Madlib was born in Oxnard, California to musician parents Otis Jackson, Sr. and Dora Sinesca Jackson. He sampled his first song at 11 years old, sourced from his father's collection. His younger brother is the producer and rapper Michael "Oh No" Jackson. His uncle is the jazz trumpeter Jon Faddis. He was raised in Oxnard, where he began his music career.
During an interview on Chrome Children, Madlib stated that his most significant musical influences include Miles Davis, Sun Ra, and David Axelrod. Some of his hip-hop influences are Large Professor, Marley Marl, Paul C, DJ Pooh, and Dr. Dre.
Dirtknock
Madlib Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Turn it up
See how long I did that?
Um sure
Mercy, do that a couple of times
How can I hope to be
Someone for you to see?
Blind as the fate decrees (turn it up)
I will go on (turn it up, turn it up)
Teaching myself to be (turn it up)
The young untold (turn it up, turn it up, turn it up)
(Turn it up)
Do you think (oh, c'mon see)
Blind as the fate decrees (turn it up)
I will go on (turn it up, turn it up)
Teaching myself to be (turn it up)
The young untold (turn it up, turn it up, turn it up)
(Turn it up)
(Turn it up)
Am I in vain to (turn it up, turn it up)
(Haha)
The lyrics of Madlib's song "Dirtknock" seem to be a mix of existential musings and self-doubt. The repetition of "turn it up" seems to signify an attempt to escape from these thoughts, or perhaps to distract from them. The line "Gun pale, hold it in your lungs" could be interpreted as a reference to smoking or drug use, which could further reinforce the idea of using something external to escape internal struggles.
The chorus of the song speaks to a desire to be seen and recognized by someone else, despite feeling blind to the whims of fate. The line "Teaching myself to be the young untold" suggests a journey of self-discovery and finding one's own identity, rather than accepting the roles or expectations placed upon them by society or others. The final line, "Am I in vain to," cuts off abruptly, leaving the listener to ponder what the singer may be questioning, and whether they will ever find the answers they seek.
Overall, the song seems to be a reflection on the difficulty of existing in a world where one's own purpose and place are unclear, and the attempt to find meaning in the chaos.
Line by Line Meaning
Gun pale, hold it in your lungs
Take a deep breath and hold it in, as if you're holding a gun.
Turn it up
Increase the volume of the music.
See how long I did that?
I challenge you to hold your breath as long as I did.
Um sure
I'm not really sure why we're doing this, but okay.
Mercy, do that a couple of times
That was impressive, do it a few more times.
How can I hope to be
Someone for you to see?
How can I possibly make an impact on others if I'm just an unknown person in the world?
Blind as the fate decrees (turn it up)
I am going through life blindly, like fate has predetermined my path.
I will go on (turn it up, turn it up)
But I will keep moving forward and not give up, even if it means turning the music up louder.
Teaching myself to be (turn it up)
I am constantly learning and improving myself, even if it means turning the music up louder to drown out distractions.
The young untold (turn it up, turn it up, turn it up)
I am part of a generation with stories that have not yet been told, and I will make sure they are heard, even if I have to turn the music up louder to make my voice heard.
(Turn it up)
Once again, turn the music up louder.
Do you think (oh, c'mon see)
Hey, what do you think about this? Come on, pay attention.
Am I in vain to (turn it up, turn it up)
Am I foolish for trying so hard to make a difference, even if it means turning the music up louder?
(Haha)
Laughing at the absurdity of the situation.
Lyrics Β© O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Kiertan Hebden, Otis Jackson Jr
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@weswuzzzhere5537
The art of making a loop not repetitive is a skill I must aquire.
@colourmusic6437
I am living the worst moment of my life...my mum...and this moment gives me a little breath ...thank u for sharing at the right time! π―
@rodangles382
Stay Strong ππΎ
@colourmusic6437
Thank you! π£π
@lauriebutterfield5215
Youβll get through this hard time man. Hang in there β€οΈ
@durzoblint415
We all hope things get better. You always have someone to talk to here.
@paulodigioia
β€ stay strong
@bamboonofficial5733
babe wake up, new madlib
@m9imgr7
if only girls my age new what good music was :,(
@andyc6542
@@m9imgr7 If only people your age knew what spelling was..