M.I was born to Pastor and Mrs Aba… Read Full Bio ↴Profile on M.I(pronounced em eye)
M.I was born to Pastor and Mrs Abaga, both active members of the local Church choir in Jos, Plateau, Nigeria . His mother taught the basic music notations and later bought him 7-key mini piano ,which launched him early into the world of music.
M.I’s encounter with Hip-Hop started with sampling the works of DMX and Lauryn Hill in 1998 . He later delved into writing poetry. In 1999, MI left for Calvin College, Michigan, USA to pursue a degree in business and economics. There he interacted with the budding Michigan hip-hop community. He performed at all the major hip-hop and R&B shows and concerts in school and later came third in the Calvin College “Hip hopera” 2003.
M.I returned to Plateau, Nigeria in 2005 to find the local music industry on the verge of a revolution and was set to take African Hip-Hop to new heights. A proficient producer, lyricist, songwriter and instrumentalist, M.I has been described by DIV as the future of African Hip-Hop.
He has produced and featured on the works of artists like Jeremiah Gyang, Djinee, Shifi (Style Plus), Jesse Jags, Ice Prince,Ruby, Lindsy , Leone e.t.c.
His Music
Crowd Mentality – the first single off his album “Pyeri Boy” has topped every major chart in and around Nigeria and is currently number one on the Creative economy website www.creativeconomy.org.uk Soundtrack, besting music from Nine other countries around the world! The video is enjoying tremendous airplay and was No3 @ Sound City Video charts in July 2007.
His much anticipated album “ Talk About it” is due for release in Early 2008 after his world tour.
Performances, Tours & Appearances
· ‘Bring the Noise 2007’ of Africa and the UK, performed on tour in Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania, Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya and the UK.
· Future Awards 2008 – Headline Performance
· Big Brother Eviction Party Abuja (the Dome)2006
· Rhythm Unplugged, Lagos , Rhythm Unplugged, Abuja 2006
· Opening for Grammy winners Black Ladysmith Mambazo, and Keb Mo in Michigan , USA 2004
· Host WAPI(words and pictures)- British Council Lagos (2007)
· Mode Men Black Party – June 2007 by Mode Men Magazine
· Host Chocolate City “The Jam Sessions”2007
· Interviewed on Live BBC Hip Hop Forum with two other artists from Senegal and Cameroon.
· Interviewed live on African Essence in London.
· Interviewed live for BBC African Youth Program from Abuja.
Discography
· Single Crowd Mentality # 1 Cool Fm Abuja, # 1 Rhythm Top 7 at 7, and Numerous other stations round the country.
· Crowd Mentality selected # 1 for British Council International Young Music Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
· Crowd Mentality # 1 Hip Hop Charts in Uganda, Tanzania and Malaysia.
· “Crowd Mentality” is currently representing Nigeria at the www.creativeconomy.org.uk website music competition .
· Featured on two underground College CD compilations released in US
· Featured in “Baby Girl” Smash single( On Jimmy Jatt’s The Definition Album 2007)
Videos
· Video Crowd Mentality # 1 Buzz Fm TV show, # 1 NTA Lagos, Abuja, Selected # 1 Sound City Star Host.
· ‘Top Ten Best Videos Of The Year’ Buzz FM TV show.
RECENT NEWS
MI was recently selected to participate in the “Bring the Noise” Project organized by the British Council International. He will be representing Nigeria on a two-week tour of the UK, East Africa and West Africa, which commences from October 2007 and will culminate in a world tour in 2008. His nomination is as a result of his high level of artistry and proficiency in revolutionizing Hip hop in Africa. Other countries participating in the prestigious project include Senegal, Sierra Leone, Cameroon, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Kenya, Ghana, Uganda and the UK.
He is currently signed on the International award winning Chocolate City label.
Contact : chocolatecitynig@yahoo.co.uk
Myspace.com/pyeriboy
www.chocolatecitymusic.net
Talk About It
M.I. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Man you know how I feel
Gotta be more to it than this word up
This what it's all about Dunn? Uh?
Eating drinking fucking sucking (Can't understand)
Whattup I don't know baby
Nah man it's not it's not yo word up
I know this shit though aiyyo
Disagreeable, foul energy, tryin to
Absorb my energy, knowin it's the strength of me
Take a few to give me a edge
My green light shine bright, Kryptonite type
Fully operational, my physical cream
Put the bottles of smoke down, pick up a magazine
Popped it inside the are-15
Put it aside, round up the regime
While you rely on religion, I hold a nine
On the mission, to pull fire on your opposition
Revelation was the vision of this
Crack the heavens, it's time to bring the business, shit
My story goes back to them lost Pyramids
I'm seeing things that you won't believe exists
He use a Lunar-tick, suspended in time Dunn
The secondary light got your mind
You rock the fatigues, to squab until popular guns
But are you really prepared, for the things to come?
Check it out
True underground sound from the Boogie Down
Uptown Downtown gather round for the showdown, in they faces
Calling out these racists, at Rolling Stone
Spin Details and other places, KRS is The Source
Fuck these magazine leadin' hip-hop off course
You'll print about Black Mayors, Black Senators
Why you ain't got no Black Editors?
Every time I do an interview in Rolling Stone
They sendin' me a writer that look like he's Home Alone
Ignorant, to the culture and the microphone
This has got to stop -- your whole spot
Is blown sky high, battle why try?
My view is bird's eye, scopin' with my third eye
You don't understand, why you're publicly banned
Until you recognize the writing skills of a black man
Black Editor, all of us ain't thuggin'
Gossiping over who's homosexual
Some of us are Black Intellectuals, up in Harlem World
You can't get with me, so now in Midtown
You want to stop and talk to me?
Bitch ass journalist, is this your fake hip-hop publication?
Look I'm burnin' this
How many didn't want to see it happen
Street moves, live from Staten, if life is a joke, nobody laughin '
Hate to see a brother do good through legal action
So you sabotage and throw a Def in the Squad
Fo'-fo's blastin', keep the po-po flashin '
These Dark Soul Assassins, Jake's hate the Gods with a passion
So I keep it movin in an orderly, fashion
Pedal to the floor -- peep the Jim Crow law, mind control theory
Y'all niggaz don't hear me, Generation Next
Droppin' fast who's next, next to get wet
By the reign of the tech-knowledgy, follow me
Open up wide now, swallow me, every calorie
Is reality the truth, the whole truth and
Nothin but the truth, taste is the proof
These niggaz want the Juice, and in the crossfire
Be the youth, who didn't learn to duck when they shoot
What kind of party is this, it's that political kind
Where America's best, most hypocritical minds
Try they hands at keepin y'all deaf dumb and blind
And for the right dollar sign, do white collar crime
Behind suits, and clean shaves
I confuse em and use em as tools and slaves
Because my schools is graves and jobs is plantations
I robs the damn nation
So I can live in luxury, you fucks with me
You marryin' the dirt and I'ma throw in the tux for free
I tell the people what they want to hear
I make em laugh and cheer, and then they re-elect me every year
So when the coast is clear, I stop duckin'
And start back doin' dope, cussin and fuckin'
I kiss the babies, shake hands, wave and smile for flicks
That's my style, my pol-I-tricks
Triple-Six convicts, lyin is automatic
In the government, Republican or Democratic
Fuck Freedom, Justice and Equality
Nigga just accept my apology and suck this trick-knowledgy
The song "Talk About It" by M.I. is a commentary on contemporary American society, particularly the corruption and hypocrisy pervading politics, journalism, and even religion. The opening lines express frustration with the superficiality of everyday activities, suggesting that there must be more to life than just eating, drinking, and having sex. The rapper then delves into deeper issues, lamenting the negative forces that try to sap his energy and undermine his power, while also acknowledging the ways in which he has fortified himself against these forces. He references his own experiences and vision, hinting at an expansive worldview shaped by his connection to the past and his insights into the present.
M.I. then turns his attention to the media, calling out Rolling Stone, Spin, Details, and other publications for their lack of diversity and sensitivity to hip-hop culture. He slams the magazines for leading the genre astray and for their racist and sexist biases. In a powerful call for change, he demands that black editors be hired and recognized for their talent and expertise. He asserts that some hip-hop artists are intellectuals who offer a unique perspective on life and society, and that they deserve respect and support. Finally, he critiques the political establishment for its greed and deceit, exposing its complicity in perpetuating economic and social inequities. He implores listeners to wake up to their own power and resist the forces that seek to control and manipulate them.
Line by Line Meaning
Aiyyo wordup Dunn
Hey, listen up, my friend
Man you know how I feel
You understand my emotions
Gotta be more to it than this word up
There has to be something deeper and more meaningful
This what it's all about Dunn? Uh?
Is this really what life is all about?
Eating drinking fucking sucking (Can't understand)
Engaging in meaningless activities
Whattup I don't know baby
I don't understand, baby
Nah man it's not it's not yo word up
No, man, this isn't it at all
I'm tellin you right now
I'm saying this with conviction
I know this shit though aiyyo
But I have true knowledge about this, listen
Disagreeable, foul energy, tryin to
Negative and unpleasant vibes, attempting to
Absorb my energy, knowin it's the strength of me
Draining my positive energy, aware of its power
Take a few to give me a edge
Steal some of my energy to gain an advantage
My green light shine bright, Kryptonite type
My success and power are evident, like Kryptonite to Superman
Fully operational, my physical cream
I'm fully functional, my material wealth
Put the bottles of smoke down, pick up a magazine
Stop wasting time with drugs, focus on intellectual growth
Popped it inside the are-15
Put it in the AR-15
Put it aside, round up the regime
Set it aside, gather the team
While you rely on religion, I hold a nine
While you depend on faith, I carry a weapon
On the mission, to pull fire on your opposition
I'm determined to attack and defeat your enemies
Revelation was the vision of this
The prophecy was the inspiration for this
Crack the heavens, it's time to bring the business, shit
Break through barriers, it's time to take action, damn
My story goes back to them lost Pyramids
My tale dates back to the ancient Pyramids
I'm seeing things that you won't believe exists
I'm witnessing things that you cannot comprehend
He use a Lunar-tick, suspended in time Dunn
He possesses a mystical power, frozen in time, my friend
The secondary light got your mind
The lesser-known truth has captured your attention
You rock the fatigues, to squab until popular guns
You wear military clothing, ready to fight with famous guns
But are you really prepared, for the things to come?
But are you truly equipped for what lies ahead?
True underground sound from the Boogie Down
Authentic, lesser-known music from the Bronx
Uptown Downtown gather round for the showdown, in they faces
People from different neighborhoods come together for an intense confrontation, right in front of them
Calling out these racists, at Rolling Stone
Exposing and criticizing racist individuals associated with Rolling Stone magazine
Spin Details and other places, KRS is The Source
Recognizing KRS-One as the true authority on hip-hop, mentioned in Spin, Details, and other media outlets
Fuck these magazine leadin' hip-hop off course
Disregard those magazines that mislead and distort the true essence of hip-hop
You'll print about Black Mayors, Black Senators
You will publish articles about Black political figures
Why you ain't got no Black Editors?
Why don't you employ any Black editors?
Every time I do an interview in Rolling Stone
Whenever I have an interview with Rolling Stone
They sendin' me a writer that look like he's Home Alone
They assign me a writer who appears inexperienced and clueless
Ignorant, to the culture and the microphone
Uninformed about the culture and art of hip-hop
This has got to stop -- your whole spot
This needs to end - your entire position or influence
Is blown sky high, battle why try?
Has been destroyed completely, why bother fighting?
My view is bird's eye, scopin' with my third eye
I have a broad perspective, observing with my inner intuition
You don't understand, why you're publicly banned
You don't comprehend why you're being rejected by the public
Until you recognize the writing skills of a black man
Unless you acknowledge the talent of a Black writer
Black Editor, all of us ain't thuggin'
Black editors exist, not all of us are involved in criminal activities
Gossiping over who's homosexual
Engaging in idle talk about someone's sexual orientation
Some of us are Black Intellectuals, up in Harlem World
Some of us are Intellectual Black individuals, residing in Harlem
You can't get with me, so now in Midtown
You can't match my level, so now in Midtown
You want to stop and talk to me?
You suddenly want to engage in a conversation with me?
Bitch ass journalist, is this your fake hip-hop publication?
Incompetent journalist, is this your phony hip-hop magazine?
Look I'm burnin' this
I'm exposing and destroying this
How many didn't want to see it happen
How many people wished for it to fail
Street moves, live from Staten, if life is a joke, nobody laughin'
Street actions, happening in Staten Island, if life is a joke, nobody finds it funny
Hate to see a brother do good through legal action
People despise witnessing a sibling succeed through lawful means
So you sabotage and throw a Def in the Squad
Therefore, you undermine and cause a disagreement within the group
Fo'-fo's blastin', keep the po-po flashin'
Guns firing, attracting the police
These Dark Soul Assassins, Jake's hate the Gods with a passion
These individuals who operate in secrecy despise the divine with strong emotions
So I keep it movin in an orderly, fashion
Therefore, I continue forward in an organized manner
Pedal to the floor -- peep the Jim Crow law, mind control theory
Accelerating, observe the history of racial segregation, mind manipulation concept
Y'all niggaz don't hear me, Generation Next
You all don't listen to me, the upcoming generation
Droppin' fast who's next, next to get wet
Releasing quickly, who's next in line to face consequences
By the reign of the tech-knowledgy, follow me
Under the rule of technological knowledge, follow my lead
Open up wide now, swallow me, every calorie
Be receptive, accept everything I say
Is reality the truth, the whole truth and
Is reality the complete and absolute truth
Nothin but the truth, taste is the proof
Only the truth, the evidence is the taste
These niggaz want the Juice, and in the crossfire
These individuals want power, and in the midst of conflict
Be the youth, who didn't learn to duck when they shoot
Become the young ones who didn't learn to avoid danger
What kind of party is this, it's that political kind
What type of gathering is this? It's a political one
Where America's best, most hypocritical minds
Where the greatest, most contradictory intellects of America
Try they hands at keepin y'all deaf dumb and blind
Attempt to prevent you from being informed and aware
And for the right dollar sign, do white collar crime
And for the right amount of money, engage in non-violent illegal activities
Behind suits, and clean shaves
Behind professional attire and shaved appearances
I confuse em and use em as tools and slaves
I deceive them and exploit them as instruments and subordinates
Because my schools is graves and jobs is plantations
Because my educational institutions are like graves, and employment is like slavery
I robs the damn nation
I steal from the entire country
So I can live in luxury, you fucks with me
So I can live a life of comfort, if you mess with me
You marryin' the dirt and I'ma throw in the tux for free
You're committing to a lowly existence, and I'm offering you elegance for no charge
I tell the people what they want to hear
I say what the people desire to hear
I make em laugh and cheer, and then they re-elect me every year
I make them laugh and cheer, and then they vote for me again each year
So when the coast is clear, I stop duckin'
So when the situation is favorable, I stop avoiding
And start back doin' dope, cussin and fuckin'
And resume using drugs, swearing, and engaging in sexual activities
I kiss the babies, shake hands, wave and smile for flicks
I interact with infants, shake hands, wave, and smile for pictures
That's my style, my pol-I-tricks
This is my approach, my political tactics
Triple-Six convicts, lyin is automatic
Evil individuals associated with Satanic beliefs, lying comes naturally
In the government, Republican or Democratic
Within the government, regardless of political party affiliation
Fuck Freedom, Justice and Equality
Disregard the principles of freedom, justice, and equality
Nigga just accept my apology and suck this trick-knowledgy
Just accept my apology and accept my deceptive knowledge
Lyrics © FOX MUSIC, INC., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: NILE GREGORY RODGERS, AQUIL DAVIDSON, BERNARD EDWARDS, TODD GAITHER, MARKELL RILEY, TEDDY RILEY, MENTON SMITH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind