Background
Lowkey was born to mixed heritage, his father being British from Dover, while his mother is an Iraqi born in Baghdad. He began attending the open mic sessions which took place at the Deal Real record shop on Carnaby Street, Central London. The first time he went he introduced himself as Lowkey and was told there was already a regular there by that name; the two had a battle rap over the use of the name which Lowkey won. It was at Deal Real that he met Doc Brown, who invited him to feature on his first notable single 'Donnie's Lament', a song which was based on the film Donnie Darko.
Career
The success of 'Donnie's Lament (Mad World Remix)', which was played on Capital FM and Radio One led to a mixtape entitled Key To The Game Vol 1, released independently in 2003. Within a year and a half he had released a second and third volume, all of which gained critical acclaim from UK hip hop circles. Despite releasing the third mixtape in 2005, it would be another three years until he released his album proper preferring instead to explore other aspects of his career until then.
In July 2008 the Theatre Royal, Bath put on a production of 'Max and Beth', a contemporary adaptation of Macbeth by William Shakespeare written entirely in rhyme.
Collaborations
He joined a hip-hop group called Poisonous Poets that released one mixtape (Poisonous Poetry). Poisonous Poets a.k.a Double P was founded by Doc Brown, Reveal, Tony D and Therapist. He is part of another group called Catch 22 created by Kool G Rap. Lowkey also records duets with Logic as part of their non-profit organisation The People's Army, aimed at raising awareness of infant fighting in Israel and Palestine. His work with Logic saw the pair record a song exclusively for the NSPCC, in support of their "Don't Hide It" campaign.
In 2008 news broke of a supergroup that had been created with Jon McClure of the band Reverend and The Makers. Also in the band is Arctic Monkeys drummer Matt Helders and ex-bassist Andy Nicholson alongside bassist of Babyshambles Drew McConnell and a revolving set of other musicians. They have had trouble coordinating their busy careers to perform live dates and their debut album has already been pushed back from October to some time in early 2009 along with a February tour.
Lowkey's highly anticipated (100% independent) album: Soundtrack To The Struggle is estimated to hit the streets in January 2011.
(from the wiki-page biog of Lowkey)
Lucifer
Lowkey Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Gotta make sure you understand
I'm an outlaw rappin' the streets
Every place in the south north west and the east
Forget a punchline, i break your mouth your jaw
And the rest of your teeth
Any other MCs about war can't second to me
It sound raw when I wrestle the beat
What you acting proud for?
Me, you can never defeat
You can see me down the pound stores
Steppin outdoors just to get in a jeep
Got to murky mans splurting a van after i left him asleep
Like I said get you jaw broke quick and your torso split
On the mic, my people don't talk no shit
Stay rapping all night, while yours don't spit
I'm getting pissed of with these fool gays
Undermining Hip Hop from the UK
For that Blood I'll rep to the death
Blood i told you before man I'm better than blessed
Grew with the most roofless kids im a lost baby
Finaly using the gift that God gave me
I'm not crazy just deranged and insane
I came to explain the false state of the game
Many out changing for fame without making a name
My belly's aching with pain,
Any fater that hates and tryna' spit a verse of me
Get left looking like a circus freak
On hes knees screaming Mercy Please
And he ain't even heard me speak
I don't give a fuck whether your 15 or 33
Is all good, i make dopes look awkard
Tryna to step to this step, Left with a twisted surfer
Coming in the place leave a space where the door stood
Listen jokers you get dangled off the cliffs of Dover
Leave a undercover agents mission over
Im not a snake, but on the mic. I'm a viscious Cobra
Quick to expose a rapper with a bitch persona
In "Lucifer", Lowkey establishes his presence as a hard-hitting, uncompromising MC from London. His lyrics display his confidence, aggression, and disdain for rappers who prioritize fame over actual skill. He claims to be an outlaw, roaming the city streets and battling any MC who dares to challenge him. He dismisses the idea of relying on clever punchlines, instead opting to break his opponents' jaws and teeth. He maintains that he stands above all other MCs in his raw power and flawless presence on the mic. Lowkey sees himself as a protector of hip hop culture in the UK and is willing to defend it to the death. He speaks of growing up as a lost child among the poorest communities but has finally found his calling as an artist, using his talents to expose the false nature of the industry and the hunger for fame that plagues many rappers.
The lyrics also reveal Lowkey's ability to manipulate the English language to craft intricate rhymes and wordplay. He can switch from boasting and taunting to introspection and social commentary in the span of a few lines. He uses graphic imagery to depict his opponents' defeat, likening them to circus freaks and hanging them off cliffs. His mention of Lucifer in the title and the song hints at his belief in the existence of evil and how it manifests in the world, whether it be through the music industry or on a larger scale.
Line by Line Meaning
This is lowkizy, raping london city
Lowkey is introducing himself and his artistry to the world by stating that he is conquering the London music scene.
Gotta make sure you understand
He is emphasizing that his message is important and he wants it to be heard and comprehended by his listeners.
I'm an outlaw rappin' the streets
Lowkey sees himself as a rebel artist who defies the norm and who speaks the truth through his music.
Every place in the south north west and the east
Lowkey's music can be heard and appreciated by everyone regardless of where they are located geographically.
Forget a punchline, i break your mouth your jaw
Lowkey does not need to rely on clever rhymes or puns to make an impact; he speaks directly and forcefully through his words.
And the rest of your teeth
His words pack a powerful punch and will leave the listener stunned and silenced.
Any other MCs about war can't second to me
Lowkey is asserting himself as the best lyrical warrior around, unbeatable and unrivaled.
I stand without flaws from my head to my feet
Lowkey is confident in his artistry and his message; he is fearless and unapologetically himself.
It sound raw when I wrestle the beat
Lowkey's delivery is rough and unpolished, but this only serves to make his message more authentic and powerful.
What you acting proud for?
Lowkey is questioning why other rappers are so overly confident, and asserts that they cannot compare to him.
Me, you can never defeat
Lowkey is confident that no other rapper can ever surpass or out-perform him.
You can see me down the pound stores
Despite his success, Lowkey remains humble and grounded, and can still be found in regular, everyday locations like discount shops in the UK.
Steppin outdoors just to get in a jeep
Lowkey is always on the move, hustling and grinding to make his music and message heard.
Got to murky mans splurting a van after i left him asleep
Lowkey is referencing a specific incident where he was attacked by rivals in the music scene, but he was able to escape and continue to pursue his dreams.
Like I said get you jaw broke quick and your torso split
Lowkey is warning his opponents that if they try to mess with him, he will not hesitate to fight back and defend himself.
On the mic, my people don't talk no shit
Lowkey's supporters and fans are loyal and respectful, and would never dare to speak negatively about him or his music.
Stay rapping all night, while yours don't spit
Lowkey takes his craft seriously and is dedicated to creating music that will make a lasting impact, while other rappers may not put in as much effort and passion.
I'm getting pissed of with these fool gays
Lowkey is frustrated with other rappers who are not putting in the same effort and passion that he is, and he sees them as being foolish or fake.
Undermining Hip Hop from the UK
Lowkey believes that many UK rappers are not respecting the culture and history of hip hop, and are instead diluting its message and meaning.
For that Blood I'll rep to the death
Lowkey is fiercely committed to his art and message, and is willing to defend them with his life.
Blood i told you before man I'm better than blessed
Lowkey is confident that his talents and abilities surpass what many people would consider a blessing or gift from a higher power.
Grew with the most roofless kids im a lost baby
Lowkey had a difficult childhood and grew up in challenging circumstances, but he sees this as having shaped him into the artist and person he is today.
Finaly using the gift that God gave me
Lowkey believes that his gift for rapping and his message are God-given, and that he is fulfilling his destiny by sharing them with the world.
I'm not crazy just deranged and insane
Lowkey may seem unconventional or crazy to some, but he sees himself as being unique and true to himself and his message.
I came to explain the false state of the game
Lowkey's music is a call-out to the music industry and the state of hip hop today, which he believes is fake and losing its true meaning.
Many out changing for fame without making a name
Lowkey is critical of rappers who prioritize fame and popularity over their true message and artistry, and who are not making a lasting impact on the industry.
My belly's aching with pain
Lowkey is deeply affected by the current state of the music industry and the disconnect between true artistry and commercial success.
Any fater that hates and tryna' spit a verse of me
Lowkey is unafraid to call out those who criticize him or his message, and challenges them to try and match his lyrical abilities.
Get left looking like a circus freak
Lowkey will effortlessly out-rap and embarrass anyone who tries to come for him, and they will be left looking foolish in comparison.
On hes knees screaming Mercy Please
His opponents will be left humiliated and begging for mercy after attempting to face off against his lyrical prowess.
And he ain't even heard me speak
Lowkey's reputation precedes him, and anyone who challenges him is already at a disadvantage before he even begins to rap.
I don't give a fuck whether your 15 or 33
Lowkey does not care about age or any other superficial factors; he believes that true hip hop is about lyrical ability and authenticity.
Is all good, i make dopes look awkard
Lowkey is confident in his ability to out-rap anyone, and will make even skilled rappers look silly or out of place in comparison.
Tryna to step to this step, Left with a twisted surfer
Anyone who tries to compete with Lowkey in the rap game will be left with a broken and twisted image of themselves and their abilities.
Coming in the place leave a space where the door stood
Lowkey's arrival at a music venue or event is impactful and memorable, and everyone else's presence there will pale in comparison.
Listen jokers you get dangled off the cliffs of Dover
Lowkey is warning his detractors that their disrespect or lack of skill will have serious consequences, and they will be left hanging off the edge of a cliff.
Leave a undercover agents mission over
Anyone who tries to bring Lowkey down or undermine his message will ultimately fail, and their mission will be a complete and total failure.
Im not a snake, but on the mic. I'm a viscious Cobra
Lowkey is not manipulative or deceitful like a snake, but his words and delivery are powerful and deadly like that of a venomous cobra.
Quick to expose a rapper with a bitch persona
Lowkey is unafraid to call out rappers who are fake or insincere, and will quickly expose them for who they really are.
Contributed by Claire I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.