Sublime released three studio albums, one live album, five compilation albums (one of which also contains never-before released material), three EPs, and one box set. Although their first two albums—40oz. to Freedom (1992) and Robbin' the Hood (1994)—were quite popular in the United States, Sublime did not experience major commercial success until 1996 with their self-titled third album, released two months after Nowell's death, which peaked at No. 13 on the Billboard 200, and spawned the single "What I Got", which remains the band's only No. 1 hit single (on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart) in their musical career. As of 2009, the band has sold over 17 million albums worldwide, including about ten million in the U.S. alone. Michael "Miguel" Happoldt and Marshall "Ras MG" Goodman contributed to several Sublime songs.
Following Sublime's dissolution, former members Eric Wilson and Bud Gaugh founded the Long Beach Dub Allstars in 1997, which also included many frequent Sublime contributors such as Michael "Miguel" Happoldt (former member of The Ziggens), Marshall Goodman "Ras MG" (former Sublime member), and Todd Forman (3rd Alley). LBDAS disbanded in 2002, due to several members of the band breaking a no-drug vow they had taken. In 2009, the surviving members attempted to reform the band with Rome Ramirez, a young guitarist and admitted Sublime fan from California. However, not long after performing at Cypress Hill's Smokeout Festival, a Los Angeles judge banned the new lineup from using the Sublime name as they needed permission from Nowell's estate, which owns the rights to the Sublime name. This prompted the lineup of Wilson, Gaugh and Ramirez to change their name to Sublime with Rome, which has since released three albums, although Gaugh left the group shortly after the release of their 2011 debut Yours Truly.
With the mainstream success of their self-titled album, going five times platinum and earning worldwide airplay, Sublime's influence persists to this day. Sublime was one of the most popular bands of the third wave of ska, specifically characterized as ska punk. Sublime often combined punk rock and hardcore punk with hip hop, heavy metal, dancehall, reggae, ska, funk, and (21st century) surf music. Sublime also has been described as 'reggae rock'.
Their signature sound and their songs are often associated with the beach and coastal areas of Southern California, such as San Diego, Orange County, Venice Beach and Long Beach as well as areas of Northern California like Eureka. Over two decades after Nowell's death and the band's breakup, Sublime remains immensely popular throughout North America, especially in its state of origin, California.
Sublime's songs have been featured via soundtrack in a variety of media. Los Angeles alternative rock radio station KROQ has listed Sublime at No. 3 in their annual "Top 106.7 biggest KROQ bands of all time" list for the past six years in a row, behind Red Hot Chili Peppers and Nirvana, and No. 81 at the "Top 166 Artists of 1980–2008" list.
With over 17 million units sold worldwide, Sublime is one of the most successful, and "powerfully moving" ska-punk acts of all time influencing many modern reggae and ska acts.
Freestyle
Sublime Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
From under that great stone gots to remove
From under that great stone
Stone of babylon
From under that great stone got to remove
Real real real
That's so real to me
I love him
Many people doubt him
But I can't live without him
Just because I love him so
He's so real to me
It shall be done
All of my troubles and triumphs
When I get over
Over on the other side
I'm gonna shake my hands with me elders
I'm gonna tell all the people good morning
I'm gonna tell all the telephone chalace
That I will
Oh ain't got no style and ain't got no fashion
Elementary
Ain't got that style and ain't got no fashion
Walkin' down with your dreads
The doctor love you so well...
Now that you're dead
Oh it's war upon the East
War upon the South
War upon the North this is what it's all about
You can see when they're coming and going
So I start walkin'
Night and day I'm walkin'
Over on the other side
From under that great stone gots to move
The lyrics to Sublime's song Freestyle primarily revolve around spiritual themes, referencing the idea of removing oneself from the weight of the "great stone" of Babylon, which could be interpreted as societal pressures or vices that we carry with us. The song also touches on a deep love and faith in God, with the singer expressing a strong belief in finding victory and overcoming struggles with the help of their faith. The chorus repeats the phrase "real, real, real, that's so real to me," emphasizing the sincerity and importance of this belief in their life.
The song also touches on themes of mortality and the afterlife, with the singer expressing their eagerness to join with their elders and the wider community in the next life. This is contrasted with the stark reality of death, with the unsettling line "now that you're dead" interrupting the refrain. Finally, the song touches on the idea of conflict and war, with the singer referencing "war upon the East, West, South, and North," which could be interpreted as a broader metaphor for the struggles and injustice present in the world.
Line by Line Meaning
From under that great stone got to move
We have to leave our past behind and move forward towards progress
From under that great stone gots to remove
We must remove obstacles in our way to achieve our goals
From under that great stone
Our struggle is against a powerful force that has been around for a long time
Stone of babylon
This force may represent the corrupt and oppressive systems that exist in our world
From under that great stone got to remove
We have to overcome these systems to make progress
Real real real
The struggle we face is very real and cannot be ignored
That's so real to me
I have experienced the harsh reality of this struggle and understand its importance
I love him
I have a deep respect and devotion towards the cause I am fighting for
Because he leads me to victory
The path I am on will lead me towards success and triumph
Many people doubt him
There are those who do not believe in this cause and its importance
But I can't live without him
Despite the doubters, I know that this is something I need to fight for
Just because I love him so
My passion and dedication towards this cause is rooted in my love for it
It shall be done
I have faith that my efforts will pay off and I will achieve my goals
All of my troubles and triumphs
Through my struggles and successes, I have learned valuable lessons
When I get over
When I succeed in my goals
Over on the other side
In a new chapter of my life
I'm gonna shake my hands with me elders
I will celebrate my accomplishments with those who came before me
I'm gonna tell all the people good morning
I will spread positivity and joy to those around me
I'm gonna tell all the telephone chalace
I will connect with people who have supported me along the way
That I will
I am confident in my abilities to succeed
Oh ain't got no style and ain't got no fashion
I do not need material possessions to validate myself
Elementary
It is simple and straightforward
Ain't got that style and ain't got no fashion
My value is not based on superficial things
Walkin' down with your dreads
Living life in your own unique way
The doctor love you so well...
People will love and appreciate you for being true to yourself
Now that you're dead
This love and appreciation may come after you are gone
Oh it's war upon the East
Conflict and tension exist all around the world
War upon the South
These issues are not limited to one location or region
War upon the North this is what it's all about
The root of these conflicts and issues are often greed and power struggles
You can see when they're coming and going
These struggles are ongoing and often predictable
So I start walkin'
To overcome these issues, we must take action
Night and day I'm walkin'
This action requires dedication and persistence
Over on the other side
Ultimately, our collective efforts will lead towards a better future
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@matthewstoltzman6461
The sublime Den always coming through with the new style e. You all are just the best thanks for the cuts call Bradley. And the sweet photographs not a sight to see. All Sublime all the time and thanks so much for your efforts drop in the music love all you guys Eric the god of thunder Floyd I and the swinger songwriter conductor of the most high Bradley James. For all those that are here keep on with it. And all those that have passed on you're right here with us. All right let's go. Peace and love
@charleslee1862
Sublime is still the best band ever.
@jennifermullin6258
Love this. Thank You🎉
I feel like I just got a present 💝
@paultaylor3284
The energy is so intense
@killybilly685
0:00 I don’t pay attention
2:24 At it Again
5:17 Johnny Too Bad
10:15 Foreman Freestyle
11:12 Foolish Fool
12:08 Fugees Freestyle
16:30 Hanging at the Mall
@smokeymcpot69
This list is all jacked up...
@weedo3
Nice to have them all linked together
@b.mills1877
Love it man live on Bradley🟥🟨🟩
@Ciscokidtsix
Holy shit. Ive never heard that version of foolish. First new discovery of mine in 2 years!
@JustPlainAwful
I love it, music to party