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."
U Don't Know Me
Manafest Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Freestyle's and Hooks, exiled like crooks, baggy jeans my style judge by the looks
Shook by parliament I mean society I in me starting this riot up inside of me
I could by my own suit, and switch up my Tim Boots
the funny thing is I make more money than you do,
So classify me as a backpacker manufactured
I'll spit on the mic to spite your laughter
I'm only young once what's your rush, In God I trust don't mold me I'll never adjust
I think you've got the wrong person
So what makes a bad person rappin' cursing skating rappin hurting
Who's a Saint? I'm still learning.
So take me to the hospital or just check yourself
you got enough would in your eye to make a shelf
Can't say I ain't done it, judged or got blunted,
next time confronted I'll shine my boxers out in public.
Verse II
It's not that I want your respect or need feel except
Through God I got rest I see you do reject
Huh, looking at me like you know me, judge me by my clothing skeptical, and all knowing
Step in a room now a days and all eye brows raise,
is it my sexy face or my messy hair state,
(I hope it's) it must be the spirit on me saved by grace
Know apology constantly around like monopoly
Courtesy of your ignorance, and people looking different
I stay diligent, and tell my story over instruments
I'm not your average adolescence arrogant or disrespecting parents
Hold your tongue in, say nothing ye mumbling the alphabet
Not accurate a false package I otta charge ye for harassment
So the next time I purchase clothes or someone serves me
I'm showing love why don't you, show me some courtesy
Verse III
I still remember this occasion back when I was teenaging raging like I lack the patience
Walk into a mall for a purchase,
store clerk looking kind a nervous all hawk eyed, and merciless
Chill for a second what you dealing with I wasn't gonna steel it you freaking all serious,
Easy on the judgment you gone blown your trumpet,
kid looking rugged think I'm tripping on some substance,
It's not your fault you were born that way, gone astray thinking ever child teens a renegade,
Let me shed some light on your blindness open up your iris,
ye hinis don't check the black or the whiteness,
It' all about equality word if you follow me,
Love your neighbor as yourself what! That's my policy
Hook
You don't even know me you don't know me (echo)
So insecure I guess you judging me (echo)
I'm not the type of guy that wants acceptance
Not influenced by what people say
In Manafest's song "U Don't Know Me," he discusses the issues of judgment and stereotypes in society. In the first verse, he talks about how people judge him by his style and appearance, assuming that he is a bad person because of his baggy jeans and love for freestyle and hooks. He mentions that he could dress differently and buy a suit, but he chooses not to because he wants to stay true to himself. He also addresses the fact that he is often classified as a "backpacker manufactured," but he uses this as motivation to prove his worth as an artist. Manafest would rather follow his own path and trust in God than conform to society's expectations.
In the second verse, Manafest continues to face judgment and skepticism from others, even in situations where he is just going about his day. He mentions that people often stare at him in public and judge him by his appearance. However, he stands firm in his beliefs and sees himself as different from the average adolescent. He encourages people to show more love and courtesy towards one another and not be so quick to judge based on appearance.
In the third verse, Manafest reminisces about a time when he was a teenager and experienced judgment from a store clerk. He tries to explain to the clerk that he isn't there to steal anything, but the clerk is already on high alert due to Manafest's appearance. He then urges people to be more open-minded and treat everyone with equality, regardless of race or appearance. The main message of the song is that people shouldn't judge others based on superficial qualities but rather get to know them as individuals.
Line by Line Meaning
Freestyle's and Hooks, exiled like crooks, baggy jeans my style judge by the looks
My music and fashion sense are often criticized and ostracized by society.
Shook by parliament I mean society I in me starting this riot up inside of me
I am deeply unsettled by the way society has rejected me and it has caused an uprising in my spirit.
I could by my own suit, and switch up my Tim Boots, the funny thing is I make more money than you do
I have the financial means to dress differently and conform to society's standards but I choose not to, and ironically, I am more successful than those who judge me.
So classify me as a backpacker manufactured, I'll spit on the mic to spite your laughter
I don't fit into a specific genre or mold and I will use my music to rebel against those who mock me.
I'm only young once what's your rush, In God I trust don't mold me I'll never adjust
I am living my life to the fullest and I rely on my faith in God to guide me rather than societal pressure to conform.
I think you've got the wrong person, So what makes a bad person rappin' cursing skating rappin hurting
You have a misconception about who I am based on my hobbies and music genre.
Who's a Saint? I'm still learning, So take me to the hospital or just check yourself
I am not perfect and I am still growing as a person, so before judging me, take a look at yourself.
you got enough would in your eye to make a shelf, Can't say I ain't done it, judged or got blunted, next time confronted I'll shine my boxers out in public
You have so much debris and negativity in your own life that you could build a shelf out of it. I have made mistakes and have been judged before, but I will not be ashamed or intimidated into conforming.
It's not that I want your respect or need feel except, Through God I got rest I see you do reject
I don't crave your approval or validation, I find peace through my faith and recognize that you reject me.
Huh, looking at me like you know me, judge me by my clothing skeptical, and all knowing
You are assuming you know everything about me based on my clothes and it's clear you are a skeptic.
Step in a room now a days and all eye brows raise, is it my sexy face or my messy hair state, (I hope it's) it must be the spirit on me saved by grace
When I enter a room, people stare and judge my physical appearance, but I take it as a sign that they sense the good spirit within me that is saved by grace.
Courtesy of your ignorance, and people looking different, I stay diligent, and tell my story over instruments
Your lack of knowledge and discomfort with people who look different from you won't hinder me from sharing my story through music.
I'm not your average adolescence arrogant or disrespecting parents, Hold your tongue in, say nothing ye mumbling the alphabet
I am not like other teenagers who are arrogant and disrespect their parents. Instead of judging, try to listen and understand me before saying anything foolish.
Not accurate a false package I otta charge ye for harassment, So the next time I purchase clothes or someone serves me
Your assumptions about me are incorrect and I should sue you for harassment. Next time I shop, I hope you treat me with respect.
I'm showing love why don't you, show me some courtesy
I am extending kindness and love towards you, so why can't you show me the same respect?
I still remember this occasion back when I was teenaging raging like I lack the patience, Walk into a mall for a purchase, store clerk looking kind a nervous all hawk eyed, and merciless
I recall a time when I was a teenager feeling angry and impatient. I walked into a store to shop and the clerk was rude and suspicious of me.
Chill for a second what you dealing with I wasn't gonna steel it you freaking all serious, Easy on the judgment you gone blown your trumpet, kid looking rugged think I'm tripping on some substance
Relax and don't be so quick to judge me. I wasn't planning to steal and your attitude is over the top. Your assumptions are unfounded and unfairly based on my appearance.
It's not your fault you were born that way, gone astray thinking ever child teens a renegade, Let me shed some light on your blindness open up your iris, ye hinis don't check the black or the whiteness
You can't help the way you were raised and your narrow mindedness is a result of your upbringing. Let me help you see the diversity and beauty in the world by opening up your eyes and looking beyond skin color.
It' all about equality word if you follow me, Love your neighbor as yourself what! That's my policy
I believe in equality and treating others the way you want to be treated. This is my policy and I stand by it.
You don't even know me you don't know me (echo), So insecure I guess you judging me (echo), I'm not the type of guy that wants acceptance, Not influenced by what people say
You really have no clue who I am, so stop judging me. I'm secure in who I am and I don't care about getting acceptance from others. What people say doesn't sway me.
Contributed by Andrew L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.