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
MLK
On the Rocks Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I'm rollin up the stank (gas)
Heard that Malcolm got the x (pills)
Trapping off of MLK (trap)
Had a dream like MLK (I have a dream)
Now I'm marching to the bank (cash)
Lil Momma going to bust it like Rosa Parks (buss it)
And she fine as Lisa Raye (bad)
And I rollin up the stank (gas)
Heard that Malcolm got the x (pills)
Trapping off of MLK (trap)
Had a dream like MLK (I have a dream)
Now I'm marching to the bank (cash)
Lil Momma going to bust it like Rosa Parks (buss it)
And she fine as Lisa Raye
I had a dream they was sleepin on me till I killed them all like Freddy Krueger
Know it hurt to see me count these racks that's torture rack and I'm Lex Luger
Always knew one day I'll have a driver that look like Alfred but it ain't a Uber
On the balcony getting blown like Martin Luther by a sexy cougar
On the south side of Atlanta making love to a private dancer
Always had a thing for freaky women if she in the Fistin I'm a black panther
Scrapped up like a black panther strap on me like a dyke bitch
Everyday I hop out the bed turn my swagga on like a light switch
Grandma stayed off of MLK right around the corner from Dixie Hill
Sippin codeine out a dixie cup swervin as I drive but it never spill
Big ups to Old Dixie dolla I stay lit on some hippie shit
Hitting licks wit a white bitch look like she sing with the Dixie Chicks
Bitch I'm pourin up that drank (drank)
And I'm rollin up the stank (gas)
Heard that Malcolm got the x (pills)
Trapping off of MLK (trap)
Had a dream like MLK (I have a dream)
Now I'm marching to the bank (cash)
Lil Momma going to bust it like Rosa Parks (buss it)
And she fine as Lisa Raye (bad)
Bitch I'm pourin up that drank (drank)
And I rollin up the stank (gas)
Heard that Malcolm got the x (pills)
Trapping off of MLK (trap)
Had a dream like MLK (I have a dream)
Now I'm marching to the bank (cash)
Lil Momma going to bust it like Rosa Parks (buss it)
And she fine as Lisa Raye
The lyrics of "MLK" by On the Rocks blend imagery and references to influential figures in African American history with themes of personal success, empowerment, and cultural pride. The song opens with references to drug culture, with lines like "Bitch I'm pourin up that drank (drank), And I'm rollin up the stank (gas)," but quickly transitions to more introspective and symbolic content. The mention of Malcolm X and pills suggests a darker side to the singer's lifestyle, juxtaposed against the celebratory reference to MLK and dreams of success.
The line "Trapping off of MLK" can be interpreted as the singer hustling or making money on a street named after Martin Luther King Jr., potentially symbolizing a desire for financial prosperity and upward mobility. The mention of having a dream like MLK and marching to the bank implies a journey from humble beginnings to achieving wealth and success, drawing parallels between the singer's aspirations and the civil rights leader's legacy of fighting for equality and justice.
The reference to Rosa Parks and comparing a woman's actions to "busting it" like Parks suggests a reclaiming of power and agency, using iconic figures from the civil rights movement as symbols of strength and defiance. The mention of Lisa Raye's beauty adds a pop culture element to the lyrics, juxtaposing it with the historical and political references to create a complex and layered narrative.
The second verse delves deeper into personal struggles and triumphs, with the singer reflecting on overcoming obstacles and rising above challenges. References to Freddy Krueger and torture imagery convey a sense of resilience and determination in the face of adversity, while the mention of Martin Luther King Jr. being blown on a balcony by a sexy cougar blends a playful tone with themes of power dynamics and seduction.
The closing lines of the song bring the narrative full circle, with mentions of family ties on MLK and references to drug use and criminal activities. The juxtaposition of these elements reflects the complexities of the singer's identity and experiences, weaving together personal narratives with cultural references and social commentary. "MLK" by On the Rocks is a multifaceted and thought-provoking exploration of identity, history, and the pursuit of success in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
I had a dream they was sleepin on me till I killed them all like Freddy Krueger
I overcame obstacles and proved my worth by surpassing expectations and achieving success
Know it hurt to see me count these racks that's torture rack and I'm Lex Luger
Others may envy my wealth and success, but I remain unbothered and focused on my goals
Always knew one day I'll have a driver that look like Alfred but it ain't a Uber
I always had a vision of reaching a level of success where I have a personal chauffeur resembling Alfred from Batman
On the balcony getting blown like Martin Luther by a sexy cougar
I enjoy being relaxed and indulging in luxury, much like Martin Luther King Jr. on a balcony with a companion
On the south side of Atlanta making love to a private dancer
I engage in intimate activities with an attractive partner on the south side of Atlanta
Always had a thing for freaky women if she in the Fistin I'm a black panther
I have a preference for adventurous women, and if she's into experimentation, I embody the confidence and strength of a black panther
Scrapped up like a black panther strap on me like a dyke bitch
I am prepared and resilient, much like a black panther, and have the determination and fortitude of a strong woman
Everyday I hop out the bed turn my swagga on like a light switch
I start each day with confidence and charisma, easily switching on my charm
Grandma stayed off of MLK right around the corner from Dixie Hill
My grandmother lived near Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, close to Dixie Hill, a significant and personal connection for me
Sippin codeine out a dixie cup swervin as I drive but it never spill
I casually enjoy codeine in a dixie cup while driving, confidently navigating without spilling a drop
Big ups to Old Dixie dolla I stay lit on some hippie shit
I give respect to the Old Dixie dollar, embracing a carefree and bohemian lifestyle
Hitting licks wit a white bitch look like she sing with the Dixie Chicks
I engage in lucrative activities with an attractive woman, reminiscent of a performer from the Dixie Chicks
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Reginald Harper
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind