Born on February 3, 1990, Sean Kingston spent his early youth in the Half Way Tree section of his parents' hometown of Kingston, Jamaica – hence his name, before moving to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida at age six. By 1996, Sean's love of music led him to a prodigious performance of Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You", forever changing his path. "My mom heard me, and she started bringing me around to family members. Then, I graduated from singing, and started picking up rapping from listening to Ice Cube and Slick Rick." The gangster raps of Cube and the storytelling of Rick the Ruler had a profound effect on the boy, who also was exposed to heavy doses of Buju Banton, Dennis Brown, and Rakim from his young parents. Not only did their music affect Sean, but so did their traits. "I feel like I'm my father, 'cause I got a hustler's mentality; if I want something, I'm gonna get it. I'm like my mom, because we're picky about what we do, but we're always gonna make the right choice," says the 19-year-old today.
By his early teens, Sean Kingston was performing his raps throughout South Florida. "I did talent shows and showcases, but I never really battled," he says of his effort to get discovered. With Ft. Lauderdale twenty miles north of Miami, Sean has already shared stages with Trina, Pitbull, Ludacris, Pretty Ricky, and Trick Daddy. Like Trick, Sean has definitely felt the allure of street life. Beginning with a breaking-and-entering charge at age 11, Sean has seen his share of trouble. As the youngest of three supportive siblings, this let down the boy's mother, presently incarcerated herself for identity fraud. "I've been through a lot. I did 21 days in jail, been to boot camp, got sent to Jamaica, slept in cars with my family; I had a rough life," says an appreciative Sean today.
Around 2004, Sean began incorporating elements of his Reggae heritage with his rapping abilities. The gifts have allowed Sean's music to have a unique blend of street raps with Caribbean flare and catchy, homegrown hooks. This one-of-a-kind presence eventually led Sean Kingston's music to the ears of chart-topping producer Jonathan "J.R." Rotem (The Game, Rick Ross, Britney Spears, 50 Cent, Rihanna, Dr. Dre, etc.), who quickly saw potential in the teenage rapper. "He sent me two of his early tracks, and I recorded them, and sent them back in two days," says Kingston. Soon after J.R. and Zach Katz signed the artist to their Beluga Heights record label – and subsequently Cinematic Music Group for Management, a three-way bidding war between Warner Brothers, Atlantic, and Epic/Sony developed.
In addition to having J.R. producing the majority of the album, producers Cool & Dre, DJ Khaled, Just Blaze and others are expected to contribute tracks. In terms of guests, Sean looks forward to appearances by Akon, Rick Ross, Baby Cham and Damian Marley.
As hip-hop moves away from the limited expectations of "kiddie rappers," Sean thinks today's young listeners deserve more, "When people hear my music, I want them to be inspired. Whether a White kid or a Black kid, I want them to know, 'Damn, imagine me being in his predicament.' I want to send messages, and I rep for the streets as a real ass n$#%@. It's all about being true." As most 16-year-olds are concerned with getting a job, Sean Kingston is sitting in the driver's seat of hip-hop's future, and like late great Biggie Smalls, he's got a story to tell.
How We Survive
Sean Kingston Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We're here to pop some bottles and enjoy the party
Not here to pop nobody, not here for no gun play
So flat I got it 'cause the money not tatty
Now let me see you drop it keep it rocking all day
(Verse)
It's the world war 3 outside but we in here
Music sounding right let me know when you feel it
We don't want to murder but you know we bout to kill it
(Hook)
We going underground 'til the sun come rise
Where the music playing loud and the place go wild
And the drinks start flowing when we hit midnight
This is how we survive
Show you a kind world that will change your life
Where the music playing loud and the place go wild
And the drinks start flowing when we hit midnight
This is how we survive
Dj drop that bomb,bomb,bomb
The whole club go dumb,dumb,dumb
And it don't matter where ya from,from,from
We party as one,
This is how we survive
(Verse)
Them outside suiting but them can't hit me
I'm east side vibing pull up the DJ
We only live once, so no matter what they say
We party from Kingston to MIA
(Verse)
It's a konkrete jungle outside but we in it
Lighters in the sky put them high let me see them
Wifes in the building let me know what you feelin
We don't want to murder but you know we bout to kill it
(Hook)
We going underground 'til the sun come rise
Where the music playing loud and the place go wild
And the drinks start flowing when we hit midnight
This is how we survive
Show you a kind world that will change your life
Where the music playing loud and the place go wild
And the drinks start flowing when we hit midnight
This is how we survive
Dj drop that bomb,bomb,bomb
The whole club go dumb,dumb,dumb
And it don't matter where ya from,from,from
We party as one,
This is how we survive
(Verse : Busta Rhymes)
Yeah,yeah,
Hey yo Sean Kingston make sure
Shorty over there pass me one of those chug chugging
Looping on them batch, and I don't mean to brag
But when I get up on the mic and
I fuck it up everybody else get mad
Put all of my money in the bag, her amaze everything swag
Too many broads can't fit up in the whip everybody else get a cab
What a vibe,what a vibe,what a vibe nr.1
And you sittin' way I slip up at a place
And on my shit tough until it done
Them blacking since burn I really see the God that I've become
And I mac everybody run away the fly, They godless where they from
Now I'm a sling thing, they got me sling thing
And I broke up that cup it don't matter what the rest bring
You can't find me I'm at the crib in the west wing
While I'm seeing beat
(Chorus)
Dj drop that bomb,bomb,bomb
The whole club go dumb,dumb,dumb
And it don't matter where ya from,from,from
We party as one,
This is how we survive
Dj drop that bomb,bomb,bomb
The whole club go dumb,dumb,dumb
And it don't matter where ya from,from,from
We party as one,
This is how we survive
Dj drop that bomb
The song "How We Survive" by Sean Kingston featuring Busta Rhymes, is an upbeat party anthem encouraging listeners to let loose and enjoy life. The lyrics describe a club setting where everyone is united in their love for music, dancing and alcohol. The first verse establishes that they are there to have fun and not cause trouble, regardless of their financial status. The second verse acknowledges the turbulent world outside but emphasizes how the club is a place of refuge where people can let go and dance away their worries. The verses build up to the chorus, which is both a proclamation of how they will party all night long and a tribute to the power of music to unite people from all walks of life.
Busta Rhymes makes an appearance towards the end of the song with a fast-paced rap verse complete with his signature style of witty wordplay and intricate flow. He starts by throwing in a reference to the drink he wants to be passed over to him, but quickly moves on to boast about his abilities on the microphone. He packs his bars with metaphors and similes, often comparing himself to things like a god, a fire that nobody can put out, and a slingshot that always hits his target. Busta's verse is a highlight of the song, adding some contrast to the otherwise straightforward lyrics and infusing an extra level of energy.
Overall, "How We Survive" is a catchy, fun, and carefree song, perfect for getting the party started. Its message is simple - come together, forget your troubles and dance like nobody's watching.
Line by Line Meaning
We're here to pop some bottles and enjoy the party
We are at this event to have a good time and celebrate by drinking champagne.
Not here to pop nobody, not here for no gun play
We are not interested in starting any fights or engaging in violent behavior.
So flat I got it 'cause the money not tatty
I have a lot of money and can afford to live a luxurious lifestyle.
Now let me see you drop it keep it rocking all day
Show me your dance moves and keep the party going all day and night.
It's the world war 3 outside but we in here
There is chaos and fighting happening outside, but we are safe and enjoying ourselves inside.
Hands in the sky wave 'em high let me see them
Raise your hands up high and show me that you are having a good time.
Music sounding right let me know when you feel it
If you like the music, let me know by dancing and showing your enjoyment.
We don't want to murder but you know we bout to kill it
We don't intend to harm anyone, but we are going to have an amazing time and really enjoy ourselves.
We going underground 'til the sun come rise
We are going to party until the early morning hours when the sun rises and it's time to go home.
Where the music playing loud and the place go wild
The music is so loud and everyone is having such a good time that the atmosphere is really exciting and energized.
And the drinks start flowing when we hit midnight
Once it becomes late at night, people start drinking more and the party really kicks off.
This is how we survive
This is how we enjoy ourselves, relax, and unwind from the stresses of daily life.
Show you a kind world that will change your life
We are showcasing a world where people can have fun together and enjoy themselves without any negativity or violence.
Dj drop that bomb,bomb,bomb
The DJ should play a really catchy and exciting song that will get everyone pumped up.
The whole club go dumb,dumb,dumb
Everyone in the club is so excited and enthusiastic about the music that they start to act crazy and forget their worries for a little while.
And it don't matter where ya from,from,from
It doesn't matter where you come from or what your background is, we can all come together and have a good time.
We party as one,
We are all in this partying experience together and are united by our desire to have fun and enjoy ourselves as a group.
Them outside suiting but them can't hit me
There may be people outside who are dressed very nicely and trying to act cool, but they can't bring down our positive vibes and fun energy.
I'm east side vibing pull up the DJ
I'm really feeling the music and enjoying myself, so let's request the DJ to play some more songs that will get us even more excited.
We only live once, so no matter what they say
We only have one life, so we might as well enjoy it and not let other people's negativity bring us down and take away from our good time.
We party from Kingston to MIA
We know how to have a good time no matter where we are, whether it's in Kingston or Miami.
It's a konkrete jungle outside but we in it
The city outside may be a stressful and chaotic place, but we are inside and able to relax and forget about our worries.
Lighters in the sky put them high let me see them
If you have a lighter, hold it up high in the air and let me know that you are really feeling the music and having a good time.
Wifes in the building let me know what you feelin
Women in the club, let me know if you are having a good time and enjoying yourself.
Yeah,yeah,
Busta Rhymes is now rapping and adding his own unique spin to the song.
Hey yo Sean Kingston make sure
Busta Rhymes is addressing Sean Kingston, making sure that he hears his message.
Shorty over there pass me one of those chug chugging
Someone should pass Busta Rhymes a drink so that he can keep the party going even longer.
Looping on them batch, and I don't mean to brag
Busta Rhymes is drinking a lot and having a really good time, but he doesn't want to come across as boastful or arrogant.
But when I get up on the mic and
Busta Rhymes is a rapper and when he raps, people pay attention and get really excited.
I fuck it up everybody else get mad
Busta Rhymes is so talented at rapping that he makes other people jealous and upset because they can't be as good as him.
Put all of my money in the bag, her amaze everything swag
Busta Rhymes has a lot of money and is able to buy expensive things that make him look cool and stylish.
Too many broads can't fit up in the whip everybody else get a cab
Busta Rhymes has so many women who want to hang out with him that they can't all fit in his car, so they need to get a taxi instead.
What a vibe,what a vibe,what a vibe nr.1
The party has such a good vibe and energy that it is the best experience that anyone has ever had.
And you sittin' way I slip up at a place
Busta Rhymes is having so much fun that he doesn't want to leave the party or miss out on anything that is happening.
And on my shit tough until it done
Busta Rhymes is really enjoying himself and will keep dancing and partying until the very end of the night.
Them blacking since burn I really see the God that I've become
Busta Rhymes has overcome a lot of obstacles in his life and has become a stronger and more confident person because of it.
And I mac everybody run away the fly, They godless where they from
Busta Rhymes is so impressive and attractive that he makes everyone else at the party look bad by comparison.
Now I'm a sling thing, they got me sling thing
Busta Rhymes is having so much fun that he feels like he is really on a roll and can't be stopped.
And I broke up that cup it don't matter what the rest bring
Busta Rhymes is enjoying himself so much that he accidentally broke his cup, but it doesn't matter because he is having such a good time.
You can't find me I'm at the crib in the west wing
Busta Rhymes is probably so tired after partying all night that he is now back at home, relaxing and resting.
While I'm seeing beat
Busta Rhymes is still hearing the music and feeling the beat in his head, even though he is no longer at the party.
Contributed by Victoria Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.