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).
Numba 1
Kardinal Offishall Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Everybody light it up!
Come Rihanna, light it up!
Kardinal light it up!
The tide is high but I'm holding on
I'm gonna be your number one
Number one
She just my part time lover, pretty likkle ting (aye)
Nothing I would ever think about giving a ring (aye)
Nothing but a pretty likkle overnight fling (aye)
Even though she wanna be the queen to my king (aye)
She ain't nothing but a work for my ginseng (aye)
Someone I would use to bust my box spring (aye)
She would a number one, not di badda-bing
Bad man nah go badda wid di wife-wife ting (aye)
She gotta know she the girl on the side
On the left of the rest, number two on my mind (aye)
There's no way she could be my girl
But she steady tryna come into my world, not uh!
The tide is high but I'm holding on
I'm gonna be your number one (number one)
Number one (yeah)
Number one
Yo! She's just my trophy piece, mi hot hot gyal (aye)
Never ever would I call her Ms. Offishall (aye)
Never ever would I bring her around my fam
She be crying on the phone but she knows who I am
I'm Mr. Kardinal, voice to the people (aye)
Black Jays family our verses are lethal (aye)
I don't have time for the play play
She a good chick, yo but I'm married to the game (aye)
Married to the fame, related to the paper (aye)
Tryna get my name put up on a skyscraper
There's no way she could be my wife
But she's steady tryna come into my life, not uh!
The tide is high but I'm holding on
I'm gonna be your number one (number one)
Number one
Number one (number one)
Those other girls ain't nothing like me (you dunnoe baby)
Just give me the chance and boy you will see
That I'm not the kinda girl
Who'll just get down like that (oh no)
Oh no!
On the real, I ain't gonna front
You the fox to a lot of hound dogs on the hunt
You the push to a lotta kush, rolled a blunt
You the hottest in the dance but you ain't what I want
I'm a business man
Tryna get the business (aye)
Just tryna wuk out ya physical fitness (aye)
There's no way you could get that ring
But I hear all the hotty-hotties in the place sing
The tide is high but I'm holding on (the tide is high)
I'm gonna be your number one (number one)
Number one (Kardinal)
Number one
The tide is high but I'm holding on (I'm holding on, yeah)
I'm gonna be your number one
Number one
Number one
Light it up!
Everybody light it up!
Come Rihanna, light it up!
Kardinal light it up!
The song "Numba 1" by Kardinal Offishall is a hip hop track featuring Rihanna. The lyrics mainly talk about Kardinal's relationship with a woman who wants to be his number one but is just a part-time lover. Despite Kardinal not willing to commit to her, the woman still tries to enter his life. The song title "Numba 1" echoes the woman's desire to be Kardinal's number one. He sings about being married to the game, and nothing will come in between him and his success. He makes it clear that the woman is only a temporary pleasure and nothing more.
The verse by Rihanna reinforces the message Kardinal is trying to convey to the woman. She sings, "Those other girls ain't nothing like me, Just give me the chance and boy you will see, That I'm not the kinda girl. Who'll just get down like that." This shows that Rihanna sees the woman as one of many who are attracted to Kardinal's success.
In summary, "Numba 1" is a story about someone who is focused on their success and doesn't want anything or anyone to come between them and their goals. While it features Rihanna's vocals, the song is mainly Kardinal Offishall's perspective on the matter.
Line by Line Meaning
Light it up!
Start the music and get the party started!
Everybody light it up!
Everyone at the party should get into the vibe and start dancing!
Come Rihanna, light it up!
Rihanna, the famous singer, is invited to start dancing as well!
Kardinal light it up!
Kardinal, the artist singing this song, will also start dancing and performing for the crowd!
The tide is high but I'm holding on
Despite the difficulties or challenges, I'm determined to see this through!
I'm gonna be your number one
I want to be the top priority or favorite of the person I'm talking to!
Number one
The position of the favorite or the most important person!
She just my part time lover, pretty likkle ting (aye)
She is not my main romantic interest or long-term partner, just someone I'm attracted to and spend time with!
Nothing I would ever think about giving a ring (aye)
I have no intention of proposing to her or making her my fiancee!
Nothing but a pretty likkle overnight fling (aye)
Our relationship is not serious or committed, just a short-term or casual fling!
Even though she wanna be the queen to my king (aye)
She desires and expects more from our relationship than I'm willing to give or offer!
She ain't nothing but a work for my ginseng (aye)
She's nothing more than a means of pleasure or entertainment, like a supplement or enhancer for my energy or stamina!
Someone I would use to bust my box spring (aye)
I would have sex with her to relieve stress or fulfill my physical needs, not because of emotional or romantic attachment!
She would a number one, not di badda-bing
She would be my favorite fling or part-time lover, nothing more or less than that!
Bad man nah go badda wid di wife-wife ting (aye)
I don't want to get involved with a serious or committed relationship, especially one that may cause drama or complications!
She gotta know she the girl on the side
She should be aware that I'm not exclusively hers, but rather have other romantic interests or priorities!
On the left of the rest, number two on my mind (aye)
She's not the most important or favored of all the people I'm interested in, just the second or lower tier!
There's no way she could be my girl
I'm not interested in making her my girlfriend, long-term partner, or serious commitment!
But she steady tryna come into my world, not uh!
She's persistently trying to convince me to be more with her than I am willing or able to, and I'm not having it!
Yo! She's just my trophy piece, mi hot hot gyal (aye)
She's only a piece of arm candy or eye candy, someone I flaunt or show off as a status symbol or attractive date!
Never ever would I call her Ms. Offishall (aye)
I would never introduce her to anyone as my partner or girlfriend, let alone my spouse or wife!
Never ever would I bring her around my fam
I wouldn't take her to meet or interact with my family, especially if I'm not serious about her or committed to her!
She be crying on the phone but she knows who I am
She's upset or emotional because of our casual or uncommitted relationship, but she can't deny or ignore who I am or what I stand for!
I'm Mr. Kardinal, voice to the people (aye)
I'm a famous or respected artist who speaks for or represents the people, and I have a certain reputation or standard to uphold!
Black Jays family our verses are lethal (aye)
We, as a group or team, produce or perform powerful or impactful lyrics and messages in our music!
I don't have time for the play play
I'm not interested in engaging in superficial or shallow relationships, especially if they don't benefit me or fulfill my needs!
She a good chick, yo but I'm married to the game (aye)
She's a decent or attractive person, but my true commitment or relationship is with my career or profession (the game)!
Married to the fame, related to the paper (aye)
My true motivation or passion is for fame or recognition (related to the industry or media) and wealth or success (related to the contract or deal)!
Tryna get my name put up on a skyscraper
I'm trying to achieve monumental or substantial success or recognition, like my name being displayed on a building or landmark!
There's no way she could be my wife
I'm not interested in marrying her or committing to her in a serious or permanent way!
But she's steady tryna come into my life, not uh!
She's constantly trying to pursue or convince me to have a more serious or committed relationship with her, and I'm not interested or swayed!
Those other girls ain't nothing like me (you dunnoe baby)
I'm better or different than the other women whom the person I'm talking to may have dated or knows, and I deserve a chance to prove it!
Just give me the chance and boy you will see
Trust me or take a chance on me, and I will show you why I'm the best option or choice!
That I'm not the kinda girl
I'm not a typical or stereotypical woman, but rather someone with unique or special qualities and traits!
Who'll just get down like that (oh no)
I won't engage in casual or meaningless relationships, especially if they involve sex or physical intimacy!
On the real, I ain't gonna front
Honestly, I'm not going to lie or deceive you about my intentions or preferences!
You the fox to a lot of hound dogs on the hunt
Many men desire or pursue you, like you're a rare or attractive prey or goal!
You the push to a lotta kush, rolled a blunt
You provide or instigate a lot of the fun or pleasure, like you're the main ingredient or catalyst for a good time!
You the hottest in the dance but you ain't what I want
You may be the most attractive or popular person in the crowd, but you're not the one I'm really interested in or attracted to!
I'm a business man
I'm a professional or entrepreneur, focused on advancing my career or interests, not just my personal life or relationships!
Tryna get the business (aye)
I'm trying to get something beneficial or advantageous out of interacting with you, like a deal or a partnership!
Just tryna wuk out ya physical fitness (aye)
I'm only interested in using you for physical pleasure or satisfaction, not for emotional or intellectual compatibility!
There's no way you could get that ring
I'm not interested in marrying you or committing to you in a serious or permanent way, no matter how hard you try or how much you desire it!
But I hear all the hotty-hotties in the place sing
I'm aware of the other attractive or popular people in the crowd, and I'm listening to what they're saying or expressing about their desires!
Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Howard Anthony Barrett, Tyrone Evans, John Kenneth Holt, Dwayne Black Chiney Chin-Quee, Jason Harrow
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@erwinstrapp9692
Keri Hilson is beautiful. Anyone here Nov 2019?
@eduardosantanagomes3260
Dec 2019! Unforgetable!
@SuperSabin123
I love her
@lindypapas3728
Oct 2020 🙃
@khan_senpai
same
@FaceLifeOpenMinded
Nov 2020
@denzowarmbad5486
I will never forget this song. NEVER
When life was more meaningful and enjoyable
@itstak
When you realize you have been in love with this song for the past eight years...
@flawlessjocelyne6732
Tell me about it....this song never gets old to me.
@flawlessjocelyne6732
Love this song.