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.
X-Man
Sadat X Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You can call me X-Man, X-Man [repeats and fades]
[Hook: Diamond D & (Sadat)]
Make the joints thats hot
It's Sadat (But chu' can call me X-Man)
Roll in ya city and blow up the spot
It's Sadat (But chu' can call me X-Man)
It's Sadat (But chu' can call me X-Man)
Gettin' love from Eden Wall down to Pink Dot
It's Sadat (But chu' can call me X-Man)
[Sadat X]
My nigga Diamond, he stay double timin'
Sometimes he make the beats other times he be rhymin'
Big pimp, can I walk with the limp and join ya fair, air play
Niggas need to hear this, I got something to say
In the winter we sportin' coats
In the summer, on boats
Playin' low cause the floss niggas are the first ones to go
If I seen it once, I seen it happen a thousand times
Niggas left from multiples to plan, these bullets hurt
That's real blood on ya shirt
My nigga beat June if he tune a new tune
He stay home, only come out on rare occasions
Parties, get-togethers, and low celebrations
Cause that way a nigga won't have a track on you
Cause now a days a scared nigga'll pull a mack on you
I'm tryin' to see gray hair
Meanwhile, my son is runnin' around in full warfare
They wanna take it there
[Hook]
[Sadat X]
Now picture if a nigga wrote my rhyme but I said it
Nigga said it was hot so who gets the credit
Now that's that role shit, I can't understand it
If somebody wrote shit, put it out there I demand it
Now my nigga Black Rob he ain't down with that
And my man OC, he ain't down with that
I've seen kids get chopped at the top of they game
And low-ball kids get jerked and it's all the same
You scream some R&B shit, they been doin' it for years
Like I really give a fuck about a sweet, soul singer
I bring the soul to this shit
I'll fuck around and bring a hole to this shit
And I could go on but I ain't realy bout makin' no hate song
Let's raise our glasses, CHEERS
The world done flipped like one thousand years
And we seen it
I run with niggas that talk shit but they mean it
[Hook]
"X-Man" by Sadat X is a track that depicts the artist's take on the rap world that he existed in at that time. The song has a catchy hook that describes the rapper in his comical persona as X-Man. Sadat raps about his playfully reckless behavior, yet he demonstrates a conscious and serious message throughout his verse. He calls out the industry's game and calls out artists who claim to make their lyrics but are not. Sadat takes pride in creating his own content, as he boasts about his lyrics being original with a soulful touch that comes from the depths of his heart.
In the first verse, he explains how he loves his collaborator, Diamond D, who creates the beats that provide a backdrop for his lyrics. Additionally, he speaks on the scene and the people in it. He advocates for caution, as well as states that people are always trying to bring others down. He then shifts to addressing the rumor that some rappers do not write their lyrics, and Sadat X shuts that down, insisting on the importance of authenticity when it comes to songwriting.
The hook serves as a refrain, emphasizing the main theme of the song, which is about making music that people can groove to, and also warns the audience about trusting people in the industry. The third and final verse of the song shows Sadat X with his rap comrades, Black Rob and OC, how they stand for originality and are uninterested in taking part in the industry's games. He also goes on to address how the times have differed in the industry and music, and how he's proud of his circle, who speak their minds.
Line by Line Meaning
Make the joints thats hot
Produce music that is trendy and in demand
Roll in ya city and blow up the spot
Appear and perform in your town to create an electrifying atmosphere
Never catch me assed out, learn to keep a knot
I will never be unprepared or broke, so you should always have money on hand
Gettin' love from Eden Wall down to Pink Dot
I am widely liked and respected within a broad geographical range, from Eden Wall to Pink Dot
My nigga Diamond, he stay double timin'
My friend Diamond is a talented and multifaceted artist who can both create beats and rap
Sometimes he make the beats other times he be rhymin'
He is versatile and can produce music as well as perform it
Big pimp, can I walk with the limp and join ya fair, air play
Can I come along and be part of your success, and enjoy some radio airplay?
Niggas need to hear this, I got something to say
People need to listen to me because I have important things to say
In the winter we sportin' coats. In the summer, on boats
We dress appropriately for the season, whether it's wearing coats in winter or sailing on boats in summer
Playin' low cause the floss niggas are the first ones to go
We keep a low profile because flashy people are at greater risk of being robbed or attacked
If I seen it once, I seen it happen a thousand times
I have witnessed this scenario many times before
Niggas left from multiples to plan, these bullets hurt
People have died from multiple gunshot wounds, so it can be very dangerous
That's real blood on ya shirt
The consequences of gun violence can be fatal
My nigga beat June if he tune a new tune
My friend makes great music, especially if he composes new songs
He stay home, only come out on rare occasions
He is mostly a homebody, and only goes out to attend infrequent events
Cause that way a nigga won't have a track on you
By being selective about attending gatherings, people cannot gather information about you or track your movements
Cause now a days a scared nigga'll pull a mack on you
In today's environment, fearful individuals may resort to using a firearm against you
I'm tryin' to see gray hair
I aspire to grow old and die naturally
Meanwhile, my son is runnin' around in full warfare
While I am concerned about growing old, my son is living in a world that is constantly embroiled in conflict
They wanna take it there
People are willing to resort to violence to achieve their goals and objectives
Now picture if a nigga wrote my rhyme but I said it
Imagine if someone else wrote my lyrics but I took credit for them and performed them
Nigga said it was hot so who gets the credit
If someone else is credited with writing a popular song, should they receive the recognition?
Now that's that role shit, I can't understand it
That's a dishonest and unethical practice, and I can't comprehend how someone could do it
If somebody wrote shit, put it out there I demand it
If someone else created a piece of music or wrote lyrics, I want them to be acknowledged and given proper credit
Now my nigga Black Rob he ain't down with that
My friend Black Rob does not approve of taking credit for someone else's work
And my man OC, he ain't down with that
My friend OC also disapproves of unethical practices like taking undue credit for someone else's creative work
I've seen kids get chopped at the top of they game
I have witnessed young musicians or artists with great potential being cut down in their prime
And low-ball kids get jerked and it's all the same
Even mediocre performers or artists are not immune to being treated unfairly or being taken advantage of
You scream some R&B shit, they been doin' it for years
Mainstream R&B has become clichéd and lacks originality
Like I really give a fuck about a sweet, soul singer
I don't care about the superficial and insincere emotion expressed by many R&B performers
I bring the soul to this shit
I am authentic and genuine in my music, and bring a soulful quality to it
I'll fuck around and bring a hole to this shit
I have the ability to be both creative and destructive in my music and performances
And I could go on but I ain't realy bout makin' no hate song
I could express more negative opinions, but that is not the purpose of my music
Let's raise our glasses, CHEERS
Let's celebrate and enjoy each other's company
The world done flipped like one thousand years
The world has changed significantly and rapidly, as though a thousand years have passed
And we seen it
We have witnessed and been influenced by these changes
I run with niggas that talk shit but they mean it
I associate with people who may be aggressive or critical, but truly believe in their opinions and actions
Contributed by Eva K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.