After moving from his birthplace Annotto Bay to Kingston at the age of 11, he launched his deejay career with the Black Culture Sound System at age 12 as "Double Ugly". In 1980, he joined Killamanjaro, there got the chance to learn from established deejays Super Cat and Early B, and released his debut single as "Uglyman". Yet another name change made him the now well known Ninjaman.[2] In 1987, Ninjaman recorded - and produced himself - his first hit single "Protection", a duet with Courtney Melody. The following years brought many prolific collaborations with producers like King Jammy, Witty, Xterminator, Philip "Fatis" Burrell, Redman, Ini Kamoze, Bobby Digital, Augustus "Gussie" Clarke, and Steely & Clevie and Henry "Junjo" Lawes. It has been said that Ninjaman comes up with all of his lyrics on the spot in the recording studio, in a freestyle manner.
His hits over the years 1989-1992, like "Murder Dem", "Permit to Bury" and "Above the Law" reinforced Ninjamans image of a violent rude boy. One of his most infamous rivalries (besides the ongoing quarrels with Flourgon and Super Cat) was the one with Shabba Ranks, leading to a number of clashes.
In 1993, criticism of Ninjamans violent and pro-gun lyrics arose, leading to a decline in performing gigs and chances to record.
By 1997, Ninjaman had changed his name once again, now performing gospel reggae songs as "Brother Desmond". He sought help to fight his Crack cocaine addiction in born again Christianity. It was not a complete changeover though, earning him criticism from parts of the Jamaican Christian community.
In the late 1990s, he was accused (but later acquitted), among other things, of having raped a woman at knifepoint in his home and having murdered a taxi driver. He was sentenced to one year in jail in late 1999, after being convicted of unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition.
In July 2001, Ninjaman was assaulted with a machete, suffering several wounds, some to the head.
Time Is Serious
Ninjaman Lyrics
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What a dangerous time
Wow
Ninja!
Don't let the devil blow your mind
Do you hear I and I, black people?
The time is so serious, cantankerous and dangerous (dangerous, danger)
The time is so serious, cantankerous and dangerous (Wha' really a gwan now, Tibet?)
All over the world everyone is in a heated rush
Inna a heated rush
Yes, it hard but you haffi take it with tender touch
Each and every ghetto youth waan get big up
If you waan get big up and if you waan fi live up
Read your Bible and think 'bout God nuff
Think 'bout God and then you get God up
If it's Shabba, mi know say that me nuh cruff
Chat pon the riddim and born as a cruff
Tell the world say a mi a hot stuff
The time is so serious, cantankerous and dangerous
(The same thing again man. Make them nuh look man?)
Is only in the Father, you know I put my trust
(God alone man, the salvation last forever)
The time is so serious, cantankerous and dangerous (Mhmm)
All over the world everyone is in a heated rush (Mi look man and mi see, wha' mi see?)
Revelation a reveal, and it a open to the people dem
Let me tell you
Mi say, nations and nations, father against son, mother against daughter again
Unuh let me tell you
Revelation a reveal, and unuh look and unuh listen mi friend
Let me tell you
Turn your eyes onto Jah and a so fi your life nah go end
Let me tell you
The time is so serious, cantankerous and dangerous
Is only in the Father, you know I put my trust
The time is so serious, cantankerous and dangerous
All over the world everyone is in a heated rush
Inna a heated rush
Better day, no matter wha' the world waan say
Better day, just hope and pray for a better day
Better day, go tell them say, "we dance to Reggae"
Better day, tell dem, dem haffi hope and pray
Better day, nah come your way
If it's Shabba under a militantly
I can read, a right yah so me can pray
Without the Bible each and every day
Almighty Jah stand up and a
It's not everything good fi hear good fi talk
I don't trust no shadow after dark
They will walk and talk, eat and drink with you
Pretend as if they are with you
But I won't let no one harm me
And I won't try to harm anyone
But when you think it's peace and safety
It's a sudden destruction
The time is so serious, cantankerous and dangerous
Is only in the Father, you know I put my trust
The time is so serious, cantankerous and dangerous
All over the world everyone is in a heated rush
The lyrics to Ninjaman's song "Time Is Serious" reflect a deep sense of urgency and warning about the current state of the world. The singer acknowledges the gravity of the times we are living in, describing it as serious, dangerous, and cantankerous. The use of adjectives like dangerous emphasizes the precarious nature of the world and the need for vigilance. The repeated emphasis on the seriousness of the times serves as a reminder to listeners not to be complacent and to be aware of the challenges and dangers present in society.
The lyrics also touch on themes of faith and trust in a higher power, with references to putting trust in "the Father" and turning to God for guidance and protection. This highlights the importance of spiritual faith in navigating through difficult times and finding strength in the face of adversity. The lyrics suggest that relying on divine guidance can provide a sense of security and hope amidst the chaos and turmoil of the world.
There is also a strong message of unity and solidarity within the lyrics, particularly towards marginalized communities like ghetto youth. The call to read the Bible and think about God emphasizes the importance of spiritual reflection and seeking inner peace and guidance. The lyrics encourage individuals to uplift themselves and their communities, highlighting the power of self-improvement and spiritual growth in overcoming challenges.
Furthermore, the lyrics warn against deception and betrayal, cautioning listeners to be wary of those who pretend to be allies but ultimately have malicious intentions. The sudden destruction mentioned serves as a reminder that danger can come unexpectedly, reinforcing the need for vigilance and discernment in navigating relationships and situations. Overall, the lyrics of "Time Is Serious" convey a message of awareness, faith, unity, and caution in the face of tumultuous times, urging listeners to stay grounded in their beliefs and strive for a better future.
Line by Line Meaning
We are living in a serious time
We are currently facing a critical period filled with challenges
What a dangerous time
This time is extremely perilous and risky
Don't let the devil blow your mind
Don't allow negative influences to affect your thoughts and actions
Do you hear I and I, black people?
Are you listening to the messages for the benefit of our community?
The time is so serious, cantankerous and dangerous
The current era is severe, contentious, and fraught with peril
Is only in the Father, you know I put my trust ('Cause mi nuh trust mankind)
I place my trust solely in the divine, as I have lost faith in humanity
All over the world everyone is in a heated rush
People worldwide are caught up in a frenzied rush
It's not everything good fi hear good fi talk
Not everything that sounds positive is actually beneficial
I don't trust no shadow after dark
I am cautious of hidden intentions and deceitful actions
When you think it's peace and safety, it's a sudden destruction
Misleading appearances of calmness may lead to unexpected chaos
Writer(s): Desmond Ballentine
Contributed by Sophie A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.