Sadat X (born Derek Murphy; December 29, 1968 is an American rapper, most f… Read Full Bio ↴Sadat X (born Derek Murphy; December 29, 1968 is an American rapper, most famed as a member of hip hop group Brand Nubian. Originally known as Derek X, Sadat takes his name from former Egyptian president Anwar Sadat. The X is taken from the Nation of Islam practice of members changing their surnames simply to X. He is well known for his unique, high-pitched voice, as well as his Pro-Black, and at times controversial, lyrical content.
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.
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.
The Interview
Sadat X Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴
[DJ & (Regina) talking]
Yeah, yeah, yeah got a couple interviews to do today
(Yeah, uh we gotta interview with uh the Wild Cowboys, Sadat X)
Yeah, I think the first one is with...
(Are you ready sir?)
Yo, so let's go knock these down so we can be up outta here
(OK, I think I'll start)
She gon' start, how you doin' sweetie
[Regina Hall]
Sadat X (Yeah), speak to your fans
Tell us what's in your future and what's in your plans
[Sadat X]
I done made up some more shit that I'm sure will hit
It's been a long time comin' and I'm sure that I'm due
I'm tryin' to keep this thing milk, for those dressed in silk
And satisfy the fiends who be dressed in jeans
[Regina Hall]
Sadat X, would you say that you're the hardest working rapper?
Tell us some of the places you've been
[Sadat X]
Honey I've been around the world and to African shores
Piccadilly Square and to Tokyo stores
Heard the roars of the German applause and shook the floors
Then went to Denmark with my main man Spark
[Regina Hall]
Sadat X, what's this thing you started called the Cowboys?
[Sadat X]
These are just my Wild Boys, my man from the BX
Most of why'all call me Sadat but over there they call me DX
Bronx desperados shake ya up, make you a flunky
Put ya Jones in the back of you ya hip-hop monkey
[Regina Hall]
Can you explain the incident in the O.K. Corral
[Sadat X]
I was at the bar coolin' out, drinkin' the daiquiri
There's a mirror ahead so I see the kid in back of me
Frontin' over an old beef
Lookin' screwed and sucked teed
And for what
I'm just tryin' to live and get my cut
[Regina Hall]
Can I ask you all the question?
[Sadat X]
Honey I'll tell you no lies
[Regina Hall]
What make Sadat tick?
[Sadat X]
I'll tell ya but it's a surprise
[Regina Hall]
Can I ask you all the question?
[Sadat X]
Honey I'll tell you no lies
[Regina Hall]
What make Sadat tick?
[Sadat X]
Yo, a word from the wise
[Regina Hall & (Sadat X)]
OK we're gonna move on to uh...(Yeah, yeah let's move on)
(I'm feelin', I'm feelin' good with this) Are you ready?
(Oh, no diggity) Part two of our interview leads to the music
What makes you choose it and do you abuse it?
[Sadat X]
I see moves ahead by three days, I have no Vettibeni
I have no Luciano, just a drum and a piano
There can't be no frontin' in these New York badlands
Where kids walk around with the mic in they hand
[Regina Hall]
OK Sadat, you got a little off the subject
Keep it on the music, concentrate on the beats
[Sadat X]
Hey, well war brought this over from the Brooklyn streets
Evil D said to me can I spree on it
It's my job to be on it
Every day and all times...
Whoever handlin' dimes and rhymes
You know how we do in the middle of the living room
Light up then boom then my hands will write a notebook
You can pick up my quote book at the nearest Barnes & Noble
Not conversated with pay but I'll still save the day
[Regina Hall]
Can I ask you all the question?
[Sadat X]
Honey I'll tell you no lies
[Regina Hall]
What make Sadat tick?
[Sadat X]
Yo, take this word from the wise
[Regina Hall]
OK Sadat X what's in the future for your people?
Next year can we expect Wild Cowboys the sequel?
[Sadat X]
Oh no doubt but now's the time I'm talkin' about
Cool Chuck, Tec and my man Shawn Bliggity
Also known as Black, we'll lead by example
On my butter there's a sample
Say word if I'm absurd
[Regina Hall]
Any parting words Sadat?
[Sadat X]
Just that I'll blow up the spot
And keep shit hot
And hit the bank before three
I'll take a check but cash is preferred
I'll leave ya mind slurred and blurred
Check it out
[Regina Hall]
Well that concludes our interview with the Wild Cowboys
Sadat X (Yeah) Shawn Bliggity (Yeah) Chuck and Tec (Yeah, yeah, yeah)
Thank you early bird (Yeah) and uh Mark the Spark
And can I give a special thanks to uh to the Beatminers
Who collaborated on this project (Yeah, yeah, yeah)
Thank you fellas (Yeah, yeah, yeah) Wild Cowboys
(Yeah, yeah, yeah) Ha ha (Ya know how we do, Wild Cowboys)
Yeah, yeah, yeah got a couple interviews to do today
(Yeah, uh we gotta interview with uh the Wild Cowboys, Sadat X)
Yeah, I think the first one is with...
(Are you ready sir?)
Yo, so let's go knock these down so we can be up outta here
(OK, I think I'll start)
She gon' start, how you doin' sweetie
[Regina Hall]
Sadat X (Yeah), speak to your fans
Tell us what's in your future and what's in your plans
[Sadat X]
I done made up some more shit that I'm sure will hit
It's been a long time comin' and I'm sure that I'm due
I'm tryin' to keep this thing milk, for those dressed in silk
And satisfy the fiends who be dressed in jeans
[Regina Hall]
Sadat X, would you say that you're the hardest working rapper?
Tell us some of the places you've been
[Sadat X]
Honey I've been around the world and to African shores
Piccadilly Square and to Tokyo stores
Heard the roars of the German applause and shook the floors
Then went to Denmark with my main man Spark
[Regina Hall]
Sadat X, what's this thing you started called the Cowboys?
[Sadat X]
These are just my Wild Boys, my man from the BX
Most of why'all call me Sadat but over there they call me DX
Bronx desperados shake ya up, make you a flunky
Put ya Jones in the back of you ya hip-hop monkey
[Regina Hall]
Can you explain the incident in the O.K. Corral
[Sadat X]
I was at the bar coolin' out, drinkin' the daiquiri
There's a mirror ahead so I see the kid in back of me
Frontin' over an old beef
Lookin' screwed and sucked teed
And for what
I'm just tryin' to live and get my cut
[Regina Hall]
Can I ask you all the question?
[Sadat X]
Honey I'll tell you no lies
[Regina Hall]
What make Sadat tick?
[Sadat X]
I'll tell ya but it's a surprise
[Regina Hall]
Can I ask you all the question?
[Sadat X]
Honey I'll tell you no lies
[Regina Hall]
What make Sadat tick?
[Sadat X]
Yo, a word from the wise
[Regina Hall & (Sadat X)]
OK we're gonna move on to uh...(Yeah, yeah let's move on)
(I'm feelin', I'm feelin' good with this) Are you ready?
(Oh, no diggity) Part two of our interview leads to the music
What makes you choose it and do you abuse it?
[Sadat X]
I see moves ahead by three days, I have no Vettibeni
I have no Luciano, just a drum and a piano
There can't be no frontin' in these New York badlands
Where kids walk around with the mic in they hand
[Regina Hall]
OK Sadat, you got a little off the subject
Keep it on the music, concentrate on the beats
[Sadat X]
Hey, well war brought this over from the Brooklyn streets
Evil D said to me can I spree on it
It's my job to be on it
Every day and all times...
Whoever handlin' dimes and rhymes
You know how we do in the middle of the living room
Light up then boom then my hands will write a notebook
You can pick up my quote book at the nearest Barnes & Noble
Not conversated with pay but I'll still save the day
[Regina Hall]
Can I ask you all the question?
[Sadat X]
Honey I'll tell you no lies
[Regina Hall]
What make Sadat tick?
[Sadat X]
Yo, take this word from the wise
[Regina Hall]
OK Sadat X what's in the future for your people?
Next year can we expect Wild Cowboys the sequel?
[Sadat X]
Oh no doubt but now's the time I'm talkin' about
Cool Chuck, Tec and my man Shawn Bliggity
Also known as Black, we'll lead by example
On my butter there's a sample
Say word if I'm absurd
[Regina Hall]
Any parting words Sadat?
[Sadat X]
Just that I'll blow up the spot
And keep shit hot
And hit the bank before three
I'll take a check but cash is preferred
I'll leave ya mind slurred and blurred
Check it out
[Regina Hall]
Well that concludes our interview with the Wild Cowboys
Sadat X (Yeah) Shawn Bliggity (Yeah) Chuck and Tec (Yeah, yeah, yeah)
Thank you early bird (Yeah) and uh Mark the Spark
And can I give a special thanks to uh to the Beatminers
Who collaborated on this project (Yeah, yeah, yeah)
Thank you fellas (Yeah, yeah, yeah) Wild Cowboys
(Yeah, yeah, yeah) Ha ha (Ya know how we do, Wild Cowboys)
The Interview by Sadat X ft. Regina Hall is a conversation between the rapper and the interviewer. The interviewer asks Sadat X questions about his future plans and his journey so far. Sadat talks about his upcoming projects and his attempt to keep his music accessible to everybody, from the dressed in silk to the dressed in jeans. Sadat X claims to have traveled the world, performed for German and Danish audiences, and has been to places like Piccadilly Square and Tokyo stores.
Sadat X also talks about the wild cowboys, his men from BX, whom he affectionately calls his wild boys. He explains how they make music, stating that they do not have elaborate equipment or resources but can still create music using basic instruments like drums and piano. The lyrics also mention the incident at the O.K Corral, where Sadat was simply trying to enjoy his drink when a kid confronts him. He takes the opportunity to further touch on his preference for simple but catchy beats.
Overall, The Interview is a beautifully crafted song with Sadat X laying bare his journey in the rap industry. He speaks of his upcoming projects and reveals some interesting insights into his creative process, focusing on the simplicity of his music-making and performance.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network
Written by: MARK H. MURPHY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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@driverdj2000
What a fucking track!! Absolute brilliance. I said it in 98, im still saying it in 2021.
Sadat X is an underated hero.
@bleepsblopsblorpsandwhoowh643
That woman asking the questions is the actress Regina Hall.
@AmahlAmahlAmahl
Word?
@daniemoore420
How have I not heard this song before..I literally discovered this the other day while listening to Google play.
@chitizzle
Well you should listen to Lord Finesse "Down for the Underground" if u haven't.
@taylz1200
Da beatminerz are a beast...
@Nigmatics
One of my all-time favorite concept songs right here... This, along with Nas- Rewind, Organized Konfusion- Stray Bullet, and GZA - Labels.
@zoharflax6363
ditto
@Yeosh
that lady asking questions is the beautiful Regina Hall
@tyrbjkqsp
I wouldn't know this song, is so nice !!