In 1996, Mad Child and Prevail went to the B-Boy Summit in San Diego, California, where Mad Child won several rap battles and was initiated into the Rock Steady Crew, legendary to the hip hop/b-boy scene. The Crew is held in great respect as hip hop's highest collective - to join one must win a contest of skill against one of the highest ranked members. Swollen Members is one of only three rap groups affiliated with Rock Steady.
That same year, the duo began recording their first tracks, with help from many of their friends from the scene - MCs, DJs, and producers, including Rob the Viking. Rob would continue to work with the group through the years, eventually joining them later. From the praise they were receiving, they decided it was time to release their material as a group. With the subsequent release of three 12" singles on Mad Child's record label Battleaxe Records, the group quickly established themselves in the scene and built a respectable following. The next logical step was to release an album, which was titled Balance and released in 1999.
Balance received wide critical acclaim and has been claimed by the band to have sold in excess of 50,000 copies. Featuring collaborations with artists such as Everlast, Divine Styler, and Dilated Peoples, the album also netted Swollen Members the 2001 Juno Award for Best Rap Recording.
Following Balance, Swollen Members recorded and released Bad Dreams, which successfully dodged the so-called "sophomore curse" many artists suffer upon their second release. Bad Dreams was released on November 13, 2001, featuring guests such as Chali 2na of Jurassic 5, Son Doobie, Joey Chavez, and former member Moka Only. Like their debut, Bad Dreams was surprisingly successful for an independent rap album and brought Swollen Members global acclaim. Surprisingly, it appealed to both underground and mainstream audiences, with several singles reaching platinum status in Canada.
The album also earned Swollen Members their second Juno Award, and four MuchMusic Video Awards. The group continues to tour, visiting every major market possible and performing hundreds of shows a year; some with nearly 15,000 audience members. The media continues to give their music and live shows excellent coverage around the globe, and both new and old singles receive solid airplay on college and commercial radio. Their tracks have also been featured in a multitude of films, television programs, extreme sports videos, commercials, video games (especially games produced by Electronic Arts, which has a studio in their hometown of Vancouver), and compilation albums, the sales of which total in the millions when combined.
Swollen Members have appeared on numerous television shows, in addition to having several of their live shows televised. Like their singles, their music videos have been heavily played on both the Canadian MuchMusic and the American MTV, as well as on many independent video shows.
2002's Monsters in the Closet, their third release, brought them greater fame than ever before. Where Moka Only and Rob the Viking had only peripherally assisted the duo before, they now became official members of the group. Monsters included several unreleased tracks and remixes, as well as collaborations from fellow British Columbian Nelly Furtado and Saukrates of Def Jam. Production credits included Evidence from Dilated Peoples.
2003 brought Heavy, released yet again to critical acclaim and powerful sales, despite dismal video play time on MuchMusic. The band considers it the bridge between their underground origins and their potential for fame. Unfortunately the album was controversial among Swollen Members' fanbase. Many fans claim that Swollen Members have removed many elements of their style which had awarded them in the past. The lines were drawn between fans who began to listen to Swollen Members when Monsters in the Closet came out and fans attracted by the earlier two albums (especially Balance). They continue to tour, playing both local and international shows to the delight of their hometown fans.
In 2005 Moka Only decided to break off from the group for a second time and continue work on his solo career.
In 2006 Swollen Members released their fifth full album, Black Magic. It is understood that Mad Child and Prevail made an attempt to return to their previously critically acclaimed style and method. Their previous album Heavy was seen by the band as a disappointment, and isn't listed on their official site discography.
In August 2006, Swollen Members released their new single "Put Me On - Feat. Everlast" off of their new album, "Black Magic".
Their next CD is scheduled to be released at the end of the summer of 2008. According to the band's website, Mad Child will soon release a solo album.
Pressure
Swollen Members Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You can meet me on the block, we'll stop and talk
We do not get thrown we don't stop
Whether or not we up on top, we still rock
You can see me back on top you can see me when we stop
You can feel it when we rock, we got shit locked
We do not get cold we feel hot whether or not we up on top, we still rock
I'm a stun gun, pills 'til my tongues numb
I stay home don't ask where I come from
Conquer from beneath I sparkle when I speak
This bug me on the in the inside fuck it I'm a geek
A lovely individual hug me because I'm miserable
This wizardry is dismal drugs make me invisible
I've risen from my physical frame you can't touch me
Top boy that rock but it still got ugly
Prevail:
Dusty the country roads take me home to the place that I belong
Lost skeleton bones, locked in the closet deep family secrets
Discover this recovery my brothers in sequence
Ever had to dance with the devil in pale moonlight
Snakes in the grass but the scales don't move right
Fight when you need to bite when you have to
Run no never stand ground then we smash
You can see me on the top you can see when we drop
You can meet me on the block, we'll stop and talk
We do not get thrown we don't stop
Whether or not we up on top, we still rock
You can see me back on top you can see me when we stop
You can feel it when we rock, we got shit locked
We do not get cold we feel hot whether or not we up on top, we still rock
Prevail:
Virtuoso piano solo play Mozart
Vocabulary colorful like feathers of a peacock
Operating theatre put your head upon a butchers block
Rise from my own grave eyes nuclear holocaust
Astronauts t-minus arc of the covenant
My part spreading sick art that starts on this continent
Confidence ensures there's no formidable adversaries
A savage land and a band of terrible mercenaries
Program your lives like the wives of Stepford
Voice remains immortal and survives on record
Hannibal Lector pour myself a glass of Chianti
This is my Divine Comedy the finest since Dante
Cape scrapes the floor dark prince the Impaler
The order of the dragon Prevail no failure
Slain all the vain overcame with my sabre
Maintain and let the blood reign explain my behavior
You can see me on the top you can see when we drop
You can meet me on the block, we'll stop and talk
We do not get thrown we don't stop
Whether or not we up on top, we still rock
You can see me back on top you can see me when we stop
You can feel it when we rock, we got shit locked
We do not get cold we feel hot whether or not we up on top, we still rock
Madchild:
It goes:cracked halo horns on my helmet
Little doll crawl in cherry red velvet
Burning Man in the house of charm
Chemical to the mouth but not to the arm
My tastes spinning out of control
Your face two eyes with a whole
Suicide watch, king of the strippers
Glorified hookers smash your glass slippers
Nothing can tempt me, everyone empty
I get high on the road when they let me
Trade craftwork off exotic substance
Some want to carve out my heart still love this
I'm trying to hurt myself, still smoking
But I'm a afraid of blood won't cut my wrist open
Told you that I loved you, I was just joking
You can't hurt my heart it's been broken
You can see me on the top you can see when we drop
You can meet me on the block, we'll stop and talk
We do not get thrown we don't stop
Whether or not we up on top, we still rock
You can see me back on top you can see me when we stop
You can feel it when we rock, we got shit locked
We do not get cold we feel hot whether or not we up on top, we still rock
The song 'Pressure' by Swollen Members is a rap song with two verses, one each by Madchild and Prevail. The song talks about their perseverance and toughness, whether they are on the top or not. They do not get thrown or get cold, and they still continue to rock. Madchild makes references to being miserable and invisible due to drugs, while Prevail talks about skeletons in the closet, dancing with the devil, and overcoming formidable adversaries. Both rappers showcase their exceptional vocabulary and wordplay in their verses. The chorus is a repetition of the same lines, emphasizing their resilience and commitment to their craft.
The lyrics of 'Pressure' reveal the struggles and challenges that the artists have overcome to rise to the top of their profession. They use their lyrics to assert their dominance and show that they are not going to be beaten or deterred from their path. The song could be interpreted as a message of empowerment and encouragement to anyone facing obstacles in their life, to stand strong and not give up.
Line by Line Meaning
You can see me on the top you can see when we drop
Whether we're on top or not, you can always catch a glimpse of us.
You can meet me on the block, we'll stop and talk
We're approachable and willing to chat with anyone who wants to.
We do not get thrown we don't stop
We don't let setbacks or obstacles slow us down or stop us from achieving our goals.
Whether or not we up on top, we still rock
Our commitment to producing great music never wavers, regardless of our level of success.
You can see me back on top you can see me when we stop
We always strive to regain our success, and we keep working even when we feel like we've lost it.
You can feel it when we rock, we got shit locked
Our music has a powerful impact and we have complete control over our sound.
We do not get cold we feel hot whether or not we up on top, we still rock
Our passion and drive never cool down, even when we face challenges or are not as popular.
I'm a stun gun, pills 'til my tongues numb
I use drugs to cope with my pain and struggles.
I stay home don't ask where I come from
I prefer to keep my personal life private.
Conquer from beneath I sparkle when I speak
Despite my challenges, I still have a voice and something to say.
This bug me on the in the inside fuck it I'm a geek
I may feel insecure or nerdy, but I embrace it and don't let it hold me back.
A lovely individual hug me because I'm miserable
I may appear happy and fun loving, but in reality, I struggle with inner pain.
This wizardry is dismal drugs make me invisible
I rely on drugs to escape my problems, but it only makes me feel isolated from the world.
I've risen from my physical frame you can't touch me
Despite my physical struggles, I feel invincible and unstoppable.
Top boy that rock but it still got ugly
Although I may have achieved success, my journey has not been without its challenges and dark moments.
Dusty the country roads take me home to the place that I belong
I feel most at home in nature and away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Lost skeleton bones, locked in the closet deep family secrets
I struggle with family issues and secrets that have not yet been revealed.
Discover this recovery my brothers in sequence
My journey towards healing has involved my brothers helping me along the way.
Ever had to dance with the devil in pale moonlight
I have faced dark and challenging situations that required me to make difficult decisions.
Snakes in the grass but the scales don't move right
There may be hidden dangers or threats that are not immediately apparent.
Fight when you need to bite when you have to
Sometimes it's necessary to fight back and assert yourself.
Run no never stand ground then we smash
We don't shy away from confrontation and are not afraid to take action when necessary.
Virtuoso piano solo play Mozart
We have great skill and talent, comparable to the likes of legendary composers like Mozart.
Vocabulary colorful like feathers of a peacock
Our language and choice of words are vibrant and expressive.
Operating theatre put your head upon a butchers block
Our approach to music is surgical and precise.
Rise from my own grave eyes nuclear holocaust
We are able to rise from even the most devastating situations and keep going.
Astronauts t-minus arc of the covenant
We explore new territories and push boundaries in our music.
My part spreading sick art that starts on this continent
Our music has a powerful impact that extends beyond our own country.
Confidence ensures there's no formidable adversaries
We have confidence in ourselves and our abilities and are not intimidated by any challenges or obstacles.
A savage land and a band of terrible mercenaries
The music industry can be harsh and competitive.
Program your lives like the wives of Stepford
Society often pressures us to conform and follow predetermined paths.
Voice remains immortal and survives on record
Our music will live on even after we're gone.
Hannibal Lector pour myself a glass of Chianti
We have a dark sense of humor and may find enjoyment in unconventional things.
This is my Divine Comedy the finest since Dante
Our music is a masterpiece and a work of art, comparable to great literary works like Dante's Divine Comedy.
Cape scrapes the floor dark prince the Impaler
Our image may be dark and edgy, similar to a vampire-like prince.
The order of the dragon Prevail no failure
We are part of an elite group that is determined not to fail.
Slain all the vain overcame with my sabre
We have defeated our own egos and are able to overcome our own vices.
Maintain and let the blood reign explain my behavior
We maintain our dedication to producing great music, even when it's difficult or unpopular.
It goes:cracked halo horns on my helmet
My appearance may be unconventional or warped.
Little doll crawl in cherry red velvet
There may be sinister or creepy elements in our music.
Burning Man in the house of charm
We are able to thrive in places or situations that are not ideal.
Chemical to the mouth but not to the arm
We may use drugs to cope, but we are careful not to let it consume us completely.
My tastes spinning out of control
Our personalities and preferences may be unpredictable and constantly changing.
Your face two eyes with a whole
We may see through superficial appearances and recognize people's true selves.
Suicide watch, king of the strippers
We are not afraid to confront difficult and dark subjects in our music.
Glorified hookers smash your glass slippers
We disrupt conventional ideas and challenge status quo.
Nothing can tempt me, everyone empty
We are not swayed or influenced by external forces or material possessions.
I get high on the road when they let me
We may use touring and performing as an escape or coping mechanism.
Trade craftwork off exotic substance
We may use unique or unconventional methods to produce our music.
Some want to carve out my heart still love this
Despite the challenges and risks, we remain dedicated and passionate about our music.
I'm trying to hurt myself, still smoking
We may engage in self-destructive behaviors as a way to cope with our struggles.
But I'm a afraid of blood won't cut my wrist open
We may be willing to engage in risky behaviors, but only up to a point.
Told you that I loved you, I was just joking
Our words may not always reflect our true feelings or intentions.
You can't hurt my heart it's been broken
We have experienced pain and heartbreak, but it has also made us stronger.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Cristian Marcelo Bahamonde, Daniel Humberto Orellana, Kiley Hendriks, Roger Steven Swan, Shane Bunting
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@SWOLLENMEMBERS
#SupportSwollen and help us cross the 100k subscriber mark on our Youtube. Hit that subscribe button at the top of the page and stream the official Swollen playlist for more videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2m31tiTQ-w&list=PLE0B737B2C52B0924
@coreyknap680
I really like this video though, is there any higher quality video render of this? (even 720p looks compressed 😔 )
@JoseMolina-jz9hh
It’s insane that you guys aren’t at millions of subscribers... only the real... #members BAX #top #lock #rock
@landonhyde4916
Hands down best video and song layout ever
@landonhyde4916
🔥🔥🔥🔥❤️❤️❤️❤️
@MrTraveller.
Best Canadian Hip-Hop Group of all time !!!
@Limitless_CEO
People don't realize how truly talented these guys are!!!
@kray421
Still a banger in 2022, this song is timeless
@jif69
And 2023
@ToTheeOBlessedJoseph
What I appreciate about these guys is the rich lyrical content of their work, for the most part. The music is always good and refuses to submit to being labeled.