After having won the Big Break competition in 1992, they proceeded to record several demo tapes and arrange multiple Canadian tours with several U.S. and Canadian bands. They have toured with Bad Brains, Triggerhappy, SNFU, Ten Foot Pole and several other popular underground and mainstream acts. After averaging at least three shows a week over a span of three years, the trio finally recorded an EP entitled Paying Rent. This three song demo also included a video which aired regularly across Canada.[citation needed]
After completing their fourth tour across Canada, the trio released their first full length CD entitled MINDSTATE. Following the release of this CD, several 12" singles with such artists such as Mr. Len, and DJ Atrak. They also released a self-titled "Mindstate" single featuring Desi DiLauro. Backed with the support of Muchmusic, MusiquePlus, BET and MTV their video aired regularly. The trio band subsequently took several "mini-tours" around Quebec with pop group The Backstreet Boys. They also opened for musicians such as: Eminem, Gangstarr, KRS-1, The Beatnuts, Ben Harper, and Jurassic 5.
The Revolution
Shades of Culture Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Getting armored. For armaggeon
When the east coast/west coast beef turns to hamburger
The microphone is my metal committing mental murder
My brain waves cascade through baracades
Searching for fascists to transform
Swing the vocal axes, if you didn't practice, it be embedded in your backs
Quick like faxes, from next to rasp(?) creeps
Catch the mace to your face piece
CHORUS
Yet another hip-hop head took a turn for the worse
It must have hurt to have your realm burst
And certainly, crossing swords with me will spell your doom
Rev rev, the revolution is coming soon
[Verse 2]
If you see my shining smile you better duck or grab a mic
Because your universe will end in one single flash of light
When the Earth falls off its axis, you'll fly spinning into the cosmos
Do the same thing last night so you'll be searching for your lost prose
In outer space without a case, you can not judge me
Not that I would but if I do fall off, I'll spring back like bungee
Elasticized, never plastified like RuPaul
I'm the unseen terror, by night fall you might fall
Off your pedestal but leave my rhyme work alone
You can't decode my shit without the use of Rosetta stone
This ain't Costco or price chopper hip-hopper
Take one, the beat dropper, crush your head with the neck bopper
CHORUS
[Verse 3]
My roots extend deep into the planet
Through bedrock and magma, disintegrating granite
Back when Osiris and Isis circumnavigated the globe eliminating crisis
Struck down by treason, but what's the reason
For brothers against brothers, it's wrong in any season
Face facts, stay strong and be bold
Take a look at your past, let your soul unfold
CHORUS
"Rev..." (Scratched up)... Revolution
{Repeat several time}
The song "The Revolution" by Shades of Culture speaks about the impending revolution that is about to occur in the society. The first verse talks about the urban violence and how they are preparing themselves for the full-scale brawl that can break at any time. The rapper compares his microphone with metal that can commit mental murder. He talks about how his words possess the power to transform the thinking of the fascists. The verse further talks about how important it is to practice one's skills before cutting into the industry. The chorus of the song talks about how crossing swords with the rapper can lead to an individual's doom. The song's central idea is that the revolution is about to come soon, and people need to brace themselves to fight it.
The second verse of the song talks about the rapper's skill and how his rhyming skills can leave people lost for words. He compares himself with an unseen terror that can fall on anyone who dares to cross him. He talks about how his roots run deep into the planet, and his words can disintegrate the granite. The verse portrays the rapper's confidence in his skills and how he can bounce back like a bungee from any fall. The third verse talks about the singers' ancient roots and how the mythology of Osiris and Isis forms the base of their beliefs. The Verse also talks about the brothers against brothers and how wrong it is in any season.
Line by Line Meaning
Getting armored. For armaggeon
Preparing for battle, for a time of great conflict
When the east coast/west coast beef turns to hamburger
When the dispute between east and west coast rappers escalates into a pointless and violent conflict
The microphone is my metal committing mental murder
Using words as a weapon, destroying opponents mentally
My brain waves cascade through baracades
My thoughts break through walls and barriers
Searching for fascists to transform
Actively seeking out oppressive figures to change
Swing the vocal axes, if you didn't practice, it be embedded in your backs
Using powerful words and rhythms to attack others, and those who are not prepared will suffer the consequences
Quick like faxes, from next to rasp(?) creeps
Attacking rapidly like electronic messages, catching people off-guard
Turn around and face the music
Confronting the consequences of one's actions
Catch the mace to your face piece
Experience the full force of the punishment for one's actions
Yet another hip-hop head took a turn for the worse
Another rapper has chosen a negative path
It must have hurt to have your realm burst
The consequences of that rapper's actions have caused them great pain
And certainly, crossing swords with me will spell your doom
Engaging in conflict with me will lead to defeat
Rev rev, the revolution is coming soon
The call for revolution cannot be ignored
If you see my shining smile you better duck or grab a mic
My positive disposition can be deceiving, and those who underestimate me will suffer
Because your universe will end in one single flash of light
The effect of my retaliation will be swift and total
When the Earth falls off its axis, you'll fly spinning into the cosmos
My power is so immense that it could cause the entire planet to shift
Do the same thing last night so you'll be searching for your lost prose
I have previously defeated someone, causing them to lose their confidence and creativity
In outer space without a case, you can not judge me
I exist beyond your understanding and your judgments have no effect on me
Not that I would but if I do fall off, I'll spring back like bungee
Even in the event of a setback, I will bounce back
Elasticized, never plastified like RuPaul
I am flexible but still authentic unlike a manufactured personality like RuPaul
I'm the unseen terror, by night fall you might fall
I am a threat that cannot be seen, and my opponents may soon face defeat
Off your pedestal but leave my rhyme work alone
Even if you take me down, my creative output cannot be stopped
You can't decode my shit without the use of Rosetta stone
My words are complex and difficult to understand without proper study and context
This ain't Costco or price chopper hip-hopper
My skill as a rapper cannot be bought or found in a store
Take one, the beat dropper, crush your head with the neck bopper
One hit from my music can render someone unconscious or even cause physical harm
My roots extend deep into the planet
My identity and origins are deeply grounded
Through bedrock and magma, disintegrating granite
My power and influence extends beyond the surface level of things
Back when Osiris and Isis circumnavigated the globe eliminating crisis
This is a reference to ancient mythological figures who traveled the globe to eliminate chaos and conflict
Struck down by treason, but what's the reason
Their efforts to bring peace were undermined by betrayal, and the motivation of the traitors is unclear
For brothers against brothers, it's wrong in any season
Conflict between people who are fundamentally similar to each other is always wrong
Face facts, stay strong and be bold
We must confront reality and stay strong in our convictions to create change
Take a look at your past, let your soul unfold
Examining our personal history can shed light on our motivations and help us understand our place in the world
Rev...
Revolutionary change is coming, get ready
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC, NW ROYALTY CONSULTING, LLC.
Written by: COLLIN W YORK, JOSEPH CONSTANTINE HILL, LYNFORD AGUSTUS MARSHALL, PAUL HERBERT KASTICK, ROBERT SEAN LYN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind