His appeal to rap began at the age of 10 when his father, Kirk Shackleford, (a former emcee himself) wrote Sherrod's first rap. Sherrod fell in love with rap. It was how he expressed himself. He mainly held true to its origins and wrote about positive things. He was mainly influenced by underground rap. It wasn't until later that Sherrod was exposed to mainstream rap.
However, as his life began to change and become more unstable, his writing reflected a more worldly side of his life. He found himself involved in more negativity as the years progressed. However, his mother, Lisa had instilled a sense of greatness and drive in him and Sherrod persevered. Before graduating high school, Sherrod had lived in Illinois, Minnesota and California and had attended 12 different schools.
After his graduation, Sherrod's mother intervened with a decision he calls "instrumental" in changing his life. He enrolled at Alabama A & M University, majoring in Marketing. College life did offer the experience and freedom of independent learning and offered vast opportunities in developing this budding entrepreneur. However, college life does not oft demand excellence in morality and Sherrod found himself immersed in a life void of God.
One fateful day in 2000, his life changed when Jesus Christ became very real to him. "I was able to clearly see the deception in the world. I recognized things that I had once seen as fun to be traps and pitfalls. I knew that following God was the only thing that would ensure peace and strength" he says. Though he continued to persevere in the endeavor to becoming a disciple of Christ, life continued to go on. He found that his desire to rap had not died. Sherrod was once prophesied to and was told that he would continue in music, but it would be unto the Lord.
As the Lord continued to show favor in his life, Sherrod blossomed. He married his sweetheart, in 2002 and witnessed the birth of his first son in 2003. He began to fulfill his entrepreneurial call and began his own small business and became an ordained minister in 2003. Before the end of that year, Viktory or Vik was born.
The Lord continued to show favor in Sherrod's life. As he led out in a Bible study, the group grew from 4 to over 80 regular attendees - one of the largest Bible study groups on Alabama A & M's campus.
Viktory has ministered and performed in various settings, world wide and has shared the stage with the likes of Vicki Winans, Marvin Winans, Jr., KJ52, William Murphy and Smokie Norful.
Viktory released his first independent project in 2003, called "First of Many", and it was the only album to ever get a 5 star rating from www.hiphopgateway.com and was acclaimed by www.gospelflava.com. He also appeared on Beatmart Presents: The Best of the Submissions Compilation album and DJ Maj Presents Speckled Goats.
In early 2004, Viktory was presented a deal with EMI/BEC records, but after much prayer, he turned down the offer to follow the Lord's leading exclusively. This decision has proved to be a great blessing.
Though he has been quite successful in his endeavors, he is insistent that it was his mother's constant support and love, intertwined with the Divine hand of God that helps him pursue the unknown.The Lord is free to move and do the miraculous, because Viktory is an avid student of the Word and when the Lord uses Viktory as He sees fit the very essence of John 8:31 comes to life. Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, "If ye continue in my word, [then] are ye my disciples indeed;" John 8:31
Wherever I Go
Viktory Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The block is sayin get like me,
The burbs watch that and cop a crisp white tee,
Everybody wants swag what is this I see,
Aint nobody down to say man its just not me,
So I hit the block up, like I just got free..
Twist my game on tighter, my focus on greater,
Hopin I can make a brother down to die for the paper,
Listen
Maybe then I'll help him switch up like my soul,
Cuz I know that them shots will leave him ripped up like my flow,
Lost my fam saw him go, this is info that I own,
Not for show, have his moma blaming me because he gone,
I been doin this for years and Ive seen it all before,
Seen ocean full of tears and casket full of hope,
Wit a pocket full of fears they would rather go for broke,
So I gotta take my story on the road, wherever I go!
Wherever I go, bout 25 deep seekin 25 more
We ain't here to move D, but we got it for the low,
What we give to the streets they got it in a store, in a store
And it's never all good, we know you wanna change
Cuz who would trade God for the stones and the pain
Cuz they don't recognize they opposing the name,
So ima put em on anyway, wherever I go
Everything's real simple in the infinite sense,
Be an enemy of God or a friend in the trench,
He consider you a foe if you sit on the fence
Aint No way to do em both either with our against
Every action that we take is either that or it's this,
So consider what you do, who you actually wit
If you on the wrong side son you have to repent
Talk up talk it uuup after that we forget
This aint the time for frontin just be real with your at
You may even know the father but right now slippin back
R4 go attack, get in line, get on track,
No delay, hold your place,
Cuz the colder that you wax,
Aint no guarantee with that,
Could be over fade to black
Life is yours for the moment, but he will need it back
No matter what you choose there's will still be the fact,
Its not a game and I tell the world that, Wherever I go
Wherever I go, bout 25 deep seekin 25 more
We ain't here to move D, but we got it for the low,
What we give to the streets they got it in a store, in a store
And it's never all good, we know you wanna change
Cuz who would trade God for the stones and the pain
Cuz they don't recognize they opposing the name,
So ima put em on anyway, wherever I go
Aint' a game out here,
We livin wit death,
Its poverty and greed with the lust of the flesh,
Hearts gone so cold iceberg in the chest,
And his parents didn't care so he's never impressed,
I can bring em book bags a new pair of shoes
A live concert with a couple bags of food
But when that stuff is over he gon still feel abused
Everybody making moves he just something they can use
That's why, why he resist,
Why this world do me like this,
Church don't care I barely exists,
All they do is talk and give gifts
I get mine what did I miss,
I don't need a hug and a kiss
Come help me survive in my mist
Until then back to my shift,
Im standing on this corner in the winter time,
Cuz you aint standing in my kitchen when it's dinner time,
For the hearts of the brothers like this,
Is why I rep the king to the 10th, Wherever I go
Wherever I go, bout 25 deep seekin 25 more
We ain't here to move D, but we got it for the low,
What we give to the streets they got it in a store, in a store
And it's never all good, we know you wanna change
Cuz who would trade God for the stones and the pain
Cuz they don't recognize they opposing the name,
So ima put em on anyway, wherever I go
Viktory's song "Wherever I Go" addresses the current state of the streets and the dilemma faced by many in the community who must choose between faith and survival. The lyrics explore the pressure to fit in and have "swag" as the streets continue to take over, causing people in the suburbs to imitate without recognizing the danger. The streets and the block demand conformity and adherence to outdated norms that are harmful to young people's futures.
However, the singer of the song remains true to himself by resisting this misplaced forms of survival, instead taking his story on the road in search of a path that is guided by a purpose that's greater than himself. He is seeking companions who share his vision and purpose to make a difference in life; to offer the hope that the world so desperately needs. He recognizes there's a deeper meaning to life that goes beyond material wealth or situational survival, knowing that life is not a game and the ultimate purpose is to serve the greater good.
The song also touches on the struggle that many people face in trying to find an identity in life. It delves into how many people adopt personas dictated by the streets and how one must choose with intention the identity that they decide to don. While it’s easy to succumb to the pressure of the streets and compromise morals or faith, Viktor recognizes that the consequences are dire, and the truth always finds a way to come out in the end.
Line by Line Meaning
Streets are takin over,
The streets have become more important and influential.
The block is sayin get like me,
People in the neighborhood are encouraging others to try to be like them.
The burbs watch that and cop a crisp white tee,
People in the suburbs observe the trend and purchase a white t-shirt as well.
Everybody wants swag what is this I see,
Everyone desires to have a certain style of clothing and attitude, which is confusing.
Everbodys gon fraud who can get ID?
People are committing fraud to obtain identification.
Aint nobody down to say man its just not me,
No one wants to admit that they don't want to participate in the trend.
So I hit the block up, like I just got free..
The singer goes to the neighborhood to escape the trend and social pressure.
Twist my game on tighter, my focus on greater,
The artist becomes more determined and polished in their own goals.
Hopin I can make a brother down to die for the paper,
The artist aspires to inspire someone to be dedicated and committed to their own goals.
Maybe then I'll help him switch up like my soul,
The artist hopes to inspire this person to change their perspective and direction in life, like they did.
Cuz I know that them shots will leave him ripped up like my flow,
The singer knows that the dangerous environment and lifestyle can be harmful, just like their lyrical style.
Lost my fam saw him go, this is info that I own,
The artist's family member passed away, and they keep this information to themselves.
Not for show, have his moma blaming me because he gone,
The singer's family member's mother places blame on them for their loss.
I been doin this for years and Ive seen it all before,
The singer has experience in this lifestyle and has witnessed the consequences before.
Seen ocean full of tears and casket full of hope,
The singer has seen many tears shed and funerals held for those who had hope, but couldn't escape the dangerous lifestyle.
Wit a pocket full of fears they would rather go for broke,
Despite being afraid, people still take risks and endanger themselves to acquire money.
So I gotta take my story on the road, wherever I go!
The artist needs to share their experiences and message wherever they travel.
Wherever I go, bout 25 deep seekin 25 more
The singer and their group are seeking to recruit more people to share their message with.
We ain't here to move D, but we got it for the low,
The group isn't selling drugs or engaging in illegal activity, but they do have access to drugs at a low price.
What we give to the streets they got it in a store, in a store
The items they give to the community are also available for purchase in stores.
And it's never all good, we know you wanna change
The artist knows that people want to make a change, but it's not always easy.
Cuz who would trade God for the stones and the pain
The artist questions why anyone would prioritize material things and discomfort over their faith and well-being.
Cuz they don't recognize they opposing the name,
People don't realize that their actions are going against their beliefs and values.
So ima put em on anyway, wherever I go
Despite people not recognizing it, the artist is still going to share their message wherever they go.
Everything's real simple in the infinite sense,
In the grand scheme of things, everything is straightforward.
Be an enemy of God or a friend in the trench,
You can either go against God or be a loyal friend to those close to you.
He consider you a foe if you sit on the fence
God will view you as an opponent if you don't make a decision and stay neutral.
Aint No way to do em both either with our against
You can't try to please both sides, you need to choose one or the other.
Every action that we take is either that or it's this,
All actions are either for God or against God.
So consider what you do, who you actually wit
Be mindful of your actions and who you surround yourself with.
If you on the wrong side son you have to repent
If you're on the wrong side, you need to admit your errors and seek forgiveness.
Talk up talk it uuup after that we forget
People talk about their plans and opinions, but then forget about it afterwards.
This aint the time for frontin just be real with your at
It's not the time to fake it, be genuine with yourself and others.
You may even know the father but right now slippin back
You may know God, but currently, you're not following in His ways.
R4 go attack, get in line, get on track,
The singer urges others to take action, get on the right path, and become focused.
No delay, hold your place,
Don't waste time, stay where you are and keep working towards your goals.
Cuz the colder that you wax,
The more removed and distant you become.
Aint no guarantee with that,
There's no assurance that this behavior will lead to success.
Could be over fade to black
Your life could end without reaching your goals or aspirations.
Life is yours for the moment, but he will need it back
Life is only temporary, and eventually, you will have to give it back to God.
No matter what you choose there's will still be the fact,
Regardless of your decisions, this fact will remain true.
Its not a game and I tell the world that, Wherever I go
The singer emphasizes that life isn't a game and shares this message with the world wherever they go.
Aint' a game out here,
Life isn't a simple or lighthearted matter.
We livin wit death,
Death is a very real possibility and an ever-present threat.
Its poverty and greed with the lust of the flesh,
Poverty and greed drive people's desires for wealth and physical pleasure.
Hearts gone so cold iceberg in the chest,
People have become numb and unfeeling.
And his parents didn't care so he's never impressed,
Due to a lack of good parenting or guidance, the person is not impressed by anything.
I can bring em book bags a new pair of shoes
The artist can provide material possessions like backpacks and shoes.
A live concert with a couple bags of food
The singer can offer entertainment and food as well.
But when that stuff is over he gon still feel abused
Despite receiving these things, the person will still feel mistreated or neglected.
Everybody making moves he just something they can use
Others only engage with this person for their own benefit or gain.
That's why, why he resist,
This is why the person resists in the first place.
Why this world do me like this,
The person questions why the world treats them this way.
Church don't care I barely exists,
The church doesn't seem to care or acknowledge their existence.
All they do is talk and give gifts
Despite offering gifts and talking, the church doesn't provide real or substantial support.
I get mine what did I miss,
The person only focuses on their own gain, and may miss other important things.
I don't need a hug and a kiss
The person doesn't require physical affection or attention.
Come help me survive in my mist
Instead, the person would prefer practical and meaningful assistance to help them survive.
Until then back to my shift,
Until they receive that help, the person must continue with their current situation or job.
Im standing on this corner in the winter time,
The person is outside in the cold, enduring harsh conditions.
Cuz you aint standing in my kitchen when it's dinner time,
Others aren't there to support or help them during their toughest times.
For the hearts of the brothers like this,
For people like themselves who are struggling,
Is why I rep the king to the 10th, Wherever I go
This is why the singer represents God wherever they travel.
Contributed by Kaitlyn M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.