Coming from an artist who just released a video for a single called, “No Sleep” her response does not surprise me. Dressed in a form fitting dress shirt and vest, Genesis Be looks more like a business manager rather than an aspiring rapper as she playfully slides around in the chair in front of the SSL Studio Console. She has a childlike demeanor yet speaks with such conviction and intensity that I cannot help but surrender my full attention. Sipping Starbucks in the dimly lit studio at The Clive Davis Department of Recorded Music, Genesis shares her story of pain, resilience, ambition and vindication.
At age 22, Genesis Be has just completed her fourth studio album titled The Manhattan Project. Utilizing what she has learned at New York University’s prestigious Clive Davis Department of Recorded Music, Genesis took on the role of executive producer, writer, engineer, mixer and mastering engineer of the project. When asked about the difficulties of being a full time double major student and an independent performer Genesis Be says, “compared to what I’ve had to handle in my past, this time of my life is the easy part. It’s the perfect opportunity to prove my ability and show that this isn’t a game to me. This struggle is a blessing for me.”
Raised in Mississippi, Genesis Be comes from a family with strong ties to the civil rights movement and was involved with activism and protests since age 6. “My grandfather was murdered for encouraging and educating black residents in Mississippi to vote in the 1960’s” says Genesis while glaring at the dog tags she wears around her neck that displays a hologram of her grandparents. “My father’s childhood home still has the bullet holes from The Ku Klux Klan and my grandmother, Geraldine Briggs, had to raise nine kids by herself, after the death of my grandfather.” When Jesse Williams was beaten to death by officers in Harrison County, Mississippi, Genesis along with family and friends protested in the streets demanding the indictment of the officers responsible for William’s death. The officers, who were caught on film committing the act, were not prosecuted at first. The pressure from the community for justice, however, resulted in the indictment of the officers. With help from her older brothers, Genesis drafted and circulated a petition to change the name of her community college from Jeff Davis (President of the Confederacy) to a more positive historic figure such as William Faulkner. She also took apart in protests against the Iraqi War and along with her father, John Ellis Briggs, she attended Ku Klux Klan rallies as an oppositional voice. Featured in numerous articles in southern Mississippi’s Sun Herald and featured on talk radio shows, Genesis Be has been utilizing her artistry and voice to make a change since she was young girl.
At age 13, Genesis Be discovered her ability to write and deliver rap lyrics with unbelievable precision. Her delivery displayed impeccable articulation, the use of intricate rhyme schemes, and a captivating stage presence. After winning several talent shows, Genesis’ parents took notice of her talent and brought her to a recording studio. This is where she met her first engineer and mentor Kenneth Leonard. Leonard provided engineering, mixing and mastering services for Doc Roc Recordings, who later signed Genesis Be to her first recording contract. “I loved working with Ken because he trusted my ears and believed in my ability. He let me take complete control of my projects and I was only thirteen!”
At age sixteen she produced a mix tape, 16 In America, which introduced her the world of Mississippi’s underground hip-hop scene. The young lyricist promoted the mix tape by sneaking into clubs and battling local male rappers. Her name began to be known around the Gulf Coast area and after getting radio spins for a song called “Why?” the young artist decided to record her first album with original music and titled it 17 In America. The single “Why?” was a powerful social commentary performed over the instrumental of 50-Cent’s “Many Men.” The song opens with the line, “It’s too much pain for my body to endure, the whole world is sick, and I’m the only cure.” Upon release of 17 In America she was asked to perform with The Gulf Coast Youth Symphony at the Beau Rivage Casino. This performance launched a string of shows where in Genesis would rap with a full orchestra of elementary and middle school children. Genesis had crossed over from appealing to the club going urban demographic to the white middle-class, family oriented market. That same summer, she opened up for several mainstream artists including The Ying Yang Twins, 8 Ball/MJG, Trillville and Lil Webbie. “During this time I was in high school, captain of the girls’ basketball team and working at Subway to save enough money to produce my next album! I was doing a lot.” It was during this time that mentor, Ken Leonard, recommended Genesis apply to the Clive Davis Department of Recorded Music. Initially she was rejected due to late submission. Genesis continued to work hard on recording and performing along The Gulf Coast. She was receiving local fame, building a strong fan base and getting recognition all along the Coast… then tragedy struck.
On August 29th 2005, Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast and devastated Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi. “It flooded my whole block, my city was destroyed. My fan base was gone and I couldn’t fill the void.” Genesis raps in a new song called Cold Eyes. Genesis Be had just graduated High School and was finishing up her 2nd album 18 In America. The album brought forth a single called “Fema Check.” After being handed to the program director of the independent radio station, WJZD, the record was put into rotation and created a buzz in Biloxi that soon rippled through Mississippi Gulf Coast. It wasn’t long before radio stations in Mobile, AL, New Orleans, LA, and Pensacola, FL were playing “Fema Check.” In an article published in The Sun Herald, Genesis states, “My family and I witnessed first hand, the wrath and destruction brought about by Katrina. After the storm, everyone’s was feeling down and we just wanted to lift the spirits of our peers. We combined the reality of the situation, with a satirical, almost comical perspective. The fact that something so positive can generate from such a somber situation is truly a miracle if you ask me. “
After Hurricane Katrina hit, Genesis Be struggled to make sense of the tragedy and began work on her latest album 19 In America. She re-applied to The Clive Davis Department of Recorded Music (at NYU) and was accepted. She is due to graduate from this highly selective program (admitting only 28-32 per year) in 2011. She currently resides in Manhattan and is working non-stop to promote her album by street teaming and performances. So far, she has blessed the stage at The Blue Note, Webster Hall, The Knitting Factory,The Magic Johnson Theater, Sullivan Hall, The Bowery Poetry, Sin Sin Freestyle Mondays, Crash Mansion, The National Underground and the XR Bar among others. She was recently a featured artist for Shady 45’s “Don’t Quit Your Day Job” and received a score of 4.75 on a scale of 1 to 5. She was also featured in The Washington Square News, Student Maximus Magazine and numerous blogs such as Afterellen.com and Qwreck.com.
She recently founded Open Sky Artwork (O.S.A), an artist management, promotion and distribution company that caters to all types of artists including but not limited to poets, musicians, composers, performers, painters and writers. The young entrepreneur hopes to bring more attention to artists from the Gulf Coast Region and New York by providing productions services, online promotion and show bookings. She currently manages nine other artists and oversees a team of four administrators.
Whether protesting in the streets, making hits in the studio, running her production company or rocking the stage, Genesis Be is making moves in the right direction. At a young age, Genesis has conquered a wide range accomplishments and she isn’t slowing down. Only time will tell what impact the young lyricist will have on the music industry, what impact this young activist will have on the World. When asked what her plans for the future are, Genesis reflects for a few second and says with a huge smile, “I just want to make my family proud… my ancestors too. I know they are watching over me, and I want to give them a great show!”
Searching
Genesis Be Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I don't remember our first date
And I don't remember your birthday
I don't recall where I met you at all
I was young, I was dumb with my back to wall
In college I fell, in love with myself
Party was lit I was crashing them all
I was surprised that I passed it at all
You've been so patient I know it
You fell in love with a stoic
I be so blind to the motives
So please do not call me a poet
Call me the One
You'll be the one that I call after it's done
You want me to stay I'm causin' a fight
I push you away, I'm out every night
I live in the land of no worries
I live in the land of no hurry
See my money flip like a birdie
The things that you sayin' they hurt me
You say I lust for too many
But I lust for you plenty
We light a candle a touch of the henny
We going deep but our spirits ascending
See I was searching for myself and found you
Said I was searching for myself and found you
Searching for myself and found you
Searching for myself and found you
You fell in love with an asshole
I guess you gon' get what you ask for
Searching my phone for a passcode
You say I'm addicted to cash flow
I collect the cash when I pass go
Forget the past we can fast forward
Yeah... let the past go
Baby come play in my afro hah
You runnin' ya fingers all through it
I love when you wind to my music
You know that with me there's no losing
See baby in time I can prove it
This life of mine, ain't all butterflies and sun rays
There's dark days
My enemies put a bounty on me
What's the cost man?
It's hard to listen what God say
With all these fakes all in my ear
You and I never part ways
I watered this garden with all of your tears
See how it flourish you nourish me
When I'm at my lowest encourage me
Blessed with a burden, an angel for certain
It's hard to determine eternity, lawd
See I was searching for myself and found you
Said I was searching for myself and found you
Searching for myself and found you
Searching for myself and found you
In "Searching," Genesis Be reflects on her journey of self-discovery and how she unexpectedly found love in the process. The song captures the complexities of relationships and personal growth, as well as the hurdles and rewards that come with them.
The first verse introduces the singer's initial encounters with their partner. They admit to not remembering specific details about their early days together, emphasizing their youthful impulsivity and lack of foresight. Despite their flaws, the partner stayed patient and fell in love with the singer's reserved nature. The singer recognizes their own shortcomings and asks not to be labeled as a poet but as someone who truly cares.
The second verse delves into the contradictions and conflicts within the relationship. The singer acknowledges that their partner fell in love with an "asshole," someone who is not always easy to be with. Their addiction to money and material possessions is a source of tension. However, the singer expresses a desire to leave the past behind, to move forward together, and to enjoy each other's company. The second half of the verse highlights the intimacy and trust between the singer and their partner, as they share moments of vulnerability, authentic connection, and the promise of deeper spiritual growth.
The chorus reinforces the idea that the singer's search for self ultimately led them to find love and companionship. It suggests that by embarking on this journey, they not only discovered themselves but also found a profound connection with another person. The repetition of the chorus underscores the significance of this discovery, emphasizing its transformative power in the singer's life.
The bridge provides a deeper insight into the singer's personal struggles and the challenges they face outside of the relationship. They mention their enemies and the threats they face, suggesting that their success has attracted negative attention. The adversities they overcome serve as a test of their relationship's strength. The singer acknowledges their partner's unwavering support and the growth and emotional nourishment they receive from it. They treasure the empathy and encouragement their partner provides and recognize them as a blessing in their life.
Overall, "Searching" speaks to the complexities and rewards of personal growth and finding love amidst the challenges of life. It touches on the recklessness and mistakes of youth, the conflicts within relationships, the importance of communication and trust, and the transformative power of love in the search for self-fulfillment.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah, i found you
I have discovered and connected with you.
I don't remember our first date
I cannot recall the specific day we went on our first date.
And I don't remember your birthday
I have no recollection of the day you were born.
I don't recall where I met you at all
I cannot remember the exact location where we first met.
I was young, I was dumb with my back to wall
During that time, I was inexperienced and reckless, facing difficult situations.
In college I fell, in love with myself
During my college years, I developed a strong self-love.
Party was lit I was crashing them all
I attended exciting parties and uninvitedly joined in.
Stayed with a dime, I was smashing them all
I stayed in the company of attractive partners and engaged in intimate relationships.
I was surprised that I passed it at all
I was amazed that I managed to overcome obstacles despite my actions.
You've been so patient I know it
I acknowledge and appreciate your patience with me.
You fell in love with a stoic
You developed feelings for someone who often suppresses their emotions.
I be so blind to the motives
I am often unaware of people's underlying intentions.
So please do not call me a poet
I prefer not to be labeled as a poet.
Call me the One
Refer to me as someone important or special.
You'll be the one that I call after it's done
You will be the person I reach out to once a task or situation is completed.
You want me to stay I'm causin' a fight
You desire my presence, but my actions create tension between us.
I push you away, I'm out every night
I distance myself from you and spend my nights elsewhere.
I live in the land of no worries
I exist in a state where I have no concerns.
I live in the land of no hurry
I reside in a place where there is no rush or urgency.
See my money flip like a birdie
Observe how my finances multiply quickly, like a bird flying in the sky.
The things that you sayin' they hurt me
Your words inflict emotional pain upon me.
You say I lust for too many
According to you, I have excessive desire for numerous things.
But I lust for you plenty
However, my strong craving and longing is primarily directed towards you.
We light a candle a touch of the henny
We create a romantic atmosphere by lighting a candle and having a sip of Hennessey.
We going deep but our spirits ascending
We engage in deep conversations and our souls are uplifted in the process.
You fell in love with an asshole
You developed feelings for someone who often behaves inconsiderately or rudely.
I guess you gon' get what you ask for
Perhaps you will receive the consequences you brought upon yourself.
Searching my phone for a passcode
You are attempting to discover or uncover the security code on my phone.
You say I'm addicted to cash flow
According to you, I have an unhealthy dependence on the inflow of money.
I collect the cash when I pass go
I gather the money that is earned when passing the 'Go' point in a game, referring to my financial success.
Forget the past we can fast forward
Let's ignore the previous events and move quickly into the future together.
Yeah... let the past go
Indeed, it is necessary to release and leave behind the past.
Baby come play in my afro hah
Darling, come have fun and interact with my voluminous hair, expressing affection.
You runnin' ya fingers all through it
You joyfully glide your fingers through my afro, enjoying the tactile sensation.
I love when you wind to my music
I adore when you gracefully move and dance to the rhythm of my music.
You know that with me there's no losing
You are aware that being with me guarantees success or victory.
See baby in time I can prove it
Over time, sweetheart, I have the ability to demonstrate and substantiate it.
This life of mine, ain't all butterflies and sun rays
My existence is not entirely filled with joy and happiness; it also has its share of difficulties and challenges.
There's dark days
There are periods of gloom and adversity.
My enemies put a bounty on me
Those who oppose me have offered a reward for my harm or capture.
What's the cost man?
What price or consequence do I have to pay?
It's hard to listen what God say
It is challenging to hear and comprehend the messages communicated by God.
With all these fakes all in my ear
Due to the presence and influence of deceitful individuals, it is difficult to discern the truth.
You and I never part ways
You and I will always remain together, never separating.
I watered this garden with all of your tears
I nurtured and cared for this relationship using the emotions and tears you shared with me.
See how it flourish you nourish me
Observe how our bond thrives and grows as you provide nourishment and support.
When I'm at my lowest encourage me
During my moments of despair or weakness, you uplift and motivate me.
Blessed with a burden, an angel for certain
I am fortunate to have the responsibility of a heavy task, as if I have been graced with a divine angel.
It's hard to determine eternity, lawd
Determining the concept of infinite time or everlastingness is a challenge, my lord.
See I was searching for myself and found you
I was on a quest to discover my true identity, and during that process, I encountered you.
Said I was searching for myself and found you
I mentioned earlier that my search for self-understanding led me to discover you.
Searching for myself and found you
I was seeking personal clarity, and in that pursuit, I encountered you.
Searching for myself and found you
While attempting to understand my own identity, I ultimately connected with you.
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Genesis Briggs
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@garyrouyea8314
I am watching IN BRUGES...
Really great movie...I was so happy
when Colin Farrell won for this...
Kinda got me back into watching
The Oscars...Until
Sure thing...If you haven't
Seen it do yourself a favor
And find it...
@calyman0
Looking for someone, I guess I'm doing that,
Trying to find a mem'ry in a dark room.
Dirty man, you're looking like a Buddha,
I know you well - yeah.
Keep on a straight line, I don't believe I can,
Trying to find a needle in a haystack.
Chilly wind you're piercing like a dagger,
It hurts me so - yeah.
Nobody needs to discover me,
I'm back again.
You see the sunlight through the
Trees to keep you warm,
In peaceful shades of green.
Yet in the darkness of my mind
Damascus wasn't far behind.
Lost in a subway, I guess I'm losing time,
There's a man looking at a magazine.
You're such a fool, your mumbo-jumbo
Never tells me anything - yeah.
Nobody needs to discover me,
I'm back again.
You feel the ashes from the
Fire that kept you warm.
Its comfort disappears,
But still the only friend I know
Would never tell me where I go.
Looking for someone,
And now I've found myself a name.
Come away, leave me,
All that I have I will give.
Leave me, leave me,
All that I am I will give.
@mattdarby7105
Gabriel, Rutherford, Banks, Mayhew, Phillips. Greatly underrated lineup
@alancarver2511
Yeah. Collins is a legend but John Mayhew did a super job on this album.
@snacklofter
👍👍
@kenm.3512
Gabriel found his voice with this album. Genesis found their sound and direction. The rest is history.
@grey_street
too bad collins blows him away
@garyrouyea8314
I am watching IN BRUGES...
Really great movie...I was so happy
when Colin Farrell won for this...
Kinda got me back into watching
The Oscars...Until
Sure thing...If you haven't
Seen it do yourself a favor
And find it...
@MrDanielphenix
@@grey_street You don't know nothing about voice and feeling...Collins is a smock that was afraid to go in gabriel shoes... You weren't there in the 70,s to see them live...the Gensis with gabriel and the other with the clown Collins...that had never the sensibility of gabriel...I think you should return to listening to Madonna
@trespasser121
@@MrDanielphenix She's probably just a kid, into Niki Minaj.
@IDuman
Nowadays it is really important to mention these kinds of info!
For example the warning "HOT CONTENT" on coffee-to-go cups. Even if the coffee is smoking and clearly is not served out of a refrigerator!
Good lord, where did the common sense go?
@Noctew
Public service announcement: don't attempt to play your records with one half still in the cover.