1) Toussai… Read Full Bio ↴There are at least 2 artists who share the name Toussaint
1) Toussaint Protector of Soul Music, Defender of Roots with a husky tenor that is the epitome of soul, and with musical influences that range from roots reggae to gospel to neo-soul to hip hop, Toussaint carries a sound that is true to his nickname, “the Liberator”. His music is liberated from any boundaries in form or name. Yet Toussaint remains firmly grounded by his foundational pillars of soul and roots. As a “soul roots” singer unlike any other, and with an epic debut album on tap, Toussaint is poised to break new ground worldwide. Toussaint began his musical journey where most of the celebrated soul voices of the past began: in the church. The son of a Baptist preacher and a gospel singer, Toussaint spent the majority of his youth singing in various churches in and around his home state of Indiana. Following a relocation to Boston in 2001, he began to sing with a wide range of groups where he learned to jump easily from the blues, to old-school R&B, to funk, to reggae. In 2006, the word of Toussaint’s vocal prowesses and songwriting spread to the ears of the soul/funk trio, Soulive, who invited him to join the band as their lead singer. Toussaint penned all of the lyrics for the acclaimed group’s album, No Place Like Soul, released on the newly revived Stax label. Touring the world and performing at legendary venues across the world for nearly two years, Toussaint was able to share the stage with renowned artists such as Isaac Hayes, the Rolling Stones, John Legend and the Dave Matthews Band. Toussaint’s stage performance, vocal strength and songwriting reached new heights during his tenure with Soulive. After taking a break from the music scene in 2008, Toussaint has returned in full force, bringing his original soul reggae music to audiences in the northeast with the bands Buru Style and the Trama Unit. 2010 finds Toussaint poised for another swell in the storyline of his career. Connecting with St. Croix-based I Grade Records – the label behind several notable reggae releases by Midnite, Dezarie, NiyoRah & others – Toussaint has recorded an epic album of original soul-drenched, genre-defying roots music: Black Gold.
Black Gold is a record that is both timely and timeless. It is Pan-Africanist in outlook, and it addresses themes that come up often in reggae music, such as fighting the exploitation of the masses by the elites. However, Black Gold is also very here and now. In that vein, the song "Roots In the Modern Time" stands out. There, Toussaint sings about how people often neglect their roots in the pursuit of the comforts and symbols of the modern world.The Liberator also makes time for affairs of the heart on the ballads "Unforgettable" and "Hello My Beautiful," but he reminds listeners that there is much work that needs to be done to lift up the downtrodden on the anthem "Changing".On Black Gold, Toussaint explains that while much has changed in the world, too much has remained the same. And with the gulf between the rich and poor being wider than ever, reggae music is more relevant than ever. People should listen to Toussaint for the same reason they listened to other reggae greats - for the message and the music.
2) A Christian hip hop artist from Birmingham, Alabama USA.
Give It Up
Toussaint Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
List'ning to the Muzak, thinking 'bout this 'n' that
She said, "That's that, I don't wanna chitter chat"
Turn it down a little bit or turn it down flat
Pump it up when you don't really need it
Pump it up until you can feel it
Listen to the propaganda, listen to the latest slander
There's nothing underhand that she wouldn't understand
Pump it up until you can feel it
Pump it up when you don't really need it
She's been a bad girl, she's like a chemical
Though you try to stop it, she's like a narcotic
You wanna torture her, you wanna talk to her
All the things you bought for her, puttin' up your temp'rature
Pump it up until you can feel it
Pump it up when you don't really need it
Out in the fashion show, down in the bargain bin
You put your passion out under the pressure pin
Fall into submission, hit and run transmission
No use wishin' now for any other sin
Pump it up until you can feel it
Pump it up when you don't really need it
Pump it up until you can feel it
Pump it up when you don't really need it
Pump it up until you can feel it
Pump it up when you don't really need it
Don't really need it
Don't really need it
Don't really need it
In "Give It Up", Toussaint is singing about the idea of losing control and surrendering to the power of the music. The first verse describes someone who is transfixed by the Muzak, lost in thought about various topics. They are interrupted by someone who demands that the music be turned down. This person represents the voice of reason, the one who is trying to resist the urge to give in to the music. However, the chorus insists that the music needs to be pumped up until it can be felt, regardless of whether or not it is necessary. The pleasure center, where one's desires are centered, is described as being either hell-bent or heaven-sent, suggesting that the feelings invoked by music can be either positive or negative.
The second verse shifts focus to a woman who is addicted to something. It is not clear whether it is drugs or some other vice, but it is described as being as powerful as a chemical or narcotic. The chorus repeats the message to pump up the music until it can be felt, which serves as a metaphor for giving in to temptation. The third verse describes a fashion show and a bargain bin, both places where people seek to validate themselves through material possessions. The pressure pin represents the tension of trying to keep up with societal expectations. The final chorus repeats the message to pump up the music even if it is not necessary, emphasizing the idea of losing control.
Line by Line Meaning
I've been on tenterhooks, ending in dirty looks
I've been anxious and waiting for something, which has led to unpleasant interactions with others.
List'ning to the Muzak, thinking 'bout this 'n' that
I've been listening to the background music and thinking about various things.
She said, "That's that, I don't wanna chitter chat"
She ended the conversation by saying that she doesn't want to talk unnecessarily.
Turn it down a little bit or turn it down flat
Lower the volume slightly or completely turn it off.
Pump it up when you don't really need it
Increase the volume or intensity even though it's not necessary.
Pump it up until you can feel it
Increase the volume or intensity to a point where you can physically sense it.
Down in the pleasure center, hell bent or heaven sent
Referring to the part of the brain that experiences pleasure, which can make us feel like we're destined for either positive or negative outcomes.
Listen to the propaganda, listen to the latest slander
Be aware of the misleading information and negative rumors that people spread.
There's nothing underhand that she wouldn't understand
She is aware of and understands everything, even if it's dishonest or secretive.
She's been a bad girl, she's like a chemical
She has behaved poorly and is addictive like a substance.
Though you try to stop it, she's like a narcotic
Even if you try to quit her, she's as addictive as drugs.
You wanna torture her, you wanna talk to her
You have an intense desire to either hurt her or have a conversation with her.
All the things you bought for her, puttin' up your temp'rature
All the things you gave her are making you angry or raising your emotional state.
Out in the fashion show, down in the bargain bin
She's in the public eye with high status and also can be found in the sale section for cheap prices.
You put your passion out under the pressure pin
You've suppressed your passion because of the pressure you feel.
Fall into submission, hit and run transmission
Surrender and give in without resistance or repercussions, only to quickly move on to something else.
No use wishin' now for any other sin
There's no point in wanting something different now because you've already made your choice.
Don't really need it
You don't require it.
Don't really need it
You don't require it.
Don't really need it
You don't require it.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ELVIS COSTELLO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind