“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.
The Future
One Be Lo Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
[Verse 1 - OneBeLo]
Right now? {*echoes*}
The past, specifically the days I remember
In mind, body, soul I was far from a winner
Poor sinner, my fork in a pork dinner
Drugs, sex, alcohol; Lo is not a quitter nor a forfeiter
Stole everything I owned -- told lies
Ignored the old wise, glitter caught my cold eyes
Didn't really know why, truth is where the gold lies
What was present then, past now
Had me thinkin that's how life was 'sposed to be for every black child
Strange words, same feathers flock together
When the cops together, lock together, better off a caged bird
Sight closed minded; Lo find it hard to believe
I could lead by example I was so blinded
See every action has a consequence but then
I didn't beware or prepare or really care
[Chorus]
If I thought about (the future), let's talk about (the future)
The children are (the future), who's ready for (the future)
What happens in (the future), we not promised (the future)
Only God knows (the future), the future (the future)
Let's think about (the future), let's talk about (the future)
The children are (the future), who's ready for (the future)
What happens in (the future), we not promised
[female] Everyday is just an extension of yesterday
[Verse 2 - OneBeLo]
Now in the present day, I'm blessed to say let the record play
Usin my music as a movement to correct mistakes
Knowin my death awaits, I hesitate to question fate
Boys and girls, this world is nothin but a test of faith
So now I'm plannin every step I take, must be a better way
Deeply meditate on these ahead I pray
Seek to elevate bein lead astray, flee the devil's face
Evil separates, reach the heaven gates (gates)
Easier said is the known rebuttal
The mind is willin but the flesh is weak, peace/piece form a puzzle
Jihad means the struggle, so I sacrifice
Satisfy today's seed could be a garden in the afterlife (afterlife)
[Chorus]
Think about it (the future), let's talk about (the future)
The children are (the future), who's ready for (the future)
What happens in (the future), we not promised (the future)
Only God knows (the future), the future (the future)
Let's think about it (the future), let's talk about it (the future)
The children are (the future), who's ready for (the future)
Only God knows (the future), only God knows (the future)
Only God knows (the future), the future (the future)
[Interlude - OneBeLo]
Not the gypsies, not the crystal balls
Not the fortune tellers, not the horoscopes
Not the Chinese cookies, you know them joints that you be crackin open?
Not Nostradamus, he don't know the future neither, y'knahmsayin?
Not the palm readers, not the psychics, not those tarot cards
Not astrology, y'knahmsayin? Stick to the program (yo)
Check this out.
[Verse 3 - OneBeLo]
I heard the future was impressin when you doin some investin
Allah multiply 10 times one of your blessings
Qu'ran full of wisdom, it answer thousands of questions
Muhammad soon to show us the way, follow directions
Life humble essence, wife operation stomach section
Now I witness somethin precious, baby boy young and restless
So many fathers exit, don't bother, this one is present
Even under pressure, family's a treasure - follow my lead
Now as I look into your innocent eyes, full of potential
So much I wanna say that I can't put it in pencil
Or verse, just remember what I caught at your birth
A voice sure could show the world good works (good works)
[Chorus]
Let''s think about (the future), let's talk about (the future)
The children are (the future), who's ready for (the future)
What happens in (the future), we not promised (the future)
Only God knows (the future), the future (the future)
(The future, the future, the future, the future)
(The future, the future, the futurrrrrrrre)
[female] And he's only thinking about the children
In One Be Lo's song The Future, the artist reflects on his past mistakes, including drug use, theft, and disrespect towards his mother. He acknowledges that his actions had consequences, but at the time he did not care. The chorus prompts him to think about the future, especially when it comes to children who are the future. He feels blessed in the present day to use his music as a movement to correct his past mistakes and lead by example. He hopes to elevate and not be led astray, and instead, reach the heaven gates. He wants to sacrifice today to ensure that there is a garden in the afterlife. In the end, he acknowledges that only God knows what the future holds.
The song's core message is that our past mistakes should not define us or dictate our future. We must be mindful of our actions and the consequences they have, especially when it comes to children, who will carry the world forward. The song reflects on the importance of self-reflection, personal growth, and leaving a legacy that can positively impact those that come after us.
Line by Line Meaning
Right now?
The present moment
The past, specifically the days I remember
Reflecting on past memories
In mind, body, soul I was far from a winner
In a state of defeat in every aspect of life
Poor sinner, my fork in a pork dinner
Unfortunate sinner, indulging in sinful acts
Drugs, sex, alcohol; Lo is not a quitter nor a forfeiter
Partaking in addictive vices and not willing to quit
A vagabond, talkin back to moms, sold dope out her home
A wandering person, disrespecting and selling drugs out of their mother's house
Stole everything I owned -- told lies
Committed theft and lied to cover up the crime
Ignored the old wise, glitter caught my cold eyes
Ignored wise advice, attracted to superficial things
Didn't really know why, truth is where the gold lies
Unaware of the importance of truth
What was present then, past now
The present has become the past
Had me thinkin that's how life was 'sposed to be for every black child
Believed that living in a state of struggle was a norm for black children
Strange words, same feathers flock together
Saying that people with similar characteristics tend to associate with each other
When the cops together, lock together, better off a caged bird
Implies that the police are oppressive and incarceration is similar to being in a cage
Sight closed minded; Lo find it hard to believe
Unable to accept new ideas
I could lead by example I was so blinded
Unable to set a positive example due to a lack of awareness
See every action has a consequence but then
Emphasizes the importance of accountability for one's actions
I didn't beware or prepare or really care
Lacked responsibility for the consequences of their actions
The children are (the future), who's ready for (the future)
Children are the future of society, who is prepared for it?
What happens in (the future), we not promised (the future)
The future is unpredictable and we are not guaranteed to experience it
Now in the present day, I'm blessed to say let the record play
Currently in a better state and able to reflect on previous errors
Usin my music as a movement to correct mistakes
Making use of music as a platform to address past errors
Knowin my death awaits, I hesitate to question fate
Aware of the inevitability of death and hesitant to question one's destiny
Boys and girls, this world is nothin but a test of faith
Life is a challenge of beliefs and morals
So now I'm plannin every step I take, must be a better way
Planning every action with the aim of improving one's life
Deeply meditate on these ahead I pray
Contemplating and praying for future endeavors
Seek to elevate bein lead astray, flee the devil's face
Aiming to improve one's life despite previous poor decisions
Evil separates, reach the heaven gates (gates)
Sinful behavior leads to separation, hence, aiming to reach heaven's gates
Easier said is the known rebuttal
Acknowledging that words are easier said than actions
The mind is willin but the flesh is weak, peace/piece form a puzzle
The mind is capable, but actions are difficult. Peace is important but incomplete without all the pieces
Jihad means the struggle, so I sacrifice
Jihad means a personal struggle, hence, willing to make sacrifices
Satisfy today's seed could be a garden in the afterlife (afterlife)
Fulfill present needs for a better future in the afterlife
The children are (the future), who's ready for (the future)
Children are the future of society, who is prepared for it?
Not the gypsies, not the crystal balls
Rejecting fortune-telling practices
Not the fortune tellers, not the horoscopes
Rejecting fortune-telling practices
Not the Chinese cookies, you know them joints that you be crackin open?
Rejecting fortune-telling practices
Not Nostradamus, he don't know the future neither, y'knahmsayin?
Rejecting fortune-telling practices
Not the palm readers, not the psychics, not those tarot cards
Rejecting fortune-telling practices
Not astrology, y'knahmsayin?
Rejecting fortune-telling practices
Stick to the program (yo)
Promotes following a structured plan of action
I heard the future was impressin when you doin some investin
Investing in the future can be rewarding
Allah multiply 10 times one of your blessings
Referring to a religious belief that good deeds are rewarded
Qu'ran full of wisdom, it answer thousands of questions
Belief in the teachings and guidance of the Qu'ran
Muhammad soon to show us the way, follow directions
Following the teachings and guidance of the religious figure Muhammad
Life humble essence, wife operation stomach section
Life is humbling, and even difficult experiences are blessings
Now I witness somethin precious, baby boy young and restless
A new life is precious and full of potential
So many fathers exit, don't bother, this one is present
Acknowledging the importance of a present and involved father figure
Even under pressure, family's a treasure - follow my lead
Despite challenges, prioritize and cherish family above all else
Now as I look into your innocent eyes, full of potential
Reflecting on the potential of a new life
So much I wanna say that I can't put it in pencil
Unable to express emotions through writing
Or verse, just remember what I caught at your birth
Promotes the importance of memory and remembering past teachings
A voice sure could show the world good works (good works)
One's voice can make a positive impact and encourage good deeds
Contributed by Adeline D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
John Davenport
Absolute gem
iiiamuv
Need this instrumental
Alexis Y
Had to pull up for Ramadan. Ramadan Mubarak
Rudolf Henri Marcelo
Lyrics:
[Female] What are you thinkin about right now?
[Verse 1 - OneBeLo]
Right now? {*echoes*}
The past, specifically the days I remember
In mind, body, soul I was far from a winner
Poor sinner, my fork in a pork dinner
Drugs, sex, alcohol; Lo is not a quitter nor a forfeiter
A vagabond, talkin back to moms, sold dope out her home
Stole everything I owned -- told lies
Ignored the old wise, glitter caught my cold eyes
Didn't really know why, truth is where the gold lies
What was present then, past now
Had me thinkin that's how life was 'sposed to be for every black child
Strange words, same feathers flock together
When the cops endeavor, lock together, better off a caged bird
Sight closed minded; Lo find it hard to believe
I could lead by example I was so blinded
See every action has a consequence but then
I didn't beware or prepare or really care
[Hook]
If I thought about (the future), let's talk about (the future)
The children are (the future), who's ready for (the future)
What happens in (the future), we not promised (the future)
Only God knows (the future), the future (the future)
Let's think about (the future), let's talk about (the future)
The children are (the future), who's ready for (the future)
What happens in (the future) , we not promised
[Female] Everyday is just an extension of yesterday
[Verse 2 - OneBeLo]
Now in the present day, I'm blessed to say let the record play
Usin my music as a movement to correct mistakes
Knowin my death awaits, I hesitate to question fate
Boys and girls, this world is nothin but a test of faith
So now I'm plannin every step I take, must be a better way
Deeply meditate on knees and head I pray
Seek to elevate bein lead astray, flee the devil's face
Evil separates, reach the heaven gates (gates)
Easier said is the known rebuttal
The mind is willin but the flesh is weak, peace/piece form a puzzle
Jihad means the struggle, so I sacrifice
Satisfy today's seed could be a garden in the afterlife (afterlife)
[Hook]
Think about it (the future), let's talk about (the future)
The children are (the future), who's ready for (the future)
What happens in (the future), we not promised (the future)
Only God knows (the future), the future (the future)
Let's think about it (the future), let's talk about it (the future)
The children are (the future), who's ready for (the future)
Only God knows (the future), only God knows (the future)
Only God knows (the future), the future (the future)
[Interlude - OneBeLo]
Not the gypsies, not the crystal balls
Not the fortune tellers, not the horoscopes
Not the Chinese cookies, you know them joints that you be crackin open?
Not Nostradamus, he don't know the future neither, y'knahmsayin?
Not the palm readers, not the psychics, not those tarot cards
Not astrology, y'knahmsayin? Stick to the program (yo)
Check this out..
[Verse 3 - OneBeLo]
I heard the future was impressin when you doin some investin
Allah multiply 10 times one of your blessings
Qu'ran full of wisdom, it answer thousands of questions
Muhammad soon to show us the way, follow directions
Life humble essence, wife operation stomach section
Now I witness somethin precious, baby boy young and restless
So many fathers exit, don't bother, this one is present
Even under pressure, family's a treasure - follow my lead
Now as I look into your innocent eyes, full of potential
So much I wanna say that I can't put it in pencil
Or verse, just remember what I caught at your birth
A voice sure could show the world good works (good works)
[Hook]
Let''s think about (the future), let's talk about (the future)
The children are (the future), who's ready for (the future)
What happens in (the future), we not promised (the future)
Only God knows (the future), the future (the future)
(The future, the future, the future, the future)
(The future, the future, the futurrrrrrrre)
[Female] And he's only thinking about the children