Saul Williams is a lyrical genius... a hip-hop poet of the highest order. I greatly admire his honesty, his original style & his intelligent thoughts, not to mention the incredibly creative ways in which he chooses to share them. He's not afraid to try something new musically, and he is always real. His are words of truth, carefully crafted and forged in the fires of wisdom and self-reflection. As long as there are Saul Williams' in the world of hip-hop, everything will be just fine there.
I was able to see saul williams at a NIN concert and i have to say being one of the few blacks in that concert listening to him really hit me, he say so much in this song and growing up in the south being a metal head being a skater being black and people telling me i need to think or feel or be one way to fit there stereotype of me and this song say so much so i want to say im lucky to get to see him at that concert formed a great respect for him thanks Saul
I discover Saul Williams 24 years ago in college and after all this time this artist continue to deserve the name of poet. Thank you to give us the chance to be on your journey ❤
I've seen him once in Brussels. Had no ticket, I had written "ticket saul williams wanted" on a piece of cardboard holding above my head. Out of the blue a journalist told me he had a spare ticket. What followed was a beautiful show, with as highlight dropping the mic and preaching the room without amplification. Guy is a hero.
He's a hero for so many reasons. He speaks the truth. He does it well. He's got an amazing grasp on the English language. He knows his way between multiple genres. He started "all lives matter" before "black lives matter" was a thing without the prejudicial reactionary bullshit. He and El-P are probably the greatest in their genre alive, barely counting Saul as a "hip-hop" artist since he sings half the time and does a lot of spoken word.
Absolutely amazing. Saul Williams should be way bigger than he is. I'm white, and not massively into rap, but I'm getting there thanks to this genius. Would love to see him live.
I'm not black but can totally relate to this song and living up to a stereo type because that's what you think people want. It stops you from ever really being yourself.
A lot of Saul's work can be identified with by people who aren't black. Poor, introverted, abused, LGBTQ, straight, any race, any ethnicity. It's about experience, not just color.
I love the honesty in this song. It's sad how many people are ashamed because of their skin color. There is to much hate and fear from the color of peoples skin... Good song. I love the messages in his music. It's very though provoking.
Dear Saul Williams, All of your poetry, emotions and music is inspiring me. All your truths, all your creativity. The face paint in your videos, rawness and honesty. I'm glad you are making everything you make. It's helping evolve another poet.
As was said, that's the beauty of Saul. He is more satirical re: hip-hop than he is really hip hop. His most popular songs are more akin to Industrial Rock. His songs considered hip-hop are a grandiose blend of spoken word (distinct from rapping) atop atypical electronic beats without your typical hip-hop traits.
Yeah, it's probably one of my favorite songs of all time. The ammount of stuff he's able to communicate, and the beautiful, healing message about blackness and masculinity...wow.
Da fuck are you guys talking about,infact it is hiphop... Because hiphop is so very diverse... In essence hiphop can be everything ranchy ghetto classy stupid because hiphop is what the people make it.
You are SUNSHINE STACEY to me! Saul Williams saved my life, and countless others I'm sure... "Only some will star the sky, only believers in death will die"
Don't listen to that kid. He just wants you to have hate in your heart, like he has in his. tons of positive creative energy sent your way I have nothing but love for Saul Williams
"I dreamt of being white and complimented by you, but the only shiny black thing you liked was my shoes." I love this song. I just wanna give him a big hug and tell him he's beautiful, and his skin is beautiful.
You think the Radio Gods will ever play this on air? Naaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! That's a lot of education about self hate packed in one song. Saul keepin it real!
"Now here's a little message for you, All you baller playa's got some insecurities too, That you could cover up, Bling it up Cash in and ching ching it up, Hope no one will bring it up, Lock it down and string it up Or you can share your essence with us, 'cause everything about you couldn't be rugged and ruff and even though you tote a glock and you're hot on the streets If you dare to share your heart, we'll nod our heart to it's beat And you should do that, if nothin' else, to prove that A player like you could keep it honest and true Don't mean to call your bluff but, mothafucka that's what I do You got a platinum chain then, son, I'm probably talkin' to you And you can call your gang, your posse and the rest of your crew And while you're at it get them addicts and the indigent too I plan to have a whole army by the time that I'm through To load their guns with songs they haven't sung"
This verse is just amazing. I actually had it copy pasted as I read you commenting here. I feel like sending this song to all my male friends, it helped me so much. The last sentence. Oh.... Also, I LOVE his verses on Blackalicious' release part II. I listened so much to that song that I decided to look him up, and man, was it worth it.
I remember seeing and hearing you for the first time. You were opening for Nine Inch Nails in San Diego maybe 15 years ago. I heard your words and they got me so deeply personal, I couldn't stay focused on anyone for the rest of the night. You were speaking my mind and literally doing backflips. I have so much love for your thoughts. Keep going!
I was at the UT show and same here I never heard of him before as an artist. I knew him as a poet and he was freakin awesome. I think I want to join that committee to get this band called J Davey.
Cash it and chaging it up lock it down and string it up man we all have some rough shit we dont want to bring out,Saul really had something with this song he doesnt get enough credit as a real artist
Saul Williams has never been as out of line as he seemed to be when his newest piece was new. But then, time passes, and I can see that he is revealing to me this mysterious past that I have with his kind. And more with time the piece becomes that much more relevant. I can revel in the fact that he’s out there doing this again and again.
I just saw Saul a few nights ago, and he used this song for a closing. He's an amazing poet and his works have this hip-hop undertone to them; really quite something to listen to and read.
So I met Saul at a small reception for him before a reading at University of Colorado at Denver (we just kind of walked in, no one seemed to mind). He did a Q&A and talked about Alexander the Great and all sorts of stuff brilliant stuff. Talked about songwriting vs poetry, Bob Dylan and what not, how with this song he was going more for a song than a poem with music
this is da REALIST DAMN SONG I EVER HEARD BEFORE IN MY LIFE!! as a black who moved alot and grew up mostly in white schools (but also in some hardcore inner city schools) this is my damn anthem. i learned way back i jus had to do me. to be real and stop tryin ta live up or down to preset notions. every black person especially needs to hear this so share, get the views up. damn thanksgiving crap has more views!! it's time ta let it out Black America
The song is about his Blackness, in all it's forms, not just the dark pigment of his skin but the emotional/mental limitations that comes with it. He is speaking about his & other Black peoples' effort to assimilate into the dominant white culture. About blacks who through acculturation lose their culture. White people who admire from afar but didnot quite get pass the color of his skin.
What can I say to the haters, well. Saul's stuff is not for the simple minded. His lyrics has meaning, he's a poet, and he's proud of who he is. Pay attention to him and you might actually get smarter. Even if his style might take some getting used to for some people. Listen to his songs a few more times. We're all different, you can't really help it if you just don't like what he's doing. But a bad artist is the last thing he is.
I looove the message of the song! I love saul williams..lol i'm not so sure about how i feel about him shimmying in leather and stuff...lol, but i can dig it! Go leathery saul!
Saul Williams is a lyrical genius... a hip-hop poet of the highest order. I greatly admire his honesty, his original style & his intelligent thoughts, not to mention the incredibly creative ways in which he chooses to share them. He's not afraid to try something new musically, and he is always real. His are words of truth, carefully crafted and forged in the fires of wisdom and self-reflection. As long as there are Saul Williams' in the world of hip-hop, everything will be just fine there.
I literally can never get enough of this song
Yeah, this beat is just different.
I was able to see saul williams at a NIN concert and i have to say being one of the few blacks in that concert listening to him really hit me, he say so much in this song and growing up in the south being a metal head being a skater being black and people telling me i need to think or feel or be one way to fit there stereotype of me and this song say so much so i want to say im lucky to get to see him at that concert formed a great respect for him thanks Saul
I discover Saul Williams 24 years ago in college and after all this time this artist continue to deserve the name of poet. Thank you to give us the chance to be on your journey ❤
This is every young man's epiphany in music, black or otherwise.
Saw Saul open for Trent Reznor one night in Little Rock, AR. I'd never heard of him, and I was pretty goddamned impressed. This guy is amazing.
They collaborated on one of Saul's albums if I'm not mistaken. What a team.
Sounds dope
You know anyone who opens with "I want my money back," is a real motherfucker.
I saw Saul open for Trent in Glasgow Scotland. Damn, he gets around. With his huge afro'd DJ Dave.
Duuuude I KNEW it. Yes I recognize Reznors voice on an album (someone gave me a mix) AND some of the industrial backdrops.. amazing team.
I've seen him once in Brussels. Had no ticket, I had written "ticket saul williams wanted" on a piece of cardboard holding above my head. Out of the blue a journalist told me he had a spare ticket. What followed was a beautiful show, with as highlight dropping the mic and preaching the room without amplification. Guy is a hero.
That's beautiful, thanks for sharing.
He's a hero for so many reasons. He speaks the truth. He does it well. He's got an amazing grasp on the English language. He knows his way between multiple genres. He started "all lives matter" before "black lives matter" was a thing without the prejudicial reactionary bullshit.
He and El-P are probably the greatest in their genre alive, barely counting Saul as a "hip-hop" artist since he sings half the time and does a lot of spoken word.
Song changed my life in it got less then a million views crazy
Absolutely amazing. Saul Williams should be way bigger than he is. I'm white, and not massively into rap, but I'm getting there thanks to this genius. Would love to see him live.
This is one of the realest songs Ive ever heard.
But the sad part is all the subjects he touched are as real as a heart Attack.
I'm not black but can totally relate to this song and living up to a stereo type because that's what you think people want. It stops you from ever really being yourself.
A lot of Saul's work can be identified with by people who aren't black. Poor, introverted, abused, LGBTQ, straight, any race, any ethnicity. It's about experience, not just color.
blessings.
I love the honesty in this song. It's sad how many people are ashamed because of their skin color. There is to much hate and fear from the color of peoples skin... Good song. I love the messages in his music. It's very though provoking.
Dear Saul Williams, All of your poetry, emotions and music is inspiring me. All your truths, all your creativity. The face paint in your videos, rawness and honesty. I'm glad you are making everything you make. It's helping evolve another poet.
This is easily the best hip hop song of all time
not hip-hop, it's a blend of poetry and alternative hip hop
As was said, that's the beauty of Saul. He is more satirical re: hip-hop than he is really hip hop. His most popular songs are more akin to Industrial Rock.
His songs considered hip-hop are a grandiose blend of spoken word (distinct from rapping) atop atypical electronic beats without your typical hip-hop traits.
Yeah, it's probably one of my favorite songs of all time. The ammount of stuff he's able to communicate, and the beautiful, healing message about blackness and masculinity...wow.
Da fuck are you guys talking about,infact it is hiphop... Because hiphop is so very diverse... In essence hiphop can be everything ranchy ghetto classy stupid because hiphop is what the people make it.
Definitely the saddest
to all the people who think they're on the weird side of youtube when they find black stacey: no, you're on the only good side of youtube.
i don't see anyone thinking/saying that tho
Cringe.
I agree
Agreed!
He is Afrofuturistism addressing Racism in colorism. That's revolutionary on a literary level
Um...I was actually looking for Stacey on Disney's Phineas and Ferb and I ran into this...not even mad tho
Hope you ran into some truth
God, this song... hits me in my stomach everytime I've heard it for the last 10+years. Saul Williams is a genius and he never got enough praise.
just saw saul williams perform this weekend...decided to come back to the song that made me a fan : )
this and amethyst rocks
So grateful for my work study boss for buying me this album..Never knew how much I needed Saul Williams til 2010
These are the most brilliant lyrics I have EVER had the privilege to hear.
A song where Saul truly spills his heart onto the page.
Saul Williams. He’s amazing.
You are SUNSHINE STACEY to me!
Saul Williams saved my life, and countless others I'm sure...
"Only some will star the sky, only believers in death will die"
Don't listen to that kid.
He just wants you to have hate in your heart, like he has in his.
tons of positive creative energy
sent your way
I have nothing but love for Saul Williams
this is my favorite saul williams song of all time.
He is a poet and will always be a lyrical genius in my eyes
Back to what it needs to be, to be listened to by black and white and mostly just listened to.
How good this is... Is insane... Bumping this in 2023
Ma names Stacey and i just found this song now. It's 2020 oml
this man is one of the most talented lyricists/poets i have heard in a long time.
"I dreamt of being white and complimented by you, but the only shiny black thing you liked was my shoes." I love this song. I just wanna give him a big hug and tell him he's beautiful, and his skin is beautiful.
You think the Radio Gods will ever play this on air? Naaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! That's a lot of education about self hate packed in one song. Saul keepin it real!
"Now here's a little message for you,
All you baller playa's got some insecurities too,
That you could cover up,
Bling it up
Cash in and ching ching it up,
Hope no one will bring it up,
Lock it down and string it up
Or you can share your essence with us,
'cause everything about you couldn't be rugged and ruff
and even though you tote a glock and you're hot on the streets
If you dare to share your heart, we'll nod our heart to it's beat
And you should do that, if nothin' else, to prove that
A player like you could keep it honest and true
Don't mean to call your bluff but, mothafucka that's what I do
You got a platinum chain then, son, I'm probably talkin' to you
And you can call your gang, your posse and the rest of your crew
And while you're at it get them addicts and the indigent too
I plan to have a whole army by the time that I'm through
To load their guns with songs they haven't sung"
'load their guns with songs they haven't sung' is one of my fav lyrics of all time
This verse is just amazing. I actually had it copy pasted as I read you commenting here. I feel like sending this song to all my male friends, it helped me so much. The last sentence. Oh....
Also, I LOVE his verses on Blackalicious' release part II. I listened so much to that song that I decided to look him up, and man, was it worth it.
🔥🔥🔥🔥
Goddamn I love that whole verse so much
whoa...this song gave me the shivers. shivers that caused me to sit up a little straighter than i did before i heard this.
The beginning of this song is funny and deep.(no pun intended)🤣🤣🤣
I cry every time he says "load they guns, with songs they haven't sung"
If you dare to share your heart we'll nod our head to its beat.
Pure brill.
truly one of the most talented hip hop artists out there. but what can you expect the guys a poet
Truth is out there. Go support this guy!
I just heard about this man. Take it to the mountains Saul !!!! Let us all heard the word !!!
Nice to hear some reality..that pushes your buttons.
I've got the to met him and talk to him for a moment, it was in Berea, ky out of all places..
Great song and a great guy.
His lyrics are amazing, but his poetry is even better.
I remember seeing and hearing you for the first time. You were opening for Nine Inch Nails in San Diego maybe 15 years ago. I heard your words and they got me so deeply personal, I couldn't stay focused on anyone for the rest of the night. You were speaking my mind and literally doing backflips. I have so much love for your thoughts. Keep going!
I was at the UT show and same here I never heard of him before as an artist. I knew him as a poet and he was freakin awesome. I think I want to join that committee to get this band called J Davey.
Great poet, wish i had that kind of talent.
By far, one of one. ☝️ 💯
Cash it and chaging it up lock it down and string it up
man we all have some rough shit we dont want to bring out,Saul really had something with this song he doesnt get enough credit as a real artist
Saul Williams was one of my main inspirations for spoken word poetry!
this changed my heart the first time i heard it. humane in every way possible.
i only heard this one time and i love it is so funny how he can combine hip hop soul and poetry all together
this guy rocks.
I just met him today! He sang this song and inspired alot of people
man...Im just blown away.
saul is amazing..
his songs are catchy and have really positive messages...
it's just great listening.. i have a lot of respect for him!
WOW. Saul's music is very g00d.
Played the hell out of this album.
i was there too...he was the best one there...although there was so many great poets.
it sad that someone is only starting to sing about their insecurities. keep it up. this should have been done a long time ago keep doing it.
Wow nice music and it talks about a real message.
Saul Williams has never been as out of line as he seemed to be when his newest piece was new. But then, time passes, and I can see that he is revealing to me this mysterious past that I have with his kind. And more with time the piece becomes that much more relevant. I can revel in the fact that he’s out there doing this again and again.
I just saw Saul a few nights ago, and he used this song for a closing. He's an amazing poet and his works have this hip-hop undertone to them; really quite something to listen to and read.
one of my favs by saul!!!!! one of my fav songs of all time acctually!
I heard this guy for the first time now, and I think I'm in love.
damn saul is such a great artist. his music is soo catchy as well as powerful
i have mad love for this song.
I'm just saying that you should always acknowledge your roots. Saul Williams acknowledges older Hip-Hop a lot. Same wit Punk, Industrial etc. etc.
So I met Saul at a small reception for him before a reading at University of Colorado at Denver (we just kind of walked in, no one seemed to mind). He did a Q&A and talked about Alexander the Great and all sorts of stuff brilliant stuff. Talked about songwriting vs poetry, Bob Dylan and what not, how with this song he was going more for a song than a poem with music
Awesome! I heard this song at school after a guy in my elective played it. I loved it immediately, and I can see why he told me to check it out!
saul's song has soul! i think that he is a real singer!
this is da REALIST DAMN SONG I EVER HEARD BEFORE IN MY LIFE!! as a black who moved alot and grew up mostly in white schools (but also in some hardcore inner city schools) this is my damn anthem. i learned way back i jus had to do me. to be real and stop tryin ta live up or down to preset notions. every black person especially needs to hear this so share, get the views up. damn thanksgiving crap has more views!! it's time ta let it out Black America
This is great music! Great message and great video.
whoa this is nice! this dude puts his feelings in the track
Couldn't said it better!Props for this song, TIGHT!
He's such an artist.
he has got a very good voice i like list of demands
hey thanks for the artists, hadn't heard of most of them. I'm gonna check them out.
The song is about his Blackness, in all it's forms, not just the dark pigment of his skin but the emotional/mental limitations that comes with it. He is speaking about his & other Black peoples' effort to assimilate into the dominant white culture. About blacks who through acculturation lose their culture. White people who admire from afar but didnot quite get pass the color of his skin.
@Legolutionary Thanks for a touching note there. I am glad people are out there that feel the same.
thanks. I didn't know that and that actually sheds a lot of light on this.
We can all learn a lot from this video. All you haters take a second to realise why this video means so much to some people.
SAUL ROCKS!
PHILOSOPHERS ARE KINGS OF MEN.
Man I'm black and I gotta say it's sad how I felt out he felt, very powerful lyrics here. But now I don't care, i LOVE these lyrics
I can really relate to the message of this song.
AWESOME, saul williams is great!!
what a unique dude...real hip hop.
Saul keep doing what u do!!!
What can I say to the haters, well. Saul's stuff is not for the simple minded.
His lyrics has meaning, he's a poet, and he's proud of who he is.
Pay attention to him and you might actually get smarter.
Even if his style might take some getting used to for some people. Listen to his songs a few more times.
We're all different, you can't really help it if you just don't like what he's doing. But a bad artist is the last thing he is.
He's a true artist.
yeah!!!
I can sing this song word for word now!
Power, strenght, beauty...WORDMASTER.
Saul is the best lyricist in the world for me.
I really love this song.
Beautiful.
A Hip Hopper in his Prime Forever...
Awesome dude and he was brilliant in K-pax.
Penny for a thought is another one of his best songs IMO
BRILLIANT performer.
I looove the message of the song!
I love saul williams..lol i'm not so sure about how i feel about him shimmying in leather and stuff...lol, but i can dig it!
Go leathery saul!
Who remember's in the 70's-80's when guy's used to walk around with their Music system on their shoulder?
wow this is an amazing song
the greatest of all time