Born in Brooklyn, New York and raised in Bedford-Stuyvesant and Brownsville, Killah Priest became infatuated with hip-hop as a child, listening to old-school and new school acts like Eric B. & Rakim alike. He also was influenced by local rappers, like GZA and Onyx's Suave, who would often play local parties. Killah Priest began working on his rhyming and eventually earned a considerable reputation in Brooklyn , but instead of pursuing his musical career further, he took a sabbatical in order to educate himself, primarily about religion and history.
Killah Priest returned to rapping in 1995, appearing on several Wu projects. All of his cameos were noteworthy, but his role on Liquid Swords earned special attention. By the end of 1996, he formed his own side project, the Sunz of Man. In 1997, GZA suggested to Geffen that they sign Killah Priest, and the label took his advice.
Killah worked on the album with True Master and 4th Disciple, two producers associated with the Clan. The resulting album, Heavy Mental, was dense with religious imagery and filled with evocative sounds. It received excellent reviews upon its March 1998 release and was a respectable commercial success, debuting at number 24 on the pop charts.
Killah Priest issued his second album, View from Masada, in the spring of 2000, further bolstering his status as one of the most compelling solo artists in the Wu-Tang stable. After that he has released more projects such as Priesthood and Black August.
Breathe
Killah Priest Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah, breathe in, Priesthood
Let's do it...
[Killah Priest]
Slug out, never that, young dude, clever cat
Eat shit, smoke spliffs, get high, reminisce
Innocence, bulletproof, any one, pullin' through
Comin' through, get me drunk, blunted too, every month
Hundred shoes, every son, wanted jewels, never front
Got older, hunger grew, watched most the younger fools
Squat out from the guns they usin', not close to the most of them
Quarter rolls, microphones, one, two, revolution
Sons due, evolution, in a rhyme, ghetto music
In the mind, 'cause I'm movin, in time, intwine
Lines all out of ideas, thoughts expose the road
Painted pictures, mask very clear, like a spear
Fallin' from the atmos, my raps soaked in the pages
Kids I play with, different flavors, instant paper
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
[Chorus 2X: Killah Priest]
I just breathe, the breathe of life in the mics
Feel my notepads with sites, now, guide you like God did to Israelites
I just breathe, the breathe'll in whole tap
Into my cassettes, fate awakin' you, holdin' in like herb in your chest
[Killah Priest]
I'd rather spit it to it right, then a dome
Like a jewel in a throne, microphone, recite a poem
Hypotone, mellow out the ghetto route, track thugs meadow out
Crack blood devil house, gat slugs, here's your addict
Pushers of conceited habits, took us, look and seen me mad it
Cash laws, blast hog, gas talk in the hood
Black boars, burnin' wood, crack walls turnin' good
Nickel bags, crystal mag, blackout, semi' four
Black watch, ready for war, sasquatch, fantastic four
Blood, strength, through the Clan, wear the colors of our black
Love our mothers, love our dads, sister drug out on that glass
You ain't mad when they ain't sell refer, jump out the window, chasin' Jesus
Hunt me in the garbage, told me, he's a prophet
Used to recite scriptures, and dust, now our skin poppin'
Gems drop in '88, baby cake, first born
I'm crazy late, words long, worst one was '91
[Chorus 2X]
[Killah Priest]
Second son, I'm stressin' young, blesses come, record deal
Kept it real, tess my skills, '96, my third born
Word born, vicious like he held him tight, and mellow hobby
I'm the father and the author, change my name to Masada
First rhyme, search mine, first crime, I stole a ring
Sold it, soak in dreams, felt guilty but the feelin' passed
Learned to put, all my feelings in my past
Kids that had a thinking, took my books and bring
Gave you read, all these laws
Blow coasts, smoke spliff, old flicks, focused
Flip cake, chicks scrape, that's me, thick braids
Swift blade, in the pockets, sick days in the projects
Slick way, I'm the stocking cap, I just got in rap
Family, photo albums, gun, drugs, know the outcome
Book, sweater, picture very, wedding flicks, obituraries
Lyrics that be military, haunt you like a cemetery
Hahahah... breathe in
[Chorus 2X]
The song "Breathe" by Killah Priest is an introspective journey down memory lane. The lyrics reflect the artist’s life, from his early adolescence to his current state as an adult. The song begins with Priesthood telling his listeners to "breathe in" before he proceeds with the verses. In the first verse, he reminisces about his youth, when he used to smoke spliffs, get high, and reminisce with friends. The chorus talks about how he breathes life into the mic and guides his listeners as God guided Israelites. The second verse talks about how he came into the rap game and how he learned to put all of his feelings and emotions into his songs. The lyrics tell the story of his life, and how it has led him to become the artist he is today.
The song is a blend of introspection and reflection, with Priest rapping about his experiences and his life as a whole. He talks about everything from his family to his friends, from his youth to his adulthood, from his struggles to his triumphs. The song connects with its listeners on a personal level, as each one can relate to the experiences mentioned in the song.
Line by Line Meaning
Slug out, never that, young dude, clever cat
I'm always ready for any challenge, even though I'm still young and learning
Eat shit, smoke spliffs, get high, reminisce
I've made mistakes and indulged in vices, but I reflect on it and learn from it
Innocence, bulletproof, any one, pullin' through
I may have been naïve, but I survived through any obstacle that came my way
Junior High, do it fly, fuck in grade Summer school
I was confident and rebellious in my youth, taking risks and not conforming to societal norms
Comin' through, get me drunk, blunted too, every month
I used to party often and excessively, but I've moved on from that lifestyle
Hundred shoes, every son, wanted jewels, never front
I used to prioritize material possessions, but I've learned not to let them define me
Got older, hunger grew, watched most the younger fools
As I matured, my ambition and drive intensified, and I observed younger people who made poor choices
Squat out from the guns they usin', not close to the most of them
I distance myself from those who use violence a means to an end, recognizing that it's not the solution to our problems
Quarter rolls, microphones, one, two, revolution
My weapon is my voice, and my words have the power to incite change
Sons due, evolution, in a rhyme, ghetto music
I'm here to represent my community and spread the message of our experiences through music
In the mind, 'cause I'm movin, in time, intwine
Through my music, I am able to convey my thoughts and perspective, while also connecting with my listeners
Lines all out of ideas, thoughts expose the road
Sometimes I feel that my creativity is lacking, but I use my experiences and perspective to guide me
Painted pictures, mask very clear, like a spear
My lyrics are vivid and powerful, like the sharpened tip of a spear
Fallin' from the atmos, my raps soaked in the pages
My words are inspired and captivating, filling the pages with my thoughts and experiences
Kids I play with, different flavors, instant paper
The people I collaborate with have diverse styles and ideas, resulting in a dynamic and engaging sound
I just breathe, the breathe of life in the mics
I pour my heart and soul into my music, bringing it to life and making it meaningful
Feel my notepads with sites, now, guide you like God did to Israelites
My words have a spiritual and enlightening quality, serving as guidance and inspiration for my listeners
I just breathe, the breathe'll in whole tap
I immerse myself in the creative process, fully embracing it and allowing it to flow through me
Into my cassettes, fate awakin' you, holdin' in like herb in your chest
My music has the power to awaken something within my listeners, leaving a lasting impact like a physical sensation
I'd rather spit it to it right, then a dome
I'd rather speak truthfully and from the heart, rather than putting on a façade
Like a jewel in a throne, microphone, recite a poem
The microphone is my instrument, and my words are precious and powerful, like a jewel adorning a throne
Hypotone, mellow out the ghetto route, track thugs meadow out
My voice is smooth and calming, offering a sense of peace and tranquility to those who listen
Crack blood devil house, gat slugs, here's your addict
I recognize the harsh realities of the world, where violence and addiction are prevalent and dangerous
Pushers of conceited habits, took us, look and seen me mad it
Those who promote harmful behavior and attitudes have negatively impacted my life, and I'm determined to rise above it
Cash laws, blast hog, gas talk in the hood
Money and power are often glorified in my community, leading to violence and destructive behavior
Black boars, burnin' wood, crack walls turnin' good
Negative influences and actions can have devastating consequences, but there is always the potential for growth and redemption
Nickel bags, crystal mag, blackout, semi' four
Drug use and crime are unfortunately common issues in my community, leading to desperation and danger
Black watch, ready for war, sasquatch, fantastic four
I approach life with a sense of readiness and fortitude, recognizing that challenges will arise but that I am strong enough to face them
Blood, strength, through the Clan, wear the colors of our black
My strength comes from the support and camaraderie of my community, and I take pride in my heritage and cultural identity
Love our mothers, love our dads, sister drug out on that glass
Family is important to me, and I recognize the devastating impact that addiction can have on loved ones
You ain't mad when they ain't sell refer, jump out the window, chasin' Jesus
I see the hypocrisy in how people react to certain things, often overlooking things that are harmful and pursuing things that are ultimately unfulfilling
Hunt me in the garbage, told me, he's a prophet
People who may not seem significant or important can have profound messages and wisdom to impart
Used to recite scriptures, and dust, now our skin poppin'
I used to focus on religious texts and spiritual teachings, but I've become more attuned to the physical world as well
Gems drop in '88, baby cake, first born
I've experienced significant events and milestones in my life, starting with the birth of my first child in 1988
I'm crazy late, words long, worst one was '91
I've arrived to where I am now later than I would have liked, but I'm still determined to make an impact with my words and music
Second son, I'm stressin' young, blesses come, record deal
The road to success has been difficult, but I stay positive and hopeful that my hard work will pay off
Kept it real, tess my skills, '96, my third born
I'm honest and authentic in my approach, and I continue to develop and refine my craft as I grow older
Word born, vicious like he held him tight, and mellow hobby
My words carry weight and intensity, yet they also have a calming and soothing quality
I'm the father and the author, change my name to Masada
My role as a father and my passion for writing have defined my identity and my outlook on life, leading me to take on a new name that reflects this
First rhyme, search mine, first crime, I stole a ring
My journey in music began with me seeking my own voice, and my personal struggles led me to make poor decisions
Sold it, soak in dreams, felt guilty but the feelin' passed
I may have made mistakes in the past, but I've learned from them and moved on, not dwelling on guilt or regret
Learned to put, all my feelings in my past
I've learned to channel my emotions and experiences into my art, rather than letting them consume me
Kids that had a thinking, took my books and bring
I've inspired younger generations to think critically and creatively, and they have in turn influenced me and my work
Gave you read, all these laws
My lyrics are full of wisdom and perspective, speaking to the issues and challenges facing our communities
Blow coasts, smoke spliff, old flicks, focused
I find peace and inspiration in nature and in simpler times, and I bring that clarity and focus to my music
Flip cake, chicks scrape, that's me, thick braids
I enjoy the finer things in life, but I also recognize the importance of authenticity and staying true to oneself
Swift blade, in the pockets, sick days in the projects
I've experienced both the highs and lows of life, and I appreciate both the excitement of success and the perseverance required to survive
Slick way, I'm the stocking cap, I just got in rap
I approach music with a sense of style and confidence, and I'm determined to make an impact in the industry
Family, photo albums, gun, drugs, know the outcome
Family memories are precious, but we are also aware of the darker elements of life and the consequences of certain choices
Book, sweater, picture very, wedding flicks, obituraries
Life is full of ups and downs, and we must cherish every moment and every memory, even the more somber ones
Lyrics that be military, haunt you like a cemetery
My words carry weight and power, leaving a lasting impression and inspiring my listeners to think deeply and critically
Hahahah... breathe in
I take a deep breath, ready to continue creating and expressing myself through my music
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Alan Felder, Norman Harris
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Tomaž Šajnič
"Comin' through, get me drunk, blunted too, every month
Hundred shoes, every son, wanted jewels, never front"
...
"I'd rather spit it to it right, then a dome
Like a jewel in a throne, microphone, recite a poem
Hypotone, mellow out the ghetto route, track thugs meadow out
Crack blood devil house, gat slugs, here's your addict"
Lovin to hear that guy! He is, was and always will be one of the top MCs worldwide. His style of rhyming and story telling is just amazing. He is a definition of hip hop and never disapoints. Dont compare him to anyone cuz hes not deservin that...and he is better anyway! And that beat...dope as herb burning with hells fire! Wu4life
Peace from Slovenia
ErnestoCaro84
killah priest...1 of the most underated mcs of all time
kyle buchanan
Fill ur short life with real hip hop like this lads and ladies and babies..lots of love n peace from Scotland
Sun Ce
Hearing this gives goosebumps!
lifestraight
+Quentin Spears fate awakens you, hold it in like herb in ya chest
Jcrack514
this track is as good as it gets man priest really putting down life in these lines
Tomaž Šajnič
"Comin' through, get me drunk, blunted too, every month
Hundred shoes, every son, wanted jewels, never front"
...
"I'd rather spit it to it right, then a dome
Like a jewel in a throne, microphone, recite a poem
Hypotone, mellow out the ghetto route, track thugs meadow out
Crack blood devil house, gat slugs, here's your addict"
Lovin to hear that guy! He is, was and always will be one of the top MCs worldwide. His style of rhyming and story telling is just amazing. He is a definition of hip hop and never disapoints. Dont compare him to anyone cuz hes not deservin that...and he is better anyway! And that beat...dope as herb burning with hells fire! Wu4life
Peace from Slovenia
The traveler
Blunted through every month, hundred shoes, every stunt
alex
one of my favorite priest songs!
negerN1337
I have never heard a song this epic
ghostfaceslug
killah priest is so damn underated