The group came up with the Heavies name after signing their first record contract, borrowing from a liner note on a James Brown single declaring the artist "Minister of New Super Heavy Funk". As The Brand New Heavies they gained a cult following in the London club scene and soon signed to Cooltempo as acid jazz replaced rare groove in clubs. The band issued a debut recording for Eddie Piller's Acid Jazz label in 1990 with Jay Ella Ruth as lead singer.
A single, "Got to Give", came out on Cooltempo before the Brand New Heavies signed to Acid Jazz Records and released Brand New Heavies to critical acclaim. The band signed to a division of Chrysalis Records in the UK, and American distribution was picked up by influential label Delicious Vinyl, and N'Dea Davenport (who had signed an artist development deal with Delicious Vinyl) joined the group. A revamped version of the first album with vocals by N'Dea Davenport was then released, and the singles "Dream Come True", "Never Stop" and "Stay This Way", all with Davenport on lead vocals, became hits on both sides of the Atlantic, with the latter becoming a music video directed by Douglas Gayeton that saw heavy rotation on MTV.
The group's appearance with MC Serch (formerly of 3rd Bass) and Q-Tip (of A Tribe Called Quest) at a performance in New York City, inspired the group to incorporate elements of hip hop music. Their next album was the critically acclaimed Heavy Rhyme Experience, Vol. 1, which included collaborations with Guru of Gang Starr and The Pharcyde, among others, but lacked any female vocals.
While under management by Colin Lester's and Ian McAndrew's Wildlife Entertainment, The Brand New Heavies released Brother Sister (1994) which was the last album for a while with N'Dea Davenport, who had left to complete her solo album (which she had put on hold to join the Heavies). The album spawned more singles, though one of them, a cover of Maria Muldaur's "Midnight at the Oasis", was popular only in the UK because it was not included in the US version of the album.
Siedah Garrett joined the group for their next album, Shelter (1997). It contained the minor hit, the Carole King-penned song "You've Got a Friend" that was originally made famous by James Taylor. Again, though, this song did not appear on the US version of the album. The album also contained the hit "Sometimes". The remix of "Sometimes" included the rap vocals of Q-Tip from Tribe.
The Brand New Heavies then released their greatest hits album, Trunk Funk - The Best of The Brand New Heavies (2000) with Carleen Anderson on vocals for some newly recorded songs, followed by the Japan only album We Won't Stop (2003) featuring a variety of vocalists and Allaboutthefunk (2004) featuring British singer Nicole Russo on vocals.
In April 2006, the Brand New Heavies reunited with N'Dea Davenport and former label Delicious Vinyl. A new album, Get Used to It was released on June 27 2006 via Starbucks and more traditional music retail outlets. The album was recorded in New York and London; and the lead single "I Don't Know Why (I Love You)" was issued in early May. The single was notable for being one of very few late releases to feature the trademarked "A Tom Moulton Mix", as the legendary disco pioneer had been asked to contribute mixes. Later that year, their song "Jump 'N' Move" was featured on the soundtrack for the 2006 computer animated feature film, Happy Feet, and the in-game soundtrack for 2004's NBA Live 2005. The band toured at the end of 2006.
After the release of a live CD Live at the Indigo2 in late 2008, the Brand New Heavies announced they would be releasing a new album in 2009 with N'Dea Davenport on vocals.
State Of Yo
The Brand New Heavies Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm in a state of yo
So if I go to the spliff that I passed
Mix it back with the slack from my man
With a tan sitting by the fan
In a heavy, heavy band
The beat, huh, feels warm, and cool
Just move it, groove it, soothe it, shmooth it
Ah, shit and I won't quit
Keep on, and on and on
Filling up the gap from eve to dawn
Gotta be the Sheep
Under your nose, above your head
Honey said '69', I thought of boots
And gave her pro-Keds
D for action, just like Jackson
'Cause the Jacksons are not imagined
I don't really want to give a foot, you know
I'm in a state of yo, so what if I go
Yo, huh, what, yo huh, what, yo, yo, yo, huh, what, yo, huh, what
Yo, huh, what, yo huh, what, yo, yo, yo, huh, what, yo, check it
Yo, days go by, we just get flyer
Swinging harder 'cause we got desire
Extra effort because we're tryers
Got more heat than a dollar in the dryer
Got more flavour than Fruity Pebbles
Check the format, clock the levels
Yo, do what you gotta do
'Cause I got more style than store that's dapper
Got more sweet than a candy wrapper
Got more, balls than a pimp who slaps
And got heart like a thug that maps
Make more sense than childhood freaks
Got more support than high-top kicks
So what's happens in the mix
I'm weak and pure like a heroin fix
So, yo, don't you know that the flow
That I just move on, just like so
It's got me in a, state of
What, yo, huh, what, yo huh, what, yo, yo, yo, huh, what, yo, huh, what
Yo, huh, what, yo huh, what, yo, yo, yo, huh, what, yo, huh, what
yo, no aggression
Let your mind make connection
Ain't no need for correction
Yo, huh? Oh, on with the session
Heavies got some weight, you can't debate
Elate the fate, 'cause style is great
For life is hectic and all that there
For people, you care but, yo, beware
For one knows not what gets one shot
I think I used to know but I forgot
'Cause it ain't nothing, nothing at all
I'm telling you it's a small
Without the faith for things that work
To spite my life is to spite your birth
We share the earth, yo, but who was first, yo?
Well, who's here now, yo? Well, where's my hearse, yo
'Cause I gotta go, I gotta go
But where I don't, I don't, I don't know
I guess I'll just hang out in a state of yo
The lyrics to The Brand New Heavies' song State Of Yo have a unique structure, with repeated phrases and interjections throughout the verses. The opening lines introduce the concept of being in a "state of yo," which is not explicitly defined but seems to refer to a relaxed, carefree state of mind. The singer describes mixing a spliff with his friend's "slack" (presumably weed) and sitting with a tan friend in a "heavy, heavy band" - this could be a reference to being in a band or simply a group of friends. The beat of the music feels "warm and cool" and the singer encourages listeners to "just move it, groove it, soothe it, shmooth it."
In the second verse, the singer boasts about their style and ability, declaring that they "got more heat than a dollar in the dryer" and "more sweet than a candy wrapper." The repetition of the phrase "got more" adds emphasis to the singer's confidence and swagger. The verse ends with the observation that the singer's flow "got me in a state of yo," suggesting that the music itself is responsible for the relaxed state of mind.
The final verse takes a philosophical turn, referencing the unpredictability of life and the importance of faith and caring for others. The repeated phrase "yo, huh, what" suggests a sense of confusion or uncertainty, but the overall message is one of positivity and hopefulness.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm in a state of yo
I'm in a state of mind where I feel relaxed and carefree
So if I go to the spliff that I passed
Mix it back with the slack from my man
With a tan sitting by the fan
In a heavy, heavy band
If I go smoke the joint that was given to me, mix it with some leftover weed from my friend, and sit with tanned bandmates by the fan
The beat, huh, feels warm, and cool
Won't fall
Just move it, groove it, soothe it, shmooth it
Ah, shit and I won't quit
Keep on, and on and on
Filling up the gap from eve to dawn
The music is comforting and smooth, never losing its momentum. I keep dancing, from evening till dawn, filling up time with music
Gotta be the Sheep
Under your nose, above your head
Honey said '69', I thought of boots
And gave her pro-Keds
D for action, just like Jackson
'Cause the Jacksons are not imagined
I don't really want to give a foot, you know
I'm in a state of yo, so what if I go
It's easy to follow the crowd, in plain sight yet unnoticed. My friend mentioned '69', which made me think of boots and I gave her sneakers. I'm feeling active and inspired by Michael Jackson. I don't want to do anything that goes against my mood
Yo, days go by, we just get flyer
Swinging harder 'cause we got desire
Extra effort because we're tryers
Got more heat than a dollar in the dryer
As time passes, we become more confident and impressive. We push ourselves harder because we have a strong motivation to succeed. We are full of energy, like clothes fresh out of the dryer
Got more flavour than Fruity Pebbles
Check the format, clock the levels
Yo, do what you gotta do
'Cause I got more style than store that's dapper
I have a unique and exciting personality, full of surprises. My style is unmatched and I stand out like a trendy store
Got more sweet than a candy wrapper
Got more, balls than a pimp who slaps
And got heart like a thug that maps
Make more sense than childhood freaks
Got more support than high-top kicks
So what's happens in the mix
I'm weak and pure like a heroin fix
I am charming and attractive, with a bold and confident personality. I am passionate and determined, like a criminal who plans a heist. My ideas are clear and logical, unlike childish nonsense. I have an encouraging support system, like a reliable pair of sneakers. I am fragile yet strong, like a person hooked to heroin
Yo, don't you know that the flow
That I just move on, just like so
It's got me in a, state of
My performance and skills are automatic and effortless, which puts me in a carefree state of mind
yo, no aggression
Let your mind make connection
Ain't no need for correction
Yo, huh? Oh, on with the session
I am not feeling aggressive or confrontational. Instead, I encourage mental and emotional connections. There is no need for criticism or correction. Carry on with the music session
Heavies got some weight, you can't debate
Elate the fate, 'cause style is great
For life is hectic and all that there
For people, you care but, yo, beware
The brand 'Heavies' has a significant influence and impact that cannot be denied. Embrace your destiny, because style is important. Life can be chaotic and overwhelming, so be cautious with those you care about
For one knows not what gets one shot
I think I used to know but I forgot
'Cause it ain't nothing, nothing at all
I'm telling you it's a small
We can never predict what opportunities or chances we will get in life. I may have known before, but I have forgotten. In the grand scheme of things, everything is insignificant and small
Without the faith for things that work
To spite my life is to spite your birth
We share the earth, yo, but who was first, yo?
Well, who's here now, yo? Well, where's my hearse, yo
'Cause I gotta go, I gotta go
But where I don't, I don't, I don't know
Without believing in the power of things that succeed, rejecting my own life is also rejecting the life of others. We all share this planet, but who came first? Who is here now? Where is my funeral vehicle, because I must leave, but I don't know where
I guess I'll just hang out in a state of yo
I will stay in this relaxed and carefree state of mind
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Jan Kincaid, Andrew Angel Levy, Simon Bartholomew, Andres Titus
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Arturo Vega
Yo, huh, what, yo huh, what, yo, yo, yo, huh, what, yo, huh, what
I'm in a state of yo
So if I go to the spliff that I passed
Mix it back with the slack from my man
With a tan sitting by the fan
In a heavy, heavy band
The beat, huh, feels warm, and cool
Won't fall
Just move it, groove it, soothe it, shmooth it
Ah, shit and I won't quit
Keep on, and on and on
Filling up the gap from eve to dawn
Gotta be the Sheep
Under your nose, above your head
Honey said '69', I thought of boots
And gave her pro-Keds
D for action, just like Jackson
'Cause the Jacksons are not imagined
I don't really want to give a foot, you know
I'm in a state of yo, so what if I go
Yo, huh, what, yo huh, what, yo, yo, yo, huh, what, yo, huh, what
Yo, huh, what, yo huh, what, yo, yo, yo, huh, what, yo, check it
Yo, days go by, we just get flyer
Swinging harder 'cause we got desire
Extra effort because we're tryers
Got more heat than a dollar in the dryer
Got more flavour than Fruity Pebbles
Check the format, clock the levels
Yo, do what you gotta do
'Cause I got more style than store that's dapper
Got more sweet than a candy wrapper
Got more, balls than a pimp who slaps
And got heart like a thug that maps
Make more sense than childhood freaks
Got more support than high-top kicks
So what's happens in the mix
I'm weak and pure like a heroin fix
So, yo, don't you know that the flow
That I just move on, just like so
It's got me in a, state of
What, yo, huh, what, yo huh, what, yo, yo, yo, huh, what, yo, huh, what
Yo, huh, what, yo huh, what, yo, yo, yo, huh, what, yo, huh, what
yo, no aggression
Let your mind make connection
Ain't no need for correction
Yo, huh? Oh, on with the session
Heavies got some weight, you can't debate
Elate the fate, 'cause style is great
For life is hectic and all that there
For people, you care but, yo, beware
For one knows not what gets one shot
I think I used to know but I forgot
'Cause it ain't nothing, nothing at all
I'm telling you it's a small
Without the faith for things that work
To spite my life is to spite your birth
We share the earth, yo, but who was first, yo?
Well, who's here now, yo? Well, where's my hearse, yo
'Cause I gotta go, I gotta go
But where I don't, I don't, I don't know
I guess I'll just hang out in a state of yo
Naughty Monkey
A wolf In Sheep's Clothing and to a very slightly lesser extent Non-Fiction, have got to be two of the most criminally underrated hiphop albums of all time. Black sheep are one of the most underrated, unrecognised hiphop geniuses ever to hold a mic. So dope. Check out their two albums if you don't know!!
The Timeless History of Hip-Hop
For sure. Main Source on there too. Plus the unreleased 3rd Bass song that actually didn’t make the track list, it’s sick though. Called “My Props (Gimme Mine)”
The Timeless History of Hip-Hop
I need to check out more of Dres and Black Sheep no doubt
Alex Agaba
A Wolf.. is my best album & Dres my fave MC still
Bryan Lawrence
Bruh, that's what I was rockin.Back in my era niggas could spit me We wasn't on no pootery. And truth be told... That brother was one of the coldest that ever did it.
Arturo Vega
Yo, huh, what, yo huh, what, yo, yo, yo, huh, what, yo, huh, what
I'm in a state of yo
So if I go to the spliff that I passed
Mix it back with the slack from my man
With a tan sitting by the fan
In a heavy, heavy band
The beat, huh, feels warm, and cool
Won't fall
Just move it, groove it, soothe it, shmooth it
Ah, shit and I won't quit
Keep on, and on and on
Filling up the gap from eve to dawn
Gotta be the Sheep
Under your nose, above your head
Honey said '69', I thought of boots
And gave her pro-Keds
D for action, just like Jackson
'Cause the Jacksons are not imagined
I don't really want to give a foot, you know
I'm in a state of yo, so what if I go
Yo, huh, what, yo huh, what, yo, yo, yo, huh, what, yo, huh, what
Yo, huh, what, yo huh, what, yo, yo, yo, huh, what, yo, check it
Yo, days go by, we just get flyer
Swinging harder 'cause we got desire
Extra effort because we're tryers
Got more heat than a dollar in the dryer
Got more flavour than Fruity Pebbles
Check the format, clock the levels
Yo, do what you gotta do
'Cause I got more style than store that's dapper
Got more sweet than a candy wrapper
Got more, balls than a pimp who slaps
And got heart like a thug that maps
Make more sense than childhood freaks
Got more support than high-top kicks
So what's happens in the mix
I'm weak and pure like a heroin fix
So, yo, don't you know that the flow
That I just move on, just like so
It's got me in a, state of
What, yo, huh, what, yo huh, what, yo, yo, yo, huh, what, yo, huh, what
Yo, huh, what, yo huh, what, yo, yo, yo, huh, what, yo, huh, what
yo, no aggression
Let your mind make connection
Ain't no need for correction
Yo, huh? Oh, on with the session
Heavies got some weight, you can't debate
Elate the fate, 'cause style is great
For life is hectic and all that there
For people, you care but, yo, beware
For one knows not what gets one shot
I think I used to know but I forgot
'Cause it ain't nothing, nothing at all
I'm telling you it's a small
Without the faith for things that work
To spite my life is to spite your birth
We share the earth, yo, but who was first, yo?
Well, who's here now, yo? Well, where's my hearse, yo
'Cause I gotta go, I gotta go
But where I don't, I don't, I don't know
I guess I'll just hang out in a state of yo
VAP
one of my favourite tracks from the album
Richard O'Callaghan
Album is 30 years old next year.... bring all participants together again for a concert?
Bryan Lawrence
Real talk bruh!!
Salvia Divinorum
That Güiro scratch every 4 measures....