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)
My Soul
Lowkey Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They say The fool thinks himself to be wise,but the wise man knows himself to be a fool.
I say that, to say this.
You might take my life,
but you can't take my soul! [x2]
You might take my freedom
but might can't take my soul! [x2]
You might take my life,
but you can't take my soul! [x2]
You might take my freedom
but you can't take my soul! [x2]
[Verse 1]
They can't use my music to advertise for Coca Cola
They can't use my music to advertise for Motorola
They can't use my music to advertise for anything
But truth, I guess that's the reason the industry won't let me in
Refuse to be a product or brand, I'm human
Refuse to contribute to the gangster Illusion
Whether I'm number One, Number two, or Number Three
I'm unique and there will never be another me
and there never be another you
be proud of who you are, don't copy what the others do
they are not superior, you are not inferior
When we realize that is gonna be hysteria
Not commercial, always controversial what my pen has written
when they listen many have risen from the mental prison
That's why you won't see my face upon the television
But every time i try to sleep I hear the devil singing
[Verse 2]
They can't use my music to advertise a watch or your car
They can't use my music to advertise a drink you got at the bar
They can't use my music to advertise for anything
But truth, I guess that's the reason the industry won't let me in
My Integrity is the reason I'm thinking separately
keep your three-sixty I can do this independently
It's likely I'm quite mad (why?)
Cos I say with ease slavery gave the streets Nikey's and Ipads
they don't like my rhymes, see my style is like lecture
but I'd rather die, than smile with my oppressor
I'm an honourable student, with the facts and you're Judas
your not Hip Hop or Grime, your just McDonald's music
Not commercial, always controversial what my pen has written
when they listen many have risen from the mental prison
That's why you won't see my face upon the television
But every time i try to sleep I hear the devil singing
In "My Soul," Lowkey explores the theme of self-awareness and the struggle against commercialization in the music industry. The song starts with a quote about the difference between a fool who thinks he is wise and a wise man who knows he is a fool. This sets the tone for the song's message about the value of self-knowledge and authenticity.
Lowkey emphasizes his refusal to use his music for commercial purposes. He asserts that his commitment to truth is why the industry won't let him in. He refuses to contribute to the "gangster illusion" that many rappers have perpetuated. He encourages his listeners to be proud of who they are and not copy others. He believes that once people realize their own worth, there will be a revolution.
The second verse continues with Lowkey's commitment to his integrity as an artist. He doesn't want to sell out to corporate interests by advertising products in his music. He criticizes the way the music industry has commodified Black culture and used slavery to sell products like Nike and iPhones. He would rather die than "smile with his oppressor." Lowkey's message is that true artistry comes from within and it should not be contaminated by the commercialization of the music industry.
Line by Line Meaning
They say The fool thinks himself to be wise,but the wise man knows himself to be a fool.
People who think they know everything are fools, but those who know they do not know everything are wise, and this is what I believe.
You might take my life, but you can't take my soul! [x2]
Even if you take my life, you cannot take away my spirit, which will live on forever.
You might take my freedom but might can't take my soul! [x2]
Even if you take away my freedom, my soul will always remain free and intact.
They can't use my music to advertise for Coca Cola
I refuse to let my art be used to promote products or corporations like Coca Cola.
But truth, I guess that's the reason the industry won't let me in
The music industry doesn't accept me because I refuse to compromise on my values and only speak the truth through my art.
I'm unique and there will never be another me
I am an individual, and there is no one else like me, so I shouldn't try to copy others.
they are not superior, you are not inferior
No one is better or worse than anyone else; we are all equal and should treat each other with respect and kindness regardless of our differences.
When we realize that is gonna be hysteria
When we all recognize our inherent worth and treat each other as equals, there will be a positive and intense energy of excitement and joy.
My Integrity is the reason I'm thinking separately
I stand up for what I believe in, even if it means being different from others and thinking for myself.
It's likely I'm quite mad (why?)
People might think I'm crazy for saying that even the products we consume are tied to the history of slavery, but I stand by this belief.
I'm an honourable student, with the facts and you're Judas
I am a truth-seeker and researcher, but others who do not stand for integrity are like traitors to me.
your not Hip Hop or Grime, your just McDonald's music
Some popular music is not really representative of the true values and spirit of Hip Hop and Grime, and is more like fast food or a commercial product.
But every time i try to sleep I hear the devil singing
Despite my positive message, I still face temptations and negative influences that try to distract me from my values.
Contributed by Logan B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Explosivo55
try this deviation from their insanity
the best way to describe the UK/US (commonwealth nations). is that it is a ship (corporation) the establishment are the crew officials and the voters (human employees/slaves) are its rowers.. the rowers that play up end up getting put in the holding cell (jail time) and the non-voters (rebels) are the rats scurrying around on their ship getting exterminated where they can get them
I'm the man going around this corporate ship looking to take those worthy enough off of that ship and sail our own righteous ship instead
this righteous ship (to which the lord will give us) will sail with our Lord god watching over us and policing ourselves as we should in his eyes (todays writings are not originals but they do still contain some top notch commandments that i hands down before the Lord agree with)
not only from within the ship.. but from outside vessels looking to sink our ship or even capture it
however instead of it being called a ship... it'll be a kingdom on the land surrounded by nations (other vessels) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzbcEus1Mbs
proverbs 14
2Whoever walks in uprightness fears the LORD,
but he who is devious in his ways despises him.
11The house of the wicked will be destroyed,
but the tent of the upright will flourish.
28In a multitude of people is the glory of a king,
but without people a prince is ruined.
May the Lord god bless those of us and not all
a Lex
Whether I'm number One, Number two, or Number Three
I'm unique and there will never be another me
And there will never be another you
Be proud of who you are, don't copy what the others do
They are not superior, you are not inferior
When we realize that is gonna be hysteria
bhuddahigh
deep
Ricky Goff
So true FAM 💯
Mariam Moton
2021 how relevant
Da Kumite
They'll scream arrogant and cocky when it's just self love and individuality.
chocolate42069
This song's more prevalent in 2020 then ever before.
Anthony Wykes
Deffo
The official Unofficial
Stay woke my man it's been a long time since this for me, this and immortal technique lol haven't watched this in years...
David Montgomery
@The official Unofficial going back to immortal technique is keeping me sane through cheeto mussolini's term
Abraham seed In Yahusha
Facts