Releases
- Stampede (2003)
- Pushin' On (2005)
- I'm Thankful (2006)
- Tropidélico (2007)
"Putting something back" is how Will Holland described the reason for starting The Quantic Soul Orchestra. Having released two succesful albums on Tru Thoughts under his Quantic guise - The 5th Exotic and Apricot Morning (which fused jazzy and breakbeat sounds), he felt his next musical adventure would be to focus on the album Stampede. The Quantic Soul Orchestra is a live project, strictly no samples allowed. Influenced by Mr Holland's love of the dusty funk 45's, he wanted to record and produce an album with creative and like minded musicians.
With pop acts in the 2000s now using hip-hop beats (beats which are heavily influenced by funk records from the 70s) it was important for the QSO to make their sound rough, raw and real - it's definitely not Acid Jazz but has a deeper funk sound that shows that this music is well and truly alive in the new millennium. Their album Stampede was influenced by the many flamboyant (but often poor) musicians in the 70s who loved music for music's sake, who wanted to dance and make people dance.
They are not trying to be retro and trendy, hence the cover version of 4 Hero's future soul anthem from 2002 Hold It Down. Sung in one take as vocalist Alice Russell warmed up before a recording session, it was decided that the original Holland penned instrumental should be replaced with this version. Ms Russell also lends her soulful voice to two other tracks on Stampede Something That's Real and Take Your Time, Change Your Mind. The other sung track finds John Hughes adding vocals (as well as some guitar and flute) to the classic QSO 7" Super 8. The QSO also adds Afro Beat, Soul and Jazz influences to the Funk sound with musicians Dave Woodhouse (Clavinet, Rhodes and Trumpet), Damian Bell (Trombone), Antonia Pheulatos (String Arrangements and Violin), Lucy Holland (Saxophone), Richard Gibbs (Drums) and of course Will Holland himself (Guitars, Bass and Percussion) adding to the variety.
Hold it Down
The Quantic Soul Orchestra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
'Bout mine
Y'all know how we do it
Yeah ('bout mine)
This is for them soldiers (keep it goin')
All day, everyday (yeah yeah yeah)
I've got so much trouble on my mind
I got my windows seedy, county line's still on
Now what the hell is goin' on?
This nigga been around the world and back
And it's a lesson to be learned in that
A lot of paper to be earned in that
But I still couldn't discern the fact
That the life ain't gotta be like that
So hold it down
(I'ma pop mine)
Gotta be about it, or you'll see about it
(Gonna keep it on)
I ill, I'll be about it
Yes, I feel G about it
(Who could be with me?)
Wouldn't be without it
When I think about it, who gon' be down?
(Who will be down?)
Gotta feel G about it, or you'll see about it
(Don't get no more)
Yes, I feel G about it
Where would I be without it?
(I'm sick of all you haters when I'm comin' 'round)
When I think about holdin' it down
(Gotta hold it down)
Oh, when I was young in my neighborhood
I sold straps cuz the paper's good
(So my bitch should understand me nigga)
We let them ends get bigger
It's always somethin' wrong with the picture
That's when it hits ya
Seventeen years old, ain't no need to be rollin'
In a big body Benz that's stolen
All my knuckleheads holla if ya hear me now
The grind is somethin' that you gotta stay real about
I doubt I'd change a thing about my life, except these haters
I'd take 'em baby, two at a time, with lefts and rights
And won't get tired 'til we all ball, causin' a riot
Can't even see no peace and quiet
So I decided misery I'll deal with myself
Ain't no need for me to be involved with nobody else
I'll chase my wealth across these continents
Why these fake mothafuckas wanna get with this?
Bitch nigga, be 'bout it
(I'ma pop mine)
Gotta be about it, or you'll see about it
(Gonna keep it on)
I ill, I'll be about it
Yes, I feel G about it
(Who could be with me?)
Wouldn't be without it
When I think about it, who gon' be down?
(Who will be down?)
Gotta feel G about it, or you'll see about it
(Don't get no more)
Yes, I feel G about it
Where would I be without it?
(I'm sick of all you haters when I'm comin' 'round)
When I think about holdin' it down
(Gotta hold it down)
(I'ma pop mine)
Gotta be about it, or you'll see about it
(Gonna keep it on)
I ill, I'll be about it
Yes, I feel G about it
(Who could be with me?)
Wouldn't be without it
When I think about it, who gon' be down?
(Who will be down?)
Gotta feel G about it, or you'll see about it
(Don't get no more)
Yes, I feel G about it
Where would I be without it?
(I'm sick of all you haters when I'm comin' 'round)
When I think about holdin' it down
(Gotta hold it down)
[Vandalz:] Now who be lettin' them heads loose, aimin' off the roof
It's the new millennium and I still ain't feelin' 'em
I'm Y2-AK, ready, hands steady
Shame on you niggas, how we came on you niggas
Shoulda pulled the heat out and flamed all you niggas
To the clique I'm dedicated, 'bout, blunted and faded
Bitch please
Ask a nigga, squeeze the young G
Situation turned drastic, I'm pullin' out plastic
So bring the beat cuz I'm a bastard
Barely breathing, but leave the body in plastic
Blaze the broccoli on the roof of murderin' street
Psychotic, leave the mic, it's idiotic
Bring ya heat if you 'bout it
Watch 'em inhale butane and spit hot flames
Thug, so I'm stayin' heated
But fuck the trouble that it's caused
We part insane, mentally
With a urge to splurge a piece of my poison
To innocent citizens
Violent millitants, check the currency on my pistol for them
Decided we out
(I'ma pop mine)
Gotta be about it, or you'll see about it
(Gonna keep it on)
I ill, I'll be about it
Yes, I feel G about it
(Who could be with me?)
Wouldn't be without it
When I think about it, who gon' be down?
(Who will be down?)
Gotta feel G about it, or you'll see about it
(Don't get no more)
Yes, I feel G about it
Where would I be without it?
(I'm sick of all you haters when I'm comin' 'round)
When I think about holdin' it down
(Gotta hold it down)
(I'ma pop mine)
Gotta be about it, or you'll see about it
(Gonna keep it on)
I ill, I'll be about it
Yes, I feel G about it
(Who could be with me?)
Wouldn't be without it
When I think about it, who gon' be down?
(Who will be down?)
Gotta feel G about it, or you'll see about it
(Don't get no more)
Yes, I feel G about it
Where would I be without it?
(I'm sick of all you haters when I'm comin' 'round)
When I think about holdin' it down
(Gotta hold it down)
The Quantic Soul Orchestra's song Hold It Down is a hip-hop track that touches on themes of perseverance and the struggle to reach success in the midst of adversity. The lyrics are a reflection on the rapper's past experiences growing up in a tough environment and the choices he made to survive, often resorting to illegal activities. He acknowledges that there are consequences to this type of lifestyle and that one must "hold it down" in order to come out on top. The chorus emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself and remaining committed to achieving one's goals.
The verses in the song contain vivid descriptions of the harsh realities of street life, with references to guns and violence. There are also hints at the challenges of trying to make it in the music industry while staying true to one's roots. The use of the term "G" throughout the song carries a sense of street credibility and toughness.
Line by Line Meaning
KB, Vandalz (yeah yeah yeah)
The song features KB and Vandalz and they are hype about it
'Bout mine
The artist is serious about his business and is willing to protect it
Y'all know how we do it
The artist is confident that his audience is familiar with his style
Yeah ('bout mine)
The artist reiterates his determination to secure his business
This is for them soldiers (keep it goin')
The artist is dedicating the song to people who have fought through difficult circumstances and encouraging them to keep going
All day, everyday (yeah yeah yeah)
The artist emphasizes that their hustle is a continuous everyday activity
I've got so much trouble on my mind
The artist is dealing with a lot of problems and stress
Refuse to lose
The artist is determined not to fail despite the challenges
I got my windows seedy, county line's still on
The artist is in a rundown environment that is not favorable to success
Now what the hell is goin' on?
The artist is questioning the circumstances surrounding him
This nigga been around the world and back
The artist has traveled widely
And it's a lesson to be learned in that
The artist has gained valuable experience from his travels
A lot of paper to be earned in that
The artist has made money from his travels
But I still couldn't discern the fact
Despite the experiences and wealth gained from his travels, the artist has failed to realize something
That the life ain't gotta be like that
The artist has come to the realization that life doesn't have to be lived a certain way
So hold it down
The artist encourages listeners to stay focused and disciplined
(I'ma pop mine)
The artist has a plan to be successful and is willing to do what it takes
Gotta be about it, or you'll see about it
The artist advises to take action or face the consequences
(Gonna keep it on)
The artist reiterates his determination to stay focused
I ill, I'll be about it
The artist is willing to take risks to be successful
Yes, I feel G about it
The artist is confident about his ambitions
(Who could be with me?)
The artist questions who is willing to join him in his pursuits
Wouldn't be without it
The artist cannot succeed without the support of others
When I think about it, who gon' be down?
The artist is unsure who will support him in his endeavors
(Who will be down?)
The artist repeats his question
Gotta feel G about it, or you'll see about it
The artist emphasizes the importance of being confident in oneself
(Don't get no more)
The artist adds that time is running out to be successful
Where would I be without it?
The artist questions where he would be without support
(I'm sick of all you haters when I'm comin' 'round)
The artist is tired of negative people trying to bring him down
When I think about holdin' it down
The artist thinks about staying focused and disciplined
(Gotta hold it down)
The artist repeats his mantra
Oh, when I was young in my neighborhood
The artist reflects on his past
I sold straps cuz the paper's good
The artist engaged in illegal activities to make money
(So my bitch should understand me nigga)
The artist explains that he has a significant other who should comprehend his past
We let them ends get bigger
The artist and his associates make more money through illegal activities
It's always somethin' wrong with the picture
The artist knows that his lifestyle is flawed
That's when it hits ya
The artist realizes the negative aspects of his lifestyle
Seventeen years old, ain't no need to be rollin'
The artist recognizes that he started his illegal activities at a young age
In a big body Benz that's stolen
The artist drove an expensive car that was stolen
All my knuckleheads holla if ya hear me now
The artist addresses his associates who can relate to his past
The grind is somethin' that you gotta stay real about
The artist emphasizes the importance of hard work
I doubt I'd change a thing about my life, except these haters
The artist has no regrets about his past except for negative people who tried to bring him down
I'd take 'em baby, two at a time, with lefts and rights
The artist would fight anyone who tries to bring him down
And won't get tired 'til we all ball, causin' a riot
The artist won't stop until he and his associates are successful
Can't even see no peace and quiet
The artist's lifestyle doesn't allow for tranquility
So I decided misery I'll deal with myself
The artist will handle his problems alone
Ain't no need for me to be involved with nobody else
The artist doesn't want others to be involved in his problems
I'll chase my wealth across these continents
The artist is willing to travel to make money
Why these fake mothafuckas wanna get with this?
The artist is questioning why people who don't share his vision want to be involved
Bitch nigga, be 'bout it
The artist challenges others to be serious about their business
[Vandalz:] Now who be lettin' them heads loose, aimin' off the roof
Vandalz questions who is causing trouble
It's the new millennium and I still ain't feelin' 'em
Vandalz is not impressed with others in the new millennium
I'm Y2-AK, ready, hands steady
Vandalz is an expert with firearms
Shame on you niggas, how we came on you niggas
Vandalz is disappointed in how others have acted
Shoulda pulled the heat out and flamed all you niggas
Vandalz believes that people should use violence to solve problems
To the clique I'm dedicated, 'bout, blunted and faded
Vandalz is committed to his group and enjoys smoking marijuana
Bitch please
Vandalz dismisses someone's opinion
Ask a nigga, squeeze the young G
Vandalz is daring others to challenge him
Situation turned drastic, I'm pullin' out plastic
Vandalz is willing to use his firearm in dangerous situations
So bring the beat cuz I'm a bastard
Vandalz is eager to rap
Barely breathing, but leave the body in plastic
Vandalz is violent and ruthless
Blaze the broccoli on the roof of murderin' street
Vandalz is smoking marijuana while causing trouble
Psychotic, leave the mic, it's idiotic
Vandalz is crazy and will stop rapping
Bring ya heat if you 'bout it
Vandalz dares others to use their firearms
Watch 'em inhale butane and spit hot flames
Vandalz is mocking others who smoke butane and are not as skilled as him
Thug, so I'm stayin' heated
Vandalz is a criminal and will always be armed and ready
But fuck the trouble that it's caused
Vandalz doesn't care about the chaos he has caused
We part insane, mentally
Vandalz and his associates are crazy
With a urge to splurge a piece of my poison
Vandalz has a desire to spread his dangerous lifestyle
To innocent citizens
Vandalz and his associates are putting innocent people in danger
Violent millitants, check the currency on my pistol for them
Vandalz and his associates are violent and care only about money
Decided we out
Vandalz and his associates are leaving or ending their activity
Contributed by Lily M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Millerinski
+Anneissinging
Move your body Now stop!Move your mind Cuz in space and timeThere are more than jewels out there that shine
I mean hold it down Stop actin' a clown Cuz the things you doAre causin' us to frown
Big inflated headYou're boastin' about what it doesn’t existIf I was to believe everything you saidI’d end up believin' that grass is red
Get excitedFolks is acting criminalYour actions are something should be indictedValue minimal
Hold it down, hold it down 4x
What you need to do is stopBang goes pop!Blowing up in your concern while we just try
For all to seeOur being is all for weOh please don't try to force that shit on me
Now all some do is wantNo thanks for what they've gotWith an attitude that fit for hell to rot
Who's gonna take the weight?Destination sealed their fateThere clockin'Time's tickin'You're lateYou're lateWoooo!
Hold it down, hold it down 4x
@TheCrowzZz
Bboy Do-knock! my inspiration
@myroseaccount
What jamiroquai could never hope to attain! SUPERB!
@DreiiFernandes
Feeling the Funk baby~
@wever
yes man, because this is a dope tune
@thekingnamed
This Beat Is So Sick!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@meli3111
Best Break Beat!!
@aznleeo7o6
amazing break song!!!!!!
@AdskiVotolotovich
Sick tune this!
@qsnijders
huh I got this song on a compilation CD. I love it. Didnt know it was that well known though :D
@DJFloodster
An Amazing song to lock to xD