First Responders (feat. Kamasi Washington)
Over the last decade few people have put so much time and energy into the c… Read Full Bio ↴Over the last decade few people have put so much time and energy into the culture they love. Beginning his career as a rapper and producer, Terrace Martin has lent his skills to artists such as Snoop Dogg, Busta Rhymes, Lalah Hathaway, Raphael Saadiq, Charlie Wilson, Stevie Wonder, and the legendary Emotions, just to name a few. Martins big break came when he produced a Power 106 radio drop with Snoop Dogg. Shattering the acknowledged rules of hip-hop production, he samples everything from funk to jazz to classical to create fresh and original tracks. His wildly imaginative productions have made him one of the most sought after upcoming producers on the streets of Los Angeles. Born to father, a jazz drummer and mother, a singer, Martin's birthright was music. Growing up listening to everyone from Coltrane to Parliament, he began playing the piano at the age of six. Producing his first tracks on his Casio CZ101 Keyboard and an Sp1200, Martin decided to broaden his musicality and picked up the saxophone. At Locke High, under the auspices of Reggie Andrews, Martin became first chair of the All-State jazz band. As a child prodigy, Martin gained the interest of talk show host Jay Leno, who presented him with a scholarship and later purchased his first professional horn. Not only did Hollywood elite recognize Martin but also world-renowned jazz musician, Billy Higgins, who later made Martin a member of his World Stage All-Stars. Fresh out of high school, Martin attended Cal-Arts but decided school wasnt for him and began touring with Puff Daddy and gospels own Gods Property. From jazz to hip-hop, Martins role models include Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, Jackie McLean, John Coltrane, Herbie Hancock, Sonny Stitt, Grover Washington, Jr., Dr. Dre, Dj Quik, Battlecat, Premier, Pete Rock, and 1580 K-Day. Martin says, "I started producing hip-hop tracks because it was the music of my time, but I never lost my love for jazz."

First Responders
Terrace Martin Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Yeah
TDE the new commission, the syndicate
Chairman of the board, what the business is

Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh

This a different vibe (ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
Still on cloud nine since '05
This a different high (yeah)
No longer tryin to survive
We push limits, we thrive
We alive, nigga we made it past twenty-five
Defy the odds till the death of me, indefinitely
A project baby, you'll never get the best of me
My trajectory is God level heavenly
A pure breed, watch me unfold my pedigree
I don't believe in destiny or plan B (nah)
I believe in planning carefully
So when it's all said and done
Respectfully, I am the one
In case niggas needed clarity
You see the ascension
Me and Terrace been on a mission
Been had these niggas in submission
TDE the new commission, the syndicate
Chairman of the board, what the business is, uh
(What the business is?)
(What the business is?)
(What the business is?)
(What the business is?)
(What the business is?)

I get high vibing out with friends
Catching a vibe, hanging out with friends (yeah)
Making up songs, vibing out with friends
Baby, you know (you know, you know)
It's a party going on
Let's spread this loving around
I love this feeling, yeah (yeah, yeah)
(Ah, ah)
I love this feeling (I do)
(Really do, really do)
No
Ah, and I love this feeling, hanging out with friends




(hanging out) hanging out
Oh, oh, I love this feeling (ooh)

Overall Meaning

"First Responders" is a song by Terrace Martin, Robert Glasper, 9th Wonder, and Kamasi Washington. The introductory lyrics highlight the collaboration among the members and their dedication to their craft. They refer to themselves as the new commission and the syndicate, indicating their commitment to changing the status quo and bringing something fresh to the table.


The following lyrics reflect on the journey of the artist and how they have reached a different level in their lives. They emphasize the importance of pushing boundaries and taking risks to achieve success despite the odds. The line "Me and Terrace been on a mission, been had these niggas in submission" suggests that the artists have been working hard to impress and establish themselves in the industry. The chorus is a celebration of life and the joy of sharing it with friends.


The song's lyrics and melodies were created spontaneously during a jam session at a studio in Los Angeles. Terrace Martin, Robert Glasper, 9th Wonder, and Kamasi Washington are known for their improvisational skills and the fusion of different music genres in their works. "First Responders" reflects their musical style and their passion for creating something unique and timeless.


Line by Line Meaning

TDE the new commission, the syndicate
TDE (Top Dawg Entertainment) is a new organization like a syndicate.


Chairman of the board, what the business is
The leader of TDE is like the chairman of the board, and they're asking what's the plan.


This a different vibe (ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
The feeling they have now is different from before; it's unique and special.


Still on cloud nine since '05
They've been on an incredible high since 2005, and it hasn't come down yet.


This a different high (yeah)
The new feeling they have is even better than before, and they're excited about it.


No longer tryin to survive
They've moved beyond just struggling to get by and are now thriving.


We push limits, we thrive
They don't settle for mediocrity; they strive to surpass their own limitations and excel.


We alive, nigga we made it past twenty-five
They're proud to have lived past the age of 25, which is often seen as a significant milestone for black men in America.


Defy the odds till the death of me, indefinitely
They don't let the odds or challenges of life keep them down; they continue to fight and overcome them, no matter how long it takes.


A project baby, you'll never get the best of me
They grew up in rough neighborhoods, but they won't let their environment define them or defeat them.


My trajectory is God level heavenly
They're aiming for greatness, to be as close to God-like as possible in their work and accomplishments.


A pure breed, watch me unfold my pedigree
They come from a strong lineage and are proud of their background; they want to continue to create a lasting legacy.


I don't believe in destiny or plan B (nah)
They don't rely on fate or backup plans; they create their own future and take risks.


I believe in planning carefully
They believe in creating a well-thought-out strategy to achieve their goals.


So when it's all said and done
When everything is finished and history is written, they'll have done their best and given it their all.


Respectfully, I am the one
They believe they're the best at what they do, and they're not afraid to say it respectfully.


In case niggas needed clarity
In case anyone was confused or unsure, they're making it clear that they're the best.


You see the ascension
People can see them rising higher and achieving more success.


Me and Terrace been on a mission
They and Terrace Martin have been working hard to achieve their goals for a long time.


Been had these niggas in submission
They've been ahead of the game for a while now, and others are struggling to keep up with them.


Let's spread this loving around
They want to share their joy and success with others and bring people closer together.


I love this feeling, yeah (yeah, yeah)
They're really enjoying the great feeling they have now and want to express it.


And I love this feeling, hanging out with friends
They especially enjoy spending time with their friends and having a good time together.


(hanging out) hanging out
They're emphasizing how much they love hanging out with their friends.


Oh, oh, I love this feeling (ooh)
They're really, really loving the feeling they have now.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC
Written by: Robert Glasper, Kamasi Washington, MIchael E Neil, Patrick Douthit, Terrace Martin

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@johnlansing14

There's something about the Sax that will forever trap me in the song. So smooth

@TheLovliestTear

So, so smooth! 🎷🎷🎷

@thescoobymike

That’s Kamasi on it right?

@kobiedozier

@Scooby MiKE Yes

@aprilbivens-2pqb333

Kamasi

@DammitBobby

This song slaps. Epic song. Soundtrack to someone's life right. Hope they make a music video for it. It's the best song on the album imo

@orlandocampbell5799

Dinner Party consists of the actual people who are great musicians such as: Kamasi Washington, Robert Glasper, Terrace Martin, and the DJ himself is 9th Wonder!

@ohdontchaknow

Been listening to 9th Wonder since his days with Little Brother.. and I just discovered this gem 🔥🔥🔥🔥

@jaedii7287

Damn was wondering why this was so good.

@floydjr3189

Wuuuuhhhhhhhh!!!!!!???????? No way🔥🔥🔥🔥 9th wonder??!!!

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