They achieved considerable fame throughout Europe and the rest of the world due to the fact that even non-francophones found it easy to fall victim to their infectious sense of rhythm.
Saïan Supa Crew produced a very musical style of rap with hints of chanting, reggae and dancehall. Beat boxing also is an integral part of their music, as well as classic disco; for example, Ring My Bell was partially revisited on their album KLR.
Their primary themes extend from drug problems (Que dit-on?) to racism (La preuve par 3), including also relationships (A demi-nue), suicide (La dernière séance) and the justification of violence by religion (Au nom de quoi). Humor and seriousness are both at home in their lyrics.
Their second album, X-raisons, was awarded a Victoire de la musique in 2002 for Best Rap/Groove Album.
Most of the groups of the collective have solo albums out as well. OFX was the first to debut, with their album Roots in February 2004, followed shortly by Explicit Samouraï in January 2005 and later by Sir Samuel whose solo album, Vizé pli o, was released in April 2005.
In 2009 Féfé released his solo debut, Jeune à la retraite.
The last album from Saïan Supa Crew, Hold Up, was released Halloween 2005. On this album, the group demonstrated their breadth with three featured artists: German singer Patrice on 96 degreez, the singer Camille on Si j'avais su, and Will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas on La patte.
The group disbanded in 2007 shortly after primary members Leeroy Kesiah and Feniksi left.
Other group members include Vicelow, Sly the Mic Buddha, Leeroy Kesiah, Specta, and KLR (died 1999).
Intro
Saïan Supa Crew Lyrics
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Just got off a major tour, bet everybody knows his name
Yeah that boy eatin' better, stackin' chips, that's Frito-Lay
You not with Reach no more, so 116 is he okay?
That's the question that they ask me
I shake they hand and smile and say, "Everything is dandy"
But deep inside sometimes I wish them conversations passed me
And debates about who better, you, Lecrae, or Andy?
I'm no little mermaid, I won't let you take my voice away
Derek Minor, I'm a Tesla, you can't gas me man
They promise you the world but don't deliver like it's Sunday
All that I know, all that I know
Not gainin' the world or losin' my soul, losin' my soul
When I wanna give up, He tellin' me go, tellin' me go
Buildin' His Kingdom will never get old, never get old
The Saïan Supa Crew's song "Intro" is a reflection on the difficulties of navigating the rap industry while staying true to oneself and retaining one's integrity. The opening lines speak of the pressure to build an empire and make a name for oneself. The artist is aware of the admiration he's garnered, having just returned from a major tour, but also understands the scrutiny he's under. The song uses imagery to make the point that the artist is aware of his situation, having "stacked chips" and "eaten better." He then tries to squash rumors about the end of his tenure at Reach, stating that everything is "dandy" while acknowledging that he wishes he didn't have to engage in conversations about who's better than whom. The track's chorus reinforces the idea that the artist doesn't want to lose himself in the process of creating music.
The second verse makes the point that the industry will offer promises to young artists to sign lucrative contracts, and more than often, they will not be able to deliver on those promises. The artist likens himself to a Tesla, meaning that he's self-driven and hard to be gas by external forces. He doesn't want to let the music industry's forces take away his voice and identity. The artist reinforces the idea that he's not interested in being part of a vapid and materialistic industry but wants to build his "Kingdom." The chorus is repeated, emphasizing the message that the artist doesn't want to compromise himself in the process of creating music.
Line by Line Meaning
You wonderin', how big a empire is he gon' make?
The listener might wonder about how successful the artist is going to be in building a musical empire.
Just got off a major tour, bet everybody knows his name
After performing in a big tour, the public must know the artist's name.
Yeah that boy eatin' better, stackin' chips, that's Frito-Lay
The artist is enjoying better financial gains and making more money by stacking up the chips, similar to the brand Frito-Lay.
You not with Reach no more, so 116 is he okay?
Since the artist is no longer associated with the Reach music group, will the 116 fans still support him?
That's the question that they ask me
People ask the artist about his fans' loyalty since he is not part of the Reach music group.
I shake they hand and smile and say, "Everything is dandy"
The artist responds by being polite and telling people that everything is well, even if it might not be.
But deep inside sometimes I wish them conversations passed me
Although the artist remains polite, he wishes that people would avoid these conversations altogether.
And debates about who better, you, Lecrae, or Andy?
People ask the artist who amongst the Reach group artists is the best.
Signed this deal, I bet that we can change your life today
The artist might be signing a record deal that could improve his life situation substantially.
I'm no little mermaid, I won't let you take my voice away
The artist will not let the influence of other people or the music industry get in the way of his artistic vision or authenticity.
Derek Minor, I'm a Tesla, you can't gas me man
The artist compares himself to a Tesla car that does not need traditional fuel to run, implying that he does not need anyone else's influence to make great music.
They promise you the world but don't deliver like it's Sunday
People or the music industry might make big promises, but they often do not deliver anything substantial.
All that I know, all that I know
The artist knows what truly matters to him.
Not gainin' the world or losin' my soul, losin' my soul
The artist wants to achieve success without compromising his morals or artistic vision.
When I wanna give up, He tellin' me go, tellin' me go
The artist might feel like giving up, but he believes that God encourages him to keep going.
Buildin' His Kingdom will never get old, never get old
The artist finds joy and fulfillment in contributing to building God's kingdom through his music and feels that it will never get old.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group, MUSIC SERVICES, INC.
Written by: CEDRIC JEAN BELISE, KHALID DEHBI, SAMUEL BABATUNDE ADEBIYI, FABIEN VINCENT PHILETAS, GERARD DESIRE NUBUL, GEORGES GASTON JEANNOT, ARNAUD PIERRE JOEL CODET, MEHDI FELICITE, SILVERE JOHNSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind