“When I talk about religion, sports, winning, losing, struggle, pain, prison, poverty, crime, women—these are the ingredients of OneBeLo, because those are my personalexperiences,” he explains. “I've been a straight-A student, I've been a knucklehead, I've been a heathen, I've been a Christian, I've been a Muslim, I've been a criminal, I've been in the belly of the beast, I've been to the Mecca, I've been to Europe. I've been to the top, I've been to the bottom. I'm talking about everything.”
Lo was adopted in Pontiac, Michigan, where his mother worked as a beautician and his stepfather worked at a plant. As a result, he developed appreciation for women, fashion, working with a variety of different people, discipline, and forgiveness. He busied himself with over a dozen different activities and attended church several times a week with his family. Life changed once his parents divorced when he was 14 years old. With lower supervision and more exposure to new things, he ran the streets with older kids until he went to prison days after his 18th birthday.
While in prison, OneBeLo read extensively and converted to Islam, after seeing it wasn't what he was told it was as a Christian child. He also formed the rap group Binary Star with his partner-in-crime Senim Silla. Despite domestic violence, murder and other drama out of his control happening back home, Lo handled his sentence without losing himself.
“When I went to prison, Allah gave me two and half years to get away from all that weed, all that pussy, and all those distractions,” Lo remembers. “I wasn't going to be like the cats in prison that come back when they're 35 years old. … I was behind bars, but I realized that the people in the streets were the ones locked up. My mind was free.”
Upon Lo’s release, Binary Star hit the ground running. On their self-released debut Waterworld, they teamed up with future staples like Elzhi, J.U.I.C.E., and Athletic Mic League to exercise creative concepts and deliver substantial messages. Lo formed a production team with Decompoze, who he had recorded with in high school. Binary Star quickly sold out of their initial 1,000 copies as the album was praised as an “instant classic.” Though Lo had intended to rhyme anonymously as a solo act to revert attention to the music, he was often addressed as OneManArmy because of a line he used in a song. He and Senim Silla would later go their separate ways, and Lo compiled his Subterraneous Records crew—which consisted of Malaki The Most High, Decompoze, Kodac, Magestik Legend, DJ Phrikshun and iLLite—in January 2000.
Lo added extra Senim Silla verses and new songs to a Waterworld re-release entitled Masters of the Universe, and continued to focus on touring with Subterraneous and recording several albums’ worth of new music. After showcasing his crew with Waterworld Too, he released Project F.E.T.U.S. as a planned prequel to his debut. The disc sold thousands of copies, and he would later complete his next project, S.O.N.O.G.R.A.M.. He approached Fat Beats Records to press a single to help promote the album, and they gave him a different offer.
“They asked me to send them the song I was thinking about using for the single, and I was like, 'If they're doing the 12-inch, I'll let them pick the song.' So I just sent them the whole album,” Lo remembers. “They hit me back like, 'We don't want to do a 12-inch. We want to do the whole album.”
Lo signed with Fat Beats for distribution in 2003, and the label asked him to change his name from OneManArmy to avoid legal troubles with a similarly-named punk band. He changed his name to OneBeLo, since he had used that with F.E.T.U.S. He would later go to Saudi Arabia on Mecca, an Islamic tradition to find one's self. Meanwhile, Fat Beats pushed back S.O.N.O.G.R.A.M. until 2005. The album was critically-acclaimed and sold about 12,000 copies within Lo's first few weeks on tour. Shortly afterward he would prepare S.T.I.L.L.B.O.R.N., a 27-track compilation of Lo's released and unreleased guest appearances over original new beats. With two projects in tow, Lo landed tours and major festivals, rocking 160 shows per year between 2005 and 2007.
Continuing his journey to chase the greater good, Lo moved his family to Egypt to expose them to a non-American perspective. Once he saw personnel changes at Fat Beats when he arrived back years later, he worked his way out of his deal and self-released The R.E.B.I.R.T.H.. Eager to collaborate with producers and use a different sound, Lo collaborated with beatmakers like Lab Techs, Jake One, Memo of the Molemen, and others. The album performed well, but Lo again wanted to change his approach. Rather than use his previous method of recording as many songs as possible and compiling what he thought were the best songs, he decided to sit down and focus on one piece of work.
That piece was entitled B.A.B.Y. (Being A Black Youth). Much of the album, which features the likes of Freeway, Phonte Coleman, Devin the Dude and others, was lost when thieves broke in and stole studio equipment. Additionally, the label he had signed with, MYX Music Label, dissolved before the record could drop. Lo stashed his latest sessions and began to work on his upcoming album, L.A.B.O.R. from scratch. The new project takes metaphorical inspiration from animals and occupations, jumpstarts a new Waterworld movement with the LABORhood, and lays the foundation to a crop of other conceptual records.
“With this project, I’m staying busy and developing my ideas. I’m going through the pains of L.A.B.O.R. before delivering this B.A.B.Y.,” Lo says. “Don’t let anyone stop you from creating your art.”
Despite L.A.B.O.R. being his fifth solo release, Lo is just getting started. With a continuous repertoire of new travels, new experiences and world events, OneBeLo will always have the music to reflect it.
Propaganda
One Be Lo Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Who got the props? Who got the props?
Magazines and Hollywood backdrops
Who got the props? Who got the props?
Radio and TV crews, it don't stop
Who got the props? Who got the props?
The internet, the newspaper snapshots
Who go the props? Who got the props?
[OneBeLo]
Aiyyo we deaf, dumb and blind in this world we live cause
We don't understand how they robbin and killin us
They got us watchin backs and lockin our front doors
'Specially time got 'em workin on your soul they come for
Disguise entertainment, psychological fund war
So many different channels and they usin to hunt yours
So turn off the box, watch the program stop
See how the X marks the block
[Sample]
Aiyyo, this is for inquirin minds that wanna know (know)
Now OneBeLo got you double-checkin your info
You used to be the person gettin caught in the hype
Like if I read it in the paper then it gotta be news, right?
Or maybe CNN had you glued to the tube tight
Thinkin you was watchin the government's every move, right?
Stay tuned for props the helicopter crew's flight
Reported we saw it now the way to teach you new heights
So many programs you watch on the sofa
But the real programs sit on top of your shoulders (you)
Remote control your brain with all of this entertainment
Cable channels basic, you plug you in the Matrix
Face it, even cartoons and PlayStations
X-Box, target your tots with "X" ratings
Worse than Hollywood with that +Hidden Agenda+
No propaganda inserts didn't get censored
Same reason magazines show the homicide view
To desensitize you, so nothin surprise you
Portray the victim as those who victimize you
Despise you, religious extremes to terrorize you
Everywhere you go is the same old news, right?
And everything I mentioned get controlled by the Jews, right?
Freedom of press but if you try to confess
That's like a hungry fat man throwin steak in a food fight
[Chorus]
[Sample]
The song Propaganda by One Be Lo is a commentary on the way in which media outlets and those in power manipulate the masses in order to maintain their control. The chorus asks the question of "who got the props?" or who is receiving the recognition and attention in the various media outlets including magazines, Hollywood backdrops, radio and TV crews, and even schools and churches. One Be Lo argues that we are "deaf, dumb and blind in this world we live cause we don't understand how they robbin and killin us." He suggests that the entertainment industry and media are being used to wage psychological warfare and that we are being oblivious to it. He encourages listeners to turn off the box, watch the program stop, and see how "the X marks the block."
One Be Lo takes issue with the fact that people typically accept information provided by the media without any further investigation. He describes people getting "caught in the hype" and believing that if they read something in the paper or see it on TV, it must be true. He believes that the media is being used to target people's minds, and that people are being manipulated even by cartoons and video games. He argues that this is being done in order to desensitize people so that nothing surprises them anymore. He notes that even the way in which victims and perpetrators are portrayed is done to maintain control.
Overall, the song Propaganda is a critique of the way in which media outlets can be used to manipulate people and shape their perceptions of the world. One Be Lo is encouraging his listeners to be skeptical of the information they are being given, to think critically about the messages they are receiving, and to take greater control over their own lives.
Line by Line Meaning
Who got the props? Who got the props?
Who is receiving recognition and admiration?
Magazines and Hollywood backdrops
Celebrities and figures in the entertainment industry receive attention and praise.
Radio and TV crews, it don't stop
Media outlets continue to perpetuate the idolization of these figures.
The internet, the newspaper snapshots
Now even online sources and print media contribute to the glorification of these individuals.
Even in your schools and church, it don't stop
Institutions that were once thought to be unbiased are also influenced by this propaganda.
Aiyyo we deaf, dumb and blind in this world we live cause
People are unaware of the manipulation and exploitation happening around them.
We don't understand how they robbin and killin us
The powerful continue to oppress and exploit those who are unaware and uninformed.
They got us watchin backs and lockin our front doors
Fear is instilled in us to control our behavior and limit our freedom.
'Specially time got 'em workin on your soul they come for
The methods of manipulation are subtle and are designed to seep into our subconscious over time.
Disguise entertainment, psychological fund war
Through entertainment, the powerful wage a psychological war on the masses.
So many different channels and they usin to hunt yours
There are many different methods used to manipulate and control individuals.
So turn off the box, watch the program stop
Avoid the sources of propaganda and take control of your own thoughts and beliefs.
See how the X marks the block
Be aware of the propaganda and manipulation in your environment.
This is for inquirin minds that wanna know (know)
The following message is for those who are curious and seeking the truth.
OneBeLo got you double-checkin your info
OneBeLo is encouraging critical thinking and questioning the information you receive.
You used to be the person gettin caught in the hype
OneBeLo recognizes that people are often easily swayed by propaganda and false information.
Like if I read it in the paper then it gotta be news, right?
People tend to trust traditional sources of information without question.
Or maybe CNN had you glued to the tube tight
News networks can be just as manipulative as other forms of media.
Thinkin you was watchin the government's every move, right?
People often think that they are informed about the actions of the government, but this is not always the case.
Stay tuned for props the helicopter crew's flight
Media attention is given to even the most trivial of events in order to continuously feed the propaganda machine.
Reported we saw it now the way to teach you new heights
Media outlets attempt to teach their viewers what to think and feel about each event they report.
So many programs you watch on the sofa
The amount of propaganda and manipulation presented in daily life is overwhelming and all-encompassing.
But the real programs sit on top of your shoulders (you)
Individuals have the power to control their own thoughts and beliefs despite the manipulation presented to them.
Remote control your brain with all of this entertainment
Entertainment is often used as a tool for mind control and manipulation.
Cable channels basic, you plug you in the Matrix
The access to a variety of media sources can be overwhelming and create an artificial reality for individuals.
Face it, even cartoons and PlayStations
Even forms of entertainment that seem innocent can be used to manipulate individuals.
X-Box, target your tots with "X" ratings
Even children's games and media are not immune to propaganda.
Worse than Hollywood with that +Hidden Agenda+
Manipulation and hidden agendas are even more prevalent in the film industry than in other media.
No propaganda inserts didn't get censored
Media outlets are not transparent about their propaganda and manipulation tactics.
Same reason magazines show the homicide view
Media outlets often present stories with a violent or sensationalist angle in order to attract more viewers and readers.
To desensitize you, so nothin surprise you
The constant bombardment of violent or shocking news is designed to desensitize individuals to these events and make them more accepting of injustice.
Portray the victim as those who victimize you
Media outlets often flip the narrative to blame victims instead of the oppressors.
Despise you, religious extremes to terrorize you
Religious extremists use propaganda and manipulation to wage a psychological war and instill fear in individuals.
Everywhere you go is the same old news, right?
The same propaganda is presented to individuals no matter where they go or what media they consume.
And everything I mentioned get controlled by the Jews, right?
OneBeLo recognizes that control and manipulation extend even beyond race and ethnicity.
Freedom of press but if you try to confess
The supposed freedom of the press is limited when individuals attempt to speak out against propaganda and manipulation.
That's like a hungry fat man throwin steak in a food fight
Attempts to dissent against propaganda and manipulation are often futile and ineffective.
Who got the props? Who got the props?
The cycle of idolization and propaganda perpetuates endlessly.
Magazines and Hollywood backdrops
The same individuals in the entertainment industry continue to receive attention and praise.
Radio and TV crews, it don't stop
Media outlets continue to perpetuate the idolization of these figures.
The internet, the newspaper snapshots
Now even online sources and print media contribute to the glorification of these individuals.
Even in your schools and church, it don't stop
Institutions that were once thought to be unbiased are also influenced by this propaganda.
Contributed by Camden D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@markusmilla4968
Super amazing One Be Lo ❤️🎶💣💣💣
@robertandrews8686
EVEN IN YOUR SCHOOLS AND CHURCH ( It dont stop )