Jay Electronica has yet to release a full-length album but has released two official singles to date, "Exhibit A" and "Exhibit C," which won a Sucker Free Summit Award for Instant Classic. His music so far has been made available through the internet, either through being leaked to what URB magazine describes as "obscure web forums", or through an appearing and disappearing MySpace page (currently two seem to be in existence, at /jayelect and at /jayelectronica). Erykah Badu has questioned whether he ever will release, in her words, "actual albums". From New Orleans, LA he has lived in Baltimore, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Denver, and Detroit, where he recorded his Style Wars-era music with several J Dilla beats, meeting the producer subsequently to ask for permission to use the recordings as a demo. Detroit is where Electronica met producer/engineer Mike "Chav" Chavarria, who introduced him to both J Dilla and Mr. Porter, and who is now a regular collaborator.
Jay Electronica first gained significant attention through Act 1: Eternal Sunshine (The Pledge), made available on a MySpace page in 2007. It is 9:13 continuous minutes of music, without drums, built from Jon Brion's soundtrack to the film Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. There are five segments or movements, marked by changes in music and mood, raps by Electronica, and occasional snippets of sampled dialogue (children arguing in Kurdish, Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka). The first segment is spoken word by Just Blaze and Erykah Badu describing the artist over piano music. The nature of the piece of music, along with the nature of its appearance, led to a slow build-up of interest in Electronica as an enigmatic figure. Songs circulating online as the Style Wars EP gained wider circulation, and other songs, such as the dream-inspired "Dimethyltryptamine", soon appeared. In January 2008, Gilles Peterson's 90-minute Gilles Peterson Worldwide was devoted to the rapper. Hiphopdx.com in 2008 called him "arguably...the most talked about new emcee last year ... at times...more like a myth or urban legend than an actual rapper", and URB ran a cover story on the artist under the banner "Jay Electronica: A Spotless Mind:: An MC’s mystery revealed", which referred to his wanderings as his being "like some sort of hip-hop Jack Kerouac".
Jeff Weiss' piece for the L.A. Weekly, "Jay Electronica: Much Better Than His Name Would Suggest", acknowledged that the rapper could be fairly described as "one of the most buzzed about rappers of 2008", but attempted to temper the hype somewhat, describing Act 1... as "ambitious, wildly original, if not slightly pretentious", while endorsing only to an extent the comparisons URB had made (referencing an "abstract rhyming style") to rappers like Nas and Pharoahe Monch.
According to URB, Act II: Patents of Nobility will feature Nas, and will be the second of a putative trilogy. URB also reported that digital EPs with both Guilty Simpson and producer 9th Wonder were planned. His most recent music as of November 2008 is the Just Blaze-produced track "Exhibit A (Transformations)".
According to a Filter TV interview, Jay Electronica has partnered with Decon to release his debut project. It is being described as a multi-media release and footage from the project which was partially shot in Nepal and Dubai has begun to surface online. The first clip to leak is titled "Dear Moleskine" and can be found on YouTube, the track was produced by Just Blaze and the clip was directed by Jason Goldwatch from Decon. In June of 2009, Decon and Jay's "The Dogon Society" released "Exhibit A" digitally. "Exhibit C" was released on iTunes December 16, 2009 and quickly shot to the top 10 of the iTunes Hip-Hop charts. The following week it was chosen by Hot 97's DJ Enuff as the Heavy Hitter pick of the week. On February 9, 2010, it was announced Jay Electronica will appear at the 2010 Bonnaroo Music Festival. Further proof of the continuing buzz about this artist saw On Jay Electronica sell out 2 nights at the Jazz Cafe Jazz Café, London (UK) on Feb 17, 2010.
Jay Electronica continued his scattered release practice, dropping "A Million In The Morning" on April 4, 2010. The song features a weary Electronica trying to keep himself awake to escape his nightmares.
On April 30th, Jay Electronica debuted "The Ghost of Christopher Wallace" via his Twitter. The song features P Diddy and is produced by London beatsmith Quincey Tones, who is known for producing such acts as Young Jeezy and Royce da 5'9".
On 12th November 2010, Jay-Z announced that Jay Electronica was officially the newest member of his own 'Roc Nation' record label/management company, which boasts such acts as J. Cole and Willow Smith.
Jay has been travelling the world and was in London, United Kingdom for an extended period of time completing his debut album 'Act II: Patents of Nobility (The Turn)'.
Jay Electronica and Erykah Badu have a child together, a girl named Mars Merkaba, born on February 1, 2009.
Ghost Of Soulja Slim
Jay Electronica Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Just sit down
Don't you come out to defend our enemy
You sit down and you shut up and tell your
Master to come on out and deal with this
Next time they bring up the Gods, you gon' respect us
That lil' vest ain't gonna do you, I shoot from neck up
I'm a soldier from that mode, I'm the ghost of him
From the era of police stretcher, no cameras catch him
Drop you off in a rival hood, you rather be arrested
If you didn't have no straps you couldn't wear your necklace
Niggas hand around your throat, that's a choker reference
My ancestors took old food made soul food
Jim Crowe's a trope too, he stole his own music
That's the blood that goes through me, so you assumin'
I could never sell my soul, they sold they soul to me
Peaceful teachings of Rumi, but don't confuse me
You mouth off for the cameras I'll make a silent movie
Now here's some jury
No civilization has conquered from the outside until they destroy themselves from within
Pen, put a pin in that, will come back when I fled
You can't talk like I talk 'cause you ain't been where I been, young
If it come from me and Hov, consider it Quran
If it come from any of those, consider it Harām
The minaret that Jigga built beyond the dome of the Roc
Was crafted, so beautifully, consider this Saddam
From a hard place and a rock to the Roc Nation of Islam
I emerged on the wave that Tidal made to drop bombs
I came to bang with the scholars
And I bet you a Rothschild I get a bang for my dollar
The synagogue of Satan want me to hang by my collar
But all praise due to Allah Subhanahu wa ta'ala
I put on for my nation like I'm King T'Challa
Crushing the oyinbo that try to bring wahala
You want it, I got it
Don't make me have to blast this rocket, uh
Jay Electricity
The thing you need like a hole in his head is publicity
Go shine like a Christmas tree
Verily, verily, I tread through like merrily
Giving all thanks to God for this universal therapy
Think of things I said that you hated then
Empirical facts that can't be debated now
Things you say today, I was sayin' then
Tell us who your favorite now
The first verse of Jay Electronica's song "Ghost of Soulja Slim" is a call to action for black people who are afraid to stand up against their enemies. He encourages them to sit down and not take the side of their oppressors. He suggests that they tell their master to come out and face the consequences of their actions. In the second half of the verse, Jay draws on his own experiences growing up in New Orleans, where violence was commonplace. He tells the story of how he is a soldier from the same mold as Magnolia Slim, a slain rapper he hopes to embody. Jay explains the harsh reality of life in his neighborhood, where the police were brutal, and violence was rampant. He hints at the fact that if you didn't have a gun, you were vulnerable to attack. Jay's ancestors were slaves who turned the scraps of food they were given into soul food, and he sees himself as carrying on the legacy of their struggle. In the second verse, Jay addresses his status as a prophet-like figure whose words should be considered akin to religious scripture. He asserts that if he and Jay-Z say something, it should be considered the Quran, but if it comes from anyone else, it is considered Haram (forbidden). Jay explains how he has emerged from a difficult environment in which he had to survive by any means necessary. He proudly claims to have made it through the hard times and risen to the top, as represented by the Roc Nation of Islam. Despite the resistance he faces, he continues to speak out and fight for justice, drawing strength from his faith in Allah. He challenges those who doubted him before to see that he was right all along.
Line by Line Meaning
So, all you scared to death negroes
Addressing those who are afraid and unwilling to defend their own community and people.
Just sit down
Do not say anything if you cannot stand up for your beliefs.
Don't you come out to defend our enemy
Do not support those who oppress and harm the community.
You sit down and you shut up and tell your Master to come on out and deal with this
Do not speak out of line, let those in charge handle the situation or take responsibility for their actions.
Next time they bring up the Gods, you gon' respect us
Respect the culture and beliefs of the community, especially when referring to religious figures and symbols.
That lil' vest ain't gonna do you, I shoot from neck up
Physical protection will not suffice against those who use violence and intimidation to achieve their goals.
I ain't even tryna hold you Magnolia Slim
Acknowledging the influence and legacy of another artist from the same community.
I'm a soldier from that mode, I'm the ghost of him
Continuing the legacy of those who fought for their people and community, even in death.
From the era of police stretcher, no cameras catch him
Referencing the brutality and abuse of power by law enforcement towards marginalized communities, especially when not held accountable.
Drop you off in a rival hood, you rather be arrested
Highlighting the danger and importance of community solidarity in the face of oppression and violence outside their community.
If you didn't have no straps you couldn't wear your necklace
The need for self-protection and defense against threats and violence.
Niggas hand around your throat, that's a choker reference
The fear and danger of physical violence and oppression, even leading to death.
My ancestors took old food made soul food
Pride in the cultural heritage and traditions of their community, especially in regards to food and cuisine.
Jim Crowe's a trope too, he stole his own music
Highlighting the cultural appropriation and exploitation by those who seek to profit from the art and culture of marginalized people.
That's the blood that goes through me, so you assumin'
Rooting oneself in their community and heritage, making assumptions based on these roots.
I could never sell my soul, they sold they soul to me
Rejecting the idea of selling out or compromising their beliefs, especially in the face of those who exploit and oppress them.
Peaceful teachings of Rumi, but don't confuse me
Appreciating the philosophical and spiritual teachings of Rumi, while emphasizing the need for strength and action in resistance.
You mouth off for the cameras I'll make a silent movie
Challenging those who only speak out for show and publicity, while taking real action to make a difference.
Now here's some jury
Offering a valuable and important opinion or point of view.
No civilization has conquered from the outside until they destroy themselves from within
Warning against the dangers of internal division and conflict, leading to external threats and conquest.
Pen, put a pin in that, will come back when I fled
Remembering and holding on to important ideas and insights for future reflection and action.
You can't talk like I talk 'cause you ain't been where I been, young
Having unique and valuable experiences that shape one's perspective and voice, especially when fighting for their community.
If it come from me and Hov, consider it Quran
Emphasizing the importance and truth of their message, especially when it comes to issues affecting their community.
If it come from any of those, consider it Harām
Rejecting the words and actions of those who do not share their values and beliefs.
The minaret that Jigga built beyond the dome of the Roc
Achieving success and influence in their field, symbolized by Jay-Z's entertainment company and empire.
Was crafted, so beautifully, consider this Saddam
Pride in their own artistic and cultural achievements, despite the scrutiny and fear of those in power.
From a hard place and a rock to the Roc Nation of Islam
Overcoming adversity and struggles, especially through faith and community support.
I emerged on the wave that Tidal made to drop bombs
Seizing the opportunity and platform provided by Jay-Z's streaming service, Tidal, to make a powerful impact and statement.
I came to bang with the scholars
Bringing their own intellect and knowledge to the table, challenging and engaging with established scholars and thinkers.
And I bet you a Rothschild I get a bang for my dollar
Asserting their own worth and value in the face of those who seek to exploit and control them.
The synagogue of Satan want me to hang by my collar
Identifying their enemies and those who seek to harm and oppress them, especially those with institutional and systemic power.
But all praise due to Allah Subhanahu wa ta'ala
Expressing gratitude and faith in a higher power, even in the face of adversity and struggle.
I put on for my nation like I'm King T'Challa
Proudly representing and fighting for their community and people, channeling the strength and leadership of the Marvel comic book character.
Crushing the oyinbo that try to bring wahala
Overcoming and defeating those who cause trouble and harm to their community, especially those outside it.
You want it, I got it
Confidently offering their talent, skill, and voice to those who are willing to listen and support.
Don't make me have to blast this rocket, uh
Warning against those who seek to challenge or harm them, especially through violence and intimidation.
Jay Electricity
Referring to oneself as a powerful and transformative force, especially in their music and art.
The thing you need like a hole in his head is publicity
Rejecting the superficial and artificial attention and promotion that comes with fame and publicity.
Go shine like a Christmas tree
Encouraging others to be themselves and express their own unique talents and qualities, without the need for attention or approval.
Verily, verily, I tread through like merrily
Moving forward and taking action with confidence and joy, despite the challenges and uncertainties faced.
Giving all thanks to God for this universal therapy
Expressing gratitude and faith in a higher power for the healing and transformative power of their music and message.
Think of things I said that you hated then
Reminding others of the importance and value of their previous message and ideas.
Empirical facts that can't be debated now
Asserting the truth and validity of their previous message and ideas, especially in the face of skepticism or opposition.
Things you say today, I was sayin' then
Highlighting the prescient insight and visionary perspective they have always held, even before others recognized their importance.
Tell us who your favorite now
Challenging others to recognize and appreciate their value and message, especially in relation to other artists and public figures.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Timothy Elpadaro Thedford, Chris Payton, Craig Lawson, James Tapp, John Williams, Khirye Tyler, Larrance Dopson, Louis Farrakhan, Shawn Carter
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@YouTubeXGP
Rise young gods (ps82), all paths lead to Lazarus....
(Walking on water, lyrically)
Wow.. 99% won't be able to hear this album no matter how many times they listen.. wow.. the mathematics is Enoch..
Praise Almighty GOD for granting you the wisdom and agape; to achieve probably the highest musical composition in ages..
Salute Brother
All of GODS blessings to you.
@armandomagdaleno34
Any body who dislikes any song on this album is a govt official
@mouradsaleh9445
No you can also not like the instrumentals. The rapping is great but other than this and some other tracks it is too mellow for me.
@OurAncientFuture
my channel is anti govt official
@BloodestbathBill
ghost of soulja slim too mellow lmao
@mouradsaleh9445
@Onouphrios and I respect that.
@superblondeDotOrg
or maybe those dislikers don't like ignorant racist tropes
@jihDCchillin
This is one of the best albums I've ever heard in my life, no cap
@mauricedues231
Ghost 👻 of Soulja slim haunting me 🎧⚡🥋
@tghetto5
Bro Hov's ability to come up with a new flow so often is unmatched. This shit is so hard.
@KING_OF_BLENDS
Hov is rapping a 90s New Orleans flow. Listen to the hook on Lil Wayne's song "Want War". He totally took turks flow.