When Lil B titled his last digital label released mixtape I'm Gay, he received several death threats. Although he is heterosexual, he says the title is a message of support to the LGBT community. Referring to the alternative definition of gay, he says he is gay because he is happy. Following the death threats, he added "I'm Happy" in parenthesis to the album's title. I'm Gay received positive reviews with many fans commenting on the album's wide variety of positive messages and noting the unique beats and lyrical styles not common to mainstream hip hop. He raps about many controversial issues including race relations, poverty, humanity, and the justice system. The album also, according to many fans, shows the "true" side of Lil B. It entered the Billboard R&B/Hip Hop Albums chart at #56 and the Heatseekers Albums chart at #20 for the week of July 16, 2011. It is for sale on iTunes but Lil B also uploaded it to the Internet for free, posting a link to it on Twitter and Facebook saying, "for all my fans who don't have $10 to buy my album, here it is for free."
Lil B typically releases at least one mixtape every month; so far in 2012 he has released 13 mixtapes - 4 in July alone. One of those released in July was the massive 848-song, nearly 5GB collection of Based Freestyles, which is his largest release to date. In 2013, hip-hop listeners voted Lil B as the greatest rapper of all time.
I Am The Beast
Lil B Lyrics
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I'm working hard people grinding everyday
But they don't understand my job
Came from soil where the
Roots are underestimated
Roses grow from concrete but don't
Nobody care to save them
I chose my own path
People you grew up with
The first ones to bring you down
I made this song for anybody
That relates it now
Anybody with a dream or anybody with a smile
I guarantee if you help another person out
You start to see yourself in the
Eyes of a new born child
Words is bond, so my writing like jail time
No watch, just life, I don't see the time
I am the Wind i am the Earth
I am the Skies i am the Souls
I am the Love i am the Pain
I am the Dream i am the Rain
I sit and think by myself
Does the world hate me? Not really
But the people is the one who's shady
I spit knowledge and the youth
Looks at me crazy
How we all equal, But we won't elect the lady
It all starts from the heart
For the massive changes
Learn to love or to hate
Help the ones who's racist
You would understand if one day
We change of places
Life not a soap opera no change of faces
But remain humble, ask questions often
Anytime my next bedroom is a coffin
Live life cause we the only
Summer out in Boston
Live life cause ain't all
About the money flossin'
Pan in hand, my stars align
Step in the spaceship of my mind
Into a galaxy of trees
I leave reality behind
In my own world I'm the ruler
No measure how I do it
Words my energy, the fuel
At rocket speed my mind is movin'
Others I don't see 'em
Solo mission made from feelin'
Don't accept the cards, I deal 'em
Asteroid hit's, when revealin'
So they smash like doves
Feels my heartbeat's rushing flood
I'm blessed from above
Music my galactic love
In Lil B's song "I Am A Lion," he begins by reflecting on his journey and hard work, comparing it to being in summer school. He acknowledges that while people may not fully understand or appreciate his job, he comes from a place where the roots are underestimated. Lil B uses the metaphor of roses growing from concrete, symbolizing his resilience and determination despite the lack of support or recognition.
He then emphasizes the importance of choosing one's own path, as the world is uncertain and people you grew up with can be the ones to bring you down. The song is dedicated to anyone who can relate to it, whether they have a dream or simply a smile. Lil B suggests that by helping others, one can see themselves reflected in the eyes of a newborn child, highlighting the transformative power of kindness and empathy.
In the chorus, Lil B expresses his connection to nature and the universe, claiming to be the wind, the earth, the skies, the souls, the love, the pain, the dream, and the rain. This signifies his belief in the interconnectedness of all things and his identification with the vastness and beauty of the world.
The second verse delves into Lil B's contemplation of whether the world hates him. While acknowledging some people's shady behavior, he also recognizes the knowledge he shares with the youth and how they sometimes react with disbelief or confusion. He questions why equality is not fully embraced, particularly in terms of electing a woman leader. Lil B emphasizes that change starts from the heart and expresses the importance of love, helping others, and challenging racism.
The song concludes with Lil B entering his own world, where he is the ruler and his mind moves at rocket speed. He feels disconnected from others on a solo mission driven by his emotions. Lil B metaphorically compares himself to an asteroid, hitting and smashing like doves, suggesting a powerful force that disrupts and reveals truths. Ultimately, Lil B feels blessed by music, which he describes as his galactic love.
Line by Line Meaning
Let me bring you back to summer school
Allow me to educate you and bring you back to a place of learning and growth.
I'm working hard people grinding everyday
I am putting in the effort and dedication, like many others, to achieve my goals.
But they don't understand my job
Unfortunately, others fail to comprehend the importance and purpose of my work.
Came from soil where the roots are underestimated
I emerged from a background where my potential and capabilities were underestimated and undervalued.
Roses grow from concrete but don't nobody care to save them
Even though beauty and growth can emerge from difficult circumstances, people often overlook and neglect them.
I chose my own path
I have made the conscious decision to forge my own unique journey in life.
The worlds so uncertain now
The current state of the world is filled with unpredictability and instability.
People you grew up with the first ones to bring you down
Ironically, those who were once close to you and shared your upbringing can often be the ones to discourage and hinder your progress.
I made this song for anybody that relates it now
This song is dedicated to anyone who can find a connection and resonance with its message in their own lives.
Anybody with a dream or anybody with a smile
This song is for anyone who holds onto their aspirations and brings positivity to the world.
I guarantee if you help another person out you start to see yourself in the eyes of a new born child
By assisting and supporting others, you gain a sense of empathy and understanding, like seeing the world through the innocent eyes of a newborn.
Words is bond, so my writing like jail time
I firmly believe in the power and authenticity of my words, much like the weight and permanence of a sentence in jail.
No watch, just life, I don't see the time
I do not concern myself with the concept of time, as I focus on fully living and experiencing life in the present moment.
I am the Wind, I am the Earth, I am the Skies, I am the Souls, I am the Love, I am the Pain, I am the Dream, I am the Rain
I encompass the elements of nature, emotions, dreams, and the natural cycles of life in my identity.
I sit and think by myself, does the world hate me? Not really
I spend time alone, contemplating if the world holds animosity towards me, but ultimately realize that it is not entirely true.
But the people is the one who's shady
However, it is often people who display deceitful and untrustworthy behavior.
I spit knowledge and the youth looks at me crazy
When I share wisdom and knowledge, the younger generation views me with skepticism and disbelief.
How we all equal, but we won't elect the lady
Although we claim to believe in equality, we still hesitate to choose a woman for important positions of power.
It all starts from the heart for the massive changes
Significant transformations and progress begin with a genuine desire and passion from within.
Learn to love or to hate, help the ones who's racist
We have the choice to either cultivate love or foster hatred, and it is crucial to assist those who hold racist beliefs.
You would understand if one day we change of places
If we were to switch positions and experiences, you would gain a deeper understanding and empathy for my perspective.
Life not a soap opera no change of faces
Life is not a melodramatic television show where characters can constantly switch identities and appearances.
But remain humble, ask questions often
It is important to maintain humility and continually seek knowledge by frequently questioning and seeking answers.
Anytime my next bedroom is a coffin
At any moment, death may become my next destination and resting place.
Live life cause we the only summer out in Boston
We must embrace and cherish the experience of life, as it is a unique and transient period, similar to the briefness of summer in Boston.
Live life cause ain't all about the money flossin'
We should live life to the fullest because it is not solely defined or determined by material wealth and ostentatious displays.
Pan in hand, my stars align
With a pan in hand, indicating my artistic tools, the alignment of the stars signifies the perfect timing and alignment of my creative energy.
Step in the spaceship of my mind
I metaphorically enter the realm of imagination and creativity, akin to stepping into a spaceship and venturing into unknown territories.
Into a galaxy of trees, I leave reality behind
Within this expansive universe of nature and growth, I detach myself from the constraints of everyday reality and embrace a more imaginative state.
In my own world I'm the ruler, no measure how I do it
Within the realm of my creative mind, I hold the power and authority, without being restricted by conventional standards or limitations.
Words my energy, the fuel
The words I express and share carry my passion and drive, serving as the source of my inspiration and motivation.
At rocket speed my mind is movin'
My thoughts and ideas move at an accelerated pace, like a rocket, within the vast expanse of my mind.
Others I don't see 'em
I become so engrossed in my own world that I fail to notice or acknowledge the presence of others.
Solo mission made from feelin'
My creative ventures and endeavors are solitary in nature, arising from deep emotions and innermost sentiments.
Don't accept the cards, I deal 'em
Instead of passively accepting circumstances, I take control and actively shape my own destiny.
Asteroid hits when revealin'
When I expose my authentic self and share my true thoughts and emotions, it can have a significant impact, akin to an asteroid striking.
So they smash like doves
In response to my genuine expression, the barriers and pretenses of others crumble and shatter, like the fragile nature of doves.
Feels my heartbeat's rushing flood
My heartbeat quickens and intensifies, as if flooded with adrenaline, in response to this profound and authentic connection.
I'm blessed from above
I feel fortunate and grateful for the blessings and guidance I receive from a higher power.
Music my galactic love
Music is my ultimate passion and affection, spanning across the vastness of the galaxy.
Lyrics © TUNECORE INC, TuneCore Inc., BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, O/B/O DistroKid, Songtrust Ave, Reservoir Media Management, Inc., Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Christopher N'Quay Rosser, Dominique Jones, Sergio Kitchens
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind