Canadian hip-hop heavyweights Sweatshop Union, one of the hardest working ensembles to ever emerge from British Columbia, have been making righteous, politically charged music for over a decade but on their newest album Infinite (summer 2013), they’re ready to really enjoy themselves.
The 6-member crew took their time with this album, spending a year to gather sounds and lyrics, whereas previous records have been completed in mere months. It bridges the gap between conscious music and fun party jams, exploring heavy themes but it’s also built for kicking back and vibing. The group believes that the record’s strength lies in this dichotomy.
Infinite (nominated 2014 WCMA) follows 2011’s Bill Murray EP, which won the Western Canadian Music Award for Hip-Hop Album of the Year, and raised their profile beyond their grassroots following, some time after pair of Juno nominations from their previous work together (Natural Progression & United We Fall | 2004 & 2006).
The new LP contains a range of sounds, combining old-school hip-hop with futuristic, electro headbangers, not to mention some ballads and spoken word interludes. It accomplishes the tricky task of reflecting the outfit’s individual tastes, as they inform SSU’s collective vision.
The group is prolific and moves quickly but as of this moment, Infinite stands as the most eclectic record in the Sweatshop Union catalogue. Listeners will find it tricky to categorize but it’s clear the collective had a lot of fun making this music and they hope it’s contagious. After all, despite its title, Infinite reflects a group of men who know that life is short and that they need to savor all the joyful moments that making music together provides.
Discography
* Sweatshop Union 2001
* Local 604 2002
* Natural Progression 2004
* United We Fall 2005
* Water Street 2008
* Bill Murray EP 2011
* Infinite 2013
Infinite
Sweatshop Union Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Tell the truth but be careful how you work things
They say ‘cause people ain’t ready
But I know the same soul control your brain jelly
So I aim steady, ignorance remain deadly
The kingdom is within so real kings ain’t petty, get it?
I don’t need ice water, it’s fine
Much rather learn how to turn water to wine
Sittin back, sippin yac, just feelin the love
While the DJ do his thang, universal language
Feel the bass, let it transcend your anguish
I’ll be watchin from a booth in the back
Seein people change clothes ‘cause the truth is back ah
You’re infinite, don’t mean rims spinning the feeling
No minor ceiling can keep it uh
You’re infinite, don’t mean rims spinning the feeling
And no man listening can kill it no
You’re infinite, don’t mean rims spinning the feeling
And no man listening can kill it uh
You’re infinite, yea you’re infinite
Now take a couple of seconds to feel it
You’re infinite, yea you’re infinite
Now take a couple of seconds to feel it
They got a lot that they can say and do
To try to make it seem real but that don’t make it true, nah
What makes it trues is when they get you
You’re in need to believe it and then relate to
The next man that spread their lies like a bad disease
In fact in everybody’s minds we’re all casualties
Now we’re so overwhelmed that we can’t conceive a better life for ourselves or our families
So these days I’m tryna nail down my focusing
Concentrate on the folks that a whole blow since king
Keep dwelling on everything that I think is wrong
‘Cause in the end when you blink it’s gone
And it’s you energy that lingers on
And I believe that’s your memories you bring along
So every friend, every enemy, you bring em all
Yea, so they can try their best
But can’t control what’s behind the flesh
Don’t stress
You’re infinite, don’t mean rims spinning the feeling
And no man listening can kill it no
You’re infinite, don’t mean rims spinning the feeling
And no man listening can kill it uh
You’re infinite, yea you’re infinite
Now take a couple of seconds to feel it
You’re infinite, yea you’re infinite
So take a couple of seconds to feel it
The lyrics to Sweatshop Union's "Infinite" are a call to reject the limiting beliefs imposed upon us by society and embrace our infinite potential. The song begins with the question "Oh God why me?," a sentiment that many people can relate to when facing hardship. The following lines urge the listener to tell the truth but to be careful in how it is communicated, hinting at the power dynamics at play in our society. The chorus repeats the message that we are infinite and that no one, no matter how powerful, can kill this feeling.
The middle section of the song focuses on the ways in which society tries to control our thoughts and beliefs through propaganda and manipulation. The lyrics suggest that we are all casualties of this system, overwhelmed and unable to conceive of a better life for ourselves and our families. The solution, according to the song, is to focus on our own energy and memories, bringing everyone along with us on our journey. The final lines reassure the listener to not stress and embrace their infinite potential.
Overall, "Infinite" is a call to reject the limiting beliefs imposed upon us by society and embrace our infinite potential. It urges the listener to be truthful but also mindful of how that truth is communicated, to reject the propaganda and manipulation of mainstream society, and to focus on their own energy and memories to bring about positive change.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh God why me, that’s the song that the world sings
Everyone seems to be singing the very common song of 'Oh God why me?'
Tell the truth but be careful how you work things
It's important to speak the truth, but it's also important to be tactful in how you present it.
They say ‘cause people ain’t ready
People might not be prepared or willing to accept the truth.
But I know the same soul control your brain jelly
Despite what people might say, we all have control over our own thoughts and emotions.
So I aim steady, ignorance remain deadly
It's important to stay focused on the truth and not let ignorance cloud our judgement.
The kingdom is within so real kings ain’t petty, get it?
True strength comes from within, and those who possess it don't concern themselves with trivial matters.
I don’t need ice water, it’s fine
I don't need anything extravagant or unnecessary.
Much rather learn how to turn water to wine
I'd rather focus on developing my abilities and learning how to do amazing things.
Yea, and we still in the club
Despite striving for greatness, it's important to still enjoy life and celebrate with friends.
Sittin back, sippin yac, just feelin the love
Relaxing and enjoying the company of loved ones is important.
While the DJ do his thang, universal language
Music is a universal language that brings people together.
Feel the bass, let it transcend your anguish
Music has the power to make us forget our worries and transcend our pain.
I’ll be watchin from a booth in the back
Taking in the feel-good vibes and watching the celebration from a distance is good for the soul.
Seein people change clothes ‘cause the truth is back ah
Watching people become empowered and liberated because the truth has been revealed is a beautiful sight.
You’re infinite, don’t mean rims spinning the feeling
Being 'infinite' has nothing to do with material possessions or showing off wealth.
And no man listening can kill it no
No one can take away our infinite potential or destroy our inner strength.
Now take a couple of seconds to feel it
Take a moment to truly embrace and feel the infinite potential within you.
They got a lot that they can say and do
Others might try to deceive or mislead us.
To try to make it seem real but that don’t make it true, nah
Just because something seems real or convincing doesn't necessarily make it true.
What makes it trues is when they get you
Something only becomes true when we choose to believe in it.
You’re in need to believe it and then relate to
We search for things to believe in so that we can connect with others who share the same beliefs.
The next man that spread their lies like a bad disease
People who spread false information are like a contagious disease that can harm others.
In fact in everybody’s minds we’re all casualties
Misinformation affects everyone and can be harmful to society as a whole.
Now we’re so overwhelmed that we can’t conceive a better life for ourselves or our families
We become so bogged down with negativity and false information that we can't imagine a better future for ourselves or those we love.
So these days I’m tryna nail down my focusing
I'm working on refocusing my energy and attention on positive things.
Concentrate on the folks that a whole blow since king
I'm focusing on empowering those who have been oppressed or overlooked, as they have the potential to make great things happen.
Keep dwelling on everything that I think is wrong
I'm guilty of dwelling on negative things that I perceive as wrong.
‘Cause in the end when you blink it’s gone
Life is short, and dwelling on negativity only wastes precious time.
And it’s you energy that lingers on
Our energy and actions have a lasting impact on those around us.
And I believe that’s your memories you bring along
Our memories are what shape us into who we are, and they stay with us throughout our lives.
So every friend, every enemy, you bring em all
Both friends and enemies have impacted our lives and helped shape who we are.
Yea, so they can try their best
Others might try to bring us down or stop us from achieving greatness.
But can’t control what’s behind the flesh
However, they can't control our inner strength or ultimate potential for success.
Don’t stress
There's no need to worry or stress, as nothing can limit our infinite potential.
Contributed by Logan D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Moose On The Beat
This is why Sweatshop Union is my favorite group.... ever! - Definitely spreading the name to everybody I know. The Sweatshop needs more love.
Cyclops Herder Beats
I can never keep up with these guys every time i turn around they're dropping some music that I can almost always feel. They clearly know how to create the right feeling for quality hip hop.
Rachel C
Some of the best lyrics in hip hop in my opinion, I wish I could have seen them tour this time :(
Shayne Noyb
These guys are consistently awesome. Thank you for the quick upload ;)
Shaymus420
Omg...Iam so excited for this album. Gotta Love Me Some Sweatshop!
Malastrome
Far out. Definitely the best rap/ hip hop song I've heard in some time. Any chance for an instrumental?
Jerm
Sweatshop does it again. Brilliant.
norman currin
thank you sweatshop, you and a few others are bringin real rap back, back when rap was all about the music, and getting it right, not boats and hoes and bein so hood. I love you guys, a rare group because I cant find anything bad from yall thanks for bein awesome!!!
Jay Gizzle
Love the production so smooth
Never Alone
Sweatshop is by far under rated and slept on in the states. Grieves should be opening for them on this tour, not the other way around.