others.
In 2014, Homeboy Sandman released the EP, White Sands, which was produced by Paul White. Nate Patrin of Pitchfork commented that the producer and rapper had "a mutually beneficial set of styles" in a positive review. In that year, Homeboy Sandman released the album, Hallways.
In the wake of the Donald Sterling scandal, Homeboy Sandman wrote for Gawker an op-ed called "Black People are Cowards," which attracted more than 1.3 million views in the first seven days of its publication.
In 2015, Homeboy Sandman released a collaborative EP with Aesop Rock, titled Lice. In 2016, he released the album, Kindness for Weakness, which included Edan-produced "Talking (Bleep)". In that year, he released a collaborative EP with Aesop Rock, titled Lice Two: Still Buggin'.
In 2019, Homeboy Sandman announced he had signed a new deal with Mello Music Group and released the new single "West Coast" produced by Aesop Rock to celebrate the new label signing.
Homeboy Sandman's first album on Mello Music Group, โDusty,โ was released on October 18, 2019. Production was handled entirely by Mono En Stereo. Dusty garnered positive reviews from music critics. AllMusic writer Paul Simpson praised Mono En Stereo's soundscape of "laid-back, ambling jazz and funk grooves" for complimenting Sandman's "conversational, matter-of-fact rhymes" throughout the album, concluding that "Dusty is another winning set of pointed observations from Sandman, who effortlessly unloads his thoughts without seeming like a burden on the listener."
Homeboy Sandman followed up โDustyโ with his 2020 album โDonโt Feed The Monsterโ produced by Quelle Chris. โDonโt Feed The Monsterโ was listed in NPR's top 50 albums of 2020. Homeboy Sandman would later receive a pair of awards for music videos that accompanied the album. He received a UK Music Video award for โMonumentโ (directed by Pavel Buryak) in 2021 and later won Best Foreign Documentary at Rome Film Awards 2022 for Donโt Look Down Video (directed by Robert Mayer aka Photo Rob).
At the beginning of 2021, Aesop Rock and Homeboy Sandman released their single โAsk Anyone,โ which was featured on FIFA 21 soundtrack. Following the release Homeboy Sandman announced his EP Anjelitu which was produced entirely by Aesop Rock. Released in August 2021, Anjelitu marked Homeboy Sandman's third studio project on Mello Music Group. Okayplayer highlighted Anjelitu as one of the best Hip-Hop projects of 2021. Pete Rock would later give praise to โGo Hardโ from Anjelitu. At the end of 2021, Homeboy Sandman garnered unexpected attention after Doja Cat saluted the emcee as โOne of my favorite rappersโ on Instagram live.
Homeboy Sandman's tenth studio album, There in Spirit, was released on February 25, 2022. That same year, he released the mixtape I Can't Sell These for free on Bandcamp, due in part to an inability to clear the various samples used in the music. Music critic Robert Christgau soon hailed it as "the finest album of one of hip-hop's most prolific careers", giving it an "A" grade.
Homeboy Sandman revitalized his acclaimed Anjelitu EP, by releasing the Anjelitu Deluxe which included two new tracks as well as Aesop Rock's instrumentals from the project. In 2022, Rhymesayers released all three of Homeboy Sandman and Aesop Rock's Lice albums on digital streaming platforms. Homeboy Sandman's Deca-produced eleventh studio album โStill Championโ was released on November 11, 2022, following the pair's 19-stop co-headlining tour. โStill Championโ reached #24 on the iTunes Hip-Hop charts and Riff Magazine included the project in their top 20 Hip-Hop albums of 2022.
Homeboy Sandman collaborated with Oakland-based nonprofit organization Oakstop Alliance on the album โRoyalty Summit,โ released on December 23, 2022. Royalty Summit is the debut release from Oakstop Allianceโs Oakland Resident music initiative. Homeboy Sandman was planning the west coast run for his There In Spirit Tour when longtime friend and Oakstop Alliance Executive Director Damon Johnson pitched him with the concept. The 12-track album was recorded over 3 days in Oakland as a residency collaboration between Homeboy Sandman, and over 20 Oakland musical artists and professionals. On Christmas Day in 2022, Homeboy Sandman announced the debut full-length release for his label Dirty Looks, titled โ12 Days of Christmas & Dia De Los Reyes.โ Homeboy Sandman rolled out one song from the project each day until the full albumโs release on January 6, 2023.
In August 2023, Homeboy Sandman connected with New York beatmaker Mono En Stereoโwhom the emcee collaborated with on past albums Kool Herc: Fertile Crescent and Dustyโfor his studio album โRichโ released via Dirty Looks. The album garnered critical attention from Pitchfork, Vibe Magazine, HipHopDX, and more. Homeboy Sandman later released "I Can't Sell These Either" in November 2023, continuing the "I Can't Sell These" mixtape series started in 2022.
Live & Breathe
Homeboy Sandman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
coolest calmest
the artist that you claim to be
ain't a statement or a phrase that y'all can say to me
not in the faintest, all you fakers sound the same to me
a line's the shortest distance between A & B
big up the misfits and the mystics that's the way to be
all existence where i spray the seed
keep my math shaped like a t
make it last or make me laugh and make like a tree
nothing in between
so if you sucking teeth
take a sec to reconsider what you thinkin 'fore you sinkin like a submarine
someplace i will not agree to keep you company
no losers in my lucid dream
keep it movin
not the first to think the tube was more amusing than the human beings
thank god for pbs
helena rubenstein
the difference between you and me
could fill the sun and earth, moon and sea
when I'm deceased
ride into the sky in ill bucket seats
every comfort, not a ducket squeezed
nothing cheap
stuck in fifth, lucky stiff, something sleek
front seat, yummy treat, chubby cheeks
nah mean
you know how it be
don't have me come and getcha
have to hit you with the high beams
oh mys, gollys
hawaiian lays and papaya trees
me and science are like siamese
i take a sec to change the frying grease
next one's a supersize and if i decide to look you in the eye then you can die in peace
in denim I'm the deadly venom with the iron feet
wired from the wine and cheese
i sit considering alliance wit the liars and cheats
without your love than what could i achieve
when it wanders that reminder puts my mind at ease
that's how i sleep and eat
that's how i live and breathe
The lyrics to Homeboy Sandman's song Live & Breathe seem to delve deep into the rapper's self-perception and his beliefs about artistry. He staunchly asserts his own individuality and points out the lack thereof in many other artists. Sandman declares that anyone who claims to be or portrays themselves as a certain kind of artist are merely fakers or copycats, of which, to him, there are many. He doesn't mince words when it comes to calling people out on their lack of originality. He also sings of his unrestrained creativity and unconventionality, proudly proclaiming himself a misfit and a mystic. Sandman seems to derive his sense of purpose and fulfillment from the unique art he creates, and therefore, he deems it essential to continue to explore and push boundaries within it. The rapper also references his principle of karma by saying he will not keep company with negative people who might "suck their teeth" or express skepticism. He is a firm believer that he will reap what he sows, and therefore, he chooses to surround himself with positivity and good intentions.
Sandman also touches upon his personal ethics and preferences, mentioning his love and appreciation for PBS and the philosophy of Helena Rubenstein. He talks about his personal style and fashion sense, referencing denim and the danger he feels he exudes when he wears it, which could suggest that he finds it empowering. The rapper also doesn't shy away from talking about his own mortality, stating that when he passes, he wants to ascend in luxury, symbolically with "ill bucket seats." This attitude towards death could suggest that he sees life as a gift and wants to enjoy every possible moment to its fullest potential.
In conclusion, Homeboy Sandman's lyrics in Live & Breathe lay bare his personal beliefs, philosophy, creative principles and lifestyle. He fiercely advocates for individuality, creativity and positivity while rejecting conformity, negativity and pessimism.
Line by Line Meaning
this just came to me
The following lines are a spontaneous creation, reflective of Homeboy Sandman's honest thoughts.
coolest calmest
Homeboy Sandman presents himself as a composed and collected individual.
the artist that you claim to be
Referring to other musicians, Homeboy Sandman challenges their authenticity.
ain't a statement or a phrase that y'all can say to me
Claims that no matter what they say or do, their efforts will never satisfy him.
not in the faintest, all you fakers sound the same to me
Homeboy Sandman accuses the phonies of producing unoriginal works that are easily identifiable as fake.
a line's the shortest distance between A & B
Homeboy Sandman adds a clever metaphor suggesting the clarity of his message.
big up the misfits and the mystics that's the way to be
Homeboy Sandman praises individuality and non-conformity that is cherished among the artistic community.
all existence where I spray the seed
The rapper is proud of his impact on the world with his artistry.
quite a distance now that's something folks'll pay to see
Homeboy Sandman revels in his artistic achievements and acknowledges that people are willing to pay to see him perform.
keep my math shaped like a t
He has a calculated method to his music and keeps things simple and straightforward.
make it last or make me laugh and make like a tree
Homeboy Sandman wants his music to be memorable, or to simply make people laugh, but if it falls short he will move on like a tree.
nothing in between
Homeboy Sandman does not accept grey areas, only truth or lies.
so if you sucking teeth
This is a warning to anyone who disagrees with him and expresses frustration.
take a sec to reconsider what you thinkin 'fore you sinkin like a submarine
Think twice before critiquing Homeboy Sandman, or risk facing the consequences.
someplace I will not agree to keep you company
He will not compromise his beliefs and values for anyone who disagrees with him.
no losers in my lucid dream
He envisions a world where everyone is a winner, a world that he wishes to help create through his music.
keep it movin
He wants people to keep progressing, both artistically and in their personal lives.
not the first to think the tube was more amusing than the human beings
He reflects on people's fixation with their technological gadgets, suggesting that they neglect real people around them.
thank god for pbs
Homeboy Sandman appreciates the importance of education and information by lauding high-quality news providers like PBS.
helena rubenstein
This line is an obscure reference to a famous beauty product company, which may signify his appreciation for art and culture in all forms.
the difference between you and me
Homeboy Sandman portrays the gulf between himself and others as unbridgeable due to his talent and creativity.
could fill the sun and earth, moon and sea
The gap between him and others is so significant that it could literally fill up the entire universe.
when I'm deceased
Homeboy Sandman refers to his own mortality.
ride into the sky in ill bucket seats
In the afterlife, he envisions a luxurious mode of transportation.
every comfort, not a ducket squeezed
In the afterlife, Homeboy Sandman wishes only the best for himself and does not want to hold back.
nothing cheap
Homeboy Sandman expects nothing but the best, even where finances are not a concern.
stuck in fifth, lucky stiff, something sleek
He wants a fast, sleek car to enjoy his afterlife, rather than driving his current old car in the mortal realm.
front seat, yummy treat, chubby cheeks
He emphasizes his desire for luxury, indulgence, and comfort in the afterlife.
nah mean
Slang for 'Do you know what I mean?' Signifying his intention for listeners to understand his point of view.
you know how it be
Homeboy Sandman considers his lifestyle to be universally known and admired by his fans.
don't have me come and getcha
Homeboy Sandman uses this as a playful threat to maintain street credibility.
have to hit you with the high beams
Threatening to expose those who spread lies or come for him with bright lights (the questioning of their character).
oh mys, gollys
An expression of excitement or joy and suggests his overall positive and happy mental state.
hawaiian lays and papaya trees
A tropical image that once again illustrates a happy and relaxed atmosphere/state of mind.
me and science are like siamese
This lyric conveys a love for learning and growth, as Sandman compares his relationship with science to that of conjoined twins.
i take a sec to change the frying grease
He takes a break from his busy rap career to work at a fast-food restaurant?
next one's a supersize and if i decide to look you in the eye then you can die in peace
This line is cryptic, but seems to suggest that he has something big planned and that those who are with him will be at peace.
in denim I'm the deadly venom with the iron feet
Homeboy Sandman envisions himself as a strong and impactful force within the rap scene, using denim and iron as modern symbols of strength.
wired from the wine and cheese
A fun and clever line, playing with the image of him being a high-brow scholar or philosopher drinking wine and eating cheese while coming up with his raps.
i sit considering alliance wit the liars and cheats
This line references the idea that the rap game is very competitive, and that he may have to associate with underhanded people to move up the ladder.
without your love than what could i achieve
Homeboy Sandman acknowledges how important fans are to his life and career.
when it wanders that reminder puts my mind at ease
He gets peace of mind by reflecting on his fans and how much they support him.
that's how i sleep and eat
He lives and breathes for his art and his fans.
that's how i live and breathe
This repetition emphasizes the importance of music in his life and how much it drives him.
Lyrics ยฉ O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Angel Del Villar
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
WILZ CORONA
Silky Lyricism and Effortless Flow. Hope his contributions will one day be recognized by the masses and not just us.
DLXLXRY Deluxe Luxury
"The difference between you and me could fill the sun and moon, earth and sea"
This video backs up Sandman saying no losers in my lucid dreams. Burros son, just Sand and the Burros Pure Fuego
I'm ready for that next video for "Step Inside" That's next right y'all shot that same day right?
WTDCpro
Love this whole album!! ๐ฅ๐ฅkeep on releasing videos theyโre dope!
Jay Butler
This is so dope. If y'all haven't listened to Dusty, you should. Sand always stays true to himself. Please keep putting out vids
in all of life there is rhythm
every album better than the last right when i think sand cant do no better. dusty is his best for sure.
Lavos Dream
Stones Throw: "How you feelin this time sand?"
Homeboy Sandman: "Idk, feel like pettin a donkey."
ScareCrow Joe
You Sir, are good at what you does.
Cardinal
Wired from the wine and cheese
I sit considering alliance with the liars and cheats
Without your love than what could i achieve
When it wanders that reminder puts my mind at ease
That's how i sleep and eat
That's how i live and breathe
Graf Aramaic
The pause on that final ".....breathe..." what a writer.
questmotion
Highly addictive !