1) Kojo Kankam, known prof… Read Full Bio ↴Novelist is the name of a number of acts:
1) Kojo Kankam, known professionally as Novelist, is a grime solo artist. He is a member of The Square and is signed to XL Recordings.
2) Novelist was formed in 2005 by Chase Middaugh and Ryan McMullen - both looking to explore new options to writing and performing music. The initial sounds were heavy, slow paced, constructed pieces with improvised performances such as those heard on Drosera- their debut recording. From there, Novelist evolved into a rhythmic, repetitvive sound heavily influenced by krautrock performers such as Can and Faust. The sound continued to change through many performances on the east coast- eventually arriving at a completely improvised free-formed chaos.
Related acts include: Teeth So Sharp, The Fucking Hotlights, The Dead Wrongs, mutus liber, Lucubrae, London Vs New York & Golden Dawn Trio.
Stop Killing the Mandem
Novelist Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Are perpetrating against black people, worldwide
Is what I'm saying
And I′m just glad that the people can come together
Liaise, march, sing songs
That's it, make the world know that people over here care as well
Ya get what I'm saying
Crime don′t have a skintone
Would you wanna kill or hurt your own?
No didn′t think so
Listen up when your inner voice says no
Bro, look at your soul
Don't like me your eyes on a window
Yo, give me an answer
Why would you kill someone you don′t know?
I'm a black boy from London so I only know black boy business
Trust in God my witness
Young black boys get [?]
Still wanna know why this is cause bredrin I am not a victim (I′m not)
Until I get answers I'm gonna be on the roadside screaming
Stop killing the mandem
Breaking the law ain′t cultural
Breaking the law ain't social
Can't take me for a criminal cause I bust gunfingers in a bogel
Black man are targetted global
But news wanna talk like it′s our own fault
[?] it′s local
And the problem is not cause I'm vocal
Manna antisocial cause boydem gotta be more soulful
Truth be told, murking an innocent person ain′t noble
Better stick to your own rules
The song "Stop Killing the Mandem" by Novelist addresses the issue of police brutality and systemic racism against black people around the world. The term "mandem" is a slang word used in London to refer to a group of friends or associates. The chorus of the song is a call to action to put an end to the killing of young black men by law enforcement officials. Novelist begins the song by acknowledging that all lives matter, but goes on to state that right now, the violence and oppression are aimed at the black community.
The song highlights the fact that crime does not have a skin tone, and questions why anyone would want to hurt or kill someone they don't even know. Novelist talks about his own experiences growing up as a black boy in London and witnessing the struggles and injustices faced by young black men. He challenges the notion that breaking the law is part of black culture or social norms and advocates for a more soulful and compassionate approach by the police.
Throughout the song, Novelist encourages his listeners to use their voices and come together to make a change. He urges people to ask questions, seek answers, and hold those in power accountable for their actions. The song is a powerful and urgent call to action to end the injustice and violence towards black people that has gone on for far too long.
Line by Line Meaning
Y′know, all lives matter but right now people
Acknowledging that all lives matter, but recognizing that black people are currently being targeted and mistreated worldwide
Are perpetrating against black people, worldwide
Black people are being victimized and mistreated globally
Is what I'm saying
This is the point I'm trying to make
And I′m just glad that the people can come together
Grateful for the unity and collaboration of people
Liaise, march, sing songs
Coming together through communication, protest, and music
That's it, make the world know that people over here care as well
Showing the global community that people in this area care about these issues too
Ya get what I'm saying
Do you understand what I'm trying to convey?
Stop killing the mandem
Cease killing young men
Crime don′t have a skintone
Crime is not limited to a specific skin color
Would you wanna kill or hurt your own?
Would you harm someone from your own community?
No didn′t think so
Assuming the answer is no
Listen up when your inner voice says no
Pay attention to your conscience and halt harmful actions
Bro, look at your soul
Examine your heart and character
Don't like me your eyes on a window
Don't just look at me as an outsider
Yo, give me an answer
Explain the rationale behind violent actions
Why would you kill someone you don′t know?
What is the justification for harming a stranger?
I'm a black boy from London so I only know black boy business
Being a black boy in London means I am exposed to the harsh realities of discrimination and violence against my community
Trust in God my witness
I swear before God that what I say is true
Young black boys get [?]
Unclear lyrics, could mean that young black boys are disproportionately targeted by violence or the justice system
Still wanna know why this is cause bredrin I am not a victim (I′m not)
I'm not a victim, but I want to understand why this violence against young black men is happening
Until I get answers I'm gonna be on the roadside screaming
I will continue to speak out and protest until I find answers
Breaking the law ain′t cultural
Violating the law is not a cultural practice
Breaking the law ain't social
Breaking laws is not a social norm
Can't take me for a criminal cause I bust gunfingers in a bogel
Just because I dance and enjoy myself does not make me a criminal
Black man are targetted global
Black men are targeted and attacked all over the world
But news wanna talk like it′s our own fault
The media often portrays black men as the problem when they are the victims
[?] it′s local
Unclear lyrics, could mean that the source of the issue is local rather than global
And the problem is not cause I'm vocal
Speaking out against the issues is not the root cause of the problem
Manna antisocial cause boydem gotta be more soulful
People are becoming antisocial and need to be more empathetic and compassionate
Truth be told, murking an innocent person ain′t noble
Killing an innocent person is not admirable or honorable
Better stick to your own rules
It's better to abide by one's own moral code than to be influenced by violence and aggression
Writer(s): Kwadwo Quentin Kankam
Contributed by Jason W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.