In 1997 they hooked up again in Tokyo, and brought into their musical circle the Japanese-Colombian female singer Lisa, who attended Seisen International School, St. Mary's sister school. Lisa had already begun working in music, including serving as vocalist for the group Ram Jam World. The group released their first song Been So Long as a 12-inch single on an indie label, and were soon picked up by the Avex-affiliated Rhythm Zone label. From Avex they released a string of hit singles, and then their debut album Planet Shining, which went to #6 on the Oricon album chart. The group followed this success up with the re-mix album The Replacement Percussionists and a sold-out tour. The group also toured in Korea, where they were well received.
Their wide ranging popularity led to a number of side projects and collaborations, including Taku working on music by major stars like 宇多田ヒカル, Crystal Kay, 坂本龍一 and 松任谷由実, and Verbal working with the Korean superstar female idol group S.E.S. One S.E.S. member, Shoo, was actually born in Yokohama and speaks Japanese, which helped allow the group to attain some level of popularity in Japan in addition to their mega-success in Korea. Verbal has also worked with the pop duos Heartsdales and Halcali, and up and coming foreign idol Christina Milian. In 2001 the group released Expo Expo, and again released a remix album and toured.
In 2002 Lisa released the self-produced single Move On. The song it seems was an announcement of sorts, as soon after she announced that she was leaving m-flo to concentrate on a solo career, allegedly under acrimonious circumstances. After Lisa's departure m-flo have continued on as a duo, often recording with other artists. They developed a concept of sorts, the “m-flo loves **** ” series, with a guest artist’s name filling in the blank, such as “m-flo loves Akiko Wada”. In May 2004 they released the CD Astromantic and followed it with a related DVD. Astromantic was an album full of collaborations, including cuts with such major artists as BoA, 日之内エミ, Chemistry, Double, Kenji Furuya (of Dragon Ash), Ken Yokoyama (of Crazy Ken Band), and 野宮真貴 (of Pizzicato Five), and eventually released a remix album, Astromantic Charm School, where other composers and mixers would remix the songs from Astromantic. Two years later, m-flo released the album Beat Space Nine, which featured such artists as Yoshika, Emyli, Diggy Mo of SOUL'd OUT, Akiko Wada, and even a song with Lisa. A remix album, Dope Space nine was released much like Charm School.
Recently, an m-flo Inside WORKS BEST II has been released, bringing together some of their best tracks, and remixing them. As one can see, the group has done much, but will be going even further.
Since going solo Lisa has released Juicy Music in April 2003, Gratitude in June 2004, and an album of cover versions, mostly American 1980’s hits like Prince, Madonna and Cyndi Lauper, called Melody Circus in April 2005.
March 30th 2007, m-flo releases their new album Cosmicolor which all the songs are collaborations(except the interludes), this time with artist such as melody., 安室奈美恵, DOPING PANDA, Bonnie Pink, Chara, or MINMI. A remix album featuring the songs from Cosmicolor was released(as expected) on September 26, 2007. With the end of the "loves" series m-flo's fans eagerly await their next move.
Verbal from m-flo has his own blog here: http://ameblo.jp/m-flo-verbal/page-1.html He usually writes almost every day.
Fish
m-flo Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(You're not that guy pal trust me)
T.R.M.B
(You're not that guy)
Live at the lake, imma play with a big fish
I'm looking at Drake on my hit-list
Yes I'm up next, better run up a cheque
I ain't talking 'bout fit, but the drip on protect
Note full of death, no use for techs
Text the exterminator there's a problem
There's a pest
Better solve it
Did I call it
(Absolutely)
If the gas don't work, go and park that hearse
Better dig that dirt and revolve him
Uh, yea, Uh, yea
Live at the lake imma play with big fish uh
Playing the game, imma call her big bitch uh
Somebody summoning me, the jutsu choose you
Come and I run it for free
The bunda be bundled with me
You see I got a key, I gotta stick and see if I can free the
T to R.M.B to be the best that he can be
Covered in blessings, thanks to G O D
Said I'm tryna be legendary, above the D.O.C
See I can rap and I can do the R&B
I know you seen that shit on Home.mp3
Saw my grind time man can't wait for this release
I ain't at my best yet so you better follow me
Peace
(You're not that guy pal trust me, you're not that guy)
Woo
Free me from my chains and free my brain
Imma maniac attain the fame from flames
Phoenix, flier than a plane
See me from afar like a mountain range
I'm on the lane for change, yuh
Lose yourself but what is more to gain
Train yourself and fight right through the pain
How much are you willing to endure just in order to attain your dreams
Breaking out my shell you can tell said I'm splitting at the seams
Going from a pawn to a mother-fucking king
This the story of my life, this a mother-fucking scene
Ain't no drugs and there ain't no lean, just a whole lotta love from my family
Everybody working hard and that's why we looking clean
All praise to the God cause he stand with me
Peace
The song "Fish" by m-flo begins with a voiceover from a viral meme video ("You're not that guy, pal. Trust me, you're not that guy"), which sets the tone for the braggadocious verse that follows. The lyrics describe the artist's ambition and confidence, as they claim to be up next and on a quest for legendary status. They mention playing with big fish, which can be interpreted both literally and figuratively, possibly referring to their ability to navigate the music industry and land major collaborations. They also mention having a hit-list, which could be a reference to their goals or enemies in the industry.
The verse switches gears with a shoutout to the T.R.M.B crew and a reference to the Naruto anime ("the jutsu choose you"). The lyrics then shift back to m-flo's personal journey, as they rap about their blessings and desire to elevate beyond their current status. They claim to be capable of both rap and R&B, and reference their grind and anticipation for a release. The song ends with a call to break free from chains and pursue one's dreams, with a nod to the artist's familial support and faith in God.
Overall, "Fish" seems to be a song about confidence, ambition, and the pursuit of success in the music industry. The fish metaphor is used in a few different ways, possibly to represent both the artist's ability to navigate the industry and their desire for something bigger.
Line by Line Meaning
Live at the lake, imma play with a big fish
I am living life large and enjoying the luxuries it brings.
I'm looking at Drake on my hit-list
I am setting my sights on topping the charts and becoming the next big thing.
Yes I'm up next, better run up a cheque
I am confident in my abilities and expect to make a lot of money from my success.
I ain't talking 'bout fit, but the drip on protect
I am not talking about physical fitness, but instead the way I present myself to the world is always on point.
Come and collect, your man dead on my deck
I am fearless and have defeated those who have stood in my way.
Note full of death, no use for techs
I have no need for weapons or technology, as my intelligence and resourcefulness are enough to achieve my goals.
Text the exterminator there's a problem
If there is something standing in my way, I will find a way to get rid of it.
If the gas don't work, go and park that hearse
If one method doesn't work, I will try another until I succeed.
Better dig that dirt and revolve him
I will take down those who oppose me and make sure they never return.
Live at the lake imma play with big fish uh
I am enjoying my success and living my best life.
Playing the game, imma call her big bitch uh
I am confident in my skills and not afraid to take on any challenge.
Somebody summoning me, the jutsu choose you
I am in high demand and people come to me for my expertise and talent.
Come and I run it for free
I am generous and willing to help others, even if it doesn't benefit me financially.
The bunda be bundled with me
I am surrounded by attractive and supportive women who are part of my success.
You see I got a key, I gotta stick and see if I can free the
I have the opportunity to unlock my full potential and become the best I can be.
T to R.M.B to be the best that he can be
I am determined to excel in my craft and become the best in the industry.
Covered in blessings, thanks to G O D
I am grateful for my success and attribute it to a higher power.
Said I'm tryna be legendary, above the D.O.C
I am aiming to be remembered for my excellence and surpass even the most legendary artists.
See I can rap and I can do the R&B
I am multi-talented and capable of succeeding in multiple genres of music.
I know you seen that shit on Home.mp3
My talent has already been recognized, even among underground channels.
Saw my grind time man can't wait for this release
My fans are eagerly anticipating my next project.
I ain't at my best yet so you better follow me
I am constantly improving and striving to be better, so those who follow me will always be in for something great.
Free me from my chains and free my brain
I have overcome obstacles and limitations in order to achieve my goals and reach my full potential.
Imma maniac attain the fame from flames
I am driven and passionate, with a burning desire to become famous and successful.
Phoenix, flier than a plane
I am rising from the ashes of my past struggles and taking my career to new heights.
See me from afar like a mountain range
My success is visible from far away and commands attention and admiration.
I'm on the lane for change, yuh
I am not content with staying the same and will always strive for improvement and evolution.
Lose yourself but what is more to gain
Sometimes, in order to achieve your dreams, you have to let go of certain things and take a risk.
Train yourself and fight right through the pain
Success requires hard work, determination, and the ability to overcome obstacles and setbacks.
How much are you willing to endure just in order to attain your dreams
Success is not easy and requires sacrifice and perseverance. Are you willing to make that sacrifice?
Breaking out my shell you can tell said I'm splitting at the seams
I am breaking out of my comfort zone and pushing myself to new heights, even if it comes with challenges.
Going from a pawn to a mother-fucking king
I am transforming from an underdog into a superstar and leader in my industry.
This the story of my life, this a mother-fucking scene
My life is a story worth telling and my success is a spectacle to behold.
Ain't no drugs and there ain't no lean, just a whole lotta love from my family
My success is not built on drugs or any other negative influences, but instead the support and love of those closest to me.
Everybody working hard and that's why we looking clean
Everyone on my team is dedicated to success and putting in the hard work required to make it happen.
All praise to the God cause he stand with me
I attribute my success to a higher power and thank that power for standing with me throughout my journey.
Peace
I am content with where I am and excited for the future.
Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Matthew Andrawis
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind