Kojey Radical is a London based poet, musician and mixed media visual artis… Read Full Bio ↴Kojey Radical is a London based poet, musician and mixed media visual artist. He is also Creative Director of the PUSHCRAYONS collective/network & Art Director of contemporary menswear brand Chelsea Bravo.

Beginning as a contemporary artist Kojey moved through the arts with increasing curiosity and defiant will to never be confined to one art form. From as young as 9 years old Kojey chose to see every form of creative expression as one art form; allowing each one to become a new language for him to communicate through.

After releasing his debut EP in June 2014 Kojey quickly became a name to look out for, selling out his first headline show twice due to popular demand. Kojey is widely credited for his explosive live shows and subversive story telling ability, often referred to as a visionary and pioneer of the arts. Kojey's approach and unorthodox style has earned him the attention of GQ Magazine, Idol, Mechanical Dummy, Soul Culture, Wonderland, The405, Clash Magazine, The Fader, BBC 1 Xtra, OKAYAFRICA and Notion Magazine to name a few.

Pure
Kojey Radical Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I wonder what they see first
The fear or the fiction. Tell the truth
Is a brave face a shield or addiction.
Who want it? Be first soul to test my conviction
Who run it? I’m only talking with who running the kingdom.
Brr Brr. Phone ringing
Guess they need me now?
Oh they see me now.

Ricardo Ticsi match the hand me downs.
This Black on Black feel kinda different, wow.
They love the pigment.
Hate the trouble that we live with, less you gifted.
Proud. Do your city proud boy
Let em’ lift your smile. Left em lift you up.
Even when they left you out.
Like what? These niggas that much better than me?
Really Paint a new Picasso like me?
I Don’t see it.

I Don’t pree it. This tunnel vision relax me.
Black leather mahogany in the back seat
Partition. They look at me like I’m one to watch,
Where I’m from same looks could
get your body dropped. I don’t see em’
I don’t fear em. I don’t need em.
Winter baby, this cold season is’ KOJ SZN.
Alone season for known reasons, I’m like that.
Got known demons that ain’t leaving. They fight back.
I Tried to warn em. I Tried to tell em, they need me.
Another classic. Another classic. It’s easy.
Money stuffed I’m only spending on bail.
Preacher, Preacher I’m never going to hell.

Pure hearted will always prosper.
But if they don’t hear me, I bet they hear me now though.
Facts.

When Idols become rivals
Winners become spiteful
That thriller just ain’t Michael
Them streams just ain’t tidal.
I paid million dues before I saw a million views.
Saw labels doing rounds on a million crews.
That’s 360, them numbers just look shifty.
That glitter don’t turn gold. Them diamonds just look pretty.
I ain’t impressed. I got enough to be stressed over.
Your wave micro, I treat rappers like left overs.
Nkrumah steppin’ we only bringing the best forward.
If needs be go clip to clip with your best soldiers.
Be easy, we save the snubs for award shows.
How we didn’t win a Mobo only lord knows.
Quick to forget I did i it with no regrets.
The passion was militant. The vision was heaven sent.
Kyu told me keep it honest man they have to hear you.
K told me your too different man they have to fear you.
Wretch told me that I’m next. We gave you Colour purple.
Mama told me that I’m blessed boy they don’t deserve you.

Mama told me that I’m blessed boy they don’t deserve you.

Dnd
I don’t pick up
I don’t do digits
I see the snakes.
I see the sneaks.
I hear the disses.
I take a toke.
I blow the smoke.
I see the mirrors.
First to last and to built to last
I do the distance.
Overthinking. Over sipping.
Now I’m distant.
Wonder would they even miss me when I’m missing.
Cry to cry. Don’t cry for help when no ones listens.
The type of shit that turn your pride into the victim.
Mama told me it no easy inna this thing called life
So be-careful what you risking.

Some people only want the truth so can twist it.
Some people only want the love but they resit it.

Overall Meaning

In "Pure" by Kojey Radical, the lyrics explore themes of self-confidence, resilience, and the challenges faced by an artist in the music industry. The song opens with the artist questioning whether people see his fear or the persona he portrays. He ponders whether a brave face is a shield or an addiction, highlighting the complexity of presenting oneself authentically in a world that often rejects difference. Kojey Radical asserts his place in the music industry, expressing his conviction and challenging those who claim to be superior. He questions if anyone can truly match his talent and creativity, dismissing the notion that others are better than him.

The second verse reflects on the artist's journey, emphasizing his tunnel vision and determination to succeed. He mentions the struggles he has faced, referencing the demons he carries and the warnings he has given to others. Kojey Radical asserts his resilience, proclaiming that he will never go to hell and illustrating his commitment to staying true to his artistry. The lyrics convey a sense of defiance and confidence, emphasizing the artist's refusal to conform to industry standards and his commitment to maintaining integrity.

In the final verse, the artist reflects on his accomplishments and the obstacles he has overcome. He mentions the sacrifices he has made and the hardships he has endured to reach his level of success. The lyrics highlight the artist's pride in his work and the support he receives from his mother. Despite facing criticism and rejection, Kojey Radical remains steadfast in his pursuit of excellence and acknowledges that some people may twist the truth or resist love.

Line by Line Meaning

I wonder what they see first
I'm curious about whether people notice my fear or the stories I create about myself

The fear or the fiction. Tell the truth
Are they more interested in my vulnerabilities or the persona I present? Be honest with me

Is a brave face a shield or addiction
Does pretending to be strong protect me or am I just addicted to putting up a front?

Who want it? Be first soul to test my conviction
Who is bold enough to challenge my beliefs and principles?

Who run it? I’m only talking with who running the kingdom
I only engage with those who are in control and have power

Brr Brr. Phone ringing
The sound of someone calling me. Who could it be?

Guess they need me now?
I assume they require my presence or assistance at this moment

Oh they see me now
Apparently, I am finally receiving the attention I deserve

Ricardo Ticsi match the hand me downs
I am wearing designer clothing, like Ricardo Ticsi, but they are secondhand items

This Black on Black feel kinda different, wow
Wearing all black has a unique and striking effect that is quite impressive

They love the pigment
They appreciate and admire my skin color

Hate the trouble that we live with, less you gifted
They dislike the adversities we face daily, unless you possess certain talents or advantages

Proud. Do your city proud boy
Take pride in yourself and make your hometown proud, young man

Let em’ lift your smile. Left em lift you up
Allow others to bring joy to your life and support you when you are down

Even when they left you out
Even when they excluded or abandoned you

Like what? These niggas that much better than me?
What? Are these individuals truly superior to me in every way?

Really Paint a new Picasso like me? I Don’t see it
Can they truly create a masterpiece on the level of Picasso, just like me? I am skeptical

I Don’t pree it. This tunnel vision relax me
I don't pay attention to their opinions. My focused perspective brings me peace

Black leather mahogany in the back seat
I have luxurious black leather seats in the back of my car

Partition. They look at me like I’m one to watch
They see me as someone worth observing and paying attention to

Where I’m from same looks could get your body dropped
In the neighborhood I come from, appearing a certain way could lead to acts of violence

I don’t see em’ I don’t fear em. I don’t need em
I don't acknowledge or fear those individuals. I don't depend on them either

Winter baby, this cold season is’ KOJ SZN
Being born in winter, this cold season is KOJ season

Alone season for known reasons, I’m like that
I prefer to be alone during certain times because of well-known reasons. I'm like that

Got known demons that ain’t leaving. They fight back
I have familiar inner struggles that refuse to go away. They resist and fight back

I Tried to warn em. I Tried to tell em, they need me
I attempted to caution and inform them, they need my presence or assistance

Another classic. Another classic. It’s easy
Creating another masterpiece, one after another. It's effortless for me

Money stuffed I’m only spending on bail
I have a lot of money, but I only use it to pay for bail

Preacher, Preacher I’m never going to hell
Even if I'm not religious, I assure you that I will never end up in hell

Pure hearted will always prosper
Those with pure hearts will always succeed and thrive

But if they don’t hear me, I bet they hear me now though
If they didn't pay attention to me before, I guarantee they are paying attention now

Facts
This is the truth

When Idols become rivals
When the people we look up to become our enemies

Winners become spiteful
People who achieve success can become resentful and vengeful

That thriller just ain’t Michael
That thrilling experience is not as amazing as Michael Jackson

Them streams just ain’t tidal
Those music streams are not as influential or successful as Tidal

I paid million dues before I saw a million views
I worked hard and sacrificed a lot before gaining a million views

Saw labels doing rounds on a million crews
I witnessed record labels being interested in various artists and groups

That’s 360, them numbers just look shifty
That's a full record deal (360 deal), but those numbers seem suspicious

That glitter don’t turn gold. Them diamonds just look pretty
That shiny appearance doesn't mean it's valuable. Those diamonds only have outward beauty

I ain’t impressed. I got enough to be stressed over
I'm not easily impressed. I already have enough things to worry about

Your wave micro, I treat rappers like left overs
Your popularity is small and insignificant, so I see other rappers as leftovers

Nkrumah steppin’ we only bringing the best forward
We, representing Nkrumah, are only bringing the best forward

If needs be go clip to clip with your best soldiers
If necessary, I can engage in confrontation and fight alongside your strongest soldiers

Be easy, we save the snubs for award shows
Don't worry, we reserve our rejections for award shows only

How we didn’t win a Mobo only lord knows
I don't understand how we didn't win a Mobo award. Only the higher power knows

Quick to forget I did it with no regrets
People are quick to forget that I achieved success without any regrets

The passion was militant. The vision was heaven sent
My dedication was unwavering and strong. My vision came from a higher power

Kyu told me keep it honest man they have to hear you
Kyu advised me to always be truthful because people need to hear my voice

K told me your too different man they have to fear you
K told me that I am unique and different, and that's why people are afraid of me

Wretch told me that I’m next. We gave you Colour purple
Wretch told me that I am the next big thing. We, as a team, brought you something powerful like the color purple

Mama told me that I’m blessed boy they don’t deserve you
My mother said that I am blessed, and people don't deserve someone like me

Dnd
Do not disturb

I don’t pick up
I don't answer calls

I don’t do digits
I don't exchange phone numbers

I see the snakes
I am aware of the deceptive people around me

I see the sneaks
I notice the hidden agendas

I hear the disses
I am aware of the insults and criticisms

I take a toke
I smoke marijuana

I blow the smoke
I exhale the smoke

I see the mirrors
I am familiar with the reflections or perceptions of myself

First to last and to built to last
From the beginning to the end, I am constructed to endure

I do the distance
I am capable of going the distance and overcoming challenges