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.
Legalize It
Sublime Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
this shit's on
legalize it
don't criticize it
legalize it
yehah mmm
and i will advertise it
some of them call it ganja
and some of them call it boo
some call it marijuana
yehah mmm
i strictly call it boostalk
singers smoke it
and players of double bass too
doctors smoke it
yeheh
and my mom smokes it too
all they say sensimilla town
oh o oh
and i said sensimilla for me
all they say sensimilla town
oh o oh
and i said sensimilla for me
uh
tax
legalize it
don't criticize it
legalize it
yehah yehah
then we will advertise it
doctors smoke it
lawyers smoke it
sound guy smokes it
yehah yehah
even my dog tokes it
only cure for glaucoma
only cure for asthma
it's the only cure
will make me think faster
boo!
all's they say's sensimilla town
oh o oh
and i said sensimilla for me
all's they say's sensimilla town
oh o oh
and i said sensimilla for me
hmm mm mm
worry
water cool and deadly
water cool and deadly
sing on
hoo oo ee
mm mm
The song "Legalize It" by Sublime is a passionate plea to legalize marijuana. The lyrics urge listeners to stop criticizing marijuana and instead, legalize it. The singer claims that marijuana, which is called by different names such as ganja, boo, and marijuana, is what he personally calls "boostalk". He further mentions that many people, such as singers, players of double bass, doctors, lawyers, and even his mom, smoke marijuana. The song claims that marijuana is the only cure for glaucoma and asthma and helps in thinking faster.
The lyrics indicate that the singer is very passionate about legalizing marijuana and even wants to advertise it as a beneficial drug. The song also mentions that a lot of people refer to marijuana as "sensimilla town" but the singer prefers to call it "sensimilla for me". The singer argues that it is time to stop judging people who smoke marijuana and accept it as a part of society.
Sublime's "Legalize It" was released in 1991, and since then it has become an anthem for marijuana legalization supporters. The song has been covered by several artists, and it remains a popular song among fans of the genre. Although the original song was written by Peter Tosh, Sublime's version has distinct musical characteristics that have made it stand out. The song has a reggae beat coupled with punk rock, and this fusion has made it a cult classic.
Line by Line Meaning
whatup shh
Hey, everyone be quiet and listen up
this shit's on
Something exciting and important is happening
legalize it
Marijuana should be made legal
don't criticize it
Stop opposing and complaining about it
yehah mmm
Expressing agreement and satisfaction
and i will advertise it
I will promote and spread the word about marijuana
some of them call it ganja
Some refer to it as ganja
and some of them call it boo
Others call it boo
some call it marijuana
Another common name for it is marijuana
yehah mmm
Expressing agreement and satisfaction
i strictly call it boostalk
Personally, I prefer to call it boostalk
singers smoke it
Even popular music artists smoke marijuana
and players of double bass too
It's not limited to just singers, but also musicians who play other instruments
doctors smoke it
Medical professionals also use marijuana
yeheh
Expressing agreement or interest
and my mom smokes it too
Even my own mother uses marijuana
all they say sensimilla town
Everyone keeps talking about sensimilla town
oh o oh
Exclamation of surprise and excitement
and i said sensimilla for me
Personally, I prefer sensimilla
uh
Expressing hesitation or uncertainty
tax
We should tax marijuana
legalize it
Marijuana should be made legal
don't criticize it
Stop opposing and complaining about it
yehah yehah
Expressing agreement and excitement
then we will advertise it
Once it's legal, we can promote it more openly
lawyers smoke it
Even legal professionals use marijuana
sound guy smokes it
Even the person working the sound equipment uses marijuana
yehah yehah
Expressing agreement and excitement
even my dog tokes it
Even my pet dog uses marijuana
only cure for glaucoma
Marijuana is the only known cure for glaucoma
only cure for asthma
Marijuana is the only known cure for asthma
it's the only cure
There are no other known cures for these conditions
will make me think faster
Marijuana enhances my cognitive abilities
boo!
Exclamation of excitement or enthusiasm
hmm mm mm
Indicating thoughtfulness or contemplation
worry
Referring to the absence of problems or stress
water cool and deadly
Describing something that is refreshing yet may also be dangerous
sing on
Keep on singing or making music
hoo oo ee
Exclamation of excitement or enthusiasm
mm mm
Indicating satisfaction or agreement
Contributed by Chase C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@demoballa
I just wish bradley would have stayed with the herbs.. RIP bro you will be missed
@dannynorwood7943
And fungus
@dannynorwood7943
And fungus
@user-xw1ts3rr8z
U saying you don't like fenteal😂
@liellerocks
sublime is one of the best bands ever made
@johnny5isalive2020
Correction, they are the greatest band ever, for sure! My mom smokes it..
@baybegirl4209
Agreeeed!!!! 😎 ✌
@The505productions
Best cover band ever....
@anthonysavedra9390
Damn how come every single Melody coming from Brad and this band is on point!? He don't even have to make sense or make sentence or anything. He always has perfect melody it's badass.
@mrshaneobuenosnodgrass3328
You know this is a cover right?