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.
Life We Live
S.u.n. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To escape de xul
I've been sellin dark
Let nobody know me
Runnin quick tonight
Checkin for de
Dogs in de forest
Let u know how is wild
5 sacks in de bag
Let me catch de groovin
Got de hustler in ma
Blood let nobody judge me
Out here in de world
Ain't really relative
Walk with many friends
But fight on your own
Yh I can't believe it
Guess I would made it
Kept de secret for ma mom
Think it could be better
Till de fate turned against me
Wat could I do
As young black
Male cursed out for life
I took de cause
Embraced the end
Stood on one foot
But took de chance
Can't never relate
On wat u wish
In dis life we live never
Really work de same
Cause all these people
They be livin' their life
Just how they want;
They don't think they just
"talk"? HHAAAH
Maybe walk around
Like they thinkin'
But they ain't
Cause their mockin' mind
They ain't blinkin
Yo tarn me up so I can feel
The vibrations,my voice
As we, communicate that
Communication
Is what we need
In this population
We saturin' the places that
We tryna live
We tryna give
What kinda of kids
Are you trying to bring
Into this world
I'm tryna sing YO
I'm just tryna sing to youuuuu
About this life that you live you
About this life that you live
Everybody pays a price
When you gotta give, and TAKE
You gotta re-late, you gotta meet
In the middle so we can cre-ate
These lyrics depict the struggles and challenges faced by the artist as they navigate through life. The reference to climbing walls and selling darkness could represent the artist's relentless efforts to escape difficult situations and keep their true self hidden from others. They are constantly on the move, wary of potential threats and dangers around them.
The line "5 sacks in de bag, let me catch de groovin" suggests that the artist is involved in some kind of illicit activity or hustle to survive. They are aware of the judgment they may face from society but express a desire to be free from its constraints. The reference to walking with many friends but ultimately having to fight one's battles alone emphasizes the solitude and independence that comes with their way of life.
The artist acknowledges the difficulty of their circumstances as a young black male, feeling cursed and misunderstood by society. They kept their struggles a secret from their mother, perhaps to shield her from worry or disappointment. There is a sense of resignation and acceptance in the face of adversity, as they ask, "Wat could I do?"
The following part of the lyrics highlights the disparity in how people live their lives. The artist observes that many people go through life without much thought or consideration, merely going through the motions. They mockingly describe them as "walkin' around like they thinkin', but they ain't blinkin." The artist seeks genuine connection and open communication in a world where people often seem detached and disconnected.
In the last section, the artist expresses a desire to make an impact and bring about change. They yearn for a world where people can come together, understand and support each other. The mention of saturating the places they try to live in could imply a desire to be heard, to make their mark, and to create a better future for themselves and future generations.
In essence, these lyrics reflect the artist's struggle for survival, their search for authenticity, and their longing for a more unified and understanding world. It encapsulates the complexities of life, the individual battles we face, and the importance of genuine communication and empathy.
Line by Line Meaning
I've been climbin walls
I have been facing obstacles and challenges
To escape de xul
In order to free myself from negativity
I've been sellin dark
I have been hiding my true self
Let nobody know me
I don't let anyone truly understand who I am
Runnin quick tonight
Moving fast to avoid facing reality
Checkin for de
Being cautious and wary
Dogs in de forest
Being aware of potential dangers in the surroundings
Let u know how is wild
Showing you the untamed nature of life
5 sacks in de bag
Carrying burdens and responsibilities
Let me catch de groovin
Allow me to find my rhythm and flow
Got de hustler in ma
I possess the mindset of a hardworking individual
Blood let nobody judge me
Don't let others pass judgment on me based on family ties
Out here in de world
Navigating through life's challenges
Ain't really relative
Family connections aren't always important
Walk with many friends
Having companionship and support from others
But fight on your own
Ultimately, you have to face your battles alone
Yh I can't believe it
Expressing disbelief about something
Guess I would made it
I didn't expect to succeed, but I did
Kept de secret for ma mom
I hid a secret to protect my mother
Think it could be better
Believing that things could improve
Till de fate turned against me
Until destiny took a negative turn for me
Wat could I do
Feeling helpless in the situation
As young black
Being young and of African descent
Male cursed out for life
Feeling like my life is marked by misfortune
I took de cause
I accepted the responsibility
Embraced the end
Accepted the outcome, even if it is unfavorable
Stood on one foot
Finding balance and stability in difficult situations
But took de chance
Took a risk despite the uncertainty
Can't never relate
Unable to understand or connect
On wat u wish
On the desires you have
In dis life we live never
In this life we live, things rarely
Really work de same
Work out the way we expect
Cause all these people
Because all these individuals
They be livin' their life
They are living their lives
Just how they want;
In the manner they desire
They don't think they just
They act without much thought
"talk"? HHAAAH
They simply talk without taking action
Maybe walk around
Perhaps they wander aimlessly
Like they thinkin'
Appearing as if they are deep in thought
But they ain't
But in reality, they are not
Cause their mockin' mind
Because their minds are full of mockery
They ain't blinkin
They do not hesitate to mock or judge
Yo tarn me up so I can feel
Elevate me so I can experience
The vibrations,my voice
The powerful energy and impact of my voice
As we, communicate that
As we transmit and share the message
Communication
Effective and meaningful interaction
Is what we need
It is essential for our well-being
In this population
In this society of individuals
We saturin' the places that
We are filling every corner that
We tryna live
We are trying to exist in
We tryna give
We are striving to contribute
What kinda of kids
What type of future generations
Are you trying to bring
Do you aim to nurture
Into this world
Into this existence
I'm tryna sing YO
I am trying to express through music
I'm just tryna sing to youuuuu
I am simply attempting to communicate with you
About this life that you live you
Regarding the way you live your life
About this life that you live
Regarding the way you live your life
Everybody pays a price
Everyone faces consequences
When you gotta give, and TAKE
When you have to give and take in life
You gotta re-late, you gotta meet
You have to connect and understand
In the middle so we can cre-ate
In order to collaborate and create
Lyrics ยฉ O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@leegomachab5663
Remember this track and I had to come back here. ๐ข๐ข๐ข. Give sun el his flowers while his alive
@djlepotshe9583
2018 my friends and I used to jam to this track every weekend. Now we hardly see each other. Memories made โค๏ธ
@shadeem7698
I'm leaving this comment for my ex, this used to be our jam...i woke up today thinking of you and decided to stream the song, I hope you see this comment some day and remember how we used to be...I still love you Sipho even though circumstances won't let us get back together...โค๏ธ๐
@i.luttah7610
From South to the East.. From S.A. to Kenya..Johannesburg to Nairobi.. So much love for music mate..
@ofentseneo1650
2023 we here โค๐
@lord.kagiso3741
I've been looking for this song since forever...
@jasonvanniekerk1982
This track touches my soul ๐ญ
@AndileNdlovu
One of my favorite songs โค๏ธ
@NicholeCarterMusic
Mine to!
@Ursepee
I know my man released two albums after this, but I'm cool. still stuck on this song