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).
Set It Off
Kardinal Offishall Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm tryin' not to wear three X's no more
It's okay, Kardinal stand 6'4
You can hear the insecurity in my voice right
I don't take my chain off on the mics
My security piece
It gives me security (security)
I'm waiting for the gyal dem to secure me
Twenty for the feds, the rest under my mattress
I gave my wallet a Botox injection
A bunch 'a rude boys inna your section
Tryin' to give my tax bracket an erection
A seventies entity, girl look at my complexion
If you can smell my cologne, you're too close
You small time, my net worth what you made gross
Seven days everyday when you from around my way
I'm married to the life girl, catch the bouquet
Set it off (oh oh, ayy)
Fire me up
Set it off (oh oh, ayy)
Fire me up
Set it off (oh oh, ayy)
Fire me up
Set it off (oh oh, ayy)
Fire me up
Hold it down (oh oh, ayy)
Yeah that's it
Hold it down (oh oh, ayy)
Yeah that's it
Hold it down (oh oh, ayy)
Yeah that's it (Pusha, re-up)
Hold it down (oh oh, ayy)
Yeah that's it
Trend setter, who been better than I
Comin' through in the slim leathers that's followed by the fives
Me and my niggas call the coupe, Jekyl and Hyde
'Cause the roof's on and off
Like they in and out of their minds
Eggshell pale, teeter totter on the scale
The old nine's is out and I ain't waiting on a deal
So same time the motherfuckers bargaining and lawyering
That coke money just keep pouring in and pouring in
Quarter milli' bling-bling, that's the price of fame, lame
I should have a title and a D.E on the chain man
Re-up Gang, Pyrex over pie roll
Stir it 'til it's hard
Pop it out, let it dry slow
Recipe for greatness me and Kardi, now nigga taste this
You fucking with the A-list, face it
Nigga this that swag, .485 hangin' off my ass
We call it frivolous cash (what the fuck?)
Set it off (oh oh, ayy)
Fire me up
Set it off (oh oh, ayy)
Fire me up
Set it off (oh oh, ayy)
Fire me up
Set it off (oh oh, ayy)
Fire me up
Hold it down (oh oh, ayy)
Yeah that's it
Hold it down (oh oh, ayy)
Yeah that's it
Hold it down (oh oh, ayy)
Yeah that's it
Hold it down (oh oh, ayy)
Yeah that's it
Malice, superstar like Lupe
See me in the coupe, hot damn it's a new day
I remove the roof as if it's a toupe
To shed light on the jewels, view it in Blu-ray
High definition, I get cash
Two-twenty on the dash, and a self start ignition
Told her don't love me but she keep insisting
Brain so good it's hard to keep my distance
Red Carpet entrance play clothes fashion
Nose in the air I smell a Chanel platinum
Re-up is the Gang, I rep with a passion
'Til the wheels fall off and it all come crashing
Malice with Mr. Kardinal
Behind dark tint like we on the prowl
Nothing like money make a bitch loose her blouse
Well done homie, we rich take a bow
Set it off (oh oh, ayy)
Fire me up
Set it off (oh oh, ayy)
Fire me up
Set it off (oh oh, ayy)
Fire me up
Set it off (oh oh, ayy)
Fire me up
Hold it down (oh oh, ayy)
Yeah that's it
Hold it down (oh oh, ayy)
Yeah that's it
Hold it down (oh oh, ayy)
Yeah that's it
Hold it down (oh oh, ayy)
Yeah that's it
In Kardinal Offishall's "Set It Off," the rapper talks about living a lavish lifestyle, flaunting his wealth and success, and the anxieties and insecurities that come with it. He acknowledges that his security piece gives him a sense of security and talks about putting away 30% of his earnings for taxes. He boasts about his net worth, saying that it's more than what some people make in a year, and implies that he's always on top, with money flowing in constantly. He also talks about the highs and lows of his life, and how he keeps it under control.
Throughout the song, Kardinal Offishall emphasizes his wealth and success, as well as his perceived superiority over others. He's always looking for ways to defend his status, from his chain to his tax bracket, and he sees his wealth as an end in and of itself. However, he also acknowledges the precariousness of this position, noting that his anxieties make him vulnerable to those who would try to take advantage of him.
Kardinal Offishall's "Set It Off" demonstrates the extent to which wealth and status have become paramount in hip-hop culture, and how these values can be both a source of pride and insecurity for artists. It's a commentary on the celebrity lifestyle, and how maintaining it isn't always as glamorous or easy as it seems.
Line by Line Meaning
Yo!
I'm tryin' not to wear three X's no more
Hey there! I'm trying to get healthier and lose weight so I don't have to wear clothing labeled with three X's anymore.
It's okay, Kardinal stand 6'4
It's alright, I'm a tall guy standing at 6 feet and 4 inches.
You can hear the insecurity in my voice right
You can probably sense my insecurities from the tone of my voice.
I don't take my chain off on the mics
My security piece
It gives me security (security)
I don't remove my chain while performing and it provides a sense of security and protection.
I'm waiting for the gyal dem to secure me
I just put away thirty percent for my taxes
Twenty for the feds, the rest under my mattress
I'm looking for the ladies to keep me safe and secure. I've saved 30 percent of my earnings for taxes - 20 percent for the government and the rest under my mattress.
I gave my wallet a Botox injection
I've spent a lot of money and my wallet is empty.
A bunch 'a rude boys inna your section
Tryin' to give my tax bracket an erection
There are some rowdy guys in your area who are trying to elevate my tax bracket.
A seventies entity, girl look at my complexion
If you can smell my cologne, you're too close
I have a retro kind of vibe, just look at my complexion. If you can smell my cologne, you're standing way too close to me.
You small time, my net worth what you made gross
Seven days everyday when you from around my way
I'm married to the life girl, catch the bouquet
You're small time compared to me, my net worth is what you made gross. Life around here is busy and I'm always working. I'm committed to the lifestyle, catch the bouquet.
Trend setter, who been better than I
Comin' through in the slim leathers that's followed by the fives
I'm a trendsetter, show me someone who's better than me. I'm rolling through in slim-fitting leather clothes followed by my sweet ride.
Me and my niggas call the coupe, Jekyl and Hyde
'Cause the roof's on and off
Like they in and out of their minds
My friends and I refer to my car as Jekyl and Hyde because it's convertible, the roof goes on and off just like a person's mood may change suddenly.
Eggshell pale, teeter totter on the scale
The old nine's is out and I ain't waiting on a deal
I'm very light-skinned and my weight fluctuates often. I'm not waiting around for any deals, I'm making moves on my own.
So same time the motherfuckers bargaining and lawyering
That coke money just keep pouring in and pouring in
While others are busy negotiating and hiring lawyers, my cocaine money keeps coming in non-stop.
Quarter milli' bling-bling, that's the price of fame, lame
I should have a title and a D.E on the chain man
My jewelry is worth a quarter of a million dollars, that's what comes with fame. I should have a title and Doctor of Education degree on the chain.
Re-up Gang, Pyrex over pie roll
Stir it 'til it's hard
Pop it out, let it dry slow
Recipe for greatness me and Kardi, now nigga taste this
You fucking with the A-list, face it
Nigga this that swag, .485 hangin' off my ass
We call it frivolous cash (what the fuck?)
We are part of the Re-up Gang, using Pyrex to make drugs. We stir it until it's firm, then leave it to dry slowly. Me and Kardi together is a recipe for greatness, try it and see. You're messing with the A-list, face it. This is that swag, and I've got expensive jewelry on my backside. We call it frivolous cash.
Malice, superstar like Lupe
See me in the coupe, hot damn it's a new day
I remove the roof as if it's a toupe
To shed light on the jewels, view it in Blu-ray
I'm Malice, a superstar like Lupe. You'll see me cruising in my coupe and it's a fantastic day. I take the roof off as if it's a wig to show off my jewelry, it shines like it's in Blu-ray.
High definition, I get cash
Two-twenty on the dash, and a self start ignition
Told her don't love me but she keep insisting
Brain so good it's hard to keep my distance
My life is in high definition, I've got a lot of cash. There's two-twenty on my car's speedometer, and it has a self-starting engine. I asked her not to love me, but she keeps insisting. She's so intelligent that it's difficult to stay away from her.
Red Carpet entrance play clothes fashion
Nose in the air I smell a Chanel platinum
Re-up is the Gang, I rep with a passion
'Til the wheels fall off and it all come crashing
I'm walking with style and elegance down the red carpet. I'm wearing casual clothes that look fashionable. I can smell Chanel platinum in the air. I'm part of the Re-up Gang and I'm representing it with all of my passion. I'll stick with it until the end, even if everything collapses.
Malice with Mr. Kardinal
Behind dark tint like we on the prowl
Nothing like money make a bitch loose her blouse
Well done homie, we rich take a bow
Malice and Kardinal are together, with dark-tinted windows on the lookout. Money has a way of causing women to lose their clothing. Well done friend, we're rich, take a bow.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Gene Elliot Thornton, Jason Harrow, Matthew Samuels, Terrence Thornton
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@bernardoguimaraes2048
Yo!
I'm tryin' not to wear three X's no more
It's okay, Kardinal stand 6'4
You can hear the insecurity in my voice right
I don't take my chain off on the mics
My security piece
It gives me security (security)
I'm waiting for the gyal dem to secure me
I just put away thirty percent for my taxes
Twenty for the feds, the rest under my mattress
I gave my wallet a Botox injection
A bunch 'a rude boys inna your section
Tryin' to give my tax bracket an erection
A seventies entity, girl look at my complexion
If you can smell my cologne, you're too close
You small time, my net worth what you made gross
Seven days everyday when you from around my way
I'm married to the life girl, catch the bouquet
Set it off (oh oh, ayy)
Fire me up
Set it off (oh oh, ayy)
Fire me up
Set it off (oh oh, ayy)
Fire me up
Set it off (oh oh, ayy)
Fire me up
Hold it down (oh oh, ayy)
Yeah that's it
Hold it down (oh oh, ayy)
Yeah that's it
Hold it down (oh oh, ayy)
Yeah that's it (Pusha, re-up)
Hold it down (oh oh, ayy)
Yeah that's it
Trend setter, who been better than I
Comin' through in the slim leathers that's followed by the fives
Me and my niggas call the coupe, Jekyl and Hyde
'Cause the roof's on and off
Like they in and out of their minds
Eggshell pale, teeter totter on the scale
The old nine's is out and I ain't waiting on a deal
So same time the motherfuckers bargaining and lawyering
That coke money just keep pouring in and pouring in
Quarter milli' bling-bling, that's the price of fame, lame
I should have a title and a D.E on the chain man
Re-up Gang, Pyrex over pie roll
Stir it 'til it's hard
Pop it out, let it dry slow
Recipe for greatness me and Kardi, now nigga taste this
You fucking with the A-list, face it
Nigga this that swag, .485 hangin' off my ass
We call it frivolous cash (what the fuck?)
Set it off (oh oh, ayy)
Fire me up
Set it off (oh oh, ayy)
Fire me up
Set it off (oh oh, ayy)
Fire me up
Set it off (oh oh, ayy)
Fire me up
Hold it down (oh oh, ayy)
Yeah that's it
Hold it down (oh oh, ayy)
Yeah that's it
Hold it down (oh oh, ayy)
Yeah that's it
Hold it down (oh oh, ayy)
Yeah that's it
Malice, superstar like Lupe
See me in the coupe, hot damn it's a new day
I remove the roof as if it's a toupe
To shed light on the jewels, view it in Blu-ray
High definition, I get cash
Two-twenty on the dash, and a self start ignition
Told her don't love me but she keep insisting
Brain so good it's hard to keep my distance
Red Carpet entrance play clothes fashion
Nose in the air I smell a Chanel platinum
Re-up is the Gang, I rep with a passion
'Til the wheels fall off and it all come crashing
Malice with Mr. Kardinal
Behind dark tint like we on the prowl
Nothing like money make a bitch loose her blouse
Well done homie, we rich take a bow
Set it off (oh oh, ayy)
Fire me up
Set it off (oh oh, ayy)
Fire me up
Set it off (oh oh, ayy)
Fire me up
Set it off (oh oh, ayy)
Fire me up
Hold it down (oh oh, ayy)
Yeah that's it
Hold it down (oh oh, ayy)
Yeah that's it
Hold it down (oh oh, ayy)
Yeah that's it
Hold it down (oh oh, ayy)
Yeah that's it
@littleraygaming
i missed hip hop beats like this , nothing like today
@williamduboseiii9777
Kardinal Offishall is my favorite rapper ever from Toronto. Str8 OG.He paved the way.
@bubbakushii
I member jammin him n choclair when I was a kid
@ENDTIMECRY
Thats a beat, what a crazy track
@LenaRuchko
so much underatted track
@blkm4n11
beat is sick. shoutout to clipse for tha collab wit kardinal
@AlfredoVenero
Kardinal is the most slept on rapper of all time. Best thing T-Dot ever put out. Fuck Drake with that pop shit. Kardinal slays muhfuckas! 💯💯💯
@HANI7-786
This is true and Drake spoiled rap and hip-hop songs..Justin Bieber, David Guetta, Nicki Minaj and many others. They spoiled music and songs..I remember that before 2011 music had a different meaning than what we hear now..just now music that has no soul and meaning..the music of these days I cannot hear it or accept it..This Cardinal song I used to hear a lot and still..I consider it a legend of hip-hop and rap songs..The music and its rhythm is very fiery and burning..And Cardinal and those with him are good at playing with fire..come to give this song its due..and who He has Tik Tok, so he can do the Tik Tok challenge and put the music for the song..and this is how many people will come to listen to it
@towedarray7217
This is a true statement. I wish we heard more from him now. Awesome rapper and deejay.
@mariuszdeptulski4644
💯💯💯