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.
saviorself
Killah Priest Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah, I built with Alexander the Great
He told the Persians they should stay gone
Then he told me about the Oracle of Ammon
He gave me no clue, where it is
Men feared time, yet time feared the pyramids
He gave me more jewels, he told me that
Amenhotep was immortal, I can't overstand hieroglyph
I walked through the Valley of the Kings
With a white robe, white rose and what I will brings
And your whole team Judas, my road thin, gold skin like Juicis
I speak the dialog of the dead, I practiced the same war tactics
In King Arthur's head, so let the swordsmen kill the beast
It's a Legacy of Blood, with Vinnie Paz and Killah Priest
[Chorus: Stoupe cuts up samples]
"The Sun Won't Come Out, unless the crowd start this
Cause if it was my choice, you all dance in darkness" - CL Smooth "Sun Won't Come Out"
"And on this burst, you'll gave work to the worst
Get the pen from the nurse, and hold the mic up first"
"The rhymes, the rhymes, rhymes on the alter
Burn him as a sacrifice"
[Killah Priest]
I paint flows with the feathers from the wings of angels
Red ink from saint blood, nigga, you ain't thug
Stare into the face of a king's mug
Crush grape, feel the wine jug, ill thoughts
Build from the mind of rhyme, rose, off the tongue like fine rugs
Let me walk you through this, for the clueless
I'm Shakespeare'ing, with grey earrings
Speak like Tiburians, write novels
Spit it like Aristotle, face half Pharaoh
And half owl, I took the path of Cairo
Came back with the Dead Sea Gospel
Now known as the Dead Street Apostle
We shoot 'em feds, use them hollows
Bullets spread, til they meet Diablo
Stars in enlightment, Priest meet with Jedi Mind Tricks
Reach them climates, where you can't breath
Stay high off that dead weed, in the mind is where I plant seeds
To grow fruit, of king's so brute, of army troops
Mighty men in celestial suits
You need healing, my mic give you incredible boost
Where I use satellite vision, stare at my alphabetical soup
Plus I use the Big Dipper to take, more than one scoop, it's Priesthood
[Chorus: Stouple cuts up samples]
"Straight up, we serve justice
So if they can't be trusted, may you return where the dust is" -
Smif-N-Wessun
"The rhymes, the rhymes, rhymes on the voter
Burn him as a sacrifice"
"And on this burst, you'll gave work to the worst
Get the pen from the nurse, and hold the mic up first"
"The rhymes, the rhymes, rhymes on the alter
Burn him as a sacrifice"
[Vinnie Paz]
I studied element 1-15, with the Eloheim
Saw the Canaanites, Sumerians, and the Philistines
This is street gospel, if you don't believe
In life at Mars, that mean the beast got you
You don't wanna see me and Killah Priest hostile
You don't wanna see, desert eag' heat pop you
This is Mothman Prophecy, walk back
To the sand of Iraq, and let the prophet breath
Returned all our water in the toxic seas
And walk in the wall with armour that I copped in the greece
Then I shoot the thieves, with a long arrow
Studied Imhotep, to be a strong Pharaoh
It's a war when the God's spit
It's Allah, when I split the ice bergs, in the arctic
I don't care what the cause is
And I'mma ride for my fam, no matter what the cost is
[Outro: Vinnie Paz *Stoupe cuts samples to end*]
Yeah, Vinnie Paz, Killah Priest, yea
Priesthood, Maccabeez, yeah, Army of Pharaoh
Aight? Yeah
The lyrics to Killah Priest's song "Saviorself" contain complex references to history, spirituality, and personal empowerment. The song features Vinnie Paz and Stoupe, who add to the lyrical depth.
In the first verse, Vinnie Paz describes his encounter with Alexander the Great, who tells him about the Oracle of Ammon, an ancient site of divination. Vinnie Paz mentions how time feared the pyramids, emphasizing their lasting power and significance. He seeks guidance from Killah Priest and embarks on a journey through the Valley of the Kings, symbolizing a spiritual quest. Vinnie Paz compares his adversaries to Judas and expresses his ability to communicate with the dead.
The chorus incorporates samples from CL Smooth and emphasizes the dark and introspective nature of the lyrics. The theme suggests that the sun won't come out unless the crowd starts something, indicating that change and illumination require action. The sacrifice mentioned in the samples conveys the idea of self-sacrifice for the sake of art and expression.
Killah Priest's verse delves into his artistic process, using vivid imagery and symbolism. He describes painting flows with angelic feathers and Saint blood, indicating his unique and spiritual approach to his craft. He portrays himself as a king, with ill thoughts and thoughts flowing like fine rugs. Killah Priest references Shakespeare and ancient philosophers, highlighting his literary prowess. He mentions his journey to Cairo and his discovery of the Dead Sea Gospel, signifying his enlightenment and knowledge. The verse ends with a focus on the power of words and his ability to plant seeds of wisdom through his music.
The second chorus continues to emphasize the power of rhymes and their ability to burn as a sacrifice. The references to Smif-N-Wessun and sacrificial offerings suggest that their words and music have a transformative and purifying effect.
In Vinnie Paz's second verse, he showcases his extensive knowledge of history and spirituality. He mentions studying various elements and ancient civilizations, highlighting his dedication to learning and understanding. He references Mothman Prophecy and Iraq, indicating his involvement in global affairs and his role as a prophet-like figure. Vinnie Paz portrays himself as a strong pharaoh, displaying his authority and determination in the face of war. He ends the verse by stating his unwavering loyalty to his family and his willingness to protect them at any cost.
The outro serves as a shoutout to the artists involved, emphasizing the unity and strength of the collective known as the Army of Pharaohs.
Overall, "Saviorself" contains dense and introspective lyrics that combine historical, religious, and personal themes. The artists explore their own journeys and philosophies while incorporating references from various cultures, making it a thought-provoking and layered piece of music.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah, I built with Alexander the Great
I had a deep conversation and connection with Alexander the Great
He told the Persians they should stay gone
He advised the Persians to not interfere and stay away
Then he told me about the Oracle of Ammon
He shared with me the knowledge of the Oracle of Ammon
He gave me no clue, where it is
He didn't provide me with any indication of the location
Men feared time, yet time feared the pyramids
People were scared of the passage of time, but time itself was afraid of the pyramids
He gave me more jewels, he told me that
He shared more valuable information, informing me that
Amenhotep was immortal, I can't overstand hieroglyph
Amenhotep was believed to be immortal, but I can't fully comprehend the meaning behind hieroglyphics
So I called Killah Priest, and he taught me how to follow it
Seeking guidance, I reached out to Killah Priest, who taught me how to interpret it
I walked through the Valley of the Kings
I journeyed through the sacred burial ground of pharaohs
With a white robe, white rose and what I will brings
Wearing a white robe and carrying a white rose, symbolizing purity and offering
And your whole team Judas, my road thin, gold skin like Juicis
Your entire team is betraying like Judas, my path is narrow, my skin is precious with a golden hue
I speak the dialog of the dead, I practiced the same war tactics
I communicate with the spirits of the deceased, utilizing the same strategies in warfare
In King Arthur's head, so let the swordsmen kill the beast
Influencing King Arthur's thoughts, allowing the skilled warriors to eliminate the enemy
It's a Legacy of Blood, with Vinnie Paz and Killah Priest
It's a heritage marked by violence and significance, involving Vinnie Paz and Killah Priest
"The Sun Won't Come Out, unless the crowd start this
The truth won't be revealed unless the crowd initiates action
Cause if it was my choice, you all dance in darkness"
If it were up to me, you would all remain ignorant and unaware
"And on this burst, you'll gave work to the worst
And in this explosion, you awaken the most terrible individuals
Get the pen from the nurse, and hold the mic up first"
Take the pen from those who lack skill, and confidently take the mic
"The rhymes, the rhymes, rhymes on the alter
The verses, the verses, verses as an offering
Burn him as a sacrifice"
Destroy him as a sacrifice
I paint flows with the feathers from the wings of angels
I create lyrical patterns using the sacred feathers of celestial beings
Red ink from saint blood, nigga, you ain't thug
Using red ink made from the blood of saints, you can't claim to be tough
Stare into the face of a king's mug
Gaze upon the countenance of a royal leader
Crush grape, feel the wine jug, ill thoughts
Squeeze grapes and experience the contents of the wine vessel, disturbing thoughts
Build from the mind of rhyme, rose, off the tongue like fine rugs
Constructing intricate verses from the mind, that flow smoothly and beautifully like exquisite rugs
Let me walk you through this, for the clueless
Allow me to guide you through this, for those who lack understanding
I'm Shakespeare'ing, with grey earrings
I'm presenting my poetic prowess, adorned with grey earrings
Speak like Tiburians, write novels
Speaking like the inhabitants of Tiburia, producing lengthy literary works
Spit it like Aristotle, face half Pharaoh
Deliver it with brilliance like Aristotle, embodying the wisdom of a pharaoh
And half owl, I took the path of Cairo
And partially like an owl, I followed the journey through Cairo
Came back with the Dead Sea Gospel
Returned with profound knowledge, similar to the teachings of the Dead Sea Scrolls
Now known as the Dead Street Apostle
Currently recognized as the messenger of the streets, delivering powerful truths
We shoot 'em feds, use them hollows
We retaliate against the authorities, employing hollow-point bullets
Bullets spread, til they meet Diablo
Bullets scatter until they encounter the adversary, Diablo
Stars in enlightment, Priest meet with Jedi Mind Tricks
Shining like stars in enlightenment, Priest collaborates with Jedi Mind Tricks
Reach them climates, where you can't breath
Attain those atmospheres where one struggles to breathe
Stay high off that dead weed, in the mind is where I plant seeds
Remain intoxicated by the potent marijuana, while I sow ideas in the mind
To grow fruit, of king's so brute, of army troops
To cultivate the fruits of mighty and fierce kings and their armies
Mighty men in celestial suits
Powerful individuals dressed in divine attire
You need healing, my mic give you incredible boost
You require healing, and my microphone provides an extraordinary enhancement
Where I use satellite vision, stare at my alphabetical soup
Employing a wide perspective, I examine my creative and intellectual output
Plus I use the Big Dipper to take, more than one scoop, it's Priesthood
Additionally, I utilize the Big Dipper constellation to gather more than a single serving, representing the power of the Priesthood
"Straight up, we serve justice
Honestly, we deliver fairness and righteousness
So if they can't be trusted, may you return where the dust is"
If they are unworthy of trust, may they perish and return to nothingness
I studied element 1-15, with the Eloheim
I extensively studied elements 1 to 15, alongside the divine beings
Saw the Canaanites, Sumerians, and the Philistines
Witnessed the civilizations of the Canaanites, Sumerians, and the Philistines
This is street gospel, if you don't believe
This is a message of truth from the urban environment, if you lack faith
In life at Mars, that mean the beast got you
If you're convinced there is life on Mars, it indicates that you're under the influence of the beast
You don't wanna see me and Killah Priest hostile
You don't desire to witness the aggression and wrath of Killah Priest and myself
You don't wanna see, desert eag' heat pop you
You don't want to face the consequence of a desert eagle firearm firing at you
This is Mothman Prophecy, walk back
Similar to the Mothman Prophecy, retreat in fear
To the sand of Iraq, and let the prophet breath
Return to the sands of Iraq and allow the prophet to reveal his wisdom
Returned all our water in the toxic seas
Brought back purity to our polluted oceans
And walk in the wall with armour that I copped in the greece
Stroll through the fortification wearing the armor acquired in Greece
Then I shoot the thieves, with a long arrow
Subsequently, I eliminate the thieves using a lengthy arrow
Studied Imhotep, to be a strong Pharaoh
Examined the wisdom of Imhotep in order to become a powerful ruler
It's a war when the God's spit
The divine beings engage in conflict when they speak their words
It's Allah, when I split the ice bergs, in the arctic
It's divine intervention, comparable to Allah, when I divide the massive ice formations in the Arctic
I don't care what the cause is
I am indifferent to the reason or motivation
And I'mma ride for my fam, no matter what the cost is
I will fiercely support and protect my family, regardless of the sacrifices required
Yeah, Vinnie Paz, Killah Priest, yea
Yes, it's Vinnie Paz and Killah Priest
Priesthood, Maccabeez, yeah, Army of Pharaoh
We represent the Priesthood, Maccabeez, and the mighty Army of Pharaoh
Aight? Yeah
Alright? Yes
Lyrics © TUNECORE INC, Songtrust Ave
Written by: KEVIN GORMAN BALDWIN, VINCENT LUVINER, WALTER REED
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@joedohn9727
"Men fear time, yet time fear the pyramids."
Fucking love that line.
@svalking
Alexander the great went for the pyramids before turn around and go for center of Persian empire. Babylon.
So the vers discribe how fearless Alexander and hes army was..
@soobpl
@@svalking it's a translation of Egyptian or Arabic proverb
@usagi1641
some say now that Pyramids are from before big flood
@thenihilist5399
@@usagi1641 bunch of bull ish
@Ryu_hayabusa561
@usagi1641 the pyramids were after the flood.
@matthewwilson4941
one of the greatest songs ever.
@-C.S.R
One of my favorites all time!
@drieey
Love this song!
@garethrevell5873
Certain People's Just Know and That's It! Done. End Of! BigLove💙