In 2000, after living in New Hampshire, he moved back down to Massachusetts to enroll in the audio production program at Boston's New England Institute of the Arts. That same year, Selektah started putting out mixtapes, namely his Spell My Name Right series. With his mixtapes and DJ gigs, Selektah never passed up the opportunity to champion local hip-hop from Boston and the surrounding New England area. In particular, Selektah was responsible for introducing fellow Lawrence, MA, native Termanology to the world, helming his Hood Politics mixtapes in the mid- to late 2000s. Managing all of these tasks became much easier when he established in 2003 his own PR/marketing firm ShowOff.
In 2006, he turned ShowOff Records into an official record label, with Termanology & Producer DC's Out the Gate LP as its first release. By this time, though, Selektah's prestige had grown considerably. His radio shows were playing in several places, from London to Mobile, AL; he produced beats for many artists, including Foxy Brown, AZ, and Joell Ortiz; and most importantly, the DJ dished out tons of mixtapes with big name and up-and-coming artists, such as Nas, Q-Tip, John Legend, Royce da 5'9" (The Bar Exam, co-hosted with DJ Premier), and Saigon.
Statik dropped his first LP, Spell My Name Right in 2007, and his follow up Stick 2 the Script album in 2008. Other artists he has produced for following that include Talib Kweli, Bun B, Styles P, Consequence, Freeway, M.O.P., and Jadakiss. Rockstar games reached out for Statik in late 2008 to enlist him as DJ and producer of the Grand Theft Auto IV update "the Lost and Damned", as well as 2 songs for Midnight Club: Los Angeles.
In March 2008, Selektah and Saigon recorded All In A Day's Work in a 24 hour period, and was acclaimed by critics. He also DJed for Q-tip on his 2009 Renassaince World Tour. Statik just dropped his third studio album, 100 Proof: The Hangover on Showoff/Brick Records.
In 2010 Statik Selektah released his fourth album, Population Control, on Duck Down Records to critical acclaim boasting features from a mix of up and coming MC's and well established veterans.
Statik's fifth album, Extended Play, was released on June 18, 2013, and features Joey Bada$$, Action Bronson, Raekwon, Sean Price, Mac Miller, Black Thought, Noreaga, Lecrae, Lil' Fame, Styles P, Mike Posner, Termanology, Freddie Gibbs, Bun B, Joell Ortiz, Posdnuos of De La Soul, Talib Kweli, Troy Ave., Hit-Boy, Smif-N-Wessun, Flatbush Zombies, and many many more.
Carry On
Statik Selektah Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Others such as myself are trying to carry on tradition)
(Carry on tradition)
Got Statik, and I'ma select
Mic check 1,2,1,2
(Carry on tradition)
Mic check when a nigga come through
Niggas keep it silent
Besides the fact a nigga never been as swank as me, I like that
Until I shine I sit patiently, so light that, I'm folding back, scroll a pack
And roll a fatty, smokes heavy, not even over
Mad I'm thinking what they probably should have did before him
I'm on my girls and soaring, foreign under them heels
It ain't about the Ralph though, tell your horse chill
Don't need to grill to feel like a real nigga
If he can't see the light then shine Hilfigers still
Six-figure deals with the hell
since the age of six I knew the name would ring a bell
In six more years to wonder what the time could tell
That's 666 still no signs of a three-sixty deal
Neither did I sell myself, Records spinning by they self
The DJ tell myself go reflects off the reflex
before I told Flex drop that Semtex on the next New York best
This sickest sound, stick around, and we coming for the vets now
Can a nigga contest? Maybe if he put his pride aside he could confess, but none the less
It's fundamental, we need to fund the mental, wise with the momentum
So rise on this momental, so porn your inquidentials
Watch who you pretend to, and put a potent diamond to fuel
If you respect my conglomerate then wait I'm rocking to
It's such a prominent tune, but I won't get my roses until I lie on my tomb
Flowers
(Others such as myself are trying to carry on tradition)
(Carry on tradition)
You're static and I'm a selektah
(This is live and direct)
(Carry on tradition)
(Nigga that Hennesy)
With my lyrical Billy Dee 45 colt
Fuck the polices, they raided but they can't find dope
If it ain't about money and bitches, nigga what you rhyme for?
Work half a day in my trap, and make what you sign for
My niggas is willing to whip that work, it's such a ridiculous feeling
To come in your crib and your shit don't work
Electric, gas, and water, you fugazi
You mutilated like Pookie at the Carter
Joseph Jackson, the gangsta rapping, nigga respect the father
Taking it back to making them pick a switch off the tree
Every time you rap or do a show, bitch I should pinch off a fee
You used to flow 'bout goofy shit
Met a G and got on some groupie shit
A slave to my rap page, student under my tutelage
I'm still taking these boys to school
As quick as I build them up, I can just disassemble them
Coke and cut the curriculum cousin stayed up in Flint
I was shipping this shit to Michigan
The black bastard fuck LensCrafters I see the bitch in them
Cop a squat drop a pile on them, I'm steadily shitting on these niggas
But they hate the way Freddie came and switched up the style on 'em
I stretched it out to 250 he got a nine coming
Don't sell it at night but I'm up as early as five something
Chopping boulders, and blowing doja so fuck a cup of Foldgers
Bended corners, and serving yola off of this motorola
Sometimes you sacrifice your heart to serve this hard weight
Thirty rounds of death on my waist, its baby scarface nigga
I said thirty rounds of death on my waist, its baby scarface nigga
I got thirty rounds of death on my waist, its baby scarface nigga
(Carry on tradition)
(Got statik and I'ma selekt)
You know what I'm saying these niggas is rapping around in circles and shit
They ain't talking no real shit they ain't really 'bout about it you dig?
The song "Carry On" by Statik Selektah featuring Joey Bada$$ and Freddie Gibbs is a powerful commentary on the state of hip-hop and the need to carry on tradition. The song begins with a declaration that others, such as the artists themselves, are trying to carry on the tradition of quality hip-hop. The artists then dive into their verses, with Joey Bada$$ delivering a smooth flow that is both introspective and braggadocious. He talks about his own path to success, and how he's patiently waiting until his time to shine. He also reflects on the importance of knowledge in hip-hop and how it should be valued above all else.
Freddie Gibbs takes a more aggressive approach, talking about his experiences in the streets and the struggles he faced. He also criticizes other rappers who he feels are not authentic and are only concerned with money and women. Gibbs makes it clear that he is the real deal and has lived the life he raps about.
The song's chorus reminds listeners again of the need to carry on tradition, with Statik Selektah and Joey Bada$$ joining forces to create an infectious and memorable hook.
Overall, "Carry On" is a thought-provoking and powerful song that challenges the current state of hip-hop and encourages artists to stay true to the genre's roots.
Line by Line Meaning
(This is live and direct)
I am performing this song live in front of you.
(Others such as myself are trying to carry on tradition)
There are others like me who are also attempting to continue the tradition of this style of music.
(Carry on tradition)
We must continue the tradition of creating and performing this genre of music.
Got Statik, and I'ma select
My name is Statik Selektah and I am the DJ for this performance.
Mic check 1,2,1,2
I am testing my microphone to ensure that it is working properly.
Mic check when a nigga come through
Whenever I enter a room or start a performance, I check my microphone.
Niggas keep it silent
Everyone in the room becomes silent when I start performing because they respect me and my music.
'Cause we all about that knowledge
We value and prioritize knowledge and education in our music and our lives.
Besides the fact a nigga never been as swank as me, I like that
I am confident in myself and my abilities, and I am proud of who I am and what I have accomplished.
Until I shine I sit patiently, so light that, I'm folding back, scroll a pack
I am willing to work hard and wait for my time to shine, and in the meantime, I am relaxing and smoking a joint.
And roll a fatty, smokes heavy, not even over
I am smoking a large joint, and I am not even close to being done with it yet.
Mad I'm thinking what they probably should have did before him
I am frustrated that people did not recognize my talent and potential sooner.
I'm on my girls and soaring, foreign under them heels
I am attracted to and pursuing women who are confident and wear high heels.
It ain't about the Ralph though, tell your horse chill
I am not interested in brand names like Ralph Lauren, and I am telling people to calm down.
Don't need to grill to feel like a real nigga
I do not need material possessions or a tough attitude to feel secure in my identity as a black man.
If he can't see the light then shine Hilfigers still
Even if someone cannot understand or appreciate my talent, I will continue to be successful and make a name for myself.
Six-figure deals with the hell
I have signed lucrative contracts for my music, but it has not come easily.
since the age of six I knew the name would ring a bell
I have been passionate about music since I was very young, and I always believed that I would be successful in the industry.
In six more years to wonder what the time could tell
I am excited to see how my career will progress in the next six years.
That's 666 still no signs of a three-sixty deal
Although I have been successful in my career, I have not yet signed a deal that would give me complete artistic freedom.
Neither did I sell myself, Records spinning by they self
I have not compromised my values or sold out in order to become successful.
The DJ tell myself go reflects off the reflex
When I hear a cue from the DJ, I know when to start performing my rhymes.
before I told Flex drop that Semtex on the next New York best
I have spoken to a radio host named Flex and asked him to play my music on his show.
This sickest sound, stick around, and we coming for the vets now
Our music is innovative and fresh, and we are poised to replace the established veterans in the industry.
Can a nigga contest? Maybe if he put his pride aside he could confess, but none the less
No one can challenge our success or our skills unless they are willing to admit their own faults and shortcomings.
It's fundamental, we need to fund the mental, wise with the momentum
We must prioritize education and creativity in order to move forward and continue making great music.
So rise on this momental, so porn your inquidentials
Seize this opportunity to be successful and create great art.
Watch who you pretend to, and put a potent diamond to fuel
Be careful who you associate with or pretend to be like, and use your talent and creativity to fuel your success.
If you respect my conglomerate then wait I'm rocking to
If you appreciate my music and my talent, then stay tuned because I am going to continue making great music.
It's such a prominent tune, but I won't get my roses until I lie on my tomb
My music is popular and well-received, but I will not receive recognition for it until after I die.
Flowers
The recognition that I will receive after I die are simply flowers on my grave.
You're static and I'm a selektah
You are stationary and unchanging, but I am a dynamic and skilled DJ.
Nigga that Hennesy
I am drinking Hennesy, a type of liquor.
With my lyrical Billy Dee 45 colt
I am skilled at crafting rhymes, like Billy Dee Williams is skilled with his gun in movies.
Fuck the polices, they raided but they can't find dope
I do not respect the police and they have tried to arrest me in the past, but they were unable to find any illegal drugs on me.
If it ain't about money and bitches, nigga what you rhyme for?
If your music is not focused on wealth and women, then why are you making music in this genre?
Work half a day in my trap, and make what you sign for
I can make as much money in half a day selling drugs as some musicians do in their entire career.
My niggas is willing to whip that work, it's such a ridiculous feeling
My associates are willing to break the law and sell illegal substances, and it is both exhilarating and dangerous.
To come in your crib and your shit don't work
It is satisfying to rob someone and find that their possessions are not as valuable as you expected.
Electric, gas, and water, you fugazi
You are not legitimate or authentic, evidenced by your inability to pay basic utility bills.
You mutilated like Pookie at the Carter
You are in a bad situation, like the character Pookie in the movie New Jack City who becomes addicted to drugs and dies.
Joseph Jackson, the gangsta rapping, nigga respect the father
I am likening myself to Joseph Jackson, the father of the musical Jackson family and their manager, because I am also successful and respected in my role as a manager and musician.
Taking it back to making them pick a switch off the tree
I am reminding listeners of a cultural tradition in which children were punished with a switch or stick from a tree when they misbehaved.
Every time you rap or do a show, bitch I should pinch off a fee
I should be paid every time you perform, because I taught you everything you know.
You used to flow 'bout goofy shit
Your music used to be silly and immature.
Met a G and got on some groupie shit
You became infatuated with a gangster and started acting like a groupie.
A slave to my rap page, student under my tutelage
You are trying to copy my style and be successful by following my example.
I'm still taking these boys to school
I am still teaching inexperienced artists how to be successful in the music industry.
As quick as I build them up, I can just disassemble them
I can make someone successful in the music industry, but I can also ruin their career if they disrespect me or do not follow my guidance.
Coke and cut the curriculum cousin stayed up in Flint
I am cutting and selling cocaine instead of going to school or teaching others.
I was shipping this shit to Michigan
I was distributing drugs to the state of Michigan.
The black bastard fuck LensCrafters I see the bitch in them
I have no respect for the corporation LensCrafters and I am insulted by their products.
Cop a squat drop a pile on them, I'm steadily shitting on these niggas
I am sitting down and emptying my bowels on them as a symbol of my disrespect and dominance over them.
But they hate the way Freddie came and switched up the style on 'em
People are upset that I am innovating and changing the traditional style of music that they are used to.
I stretched it out to 250 he got a nine coming
I have made a lot of money selling drugs and I expect more money to come in soon.
Don't sell it at night but I'm up as early as five something
I prefer to sell drugs during the day, but I wake up very early to start my business.
Chopping boulders, and blowing doja so fuck a cup of Foldgers
I am cutting and selling large amounts of drugs and smoking marijuana, so I have no interest in drinking coffee.
Bended corners, and serving yola off of this motorola
I am driving around and selling drugs using my phone to communicate with customers.
Sometimes you sacrifice your heart to serve this hard weight
Being involved in the drug trade can be emotionally draining and difficult.
Thirty rounds of death on my waist, its baby scarface nigga
I am carrying a large gun with thirty rounds of ammunition as a symbol of my power and influence.
Lyrics © HIPGNOSIS SONGS GROUP, WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Welyn
Joey was dope But freddie SNAPPED in this
Yung Goblin
Welyn has Good Music Taste it seems.
ya boi ichiraku ramen
wth where did u come from bumpkin boi
YouNation
"Taking these boys to school"
"Up at early as 5 something"
Shits so fucking raw
Corno
welyn what da
Buttle Rubbies
Yeah but Joey still killed it. And statik murdered the beat
Sam
Need more Bada$$ and Gibbs they blend together so well.
dead for 5 years
fr
Mit ohne Swibel
Still bumpin...poor neighbours.
shambooki
No doubt. Two of the best rappers in the game.