The group debuted for TVT Records in 1995 with the single for Unified Rebelution. Their acclaimed position in the 1990s alternative hip-hop movement, alongside artists including Company Flow, Black Star and Kool Keith, was confirmed when the Jurassic 5 EP was released in December 1997.
The EP was later repackaged with additional tracks and released in December 1998 as the band's full-length debut album, entitled Jurassic 5 LP.
The tracks harked back to the old school attitude of New York's Native Tongues Posse, the seminal late 1980s coalition of artists who reaffirmed rap's social agenda, which included De La Soul, the Jungle Brothers and A Tribe Called Quest. This was evident on the song Concrete Schoolyard ("Let's take it back to the concrete streets/Original beats from real live MCs"), and the album even provided the troupe with a surprise UK Top 40 single when it reached number 35 in November 1998. The other stand-out track, Jayou, was built around a hypnotic flute loop from Pleasure Web's Music Man Part 1 (Music Man Part 1).
In 1999, Jurassic 5 signed to Interscope Records, who re-released the Jurassic 5 EP. This was followed by their second album (their first on a major label), Quality Control.
In 2002, they released their third album, Power In Numbers, which was followed by touring with the newly-revived Lollapalooza festival in the summer of 2003.
Their latest album, Feedback, was released on July 25, 2006.
I Am Somebody
Jurassic 5 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Forever keep it ghetto
Funk and heavy metal
Fuck the devil
Unify the rebel
Whistle like a kettle
With a fly acapello
Smooth and mellow
Shine through times with rhymes bright like yellow
Taste and swallow, lead and never follow
Break it like a bottle
Inspire like a role model
Say, "I am" (I am) "Somebody" (Somebody)
Yo, my soul, bounce rock and roll
Tumble with the rhythm
Heat the mic when it's cold
I was told "Be Bold"
Whether platinum or gold
Keep it solid
Do the knowledge
Til' I reach my goal
My hunger-pain thunder
Lumberjack the fifth wonder
I never slumber 'cause I keep it on the under
My post beat for people in the street
Ghetto M-you-S-I-see (We bring the heat)
That African soul
Clap black power impact
Who said ghetto rap was all about a dope sack?
A pimp slap or a big black gatt
Fuck around and get jacked
For your rhymes where I live at
Uh, I'm not a gangsta but I boogie wit beats
No gang affiliation in my lyrics or speech
But still I keep it straight hood-hop techniques
South Central Fundamentals J5 emcees
And it's on!
Who's to say if I choose to make moves today
Whether I win or lose or I end up on the news today
Amuse but never confuse
Still got dues to pay
You abuse elegant rules when you use clichés
They got you sittin' on the edge of your seat
Creatin' beef
Mark of the beast
Code on the street
Cease and decease
Never the least
Let me repeat
The situation gets sticky like the badge on police
We individually driven in the beginnin'
We winnin'
Six men and a venomous independent decision and clear vision
Pretendin' was never a possibility
I got to kill it
Because I want to be it
The poet to win a Pulitzer Prize
Who wouldn?t survive?
The fullest of vibes
Deliberate surprise
When bullets the size
Of quarters arrive
And slaughter your lives
We trying to counteract that
Unifying these ballers and backpacks
With Knowledge-&-Fact-Tracks
Yo, my soul, infiltrate birth control
And control guns Huey P used to hold
I breathe life and through the 60's
Voted most likely to get busy
Inner city flash jiggy burn
Phillies and things
And we boogie to the bang
Sunshine and rain
Why you cats be talkin' that pimp crap in jail
I corresponded with a nigga who can barely spell
I know the situation oh so well (so well)
I done seen it in 3D
It ain't hard to tell
Why you bang for your turf chain girl or your man
I be banging for Islam in a spot in Sudan
'cause I can't solve or stop or put foot to this
The hottest brother on the block couldn't cook to this
J5 drop the verse beat hook to this
And if you want a fly jam you should look to this
So
Raise the level, bass bottom to treble
Forever keep it ghetto
Funk and heavy metal
Fuck the devil
Unify the rebel
Whistle like a kettle
With a fly acapello
Smooth and mellow
Locked load and settle
Shine through times with rhymes bright like yellow
Taste and swallow, lead and never follow
Break it like a bottle
Inspire like a role model
The lyrics to Jurassic 5's song I Am Somebody exude a powerful message of self-confidence and unity. The song begins with the command to "raise the level" and maintain a sense of authenticity by keeping it "ghetto." The lyrics also speak to the need to unite against oppressive forces and inspire others to do the same. The line "say, 'I am somebody'" is a direct reference to Reverend Jesse Jackson's famous 1971 poem affirming the worth and dignity of all people, particularly Black Americans.
The second part of the song continues with the theme of self-affirmation, stating that the singer will continue to pursue his goals and not be deterred by setbacks or negative outside forces. The lyrics also address issues of violence and crime within the Black community, with the singer advocating for a more positive and productive approach to life. The final verse reflects on the powerful legacy of the Civil Rights Movement and the ongoing struggle for racial and social justice.
Overall, "I Am Somebody" is a powerful call to action for individuals to stand up for themselves and their communities, and to work together to effect positive change.
Line by Line Meaning
Yo, raise the level, bass bottom to treble
Elevate the music's intensity from the low bass to the high treble frequencies
Forever keep it ghetto
Permanently maintain the raw and authentic essence of the street
Funk and heavy metal
Blend the funky rhythms of hip-hop with the aggressiveness of heavy metal
Fuck the devil
Reject any negative or evil influences
Unify the rebel
Bring together those who challenge societal norms and restrictions
Whistle like a kettle
Make noise and capture attention like a boiling kettle
With a fly acapello
Deliver impressive vocal performances without musical accompaniment
Smooth and mellow
Maintain a laid-back and relaxed vibe
Locked load and settle
Be focused, prepared, and composed
Shine through times with rhymes bright like yellow
Stand out and make an impact with lively and vibrant lyrics
Taste and swallow, lead and never follow
Evaluate and embrace new experiences, taking the lead instead of imitating others
Break it like a bottle
Shatter expectations and conventions like breaking a bottle
Inspire like a role model
Motivate others through positive actions and be a source of inspiration
Say, "I am" (I am) "Somebody" (Somebody)
Affirm one's individuality and self-worth
Yo, my soul, bounce rock and roll
Express oneself freely and energetically with a mix of different musical genres
Tumble with the rhythm
Flow smoothly and seamlessly with the beat
Heat the mic when it's cold
Bring intense energy and passion to the microphone, especially in challenging situations
I was told "Be Bold"
Received advice to be fearless and take risks
Whether platinum or gold
Regardless of commercial success, maintain personal integrity and authenticity
Keep it solid
Stay true to oneself and maintain a strong foundation
Do the knowledge
Seek knowledge and understanding to grow intellectually
Til' I reach my goal
Persistently work towards achieving personal aspirations
My hunger-pain thunder
My ambition and drive are powerful and intense
Lumberjack the fifth wonder
Exhibit great skill and mastery like a lumberjack conquering extraordinary challenges
I never slumber 'cause I keep it on the under
I am always awake and aware, keeping my actions and intentions discreet
My post beat for people in the street
My music is dedicated to those living in the urban streets and facing similar struggles
Ghetto M-you-S-I-see (We bring the heat)
We represent and embody the essence of the marginalized urban community through our music
That African soul
We embrace and incorporate the spirit and culture of African heritage
Clap black power impact
Applaud the strength and influence of black empowerment movements
Who said ghetto rap was all about a dope sack?
Challenge stereotypes that associate rap from the ghetto solely with drug culture
A pimp slap or a big black gatt
Reject the glorification of violence and criminal activity
Fuck around and get jacked
Engage in reckless behavior and face the consequences
For your rhymes where I live at
Face retaliation and danger for disrespectful lyrics in my community
Uh, I'm not a gangsta but I boogie wit beats
I'm not involved in criminal activities, but I enjoy and excel in creating music
No gang affiliation in my lyrics or speech
My lyrics and spoken words do not promote or endorse gang culture
But still I keep it straight hood-hop techniques
I maintain a genuine and true-to-the-streets approach to my music
South Central Fundamentals J5 emcees
We represent and embody the core principles and artistry from South Central Los Angeles
And it's on!
We're ready and fully committed to showcasing our talents and making an impact
Who's to say if I choose to make moves today
No one has the authority to dictate or judge the decisions I make in my life
Whether I win or lose or I end up on the news today
The outcome of my actions, regardless of success or failure, may attract attention
Amuse but never confuse
Entertain and captivate, but always remain clear and straightforward
Still got dues to pay
Despite accomplishments, there are still obligations and responsibilities to fulfill
You abuse elegant rules when you use clichés
By relying on overused phrases, you undermine the creativity and sophistication of language
They got you sittin' on the edge of your seat
They have you eagerly anticipating and intrigued by their performance
Creatin' beef
Instigating conflicts and creating unnecessary drama
Mark of the beast
Symbolic representation of corruption and evil
Code on the street
Unspoken rules and practices within the urban environment
Cease and decease
Put an end to lies and deception
Never the least
Always significant and significant
Let me repeat
Allow me to emphasize and reiterate
The situation gets sticky like the badge on police
The circumstances become challenging and difficult, similar to conflicts with law enforcement
We individually driven in the beginnin'
As individuals, we have personal motivations and ambitions from the start
We winnin'
We are achieving success and coming out victorious
Six men and a venomous independent decision and clear vision
The group consists of six talented individuals making bold choices with a focused and determined mindset
Pretendin' was never a possibility
We reject the idea of pretending or being inauthentic
I got to kill it
I need to excel and dominate the competition
Because I want to be it
Driven by the desire to succeed and become the best
The poet to win a Pulitzer Prize
The aspiration to achieve recognition and accolades as a talented poet
Who wouldn't survive?
With determination and resilience, who could fail?
The fullest of vibes
Radiating with positive and vibrant energy
Deliberate surprise
Purposefully delivering unexpected and impactful moments
When bullets the size
When significant challenges or obstacles arise
Of quarters arrive
Similar to large coins, overcoming these challenges can be rewarding
And slaughter your lives
Defeating or conquering whatever stands in the way of your goals
We trying to counteract that
We are working to oppose and neutralize those negative influences
Unifying these ballers and backpacks
Bringing together both those with wealth and success, as well as the creative and intellectual individuals
With Knowledge-&-Fact-Tracks
Through our music, we provide enlightening and informative content
Yo, my soul, infiltrate birth control
My essence and passion penetrate barriers and restrictions
And control guns Huey P used to hold
Exercising power and influence over the weapons and aggression once associated with Huey P Newton
I breathe life and through the 60's
I bring vitality and vitality reminiscent of the revolutionary spirit of the 1960s
Voted most likely to get busy
Recognized as the one with the highest potential to take action and make things happen
Inner city flash jiggy burn
Displaying style and confidence that originates from the inner city, burning with energy
Phillies and things
Enjoying inexpensive cigars and other pleasures of urban life
And we boogie to the bang
We dance joyfully and energetically to the rhythm
Sunshine and rain
Embracing both the positive and challenging aspects of life
Why you cats be talkin' that pimp crap in jail
Questioning why individuals discuss promiscuous and exploitative behavior while incarcerated
I corresponded with a nigga who can barely spell
I communicated with someone who lacks education and struggles with literacy
I know the situation oh so well (so well)
I am familiar with the circumstances and challenges faced by those living in similar conditions
I done seen it in 3D
I have witnessed and experienced it firsthand, in vivid detail
It ain't hard to tell
It is evident and clear to anyone paying attention
Why you bang for your turf chain girl or your man
Questioning the reason for engaging in violence or criminal activity for the sake of material possessions or relationships
I be banging for Islam in a spot in Sudan
I fight and stand up for the principles of Islam in a particular location in Sudan
'cause I can't solve or stop or put foot to this
Because of the magnitude and complexity, I cannot easily solve or bring an end to this situation
The hottest brother on the block couldn't cook to this
Even the most talented and skilled individuals cannot match the excellence of our music
J5 drop the verse beat hook to this
Jurassic 5 delivers the enthralling verses, beats, and melodic hooks for this song
And if you want a fly jam you should look to this
If you desire an exciting and captivating musical experience, you should turn to this song
So
In conclusion
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: KENNY GAMBLE, LEON HUFF, ROLAND LAWRENCE CHAMBERS, MARC POTSIC, LUCAS MCFADDEN, CHARLES STEWART, COURTNAY HENDERSON, MARC STUART, DANTE GIVENS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind