The trio had unprecedented success with their Word/Warner Bros debut, "The Fault Is History". Their first radio single, “All Around The World,” shot straight to the top of the charts, while “True Love Waits” was simultaneously the most added on the CHR and AC formats. In addition, the project garnered two GMA Dove Awards, with five total nominations, and the group received extensive features on CNN Headline News, E!, Billboard, The WB, and a slot on Sessions@AOL.
But even with the tremendous amount of buzz and overwhelming fanfare, record label red tape soon wrapped itself around the burgeoning band, putting an extreme delay on what would’ve been Souljahz sophomore CD.
“Basically we were about to begin our new record after being gone on tour for at least a year and a half on that first record, but the entire staff of our label flipped upside down,” Je’kob recalls of the incredibly trying time. “When it came time to talk with the new cats, they had a different thought process on where our sound needed to go and there ended up being a lot of problems. We basically had our second record shelved entirely and spent the next several years trying to get out of our contract.”
Despite the lack of a new CD, the band took trips to Iraq in 2005 and 2006 to entertain troops, though back home in America, their lawyers and a constantly switching staff of label executives were waging war of their own. Eventually the group was allowed to exit its deal, but at the expense of leaving the SoulJahz moniker in the label’s hands.
“As all of this went down, we literally retreated to Hawaii for a time because we have family out there, which were the bonds that helped keep us going,” Je’kob contends. “But it actually all turned out to be a very good thing because we recharged our batteries and the break helped give us a fresh perspective and new start. SoulJahz has a certain amount of recognition as a brand, but The Washington Projects is a name that’s even closer to our hearts because no one can ever take it away from us!”
“We can’t complain about the name change, or even about the unfortunate events that took place with our previous label. We had a great two years being blessed enough to see the world and spread God’s Message of Hope, Love, Peace & Happiness while touring a great record,” explains Rachael. “Music is our gift and though we had to make some hard decisions in leaving (Souljahz) behind, The Washington Projects represent the same mission. Our hearts are in reaching the lost with a message of hope, and no matter what the name, it is what my brother and I were born to do.”
With the battle flames dying down, The Washington Projects hit the studio for its debut in this format Commanders of the Resistance, an enthralling soundtrack of hope covering just as many relevant themes as it does sonic spectrum. Both videos released to support the record quickly jumped to #1 on the Gospel Music Channel. The group toured extensively including an overseas tour of Europe supporting the troops alongside groups like The Nappy Roots and more..
It’s 2009 and The Washington Projects are back with an album that is sure to change the way you hear Hip-Hop & R&B. The 11 song album entitled “Light Up The Dark” encompasses the true heart of the groups vision and goal. With the smash hits like “My Dream”, “Light Up The Dark”, “You Are Beautiful”, “Work” & “Justus”, this album is bound to keep The Washington Projects name on the lips of many listeners to come.
-Read more @:
http://www.washingtonprojects.com/bio.html The Washington Projects Official Bio
CCM magazine's article about Washington Projects return
Beneath The Surface
Souljahz Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You know I ain't your punchin' bag
Since when do thorns try to hurt the roses?
And why are you always mad?
Said I, I'm so innocent, and you're, you're so ignorant
Raise your fist, hit or miss
Try to take my happiness
'Cause I, I, I found a loving father and I, I, I'm fly away
To a place where I can smile and cry
'Cause I know I'm gonna make it today, yeah
Said I know I'm gonna make it today
I woke up this mornin'
As I wiped the sleep from my eyes
Got a real good feelin', yeah
For the first time I had no reason to cry
So I said, "My Father
Lord, thanks for the changin' my life
Lord, thanks for holdin' me, showin' me
What real love is like"
'Cause you're so true to me
So I try, try to be true to you
You love me when no one, no one even cared for me
So I can face the rain and smile again
'Cause I, I, I found a loving father and I, I, I'm fly away
To a place where I can smile and cry
'Cause I know I'm gonna make it today, yeah
Said I know I'm gonna make it today
What's the bottle for, and why are you so mad?
I thought that mama said you're supposed to be our loving dad
But alcohol done took control of your life
Now you do the same and try to take control of your wife and kids
So I'ma speak for all the quiet and scared
Too afraid to stand 'cause they can't face their fears
Take a look in the mirror, MJ says, "Change your ways to see clearer"
God says, "There's always a way out
Ain't no temptation that ain't played out"
Since the beginnin' of time, Satan's been roamin' the earth
Trying to tempt the weak willed to hate and hurt
And since sins birth, I know your lives been hard
Need to stop beatin' us and start beatin' your problems
So today is when we stop the hurt
Get up, it's 10 o'clock, yo, we're goin' to church
'Cause I, I, I found a loving father and I, I, I'm fly away
To a place where I can smile and cry
'Cause I know I'm gonna make it today, yeah
Said I know I'm gonna make
'Cause I, I, I found a loving father and I, I, I'm fly away
To a place where I can smile and cry
'Cause I know I'm gonna make it today
I know I'm gonna make it today
I know I'm gonna make it today
The lyrics to Souljahz's song "Beneath the Surface" tell a story of a difficult family situation where the father is an alcoholic and abusive towards his wife and children. The singer questions why the father is always mad and why he hits them, stating that they are not his punching bag. The singer reflects on their own innocence and the father's ignorance, realizing that they cannot continue to be a victim of abuse and must find a way to escape the situation. The singer finds solace in their loving father, who has helped them to see a way out of their difficult situation.
The song is a powerful message of hope for those who have experienced abuse and encourages them to find strength in their faith and in themselves. It highlights the importance of love, forgiveness, and standing up for oneself in the face of adversity. The lyrics are accompanied by uplifting and anthemic music, emphasizing the message of triumph over trials.
Line by Line Meaning
Why do you hit me?
Asking why the person is physically hurting me when I am not their punching bag.
You know I ain't your punchin' bag
Reiterating that the person should not be using me as an outlet for their anger and frustration.
Since when do thorns try to hurt the roses?
Questioning why someone would hurt the ones they are supposed to love and protect.
And why are you always mad?
Wondering why the person is always angry and taking out their negative emotions on me.
Said I, I'm so innocent, and you're, you're so ignorant
Asserting that I have done nothing to deserve this treatment, but the person is blind to this fact and lacks understanding.
Raise your fist, hit or miss
Challenging the person to hit me if they must, but making it clear they will not break me.
Try to take my happiness
Recognizing that the person is trying to harm my emotional wellbeing and positivity.
Well, that ain't happenin' to me no more
Refusing to let the person dampen my spirit any longer and taking control of my own happiness and wellbeing.
'Cause I, I, I found a loving father and I, I, I'm fly away
Acknowledging that I have found solace in my faith and am removing myself from the harmful situation.
To a place where I can smile and cry
Finding a safe space where I can experience all emotions and still feel supported and loved.
'Cause I know I'm gonna make it today, yeah
Having the confidence that I will overcome the challenges and struggles I have faced and come out stronger on the other side.
Said I know I'm gonna make it today
Repeating that I am sure of my ability to overcome any obstacles and thrive.
I woke up this mornin'
Starting the day with a renewed sense of hope and positivity.
As I wiped the sleep from my eyes
Taking a moment to gather myself and prepare for the day ahead.
Got a real good feelin', yeah
Feeling optimistic and excited for what is to come.
For the first time I had no reason to cry
Having a sense of relief and peace, knowing that I am taking steps towards a better life.
So I said, "My Father
Turning to God in gratefulness and appreciation for the strength and guidance He has provided.
Lord, thanks for the changin' my life
Expressing gratitude for a newfound sense of purpose and positivity.
Lord, thanks for holdin' me, showin' me
Recognizing that God has kept me safe and guided me towards a better life.
What real love is like"
Understanding that God's love is unconditional and true, despite the hardships I have faced.
'Cause you're so true to me
Acknowledging that God has always been faithful and honest in His love and support for me.
So I try, try to be true to you
Striving to emulate God's love and kindness in my own life.
You love me when no one, no one even cared for me
Realizing that God's love has been constant and unwavering, even when I felt alone and unsupported by others.
So I can face the rain and smile again
Knowing that with God's love and support, I can endure anything and still find joy and positivity in life.
What's the bottle for, and why are you so mad?
Questioning the person's reasons for turning to harmful coping mechanisms, such as alcohol, and taking out their anger on their family.
I thought that mama said you're supposed to be our loving dad
Reminding the person of their role as a loving and supportive parent, despite their current behavior and actions.
But alcohol done took control of your life
Recognizing that addiction has taken over the person's life and is negatively affecting them and their loved ones.
Now you do the same and try to take control of your wife and kids
Noting that the person is attempting to control and harm their family in the same way that addiction has taken control of their life.
So I'ma speak for all the quiet and scared
Speaking up for those who are too fearful to speak out against the harmful behavior.
Too afraid to stand 'cause they can't face their fears
Empathizing with those who are too scared to speak out against harmful behavior for fear of the consequences.
Take a look in the mirror, MJ says, "Change your ways to see clearer"
Referencing Michael Jackson's song "Man in the Mirror" and urging the person to self-reflect and make positive changes in their life.
God says, "There's always a way out
Turning to divine guidance and recognizing that no matter how difficult the situation may seem, there is always a way to overcome it with God's help.
Ain't no temptation that ain't played out"
Believing that every challenge and temptation has been experienced before and can be overcome with the right mindset and approach.
Since the beginnin' of time, Satan's been roamin' the earth
Acknowledging the presence of evil in the world and the temptations that come with it.
Trying to tempt the weak willed to hate and hurt
Recognizing that the negative behaviors towards others stem from individual weaknesses and vulnerabilities.
And since sins birth, I know your lives been hard
Understanding that everyone faces challenges, and that negative behaviors can be a result of personal struggles and hardships.
Need to stop beatin' us and start beatin' your problems
Urging the person to confront and resolve their personal issues instead of projecting them onto their family and loved ones.
So today is when we stop the hurt
Making the decision to end the cycle of harmful behavior and work towards healing and positive growth.
Get up, it's 10 o'clock, yo, we're goin' to church
Committing to spiritual growth and connection by attending church and finding support in a faith community.
Said I know I'm gonna make it today
Repeating the belief in oneself and the ability to overcome any challenges and struggles.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CHRIS RODRIGUEZ, RACHEL WASHINGTON, JACOB WASHINGTON, JOSHUA WASHINGTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind