Sadat X debuted with Brand Nubian in 1989, with the release of their debut single Brand Nubian b/w Feels So Good. The group's debut album, One For All, was released in late 1990, featuring the singles All For One, Wake Up and Slow Down. The album was widely acclaimed, inspired by the teachings of the Nation of Islam, similar to many groups of the era, including X-Clan, Public Enemy and Poor Righteous Teachers. One For All is now considered a classic hip hop album, and was awarded a 5 Mic rating from popular magazine The Source. Brand Nubian returned in 1993 with the album In God We Trust, which featured the hit single Punks Jump Up To Get Beat Down. Sadat received a bit of controversy following the song's release, due to alleged homophobic content. Following the mixed reviews from the group's third album, 1994's Everything is Everything, Brand Nubian split up to pursue solo endeavors. In 1996, Sadat released his first solo effort, Wild Cowboys. The album featured production from Pete Rock, Da Beatminerz, Diamond D, Showbiz and Buckwild, as well as a pair of hit singles, Hang 'Em High and The Lump Lump, the former charting on the Billboard Hot 100. Sadat reunited with original Brand Nubian members Grand Puba, Lord Jamar and DJ Alamo for a reunion album, Foundation, released in late 1998. The album was well-received, and featured the crossover hit Don't Let it Go to Your Head. After the album, Brand Nubian broke up once again for solo endeavors. In 1999, Sadat made possibly his most famous guest appearance with Common, dropping a verse on the single "1-9-9-9", from the Rawkus Records compilation Soundbombing 2. Sadat released an EP in )2000, titled The State of New York vs. Derek Murphy, which featured the single Ka-Ching. Brand Nubian reunited once again in 2004, for the release of the album Fire in the Hole. The album was seen as a disappointment, and the group split again for solo albums. Sadat released his second full length album, Experience & Education, in 2005, featuring production from Diamond D, DJ Spinna and Minnesota. On December 22, 2005, Sadat was arrested in Harlem and charged with criminal possession of a weapon, reckless endangerment and resisting arrest. On October 3, 2006, Female Fun Music released Sadat's third full-length album Black October.
Sadat is involved in teaching children. Has worked as an elementary school teacher in New Rochelle, New York. Qualified as a firefighter in New Rochelle, New York. Coaches children's basketball for the New York City Basketball League. He also played point guard for the Howard University basketball team.
On March 23, 2010, Sadat X released Wild Cowboys II, the long-awaited sequel to his 1996 solo debut Wild Cowboys, on Fat Beats Records. The album featured several guest appearances from Ill Bill, Kurupt, A.G., Brand Nubian, Rhymefest and others, with production from Pete Rock, Diamond D, Buckwild, Sir Jinx and others. On February 23, 2010, he released an EP, containing five songs from the album and their complementary instrumentals, which is currently available at any music store. The first single from the album is Turn It Up which features, and is produced by, Pete Rock. A music video for the song premiered on March 12, 2010, which contains cameo appearances from different New York veteran rappers.
On July 4, 2011, Sadat X released No Features produced by Will Tell.
Heart 2 heart
Sadat X Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Of the MCs that missed it would be the constitution
They play their caps backwards still saying whack words
No power to (durhust) just a few yes men
Raising the question of who gave you a contract
They should be fired you're officially retired
I see you make a little cash and start showing your ass
Playing hard rock surrounded by body guards
Hoping no one pulls your cord you got me laughing pretty hard
Thinking you're the white hot man of the hour
But you just can't figure how your flavor went sour
Back in 89 PE fought the power and in 86 Big Daddy Kane was raw
And I was right there on the first floor of the Palladium
You never played a venue local college or a stadium
A young boys (fiddin' pad) fad is now a grown mans profession
To earn this is a blessing
This skills have me guessing learn cause I'm testing
Follow this down no question
No doubt check it out
You be either rhyming in code or on some gangster node
You all clockwork apocalypse you about to implode
Collapsing on yourself cause your whole foundation is
Built on lies don't apologize
Cause once they watch you rise they want to watch you fall
And they'll all take a piece just like the Berlin wall
And place it on their mantle like a souvenir
And what they call a knick-knack is really your career
You ain't promise nothing but a pocket full of stress
Still there be people that would die for less
You ain't promise nothing but a heart full of sorrow
If they don't like the demo make a new one tomorrow
You ain't promise nothing but a pocket full of stress
Still there be people that would die for less
You ain't promise nothing but a heart full of sorrow
If they don't like the demo make a new one tomorrow
When its time to rise Ill open the archives
When you be in dreams you got 85s
Chrome down with the leather package
You got a home of your own
you're holding acres
I got it made
Season tickets to the Knickers and the Lakers
Playing both coasts closed and European festivals
Crowd scream decibels x2
In your ear you want to make rapping your career
From Arkansas to Minnesota I sell out the quota
I be the wet dream making cream for promoters
We keep the shit right we don't be starting no fights
And he won't hold out my dough cause I'm a put out his lights
And once the crew hits the stage the crowd gets involved
We show love they show it back all problems solved
You can boom shalock and jump to the sounds I pump
But I ain't quitting 'til I'm shitting on Donald Trump
So take heed to the verses and styles and versions
When you socialize with other MCs
And boast your rhymes to company enemies
And in any cases that feel is what you want
???
You want to make money money and take every honey
Rap charges ain't funny but it boost your career
Your penile style is now hanging from a tier
Now you want to know fear to impress your peers
Now your ass outta here the rap game goes on
The song "Heart 2 Heart" by Sadat X is a commentary on the state of the rap industry, specifically calling out the MCs that have lost touch with their roots and their true passion for the art form. The lyrics suggest that many MCs today prioritize money and fame over their craft, leading to a decline in the quality of the genre. In the first verse, Sadat X criticizes MCs who wear their caps backward and use "whack words" without any real substance, surrounded by yes-men and undeserving of their contract. He compares them to MCs like Public Enemy and Big Daddy Kane, who had a genuine love for and dedication to the art of rap.
In the second verse, Sadat X warns young rappers that success in the industry doesn't come without its struggles and challenges. He advises them to stay true to themselves and their passion for the craft, rather than conforming to industry standards and pandering to the whims of promoters and fans. He emphasizes the importance of being accountable for one's words and actions and staying true to one's values and principles. He also makes a reference to Donald Trump, suggesting that even if rap music is dismissed or degraded by politicians and those in power, the genre will persist and thrive.
Overall, the song presents a message of resistance against conformity and a celebration of authenticity and passion. It calls on aspiring and established MCs to prioritize their craft over their image, and to remember the origins and values of rap music.
Line by Line Meaning
If I was to sit down and actually write out a list
If I took the time to list all the MCs who missed the mark and failed, it would be as long as the constitution.
They play their caps backwards still saying whack words
These MCs wear their caps backward and still rap poorly.
No power to (durhust) just a few yes men
They lack originality and only have a small group of people around them who agree with everything they do.
Raising the question of who gave you a contract
It's worth asking who even gave these MCs a record deal.
They should be fired you're officially retired
These MCs should be let go from their contracts and should retire from the music industry.
You get laced up with jewels your crews acting like fools
When you make some money, you start to flaunt it with expensive jewelry, and your crew starts to act foolishly.
Hoping no one pulls your cord you got me laughing pretty hard
You're so scared of getting called out by someone that it's actually comical.
But you just can't figure how your flavor went sour
You can't seem to understand how people stopped liking your music.
You never played a venue local college or a stadium
You've never played a show, big or small.
A young boys (fiddin' pad) fad is now a grown mans profession
What was once a childhood hobby is now your career.
You all clockwork apocalypse you about to implode
All of your actions and the way you carry yourself are leading towards a meltdown.
Collapsing on yourself cause your whole foundation is
Your failure is inevitable because your foundation, or the way you built yourself up, is flawed and built on lies.
Built on lies don't apologize
You shouldn't apologize for the lies that you built yourself up on, since that's just how the game is played.
You ain't promise nothing but a pocket full of stress
You're not promised anything in this industry except for a lot of anxiety and strain.
If they don't like the demo make a new one tomorrow
You have to keep putting out new music until someone finally likes it.
When its time to rise Ill open the archives
When the time is right, I'll come out with all my best material.
I be the wet dream making cream for promoters
I'm the dream artist for promoters because I make them lots of money.
We keep the shit right we don't be starting no fights
We don't cause trouble with anyone and just focus on making good music.
And in any cases that feel is what you want
If you want to impress your peers and make money, you'll do anything to achieve those goals.
Now your ass outta here the rap game goes on
If you fail in the rap game, someone else will come and take your place.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ERIK SCHRODY, DEREK MURPHY, LEOR DIMANT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind