Raised in Cali, communicating a message as an artist … Read Full Bio ↴The Sho Story:
Raised in Cali, communicating a message as an artist has always been a part of who Sho is. Introduced to Hip Hop at a young age, he grew to love its content and attitude. Living in Southern California during the height of Gangsta Rap presented its challenges to many youth, as well as Sho. In high school Sho and some friends from his neighborhood formed a rap group that began touring with major recording artists. But his life took a different turn after the rap group fizzled, and close friends were killed and others incarcerated due to the gang life they led. The message of his life began to change.
He decided to heed his father's advice and apply to college, pursuing education instead of the streets. At the time, Christ was not a part of his life, but his older brother, his father, and a leader at his church, had always promoted education and having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Sho continued on to Tuskegee University, and it was there, that the seeds that they planted in him finally took root.
While in college, through the lives of some solid Christians on campus, the Lord rescued him and redeemed his heart. Sho's message changed from promoting himself and Hip Hop to promoting Christ, and now he wants the world to see the Lord at work in him. Our popular culture today elevates the lifestyles of rappers who promote ideas that only destroy our culture, but because of God's grace Sho has a different message: "Turn My Life Up"
What if the Programmed Culture could see the change Christ made in him and be transformed by God's Grace to impact lives and revolutionize our world? Not desiring fame or personal glory, Sho invites you to listen to his message and see how God can "Rebuild the Culture"
Profhet 1968
Sho Baraka Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Let's put it in the red
I lost it, I lost it a long time ago
I died already, I got one life to go
Executives, they put us on the shelf, they say we counterfeit
I got the answers but they don't know what the problem is
I fight the power but they want me to dance
I'm praying "Lord, can you change my position?"
As if my position can make for an easy mission
I get possessions, they tell me to set 'em free
I cancelled, does that mean my possessions they own me?
I don't wanna be pop, I don't wanna be Pac
I wanna be a activist, but I don't wanna get shot
People think that I'm so brave, I'm so afraid
I get lost in my own head, I'm so amazed
You could choose to be the book or either read about it
You could speak about it, be a prophet or just be a product
A silver tongue, gold pockets
Fat belly, stolen wallets
Empty words, loaned knowledge
I'm undervalued but I can be a prophet
I'm undervalued but I can be a prophet
I'm undervalued but I can be a prophet
I'm undervalued but I can be a prophet
I lose money every time I'm honest
Help me find it, I think I'm losing my religion
Help me find it, I think I'm losing my religion
I think they moved the finish line, I'm losing my position
Devil wanna buy my soul, I tell him I'm too expensive
My man say he don't live like an angel much
Except for when he's high off that angel dust
Dude said that the church is full of hypocrites
I told him find somebody outside the church who was innocent
They only throw stones at trees that bear fruits
So don't be shocked when the mob attempts to throw stones at you
The ancestors told us we should wake up
And when I stop dreaming, failure, we gon' break up
Some dream of a Aston Martin
I dream of Angela and Martin in the morning marchin'
Bringing hope to the homeless, the widows, and the orphans
I'm prayin' for revival, tell James to bring his organ
A silver tongue, gold pockets
Fat belly, stolen wallets
Empty words, loaned knowledge
I'm undervalued but I can be a prophet
I'm undervalued but I can be a prophet
I'm undervalued but I can be a prophet
I'm undervalued but I can be a prophet
I lose money every time I'm honest
The shadows try to taunt me
They hopin' I fall
But I shall not fall
And I will not fall
You can offer me money
You can offer me gold
You can't have my crown
You can't have my soul
You can't have my soul
You can't have my soul
So let it go!
The song "Prophet 1968" by Sho Baraka is a poignant commentary on the challenges faced by individuals who seek to use their voices to fight against injustice in society. The lyrics begin with a sense of urgency, as the artist declares "Let's put it in the red," before launching into a reflection on his struggles to navigate the music industry while staying true to his values. He acknowledges that he has lost something along the way and that he feels like he has died already, yet he also suggests that he has a responsibility to continue fighting the powers that be.
Throughout the song, Sho Baraka explores his complex identity as an activist and artist, someone who wants to provoke change but also wants to avoid getting shot. He critiques the music industry for promoting shallow messages and for commodifying artists like himself. He also tackles some of the critiques aimed at the church, acknowledging that it is full of hypocrites but suggesting that there is no one outside the church who is innocent either.
Overall, "Prophet 1968" is a powerful song that speaks to the struggles of anyone who seeks to stand up for what is right in the face of adversity. Through his lyrics, Sho Baraka reminds us that the fight for justice is not an easy one, but that it is a fight that we cannot give up on.
Line by Line Meaning
Ya'll ready? Ok, Marty, we ready!
Let's get started, we're ready to go!
Let's put it in the red
Let's go all out!
I lost it, I lost it a long time ago
I've been struggling for a long time.
I died already, I got one life to go
I've already lost a lot, but I'm still fighting.
Executives, they put us on the shelf, they say we counterfeit
The industry doesn't appreciate true artistry and talent.
I got the answers but they don't know what the problem is
I have solutions, but people don't understand the real issues.
I fight the power but they want me to dance
I'm standing up against the system, but people just want entertainment.
I do the right thing cause I ain't Rosie Perez
I have integrity and will do what's right, regardless of temptation.
I'm praying "Lord, can you change my position?"
I'm struggling in my current situation and need divine intervention.
As if my position can make for an easy mission
I'm realizing that a change in position won't necessarily make things easier.
I get possessions, they tell me to set 'em free
People tell me to let go of material things, but it's not that simple.
I cancelled, does that mean my possessions they own me?
If I'm not successful, does that mean I'm owned by the industry?
I don't wanna be pop, I don't wanna be Pac
I don't want to be used for entertainment or be martyred for my beliefs.
I wanna be a activist, but I don't wanna get shot
I want to make a difference, but I'm afraid of the danger that comes with it.
People think that I'm so brave, I'm so afraid
Despite what others may think, I'm struggling with fear and doubt.
I get lost in my own head, I'm so amazed
My thoughts and ideas can become overwhelming.
You could choose to be the book or either read about it
You can create your own story or just consume the stories of others.
You could speak about it, be a prophet or just be a product
You can use your voice to make a difference or become a commodity in the industry.
A silver tongue, gold pockets
People can be deceptive with words and greedy for wealth.
Fat belly, stolen wallets
Some people are comfortable in excess while others suffer from their greed.
Empty words, loaned knowledge
People can speak without substance and repeat information without true understanding.
I'm undervalued but I can be a prophet
Despite my struggles, I have the potential to make a significant impact.
I lose money every time I'm honest
My integrity and honesty can sometimes cost me financially.
Help me find it, I think I'm losing my religion
I'm struggling with my faith and need guidance.
I think they moved the finish line, I'm losing my position
The rules keep changing and it's hard to keep up, making it difficult to succeed.
Devil wanna buy my soul, I tell him I'm too expensive
Temptation presents itself, but I know my worth and won't be swayed.
My man say he don't live like an angel much
My friend admits he makes mistakes.
Except for when he's high off that angel dust
He admits this is one instance where he can be truly happy.
Dude said that the church is full of hypocrites
Someone criticized the church for not practicing what they preach.
I told him find somebody outside the church who was innocent
I challenged him to find any group without some level of hypocrisy.
They only throw stones at trees that bear fruits
People only criticize those who are successful and productive.
So don't be shocked when the mob attempts to throw stones at you
Expect criticism when making a difference.
The ancestors told us we should wake up
The wisdom of our predecessors implores us to act.
And when I stop dreaming, failure, we gon' break up
I refuse to give up on my dreams and won't let failure be the end.
Some dream of a Aston Martin
Some people dream of material possessions.
I dream of Angela and Martin in the morning marchin'
I dream of the accomplishments and activism of Angela Davis and Martin Luther King Jr.
Bringing hope to the homeless, the widows, and the orphans
I aspire to make positive impact in the lives of those who struggle.
I'm prayin' for revival, tell James to bring his organ
I'm seeking a spiritual rejuvenation.
The shadows try to taunt me
Negative forces try to discourage me.
They hopin' I fall
They want me to fail.
But I shall not fall
Despite the negativity, I will persevere.
And I will not fall
I will continue to stand strong.
You can offer me money
People may try to bribe me.
You can offer me gold
They may try to tempt me with riches.
You can't have my crown
However, they cannot take away my worth and value.
You can't have my soul
I won't compromise my true self for material gain.
So let it go!
People need to accept me for who I am.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: AMISHO BARAKA LEWIS, JAMIE PORTEE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind