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.
Krs One
Sublime Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Elijah Muhammed or the welfare state
But I know
And I know because of KRS-one
Yeah and I know, and I know because of KRS-one
Because he's droppin' droppin' droppin' science
Droppin' history with a whole leap of style and intelligence
I know because of KRS-one yeah
And I know, and I know
Because we don't want to pay money to hear the same old sounds
Watch him he'll take hip-hop to a higher ground
'Cause I know, how do I know?
And I know because of KRS-ONE
Yeah, and I know, and I know because
(You must learn) And I know
And I know because of KRS-one
And I know, and I know yeah!
The lyrics to Sublime's "Krs One" are a tribute to the pioneering hip hop artist, KRS-One, and his impact on the conscious rap movement. The lyrics start off with a reference to how traditional education systems fail to teach students about important issues like poverty, inequality, and civil rights. However, the singer has gained insight and knowledge about these issues because of KRS-One's music.
The chorus emphasizes the singer's admiration for KRS-One's ability to "drop science" and education in his lyrics, using a "whole leap of style and intelligence" that sets him apart from other hip hop artists. The lyrics also highlight KRS-One's role in pushing the genre forward and breaking new ground, challenging the status quo and taking hip hop to a "higher ground."
Overall, the song is a nod to the importance of conscious music, specifically in the hip hop genre, and the influence that artists like KRS-One have on shaping cultural perspectives and driving social change.
Line by Line Meaning
In school they never taught bout hamburgers or steak
I didn't learn about important societal issues like Elijah Muhammed or the welfare state in school
But I know
Nevertheless, I am knowledgeable now
And I know because of KRS-one
and that's thanks to KRS-One
Because he's droppin' droppin' droppin' science
KRS-One is spitting knowledge and insights
Droppin' history with a whole leap of style and intelligence
This knowledge is presented in a fresh and intelligent way
Yes, I know
I am fully aware of this
Because we don't want to pay money to hear the same old sounds
The audience desires something more unique than tired and predictable music
Watch him he'll take hip-hop to a higher ground
KRS-One has the ability to elevate the hip-hop genre to new heights
'Cause I know, how do I know?
I have firsthand experience of KRS-One's musical impact
And I know because of KRS-ONE
The credit for this enlightenment goes to KRS-One
(You must learn) And I know
The imperative to learn is emphasized
And I know because of KRS-one
KRS-One served as a catalyst for this newfound awareness
And I know, and I know yeah!
I am absolutely certain of this
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: BRADLEY JAMES NOWELL, LAWRENCE KRSONE PARKER, MARSHALL RAYMOND GOODMAN, RAY ANTHONY SMITH, TYRONE ARMSTRONG
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
dexxhunt
Probably the 1st joint ever in the history of music to have scratching over a acoustic guitar melody.Those dudes were definitely music heads that drew inspiration from any genre.I'm hella proud those cats are So Cal natives....Rip Bradley!!
MrSomethingElse
They reached us all the way down here in New Zealand. A fallen brother. respect.
KamiDavi
I’d like to see another group of people do what they did with this song as well as they did
Tyler b
It's a folk song right?
Sula Smith
still listening now
brother 😊
Sula Smith
@Tyler bno, its not
Lovable Poison
Brings me back to my highschool days, just hanging out with friends and jammin to sublime!
Peter Rivera
I was in on the way to San Diego but we were listening to it back in the 90s
Asim6998
Yes!
Butter Bean
Getting high in a park 💕😂