Before he became known to the world as I-Octane, young Byiome Muir was just… Read Full Bio ↴Before he became known to the world as I-Octane, young Byiome Muir was just another youth growing up in Sandy Bay, Clarendon with big dreams. Now he is known for his uniquely powerful voice and spit-fire lyrics but before that he gained himself the reputation of being a noisy little boy who was constantly belting out a tune, much to the annoyance of his mother and siblings. Young Byiome took this passion for music and singing to school and could always be found beating a rhythm on the desk and entertaining his classmates. Before long, the casual performances gained Byiome respect and no schoolyard clash, concert, or function was complete without an appearance from the budding singjay. Despite his blossoming reputation as a talented singer, Muir still didn't consider performing professionally as a viable career choice. Understanding the financial hardships that his family had to endure, he took on the role of 'man of the house' and focused on helping his mother raise his brothers and sister. However, his education was not to be neglected. His mother encouraged him to work hard at school and Byiome discovered that he had an affinity for the sciences and architecture. He actually considered becoming an architect but he couldn't seem to escape the call of the music. It wasn't until he completed high school that Byiome really considered getting serious about his talent. By this time, a few people began to encourage him to take the plunge into the music industry. He began performing under the name 'Richie Rich' and aided by his hardcore dancehall lyrics, it wasn't long before he was introduced to famed producer Donovan Germaine of Penthouse Records. Spending time at Penthouse and rubbing shoulders with more established artistes such as Buju Banton and Tony Rebel gave Richie the opportunity to hone his talent and really decide where he wanted to go with his new career choice. While working with Penthouse, he decided to change his name to something that better represented him. He realized that high octane gas was known for it's high energy and performance and knew immediately that this epitomized the type of performer he wanted to be. He personalized it by substituting the 'high' for 'I', and so the name I-Octane was birthed. Three years after linking with Penthouse, I-Octane caught the interest of Arrows Recording Company. He was approached by Junior Arrows who ended up signing him to the label. This decision brought with it a lot of changes and Octane slowly began to make a name for himself. He transitioned from dancehall music to a more cultural vibe and his first hit single 'Stab Vampire' cemented his position as a notable reggae artiste. It seems that the success of 'Stab vampire' served as a catalyst to propel I-Octane forward. After that song went to number one and received the award for Video of the Year at the 'Excellence in Music Awards (EME), I-Octane put out hit after hit, winning over skeptics and gaining many new fans. Song's such as Different page, Hurt mi, and 'Mama you alone' reverberated with people all over and as his reputation soared his fan base increased and the demands grew beyond the Jamaican soil. In in no time I-Octane was performing to his international fan base on his first European tour. Inevitably, he soon began to link with notable producers who were all clamoring to work with the young artiste and his repertoire of hit songs broadened rapidly.
I-Octane is now an independent artiste, having ended a 4 year partnership with Arrows Recordings. His catalogue continues to grow likewise his accolades and he has received numerous awards and nominations in recognition of his work. With only a 5 year stint in the industry he is already being compared to some of the legends in reggae, hence it's only appropriate that many industry professionals and corporate Jamaica are looking to him as the leader of the new generation of musician. Even with his success to date, it is clear that Octane has just scratched the surface of all he is meant to achieve. His music has captured the attention and hearts of people of every color, creed and class and this artiste has undoubtedly unleashed a fire that will eternally blaze. HOTTA FIRE BURNING!!!!

Ghetto Lifestyle
I-Octane Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

"Why do you listen to KRS-One?"
"Cause it's more than just music.
He speaks to my way of life."
"KRS is the best. Listen for the inner meanings."
"Never heard, anyone like this."

Feel this! Feel it!
Feel the power, of DJ Kenny Parker, word up.. huh!

C'mon, yeah.. uhh.. {"Yeah yeah yeah"}
So we gonna come down one time for your mind, you know whassup
Turn it up, turn it up turn it up turn it up
Look!!
We spit out hits, ghetto chicks, chromed out whips
Philosophers rockin your corner movie scripts
Ghetto lifestyles, keep watchin..
("Protect yourself") - that's right!
We spit out hits, ghetto chicks, chromed out whips
Philosophers rockin your corner movie scripts
Ghetto lifestyles, keep watchin..
("Protect yourself")
Yo, all summer they bump the KRS-Oner
From the microscopic atomic structure of the under
I spit thunder, which hunts ya, runs you down and stuns ya
I'm at the center of all rap worlds like a rotunda
Then again, I rock you and your friend again
In any club in the country when you say KRS they say, "Let him in"
V.I.P. passes for intellectuals with glasses
Ignorant asses get left outside with the masses
Next day we attend classes and gatherings
Shattering, those that be rattling about battling
Battin 'em down from the Bronx like Don Mattingly(?)
The black African snappin backs again and laughin again
You won't be askin again, my album I'm already masterin
Whoever you think is dope I'm already blastin him
We spit out hits, ghetto chicks, chromed out whips
Philosophers rockin your corner movie scripts
Ghetto lifestyles, keep watchin..
("Protect yourself") - that's right!
We spit out hits, ghetto chicks, chromed out whips

Philosophers rockin your corner movie scripts
Ghetto lifestyles, keep watchin

Overall Meaning

The first few lines of the song "Ghetto Lifestyle" illustrate a conversation between two individuals inquiring about why one of them listens to KRS-One's music. The response was that listening to KRS-One's music is more than just enjoying good music, but that he speaks to one's way of life. The lyric is symbolic of the place of music in the lives of people, as they look beyond the surface and explore the deeper meanings of music. The conversation highlights the message of the song, which is about the struggles of life in the ghetto.

The verses proceed to describe a lifestyle that encompasses rap music, ghetto chicks, chrome-out whips, and philosophizing. The chorus cuts in repeatedly, emphasizing the need to protect oneself in such a lifestyle. The lyrics present a vivid picture of the struggles faced while living in the ghetto, including the need to stay strong and fight for survival in difficult circumstances. They also suggest that there is a need to be knowledgeable and curious about the world, which is important to elevate oneself from the despair of ghetto life.

Overall, "Ghetto Lifestyle" is a commentary on the challenges faced by people living in the ghetto and a call for people to rise above these challenges through self-awareness, knowledge, and perseverance.

Line by Line Meaning

Feel this! Feel it!
Get ready to feel the energy of the song!

Feel the power, of DJ Kenny Parker, word up.. huh!
DJ Kenny Parker is on the beat and he is powerful!

C'mon, yeah.. uhh..
Let's get on with it!

So we gonna come down one time for your mind, you know whassup
We've got a message for you and it's about to hit your mind!

Turn it up, turn it up turn it up turn it up
Make sure you turn up the volume so that you don't miss a thing!

Look!!
Listen up and watch closely!

We spit out hits, ghetto chicks, chromed out whips
We make great music, hang out with beautiful women and drive fancy cars!

Philosophers rockin your corner movie scripts
We are wise men of the neighbourhood writing our life stories!

Ghetto lifestyles, keep watchin..
Watch us thrive in our neighbourhood!

("Protect yourself") - that's right!
Stay safe and protected at all times!

Yo, all summer they bump the KRS-Oner
People love to play KRS-One's music all summer long!

From the microscopic atomic structure of the under
From the smallest level of the underground music world...

I spit thunder, which hunts ya, runs you down and stuns ya
My rap lyrics are strong and will stop you in your tracks!

I'm at the center of all rap worlds like a rotunda
I am at the heart of the rap scene like a rotunda!

Then again, I rock you and your friend again
I'll make you and your friends dance once again!

In any club in the country when you say KRS they say, "Let him in"
My fans know me, and I can go anywhere I want with that recognition.

V.I.P. passes for intellectuals with glasses
Only the smartest in the room will get a VIP pass.

Ignorant asses get left outside with the masses
Those who are unaware have to stay in the crowds.

Next day we attend classes and gatherings
The next day, we are attending meetings and classes!

Shattering, those that be rattling about battling
We are overcoming the haters who talk nonsense!

Battin 'em down from the Bronx like Don Mattingly(?)
Just like when Don Mattingly was playing baseball for the Bronx Bombers, we are knocking out the opposition!

The black African snappin backs again and laughin again
I'm back with my signature rap flow and I'm killing it!

You won't be askin again, my album I'm already masterin
My new album is already on lock and I won't have to worry about finishing it anymore!

Whoever you think is dope I'm already blastin him
I will take down any rapper you think is good with ease!

We spit out hits, ghetto chicks, chromed out whips
We make great music, hang out with beautiful women and drive fancy cars!

Philosophers rockin your corner movie scripts
We are wise men of the neighbourhood writing our life stories!

Ghetto lifestyles, keep watchin..
Keep an eye on us as we continue to thrive in our neighbourhoods!

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: KENNY PARKER, LAWRENCE KRSONE PARKER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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