Using only his homemade studio and personal credit card, Kero One pressed and released his first 12” record Check the Blueprints in 2003 on his own imprint, Plug Label. Without any experience as to how he should distribute his new record, Kero One spent endless hours researching, cold calling, and seeking help from friends. Of the 50 copies that were eventually distributed around the world, one landed in a tiny record store in Tokyo, Japan. A few weeks later, it was found by a Japanese DJ who played it at a club that night and received dozens of inquires, including a Japanese label executive who immediately contacted Kero One and asked for 3,000 copies of the record. The record, “Check the Blueprints” became an underground Hiphop classic in Japan, and Kero One was invited to tour the country just a few months after. He performed in cities throughout Japan where he was greeted by hundreds of fans waiting to take photographs and autographs, much to his surprise. It was at this point that making a career out of music became a reality.
Kero One went on to finish his first album, Windmills of the Soul, in 2005, handling everything from playing instruments, rapping, and sound engineering. Without a strong label backing or a street team, Kero One handled almost all the business himself. From promotions and marketing, manufacturing, finances, art direction and web design, Kero One personally handed out promos to tastemakers anywhere he could find them. Eventually the hard work paid off, and Windmills of the Soul garnered respect in many circles for Kero One’s thought provoking lyrics and musical soundscapes which fused live instruments with dusty analog samples. It wasn’t long before Kero One quit his job as a web designer in 2006 to pursue music full time. Since 2006, Kero One has been awarded the title of Best HipHop Album of 2006 from Remix magazine Japan, topped iTunes hiphop charts, received praise from artists all over the world like multi Grammy award winning producer Will.i.am of Black Eyed peas, the legendary Stevie Wonder, Emmy nominated jazz singer Jaime Cullum, and multi award winning Korean Hiphop groups Epik High and Dynamic Duo. Kero One has also performed with artists like Stevie Wonder, Blu + Exile, Far East Movement, KRS 1, Dougie Fresh, Epik High, Jay Park, Dynamic Duo & Simon D. Kero One’s Music has been heard in Printemps Mall in Paris, Takashimaya mall in Tokyo, Hyatt hotels, and Tv Shows like Anthony Bourdain Layover and Fuse TV. Additionally, Kero One has collaborated with artists from all over the globe like Talib Kweli, Aloe Blacc, Epik High (KOREA), Ben Westbeech (UK), Dj Deckstream (JAPAN), David Choi, Fashawn, Shing02, Dumbfoundead, The Sound Providers, Dj Mitsu, Dynamic Duo (KOREA) and many others.
As of 2012, Kero One has released four full length solo albums. His fourth solo album “Color Theory”, raised over $10,000 from fans who wanted to help fund it on Kickstarter. Kero One is a full time rapper, producer, and DJ. Check out his work on his youtube channel (www.youtube.com/keroonetv).
The Fast Life
Kero One Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Flying first class though I got it at a steal
I like to have nice things just like you
as I make my life writing these haikus
but this type of lifestyle might bite through
This rap game's a Crap game where dice like to
take lives, snakeyes, from the top with a view
where people look smaller, and taller than few
while some like to rap in a collar with jewels
diamond flooded iced out ego through the roof
bragging what goes up, comes down in a suit
well suit yourself dog, cause that's not my steez
or for now at least, imma pray on my knees
I plead the fast life won't take me under,
Like all those chamois who swore they'd be rubber
Took a look at the way I was living,
all the time kept on passing me by
So I took a breath,
took a break from the fast life
Blurry pictures drifting on by,
blended colors crowding my mind,
So I took a breath,
took a break from the fast life
Slow down, we moving to fast
Slow down, I think i'mma crash
Slow down, we moving to fast
Bright lights flashing, music and cash
Slow down, we moving to fast
Slow down, I think i'mma crash
Slow down, we moving to fast
Bright lights flashing, music and cash
Now In this lane we got press interviews,
Flashing lights and girls by the pool,
Overnight Celebs, from youtube views
So much power and so little rules,
They like kero, "why don't you take advantage"?
Meet a cutie groupie, take her home and smash it,
you must be unfamiliar with my message in rapping,
I wanna heal the soul till I'm dust and ashes,
So when I look back, I wont regret my actions,
i got one life, one mic, and one passion,
I'mma get Higher than aspen,
with Christ everlasting, giving air when I'm gasping
but I ain't a perfect man in this rap game,
So I pray to stay humble in fast lanes,
without selfish ambition I'm wishing
to be that shining light, when all else glistens.
Took a look at the way I was living,
all the time kept on passing me by
So I took a breath,
took a break from the fast life
Blurry pictures drifting on by,
blended colors crowding my mind,
So I took a breath,
took a break from the fast life
Bright lights
flashing stars
Bright lights
flashing stars
Bright lights
flashing stars
In Kero One's song "The Fast Life," the artist reflects on his own success in the music industry and the temptations that come with it, such as materialism and partying. He acknowledges that, while he enjoys the luxuries that his success has afforded him, he is aware that the fast life can come with consequences and dangers, like fatal mistakes or losing oneself in the pursuit of fame.
The opening line "Planes rings and automobiles, Flying first class though I got it at a steal" is Kero One's way of expressing the luxurious life he has come to live. However, he understands that these trappings may come at a high cost: "This type of lifestyle might bite through, this rap game's a crap game where dice like to take lives, snakeyes, from the top with a view, where people look smaller, and taller than few." The fast life can be dangerous and unpredictable, as if playing a game of dice. He goes on to reject the idea of living only for fame and its trappings, emphasizing his desire to pursue a more meaningful life ("I wanna heal the soul till I'm dust and ashes").
In the chorus, he slows things down and contemplates the fleeting nature of life, wishing to step back from the chaos of the fast life: "Took a breath, took a break from the fast life, Blurry pictures drifting on by, blended colors crowding my mind." He advises to "slow down" and take a moment to appreciate life, before it all flashes by in an instant.
Line by Line Meaning
Planes rings and automobiles
I have access to planes, jewelry, and cars.
Flying first class though I got it at a steal
I'm living a lavish life, but not paying full price for it.
I like to have nice things just like you
We all appreciate luxurious possessions.
as I make my life writing these haikus
My profession is writing haikus.
but this type of lifestyle might bite through
My extravagant lifestyle may have negative consequences.
This rap game's a Crap game where dice like to
The music industry can be unpredictable and dangerous.
take lives, snakeyes, from the top with a view
Success doesn't guarantee safety.
where people look smaller, and taller than few
From a high vantage point, people seem small except for those who stand out.
for work sometimes, I wish my collar was blue
Occasionally, I wish I had a traditional job.
while some like to rap in a collar with jewels
Some rappers enjoy flaunting their wealth.
diamond flooded iced out ego through the roof
Excessive materialism can lead to unhealthy pride.
bragging what goes up, comes down in a suit
Boasting about excessive riches invites downfall.
well suit yourself dog, cause that's not my steez
I'm not interested in that lifestyle.
or for now at least, imma pray on my knees
At present, I plan to maintain my spiritual beliefs.
I plead the fast life won't take me under,
I hope the dangers of my extravagant lifestyle don't consume me.
Like all those chamois who swore they'd be rubber
I don't want to end up like those who failed to live up to their own expectations.
Took a look at the way I was living,
I reevaluated my lifestyle.
all the time kept on passing me by
I realized I was missing out on life.
So I took a breath,
I paused to reflect.
took a break from the fast life
I stepped back from my excessive lifestyle.
Blurry pictures drifting on by,
Memories that are hard to recall.
blended colors crowding my mind,
Confusing thoughts and overwhelming feelings.
Slow down, we moving to fast
We need to take a step back before it's too late.
Slow down, I think i'mma crash
I'm concerned about my well-being.
Bright lights flashing, music and cash
The entertainment industry is filled with lavishness and wealth.
Now In this lane we got press interviews,
In this aspect of our lives, we're doing interviews.
Flashing lights and girls by the pool,
The party lifestyle is glamorized.
Overnight Celebs, from youtube views
Fame can come suddenly through online exposure.
So much power and so little rules,
We have a lot of freedom and influence.
They like kero, 'why don't you take advantage'?
People ask me why I'm not using my success to exploit others.
Meet a cutie groupie, take her home and smash it,
Some suggest I should indulge in fleeting pleasures.
you must be unfamiliar with my message in rapping,
These people don't understand my values in my art.
I wanna heal the soul till I'm dust and ashes,
My ultimate goal is to emotionally and spiritually benefit others.
So when I look back, I wont regret my actions,
I want to ensure I don't have any regrets.
i got one life, one mic, and one passion,
I have one life and one purpose.
I'mma get Higher than aspen,
I aim to reach great heights.
with Christ everlasting, giving air when I'm gasping
I rely on my faith in Jesus for support in difficult times.
but I ain't a perfect man in this rap game,
I acknowledge my shortcomings within the music industry.
So I pray to stay humble in fast lanes,
I request to remain grounded in my journey.
without selfish ambition I'm wishing
I desire to remain true to my core values.
to be that shining light, when all else glistens.
I aspire to be a positive influence when others prioritize materialism.
Bright lights
Glamorous city lights.
flashing stars
Famous individuals with fleeting careers.
Contributed by Julia J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
L S
Kero one has been a big impact in my life I'm only 23 years old but I've been listening to this guy since I was 14 years old and I'm still bumping
Dan Pyo
10 years ago, when i feel the blues i always come back to this
3GramsofJam
9 years holy crap does the time fly by. I was 21 when I heard this, it was one of my favorite hiking songs. Warm sun on a long hike and play this a time or two. The memories
anonymoushotline
Man this song has such a chill vibe. Miss music like this, just good vibes
shinji02
Really great! Esna was wonderful! Kero One was as great as ever. DFD should give this a listen. Thanks Kero!
D-Force One
Stumbled on this video, Wow! the tempo, the beat and Esna's voice is amazing, good stuff man! keep it coming.. PEACE!!
vinvin
great song by kero one and esna is amazing as ever!!
lightemup
song is awesome. love the beat. this mv is so well made too. this deserves more views!
ne0huang
kero, its great to hear youre still trying to fight the good fight. keep it strong brother in Christ
Adam Zunder
This is super creative. Well done. Nice vision Kero