When it comes to emceeing and the essence of hip-hop, Journalist 103 showcases the form of an emcee evolving from a person who simply puts words over beats, to a speaker in tune giving life to his tracks. One of the sole survivors of a dying breed, 103 has emerged from a student studying the art of emceeing to teacher of hip-hop fundamentals. He started professionally emceeing around 1997.
After 'spittin' in a few cyphers and open mics around the city (Ebony Showcase, C Note lounge, Napoleon retreat, to name a few) he eventually bumped into Strike who was currently 'putting in work' with a group called "PMO" (Poor Mans Orchestra). Journ and Strike inevitably formed the legendary group Mountain Climbaz. Mountain Climaz is renowned as one of Detroit's most respected live performing Hip-Hop groups. Accompanying his group efforts 103 has graced a number of mixtapes that have gained worldwide recognition. Such as underground classics like "Broken", and "Broken Again" featuring Mu, Proof, and Marvwon which received an award for best hip-hop group song of the year (2003-2004).
Displaying master crowd control and lyrical delivery, that captures and elevates listeners to new heights 'the' Journalist entertains the audiences, bringing back that true feeling of genuine emceeing. Just like any great artist; Picasso or Van Gogh his work is a timeless classic leaving us in awe of his precise delivery, dominant voice, and dynamic ability to 'ride a beat'. You'll fall in love with hip-hop again listening to his 'old school' work ethnics which many 'so called' lyricist lack today. Journ's hard work, dedication, and intense studying of the art form brings the materials which leads to teaching the 'new skool' the values of being a true lyrical emcee. Journalist 103 is without question a valuable asset to today's Hip-Hop culture.
After releasing one of the best albums of 2010 Gas Mask, Journalist 103 takes you back you a few years prior to his Merging with Apollo Brown and DJ Soko to form The Left, with his mixtape K.R.A.M. (Keep Rap Alive Movement) .
Honing in on the modern man’s struggle, Journalist 103 uses his words to paint vivid pictures of peril, inspiration and overcoming hardship. As the lyricist behind The Left's critically acclaimed 2010 opus, Gas Mask, Journalist maneuvered through obscurity and rose to infamy as one of Detroit’s most celebrated narrators. Throughout the years, he has shared the mic with legends such as Kool G Rap, and even lent his voice to the opening track on Proof's out-of-print Detroit classic and now collector’s item, Electric Coolaid Acid Testing.
As his name suggests, Journalist 103 is able to articulate his point of view like a true professional, never relying on cheap frills to captivate listeners. “Journalist is a perfectly-titled MC because his raps have no gimmicks….but keep the listener coming back for more because they’re expertly-arranged, compellingly delivered, and contain real substance,” declares RapReviews.com. The past two years have been incredible for Journalist, as his album alongside producer Apollo Brown and DJ Soko, collectively known as The Left garnered a 92 (out of 100) from OkayPlayer.com, reached the number 1 position on KevinNottingham.com’s staff picks for the Top 10 Albums of the Year, and has earned select spots in both DJ Premier and HipHopDX’s rankings for top albums of 2010.
Journalist 103 continues his investigative report on the human psyche and charters new territory on his solo debut, Reporting Live, which was released worldwide via Babygrande Records on October 30, 2012. “It is definitely a privilege and an honor to be putting this album out on Babygrande Records” remarks Journalist. “Sharing the Roster with the likes of Freeway and the legendary GZA/Genius makes everything up to this point all worth the while” he adds. Featuring guest appearances from Freeway, Saigon, & Fashawn, and production from Snowgoons, Apollo Brown, Oddisee, The Audible Doctor, and more, Journalist 103 returns to boast lyrics straight from the headlines of an eye-opening periodical.
The album’s first single, "Danger", was released on August 23, 2012, and is produced by the notorious Detroit beat battler Marc Byrd and features Philadelphia legend, Freeway. “Danger” is a room-filling banger that showcases Journalist and Freeway trading verses, heeding a warning of the severity of street life.
Dreamer
Journalist 103 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yo, I dream of blue skies—never seeing cloudy days
I'm on a high all the time without the purple haze
Claiming a bounty when everybody's health is good
No more shots getting sprayed within our neighborhoods
Call me a dreamer, but this here is an achievable goal
Just depends on how far that you're willing to go
It's 2000 and 12—it ain't no time for fakeness
Achieving greatness only because My Lord decreed it
And for that I'm forever humble, my people peep it
This ain't a secret—just overshadowed by false desires
You can't see what's in front of you, keep looking behind ya
No more sadness leadin' to the sad stories
No more trapping on the block leadin' the war stories
Some niggas scheming, other is niggas is frontin'
But I'm a big dreamer, so watch me come up with somethin'
Yo, I always dream about being with the ones I love
No more days of the purple brain and crying thugs
To get the wisdom of the prophets, I studied they mission
To have the faith for the Christian, so I bear witness
Upon hearing the clear message, some people listen
The truth can never be denied in any condition
Sipping on the finest wine—no intoxication
No longer needing the protests and demonstrations
Draped in the silk robes with the green bouquet
Arms covered in gold, gauntlets is set astray
Got the purified mace with the blushest eyes
‘Cause we struggle from day to day in our worldly lives
But until that time arrives, it's a constant battle
Tryna stay out the Devil's shackles and hell's castle
Some gents scheming, other gents be frontin'
But I'm a big dreamer, so watch me come up with somethin'
"I'm going on a one-way street…"
In "Dreamer" by Journalist 103, the rapper is expressing his desire for a world that is free from pain, suffering, and violence. He is dreaming of a world where people can live in peace and harmony with each other, a world where everyone is healthy, happy, and fulfilled. He talks about the need for people to believe in what is real and shun fake desires. He believes that achieving greatness is only possible if you are willing to work hard and have faith.
The rapper also dreams of being with his loved ones and ending the days of violence and drug addiction. He talks about the need to study the wisdom of the prophets and have faith in Christianity. He believes that the truth can never be denied and that people should always strive to do the right thing.
Overall, the song is a powerful call for people to come together and work towards a better world. The rapper acknowledges that the journey will be difficult, but he is determined to keep dreaming and coming up with solutions to overcome the challenges that lie ahead.
Line by Line Meaning
Turn me down just a little bit (down just a little bit).
Lower the volume of the music.
Yo, I dream of blue skies—never seeing cloudy days
I envision a world free from troubles and worries.
I'm on a high all the time without the purple haze
I seek to experience the euphoria without the aid of drugs.
Claiming a bounty when everybody's health is good
There will be rewards for everyone when society is healthy.
No more shots getting sprayed within our neighborhoods
I long for a time where there's no more gunfire on the streets.
Call me a dreamer, but this here is an achievable goal
I may be optimistic, but I believe in making the world a better place.
Just depends on how far that you're willing to go
We can achieve our dreams if we're willing to put in the effort and take risks.
To believe in what's real or will you choose the matrix?
Will you accept reality or live in a false, manufactured world?
It's 2000 and 12—it ain't no time for fakeness
We can't afford to be insincere or dishonest in our current era.
Achieving greatness only because My Lord decreed it
My success is due to my faith and belief in a higher power.
And for that I'm forever humble, my people peep it
I remain modest and grateful to those who support me.
This ain't a secret—just overshadowed by false desires
The path to true fulfillment is overlooked by superficial wants.
You can't see what's in front of you, keep looking behind ya
You're missing out if you're dwelling on the past instead of focusing on the present.
No more sadness leadin' to the sad stories
We can avoid hardship that leads to tragic endings.
No more trapping on the block leadin' the war stories
We can put an end to the vicious cycle of violence.
Some niggas scheming, other is niggas is frontin'
Certain individuals are plotting while others are pretending.
But I'm a big dreamer, so watch me come up with somethin'
I won't be discouraged by obstacles and will come up with innovative ideas.
Yo, I always dream about being with the ones I love
My dreams often involve spending time with those dearest to me.
No more days of the purple brain and crying thugs
We can do away with drug abuse and gang-related violence.
To get the wisdom of the prophets, I studied they mission
I seek enlightenment from the teachings of religious figures.
To have the faith for the Christian, so I bear witness
I have faith in Christianity and testify to its truth.
Upon hearing the clear message, some people listen
When the message is straightforward, people are more likely to pay attention.
The truth can never be denied in any condition
The truth always prevails, no matter the circumstances.
Sipping on the finest wine—no intoxication
I can appreciate luxury without resorting to excess or vice.
No longer needing the protests and demonstrations
We won't have to fight for our rights if we're all treated fairly.
Draped in the silk robes with the green bouquet
I aspire for a lavish lifestyle, surrounded by nature's beauty.
Arms covered in gold, gauntlets is set astray
I seek extravagance but not to the point where I'm detached from reality.
Got the purified mace with the blushest eyes
I have pure intentions and a clear vision of my goals.
‘Cause we struggle from day to day in our worldly lives
We have to face difficulties in our everyday lives.
But until that time arrives, it's a constant battle
We can never give up on striving for a better existence.
Tryna stay out the Devil's shackles and hell's castle
We need to resist temptation that leads to negative consequences.
Some gents scheming, other gents be frontin'
Some men are plotting while others are pretending.
But I'm a big dreamer, so watch me come up with somethin'
I won't be discouraged by obstacles and will come up with innovative ideas.
"I'm going on a one-way street…"
This line is not part of the song Dreamer by Journalist 103.
Contributed by Caden T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
jake jakelia
Aika hurjaa.
HIPHOPJ01
Journalist 103 : REAL HIPHOP !
jake jakelia
@HIPHOPJ01 For real bro!
bloodbrother1000
@HIPHOPJ01 REAL RAP LOVE IT "