Every so often a new artist comes along with a sound so innovative, they are able to help reshape the barriers that confine mainstream music. Meet Outasight, the Yonkers, New York bred musician who brilliantly weaves together the cadenced sounds of popular hip-hop and indie rock with the poignant sensibility of classic pop and soul music to create a fresh, new sound that is all his own. “People are conditioned to see certain images for different genres of music,” says the 27 year-old songwriter. “So if something looks or sounds out of the norm, it’s more difficult to understand at first.”
Growing up an only child in the suburbs of New York City, Outasight’s parents encouraged his insatiable love for making music from a very young age. When he was 8 yearsold, he taught himself to write songs on a guitar passed down from his father. “I was surrounded by thousands of records as a kid,” says Outasight who grew up emulating the diverse sounds he was surrounded by all his life. “I listened to a lot of classic rock, and pop, like the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, The Who, and also soul artists like Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye. My friends and I would form bands and practice in someone’s basement and then I would go to school and write raps and spit raps on the playground. They were like duel personalities in a sense.”
During his junior year of high school, Outasight started venturing into the city, seeking out open mics where he was able to fine tune his own material in front of live audiences. “I used to perform a lot in Brooklyn at a place called Sputnik,” says Outasight. “It would be a very diverse crowd and I would rap and start singing and they would be like, what the hell is going on right now? Who is this White kid acting all crazy? But there were always people that liked it so I always took any type of acceptance as the fuel to go further.” After performing in the big city for a couple of years, the resourceful young artist started to gain confidence and create some extremely valuable music industry connections. He toyed with the idea of going to college but after taking classes on and off for close to five years, Outasight realized it was foolish not to capitalize on the name he had created for himself in the City’s burgeoning independent music scene.
In 2006, he decided to drop out of college for good and pursue music full time. The following year, he released a mixtape called Employee Of The Year with the help of his friend and business partner Dre Bond. The two started a new company to help promote Outasight appropriately named Daily Grind Music. After promoting the tape on Myspace and up and coming music blogs, Outasight and Daily Grind released his second project, Radio New York in June of ’08 which was featured on the Myspace Home page for three consecutive days—a tremendous feat for any new, unsigned artist. “The amount of people that I got exposed to was incredible,” says Outasight. “We were getting like 50 thousand plays a day! Dre and I made a video for one of the mixtape’s songs, ‘Good Evening’ that fall we got the video on MTV after winning the MTVU Freshman competition.”
In March of 2009, Outasight released his third mixtape, From There To Here, with world renowned hip-hop DJ Mick Boogie and a month later was asked to open for Ryan Leslie at NYC’s SOB’s. After winning over the packed house with his live show, Outasight’s manager, Norman “Storm” Bell of Purfek Storm Management, secured a meeting with Asylum Records CEO Todd Moscowitz who was instantly taken by the multi-talented MC’s growing body of work. That October, Outasight signed a deal with Asylum. Soon after his signing, Outasight released his latest mixtape Further. The project was sponsored by LRG clothing and was his most successful release to date, garnering over a hundred thousand downloads and counting. Due to its overwhelming popularity, Asylum is set to release Further as an EP exclusively on ITunes in March 2010 while Outasight continues to craft his first full length commercial release, the aptly titled, From Here to Eternity. “The concept behind my album is one person’s quest from the present moment to being timeless,” he says, “It’s something that lives way beyond me, it’s about the quest.”
On August 17th, 2010, Outasight released his latest mixtape, Never Say Never, again to much critical acclaim.
Shine
Outasight Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Before you think Outasight happened overnight homie you better fall back
This years in the making took a whole lotta work with a whole lotta means
I didn’t ever get a call back, never was a draw back ever with a short stack I was all in
I’m hustling, I’m bustin in
What you think of me, I’m not interested
I shine you shine I’m so damn tired about your grind
I play this straight
I got good karma
Don’t cheat don’t steal
Don’t cause no drama
Of all the actors who wanna be artists, wanna be the hardest, yall just a part this
From honors don’t get bothered I’d rather be modest
Ride, ride, ride around the city
I got my windows down and I wanna take you with me
So go and close your eyes and see the world is mine
I think its about that time that everybody shine
Shine your light
Shine your light
Shine your light on the world
Shine your light
Shine your light
Shine your light on the world
Rolex my time is right, think its time I go shine my light
Skateboard my grind is right, hey girl you needa come find a light
Ride it tryna find it, needa bad chick I get behind it
And my swag is sick you been reminded smoke with me, royal heinous is us
Royal flush I’m just playing with these niggas like its fuckin' toys r us
Boy I’m plush, and my seat back so just keep that, everything is fine
We done seen hate but Vaseline face we gonna shine
Now ya’ll these pretty hose is hitting on my line
And I'ma have to find a way to make her mine
My secret panty droppin' weapon is the wine
What happens next is for another time, we’ll be fine yup
Ride, ride, ride around the city
I got my windows down and I wanna take you with me
So go and close your eyes and see the world is mine
I think its about that time that everybody shine
Shine your light
Shine your light
Shine your light on the world
Shine your light
Shine your light
Shine your light on the world
Ooo
Oo so shine your light oo so extra bright
Make sure you find yourself before you’re found Outasight
Took a long while didn’t know it comes easy
Had some good friends, girlfriends who didn’t believe me
This ain't no victory lap, I don’t sleep I don’t nap
I’m just tryna do me and now you see where I'm at
And you should go and try and try and do the same
And take a ride with me on this memory lane damn
Ride, ride, ride around the city
I got my windows down and I wanna take you with me
So go and close your eyes and see the world is mine
I think its about that time that everybody shine
Shine your light
Shine your light
Shine your light on the world
Shine your light
Shine your light
Shine your light on the world
Outasight's "Shine" is a song that celebrates perseverance, hard work, and success. The first verse speaks to the idea that everybody wants the "money and cars and clothes and all that," but it took Outasight years of hard work behind the scenes before he finally broke through. He's proud of his hustle and determination, always pushing forward and never letting setbacks drag him down. The song encourages everyone to shine their own light on the world, to find their own path and be proud of their accomplishments.
The chorus reinforces the idea of shining your light, of being unapologetically yourself and owning your success. The second verse talks about Outasight's own journey, his rise to fame and the challenges he's faced along the way. But despite the naysayers and struggles, he's come out on top and feels confident in his own skin. The song is ultimately a call to action, urging listeners to join him in shining their own light and making their mark on the world.
Overall, "Shine" is an upbeat, optimistic song with a positive message about hard work, perseverance, and owning your success. It celebrates the journey more than the destination, and encourages listeners to be proud of who they are and what they've accomplished.
Line by Line Meaning
Everybody dream about the money and cars and clothes and all that
Many people desire wealth, possessions, and luxury.
Before you think Outasight happened overnight homie you better fall back
Don't assume Outasight's success was sudden or effortless.
This years in the making took a whole lotta work with a whole lotta means
Outasight's success took years of effort and resources.
I didn’t ever get a call back, never was a draw back ever with a short stack I was all in
Outasight never gave up, even when opportunities were scarce and odds were against him.
I’m hustling, I’m bustin in
Outasight is working hard and striving for success.
What you think of me, I’m not interested
Outasight doesn't care about others' opinions or judgments of him.
I shine you shine I’m so damn tired about your grind
Outasight wants others to succeed alongside him, but is tired of hearing about their struggles and hard work.
We all got pills and we all like to chill but shit gets real when the (counts?) gets ill
Everyone enjoys relaxation and pleasure, but difficult situations reveal one's true character and priorities.
I play this straight
Outasight is honest and straightforward in his actions and intentions.
I got good karma
Outasight believes in the principle of karma and strives to do good deeds.
Don’t cheat don’t steal
Outasight follows moral guidelines and values honesty and integrity.
Don’t cause no drama
Outasight avoids causing problems or conflicts.
Of all the actors who wanna be artists, wanna be the hardest, yall just a part this
Outasight sees through pretenders who want to be successful but lack the true talent or dedication.
From honors don’t get bothered I’d rather be modest
Outasight doesn't care about superficial recognition or accolades, and prefers to remain humble and grounded.
Rolex my time is right, think its time I go shine my light
Outasight feels that the timing is right for him to showcase his talents and achieve success.
Skateboard my grind is right, hey girl you needa come find a light
Outasight is confident in his abilities and invites others to join him on his path to success.
Ride it tryna find it, needa bad chick I get behind it
Outasight seeks excitement and new experiences, and desires a partner to share them with.
And my swag is sick you been reminded smoke with me, royal heinous is us
Outasight is proud of his style and charisma, and invites others to enjoy his company and lifestyle.
Royal flush I’m just playing with these niggas like its fuckin' toys r us
Outasight feels confident and powerful, and sees his competitors as mere toys or playthings.
Boy I’m plush, and my seat back so just keep that, everything is fine
Outasight is comfortable and secure in his success, and doesn't need validation or reassurance from others.
We done seen hate but Vaseline face we gonna shine
Outasight has experienced criticism and negativity, but remains focused on success and positivity.
Now ya’ll these pretty hose is hitting on my line
Outasight is attracting interest and admiration from women.
And I'ma have to find a way to make her mine
Outasight is interested in forming a romantic relationship with a particular woman.
My secret panty droppin' weapon is the wine
Outasight believes that wine is an effective and alluring seduction tool.
What happens next is for another time, we’ll be fine yup
Outasight is confident in his future and excited for what's to come.
Ooo
Oo so shine your light oo so extra bright
Outasight wants others to shine and share their unique qualities with the world.
Make sure you find yourself before you’re found Outasight
Before seeking success or recognition, it's important to know and understand oneself.
Took a long while didn’t know it comes easy
Outasight understands that success takes time and effort, and can't be achieved easily.
Had some good friends, girlfriends who didn’t believe me
Outasight faced doubters and critics, even from those close to him.
This ain't no victory lap, I don’t sleep I don’t nap
Outasight doesn't see his success as an endpoint, and continues to work hard and strive for more.
I’m just tryna do me and now you see where I'm at
Outasight is focused on being himself and pursuing his passions, and has achieved a certain level of success.
And you should go and try and try and do the same
Outasight encourages others to pursue their own goals and passions, and work hard to achieve them.
And take a ride with me on this memory lane damn
Outasight invites others to join him on a journey of reminiscing and reflection.
Shine your light
Outasight wants others to share their unique qualities and abilities with the world.
Shine your light on the world
Outasight hopes that others' brightness and positivity will have a positive impact on the world as a whole.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: JEREMY KULOUSEK, CHIDERA KIZITO ANAMEGE, RICHARD ANDREW CONTE, ERIC A DAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Mike Fahey
So happy to see Outasight doing so well, he deserves it. Another catchy gem from Mr Andrews, never fails to disappoint his fans.
Dom Giunta
i watch this everyday, at least twice a day. This song is so dope and perfect at the same time. Epic beat thanks to big jerm and excellent talent from Ou and Chiddy. Keep 'em comin man, i can't wait till your album drops!
Lukasz Jan Malewski
what a great tune! It seems like another song from you that's going to be on repeat for next two weeks. :D Keep it up!
vurachel21
I seriously love you so so so much. Your music is outstanding. What I would do to see you live!!! Keep up the great work!! I'll always be here supporting you!!
Christian Andrews
Hey man just wanna say congrats on your success and fame , ive been listening to your music for the past years now since Further and Radio New York :) really proud of you and your accomplishments :)
user100000
another awesome song and video! keep on doing what you do outasight, i can't wait for the album! btw i loved how you filmed part of the video yourself, do you know what camera you were using?
AMON
Outasight ! You're the man Bro ;) Really fresh stuff ! Inspired me to do something new and fresh myself ;) Keep up the good work ! :)
Jandir Moquete
Love this song! more people should listen to it
바카라 에이전트 051
I was doubting Outasight's music for a bit, but this song brings back my faith to his old R&B/hip-hop style. Keep making hits, man.
macdaddynyc
I totally dig this track. I'm so glad that he's still rockin' that hip hop vibe that hooked me way back when... This track is fun as hell.