Their first album, "Straight Out the Jungle", was released on an independent label and featured a hip hop/house collaboration "I'll House You" produced by Todd Terry. In spite of the commercial failure of Straight Out the Jungle, Warner Brothers Records soon signed the group and released "Done By the Forces of Nature" in 1989. The album was a critical smash at the time, though it has since been largely ignored by hip hop critics, due to the similarly acclaimed fusion of jazz and rap "3 Feet High and Rising" by De La Soul being released the same year. Following a four year break, the Jungle Brothers returned in 1993 with "J Beez Wit the Remedy", another commercial disappointment. Their next album, "V.I.P." was produced by Alex Gifford of Propellerheads and, during production, they found time to add their vocal stylings to the Propellerheads tracks "Take California (And Party)" and "You Want It Back". In 2002 they released "All That We Do". In 2005, the Jungle Brothers released a "greatest hits" and "classic remixes & rarities" double-CD entitled "This Is…", which included remixes by The Wiseguys, Urban Takeover, Natural Born Chillers and Stereo MCs.
Beyond This World
Jungle Brothers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Round and round, upside down
Living my live underneath the ground
Never heard of and hardly seen
A whole lot of talk about the Red, Black and Green
So dirty you didn't want to deal with it
So funky you didn't want to got with it
But that's alright, no problem, coolSent to the Earth to educate the fool
Waiting around for my shell to crack
After that you can't hold me back
Looking out for the danger signs
Jungle Bros bringing forth a change in times
Left, right, some ask from which angle
Straight up the middle, reality's the riddle
Sending a message to the old and young
Confused about where I come from
What planet? What channel? What station?
AfriKa from the Zulu Nation...
Confused, no landing, no understanding
But I knew not to give what life was demanding
Found a new tab, thought I'd take a grab
Tired of brothers who feign to backstab
Beating a bigger drum, better days will come
And if they don't come, I'll get up and make some
First you crawl before you walk
First you think before you talk
I found in life that you wear a hard hat
Protect your mind and bad things will stay back
Vultures flocking around on corners
Snakes slide through our law and order
Years slip away and I get older
Leaves hit the ground and it gets colderMy heart pumps faster so I get bolder
That's when I ask my brother to...take over!
My mellow, Uncle Sam!
(Ladies and gentlemen, live from the Planet Rock we have the
J.Beeeeees...)
You see some listen but still don't hear
Some seem far but are real near
I climb a mountain to reach a kingdom
And if they're willing, sure I'll bring them
Think to the needy and then to the greedy
Rely on the heaven and earth to feed me
Move to the motions of the moon
(Take out your shades!) Cause the sun comes soon
To plan my day I look at the sky
I see rain and I still ask why...
Broke the airwaves, trying to make waves
Finally came through but came in mono
Frequencies I kept on fighting
Satelliting what I was writing
Three years, finally got through
Came through in stereo...
So hello everybody and how ya'll doing?
We gonna say a few words and keep on stepping
People watching to see what we would do
Live on air you heard us say to you:
The city's a jungle and we are the brothers
This so-called King Of The Jungle will run for cover
All of your minds have been set into a trance
So instead of fighting out our problems...
We order ya'll to dance!
The lyrics of Jungle Brothers' song 'Beyond This World' talk about the singer's journey of self-discovery and acceptance of his roots. The song starts with the singer talking about his life, which was underground, out of sight and sound, invisible to others. The lyrics contain references to the Red, Black, and Green, which are the colors of the African flag, indicating the singer's Afrocentric perspective. The singer then talks about the dangers and struggles of the world but promises to bring positive change through his music.
The second verse gives insight into the singer's personal growth, where he has learned not to give in to what life demands but to take control of his destiny. He encourages his listeners to do the same and fight for a better future. He acknowledges that life is tough, and one must protect their mind to avoid negativity from seeping in.
In the third verse, the singer talks about his struggle to be heard, continually fighting to get his message out there. But after three years, he finally did and gained a substantial following. The song ends with the Jungle Brothers rallying their listeners to dance instead of fighting, alluding to the power of music to bring people together.
Line by Line Meaning
Breakdown...
Beginning of the song, preparing the listener for the upcoming message.
Round and round, upside down
Life feels chaotic and directionless.
Living my life underneath the ground
Not being seen or recognized for one's true potential.
Never heard of and hardly seen
Feeling invisible and unheard despite one's existence.
A whole lot of talk about the Red, Black and Green
Hearing about cultural movements and ideas, but not fully understanding their significance.
So dirty you didn't want to deal with it
People avoiding certain issues or ideas because they seem unpleasant or uncomfortable.
So funky you didn't want to got with it
People avoiding traditions or ideas because they seem unconventional or uncool.
But that's alright, no problem, cool
Despite being overlooked, there is no animosity towards others.
Sent to the Earth to educate the fool
Purpose in life is to spread knowledge and enlightenment.
Waiting around for my shell to crack
Anticipating a moment when one can truly break free and reach their full potential.
After that you can't hold me back
Nothing can prevent one from achieving their goals once they have been unlocked.
Looking out for the danger signs
Being cautious of potential risks in life.
Jungle Bros bringing forth a change in times
Being agents of change and trying to make a positive impact.
Left, right, some ask from which angle
People questioning the direction or approach of the Jungle Bros.
Straight up the middle, reality's the riddle
The truth lies somewhere in the middle of opposing views or beliefs.
Sending a message to the old and young
Trying to reach people of all ages with their message.
Confused about where I come from
Questioning one's roots and cultural identity.
What planet? What channel? What station?
Feeling lost and unsure about where one belongs in society.
AfriKa from the Zulu Nation...
Acknowledging their African roots and cultural heritage.
Confused, no landing, no understanding
Feeling lost and without a sense of direction or purpose.
But I knew not to give what life was demanding
Not letting the challenges of life defeat or discourage oneself.
Found a new tab, thought I'd take a grab
Discovering a new opportunity or direction in life and seizing it.
Tired of brothers who feign to backstab
Tired of people pretending to be loyal or trustworthy, but ultimately betraying others.
Beating a bigger drum, better days will come
Trying to create a better future for oneself and others by being bold and proactive.
And if they don't come, I'll get up and make some
Not waiting for better days to come, but working to create them oneself.
First you crawl before you walk
One must start small before they can achieve greater things.
First you think before you talk
Consideration and thoughtfulness should come before speaking or acting.
I found in life that you wear a hard hat
Being cautious and protective of one's mind and well-being in life.
Protect your mind and bad things will stay back
Taking care of oneself can prevent negative experiences or situations.
Vultures flocking around on corners
Untrustworthy or predatory people circling around in certain areas or situations.
Snakes slide through our law and order
Unscrupulous or deceitful people infiltrating and disrupting society's systems and regulations.
Years slip away and I get older
The passing of time and the inevitability of aging.
Leaves hit the ground and it gets colder
Symbolic of the changing of seasons and cycles of life.
My heart pumps faster so I get bolder
Overcoming fear or anxiety can lead to greater confidence and courage.
That's when I ask my brother to...take over!
Asking for support or help from those around oneself.
You see some listen but still don't hear
People may hear what is being said, but fail to truly understand or absorb its meaning.
Some seem far but are real near
People who may seem distant or disconnected are actually close by and reachable.
I climb a mountain to reach a kingdom
Striving for greatness and overcoming obstacles to reach one's goals.
And if they're willing, sure I'll bring them
Offering to help and uplift others who share similar aspirations.
Think to the needy and then to the greedy
Prioritizing those who are in need before those who are simply seeking personal gain.
Rely on the heaven and earth to feed me
Trusting in the natural world and its resources to provide for one's needs.
Move to the motions of the moon
Following the rhythm and cycles of nature to guide one's movements or decisions.
(Take out your shades!) Cause the sun comes soon
Urging listeners to prepare for the positive change that is to come.
To plan my day I look at the sky
Finding inspiration or guidance from the world around oneself.
I see rain and I still ask why...
Questioning the reasons why difficult or challenging experiences occur in life.
Broke the airwaves, trying to make waves
Using the medium of radio to spread their message and make an impact.
Finally came through but came in mono
Initially facing obstacles in gaining an audience, but ultimately succeeding to a limited extent.
Frequencies I kept on fighting
Persisting and overcoming obstacles in order to be heard.
Satelliting what I was writing
Spreading their message far and wide through various means of communication.
Three years, finally got through
Working tirelessly to achieve success and recognition over a long period of time.
Came through in stereo...
Achieving greater success and recognition for their message.
So hello everybody and how ya'll doing?
Taking a moment to greet and connect with their audience.
We gonna say a few words and keep on stepping
Acknowledging the impact of their message, but also pushing forward to continue making a difference.
People watching to see what we would do
Being held accountable for their actions and choices as public figures.
Live on air you heard us say to you:
Addressing their audience directly and communicating their message.
The city's a jungle and we are the brothers
Drawing comparisons between the challenges of city life and the jungle, and positioning themselves as leaders or protectors within that environment.
This so-called King Of The Jungle will run for cover
Asserting their superiority and strength over those who may claim to be leaders but are not true to their word.
All of your minds have been set into a trance
Identifying a societal issue of people being brainwashed or controlled by overarching forces or influences.
So instead of fighting out our problems...
Reframing the solution to societal problems by promoting positive, communal action rather than conflict or violence.
We order ya'll to dance!
Uplifting and motivating people through the power of music and movement.
Lyrics © SCHUBERT MUSIC PUBLISHING INC.
Written by: JUNGLE BROTHERS, R. KAISTEIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@suave_d
@@Enter_The_Sage I get what you're saying, but it's the same tired argument that I've been hearing over and over again.
The fact that we have to "dig for it" in and of itself is a problem. When I was a kid, I didn't have to "dig" for Public Enemy, MC Lyte, Brand Nubian, Slick Rick, Whodini, etc -- they were on the radio, and their videos were on television. They were showcased daily for our visual and mental diet.
Unfortunately, the corrupt industry put an end to broadcasting "conscious Hip Hop" on a massive scale and began promoting degenerative forms of entertainment. Fast forward to 2024, we see/hear a lot of Sukihana, Sexy Red, Glorilla, and a host of ratchet, strip hop air pollution poorly disguised as rap music. It's funny how I don't have to "dig" to find them.
Yes, conscious Hip Hop is still out there, but because it has been neutralized and forced so deeply underground that people have to dig or serendipitously stumble across it, it might as well be considered dead because it's outside of the realm and scope of what's being played and promoted.
I get what you're saying, but I also understand where the original poster is coming from as well.
@olskool719
I remember buying this tape along with X-Clan To The East Blackwards. I couldn't stop playing both all day. Remember double cassette players?😁
@littleoldal
Xodus tho
@pyenapple
Both albums were nearly perfect
@pyenapple
@@littleoldal nah To The East was a better album, Xodus had some definite filler tracks. East was all heavy hitting
@littleoldal
@@pyenapple you know, i love funk music and p-funk
but i didn't want my x-clan to be 'dancy' music..
maybe that's why i preferred xodus.
@pyenapple
@@littleoldal i didn’t find it very dancy! But to each their own :)
@jaegaines6487
Damn I miss these dudes... Native Tongue 1st string Jungle Brothers. RIP conscious HIP Hop, you are greatly missed and still appreciate it
@Enter_The_Sage
Conscious Hip Hop never died homie. It just became more underground, gotta dig for it but it’s definitely alive and well.
@Enter_The_Sage
@Jayo Delaware look at an Old school legends like KRS-ONE. He dropped a dope album last year, it was underground. No commercial reception, no airplay, no hype, just dope hip hop. I'm not talking about underground backpack rappers, I'm talking about most of the rappers who were more mainstreamand who were dropping dope stuff 20-30 years ago are still around and still dropping fire projects left and right. If they were dope decades ago and had an original style then I'm pretty sure their styles and skills have improved and evolved. Look up most of your favorite MC'S from the 90's and I guarantee you most of them are dropping dope stuff now, it's underground though in the sense that it's not gonna show up in the new releases on apple music and those kinda places, you have to dig for it. So yes hip hop is alive and well and you're either blind or deaf or just not willing to dig for it.
@suave_d
@@Enter_The_Sage I get what you're saying, but it's the same tired argument that I've been hearing over and over again.
The fact that we have to "dig for it" in and of itself is a problem. When I was a kid, I didn't have to "dig" for Public Enemy, MC Lyte, Brand Nubian, Slick Rick, Whodini, etc -- they were on the radio, and their videos were on television. They were showcased daily for our visual and mental diet.
Unfortunately, the corrupt industry put an end to broadcasting "conscious Hip Hop" on a massive scale and began promoting degenerative forms of entertainment. Fast forward to 2024, we see/hear a lot of Sukihana, Sexy Red, Glorilla, and a host of ratchet, strip hop air pollution poorly disguised as rap music. It's funny how I don't have to "dig" to find them.
Yes, conscious Hip Hop is still out there, but because it has been neutralized and forced so deeply underground that people have to dig or serendipitously stumble across it, it might as well be considered dead because it's outside of the realm and scope of what's being played and promoted.
I get what you're saying, but I also understand where the original poster is coming from as well.