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.
Move On
Sadat X Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah, Wild Cowboys, 1-2-1-2, yeah.
Diamond D, D-I-T-see, the Crates.
Brand Nubian still up in here, no question.
I'm Shawn Black, so stop asking me questions.
This solo thing I'm doin' here is real to me,
The most serious thing in my life, I can say up to this point.
Separate, me from the sons put me with the big guns.
My energy now radiates from leads, grow trees.
I'm every time like crime on frustrated black men.
Hey you, and ya buddy, why y'all both need to study.
That my past records shows, my pros is untraceable
Flows will lace that ass, full fold in and
I'm nice now, five years ago way back in the beginning,
When I was runnin' in back yards,
While people was playin' cards
And eatin' barbecue, I'm one of the only few
Sayin' take that pork off ya motherfuckin' fork.
Then they would front and cut out the mic,
And I'd be out on my bike.
Now Lil' Mo was there, Marvin Spark was there;
This is in the eighties now, the start of my long career.
[Chorus]
Move on, black man, move on.
Move on, black man, move on.
New year, same game, same shit goes on.
New year, same game, same shit goes on.
We was young cats playin' Latin quarters;
We was playin' roof top, yeah don't stop,
And I was there at Union Square when KRS-One did his thing.
So why y'all know what I'm bringin' to this ball game.
I got stacks of rhymes and papers and notes,
Lil' phrases written and my catchiest quotes.
I free them Hatians off them boats and give em' the finest ocean liners.
I hate brothers that's walkin' but mentally in recliners.
Hey who's that behind with the plastic and them scanners?
In the year two thousand will ya be on ya manners?
In concentration camps, wet floors and cold,
And population control keeps ya welfare comin'.
No more big fams, Uncle Sam damns,
And this MC Big Brother want the platinum
At your expense, niggas ain't been heard from since.
I walk light and carry the big stick.
Give out my views to blacks and Jews, and whoever choose to get hit
With my shit; I'm like the snowball effect
And why y'all should all stand erect when I pass.
Corporal with the ranch groove style, leadin' profile.
First leave the whole crowd thirsty and wet,
Wild Cowboys leadin' New York and that's my set.
I'm down with Lil' L and my man Akinyele;
I love her but I can't stand her mother.
Me and her brother ain't had the blessings to lead,
Kind of hard that I'm the G-O-D.
[Chorus]
Yeah my rent is due and the phone bill too,
Long distance is dead, got to see ConAir.
All of these bills is risin' in my head,
But wait I got the child support.
Got the car note as the after thought,
Got the school loan then after college that was blown.
Did I forget with my car a lot of tickets I owe?
Now niggas hate, my youth it constantly grows.
Always need clothes, hey that's how it goes.
Word, and my wife, I gotta keep my home life in tact;
Some of her friends try to end me then try to act friendly.
That's that bullshit, yo now that's that bullshit.
Now my crew all money and I'm tellin' em' to hang on,
I'm tryin' to hang but sometimes that don't be workin'.
Niggas talkin' about gettin' a package and goin' down South and murkin'
In Carolinas or to V-A with the stash spot.
Tryin' to hit the jackpot, tryin' to hit the jackpot.
Sadat X's song "Move On" is a reflection on his life in the hip hop industry and the struggles that come with it. The opening lines mention the "new reign" and the involvement of Diamond D and Brand Nubian in the song. Sadat X then touches on his solo career, stating that it is the most serious thing in his life and his reputation is at stake. He reflects on the past, when he was running in backyards while others were playing cards and eating barbecue. He also mentions his involvement with the Latin Quarters and playing rooftop parties, as well as being present when KRS-One performed at Union Square.
Sadat X's lyrics also touch on social issues such as concentration camps, population control, and welfare. He expresses his disdain for those who are mentally lazy and discusses his own financial struggles, such as child support, car payments, and student loans. He touches on the idea of leaving New York City to find success elsewhere, but acknowledges the difficulties of doing so. Despite the struggles, Sadat X encourages black men to "move on" and keep pushing forward.
Line by Line Meaning
Check it, check it, check it, the new reign.
Listen up, the new era has arrived.
Yeah, Wild Cowboys, 1-2-1-2, yeah.
Introducing Wild Cowboys with some hype.
Diamond D, D-I-T-see, the Crates.
Shoutout to Diamond D and the D.I.T.C. crew.
Brand Nubian still up in here, no question.
Acknowledging the presence of Brand Nubian.
I'm Shawn Black, so stop asking me questions.
Introducing himself and shutting down inquiries.
This solo thing I'm doin' here is real to me,
His solo work is personal and serious to him.
The most serious thing in my life, I can say up to this point.
It's the most important thing he's done yet.
My reputation is at stake, this where the men are mad
He's putting his reputation on the line and it's a make or break moment.
Separate, me from the sons put me with the big guns.
He wants to be recognized among the greats.
My energy now radiates from leads, grow trees.
He's full of life and vitality, like a growing tree.
I'm every time like crime on frustrated black men.
He relates to the struggles of black men and expresses it through his music.
Hey you, and ya buddy, why y'all both need to study.
Encouraging others to educate themselves and improve their knowledge.
That my past records shows, my pros is untraceable
His past records display his unique style that cannot be imitated or traced.
Flows will lace that ass, full fold in and
His rhymes are powerful and will make an impact.
I'm nice now, five years ago way back in the beginning,
He's improved his skills since the start of his career.
When I was runnin' in back yards,
He used to perform in private places and has come a long way.
While people was playin' cards
Others were occupied with leisure activities while he was pursuing his passion.
And eatin' barbecue, I'm one of the only few
He was one of the few who were focused on music rather than socializing.
Sayin' take that pork off ya motherfuckin' fork.
Encouraging others to embrace healthier eating habits.
Then they would front and cut out the mic,
Others would become jealous and try to silence him out of spite.
And I'd be out on my bike.
He would keep moving forward despite the setbacks.
Now Lil' Mo was there, Marvin Spark was there;
Recalling past collaborations and people who supported him along the way.
This is in the eighties now, the start of my long career.
Reflecting on the beginning of his successful career.
Move on, black man, move on.
Encouraging black men to keep pushing forward.
New year, same game, same shit goes on.
Despite a new year, the same problems persist.
We was young cats playin' Latin quarters;
Revisiting memories of his youth spent at the Latin quarters club.
We was playin' roof top, yeah don't stop,
He used to create music in unconventional places like rooftops.
And I was there at Union Square when KRS-One did his thing.
He was present at an iconic moment in hip hop history.
So why y'all know what I'm bringin' to this ball game.
He's got a unique style and energy that sets him apart from others.
I got stacks of rhymes and papers and notes,
He's always creating and jotting down ideas.
Lil' phrases written and my catchiest quotes.
He's got a knack for crafting memorable lines.
I free them Hatians off them boats and give em' the finest ocean liners.
He envisions a world where everyone is treated with fairness and respect.
I hate brothers that's walkin' but mentally in recliners.
He dislikes those who choose to be passive and uninvolved.
Hey who's that behind with the plastic and them scanners?
Questioning the motives behind societal monitoring and control.
In the year two thousand will ya be on ya manners?
Asking if society will improve or worsen in the future.
In concentration camps, wet floors and cold,
Painting a bleak picture of the future if things continue down a negative path.
And population control keeps ya welfare comin'.
Speculating on the reasons behind government programs and their true intentions.
No more big fams, Uncle Sam damns,
Commenting on the decline of traditional family structures and government policies.
And this MC Big Brother want the platinum
Referring to the desire for success and recognition in the music industry.
At your expense, niggas ain't been heard from since.
Expressing concern over the ways in which the music industry exploits its artists.
I walk light and carry the big stick.
He remains humble but confident in his talents.
Give out my views to blacks and Jews, and whoever choose to get hit
Sharing his perspective with anyone who is willing to listen.
With my shit; I'm like the snowball effect
His message is spreading and growing in impact.
And why y'all should all stand erect when I pass.
Encouraging respect towards him and his message.
Corporal with the ranch groove style, leadin' profile.
Describing his commanding and unique style.
First leave the whole crowd thirsty and wet,
He's a dynamic performer who energizes and engages the audience.
Wild Cowboys leadin' New York and that's my set.
Proudly representing his crew and their influence in New York City.
I'm down with Lil' L and my man Akinyele;
Shoutout to his collaborators and friends Lil' L and Akinyele.
I love her but I can't stand her mother.
Struggling with family dynamics and relationships.
Me and her brother ain't had the blessings to lead,
Reflecting on the hardships and struggles of life.
Kind of hard that I'm the G-O-D.
Acknowledging his own greatness and role in society.
Yeah my rent is due and the phone bill too,
Dealing with financial struggles and responsibilities.
Long distance is dead, got to see ConAir.
Finding ways to save money, even if it means using a cheap airline.
All of these bills is risin' in my head,
Feeling overwhelmed and stressed by financial burdens.
But wait I got the child support.
Acknowledging a legal and financial obligation to support his child.
Got the car note as the after thought,
Remembering to pay his car loan after other bills are paid.
Got the school loan then after college that was blown.
Struggled with student loans and debt after finishing college.
Did I forget with my car a lot of tickets I owe?
Acknowledging an irresponsible mistake that resulted in parking tickets.
Now niggas hate, my youth it constantly grows.
Dealing with hate and negativity while continuing to grow and succeed.
Always need clothes, hey that's how it goes.
The constant need for new clothes is a reality of the industry and society.
Word, and my wife, I gotta keep my home life in tact;
Striving to maintain a healthy and happy home life despite other challenges.
Some of her friends try to end me then try to act friendly.
Experiencing tensions in personal relationships and friendships.
That's that bullshit, yo now that's that bullshit.
Venting frustration with the situation and people involved.
Now my crew all money and I'm tellin' em' to hang on,
Supporting his crew and encouraging them to persevere through tough times.
I'm tryin' to hang but sometimes that don't be workin'.
Struggling to maintain his own resolve and strength.
Niggas talkin' about gettin' a package and goin' down South and murkin'
Dealing with the pressures and risks of illegal activities like drug trafficking.
In Carolinas or to V-A with the stash spot.
Considering various strategies for smuggling and selling drugs.
Tryin' to hit the jackpot, tryin' to hit the jackpot.
Stressing the importance of financial success and wealth in his community.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: KRISCHAN JAN-ERIC WESENBERG, GUNTHER GERL, UDO HUEPPE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind