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).
Going In
Kardinal Offishall Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Let the beat control your body)
(Let the beat control your body)
(Let the beat control your body)
What? What? What?
What? What? What?
What? What? What?
What? What? What? What?
Aye yo
You can feel the adrenaline (what?)
Fire threw your ventricle your bodies unsettled
Gold medal, tell the press I am the first one threw
Dem niggas running the last lap I'm untying my shoe (what?)
Taking flicks with my fans like Britney on coke
Salmonella sick spitter, watching rappers get yoked (what?)
Kon' love it when I rap this way
It make it easier for anyone on Konvict to keep getting paid
We like Louis in comparison to Gucci from Canal (what?)
Like a dark skin Amex compared to PayPal
Aye gyal, turn around see the mandem in the back?
Eyes low wit the custom made Blue Jays hat?
That's my people
Makes these little punks get tight
We laugh hard 'cause we showing your flaws like black light
I ain't never begged nobody for nothing in my life
Trust me I'm quick to make a crack smoker my wife
I'm going in
Going (straight)
Going (aye)
Going (straight)
I'm going in
Going
Going
Going
I'm going in
Some say I have more neurosis than L-D (what?)
I curb your enthusiasm precisely (what?)
New York got me more then Spike Lee
'Cause I leave nicks on your face if you spite me
Talk I take it lightly, I'm the Crocodile Hunter
Walk through dangerous places, crikey (what?)
Who got more checks? Stripes or Nike?
Whoever it be, see me rocking that nightly (what?)
The launch pad man take off your night tee
I ain't Ike Turner, I keep on my wife beat-er
Kb got the nine milli-me
I'm a big man all these cats are mini mes
Scratch that, they mini thems even with forty percent of me
They can't drop these gems (what?)
Ask me who's my top ten
I'm a mention myself, my shadow, my fame and no more men
I'm going in
Going (straight)
Going (aye)
Going (straight)
I'm going in
Going
Going
Going
I'm going in (aye yo)
I wrote this in the whip
One hand on the wheel, one eye on the law
Ten dreams for the deal, I don't need street cred
I'm street readily available
Favorable, put all your money on the table
Bet what you got and I bet your gon' flop
'Cause ain't nobody gon' listen to you outside of your block
I'm outside of your dot in the Benzel taxi (what?)
Fifteen stacks, or don't bother get at me (woo)
Tough guy talks seems so passe
That's french for, "Fuck off" vocabulary classy (what?)
Lurks still living in this day
Niggas claim they the shit
I cant seem 'em like Charles (what?) Ray (what?)
Ain't nobody coming close to ours
Don't get offended my nigga, they just bars
Close your legs girl, what happen? They're just stars
Tomorrow dem gone like SARS
I'm going in
Going (straight)
Going (aye)
Going (straight)
I'm going in
Going
Going
Going
I'm going in
(Let the beat control your body)
(Let the beat control your body)
(Let the beat control your body)
The lyrics of Kardinal Offishall's song "Going In" reflect the rapper's approach to hip-hop, in which he often references his peers with a slight sense of superiority. The opening lines of the song, "Let the beat control your body," set the tone for the entire track. The rapper suggests that one should let go and allow the music to influence them, which is appropriate given the song's fast-paced flow.
Kardinal Offishall's lyrics in the song are typically fast and full of metaphors. He boasts, "You can feel the adrenaline/Fire threw your ventricle your bodies unsettled," suggesting that the song's energy is enough to elicit a physical reaction. He describes himself as a "gold medal" winner, suggesting that he's at the top of his game. He also mentions several references to other artists, including Britney Spears, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci, and mentions the members of his team.
Overall, "Going In" is a powerful song that boasts both upbeat music and strong, fast-paced lyrics. However, beneath the bravado there seems to be a sense of self-awareness from Kardinal Offishall, as he acknowledges that he's not perfect.
Line by Line Meaning
Let the beat control your body
Repeating the importance of surrendering to the music and letting it take over
Let the beat control your body
Repeating the importance of surrendering to the music and letting it take over
Let the beat control your body
Repeating the importance of surrendering to the music and letting it take over
Let the beat control your body
Repeating the importance of surrendering to the music and letting it take over
What? What? What?
Expressing confusion or disbelief at something
What? What? What?
Expressing confusion or disbelief at something
What? What? What?
Expressing confusion or disbelief at something
What? What? What? What?
Expressing confusion or disbelief at something
Aye yo
Calling someone's attention or starting a conversation
You can feel the adrenaline (what?)
The music and lyrics are meant to energize the listener
Fire threw your ventricle your bodies unsettled
The music and lyrics are causing excitement and stimulation in the listener's body
Gold medal, tell the press I am the first one threw
Boasting about being the best and first to achieve something
Dem niggas running the last lap I'm untying my shoe (what?)
Showing off and doing something extra even when it's not necessary
Taking flicks with my fans like Britney on coke
Interacting with fans and taking photos together
Salmonella sick spitter, watching rappers get yoked (what?)
Mocking and criticizing other rappers
Kon' love it when I rap this way
Assuming that someone else appreciates his style or approach to music
It make it easier for anyone on Konvict to keep getting paid
Implying that his record label is benefiting from his music and style
We like Louis in comparison to Gucci from Canal (what?)
Feeling superior or better than someone else
Like a dark skin Amex compared to PayPal
Using a metaphor to describe a comparison between two things
Aye gyal, turn around see the mandem in the back?
Talking directly to a woman and asking her to notice his friends in the back
Eyes low wit the custom made Blue Jays hat?
Describing the appearance of his friends
That's my people
Referring to his friends or associates
Makes these little punks get tight
Suggesting that others feel inferior or uncomfortable around his group
We laugh hard 'cause we showing your flaws like black light
Making fun of someone's weaknesses or shortcomings
I ain't never begged nobody for nothing in my life
Asserting independence and pride
Trust me I'm quick to make a crack smoker my wife
Making a crude and offensive statement, suggesting that he has power over others
Some say I have more neurosis than L-D (what?)
Acknowledging criticism or rumors about himself
I curb your enthusiasm precisely (what?)
Playing with words and using a pun on a TV show title
New York got me more then Spike Lee
Feeling very tuned in or connected to New York culture and style
'Cause I leave nicks on your face if you spite me
Warning others not to push him too far or they will face consequences
Talk I take it lightly, I'm the Crocodile Hunter
Suggesting that he is fearless and can handle anything
Walk through dangerous places, crikey (what?)
Continuing the humorous comparisons to the Crocodile Hunter
Who got more checks? Stripes or Nike?
Asking a rhetorical question about brand popularity
Whoever it be, see me rocking that nightly (what?)
Implying that he can pull off any style or brand
The launch pad man take off your night tee
Suggesting that he can help someone take off their clothes
I ain't Ike Turner, I keep on my wife beat-er
Making a crude and offensive joke about domestic violence
Kb got the nine milli-me
Referring to someone else having a gun or weapon
I'm a big man all these cats are mini mes
Feeling superior or better than others
Scratch that, they mini thems even with forty percent of me
Denying his own statement and suggesting that others are even worse than he said
They can't drop these gems (what?)
Implying that his lyrics are very valuable or insightful
Ask me who's my top ten
Inviting someone to ask about his musical influences
I'm a mention myself, my shadow, my fame and no more men
Listing only himself and his accomplishments as the top ten
I wrote this in the whip
Suggesting that he wrote the song while driving in a car
One hand on the wheel, one eye on the law
Describing how he multitasked while writing the song
Ten dreams for the deal, I don't need street cred
Asserting his confidence and self-worth
I'm street readily available
Suggesting that he is connected to and familiar with street culture
Favorable, put all your money on the table
Implying that he will achieve great things and earn a lot of money
Bet what you got and I bet your gon' flop
Challenging someone to a bet and suggesting that they will fail
'Cause ain't nobody gon' listen to you outside of your block
Suggesting that others are not as widely recognized or respected as he is
I'm outside of your dot in the Benzel taxi (what?)
Describing his social status and lifestyle
Fifteen stacks, or don't bother get at me (woo)
Setting a high price or standard for others to interact with him
Tough guy talks seems so passe
Implying that others' attempts at being tough or cool are outdated or irrelevant
That's french for, "Fuck off" vocabulary classy (what?)
Continuing the humorous tone and wordplay
Lurks still living in this day
Suggesting that the past and outdated ways of thinking still exist today
Niggas claim they the shit
Mocking or criticizing others' claims of greatness
I cant seem 'em like Charles (what?) Ray (what?)
Playing with words and making a joke about not being able to see others
Ain't nobody coming close to ours
Feeling very confident and superior
Don't get offended my nigga, they just bars
Defending the content of his song as just lyrics and not personal attacks
Close your legs girl, what happen? They're just stars
Making an offensive and disrespectful statement to a woman
Tomorrow dem gone like SARS
Suggesting that others will not last or be remembered, just like a past disease outbreak
I'm going in
Repeating the title phrase of the song, suggesting a continued intensity or energy
Going (straight)
Further emphasizing the repeated phrase of the song
Going (aye)
Further emphasizing the repeated phrase of the song
Going (straight)
Further emphasizing the repeated phrase of the song
I'm going in
Repeating the title phrase of the song one more time
Going
Further emphasizing the repeated phrase of the song
Going
Further emphasizing the repeated phrase of the song
Going
Further emphasizing the repeated phrase of the song
I'm going in (aye yo)
One final repetition of the title phrase, with added emphasis and energy
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Jason Harrow, Alexander Grant
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind