Affectionately known as the "B-team," Lance & Tony went on to pen songs for Alexander O'Neal, New Edition, and other artists that came to Flyte Tyme looking for songs. After solidifying their place in the studio as up & coming producers and songwriters, the ambitious pair put together the Lo-Key project. The first album "Where Dey At?" was named after a dig at a Jamaican studio owner who signed Lance to a 'slave' contract before his Flyte Tyme deal and owed him money and kept his Masters. Although amongst music circles the group was lauded, Lo-Key never reached Platinum or Gold status, due to corporate restructuring and political maneuvering at A&M records. Performances were kept at a minimum, due to the grooming of Lance & Tony as producers. After the sale of the Perspective imprint, Tony became A&R for a while at the new Flyte Tyme Records, and Lance went on to form his own label, "Baby Honey Records", with music promoter B-Rich, which is based out of Atlanta, as well as the Baby Honey Recording studio. The only group signed to Baby Honey Records was V.I.P., a trio vocal group from Minneapolis. The rest of Lo-Key disbanded.
Lance Alexander discovered the R&B group 'Next' while working as a staff writer at Flyte Tyme Productions. Initially, the pair brought the group, who was known at the time as 'Straight 4ward,' into the Flyte Tyme studios to cut demos and after pitching the group to Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, the Producers passed on the project. After performing at an annual black music seminar in Minneapolis, Naughty by Nature's DJ Kay Gee discovered the group and signed them to a recording contract. Lance wrote the B-side "Butta Love" to the million selling single "Too Close". The group was renamed Next. Lo-Key was influenced heavily by Con Funk shun, and also by old school R&B acts.
3am In Philly
Lo-Key Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You ain't gonna make it with this rap shit
I just think they mad cause they see I'm getting traction
The pedal's to the floor I told my boys we going fast and
People I looked up to I got up and I just passed em
Just got off of work I worked a nine to five
Yeah death of me before I work a nine to five
And I know that I was driving down I-95
I ain't wanna tell you that I make it
Cause I knew that I would make it
And I told you my life changing
Yeah my life been rearranging
I ain't in it to be famous
I just wanna be the greatest
And I'm betting on myself
Yeah I feel like I'm in Vegas
Fuck it, it's my time
I wanna go up in my limelight
I told her it's 3am in Philly
I'm off of the licky
I'm drunk out of my mind
We could just fuck like it's old times
Told me your story I need both sides
I know there's some killers on both sides
I'd do anything for a cosign
Need a cosign oh yeah
I just wanna blow up the city
You tell me you with me you with me
Don't hit up my phone yeah I'm busy
Yeah I'm a loner no kizzy
I already told you I'm busy so
Stop hitting my phone I'm up
Yeah y'all said that I'm not enough
Yeah the fuck out my face
And the fuck out the way
And I ain't seen the sun in a couple of days
Ain't left the stu I got too much to say
Flexing that money work minimum wage oh
Crazy nowadays
People spending less on rent and more up on a chain
They like Keyes your shit electric
At first I was a skeptic
You say you hit me up
Well I didn't get the message
Didn't even check in
I cross that off my checklist
You said that this was destined
Just wanna be respected
Saying that I ain't shit
Said my shots are aimless
All these bitches shameless
Watching how I lane switch
Walked out through storm
Yeah I walked up through the rain bitch
Now I feel this shit
Cause I'm feeling all this pain'n
Yeah you on my ass
Yeah the cops they on my ass
Yeah you know I'm going fast
Yeah the foot is on the gas
And there ain't no fucking brakes up on this shit
And yeah I made it from the sticks
And I believed
And I believed
When no one else believed in this woah oh
Humble me
Tell me that there is no one that's under me
Tell me that you really do just fuck with me
Yeah lucky me
Yeah lucky me
I've been manifesting
All sevens
Yeah you know that I've been battle tested
I've been feeling on your aura
And your good essence
Yeah you know that I've been learning from my life lessons
So I keep pressing
Fuck it, it's my time
I wanna go up in my limelight
I told her it's 3am in Philly
I'm off of the licky
I'm drunk out of my mind
We could just fuck like it's old times
Told me your story I need both sides
I know there's some killers on both sides
I'd do anything for a cosign
Need a cosign oh yeah
I just wanna blow up the city
You tell me you with me you with me
Don't hit up my phone yeah I'm busy
Yeah I'm a loner no kizzy
I already told you I'm busy so
Stop hitting my phone I'm up
Yeah y'all said that I'm not enough
I was never enough
No, No
I was never enough
Now it's my time
It's my time I'm up
Yeah it's my time
My time I'm up
Popular Loner
Popular Loner
Popular Loner Ohhhhh
Popular Loner an autobiography
And a true story
Trust
The lyrics to Lo-Key's song "3am In Philly" convey a sense of determination and confidence in pursuing his rap career, despite facing opposition and doubters. He acknowledges that some people don't believe in his talent, but he is unfazed by their negativity. He mentions being inspired by those he admired, but he has surpassed them and is moving forward. Lo-Key expresses his dedication to his craft, stating that he would rather die than work a regular nine-to-five job. He affirms his belief in his own success and the changes happening in his life.
The chorus of the song reflects Lo-Key's desire to seize his moment and shine in the limelight. He mentions being intoxicated and wanting to engage in casual sexual encounters. He emphasizes the importance of hearing both sides of a story and acknowledges the presence of danger in various aspects of life, such as the presence of killers on both sides. Lo-Key expresses his eagerness for recognition and a cosign from influential individuals in the music industry. Despite the grind and solitude of his journey, he remains focused and unbothered by distractions.
The second verse highlights Lo-Key's perseverance and resilience. He mentions facing adversity and challenges, such as the scrutiny of his music and the shameless behavior of others. He describes his path to success as enduring a storm and walking through rain, which has contributed to his growth and understanding. Despite facing setbacks and criticism, Lo-Key remains humble and appreciative of the opportunities he has manifested through his hard work. He emphasizes that it is his time to rise and truly shine in his own light. The reference to being a "popular loner" suggests his unique position in the industry and the sense of isolation that comes with pursuing one's dreams.
Line by Line Meaning
They like Keyes
People admire Lo-Key
You ain't gonna make it with this rap shit
They doubt Lo-Key's success in the music industry
I just think they mad cause they see I'm getting traction
Others are jealous of Lo-Key's progress and recognition
The pedal's to the floor I told my boys we going fast and
Lo-Key and his friends are determined to pursue their goals with great speed and intensity
People I looked up to I got up and I just passed em
Lo-Key has surpassed the people he once admired
Just got off of work I worked a nine to five
Lo-Key has just finished his regular job
Yeah death of me before I work a nine to five
Lo-Key would rather die than settle for a regular job
And I know that I was driving down I-95
Lo-Key recalls driving on the highway
And I told you, told you
Lo-Key wants to emphasize a point he previously mentioned
I ain't wanna tell you that I make it
Lo-Key didn't want to reveal his success
Cause I knew that I would make it
Lo-Key always had confidence in his ability to succeed
And I told you my life changing
Lo-Key informed someone about the positive changes in his life
Yeah my life been rearranging
Lo-Key's life has been completely transformed
I ain't in it to be famous
Lo-Key's goal is not simply to become famous
I just wanna be the greatest
Lo-Key aspires to achieve greatness in his craft
And I'm betting on myself
Lo-Key has confidence in his own abilities
Yeah I feel like I'm in Vegas
Lo-Key feels like he's taking a gamble on his own success
Fuck it, it's my time
Lo-Key believes it's his moment to shine
I wanna go up in my limelight
Lo-Key desires to rise to fame
I told her it's 3am in Philly
Lo-Key informs someone that it's late at night in Philadelphia
I'm off of the licky
Lo-Key is under the influence of alcohol
I'm drunk out of my mind
Lo-Key is heavily intoxicated
We could just fuck like it's old times
Lo-Key suggests engaging in casual sexual activity as they used to
Told me your story I need both sides
Lo-Key requests to hear someone's perspective from both angles
I know there's some killers on both sides
Lo-Key acknowledges the presence of dangerous individuals on both sides of a conflict
I'd do anything for a cosign
Lo-Key is willing to do whatever it takes to receive validation and support from someone influential
Need a cosign oh yeah
Lo-Key desires recognition and approval from a respected figure
I just wanna blow up the city
Lo-Key wants to achieve great success and impact his hometown positively
You tell me you with me you with me
Lo-Key seeks reassurance of someone's support
Don't hit up my phone yeah I'm busy
Lo-Key requests not to be contacted as he is occupied
Yeah I'm a loner no kizzy
Lo-Key prefers to be alone and independent
I already told you I'm busy so
Lo-Key has informed someone about his limited availability
Stop hitting my phone I'm up
Lo-Key wants someone to stop contacting him because he is active and engaged
Yeah y'all said that I'm not enough
Others have criticized and doubted Lo-Key's capabilities
Yeah the fuck out my face
Lo-Key wants someone to leave him alone or stop bothering him
And the fuck out the way
Lo-Key wishes for someone to get out of his path or stop hindering his progress
And I ain't seen the sun in a couple of days
Lo-Key hasn't had much time for relaxation or leisure activities recently
Ain't left the stu I got too much to say
Lo-Key has been spending a lot of time in the studio because he has a lot to express through his music
Flexing that money work minimum wage oh
Despite appearing to have money, Lo-Key still works a low-paying job
Crazy nowadays
The current times are chaotic and unpredictable
People spending less on rent and more up on a chain
People prioritize buying expensive jewelry instead of paying for essential living expenses
They like Keyes your shit electric
People praise Lo-Key for his captivating and exciting music
At first I was a skeptic
Initially, someone doubted Lo-Key's talent or potential
You say you hit me up
Someone claims to have contacted Lo-Key
Well I didn't get the message
Lo-Key didn't receive the communication or didn't pay attention to it
Didn't even check in
Lo-Key didn't bother to verify or acknowledge the attempt to contact him
I cross that off my checklist
Lo-Key considers the attempt to reach him as an insignificant or completed task
You said that this was destined
Someone believes that their connection or interaction with Lo-Key was meant to happen
Just wanna be respected
Lo-Key desires admiration and esteem from others
Saying that I ain't shit
People criticize and degrade Lo-Key's worth or talent
Said my shots are aimless
Others claim that Lo-Key's musical endeavors lack direction or purpose
All these bitches shameless
Lo-Key perceives certain women as lacking integrity or self-respect
Watching how I lane switch
Others closely observe Lo-Key's ability to adapt and change his style or approach
Walked out through storm
Lo-Key faced and overcame difficulties or challenges
Yeah I walked up through the rain bitch
Lo-Key endured hardships and persevered
Now I feel this shit
Lo-Key is now fully experiencing or recognizing something
Cause I'm feeling all this pain'n
Lo-Key is deeply affected by emotional or physical suffering
Yeah you on my ass
Someone is constantly pressuring or bothering Lo-Key
Yeah the cops they on my ass
Law enforcement authorities are actively pursuing or monitoring Lo-Key
Yeah you know I'm going fast
Lo-Key is aware of his rapid progress or fast-paced lifestyle
Yeah the foot is on the gas
Lo-Key is fully committed and determined to keep moving forward
And there ain't no fucking brakes up on this shit
There are no obstacles or limitations that can stop Lo-Key's success
And yeah I made it from the sticks
Lo-Key achieved his success coming from a humble or disadvantaged background
And I believed
Lo-Key always had faith and confidence
When no one else believed in this woah oh
Even when others doubted his potential, Lo-Key remained steadfast and hopeful
Humble me
Lo-Key asks to be grounded and reminded of his true self
Tell me that there is no one that's under me
Lo-Key seeks reassurance that he is not superior or better than anyone else
Tell me that you really do just fuck with me
Lo-Key desires genuine support and connection from others
Yeah lucky me
Lo-Key considers himself fortunate or blessed
Yeah lucky me
Lo-Key feels grateful and privileged
I've been manifesting
Lo-Key has been actively visualizing and attracting his desires into reality
All sevens
Lo-Key has been experiencing favorable or lucky outcomes
Yeah you know that I've been battle tested
Lo-Key has faced and overcome various challenges and obstacles
I've been feeling on your aura
Lo-Key senses or perceives someone's energy and presence
And your good essence
Lo-Key recognizes and appreciates someone's positive qualities or character
Yeah you know that I've been learning from my life lessons
Lo-Key has gained wisdom and knowledge from the experiences and hardships he's encountered
So I keep pressing
Lo-Key continues to persevere and push forward
No, No
Lo-Key denies being enough or sufficient
I was never enough
Lo-Key constantly feels inadequate or insufficient
Now it's my time
Lo-Key believes that the current moment is his opportunity for success
It's my time I'm up
Lo-Key is confident that it is his turn to succeed
Yeah it's my time
Lo-Key knows that this is his moment to shine
My time I'm up
Lo-Key feels that his time has finally come and he is ready for it
Popular Loner
Lo-Key is known for being both well-known and solitary
Popular Loner
Lo-Key's reputation consists of being famous yet independent
Popular Loner Ohhhhh
Lo-Key embraces his unique identity as a well-known loner
Popular Loner an autobiography
Lo-Key's life story, titled 'Popular Loner'
And a true story
Lo-Key's life story is genuine and authentic
Trust
Lo-Key concludes with an assertion of trust or faith
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Brandon Keyes
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind