He is also a skater, which led to his career in hip hop; after an accident in 1998, he took time to focus on rap and was noticed by Trevor McNevan of Ontario-based band Thousand Foot Krutch. This led to his signing to an internationally distributed label, BEC Recordings, and debut release Epiphany, which was made primarily of West Coast hip hop with several rapcore outings in the vein of Limp Bizkit.
He released two independent albums, Mislead Youth (2001) and My Own Thing (2003), prior to Epiphany in 2005. He has toured in Canada, the United States and Ireland to date.
His second album, Glory, emphasized rap-rock elements with more Linkin Park-esque nu metal, and included more authentic hip hop stylings.
Central themes of Manafest's music include nonconformity, hip hop culture, and walking with God.
Manafest says in regards to Glory that: "I wanted to allow all of my influences show on Glory. Musically, I wanted to blend the appeal of Linkin Park, Sum 41, and The Beastie Boys. Vocally, I wanted to merge that with popular hip hop à la Eminem and Kanye West. But beyond musical influence, I wanted to reflect on the issues around me in the most positive way possible. And whether I am talking about the loss of loved ones and abuse, or breakdancing and skate culture, it's all for the glory of heaven. In the end, my prayer is that people would not simply bob their heads to this, but feel a very real sense of healing from the words. However, this record is not all serious. Some of my favorite tracks are the most lighthearted ones."
Nemesis
Manafest Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴
Snake bite like I'm Adam in the garden
I'm a light so they making me a target
I'm an artist
Till I fall asleep
TilI I fall asleep
Forces
Brainwash coming at ye in the morning
I'm crawling Into deep
I'm on my feet
Six minutes to midnight
Caught in a fistfight
Ready to ignite
Like a thorn on the inside
Standing at ringside
Soul is in mid flight
Nemesis
Arrogance
Don't you know I never quit
Thought ye had me never did
I'll defeat my nemesis
Nemesis
Hypocrite
Don't you know your full of it
Thought ye had me never did
I'll defeat my nemesis
Soaring
Take flight like an eagle when it's storming
Rise like a phoenix into orbit
Its a warning
Be the end of me
Won't bow my knee
Warring
Die for my freedom never forfeit
Lies keep straying like a bullet
I'm a pull it
It's my legacy
Till were living free
Six minutes to midnight
Caught in a fistfight
Ready to ignite
Like a thorn on the inside
Standing at ringside
Soul is in mid flight
Nemesis
Arrogance
Don't you know I never quit
Thought ye had me never did
I'll defeat my nemesis
Nemesis
Hypocrite
Don't you know your full of it
Thought ye had me never did
I'll defeat my nemesis
Never break me
Overtake me
My eyes are wide awake
Never break me
Never changing
No I am not afraid
Never break me
Never changing
My eyes are wide awake
I'm not afraid
Nemesis
Arrogance
Don't you know I never quit
Thought ye had me never did
I'll defeat you
Nemesis
Arrogance
Don't you know I never quit
Thought ye had me never did
I'll defeat my nemesis
Nemesis
Hypocrite
Don't you know your full of it
Thought ye had me never did
I'll defeat my nemesis
Never break me
Never changing
My eyes are wide awake
In the opening lines of "Nemesis" by Manafest, the singer describes feeling like Adam in the Garden of Eden, with a sense of vulnerability and temptation akin to a snake bite. The imagery portrays the singer as a target, with their creativity and identity as an artist under threat. The repetition of "Till I fall asleep" conveys a sense of ongoing struggle and endurance in the face of challenges.
The mention of forces and brainwashing in the following lines suggests external pressures and manipulation at play. The chaos and inner turmoil are compared to a chorus, emphasizing the pervasive nature of the singer's struggles. Despite feeling overwhelmed and deep in the turmoil, the singer expresses a determination to stay on their feet and not succumb to the chaos surrounding them.
The reference to time ticking towards midnight and being caught in a fistfight evokes a sense of urgency and impending confrontation. The singer positions themselves as ready to ignite and face their inner conflicts head-on, likening themselves to a thorn on the inside. The mention of the soul being in mid-flight hints at a spiritual or existential struggle taking place.
The repeated refrain of "Nemesis" highlights the central theme of facing one's adversaries and overcoming challenges. The singer defiantly asserts that they will not be defeated by their nemesis, whether it be arrogance or hypocrisy. The lyrics also touch on themes of perseverance, courage, and maintaining one's integrity in the face of adversity. The mention of soaring like an eagle and rising like a phoenix further underscores the theme of resilience and transformation in the face of hardship. The final lines emphasize the singer's unwavering determination and fearlessness in confronting their nemesis and remaining true to themselves.
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Chris Greenwood, Joe Rickard, Sonny Sandoval
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Manafest
Hey Fighters/Warriors! Get a Free copy of my new album featuring NEMESIS! >>>> https://www.manafest.com/freestonescd
Lorde Magna
I’ve been listening to p.o.d since I was 3-4 yrs old and i’ve been listening to manafest since 2010. Never in my 18 yrs of life would I have expected 2 of my favorite and most influential artists to come together for a song. Can’t wait to give this a full listen! 🙏🏽❤️🔥
Manafest
Amazing!
Dre Drexler
My eyes are wiiiiiide opeeeen!! Sheeesh 🔥🔥🔥 easily my new favorite Manafest song
Manafest
Wow thanks homie!
Kim DeLaney
OMG!!! LOVE IT!!! Definitely going on my 'power list' of songs when I need motivation. This is my favorite video off the album. You and Sonny need to synch up again - the two of you are great!!! 🖤🔥🖤🔥
Manafest
Yay! Thank you!
Gabe Bock
This is going on my hype playlist!!🤘
Manafest
Rock on!
Inna
Insane! Love it! I love your music, I listen to both of you for 10 years or more.
Greetings from Bolivia 🇧🇴 (sorry for my English)