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.
Q
Sublime Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Then I say what the fuck with you?
And I'm out for the nine-deuce niggas
Comin' with, this is nine-tre, still bad ass lynch
Muthafuckin' Q-Ball and my nigga Brad
With the funky reggae style, check it out
Bad ass, comin' once again, I'ma shock ya
Listen I'm the nigga, bad ass on the cut
Don't try to step, I'll shoot your ass, I'll go nuts
Steppin' is his strength, Q-Ball got somethin' to say
He's up next, white chowder don't play
I come too dope, I'm kickin' the cash
Because I clash, I gash
The buck-shots hit your ass when you duck
Nigga rains be supreme
The lyrics of Sublime's song Q paint a vivid picture of a tough street gang, boasting about their bad-ass image and their capacity for violence, both with guns and their fists. In the opening lines, the singer declares that he is done with someone while also taunting them, asking what they are going to do about it. He then references his connection to the nine-deuce niggas, suggesting that he is part of a powerful gang that commands respect.
The song then shifts to introduce Q-Ball and Brad, two other members of the gang who are equally tough and willing to throw their weight around. The lyrics are filled with violent imagery, threatening anyone who steps out of line and boasting about their ability to control the streets. Despite the aggressive tone of the song, there is a clear sense of camaraderie among the gang members, as they share a funky reggae style and a deep sense of loyalty to each other.
Q is a song that captures the gritty, dangerous world of gang life, with vivid lyrics and a hard-hitting beat that captivates listeners. It's a powerful reminder of the realities of street violence and the toll it can take on those caught up in it.
Line by Line Meaning
And I'm through, gonna fuck with you
I'm done with you, now I'm going to mess with you
Then I say what the fuck with you?
Then I ask why are you acting like that?
And I'm out for the nine-deuce niggas
I'm here for the people from the 90s
Comin' with, this is nine-tre, still bad ass lynch
This is 1993 and Bad Ass Lynch is still coming
Muthafuckin' Q-Ball and my nigga Brad
Here with Q-Ball and my friend Brad
With the funky reggae style, check it out
Listen to this cool reggae style
Bad ass, comin' once again, I'ma shock ya
I'm back again and ready to surprise you
Don't try to step, cuz I'm the rocka'
Don't challenge me, I'm the boss
Listen I'm the nigga, bad ass on the cut
Listen, I'm the man on this music track
Don't try to step, I'll shoot your ass, I'll go nuts
Don't mess with me or I'll go crazy and hurt you
Steppin' is his strength, Q-Ball got somethin' to say
Q-Ball is good at stepping and he wants to say something important
He's up next, white chowder don't play
He's the next one to perform and he doesn't mess around
I come too dope, I'm kickin' the cash
I'm amazing, I'm bringing the heat
Because I clash, I gash
I stand out, I make an impact
The buck-shots hit your ass when you duck
You'll get hit by bullets if you try to dodge them
Nigga rains be supreme
My style and my talent are unbeatable
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BRADLEY JAMES NOWELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
shook one
Soo dope! Every time I listen to this I wonder why they cut the song so short, I know it's a random addition to the album but it rocks
Soren Domaschofsky
What is sublime? How many members
Popsy Grandpa
@Soren Domaschofsky 3 members, they make reggae/rock/rap fusion music, with a lot of covers
Soren Domaschofsky
@Popsy Grandpa i was referring to the accociates ,&featured and extra members i couldnt figure out who was rappin in song but i figured it out
Humble 9300
@Soren Domaschofsky life is sublime.
Sleepy Domz
this song so fucking tight i wish it was longer
jenn lemmelin
Motherfuking Q-ball kills it. This some real Cali music right here some good stoner s*** some best music to listen to when you're chilling
Jenn Ribble
It just reminds me of those takes of them in the STP and Brad is in his room trying to figure out how to rewind a CD and he starts doing his arm. All crazy like he does when he’s tweaked
Daniel Champion
Shits tight
Trevor
Yo where the full song?? I never knew why they cut this off at :41.... could of made Q Ball a legend