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
Keep Risin'
Souljahz Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Take your shoes off, throw your feet up
(What, what, what, what, what)
We keep on risin'
(What, what, what, what, what)
We keep on risin'
We been doin' this for years and you just now heard of us
Yeah, I was a younga MC, now I'm older but please
Don't think my mind, change only time change
And the clock moves quicker as the plot gets thicker now
Yeah, I'm a Christian, my position paints the picture list
DJ Niques composin' beats since he was under age
A true master of the art it's time to take the stage
We give props to those who keepin' it tight
Big ups to P.O.D. for always rockin' it right
In the middle of my cloudy day, drop to my knees and pray
Let me walk in light so my darkness will fade away
Lord, please cleanse me from without and within
Be sure to never let me doubt the evil powers of sin
And work magic, deflectin' fiery darts aimin' at my heart
I think it's time to play my part, yo, so dig it
Yo, put your hands up, turn the beat up
Take your shoes off, throw your feet up
(What, what, what, what, what)
We keep on risin'
(What, what, what, what, what)
We keep on risin'
Put your hands up, turn the beat up
Take your shoes off, throw your feet up
(What, what, what, what, what)
We keep on risin'
(What, what, what, what, what)
We keep on risin'
When I look around all I see is record companies
And MC's goin' bankrupt tryna be free
That ain't the way that is should be, no, not hardly
You got me pacin' knowin' that you're gonna
Try to bring me down, I'm sorry
We won't stop, you ask why, 'cause we can't stop
Hip hop make ya neck pop when the beat drops
Souljahz, don't stop, we keep on tryin'
Souljahz, don't stop, we keep on risin'
(Rise, we rise)
Throw your hands in the sky
Wave 'em side to side, cone on
(Rise, we rise, we rise, we rise)
Yo, put your hands up, turn the beat up
Take your shoes off, throw your feet up
(What, what, what, what, what)
We keep on risin'
(What, what, what, what, what)
We keep on risin'
Put your hands up, turn the beat up
Take your shoes off, throw your feet up
(What, what, what, what, what)
We keep on risin'
(What, what, what, what, what)
We keep on risin'
Hey yo, I keep it righteous while my rhymes ignite this
Mic and it might just be the time to recite this
Rhyme that I wrote in my room gotta keep rappin'
Man, I told ya the Souljahz was bound to make it happen
Got you askin', l ain't hear from the Souljahz in a while
Didn't they flip they style? Wasn't they just on trial?
C'mon, we just been on the road
From N.Y. to Germany, Hawaii 5.0
So think about it before you criticize my crew
'Cause when you point your finger at me
Three is pointed back at you
Actin' like a fool, whether it be jealousy or envy
Jealousy or envy, remember why we doin' this
It ain't about the Bentley, it ain't about the cars
Money, cash or the girls
It's a much bigger picture when you tryna change tha world
Righteous hip hop, from tha down-low to tha sip top
In yo sneakers or flip flops, coppin' spit wads
Yo, put your hands up, turn the beat up
Take your shoes off, throw your feet up
(What, what, what, what, what)
We keep on risin'
(What, what, what, what, what)
We keep on risin'
Put your hands up, turn the beat up
Take your shoes off, throw your feet up
(What, what, what, what, what)
We keep on risin'
(What, what, what, what, what)
We keep on risin'
Yo, put your hands up
Take your shoes off
(What, what, what, what, what)
(What, what, what, what, what)
Put your hands up, turn the beat up
Take your shoes off, throw your feet up
(What, what, what, what, what)
We keep on risin'
(What, what, what, what, what)
In "Keep Risin'" by Souljahz, the lyrics speak of perseverance and staying true to oneself despite the challenges that face hip-hop artists. The song starts with a call to action - to put your hands up, turn up the beat, take off your shoes and throw your feet up. They keep on rising, despite being together for years, and despite other artists who would try to bring them down. The chorus repeats this sentiment: they keep on rising, no matter what, with hands in the air and feet off the ground.
The verses are the story of the trials and tribulations they've faced, from record labels going bankrupt to backstabbing music murderers. They acknowledge that time changes, but their mind remains unchanged – they have stayed true to their principles. The rapper acknowledges his Christian faith and the importance it has in his life, praying to be cleansed from within and without and to walk in the light. He ends the verse stating that it's time to play his part.
The final verse emphasizes that creating meaningful hip-hop is about changing the world, not about material possessions or fame. They champion "righteous hip-hop" and call out jealousy and envy, stating that they know why they're doing this. They end the song repeating the intro, urging the listener to keep rising with them.
Line by Line Meaning
Yo, put your hands up, turn the beat up
Get ready to dance and enjoy the music.
Take your shoes off, throw your feet up
Relax and let loose.
We keep on risin'
We continue to make progress and succeed.
We been doin' this for years and you just now heard of us
We have been working hard for a long time, but are finally gaining recognition.
Four years containin' back stabbin' music murderers
The music industry can be cutthroat and full of betrayal.
Yeah, I was a younga MC, now I'm older but please / Don't think my mind, change only time change / And the clock moves quicker as the plot gets thicker now
Although time has passed and I have grown, my beliefs and values have remained the same, and the challenges we face become more complex.
Yeah, I'm a Christian, my position paints the picture list
My faith plays a big role in my life and influences my actions.
DJ Niques composin' beats since he was under age / A true master of the art it's time to take the stage
Our DJ has been honing his skills for a long time and is now ready to showcase his talent.
We give props to those who keepin' it tight / Big ups to P.O.D. for always rockin' it right
We admire other artists who stay true to themselves and produce great music.
In the middle of my cloudy day, drop to my knees and pray / Let me walk in light so my darkness will fade away / Lord, please cleanse me from without and within / Be sure to never let me doubt the evil powers of sin
When experiencing difficult times, turning to prayer can bring clarity and peace. Asking for guidance and protection from harmful influences.
And work magic, deflectin' fiery darts aimin' at my heart / I think it's time to play my part, yo, so dig it
We must stay strong and resilient in the face of adversity, and contribute positively to the world.
When I look around all I see is record companies / And MC's goin' bankrupt tryna be free
The music industry can be financially unstable and some artists struggle financially in order to maintain their artistic freedom.
That ain't the way that is should be, no, not hardly / You got me pacin' knowin' that you're gonna / Try to bring me down, I'm sorry
It's disappointing that the music industry isn't more supportive of artists. We know that there will always be critics trying to tear us down.
We won't stop, you ask why, 'cause we can't stop / Hip hop make ya neck pop when the beat drops / Souljahz, don't stop, we keep on tryin' / Souljahz, don't stop, we keep on risin'
We will continue to pursue our passion for music despite the challenges and will keep moving forward and improving.
Hey yo, I keep it righteous while my rhymes ignite this / Mic and it might just be the time to recite this / Rhyme that I wrote in my room gotta keep rappin'
I stay true to my values and beliefs in my music, and am ready to share my message with the world.
Man, I told ya the Souljahz was bound to make it happen / Got you askin', l ain't hear from the Souljahz in a while / Didn't they flip they style? Wasn't they just on trial? / C'mon, we just been on the road / From N.Y. to Germany, Hawaii 5.0
We have been busy touring and sharing our music with fans around the world. Some people may have misconceptions about us but we are focused on our craft and message.
So think about it before you criticize my crew / 'Cause when you point your finger at me / Three is pointed back at you
Before judging us, consider your own actions and motivations that lead to criticism.
Actin' like a fool, whether it be jealousy or envy / Jealousy or envy, remember why we doin' this / It ain't about the Bentley, it ain't about the cars / Money, cash or the girls / It's a much bigger picture when you tryna change tha world
Don't let negative emotions like jealousy or envy guide your decisions and actions. Our music is about spreading a positive message and creating positive change, not material possessions.
Righteous hip hop, from tha down-low to tha sip top / In yo sneakers or flip flops, coppin' spit wads
We make music that appeals to everyone and is true to our morals, regardless of the audience.
Throw your hands in the sky / Wave 'em side to side, cone on
Let loose and have fun with the music.
(Rise, we rise) / Hey yo, put your hands up
We will keep rising and improving, and encourage everyone to join in and dance.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DAVID MCKEE, JACOB WASHINGTON, JACOB ERNEST WASHINGTON, JOSHUA WASHINGTON, JOSHUA JOEL WASHINGTON, RACHAEL WASHINGTON, RACHAEL ROSE WASHINGTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind