The itch to put out a solo album became overwhelming as some of his music and lyrics were only relevant for a solo release. Sun's always made his music for himself first, so in late '97 Sun began recording his tour-de-force, "Shining Underground" and brought his whole vision to life.
With the release of this album, Sun has not only received the love and respect of his hip-hop community, but has received high praise from some in the music press. MTV on-line writer, Christina Branson, had this to say of his performance at U of M, Michigan: "Hip Hop phenomenon S.U.N. aka Santonio Hughbanks lit up Club Heidleberg with sweet beats and lyrical finesse. The promising rapper dropped verses from his debut album "Shining Underground" (Black Soul On Vinyl) causing the crowd to bob their heads and chant: S.U.N." Underground Soundz Magazine confirms "distinct styles and hard edged lyrical delivery... advanced poetical stylings... definitely some of the most exciting hip hop to come from Michigan." His music has been used as sound track for an independent film. His current album continues to sell heavily in the midwest and across the nation.
"T.H.U.G. (True Heart Under Ground)" is the first single from the album. Sun views himself and many in his community as "underground", not just in music, but in life... struggling underground, away from the system. He redefines the term thug- taking away from its original meaning. "Shining Underground" is another highlight from the album giving enlightening insight into the mind of a free thinker. On "Just For a Minute" his ingenious sampling of Q-Tip's very recognizable line from "Got Til It's Gone" by Janet Jackson makes a pleasing backdrop for his lyricism. The album features several other rappers including Invincible, Paradime, Mr. Sinns, Browne & Bizarre.
Production was handled by relative newcomer Tink Thomas for Produk Productions. His hip hop tracks are structured and clean. Thomas is a unique new talent in his own right.
Off stage, S.U.N. is relaxed and contemplative. His live shows are spontaneous; "it's the point when God manifests." With that said, you can be sure freestyle will be a present element. One of his personal quotes is "Underground music should be felt not heard."
S.U.N. is looking to sign to a major or well poised independent who knows how to break a hip hop artist nationally with DJs, media and retail. Silent Records is quickly becoming well known for its high standards in hip hop's purist style. The label is positioning itself to be picked up by a heavyweight distributor or label.
Circles
S.u.n. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Fearful, Dark and Wandering
Futile practice with the wisdom of the changes
Concentrating on the blind
Oh yeah! It's already started
No way to stop the hands of time
Oh yeah! Evil is all around you
Harvest the center of now
I've already enlightened you how
Follow the meaning of night
And enter the circle of light
Who's that lighting fires in the sky
Raising signs of self despair
Calling up spirits that need not be disturbed
Making choices very clear
Oh yeah! It's already started
No way to stop the hands of time
Oh yeah! Evil is all around you
Call back the wishes and enter the circle
Harvest the center of now
I've already enlightened you how
Follow the meaning of night
And enter the circle of life
The lyrics to S.u.n.'s song "Circles" speak to the power of darkness and the inevitability of change. The first verse describes someone who is consumed by negative thoughts and is lost in their own fears and uncertainties. The futile attempt to cling to old ways of thinking is likened to "concentrating on the blind." The chorus acknowledges that evil is pervasive, but instead of giving in to despair, the singer suggests throwing back wishes and entering the circle, indicating a willingness to embrace change and the unknown.
The second verse continues with imagery of lighting fires and raising signs of self-despair. The singer suggests that disturbing dormant spirits or clinging to old choices is not productive. The chorus repeats the message of evil's ubiquity, but again, the solution is to call back wishes and enter the circle. The bridge highlights the present moment as the center of action and suggests that enlightenment is possible through following the meaning of light.
Overall, the song speaks to the human tendency to cling to familiar patterns and ways of thinking, even when they no longer serve us. The circle represents the cycle of life and death, the cyclical nature of the seasons, and the power of ritual and tradition. The song suggests that the only way to overcome fear and embrace change is to enter the circle, to let go of old ways of thinking and to move forward with clarity and purpose.
Line by Line Meaning
Who's that making out with an angry mind
Who is indulging in negative thoughts and emotions?
Fearful, Dark and Wandering
Feeling frightened, lost, and confused in the darkness of their own mind.
Futile practice with the wisdom of the changes
Trying to make progress but not really understanding how to apply their knowledge.
Concentrating on the blind
Focusing on the negative and ignoring the positive aspects of life.
Oh yeah! It's already started
The negative cycle has already begun.
No way to stop the hands of time
Time waits for no one and cannot be reversed.
Oh yeah! Evil is all around you
Negative energy is pervasive and ever present.
Throw back your wishes and enter the circle
Let go of negative desires and embrace the cycle of life.
Harvest the center of now
Focus on living fully in the present moment.
I've already enlightened you how
I have already shared with you the knowledge you need to succeed.
Follow the meaning of night
Learn from darkness and the struggles of life.
And enter the circle of light
Embrace the positive aspects of life and the cyclical nature of existence.
Who's that lighting fires in the sky
Who is creating chaos and destruction in their own life?
Raising signs of self despair
Exhibiting signs of hopelessness and depression.
Calling up spirits that need not be disturbed
Inviting negative energy into their life unnecessarily.
Making choices very clear
Taking a definitive stance on the direction of their life.
Call back the wishes and enter the circle
Let go of negative desires and embrace the cyclical nature of existence.
Enter the circle of life
Embrace the positive aspects of life and the cyclical nature of existence.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind