Sublime was an American reggae rock and ska punk band from Long Beach, Cali… Read Full Bio ↴Sublime was an American reggae rock and ska punk band from Long Beach, California, formed in 1988. The band's line-up, unchanged until their breakup, consisted of Bradley Nowell (vocals and guitar), Eric Wilson (bass), and Bud Gaugh (drums). Lou Dog, Nowell's dalmatian, was the mascot of the band. Nowell died of a heroin overdose in 1996, resulting in Sublime's breakup. In 1997, songs such as "What I Got", "Santeria", "Wrong Way", "Doin' Time", and "April 29, 1992 (Miami)" were released to U.S. radio.

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.

Mic Control
Sublime Lyrics

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Wake up in the morning and its hard live
Hard to live yes its hard to live
And it will be a long time before shit starts to give
But everyday its getting harder to live

But I would up for being down with the ho
Still I know I got mic control
I'm aware of the high and the low

I've got spiritual mic control

But I move culturally
Unfortunately, its left up to me
All real lovers that wanna be ho's
What we need is just mic control

'Cause its not what you're saying but
What's in your soul
Mic control, its called mic control
Do you have mic control
You know this style is well original

At the party I got reason to give love in whole
Mic control, I've got mic control
I know I'm a reason come not to live
But every day its getting harder to live

I'm aware of the high and the low
Mic control, mic control, mic control
Heart and soul we've got mic control

But I move [for]tually
Unfortunately, I'm an opponent to me
Here lies something real

Mic control we've got mic control
Do you have mic control

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Sublime's song "Mic Control" speak to the struggles of everyday life, and the need for control in the face of adversity. The opening lines convey the difficulty of living, and the seemingly endless challenges that life presents. However, the artist declares his willingness to embrace and work through these challenges, even if it means aligning himself with unconventional societal norms. He asserts that he has "mic control," a term which represents his self-assurance and sense of power. The chorus emphasizes the importance of having control, not just in the words spoken but also in the inner spirit or soul that drives those words.

The second verse implies that the artist is conscious of the cultural influences that surround him but feels that he has the capacity to rise above them. He recognizes the absence of real love in daily life, and how it can lead people to certain behaviors they may not desire. He claims that mic control is the solution to this void, as it enables the individual to distinguish between right and wrong and always strive towards the former. The final verse reiterates the artist's belief in the power of mic control and how it distinguishes him from his "opponent," or the mainstream narrative that often fails to provide support to those who need it most.

Overall, "Mic Control" is a call to action for people to exercise their personal power in fighting for what is right and just in the world. It speaks to the importance of having control over not just one's words but also one's thoughts and spirit.

Mic ControlSublime Lyrics

Boenk Nsty Brown

on Santeria

Mic Control
Sublime Lyrics