I. In the summer of 1999 Leonardo Silva and Peter Hollens met in a University of Oregon writing class. Their common passion for singing inspired them to start a vocal group. That winter, Pete and Leo gathered a small and talented group of 6 music lovers for their very first rehearsal. On the Rocks was born.
Known as the first official collegiate a cappella group in Oregon, On The Rocks began a tradition of excellence in a genre that was previously unheard of in the Northwest. Since 1999, several other groups, including University of Oregon’s Divisi and Oregon State’s Outspoken have followed their lead and joined the fast-growing A cappella community.
OtR has established itself as one of the top a cappella groups in the nation. Their current repertoire ranges from contemporary pop to doo-wop classics to holiday standards and the occasional original piece. OtR is comprised of mostly undergraduate students and usually consisting of 9 – 12 members. Every fall and spring, an extensive audition process is held to find quality replacements for graduating members in 4 different vocal categories-, tenor, baritone, bass and vocal percussion. Auditioning students are evaluated on tonal memory, solo talent, blending ability and, of course, personality. Once the new members are chosen, OTR can be heard singing every Friday @ the EMU amphitheater and around campus at various events throughout the year. Aside from hosting quarterly concerts, they have toured the West Coast and have visited the east coast often, and Canada. They have performed with the professional quartet the Coats and at various a cappella festivals all over the west coast.
In 2002 OtR placed 3rd at the International Competition of Collegiate a cappella and returned the next year in 2003 to place 2nd out of hundreds of groups. During the competitions they took in more than a dozen awards including, Best Soloist, Best Vocal Percussion, Best Arrangement and Best Hair. They have appeared live on the NBC Today show, along with other various semi-national news stations such as WB news @ 10 on “Toni Time”.
Every year in the winter since their inception OtR has been invited to sing the National Anthem at the UO Basketball Games in Mac Court. Their performance has been broadcast on UO radio to several thousand listeners and was received with uproaring praise from the appreciative 7,000 fans and radio commentators alike.
OTR has also reached viral status with their YouTube videos of Rick Astley's "Never Gonna Give You Up," and is probably best known for their version of Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance," which reached 7.5 million views on YouTube. OTR has toured all over the US and Canada. The group travels to Berkeley, CA for the West Coast A Cappella Showcase every year. OTR has toured San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles, New York, New Haven, and Boston, and hope to tour more in the future. In 2010, OTR was featured on the second season of the hit NBC show "The Sing-Off".
Since it’s inception, On the Rocks has released two albums:The self titled OTR – 2002 and Backgammon Sessions – 2003. They are finishing up their latest CD, soon to be released in fall of 2005. Awards for their recordings include a selection on the 2004 BOCA compilation album (Best of Collegiate A Cappella). The selected track was Yellow off the Backgammon Sessions album and it was also chosen as the runner-up best male song of the year by CARA (Contemporary A cappella Recording Awards) Their most recent CD, Full Coverage includes tracks from such artists as Mr. Mister, Justin Timberlake, Rufus Wainwritght, and more. On the Rocks A cappella can be contacted via email at uoontherocks@hotmail.com.
II. On The Rocks
Colorado rock has a distinctive sound, identified by a blending of acoustic and electric guitars and an emphasis on tight vocal harmonies. No band around present this as powerfully as 'On the Rocks'. Add to the mix, dynamic rhythms and emotional originals, and you have the recipe for a band on the rise. Frontman Shawn Wright's gravely voice and passionate performances move audiences to frenzied levels, then gently brings the house down with love songs, such as 'til the end' or a power ballad like 'something more than this'. His sense of humor shines through with songs such as 'nailed your best friend'. Nn lead guitar is Ohio born Mike Princehorn. He cut his rock and roll teeth in the northern Colorado area. His versatile styles keep up with the bands ever-changing moods through each set. His strong vocals are heard on front as well as in harmonies. He's no shrinking violet, evident when harmonizing with Shawn's powerhouse vocals. Also a song writer, original material seems limitless. Arriving all the way from Detroit is bassist Sonny Lentz. He brings a streetwise edge and Motown influences to the music. Combining blues, rock, soul, country and reggae, his rhythms keep the songs, and the audience, moving. He contributes original material that is provocative and somewhat unpredictable. Rounding out the quartet is Colorado's own Norris Jones on drums. Norris has played with northern Colorado favorites 'canebrake run', Walt Jenkins, Liz Barnez, and 'harmony road'. His jazz and infusion roots add a cool and diverse bottom to the passionate original material. He is dynamite on the rockin' tunes as well. As word spreads, the band's calender is filling up. They are playing regularly up and down the front range, and extending into Nebraska, Wyoming and Montana.
Collectors Choice Music: On The Rocks - Intoxicated
Collectors Choice Music: On The Rocks
Discogs: On The Rocks - Mamonama
Center of Attention
On the Rocks Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
One time for your mind, INI flavor
My man DJ Scratch in the house
We do it like this, check it
The streets battle grows hotter so the I
Plays the role of a martyr
Touchin' every land on earth
With a message I praise
Tellin' brothers to raise their hands
And take a stand because we all understand
You have to bake the cake with grease
So let the batter release and make enough
So that we all get a piece
A slice for Mama Do, a slice for Papa Do
I come from Uptown and kid, that's how we do
I only speak for InI
I can't speak for your crew
So why would I waste my
Time to even stress you?
I keep my mind on bill
And plus increasin' the skills
Constant thoughts on other matters
Can't hear the idle chatters about
So I escape and take the funk route out
History's taught me what is all about
My destiny is fulfilled when I'm over and out
But I'll leave a part of me to
Cover all my accounts and I'm out
You always wanna be in the spotlight (Right)
The Center of Attention I
Also like to mention
INI rocks the spot (Right, yeah)
It's like that 'cause we keepin' it hot
Check it out, yo
See I prefer the player's approach so bust it
Joints bumpin' lovely
Skins is thick like custom plus the weapons
That keep you steppin' while I perfects
The art of microphone checkin'
You flow slick for a second but
Now it's Rob-O's dick you sweatin'
And at my show, you seem threatened
Why you stressin' the tense to quench
The strength of this swift microphonist
Your bitch attention is the bonus
Monotonous, cruisin' on this and
I got rhythm goddamn
Confuse the funk music, rock the jam
Pack the stand
Stack the grands and mack the female fans
At the local the-ather, the vocal creator
Slash I shall blast because you
Can't fuck with me
I guess this is the way your luck will be
Frontin' much nerve with a rep
That you can't preserve step to I in '95
You gettin' served the method
''Center of Attention''
You always wanna be in the spotlight (Right)
The Center of Attention I
Also like to mention
INI rocks the spot (Right, yeah)
It's like that 'cause we keepin' it hot
Check it, yo does it truly pay to be
The Center of Attention?
The main attraction, gettin' all the action
People stoppin' the I with
Question after question
I spit a few replies and keep to my steppin'
Never been the weapon carryin'
Type but I'll incite
A riot, organize and never quiet
Don't try it, dissin' the I, there's no use
I bounce like a Cashar tape and get loose
Grippin' the mic, spittin' words I write
On the pad or the paper
This particular caper
Got 'nuff up's and down's, industry clowns
Jealous niggas tryna keep countin' my figures
But yo
I'm a spiritual millionaire droppin' bombs
Like King David when he wrote the Psalms
So what you need to do is listen up
Remain calm not ridin' a wave
Refuse to be a slave 'cause I'm the center
You always wanna be in the spotlight (Right)
The Center of Attention I
Also like to mention iNI rocks the spot
It's like that 'cause we keepin' it hot
(True)
Yo, you always wanna be in the spotlight
(Right) the Center of Attention I
Also like to mention iNI rocks the spot
It's like that 'cause we keepin' it hot
(True)
True that, true that
INI, Soul Brother, Pete Rock once again
Smashin' em, all the time, check it out
Polo, the center of attention
Meccalisious, you'se the center of attention
Terrence I be the center of attention
My man Tito, the center of attention
Money Tas, you'se the center of attention
And Grand Bangin
You'se the center of attention
Lou Bizzy, you'se the center of attention
Pete Red, the center of attention
Groovy Lou, you know the center of attention
You be
Warp G, the center of attention, you be
GO be the center of attention
My man Rocka-Rock, the center of attention
Dave Ice is the center of attention
My brother Heavy D
You'se the center of attention
All the boroughs be the center of attention
Pete Rock, you'se the center of attention
Let's bounce
The song "Center of Attention" by On the Rocks starts off with a shoutout to DJ Scratch, setting the stage for a powerful message to follow. The lyrics delve into the concept of standing out and being at the forefront in a world where the streets are constantly battling for attention. The singer likens themselves to a martyr spreading a message of unity and empowerment, urging listeners to raise their hands and take a stand together. They emphasize the importance of working together to ensure that everyone gets a piece of the proverbial cake, symbolizing success and prosperity. The references to Harlem Globetrotters and baking a cake with grease add layers of metaphorical depth to the lyrics, highlighting the need for collective effort and solidarity in pursuing goals.
As the song progresses, the singer addresses the desire for recognition and being the center of attention. They assert that while they can only speak for themselves and their crew, they choose to focus on honing their skills and staying true to their purpose rather than engaging with idle chatter or unnecessary drama. The lyrics showcase a confidence in their craft and a refusal to be distracted by external pressures or naysayers. The references to leaving a legacy and covering all accounts imply a sense of responsibility and determination to make a lasting impact despite inevitable challenges and obstacles.
The narrative shifts to a more confrontational tone as the singer asserts their dominance in the music scene, effortlessly commanding attention and respect. They boast about their prowess on the microphone and skillful performance, challenging others to step up but ultimately asserting their superiority. The mention of being a "swift microphonist" and the imagery of rocking the jam and captivating female fans demonstrate a swagger and charisma that sets them apart from the competition. The repeated refrain of being the Center of Attention reinforces the theme of confidence and self-assuredness in one's abilities and presence.
In the final verses, the song delves into the complexities of being in the spotlight and the pressures that come with it. The singer reflects on the constant scrutiny and questioning that comes with fame, acknowledging the challenges but staying true to themselves and their artistry. They draw on spiritual and historical references, likening themselves to King David and emphasizing the importance of staying true to one's beliefs and principles in the face of adversity. The camaraderie and shoutouts to various individuals at the end of the song further emphasize the collective spirit and unity within the music community, celebrating everyone's unique contributions while acknowledging the central role each individual plays in their own journey.
Line by Line Meaning
Word turn on all the vocals, yeah
Get ready for a captivating performance
One time for your mind, INI flavor
INI bringing their unique style
My man DJ Scratch in the house
Acknowledging DJ Scratch's presence
We do it like this, check it
This is how we make our mark
The streets battle grows hotter so the I
The struggle in the streets intensifies
Plays the role of a martyr
Sacrificing for a cause
Touchin' every land on earth
Spreading their message worldwide
Like a Harlem Globetrotter
Traveling and showcasing skills
With a message I praise
Promoting an important message
Tellin' brothers to raise their hands
Encouraging unity and action
And take a stand because we all understand
Standing up for what is right
You have to bake the cake with grease
Put effort into creating success
So let the batter release and make enough
Allow for growth and abundance
So that we all get a piece
Ensure fair distribution of success
A slice for Mama Do, a slice for Papa Do
Sharing success with family
I come from Uptown and kid, that's how we do
Representing their roots and traditions
I only speak for InI
Speaking on behalf of their group
I can't speak for your crew
Each group has its own voice
So why would I waste my
No need to focus on negativity
Time to even stress you?
No need to worry about others
I keep my mind on bill
Focus on success and progress
And plus increasin' the skills
Always working on improving
Constant thoughts on other matters
Distracted by important issues
Can't hear the idle chatters about
Ignoring meaningless gossip
So I escape and take the funk route out
Turning to music for inspiration
History's taught me what is all about
Learning from past experiences
My destiny is fulfilled when I'm over and out
Finding fulfillment in life's journey
But I'll leave a part of me to
Leaving a legacy behind
Cover all my accounts and I'm out
Ensuring everything is taken care of
You always wanna be in the spotlight (Right)
Desire for attention
The Center of Attention I
Being the focus of all eyes
INI rocks the spot (Right, yeah)
INI makes their mark
It's like that 'cause we keepin' it hot
Maintaining a strong presence
True that, true that
Affirming the truth
INI, Soul Brother, Pete Rock once again
Acknowledging the group and producer
Smashin' em, all the time, check it out
Continuously delivering great music
Let's bounce
Moving forward and progressing
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: RAHSAAN ROUSSEAU
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind