Shafiq En' A-Free-Ka has been entirely composed with an armoury of outboard gear effects, synthesizers, electric guitars, strings, horns, a lot of modulation. “Hip-hop mastered the beat, but they didn’t do nothing with the changes,” says Shafiq. On the album Shafiq recruits Bilal, Sa-Ra member Om’Mas Keith, emcee Count Bass D, London’s rising songstress Fatima, Sa-Ra vocalist Rozzi Daime, and a whole army of musicians and engineers.
With an ability to write profound lyrics with killer hooks, Shafiq alongside soulstress Georgia Anne Muldrow is the only person to write for Erykah Badu and his talent for writing is evident throughout the 17-track LP.
As part of Sa-Ra, Shafiq has become part of an expansive artistic community in LA working alongside Erykah Badu, Count Bass D and J*DaVeY. This is how albums used to be made – not just a collection of songs, but a message to the messengers: A-free-ka UNITE.
Lift Off
Shafiq Husayn Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hello world
Peace and love
I wish you the best
And now for the next
Coming to your mind
Live and direct from the ethos
Now was all in your speakers
Uh, now we prepare for our lift off
We only need two things to direct your cause
Your ears and your soul
I bring to you the Robert Glasper Experiment
Experimentation for meditation
Uh, back to where we were now
I bring to you Rob, Chris, Jerry, Casey, RCDC
Rock on
This is it
This is it
The song "Lift Off" by Shafiq Husayn sets an introspective tone with its opening lyrics, "Hello world, peace and love, I wish you the best." The song encourages listeners to embark on a journey of the mind and spirit through the use of experimental music. Husayn announces the entrance of the musical group Robert Glasper Experiment, who bring innovation and a unique sound to the song with their experimental style. The song goes on to explain that with only two things, your ears and your soul, you can take off on a journey of self-discovery and meditation.
The lyrics then transition back to Husayn, who introduces the members of Robert Glasper Experiment that are playing on the track. The song builds to its climax with the repetition of the phrase "This is it." "Lift Off" encourages listeners to take control of their own destiny and embrace the journey of life with a sense of adventure and spirituality.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh yeah
Expressing excitement and enthusiasm to the audience
Hello world
Greeting the audience and acknowledging their presence
Peace and love
Wishing the audience well-being and harmony
I wish you the best
Continuing to express a positive and supportive sentiment towards the audience
And now for the next
Moving on to the main focus or purpose of the performance
Coming to your mind
Intending to make a lasting impression on the audience
Live and direct from the ethos
Performing in a genuine and authentic way, aiming to connect with the audience on a deep level
Now was all in your speakers
Ensuring that the audience can hear the performance clearly and enjoyably
Down to your sneakers
Emphasizing the ability of the music to even affect the rhythm of people's feet, indicating its power and thrill
Uh, now we prepare for our lift off
Announcing the beginning of a journey / experience and the energy that accompanies it
We only need two things to direct your cause
Assuring the audience that the performance is simple yet impactful, as only their attention and attitude are necessary
Your ears and your soul
Specifying which two things are crucial for the audience, their ability to listen and to feel
I bring to you the Robert Glasper Experiment
Introducing the focus of the performance and the artist(s) leading it
Experimentation for meditation
Indicating that the music can be used for relaxation, reflection, and even spiritual benefit
Uh, back to where we were now
Returning to the atmosphere and context that was previously established in the performance
I bring to you Rob, Chris, Jerry, Casey, RCDC
Acknowledging the band members and their contributions to the performance
Rock on
Encouraging enthusiasm and enjoyment from the audience
This is it
Concluding the performance and perhaps indicating that there will be no encore or continuation
This is it
Restating the conclusion of the performance, emphasizing its finality and impact
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: ROBERT GLASPER, SHAFIQ HUSAYN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Cool Ruler
Hearing this song today while putting in a long days work , is like going to my favorite Rib Joint & ordering the best Platter that they have .All different cuts of Meat , Coleslaw, Corn , Green Beans , Barbecue Baked Beans , enjoying it with Wife & Son . Man this song is so good that if you were to me I would Slap you , because it is that good . There is something so satisfying that I feel after listening this cut . Thanks for creating it .
L. Daniels
This is the kind of song that makes you contemplate life, past loves, crying in the rain, missing your momma, having a slice of grandmas sock-it-to-me cake, thanking God for the small blessings you take for granted, a slow, soft, warm, wet kiss, being alive....
Neltron8000
Well said! I feel the same! Amazing song
kp06 06kp
Yes indeed
jryuwah
but the ending is basically an introduction of everyone on the album in the most natural form. that is a moment when the musicians and guests are just being human. I found it very fitting! gave the vibe that we're were going to be listening to a sit in session or something very casual that would resonate with any audience.
Nawach Danyaahla
Well observed my brother.
Cid McCray
This is the exact reason why I love Jazz. This is tight!
Sky 126
Rn&B too.
Spidey Guy
When I have hard times at school or having the hards time at home,this is the type of music that clears my mind off the things that I just want to forget about in my life as a teenager.
cbmuzik
Trek on young man...trek on👍