I- Octane excelled in the sciences at school, but the pulsating and persistent call of music
Interrupted his planned journey into Architecture. Since his All-Age school days, he was
Known as a fiery deejay armed with spit-fire lyrics and cutting rhythms to fit any occasion
While being a regular feature of school concerts and barbecues at Knox, he was constantly bombarded by requests from friends to dive head-on into the music business.
Doing it strictly for fun back then, he did not consider it seriously until after one of his
Scorching performance when a producer approached him. The producer convinced him to use his raw natural ability and not wait any longer before getting into the business.
Listening to the producer, and thinking about the words of his friends, I-Octane began to give serious thought to getting deeper with music. He assessed his strengths, and summed up that he had above average talent. With that in mind, he made the decision.
He then chose a name that would represent the high energy and consistent work which he put into his music. He then modified the “High Octane” gasoline concept to become I-Octane.
Since than he stepped up his game to become more visible in the often turbulent and cut-throat road to dancehall stardom. He worked at more barbecues and small stage shows, and tried harder to get his voice on a record. As fate would have it, words spread in dancehall circles about his exceptional natural ability, and he was approached by the famed Donovan Germain to do work with Penthouse Records.
In 2000, he recorded ‘Oh Jah’, ‘Stepp A Seed’ for Penthouse, plus ‘Love In The streets’ with Beers Hammond, Buju Banton and Assassin. These artistes are in no uncertain terms the cream of Jamaica music, so Octane took their decision to record the track with him as solid treatment to his talent. Working with than turned out to be much more than a mere morale booster.
At Penthouse he developed stronger and better vocals, which led to his soaring confidence on the microphone and on the stage. He landed a slot on Beenie Man`s
Summer Sizzle stage show, and represented his craft well, creating an even bigger buzz
with the name. He has now been featured in newspaper articles from the two leading
publications.
He followed up with ‘substance’ and ‘What’s Going On’ for the Arrows Label, and ‘War No More’ and ‘Jeans’ for the H2O Label. He then did ‘No Love’ for the Purple Skunk Label for which a music video medley which features Stevie Face was shot recently. This music video has been a popular number upon local networks, giving I-Octane even more visibility.
I-Octane considers himself as an “across the board” deejay. He can arm himself with any type of lyrics depending on the occasion, and he writes his own tunes as well. He describes himself as an ‘easy going’ person, who does not worry about things. He prides
himself in the ability to listen and observe carefully.
The Arrows Label, also Known for seamless productions and exceptional work, has placed I-Octane under their management wing. Since being there, he has developed even more vocally under their guidance.
He is now working to put together an album by year-end.
In his spare time, I-Octane prefers activities which make him grow in one way or another.
He mediates at times or listens to the reasoning of elders in the music. When not doing that, he makes sure he stays fresh with lyrics by reading motivational books.
Neva Sell Out
I Octane Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A real G never sell out the link yet
A nuh suh wi grow
A real tug never sell out the link yet
Suh a one thing mi know
If you nuh real it naw go show
A real G never sell out the link yet
Cake fi share mi a cut it up gi dem
Bwoy violate ready fi buss it up fi dem
I nuh come yah come pretend
Da one yah from mi hear suh mi put it pon riddim
The G dem real to mi, in a the times when pagans mean to mi
Mi no fi get
End of year couldn't provide the sorrel
Suh how mi fi buss and nu send in no barrel
Of course mi have new linky
But mi nuh dash weh the one weh go a school wid mi
Dem vital like mi two kidneys
Suh anytime mi a step dem haffi move wid mi
Dem a rep long time without apology
Tek on the road without a salary
Bad days dem help mi fi get over
So a my time fi help dem step out a poverty
I Octane's song "Neva Sell Out" is about loyalty and sticking to one's principles. The song begins with I Octane declaring that a real G, or gangster, will never sell out the link, which means they will never betray their friends or associates. He goes on to state that growing up, he was taught that a real tug, or tough person, would never sell out the link either. The chorus drives home the message that if someone is not real, eventually it will become apparent, but a true G will never sell out no matter the circumstances.
The rest of the song is filled with examples of how I Octane has remained loyal to his friends and associates. He shares his cake with them, is willing to fight those who disrespect them, and never pretends to be something he's not. He also talks about how his friends have been there for him in tough times, such as when he couldn't afford sorrel (a Caribbean drink usually served around Christmas time), and how it's now his turn to help them out of poverty.
Overall, "Neva Sell Out" is a powerful message about the importance of loyalty and staying true to oneself.
Line by Line Meaning
A one thing mi know
I know one thing for sure
A real G never sell out the link yet
A true gangster will never betray their connections
A nuh suh wi grow
That's not how we were raised
A real tug never sell out the link yet
A true tough guy will never betray his connections
Suh a one thing mi know
So that's one thing I'm sure of
If you nuh real it naw go show
If you're not genuine, it will eventually become obvious
Could a sun or snow
Regardless of the weather
A real G never sell out the link yet
A true gangster will never betray their connections
Cake fi share mi a cut it up gi dem
If I have wealth, I'll be generous and share it
Bwoy violate ready fi buss it up fi dem
If someone disrespects me, I'll retaliate
I nuh come yah come pretend
I'm here to be real, not fake
Da one yah from mi hear suh mi put it pon riddim
I heard this story and I'm making it into a song
The G dem real to mi, in a the times when pagans mean to mi
The gangsters are genuine to me, even when enemies are against me
Mi no fi get
I can't forget
End of year couldn't provide the sorrel
I didn't have enough money to provide for the holidays
Suh how mi fi buss and nu send in no barrel
Therefore, how can I afford to be generous and not receive anything in return?
Of course mi have new linky
Of course, I have new connections/friends
But mi nuh dash weh the one weh go a school wid mi
But I won't forget about the ones who went to school with me
Dem vital like mi two kidneys
They are just as important to me as my own kidneys
Suh anytime mi a step dem haffi move wid mi
So whenever I move, they are coming with me
Dem a rep long time without apology
They've been loyal for a long time without ever apologizing
Tek on the road without a salary
They stood by me even when there was no financial gain
Bad days dem help mi fi get over
They helped me get through tough times
So a my time fi help dem step out a poverty
Now it's my turn to help them get out of poverty
Contributed by John J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@ricardofigueiredo513
Still a big tune in 2021...
@richeddie112
finally found da song, I heard it inna mix but couldn't find it on da net. it a badman song.... too real Octane big up yuhself
@somaomondi
mad tune. real!!
@rickybrown9337
Feel it brother mi a gwaan hold dem
@bubacarrjatta8278
this is my life i have this yes righteousness
@ibrahimamane5267
Maad tune dat 4 real man
@bubacarrjatta8278
big up big up thema red plot long time
@ryan24845
tune mad octane
@bubacarrjatta8278
conguer the pagans in the globe
@dblackdemz
Hey octane dis 1 bad already...