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"
Soul 1971
Sho Baraka Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I wanna get into it man, you know (go ahead)
Like I, you know I'm the man, don't you? (go ahead)
Can I count it off?
One, two, three, four
I'm groovin' for the activists and graduates
I'm an advocate for those feeling abandonment
It's like 'Can anything good come outta Nazareth?'
The only thing good came outta Nazareth
(This is the groove, tell me, can you handle it?)
Yeah I'm schooled in the ways of runaway slaves
I'm brave, I'm unchained, I'm Frederick Douglass with a fade
I kidnapped greatness and left no ransom
I'm the grandson of Muhammed Ali, but more handsome
The solar cat call away with our dancing
Call me Eve before I show my fruit, let me get at 'em
Picking up the pieces in a world that's fallen
They imprisoned by ignorance, I'm begging your pardon
I'm charming, I am George Washington Carver in a garden
With some food, but some prefer starving
The LP is sold out, yeah I'm missing the bargain
The industry is Walmart, they missing the target
Suited for success, bow ties and top hats
If greatness had a score this is the soundtrack
Oh lord
Oh lord
Oh lord
Oh lord
Come on now
I'm the man ain't I? (you the man)
I'm the man ain't I? (you the man)
I will not keep on losing
I'ma keep on grooving
I'm the man ain't I? (you the man)
I'm the man ain't I? (you the man)
I will not keep on losing (hell naw)
The finish line keeps on moving
I'm grooving for a Coltrane and Athanasius
Bonhoeffer and Harlem
Now, you speaking my language
I'm contagious, educated and dangerous
(I've been running for my life but I don't know where the race is)
If you've never seen a frown you'll never love a smile
Only insecure boys, they fighting for a crown
You never been a servant, then you'll never be a king
Woke up in two thousand and fifteen like you've never had a dream
Bad schools, bad food, bad predatory lenders
Bad debt, no investment, just mandatory spenders
On spinners, on spinners, need something on spinners
Churches ain't saving they just decorating sinners
When the liquor store is your neighbour, they'll probably grow up a drunk
When the courts keep you from court you'll probably learn to dunk
They took the cheese and they put it in the trap
I got a gift from the Lord so maybe I should rap
Yeah, I know poor is a state of mind
Huh, and I'm tryna cross the border line
In due time, you gon' learn to love me
No matter what you do, you can't take the groove from me
I'm the man ain't I? (you the man)
I'm the man ain't I? (you the man)
Yeah
I'm the man ain't I? (you the man)
I'm the man ain't I? (you the man)
I'll keep on moving, I'll keep on
If you wanna be
Oh lord (good god)
Oh lord (groovy)
Oh lord (funky)
Oh lord
The opening lyrics of Sho Baraka's song "Soul 1971" give us an indication of what's to come. "Fellas, I'm ready to get up and do my thing" sets the scene for an upbeat, funky track, with a positive message behind it. Throughout the song, Sho Baraka touches on a variety of topics, from education and slavery to social injustice and poverty. He raps about his desire to make the world a better place, especially for those living in disadvantaged communities. He mentions several historical figures, such as Muhammed Ali, Frederick Douglass, and George Washington Carver, to suggest that he stands on the shoulders of giants and wants to continue their legacy.
The chorus of the song is an affirmation of Sho Baraka's own self-worth. "I'm the man, ain't I?" he asks repeatedly, with an echoing response of "you the man." The repetition of this phrase suggests that Sho Baraka is trying to convince himself and his listeners that they have the power to overcome any obstacle and achieve greatness. He acknowledges the difficulties that many face in their lives, such as bad schools, bad food, and bad debt. However, he refuses to give up and urges his listeners to keep moving forward.
Overall, "Soul 1971" is a high-energy, positive track that encourages listeners to keep pushing towards their goals, despite any obstacles that may come their way. Sho Baraka's use of historical references and personal anecdotes adds depth and meaning to the message he is trying to convey.
Line by Line Meaning
Fellas I'm ready to get up and do my thing (go ahead)
I'm ready to take action and make things happen
I wanna get into it man, you know (go ahead)
I want to fully engage in what I'm doing
Like I, you know I'm the man, don't you? (go ahead)
I feel confident in my abilities and am ready to take charge
Can I count it off?
One, two, three, four
Let's get started and take this to the next level
I'm groovin' for the activists and graduates
I'm making music for those who fight for social justice and those who have received an education
I'm an advocate for those feeling abandonment
I support those who may feel neglected or forgotten in society
In the favelas and slums, the ghetto inhabitants
I'm fighting for those living in poverty-stricken areas
It's like 'Can anything good come outta Nazareth?'
Some may underestimate or doubt the potential of where I come from or what I can achieve
The only thing good came outta Nazareth
Despite doubts, I prove that greatness can come from any place or person
(This is the groove, tell me, can you handle it?)
This is my music and my message, can you handle it?
Yeah I'm schooled in the ways of runaway slaves
I understand and draw inspiration from the struggles of enslaved people who fought for their freedom
I'm brave, I'm unchained, I'm Frederick Douglass with a fade
I'm not afraid to speak out and fight for what's right, and I'm a modern-day version of Frederick Douglass
I kidnapped greatness and left no ransom
I seized opportunities for success and didn't let anything hold me back
I'm the grandson of Muhammed Ali, but more handsome
I'm proud of my family heritage, but I'm making a name for myself on my own terms
The solar cat call away with our dancing
I'm spreading positive energy and making people feel good through my music and dance
Call me Eve before I show my fruit, let me get at 'em
I'm taking control of my own sexuality and personal expression before anyone else can judge or objectify me
Picking up the pieces in a world that's fallen
I'm doing my part to help repair a broken society
They imprisoned by ignorance, I'm begging your pardon
Some people are held back by a lack of knowledge or resources, and I'm asking for forgiveness for those who don't understand
I'm charming, I am George Washington Carver in a garden
I have a unique talent and vision, and I'm using it to make the world a better place
With some food, but some prefer starving
I'm providing nourishment for those who need it, but some people may not accept or appreciate it
The LP is sold out, yeah I'm missing the bargain
My album is in high demand and selling out, but I may be losing out on some profits
The industry is Walmart, they missing the target
The mainstream music industry isn't addressing the real issues or making a positive impact
Suited for success, bow ties and top hats
I'm dressing for success and representing myself with class and dignity
If greatness had a score this is the soundtrack
My music is a representation of what greatness sounds like
I'm grooving for a Coltrane and Athanasius
I'm making music inspired by jazz legends like John Coltrane and religious figures like Athanasius of Alexandria
Bonhoeffer and Harlem
I'm also inspired by the writings of Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the vibrant culture of Harlem
Now, you speaking my language
You're starting to understand and appreciate my message
I'm contagious, educated and dangerous
I have the power to inspire others and make a difference, so watch out
(I've been running for my life but I don't know where the race is)
I've been working hard and staying motivated, but sometimes I'm not sure what my ultimate goal is
If you've never seen a frown you'll never love a smile
We need to experience both the good and bad in life in order to fully appreciate the good
Only insecure boys, they fighting for a crown
Real leaders don't need to prove themselves or compete for power
You never been a servant, then you'll never be a king
True leadership means serving and helping others, not just seeking personal glory
Woke up in two thousand and fifteen like you've never had a dream
I'm waking up to a new reality and opportunity to make my dreams come true
Bad schools, bad food, bad predatory lenders
There are many obstacles and challenges that prevent people from achieving their full potential
Bad debt, no investment, just mandatory spenders
Many people are trapped in debt and aren't given the resources or opportunities to invest or save money
On spinners, on spinners, need something on spinners
We prioritize material possessions and showiness over our true needs and priorities
Churches ain't saving they just decorating sinners
Religion and spirituality aren't always providing real solutions or helping people improve their lives
When the liquor store is your neighbour, they'll probably grow up a drunk
Our environment and surroundings can heavily influence our behavior and habits
When the courts keep you from court you'll probably learn to dunk
Social and economic inequality can prevent people from accessing opportunities and reaching their full potential
They took the cheese and they put it in the trap
We're being manipulated and exploited by those in power or with more resources than us
I got a gift from the Lord so maybe I should rap
I have a talent and purpose that I feel called to pursue and share with others
Yeah, I know poor is a state of mind
Poverty isn't just a lack of money or resources, it's also a state of mind and mentality
Huh, and I'm tryna cross the border line
I'm trying to break down barriers and overcome obstacles to achieve success
In due time, you gon' learn to love me
I hope to earn respect and appreciation from those who may not understand or appreciate me yet
No matter what you do, you can't take the groove from me
I have a unique personality and style that can never be duplicated or taken away from me
I will not keep on losing
I'ma keep on grooving
I refuse to give up or be defeated, I'll keep moving forward and making progress
The finish line keeps on moving
Success and achievement is a continuous process, not a static goal
Oh lord (good god)
Oh lord (groovy)
Oh lord (funky)
Oh lord
Exclamation of joy and excitement for the music and message being expressed
I'm the man ain't I? (you the man)
I'm the man ain't I? (you the man)
Affirmation and recognition of self-confidence and leadership qualities
I will not keep on losing (hell naw)
I won't accept defeat or failure, I'll keep fighting and striving for success
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: AMISHO BARAKA LEWIS, JAMIE PORTEE, NATHAN ROBINSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind