LMNO was introduced to the music industry in late 80's early 90's witnessing at first hand the N.W.A. legacy, (see the LMNO's cameo appearance in the D.O.C.'s "Formula" video with Dr. Dre). LMNO was recruited by Rhyme Syndicate to be in his first group with fellow Visionaries member Key-Kool. After the group disbanded, LMNO worked on various demo projects until his debut on the Circle of Power (of Blak Forest) album. LMNO then contributed works on the Blak Forest crew album "You are Now Entering."
With the West Coast Underground and it's rising star Ras Kass grabbing the attention of the hip-hop world, heads on the West and East tuned into Key-Kool & Rhettmatic's "E=MC5," a posse cut featuring Ras Kass and his crew Western Hemisfear; ironically, the "white kid" from Long Beach named LMNO shocked audiences with the infamous "Don't f--- with LMNO, or I'll send your demo tape to Jerry Heller" From that point, LMNO began gaining attention, and could very well have fallen into the "shock-line rapper" category, yet, this spiritually maturing artist chose quite a different path, and left the "tongue & cheek" style for others to exploit.
Charging forward as a spiritual soldier, with faith and JAH as motivation, LMNO began evolving as an artist and a person. After shaping and voicing his views on the Visionaries albums "Galleries" and "Sophomore Jinx," LMNO was ready for his debut solo effort. His debut 12 inch sleeper cult-classic "Hit the Fence," as well as the popular 12" inch releases "Radiant" and "Grin & Bear It" had heads waiting for a full length album.
LMNO's "Leave My Name Out" (Up Above Records) includes his popular singles, along with brilliant LMNO/MadLib team-up "Head Lock," yet it is the spiritually truthful, life-driven songs that seemed most appropriately reflective of the times in which the album was released: just after the tragic events of 9/11.
LMNO has been putting in much work with Visionaries doing numerous shows, recordings and touring. LMNO is currently promoting his third album " P's & Q's " IN STORES NOW on UP ABOVE RECORDS/CAROLINE DISTRIBUTION.
LMNO is still putting in much work with Visionaries doing numerous shows, recordings and touring. He is currently promoting his fifth album "WORKETHIC" IN STORES Jan. 23rd on Technicali Sound / Super D Distribution... Give Thanks & GOD BLESS
Up & Up
LMNO Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I listen to pastor, not tarot
Reserve the room for improvement
Start in the feature self-list
It's difficult to live like the title
The ride will get rocky
That won't stop me
Straight ahead on foot or jalopyNobody or anything is going to stump progress
Unless He allows it
God's the word
Take notice
Ask me who wrote this
I'll say He's ferocious
Note this
The closest persons now the furthest
I guess I do deserve this
[Chorus]
We need to lift up
Li-, li-, lift up
c'mon now, li-, li-, lift up
Everybody! Lift up! Li-, li-, lift up
Each and every! Lift up! Li-, li-, lift up
All people! Lift up! Li-, li-, lift up
The whole world! Lift up! Li-, li-, lift up
Don't stay down! Lift up! Li-, li-, lift up
c'mon now, Lift up! Li-, li-, lift up
Let's stay complete before due date
Just upon sight some think I do skate
I unplug stereo types
Hook the phonograph up to one speaker
_Mono_ why _mono_Used to be scandalous with Steve Yano
Converted, I dwell with God's children
Besides, Grandma preferred it
Alerted, I kept my eyes up
When I drink from the stream, dear
Know what I mean
Spankin' clean is how I stay
In Long Beach outside of LA
I serve a purpose here on earth
Probably won't see the fullness of my worth
Depressed thought, aiiyo, where's that yes-guy?
Yes brah, because they keep passing it to me
'Cause "no" isn't in my vo-cab-you-lary
You weep? No, I tried, sorry family
[Chorus]
Bubblematic, I have suds
I would give them all to you if it help you not to grudge
Wrong tactic, look at it
As a bad habit, addict, dash it
Quick to chalk
Last to walk
My claim, your shame
Just to get those beats out of hock
The North American continental shock
Charge of love, lo-, lo-, lo-, lo, love!
LMNO's song "Lift Up" is a testimony of his journey of faith and how being a Christian has transformed his life. The opening lines "My path was broad but now it's narrow, I listen to pastor, not tarot" highlights how his path was once broad and he was uncertain about his faith, but now he has narrowed down his path through the guidance of a pastor and not rely on the use of tarot to make life decisions. The song encourages listeners to lift up themselves and others, no matter what the circumstance. He acknowledges that it's difficult to live like the title, meaning living as a Christian is not easy, and stages of life can get bumpy, but this won't stop him from spreading the word of God. He acknowledges that the closest persons are now the furthest, meaning that people he once was close to may not understand or appreciate his new way of life, but he accepts this and knows he deserves it.
LMNO uses the metaphor of "Bubblematic," where he says he has suds (representing hope) and he would give them all to help others not grudge. Essentially, he's offering hope and asking people to be open to his message. He also mentions that he is quick to chalk and last to walk, meaning he may be quick to judge, but he is also open to learning from his mistakes. He acknowledges that his claim is someone else's shame, alluding that his faith in God may not be appreciated by everyone. The lyrics inspire listeners to lift up themselves and others because no matter what happens, love wins.
Line by Line Meaning
My path was broad but now it's narrow
I used to have many options, but now I realize that there's only one clear direction for me to take in life
I listen to pastor, not tarot
I seek guidance from religious leaders rather than mystical practices
Reserve the room for improvement
I acknowledge that I still have flaws to overcome and areas to grow in
Start in the feature self-list
I'm making plans for my future based on my own strengths and abilities
It's difficult to live like the title
The expectations and pressures that come with being successful can be overwhelming
The ride will get rocky
Life is unpredictable, and there will be ups and downs
That won't stop me
I won't let obstacles discourage me from pursuing my goals
Straight ahead on foot or jalopy
I'm committed to moving forward, whether that means taking small steps or making big changes
Nobody or anything is going to stump progress
I'm determined to keep making progress, no matter what challenges I face
Unless He allows it
I trust that God has a plan for me, and that sometimes difficulties happen for a reason
God's the word
My faith is the center of my life and helps me stay grounded
Take notice
I want others to pay attention to the message I'm sharing
Ask me who wrote this
I'm proud of my work and want to be recognized for it
I'll say He's ferocious
I know that God is powerful and capable of great things
Note this
Pay attention to what I'm about to say
The closest persons now the furthest
The people who used to be closest to me have drifted away for various reasons
I guess I do deserve this
I accept responsibility for the fact that some relationships have changed, and I'm willing to work to make things right if possible
We need to lift up
I believe that everybody can benefit from being encouraged and inspired
Li-, li-, lift up
Let's help each other rise to new heights
c'mon now, li-, li-, lift up
I'm urging others to join me in this effort
Everybody! Lift up! Li-, li-, lift up
This is something we can all do together
Each and every! Lift up! Li-, li-, lift up
I'm emphasizing that all individuals have something to contribute
All people! Lift up! Li-, li-, lift up
This message applies to everyone, regardless of background or circumstances
The whole world! Lift up! Li-, li-, lift up
I'm thinking big and dreaming of a world where people lift each other up instead of tearing each other down
Don't stay down! Lift up! Li-, li-, lift up
Even when we're feeling discouraged, we can choose to lift ourselves and others up rather than dwelling on negativity
Let's stay complete before due date
We can work to be our best selves before time runs out
Just upon sight some think I do skate
People often make assumptions about me based on my appearance or behavior
I unplug stereo types
I reject limiting beliefs and refuse to be put in a box
Hook the phonograph up to one speaker
I appreciate old-fashioned or unconventional ways of doing things
_Mono_ why _mono_
I'm emphasizing the uniqueness of my approach
Used to be scandalous with Steve Yano
I've had some wild experiences in the past
Converted, I dwell with God's children
I've found a sense of belonging within my religious community
Besides, Grandma preferred it
My faith is important to me partly because it's something that's been passed down through my family
Alerted, I kept my eyes up
I stay vigilant and aware of my surroundings at all times
When I drink from the stream, dear
I draw spiritual nourishment from my faith
Know what I mean
This is something that's deeply personal and important to me
Spankin' clean is how I stay
I work hard to maintain a sense of purity and moral uprightness
In Long Beach outside of LA
I live in a specific area that's had a big influence on my life and work
I serve a purpose here on earth
I believe that I'm here for a reason and have something valuable to offer
Probably won't see the fullness of my worth
I'm aware that I may not fully understand my impact or potential until later in life
Depressed thought, aiiyo, where's that yes-guy?
I sometimes struggle with feelings of sadness or doubt, but I try to stay optimistic and hopeful
Yes brah, because they keep passing it to me
I try to maintain a positive mindset and encourage others as much as possible
'Cause "no" isn't in my vo-cab-you-lary
I refuse to give up or accept defeat
You weep? No, I tried, sorry family
I've done my best to be there for my loved ones, even when things get difficult
Bubblematic, I have suds
I have a lot of energy and enthusiasm
I would give them all to you if it help you not to grudge
I want to use my positive attitude to help others overcome negative feelings
Wrong tactic, look at it
I'm willing to reconsider my approach if it's not working
As a bad habit, addict, dash it
I acknowledge that some of my behaviors or attitudes may not be healthy or productive
Quick to chalk
I'm not easily discouraged or defeated
Last to walk
I persevere even when things get tough
My claim, your shame
I take responsibility for my actions and won't let others bring me down
Just to get those beats out of hock
I'm motivated by my passion for music and art
The North American continental shock
I'm proud to be part of a vibrant and diverse culture
Charge of love, lo-, lo-, lo-, lo, love!
Ultimately, love and positivity are what drive me in life
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind