Mr. Easy played and studied hard in the Big Apple, thereby gaining a wealth of experiences in a relatively short space of time. He cites Marvin Gaye, Donny Hathaway, Gladys Knight as well as Erik B and Rakim among his major musical influences. As a youth his dream was to conquer the crowd at New York City's famous Apollo Theatre while nearly every solo singer that ventured onto that stage was booed off. Mr. Easy was more than successful. Easy recounts how Sidney Mills, the keyboard player from Steel Pulse, helped him to write "Just Be A Lady" and how he sang out for all he was worth. The crowd went wild, they didn't boo they clapped and cheered. Easy received congratulations and encouragement from people like Patti LaBelle and Quincy Jones. The result of this early success was a record deal with Motown Records and the release of Mr. Easy's first album.
Extensive touring of the United States, Japan and the Caribbean followed with fellow Jamaican artists such as; Beres Hammond, Shinehead, Red Fox and Shaggy. It was while he was working on his never to be released second album for Warner Brothers with Mickey Bennett that he met Dave Kelly and a long-term alliance was formed. At that time there seemed to be a need to win over a homeland audience that is like none other in the world. For a Jamaican, you could have conquered the globe, but if you've never had a major hit in the homeland – you just haven't truly made it.
Easy feels that the experiences of performing and recording in New York combined with maintaining a working base in Jamaica has enabled a crystallization of ideas to take place where he can let his creativity shine. Since dedicating himself to years of recording with top producers like Dave Kelly, the melodic quality of Mr. Easy's voice has been in much demand. Songs like; "Mi Haffi Stop" on the Showtime riddim, "Man Ah Say A Who" on the Rae Rae riddim, "Funny Man" on the Joyride riddim, "Freaky Lady" on the Juice Riddim, "Herbs Haffi Bun" on the Intercourse riddim, "After All" on the Thunder riddim, "Haters" on the Orgasm riddim, "Oil Up" on the Triology riddim featuring General Degree all helped to solidify Mr. Easy as one of the top 15 artists to voice.
Mr. Easy's smooth flow allowed him to take a new musical direction with songs like; "Up And Down" featuring Sean Paul on the Two Hard label and "Freaky Kind Of Lady" produced by Richard Browne on the 'Call Me Shams' label. As well as "I'll Always Be There", a lovers rock tune on the Rockaway riddim and "Heavenly" produced by Beres Hammond for the Harmony House Label. For a brief period of time Easy focused on Lovers Rock releases that allowed him to expand as an artist and vocally.
In order to maintain a positive focus from time to time, Mr. Easy gets out of Kingston City by taking a drive out to 'Peter Tosh' country in Westmoreland where he cools out by the river. He says that many of his songs are written in settings that are calm and natural, as he likes to get away from the noise and brashness that is often associated with city living. He feels that living in Jamaica has enabled him to tap into a revitalizing energy source that will enable him to make that quantum leap into a positive future. Easy states that, "the songs I write will endure forever, even when I am not here." Every generation needs its classics as they form a legacy for future generations. In addition, often times he sits down with long time musical brethren Red Fox (a phenomenal Dancehall deejay) to add an edge to much of his material as the two have co-written a number of songs including the exciting tune "Sweet Love" on the upbeat Juicy rhythm produced by Mr. Doo, responsible for Jr. Reid's huge hit "Riker's Island".
When Mr. Easy recorded the song "Drive Me Crazy" with one of Jamaica's super producers; Tony "CD" Kelly on the timeless Buy Out rhythm; the stage was set for another hit! The song has since been a favorite from this fast pace pulsating rhythm and still receives airplay in clubs, on Caribbean based radio shows and in many mixshows segments on US radio. It was featured on VP Records' Strictly The Best Volume 30 and it was the number #32 most requested song on WESU in 2003. That's not it; this song garnished over 4,000 spins at US mixshow radio without any sort of radio support by a record label. Always recording with Tony Kelly keeps Easy on the curve of top-notch releases such as "It's Alright" from the Grindin and "It's Crazy" off the new Katana rhythm.
Easy has also recorded a variety of material with top notch producers like; Troyton Rami of Black Shadow Records delivering solid tunes like "Silent Killers" (Surprise rhythm), "Grudge You" (Ching Chong rhythm) and Party Time (Blink rhythm). Richie D, another talented Dancehall producer has provided songs like Easy's "Party" (Tiajuana rhythm). He's also done some recordings with the South Rakkas Crew with "Pull Up" (Red Alert rhythm) and "It's Your Body" (Bionic Ras rhythm) and "Break Of Day" (Chinquiz rhythm). Mr. Easy was sought to re-record a new version of "Drive Me Crazy" with Atlantic Record's Soca recording artist; Kevin Lyttle. This new version secured a place within the movie After The Sunset and is also featured in the soundtrack. The resurgence of this song and three other recordings receiving mainstream radio airplay in the US, resulted in Easy's dual nominations at the 24th Annual Reggae & World Music Awards in the categories of: Most Promising Entertainer and Most Improved Entertainer.
Mr. Easy's still recording consistently to deliver catchy songs, often relationship or reality oriented that allow people to quickly grasp hold of and sing along. With a wide assortment of new material just dropping the street such as "Break His Heart" from producer Christopher Birch (Military rhythm), "Bounce That" from accomplished producer Vada Nobles (responsible for contributions to Lauryn Hill's last album), "Falling" by Don Corleon (Seasons rhythm), Bingo from talented duo Steely & Clevie (Capital P rhythm), "Tek Wey Yourself" from the fresh production team/musicians/artists Leftside & Esco, "Dark Clouds" by Bay-C (of the group TOK) and "Spending G's" (Whipe Out rhythm) from Danger Zone productions. 2006 is about striving beyond and Easy is reaching for the highest heights with new videos coming for the songs "Strangest Thing", "Bingo" and "Tek Wey Yourself". Further, Mr. Easy has teamed up with producer Eloy Daron to create their own imprint in Jamaica: E-2 Muzik with their first release being Easy's "Strangest Thing" from the Butterfly rhythm.
(Bio courtesy of RudeGal Entertainment)
Medina
mr easy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Jah ah mi guide
and my protector
Alandon
mek mi feel good
always better
all di girls dem ah send mi ah letter
as morning when mi rize
mi drink mi medina
sometimes mi change mi style
and mi drink di spirulina
nuh haffi be a ras
fi eat mi ital
and mi green
and mi oats and
mi barley
fi fuck off
dem queen yah
and when wi touch
di road
fi swagger
it meaner
we nuh watch badmind
we only watch tina
hail up to jah
cause him ah di redeemer
dem give praise
to alpha & omega
we just be living life
we nuh care weh
dem wah seh
we living everyday
like its the last day
so if ah bad vibes
jah mek it pass mi
nuh mek
fake friends pree we
weee be living right
cut and clear
all di crosses
move on and forget
bout the losses
vip with access passes
dem find out who the real boss is
as morning when mi rize
mi drink mi medina
sometimes mi change mi style
and mi drink di spirulina
nuh haffi be a ras
fi eat mi ital
and mi green
and mi oats and
mi barley
fi fuck off
dem queen yah
and when wi touch
di road
fi swagger
it meaner
we nuh watch badmind
we only watch tina
hail up to jah
cause him ah di redeemer
dem give praise
to alpha & omega
(Alandon)
Yo kutta
watch yuh step
yuh mek youth
tek any chance
yuh get fi mek youth
mistake inna life
will mek yuh get lose
always prepare
fi hear di next news
cah when dem sidown
fi read ah x-news
nuh wah see nuh good
dem find ah excuse
so mi just pray b4 mi mek move
god give me wings
fi fly no red bull
as morning when mi rize
mi drink mi medina
sometimes mi change mi style
and mi drink di spirulina
nuh haffi be a ras
fi eat mi ital
and mi green
and mi oats and
mi barley
fi fuck off
dem queen yah
and when wi touch
di road
fi swagger
it meaner
we nuh watch badmind
we only watch tina
hail up to jah
cause him ah di redeemer
dem give praise
to alpha & omega
so fi one we nah
cyah do weh dem ah do
we nah do weh dem ah do
cause everything we do
jah jah have wi pon di right path
we nah follow none ah dem
and nuh dutty heart
yo
jah yuh ah see dem
through di lense
when dem rollin in dem benz
dem av gyal ah crush di endz
dem nuh memba
di work weh yuh do
yuh gi dem di health
and strength
ooohhhhhooohh
as morning when mi rize
mi drink mi medina
sometimes mi change mi style
and mi drink di spirulina
nuh haffi be a ras
fi eat mi ital
and mi green
and mi oats and
mi barley
fi fuck off
dem queen yah
and when wi touch
di road
fi swagger
it meaner
we nuh watch badmind
we only watch tina
hail up to jah
cause him ah di redeemer
dem give praise
to alpha & omega
In "Medina," Mr. Easy sings about his devotion to Jah, who guides and protects him. He speaks of his lifestyle choices and how he nourishes his body with healthy foods such as medina, spirulina, ital, greens, oats, and barley. He talks about living life to the fullest, not worrying about what others think, and leaving behind fake friends and negative people. The track also features some advice from guest artist Alandon, who warns listeners to be careful and make smart decisions to avoid mistakes and losses.
"Medina" is a track that celebrates the Rastafarian culture and lifestyle, as the lyrics make reference to several beliefs and practices that are central to the movement. The term "Jah" refers to God or Haile Selassie I, who is seen as the messiah by Rastafarians. "Ital" is a word used to describe organic and natural foods that are believed to have healing properties, while "medina" is a plant-based shake that is popular within Rastafarian communities. "Spirulina" is a type of algae that is also believed to have numerous health benefits.
The song's chorus also emphasizes the importance of positivity and the need to avoid negativity, which is often associated with the concept of "badmind" in Jamaican culture. This idea of watching only "Tina" and not worrying about what others are doing comes from the popular saying "watchy, watchy," which means to pay attention to others' business. Finally, the track reaffirms the belief in Jah as the "redeemer" and stresses the importance of giving "praise to alpha & omega," two of the many titles assigned to God by Rastafarians.
Line by Line Meaning
Jah ah mi guide
I am guided by Jah (God)
and my protector
Who also protects me
Alandon
Refers to someone named Alandon
mek mi feel good
Makes me feel good
always better
He continues to improve
all di girls dem ah send mi ah letter
Many girls are sending him letters
as morning when mi rize
In the morning when I wake up
mi drink mi medina
I drink medina, a type of beverage
sometimes mi change mi style
Sometimes I change my style
and mi drink di spirulina
And I drink spirulina, a dietary supplement
nuh haffi be a ras
You don't have to be a Rasta, adherents of the Rastafari movement, to be healthy
fi eat mi ital
To eat healthy (ital) food
and mi green
And to consume vegetables
and mi oats and
And to eat oatmeal
mi barley
And to consume barley
fi fuck off
To push away
dem queen yah
Those women over there (possibly negative connotation)
and when wi touch
And when we go out
di road
On the street
fi swagger
To have style or confidence
it meaner
To be cooler or more impressive
we nuh watch badmind
We don't pay attention to negative people
we only watch tina
We only pay attention to (positive) things that matter
hail up to jah
To give praise to Jah (God)
cause him ah di redeemer
Because He is the savior or deliverer
dem give praise to alpha & omega
They also give praise to the beginning and end (Alpha and Omega)
we just be living life
We just live our lives
we nuh care weh
We don't care about what
dem wah seh
They say
we living everyday
We live every day
like its the last day
As if it's our last day
so if ah bad vibes
So if there are negative feelings
jah mek it pass mi
God makes them pass me (enough to get by)
nuh mek
Don't allow
fake friends pree we
Fake friends watch us closely (with ulterior motives)
weee be living right
We live righteously
cut and clear
No ambiguity
all di crosses
All the burdens
move on and forget
Move on and forget about them
bout the losses
About the losses
vip with access passes
VIPs with access passes
dem find out who the real boss is
They will find out who the true leader is
(Alandon)
(Alandon speaks)
Yo kutta
Hey, Kutta (pet name)
watch yuh step
Pay attention to your actions
yuh mek youth
You're responsible for the youth
tek any chance
Take any opportunity
yuh get fi mek youth
You get to create opportunities for young people
mistake inna life
Mistakes in life
will mek yuh get lose
Can make you lose
always prepare
Always be prepared
fi hear di next news
To hear the next news
cah when dem sidown
Because when they sit down
fi read ah x-news
To read the bad news
nuh wah see nuh good
Don't want to see anything good
dem find ah excuse
They will always find an excuse
so mi just pray b4 mi mek move
So I pray before I make a move
god give me wings
God gave me wings
fi fly no red bull
To fly without an artificial energy drink (like Red Bull)
so fi one we nah
So for one, we don't
cyah do weh dem ah do
Can't do what they do
we nah do weh dem ah do
We don't do what they do
cause everything we do
Because everything we do
jah jah have wi pon di right path
Jah has us on the right path
we nah follow none ah dem
We don't follow any of them
and nuh dutty heart
And no dirty heart (motives)
yo
Hey
jah yuh ah see dem
God you see them
through di lense
Through the lens
when dem rollin in dem benz
When they're driving their Benz cars
dem av gyal ah crush di endz
They have girls all over the neighborhood
dem nuh memba
They don't remember
di work weh yuh do
The work you do
yuh gi dem di health
You give them health and
and strength
Strength
ooohhhhhooohh
Instrumental sounds
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Ian Dyer
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind