Kardinal started rapping at the age of eight, and was winning competitions by the time he was 12. Also at the age of 12, Kardinal performed live and on stage for the first time, with Nelson Mandela in attendance during his first visit to Toronto.[2] By 1993, he decided to drop his alias "KoolAid", and went by the moniker Kardinal Offishall after being inspired by the great 17th century French politician Cardinal Richelieu.
Kardinal was signed to a publishing deal with Warner/Chappell Music Canada at the age of 20. In 1996, he released his first single "Naughty Dread", which was featured on the Rap Essentials Volume One compilation and earned him a Juno Award nomination for Best Rap Recording. In 1997, Kardinal released his debut album Eye & I on Capitol Hill Music. The only single from the album, "On Wit Da Show", had considerable video play on MuchMusic. Kardinal was also credited as a major contributor to the late 90's renaissance of Canadian hip hop. In 1998, he was featured on the Juno-winning single "Northern Touch" with the Rascalz, Choclair, Checkmate and Thrust.
In 2000, Kardinal signed with MCA Records. He released the album Quest for Fire: Firestarter, Vol. 1 in 2001, which spawned the hits "BaKardi Slang" and "Ol' Time Killin'". The album earned a gold certification in Canada. After MCA folded in 2003, Kardinal's highly anticipated follow up album Firestarter Vol. 2: F Word Theory was shelved along with the single/video for "Belly Dancer" featuring Pharrell, and Kardinal eventually found himself without a label. Had the album been released, there would have been production from Timbaland and The Neptunes among others. He released an independent mixtape titled Kill Bloodclott Bill in 2004 with his production company, The Black Jays, and he also released his second major-label album titled Fire and Glory in 2005, through Virgin Records in Canada only. Hits on Fire and Glory include "Everyday (Rudebwoy)" and "Heads Up".
Kardinal has also produced many songs, including the hit single "Let's Ride" by Choclair, whose album Ice Cold went gold in 35 days and would win them a Juno in 2000. However, it was with the Black Jays team when Kardinal received notoriety for his production work. In 2004, Kardinal and Solitair of the Black Jays created a remix version of Jay-Z's The Black Album and called it The Black Jays Album. Kardinal also did some production on Kill Bloodcott Bill and produced 9.5 out of the 14 tracks on Fire and Glory.
He is one of the few Canadian hip hop artists that have an international audience and has collaborated with artists such as Busta Rhymes, Method Man, Sean Paul, Spragga Benz, Bounty Killer, Little Brother, Stat Quo, Pharoahe Monch, Vybz Kartel, Rihanna, Snow, Pete Rock, Lil Wayne and Akon. A-List producers, The Neptunes requested Kardinal appear on the remix to their smash hit production “Grindin'” with Clipse. The remix was well received across North America, particularly in New York City.
To date, Kardinal is the only Canadian urban act to appear on BET’s Rap City (even freestyling in the booth with Big Tigger), and on MTV’s Advance Warning (which introduces the world to artists on the verge of breaking big, like former guest Kanye West). Kardinal has made brief guest appearances in Rihanna's "Pon De Replay" music video, and Sean Paul's "Get Busy" video, which was shot in Woodbridge, Ontario (a Toronto suburb). He has also appeared on mixtapes from Clinton Sparks and DJ Green Lantern.
In 2006, Kardinal collaborated Akon, Cipha Sounds, DJ Whoo Kid, and various members of the Black Jays family among others. At the 2006 MuchMusic Video Awards, Kardinal walked away with 3 awards for "Everyday (Rudebwoy)", including Best Video, Best Director (RT!) and VideoFACT Award. At the MMVA's, he announced that he had an upcoming collaboration with the Canadian Reggae Band Bedouin Soundclash, now known as the single "Last Standing Soldier" (Remix).
Belly Dancer
Kardinal Offishall Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Pharrell) A belly dancer, a snake charmer, a belly dancer, a snake charmer
A belly dancer, a snake charmer, a belly dancer...
(Kardinal) A yagga yagga yaggo (BO!!!)
(Verse 1: Kardinal Offishall)
Fire fi bun a pretty gal gwaan cool now (BO!!!)
Dat belly ting dat mek a bwoy tun fool you know (BO!!!)
Di way you bubble mek me stiffen up mi tool you know (BO!!!)
This middle eastern chick was sittin on a stool you know (BO!!!)
Doin the belly dance makin my niggas drool you know (BO!!!)
Run like a dappa that's the number one rule you know (BO!!!)
She said yeah Kardi I heard about you you know
When di gal dem a pull yuh inna corner man a big house wid di pool
You know (BO!!!)
Till after dat's cool cau di man dem still a ride mule
you know (BO!!!)
By time she blink then turn around and took another glance
(Yagga yagga yo!!!) I was back watchin the belly dancer
(Chorus: Pharrell) + (Kardinal Offishall)
She's a belly dancer, a belly dancer (BO!!!)
A belly dancer a belly dancer (BO!!!)
A bell dancer, a belly dancer, a belly dancer
(Female: La la la la now watch di gal dem a belly dancer)
A belly dancer, a belly dancer (BO!!!)
A belly dancer a belly dancer (BO!!!)
A belly dancer, a belly dancer, a belly dancer
(A yagga yagga yagga yagga yo!)
(Verse 2: Kardinal Offishall)
Bust in the dance I was waitin for to freak me (BO!!!)
Di way she wine dat waist mek mi eyes sleepy (BO!!!)
She a di number one another couldn't cheat me
Man dem a dance and pose off why di gal a gwaan freaky (BO!!!)
This likkle belly dancer waan come see me (BO!!!)
So me and Silver skank over to di sweety (BO!!!)
Throw up yuh hands a mi nuh business if yuh pretty (BO!!!)
Man dem a dat we lick a shot and mek yuh skin leaky (BO!!!)
Hey pretty gal watch how yuh face lookin dreamy
And how yuh move yuh body mek my eyes gleamy
This is for every girl around the world believe me
Dem a rush to shift di clutch a belly dance easy
(Chorus: Pharrell) + (Kardinal Offishall)
She's a belly dancer, a belly dancer (BO!!!)
A belly dancer a belly dancer (BO!!!)
A belly dancer, a belly dancer, belly dancer
(Female: La la la la now watch di gal dem a belly dancer)
A belly dancer, a belly dancer (BO!!!)
A belly dancer a belly dancer (BO!!!)
A belly dancer, a belly dancer, belly dancer
(Bridge: Pharrell) + (Kardinal Offishall)
A belly dancer, a snake charmer (BO!!!)
A belly dancer, a snake charmer (BO!!!)
A belly dancer, a snake charmer, a belly dancer...
(A yagga yo!!!!)
(Verse 3: Kardinal Offishall)
If di gal dem a go wine, mek she run a belly dancin time
Gal dem a bubble while Kardinal a rhyme
Meet me at di dance at di borderline borderline
Yo! Waist to waist shape to shape is a ten out a (Ten)
If yuh a di toppatop then oonu bring one a yuh (Friend)
If yuh tink yuh nuh have it Kardinal have nuff to (Bend)
To di end (Listen up!) comprehend come again
How yuh move is like money so mek mi gwaan (Spend)
Mi have di title a dat a dat mi waan dem (Defend)
Ownin the T Dot how me can pretend
Belly dance Neptunes come again
(Chorus: Pharrell) + (Kardinal Offishall)
She's a belly dancer, a belly dancer (BO!!!)
A belly dancer a belly dancer (BO!!!)
A bell dancer, a belly dancer, a belly dancer
(Female: La la la la now watch di gal dem a belly dancer)
A belly dancer, a belly dancer (BO!!!)
A belly dancer a belly dancer (BO!!!)
A belly dancer, a belly dancer, belly dancer
(Bridge: Pharrell) + (Kardinal Offishall)
A belly dancer, a snake charmer (BO!!!)
A belly dancer, a snake charmer (BO!!!)
A belly dancer, a snake charmer, a belly dancer...
In Kardinal Offishall's song "Belly Dancer," he speaks about his experience with a captivating woman who is a skilled belly dancer. The lyrics are full of imagery and metaphors to describe the dancer's movements, such as "bubble," "stiffen up mi tool," and "waist to waist shape to shape." The song also includes a fun call-and-response between Kardinal and Pharrell, where they chant "A belly dancer, a snake charmer" multiple times.
Throughout the song, Kardinal describes the woman's beauty and mastery of the art of belly dancing. He compares her to a snake charmer, implying that her movements are hypnotic and entrancing. He speaks about how all the men in the room are captivated by her, how her dance makes him feel and commenting about her interest in him as well. The lyrics are a testament to the beauty of belly dancing and the effect it can have on people.
Overall, "Belly Dancer" is a lively and upbeat song that celebrates the beauty and sensuality of belly dancing. Kardinal Offishall's lyrics are full of energy and enthusiasm, making it a fun and enjoyable track to dance to.
Line by Line Meaning
(Kardinal) Hey!!!
Kardinal Offishall initiates the start of the song by exclaiming 'Hey!!!'
(Pharrell) A belly dancer, a snake charmer, a belly dancer, a snake charmer
A belly dancer, a snake charmer, a belly dancer...
Pharrell Williams repeatedly refers to the belly dancer and snake charmer throughout the song, creating a catchy hook for the audience to remember.
(Kardinal) A yagga yagga yaggo (BO!!!)
Kardinal Offishall interjects with ad-libs throughout the song, using 'yagga yagga yaggo' to add excitement.
Fire fi bun a pretty gal gwaan cool now (BO!!!)
Kardinal Offishall remarks on the beauty of the belly dancer, stating that he's ready to express his admiration and enjoy the performance.
Dat belly ting dat mek a bwoy tun fool you know (BO!!!)
Kardinal Offishall acknowledges that the belly dancer's moves are mesmerizing, causing men to act foolish in her presence.
Pull up a seat and mek me tek oonu back to school you know (BO!!!)
Kardinal Offishall invites the audience to observe and learn from the belly dancer's moves, as he wants to educate and entertain them.
Di way you bubble mek me stiffen up mi tool you know (BO!!!)
Kardinal Offishall admits that the belly dancer's moves are sexually arousing, causing him to become excited.
This middle eastern chick was sittin on a stool you know (BO!!!)
Kardinal Offishall describes the performer's background as Middle Eastern, adding to the exotic nature of the performance.
Doin the belly dance makin my niggas drool you know (BO!!!)
Kardinal Offishall observes that the belly dancer's moves are causing his male friends to become hypnotized and captivated.
Run like a dappa that's the number one rule you know (BO!!!)
Kardinal Offishall advises the audience to move gracefully and stylishly, as if they were professional dancers.
She said yeah Kardi I heard about you you know
When di gal dem a pull yuh inna corner man a big house wid di pool
You know (BO!!!)
Till after dat's cool cau di man dem still a ride mule
you know (BO!!!)
Kardinal Offishall converses with the belly dancer, who recognizes him as a celebrity and warns him that other men also seek her attention, despite their lack of wealth and status.
By time she blink then turn around and took another glance
(Yagga yagga yo!!!) I was back watchin the belly dancer
Kardinal Offishall admits that he can't keep his eyes off the belly dancer, even when he briefly looked away.
(Chorus: Pharrell) + (Kardinal Offishall)
She's a belly dancer, a belly dancer (BO!!!)
A belly dancer a belly dancer (BO!!!)
A bell dancer, a belly dancer, a belly dancer
(Female: La la la la now watch di gal dem a belly dancer)
A belly dancer, a belly dancer (BO!!!)
A belly dancer, a belly dancer, a belly dancer
(A yagga yagga yagga yagga yo!)
Pharrell Williams and Kardinal Offishall repeatedly reference the belly dancer, emphasizing her beauty and talent throughout the chorus.
(Verse 2: Kardinal Offishall)
Kardinal Offishall continues to describe his experience watching the belly dancer.
Bust in the dance I was waitin for to freak me (BO!!!)
Kardinal Offishall was anticipating an exciting performance from the belly dancer when he arrived at the venue.
Di way she wine dat waist mek mi eyes sleepy (BO!!!)
Kardinal Offishall is so captivated by the belly dancer's movements that he feels dazed and weak.
She a di number one another couldn't cheat me
Man dem a dance and pose off why di gal a gwaan freaky (BO!!!)
Kardinal Offishall remarks that the belly dancer is unmatched in terms of her skill and attractiveness, observing other men's attempts to impress her while she continues to impress everyone with her dancing.
This likkle belly dancer waan come see me (BO!!!)
So me and Silver skank over to di sweety (BO!!!)
Throw up yuh hands a mi nuh business if yuh pretty (BO!!!)
Man dem a dat we lick a shot and mek yuh skin leaky (BO!!!)
Hey pretty gal watch how yuh face lookin dreamy
And how yuh move yuh body mek my eyes gleamy
This is for every girl around the world believe me
Dem a rush to shift di clutch a belly dance easy
Kardinal Offishall is approached by the belly dancer, and he and his friend join her to dance together. He encourages other women to embrace their inner belly dancer and enjoy themselves.
A belly dancer, a belly dancer, belly dancer
Kardinal Offishall repeats the words 'belly dancer' to emphasize the ongoing theme of the song.
(Bridge: Pharrell) + (Kardinal Offishall)
A belly dancer, a snake charmer (BO!!!)
(A yagga yo!!!!)
Pharrell Williams and Kardinal Offishall continue to associate the belly dancer with exotic themes, mentioning snake charmers as well.
(Verse 3: Kardinal Offishall)
Kardinal Offishall offers more commentary on the nature of belly dancing.
If di gal dem a go wine, mek she run a belly dancin time
Gal dem a bubble while Kardinal a rhyme
Meet me at di dance at di borderline borderline
Yo! Waist to waist shape to shape is a ten out a (Ten)
Kardinal Offishall encourages women to dance and enjoy themselves during performances, meeting him at the venue entrance. He admires the physical beauty of the female form, rating it a 'ten out of ten.'
If yuh a di toppatop then oonu bring one a yuh (Friend)
If yuh tink yuh nuh have it Kardinal have nuff to (Bend)
To di end (Listen up!) comprehend come again
Kardinal Offishall advises the audience to bring friends to dance with them if they feel confident, knowing that he has enough energy to dance with everyone. He repeats this advice to encourage the audience to not give up and try again if they struggle.
How yuh move is like money so mek mi gwaan (Spend)
Mi have di title a dat a dat mi waan dem (Defend)
Ownin the T Dot how me can pretend
Belly dance Neptunes come again
Kardinal Offishall compares the elegance of belly dancing to financial wealth, stating that he's willing to spend his time and energy to observe and try it himself. He defends his reputation and status in Toronto by continuing to promote the art of belly dancing. Lastly, he refers to the production team 'The Neptunes' to close the song.
Contributed by Mia A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Waszczi Waszczi
I love this version
Ahmed Saheed
I love this song for life
raghav mcc
Please add lyrics
Youssef Abbas
@MrTopfpflanze95 thanks!!