When William was sixteen years old, he started rapping in late 1991 under the name "Will-1X" after being discovered by Compton rapper and former N.W.A. leader Eazy-E and signed a deal to Eazy's Ruthless Records. will.i.am's first rap song was "Merry Muthafuckin' Xmas" from Eazy-E's 1992 EP 5150: Home 4 tha Sick. Shortly after Eazy-E's death in 1995, Will left Ruthless to start a group that would later be called the Black Eyed Peas with fellow rappers Taboo and apl.de.ap.
After the addition of singer-songwriter Fergie, the group shot into mainstream pop consciousness with a set of hit singles in the mid-00s, popularity that continues to this day. The Black Eyed Peas' producer is Sergio Mendes, an internationally successful Brazilian musician and jazz aficionado. In September 2007, will.i.am took a major step into a solo career identity by joining with his record label, Universal Music Group (UMG), on a pilot scheme to reward certain file-sharing with cash incentives, including will.i.am tracks from his then upcoming release Songs About Girls.
In total, he has released four solo albums: Lost Change (2001), Must B 21 (2003), Songs About Girls (2007), and #willpower (2013). Although often facing mixed critical reviews, he's experienced significant commercial success, including a set of popular singles. His solo performances, featuring collaborations with a wide group of artists including Justin Bieber, Chris Brown, Phife Dawg, Snoop Dogg, and Nicole Scherzinger, are perhaps best summed up in the international top 20 mega-hit "Scream & Shout".
Will.i.am was also recently cast as John Wraith in the film X-Men Origins: Wolverine, a prequel to the X-Men movie series. And if one enjoyed Madagascar 2's chunky hippo, Moto Moto, then one should know that the deep voice belonged will.i.am., who came in after he was ''pimped'' out to the directors by his friend and sometimes collaborator Justin Timberlake.
Before joining the Black Eyed Peas, Will.i.am attended the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in Los Angeles. In 2001, he began designing his own signature clothing line, i.am, which made its official debut in 2005 at the Magic apparel trade show in Las Vegas. In 2007, Will.i.am teamed up with Blue Holdings to design a premium denim collection, i.am Antik, that had its debut on the Project Show in Las Vegas. He has also designed clothing for the Black Eyed Peas.
In January 2008, will.i.am helped write a song, "Yes We Can", in support of the 2008 U.S. presidential campaign of Barack Obama, which in turn became a music video directed by Jesse Dylan. The lyrics of the song are composed almost entirely of excerpts from Obama's speech on January 8, 2008, following the New Hampshire presidential primary election. The video features appearances from numerous celebrities like Scarlett Johansson, Tatyana Ali, John Legend, Herbie Hancock, Kate Walsh, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Adam Rodriguez, Kelly Hu, Hill Harper, Amber Valletta, Eric Balfour, Aisha Tyler, Nicole Scherzinger, Nick Cannon, Bryan Greenberg, Common and first appeared on the website for Dipdive, and within a week of its appearance racked up three million views, and over four million views on Youtube.
On February 29, 2008, a second video titled "We Are The Ones" was released on Dipdive and YouTube. It included cameo appearances from Jessica Alba, Ryan Phillippe, Kerry Washington, John Leguizamo, Regina King, Tyrese Gibson, Eric Mabius, Tichina Arnold, Adrienne Palicki, comedian George Lopez, and singers Macy Gray, Zoe Kravitz and Black Eyed Peas’ Taboo. The video features everyone chanting "O-BA-MA" as a portrayal as their hopes and wishes for Obama and his presidential campaign.
In 2013, will.i.am released his album "#thatpower".
Take It
will.i.am Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm all in the academy, exposin all the fallacies
Not who other rappers be, FEW can go on after me
I know the city's trappin me, watch 'em like my calories
Cats that wanna battle me, they learn of the catastrophe
Don't bring your rappin back to me
NEVER will you ever challenge me with what you chat to me
SEALED is my anatomy, I do it lyrical mastery, KRS - OH!
When I'm rhymin, I'm obliged to shake up all
It be a claat, this will drop the mic and take a ball
Too many part-time rappers that fake and stall
When you see KRS, you will say I'm tall
Cause no I don't take shorts, not at all
Philosopher, not some trick in the mall
{Before rock met rap, I was sicker than all}
I MASTERED THIS! FEW rappers goin after Kris
Thirteen albums, you do the math on this!
Obviously, knowledge you have to get
What the ignorant don't know, hell they'll laugh at it
All my college students you know you have to get
your receipt, I mean degree, it's only facts I spit
Take it, cause everyone ain't gonna make it
If you're hearin my voice, you have a choice now TAKE IT!
[Chorus: Will.I.Am (KRS)]
Just take it, you need it
We got way more in store, believe me
Consume it, {inhale} breathe it
(TAKE T-TAKE TAKE T-TAKE T-TAKE TAKE IT!)
Just take it, you need it
We got way more in store, believe me
Consume it, {inhale} breathe it
(TAKE T-TAKE TAKE T-TAKE T-TAKE TAKE IT!)
[KRS-One]
I rhyme, for the inner-city
No I don't ask for no praise or no pity
I got the power, you want to stay with me
Further down this lyrical road, it gets tricky
Stay with me! A different type of rapper emceein
Seeing is believing but believing is seeing
And seeing is agreein with the truth of your higher being
So when I'm rhymin, I take time with the minds I'm freein
The teacher is teachin, the student is seekin
Them hookers be creepin instead of a book on the weekend
I'm lookin to nukin 'em all in the dust
They reject knowledge and without the anointing, you rust
Laugh if you must, but trust that I see you naked
You need what I'm givin, but you front and you fakin
So like I stated, everybody ain't gonna make it
But if you're hearin my voice, you have a choice now TAKE IT!
[Chorus]
[KRS-One]
I'll keep on bringin it, singin it 'til your ears is ringin
and steamin, gleamin the dream and true emceein with meaning
and see men, we all fiendin for the cream and the screamin
A demon got us believing screamin rhymin for NO reason!
Every weekend we weaken, discipline is what we needin
but we too busy freakin to understand divine speaking
KRS and BBE, with Will 1X and Phife Dawg, you'll see me
OH!! OH!! It's the real hip-hop
KRS-One, shout out to Scott La Rock
We do it from here to there, every city, every block
And now it's about time we STOP!
In will.i.am's song Take It, the lyrics are used to convey a message about the importance of education and knowledge. The message here is that money and glamour, which have been a driving force for several generations, are ultimately superficial, and it’s reality that truly holds value. Along with this, the lyrics stress on the need to challenge oneself and not be afraid to learn from others. Moreover, the lyrics motivate people to be more serious about their lives and to look beyond the surface level pleasures life offers.
The song features rap legend KRS-One, who is famous for his politically and socially conscious style. His verse in the song is a display of his exceptional rap skills and his ability to convey deep messages through his music. Through his lyrics, KRS-One emphasizes the importance of knowledge, education, and discipline in life.
Line by Line Meaning
It's not about a salary, it's all about reality
Success is not just about money, it's about real experiences in life.
I'm all in the academy, exposin all the fallacies
I am fully dedicated to teaching and revealing the false beliefs and misconceptions.
Not who other rappers be, FEW can go on after me
Most rappers cannot match my skills and accomplishments.
I know the city's trappin me, watch 'em like my calories
I am aware of the dangers of the city and watch my every move carefully like my diet.
Cats that wanna battle me, they learn of the catastrophe
Those who want to compete with me in rap battles will face the consequences of their losses.
Don't bring your rappin back to me
Do not attempt to engage in a rap battle with me again.
NEVER will you ever challenge me with what you chat to me
You will never be able to match or challenge me with your weak rhymes and words.
SEALED is my anatomy, I do it lyrical mastery, KRS - OH!
I am confident in my abilities and have perfected the art of rap, like KRS-One.
The time has arrived as your wake up call
It's time for you to realize the truth and wake up to reality.
When I'm rhymin, I'm obliged to shake up all
My raps have the power to shake people's beliefs and provoke them to think critically.
It be a claat, this will drop the mic and take a ball
My performance will be so impressive that it will awe and inspire the audience.
Too many part-time rappers that fake and stall
There are too many rappers who are not dedicated and don't take their craft seriously enough.
When you see KRS, you will say I'm tall
I am respected and looked up to by many, just like a tall person is noticeable in a crowd.
Cause no I don't take shorts, not at all
I do not tolerate disrespect or lack of dedication in myself or others.
Philosopher, not some trick in the mall
I am a deep thinker and intellectual, not just an entertainer trying to make money.
{Before rock met rap, I was sicker than all}
I was already highly skilled and successful in rap before it was popularized with rock music collaborations.
I MASTERED THIS! FEW rappers goin after Kris
I have fully mastered the craft of rap and few rappers can match my skills and experience.
Thirteen albums, you do the math on this!
I have produced thirteen successful albums, proving my dedication and skill.
Obviously, knowledge you have to get
It's clear that you need to seek knowledge and educate yourself.
What the ignorant don't know, hell they'll laugh at it
Those who are ignorant will often mock what they do not understand.
All my college students you know you have to get
If you are in college, it is important that you seek knowledge and work hard to earn your degree.
your receipt, I mean degree, it's only facts I spit
Receiving a degree is not just a piece of paper, it proves your hard work and education.
Take it, cause everyone ain't gonna make it
Take advantage of opportunities now because not everyone will succeed in life.
If you're hearin my voice, you have a choice now TAKE IT!
If you listen to my music, you have a chance to learn from my experiences and teachings.
Just take it, you need it
Take advantage of opportunities presented to you because they can benefit you.
We got way more in store, believe me
I have many more teachings and experiences to share through my music.
Consume it, {inhale} breathe it
Fully immerse yourself in my music, let it become a part of you.
(TAKE T-TAKE TAKE T-TAKE T-TAKE TAKE IT!)
(Take every opportunity that comes your way, do not let them pass you by.)
I rhyme, for the inner-city
I rap to represent and speak to those from the inner-city.
No I don't ask for no praise or no pity
I do not seek recognition or sympathy for my work.
I got the power, you want to stay with me
My raps have the power to attract and maintain an audience.
Further down this lyrical road, it gets tricky
As my rhymes become more complex and difficult, it may be harder for some to keep up.
A different type of rapper emceein
I am a unique and skilled rapper and emcee.
Seeing is believing but believing is seeing
You must have faith and confidence to truly understand and see the truth.
And seeing is agreein with the truth of your higher being
Seeing and understanding the truth is necessary to being at peace with oneself.
So when I'm rhymin, I take time with the minds I'm freein
Through my raps, I aim to educate and inspire my audience.
The teacher is teachin, the student is seekin
I am teaching through my music and those who listen are eager to learn.
Them hookers be creepin instead of a book on the weekend
People often waste their time and potential engaging in negative activities instead of seeking knowledge.
I'm lookin to nukin 'em all in the dust
I am focused on leaving my competition behind and leaving them in the dust.
They reject knowledge and without the anointing, you rust
Those who reject knowledge will not succeed and will fall behind.
Laugh if you must, but trust that I see you naked
You may mock me, but I can see through your facade and know your true intentions.
You need what I'm givin, but you front and you fakin
You may need my knowledge and teachings, but you are pretending to be independent and lacking humility.
But if you're hearin my voice, you have a choice now TAKE IT!
If you are listening to my music, it is up to you to choose to learn and grow from it.
I'll keep on bringin it, singin it 'til your ears is ringin
I will continue to produce and perform music until it resonates with your soul and mind.
and steamin, gleamin the dream and true emceein with meaning
My music is full of life and passion, with real messages and stories to tell.
and see men, we all fiendin for the cream and the screamin
We all crave recognition and success in life and in music.
A demon got us believing screamin rhymin for NO reason!
We are being misled by negative influences and engaging in rap battles that do not serve a purpose.
Every weekend we weaken, discipline is what we needin
We are only growing weaker as we waste our time and potential each weekend, discipline is necessary to succeed.
but we too busy freakin to understand divine speaking
We are too preoccupied with trivial matters to appreciate the importance of higher knowledge and teachings.
KRS and BBE, with Will 1X and Phife Dawg, you'll see me
I collaborate with other successful artists to create great music and inspire others.
OH!! OH!! It's the real hip-hop
This is real, meaningful hip-hop music.
KRS-One, shout out to Scott La Rock
I honor the memory of my late partner, Scott La Rock.
We do it from here to there, every city, every block
We reach audiences across the world and in every community.
And now it's about time we STOP!
We need to stop wasting our time on trivial matters and focus on what's truly important.
Contributed by Connor V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.