Born, Santonio Hughbanks, S.U.N. (Scientific Universal Noncommercial) is an… Read Full Bio ↴Born, Santonio Hughbanks, S.U.N. (Scientific Universal Noncommercial) is and has always been a lyrical expressionist in every sense of the term. Rapping since the youthful age of 16, he later went on to co-found the group UBU. With partner Brother Browne, the group explored spirituality and culture to the tune of lyrical abstractions and blazing hot hip hop beats. The duo enjoyed success with two independent releases, "Deep Space" and "Radical Spiritual Aggression".

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.

Something Unto Nothing
S.u.n. Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Something that I cannot deny,
So calm so fast, as time slips by
Something I will not compromise
Something I feel that I’m gonna steel…

From the night’s impression
From the moon’s reflection,
I’ve got the night’s impression,

got the moon’s reflection.

Nothing reveals from truth or tears
This kind of fear makes my thoughts unreal
Something I will not sacrifice
Nothing I need when I get the feel…

From the night’s impression
From the moon’s reflection,

I’ve got the night’s impression,
got the moon’s reflection…

Overall Meaning

In "Something Unto Nothing" by S.u.n., the lyrics capture a sense of indescribable feeling or experience that cannot be denied. The opening lines portray a serene and swift passage of time, suggesting that the singer is encountering something extraordinary. This feeling is so powerful and authentic that they refuse to compromise or sacrifice it for anything else. The lyrics also imply a sense of determination and a desire to possess or acquire this elusive experience.

The subsequent lines convey a sense of mystery and ambiguity. The singer highlights that nothing can be revealed through truth or tears, indicating that the experience they are seeking is beyond understanding or explanation. This unclassifiable fear distorts their thoughts and blurs reality, adding to the enigmatic nature of their pursuit. Despite this, the singer remains resolute in not sacrificing anything for this experience, emphasizing that it is not a need but a profound desire when they actually encounter it.

Overall, "Something Unto Nothing" explores the inexplicable and intangible nature of a deeply felt and sought-after experience. It captures the allure and allurements of the unknown, leaving the listener intrigued and searching for their own interpretation of what that "something" might be.

Line by Line Meaning

Something that I cannot deny,
There is an undeniable feeling within me

So calm so fast, as time slips by
Time seems to pass quickly and calmly

Something I will not compromise
I refuse to compromise on this feeling

Something I feel that I’m gonna steel…
I have a strong inclination to embrace and hold onto this feeling

From the night’s impression
Derived from the impact of the night

From the moon’s reflection,
Found in the reflection of the moon

I’ve got the night’s impression,
I possess the imprints left by the night

got the moon’s reflection.
I possess the reflection cast by the moon

Nothing reveals from truth or tears
No significant revelations emerge from honesty or sorrow

This kind of fear makes my thoughts unreal
This fear distorts and makes my thoughts seem unreal

Something I will not sacrifice
I will not give up on this feeling