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It Is What It Is (full album)

by Orikal Uno

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1.
Rise and Grind Written by Antonio Rosario Performed by Orikal Uno (VERSE ONE) It's time to, Rise and Grind, the prize is mine on the grind from sunrise to shine, i'm surprised my eyes are even open at the crack of dawn fill a bowl of cereal like I would pack a bong ...ha, rejuvination duplicated by the double stumble naked out of bed, with a head, filled with trouble ...red skies, and a mind filled with plots kill a spot, with a parking lot with rhymes that I drop I, never stop, until the day I'm no longer breathin' schemin' of succeedin out of this low-income season got experience like resumes hightlighting all the older days When I never had the child support, or a loan to pay the court orders say, whatever they feel Defend my rights as a father to these Ally McBeals Woke up with a clear mind, in need of a hug puff (Chorus) Rise and Grind... It's time to, Rise and Grind, the skies are mine on the grind from sunrise to shine (Verse 2) It's time ta, Rise and grind, the prize is dope Watchin' the sun rise high thru my kelidoscope it's time to go, while it's still in single digits ...the day could creep by at any given minute fuck a worm, the early bird gets absurd fuck what you heard, the early bird paints a word ain't concerned, about the competition while they're still sleepin' I do more in a morning than they could do in an evenin' Evolve while the earth revolves, spinnin' all around Get reincarnated sonically and live within a sound ...early morning got me gettin' alert takin' advantage of my time, as I live in this earth meticulous work, ethic when protectin' my worth i'm fresh from the dirt, bezerk whenever wreckin' a verse woke up from a deep sleep, feelin' like a thousand stacks while the earth keeps spinnin' cycles like a laundromat Rise and Grind...
2.
Vacate 04:16
"Vacate" Written by Antonio Rosario Performed by Orikal Uno 2012 (VERSE ONE) ...Let's take the rest of our lives off Find ourselves a comfortable cloud that we can ride on we're worth more, than the petty things we work for makin' marble out of a delapidated dirt floor Talent doesn't always translate to dollar bills I'd rather bust my ass to make my living strictly off of skills Ups and downs, that's the sum of my story But if I ever make it you'll get some of my glory I try my hardest to supply even the little things You always hold me down, when my bad days get to me everything you do, has me attracted to you not to mention that you're cute and super passionate too yea, let's find a way that we don't ever have to work again daily paradise, nothin' but niceness and some grins uh, without hesitation, let's indulge in relaxation, take a vacation from the bullshit (CHORUS) Vacate, Just my love and I When I close my eyes, she's my Lullaby Vacate, just me and my love blazed buds and some suds chillin' under the sun. x2 (VERSE TWO) ...Let's take the rest of our lives off Without worry for approval for the time off Fuck it, i'm calling in with a slight cough Feelin' hella happy that I took the night off you're lookin' fine, and I'm happy your mine In the zone, with my hands touching the back of your spine nothing short of divine, AND an order of fries So absorbed within your eyes as every moment goes by ...I apologize, my rhymin' hasn't paid off It's like my flight's delayed, anticipatin' when i'll take off Every day's another chip on my shoulder I break off Another vein detatched, from the arm that's trying to hang on Yea, Workin' round the clock for another's dreams I'd rather manage other people on my own team Graff Roots, that's my northern light And your body in my eyes has got me hypnotized (HOOK) (BRIDGE) Vacate, just my love and I... (a one two, a one two, i want you, i love you) Vacate, Just me and my love (a one two, a one two, i want you, i love you) Vacate, just my love and I... (a one two, a one two, i want you, i love you) Vacate, Just me and my love (a one two, a one two, i want you, i love you) (VERSE 3) Aye, Let's take the rest of our lives off Find ourselves a little slice of heaven we can ride on contested at times, watchin' the pendulum swing putting investment in rhymes, and other colorful things Thankful, to say the very least To fall asleep with you within the middle of the sheets without hesitation, let's indulge in relaxation, take a vacation from the bullshit (HOOK)
3.
(VERSE ONE: Dispute One) Sounds overrated, and it's so out dated With an ego so big, that he can't escape it Ain't no need to debate it when it's bigger than life So lights, camera, action, where are the mics? Where are the people? Where is everything that he spoke on? Hangin' with a scapegoat, you put all your hopes on Bangin' like a drumline, gamblin on crunch time 3 strikes like one-time, your life, you can't rewind Egotistical with lack of vision Leaves a shallow individual with nothin' but a pot to piss in I meant everything when you chose not to listen And i'll do everything short of prison to keep the mission Ego-free, that's how we live That's how we rep the Twins, use it as a bridge That's OnePlusOne, Ego-free livin' and the only trip we make is on tour bein' driven Yea! (CHORUS) Naw, I don't trip, naw, he don't trip, naw, we don't trip, E Go Trip (x4) (VERSE TWO: Orikal Uno) Heavy feet, cranium rapidly growin' Meltin' ice within the wind chill when I'm chillin' and it's snowin' Bragadocious... Atrociously magnificent Got them throwin' hands up while I'm buzzed and feelin' hella lit You can't question it, like Einstein intelligence My stein, changes reality to irrelevance Jumpin' the fence again to paint another overpass Lettin' a sentence win when layin' out the dopest raps You think you're polar caps, swimmin in the coldest laps But really you're a silly muthafucker from a culdesac Steamed phillies, swisher sweets, trees from the down south Please. You ain't even in my league, see loud mouth? You just got roundhoused, double to the dome Who'd known, what Uno could do with microphones I'm a king without a throne, on a free-fall mission Kamikaze pilot, flyin' in and ego-trippin like (CHORUS) (3rd Verse) DJ Ganzobean on the cuts.
4.
Chill 04:27
"Chill" Written by Antonio Rosario Performed by Orikal Uno 2012 (VERSE ONE) Stand still, lookin' back at what I stood in Great victory, yea I'm all about a "Goodwin" I'm in the hood still, thinkin' haters should chill Fake, ballin' muthafuckers tearin up a goodwill I'm lookin' good still, blessed with some good skill Livin' life in ecstacy without the need for a pill Fa, real, all my life yo i've been runnin' up hill Gotta keep on breathin' while there's air in my lungs still The snare, and the drums fill, awareness to dope flows Comin' from this kid in St. Paul that y'all don't know Always puttin' in work, never a no show Always fast like a blur, even in slow-mo Novice with a pro flow, yea i'm stuntin' With wisdom of an elder with the age of a youngin' Tryin' to do my best to make my nest and build Take advantage of the chances that I get to chill (CHORUS) Chill... I'm just tryin to chill... Chill... (VERSE TWO) Stand still, lookin' forward towards the future New words, new fiendin' for a new worth Feelin' fresh, like I went through a new birth When I make the colors of my outfit and my shoes work Brushin' off negativity like dandruff Breakin' off the metal when this life has me in handcuffs Linkin logs, with the money make it stack up Off the crowds, when I make a venue pack up I'm not a drama major but I act up Livin' every day, like this may, be the last one Sippin' relaxation from the bottom of a glass cup Ambition is my diesal and it's got me all gassed up Bass bumpin' nice thru my Infinities Rollin' with my windows down thru all these city streets Show night, rock the spot and kill After that, best believe that I just gots ta chill (CHORUS) (VERSE THREE) Black shades, black hoodie and a fly girl Flushin' moments down the toilet watchin' time swirl Smilin' big with many reasons why Bright lights on my shades so you can't see my eyes Travel through the nights, with my cleanest Nikes Grips named "Vice" couldn't even be this tight Damn... I think i'm comin' off a little cocky I'm just convinced that there ain't nothin that could ever stop me I could down 8 drinks and still not come off sloppy I'll be comin' thru your town if you wanna watch me From the Mississippi River to the rockies In the "O's" of your iPods, you can go ahead and dock me Kickin' back with swishers and the skyline C.Goody beats, rappin' what's on my mind Shake the turbulance when it's flight time When height climbs, I just chill, and then i'm fine. (CHORUS) Til then... Orikal Uno, Chris Goodwin...
5.
"Gimme, What U Got?" Written by Antonio Rosario Performed by Orikal Uno (VERSE ONE) Okay, I guess I'll start it by me sayin i'm the dopest wit it all y'all punk ass wack emcees are just so hopeless with it married to the style progression, wreckless and overcomitted splittin' atoms daily, crazy deranged grade of soldier in this Uh, Superglue holdin' together what I know is true If I wanted advice, what makes you think i'd go to you? Smell the foldgers boo, what makes you think that I would go with you? Never trust my heart with any chick who can't hold a clue Ew, Who the fuck am I becoming on my off days? Suddenly disruptively destructing with my wrong ways long gaze, short fuse, mackin' in my court suit work days, and long nights, then spend time, to sort loot I'm just a sorta kinda young brown male born in Saint Paul Trained in the way of stackin' cake and ways to break laws lasabre status, cruisin' 94 with racing tactics ain't afraid to say that I'm the greatest at this, play it back bitch (CHORUS) Gimme gimme what you got (gimme what you got) Gimme gimme what you got (gimme what you got) Gimme gimme what you got kickin' up my rhythm up another notch put your hands up like you're gettin' robbed Yo you better gimme gimme what you got (VERSE TWO) Gimme gimme what you got Spittin' ammunition when i'm in the spot sippin' on a little bit of liquor when i'm out fuckin' up a stage, when I make em all shout clown, any motherfucka that be steppin' to me tryin' to act silly, i'm like "really?" Fuck this rap shit, i'ma turn hillbilly tuned to KQ, burnin' herb by the lillies I'm worth a million bucks, maybe a billion soooonnnnn, feel like a million bucks, only got like fifty one unsung hero of a never trekked quest underground, in the sewers, never felt so fresh heh, gimme gimme gimme dollars dopest brains gettin bomb ass scholar flow, get paid, stayin' up all night sippin' champagne under morning light chill as the breeze, that I feel in the streets In the S to the T, dot, capital P I'm an M to the C, paintin' graff with the steez dottin' my I's and connectin' my E's (or ease. double entundra) I'm worth a trillion bucks. Graff Roots Media
6.
(VERSE ONE) It's quite simple, I might go quite psycho Ignite a mic or write my life in any night cycle Fuck a title, yo my book's missin' the cover So i'm buried underground, where I'll never be discovered In the cupboard is my bottle for not givin' a fuck Spend more than I make's the motto for me livin' it up Life's short, so I smile, with a blunt full of denial Keep my bearings in this jungle where it's troubled and vile I've been runnin' for miles, in a continuous loop Between gettin' some loot, and gettin' ditched by my youth heh, I find it crazy how fast the clock ticks In a race towards the top, of mount "accomplished" Borderline breakin out, let my demons out to play, I keep them in a cage, they enjoy the rage and pain, I'm strained, and that's sayin' the least Sewed my soul to the treble, and the bass in the beat (CHORUS) Love... Hate... Life... Fate... It's all the same (VERSE TWO) It's quite simple, I might kill tight rhythms Diabetes in my blood, so yup, ill-type spittin' screws loose, like a ghoul roaming my city too juiced with two new, cans of color in a fuckin' zoot suit On a mission to be famous for all the wrong reasons Turnin' early morning AMs, into some long evenins Never lookin' back, stay ahead of the racers Try to keep my balance on the edge of a razor Precise like a laser when I'm nice with a verse An old soul, on my 10 thousanth life on this earth I'm cursed, that's how it seems way more often than not Never lost in St. Paul, but often lost in my thoughts I bleed color schemes, thru a can of paint Still believin' in peace in this land of hate Under the moonshine, sippin' Moonshine mixed with diet Had a shitty fucking day, I suggest you don't try it (CHORUS) (VERSE THREE) It's all the same... Even when it's all rearranged... Complicated obligations and some other shit Patiently awaitin the day, to grace my mothership Sippin' moonshine on the rocks My heart beats to the rhythm of the digits on the clock (CHORUS)
7.
Drowning 04:53
"Drowning" Written by Antonio Rosario Performed by Orikal Uno (VERSE ONE) I guess this is goodbye... for a second time, put on my armor, shed my pride numb, memories on cruise control and i'ma let em ride this garden we were growing has succumbed to all the pesticides forced to let you go, once again, failed the test of pride ...how the fuck am I supposed to act like i'm okay? when you've been on my mind, and i'm reminded of you all day= =I Guess i'm just an addict to the rhythm of your heartbeat you fed me to the sharks now i'm a victim to their sharp teeth ugh. left digusted, by the person that I trusted so loveless, discarded to the garbage just like "fuck it" ...Now i'm a zombie motionless without direction Plottin' jumpin' off a bridge into a busy intersection Yea. It's fuckin pitiful, I know it too Holdin' onto sanity the way that I'd hold onto you ...The wind chill is bitter when you're not around Deep in this depression, only option is to drown... (CHORUS) no one can hear me scream as i'm drowning... reaching for your hand, but your hand hasn't found me crying out for help, but i'm drowning... all alone, doubting anybody knows i'm drowning... (VERSE TWO) your scent lingers in the dreams that I see you in your love is the only life vest that I'm believin' it... The speed of the currents rapidly increase with every second fightin', tryin' to swim and breathe but forced to hold my breath in a spirit in this ghost town, a voice that speaks with no sound hurricanes, tornados, and a love that's prone to blow down... When the storm's over, I'll pick up all the pieces Whatever that remains, I'll just have to find my peace with Sleepless, my life raft is lost at sea Broke my last paddle tryin' to battle demons off of me honestly, I'll accept the blame and every bitter word love and lose, let it burn, cemented shoes, live and learn making my descention into an ocean that is endless aimed the cannon, let it blast into the center of our friend-ship ...the wind chill is bitter when you're not around deep in this obsession, only option is to drown... (CHORUS) (VERSE 3) capsized... sinking slow to the ocean's floor love or hate, i guess that I don't know no more capsized... sinking slow to the ocean's floor love or hate, i guess that I don't know more... All I know is that my lungs are filling up with water nightmares, of our innocent love killed and slaughtered now i'm lost, just a lonesome soul beneath the stars drowning slow, with a broken heart and bleeding scars x2
8.
All Day 03:36
"All Day" Written by Antonio Rosario Performed by Orikal Uno (VERSE ONE) It's been a couple of weekends without your cookin' It's been a couple of weekends since I told you how good you're lookin' in the mornin' when you're wakin' up, frustrated and shakin' up Frustrations erupt, enough, to fuck any vacation up My mission was to make it up, positioned to changed it up ambitions got my paper stuck, reverse of how to make a buck sufferin' a change of luck, you'd help me any way you could help me sketch ideas up to help a youngin' out the hood graff roots mindset, devine beauty, dime times ten always there to hold me down, show me how to progress and i'm a hot mess, pretendin' to be clean lookin' for some love where it will never be achieved and now I bleed, healin' slowly when I let it get to me Losin' out my head, swiftly slit within the guillitine life moves, in mysterious ways i've been missin' your face, been thinkin' bout you all day (CHORUS) aye, i've been missin' your face I ain't even gonna front, been thinkin' bout you all day aye, i've been missin' your face I ain't even gonna front, been thinkin bout you all day aye I've been missin' your face i ain't even gonna front been thinkin bout you all day aye I've been missin' your face i ain't even gonna front been thinkin bout you all day (VERSE TWO) what's it mean, what's it mean? miss you walkin' in them jeans missin' givin' you a ride and all my high self esteem what's it mean, what's it mean? all the shit that we been through thought it was solid, offered a trust that was bend proof Yea, locomotion rollin' off the rail Chasin' neon colors on a hollow trail towards the grail ...It's safe to say I miss when you'd make my day Make a positive, out of any disfigured, shape of clay we'd make love and hate, basically it made grenades a tickin' time bomb, that was wired up with taped up faith ...superglued vase, holdin roses, dyin' slowly miss the closeness of your body when my eyes would start closing ...I've been a player behind some kind of mask When really, all I'm really livin' is a lie that I act life moves, in mysterious ways i've been missin' your kiss, been been reminicisn' all day (CHORUS) (VERSE THREE) Aye... I've been missin' your face ...been thinkin' bout you all day I've missin' your face I ain't even gonna front been thinkin bout you all day Aye... I've been missin' your face (face) ...been thinkin' bout you all day (aye)... I've missin' your face (face) I ain't even gonna front been thinkin bout you all day (aye) life moves, in mysterious ways i've been missin' your face, been thinkin' bout you all day life moves, in mysterious ways i've been missin' your kiss, been reminicisn' all day
9.
Short Circuit Circus (free) 03:55
"Short Circuit Circus" Written by Antonio Rosario Performed by Orikal Uno Written and recorded in 2010 in "The Addict", St. Paul MN. Please excuse me as I lose all my stability Let loose all the hostility, that builds in me Subliminally Without even knowing what's going, just hopin' for somethin tranquil hands behind my back but i'm holding on, wishin' for a bottle of painpills cuz this pain kills, and it won't stop weighin' me down a whole lot makin' my brain break fast like shattered glass made up of old thoughts my own thoughts, are my roadblock, but i'm rollin' up in a monster truck always at war with myself which means no matter what, i'm out of luck clinically depressed, medicine is weed and sex simultaneously indulging until I need a breath I'm a self professed psychopathic mental health is stressed, hyper-active is the madness I've had it, everything about this world is stupid Givin' it all I got for nothin, wonderin' why I do it Excuse me, I'm about to lose my fuckin' mind and I don't think i'm gonna find it this time... (CHORUS) So is it worth it? To be perfect? When life is nothing less than a circus? Or is it worthless? No purpose? Just another day in the circus... 2x Clowns, surround me With their facepaint frowning, spreading hate and fake offerings There's nobody left that I can trust, sinking in paranoia Destroying the noise, deploy a decoy to come annoy ya Sometimes I wanna drop off the wounded face of this planet Taking advantage of life and i'm truly grateful I have it But this is madness, interwoven sadly with sadness Snappin' off, what the FUCK just happened? after, punished for my actions, have you... ...Seen my happiness? Cuz I can't seem to find it To top it off my high blood sugar got me feelin' blinded High as high could ever go, livin' fast and never slow After the cash and not the overdose, committed to stackin' the dough but uh, I'm so broke, I'm so broke and I got a jagged piece of my being right to your throat! Excuse me... I'm bout to lose my fucking mind and I don't think i'm gonna find it this time! (CHORUS) LOST CAUSE! I don't think I'll find my way back The same place that I went and lost my faith at The straight fact, I'm stuck and I don't really wanna face that On the plot to drop and make stacks, got some bills that I gotta pay back! uh... Sometimes it's hard to find the words When I'm stuck without a magnifying glass to find my worth I'm the worse, type of liar cuz I'm actually good man Ask me how i'm doing, and i'll say that i'm good man Demented, in all dimensions, in all directions Pouring out some gas up on some friendships that I won't mention Wreckless, definition my current position Livin' minutes that i'm given to the limit, YES I'm in it Deminished in the foggy gray tint of the blunt smoke Exhaling bullets and some gun smoke Excuse me, I'm bout to lose my fucking mind and I don't think i'm gonna find it this time! (CHORUS)
10.
Rely 04:18
"Rely" Written by Antonio Rosario Performed by Orikal Uno 2012 (VERSE ONE) What you rely on? some dough to keep the lights on? some blow to keep your high on? some hope that you could ride on? some love that you can sleep with? someone to share your secrets? your regrets, and weaknesses, disrespect and evilness? Oxygen and drugs, ingesting toxins for a buzz just because, all too often, when i'm coughin' it's for fun so it's rum, in my liver succumb to liquor and blunts twistin' em up, sickly addicted to this livin' it up unh, Reliability's the meaning of life, We're relyin' on the sun to come deliver us light we're relyin on the gas we use to fill up the ride and the motor in the hood for when you get in and drive to survive, honestly, you'll rely on nine to five and your salary decides on your casualty to life relyin' on these devices are gonna fuck us up relyin' on my heart to keep on pumpin' all this fuckin blood (CHORUS) What you rely on? What you rely on? We're all slaves to reliability I'm relyin' on my life and every breath that I can breathe (VERSE TWO) The dirt needs rain, but who the fuck needs snow? Yea the hurt feeds pain, and true love needs hope We rely on the hunt, for the funds that we gain and rely on our lungs like there's a gun to the brain Depending on some insulin to keep me in my range Pretending that i'm kickin' it and free but kept within a cage doctors in the hospitals, responsible for conquerin' the obstacles of life or death, your last breath Relyin' on a president to lead a whole nation When that nation's combination is a stirring pot of races Relyin' on your job, to revive whatever dream to provide your self esteem, with the nutrients it needs We rely on our feet, to move our bodies to the beat and can rely, on the police to stop me in the streets rely on caffiene to get the energy I need got a date with destiny to get the pleasure that I fiend ---CHORUS--- (VERSE THREE) We need skin, and the thicker the better put my all into the stamps, that deliver my letters instant vendettas, embedded within this shredded umbrella that i'm relyin' to keep me dry, underneath this bleeding sky Relyin' on an advil, Iboprofin capsules For the morning after, for the hangover I'll battle Relyin' on this food to keep my body okay Relyin' on my youth to drink to bacardi all day If you don't got a car, then you're ridin' on a bus If you're travellin' by air, then you're flying on some trust Weedheads rely on buds, alcoholics on the buzz graff writers on their ups, gamers on the level ups a human being, putting ink in your skin relyin' on my mind, on what I think, and I live Some rely on God, to forgive them if they're wrong I rely on my songs to keep me living when i'm gone...
11.
Sinfeney 04:36
"Sinfeney" Written by Antonio Rosario Performed by Orikal Uno 2012 (VERSE ONE) ...Storms form, rain falls upon Saint Paul late calls, and stomach pains from draining out my strained faults out, for the moment, floatin' up amongst these strange clouds the voices in my head, must equate to how deranged sounds ...Nothin' more, than a puzzle at a budget store A stalker that's psychotically hunting for an "I love you more" drunk and bored, talking mad shit to strike a fucking chord i'm nothing more, than a mental Lord, with a hunting sword Divinity's my fuck buddy, she's dirtier than Drug Money She only wants my body but never wants any love from me Ugh... So I treat her like a prostitute And leave my handprints on her curves, if she doesn't got my loot ...Sick and twisted, sadistically i'm inflicted contradictions and ambitions, conflictin' with my existance What is this? -- Just another cry for some sympathy? Or just a drug dealer, supplyin "high" to the symphony. (CHORUS) Pluckin' heart strings, with an angel's feather... ...Singin' swan songs in tornado weather... Pluckin' heart strings in the key of misery Conducting all the pain and let it bleed it out thru the symphony (VERSE TWO) No love, only hatred, and slow pub No love, feelin' trapped in Minnesota... Hardly concious when I'm on my party nonsense Puertoriqueno', known to keep Bacardi "OnDek" Dream traveller, explorer of the outer realm Every day I wake up, and feel like it's just not as real lucid, controllin' all of my surroundings my head keeps pounding, and I don't like how it's sounding Thunderclouds, split a swisher, rollin' somethin' loud Up and down, elevator weight about to crush the ground So high, in the sky, that I can touch the clouds More pride, in my stride, struttin' somethin' proud Injections to the gut, insulin mixin' with blood i'm a mutt, disrespectin' motherfuckers just because What is this? -- Just another cry for some sympathy? or sellin E, supplyin "high" to the symphony. (VERSE 3) (beat rides for 8 bars) Yea, live discreetly through my nightmares Emergency at sea, but too fucked up to light flares Yea, i'm at a dead end on this psycho-path every streets a one way, i've been drinkin' and I might go crash ...a good guy with a DWI productive in the day, causin' trouble in the night What is this? -- Just A cry for some sympathy? Or a deaf conductor feelin' lost without his symphony...
12.
Hovercrapht 03:25
(VERSE ONE) You better be gettin' the fuck up Best believe i'ma rip it the fuck up If you got any beef, with me or my team, then you better be shuttin' the fuck up! Orikal Uno, is doper than you know Leavin' you broke with no hope and a "who knows" Flowin' crucial, make you move when I do shows Fuckin' up everything when I go loco Fuck stayin' local, I'd rather go global Not settlin, set the game in a choke hold Better than veterans peddlin "so old" Ladies and gentlemen, I am just so dope! Oh no! I'm bout to explode! I shine bright like a mountain of gold! Frost like a toe walkin' out in the snow Leave it all rocked every spot that I go! (CHORUS) I am an alien, come climb aboard my hovercrapht I'm down to (ha) but ain't got time for all that other crap I gots a style, that no human being could ever match Chill with your alien and climb aboard my hovercrapht (VERSE TWO) You better be gettin' the fuck up! Grab a swisher and split it the fuck up! Roll it up and throw that blunt up All my Twin Cities cats know what's up! Thunderin' loudly, up in the lobbies Hailin' a cab gettin' drunk in it prolly Somethin' like crunk throwin' up in the allies Up in the cities, up in the valleys Heavy with weaponry, jeopordy ho! Talkin' a lot but won't step to me though Snap off the raps and the melodies yo! Legitimate, makin' that felony dough Discreet on my feet when I crept through the door Determined on bein' the best with the flow Perfectin' perfection perpetually Eventually, eventually... (CHORUS) x2
13.
Dream 03:12
"Dream" Written by Antonio Rosario Performed by Orikal Uno 2012 I had a dream that we were kickin' it the other day Talkin' bout life, and the fight to live another way an upgrade, from the headaches caused by the strugglin' you told me every human being has something they struggle with ...it's all relative, consider you a relative bloodline or not, never thought that it was relevant We were by a lake, underneath the sunshine Listenin' to Sublime, talkin' bout that one time We had many, and they've never erased Within the old film projector of my memory banks The clouds were floatin' by, the time paused jokin' bout your downfalls, makin' fun of my flaws We all got em... nobody's perfect We're all rodeo clowns in this short circuit circus I had a dream that we were kickin it the other day But if I saw you now, don't even know what I would say... like, how've you been? what have you learned? you haven't left this earth as far as i'm concerned how've you been? what have you learned? you haven't left this earth as far as i'm concerned I had a dream that we were kickin' it the other day Talkin' bout life, and the fight to live another way I told you that I wanna quit chasin' my dreams you told me that success, really ain't what it seems we had our ups and downs, it didn't really matter I came to the conclusion we all end on different chapters We were by a lake, underneath the sunshine Listenin' to Sublime, talkin' bout that one time We had many, and they've never erased Within the old film projector of my memory banks The squirrels were runnin' by, birds chirpin' flyin' high discussions about life... and what it's like to die Perfect weather in a setting that stood still Just chillin' with my friend, in a time that I could still I had a dream that we were kickin it the other day But if I saw you now, don't even know what I would say... like, how've you been? what have you learned? you haven't left this earth as far as i'm concerned how've you been? what have you learned? you haven't left this earth as far as i'm concerned
14.
"Lonesome Road" Written by Antonio Rosario Performed by Orikal Uno (VERSE ONE) I wondered what it would be like if I were to jump up and grab the mic If I were to capture the crowd and make it a magical type of night with a life rapidly changin' on site hopin' that everything is alright hopin' that everything is okay with the way that I stay livin' my life but i'll never be gettin' it right smokin' and drinkin, I sit and write provokin' the feelins I keep inside no hope for the rest that I need, when I can't sleep at night peekin' up outta my window, i'm watchin' the sun creep outta the skies deep in heavenly memories, all the time that passed me by never forgiven but gotta keep livin it's been like that since the very beginnin' committed to betterin' life that i'm dealin' with grinnin', is how I try to conceal it wakin' up, open my eyes, to a world that's filled with demons and lies pushin' the button down on my bic, the smoke is keepin' me high wonderin' what it would be like if I were to jump up and grab the mic makin' my syllables travel without a battle, rappin' tight Don't really got nothin' to lose steady grindin', payin' my dues thinkin' of somethin' of relevance that I could I say to you (CHORUS) The time goes slow All I got is myself on this lonesome road and I don't know where to go slowly losin' hope on this lonesome road... (VERSE TWO) I wondered what it would be like to have a happier type of life instead I sit and I fight with myself about what I could've done right So i'm pourin' another one, hopin' the sun will come out, to get rid of the troublesome clouds, cuz the storm is thunderin' loud as I walk this route Another injection of insulin sinkin' into my skin has me fucked up My body's a skeleton, weights disappearin, i'm tryin' to get my luck up Always had it rough, never had enough Growin' up, didn't see my Dad that much All I had was my passion for my raps artistic type of vandal stuff I wondered what it would be like To have a little bit of money security, it's funny cuz there's no such thing as too secure And i'm rappin' like there's no such thing as too sincere Solo on this lonesome road, I'm bout to fuckin' lose it here I've pondered life, and shed the truest tears So when I die, to proove i'm here, i leave my music as a souvenier the way the wind blows is so wholesome goin' it alone on this road that's so lonesome
15.
Owl 04:37
"Owl" Written by Antonio Rosario Performed by Orikal Uno 2012 (VERSE ONE) Night owl, existin' strictly in the right now Iced out, Minnesotan ink is used to write down Whatever's on my mind, rhymes formulate and birth creation chillin' in the cut of where my cadence and my words get placed in post madrugada, underneath the stars and moon yea I love my hometown but I wanna travel farther soon ...So I stay up late and write cuz I can't seem to sleep And I won't fuckin' stop until i'm seeing where I need to be An alien without my mothership that's on some other skills The dopest lyricist you ever heard that's undiscovered still Ill, I creep amongst the shadows and the vandals livin life daily like i'm tackling an anvil ...I find solace in the breeze of the A M In a cobra clutch, but I'm too stubborn to say when Inner city streets, release my soul on gritty beats journey under street lights, dim and flickering... (CHORUS) Night owl with my eyes wide open Ride around town, through the night i'm absorbin' Night owl with my eyes wide open My life is like the skyline that never stops glowin'... (VERSE TWO) Concious when I shouldn't be, but buzzed and wide awake reverse the pendulum, the spectrum flips until my night is day Night owl that's on the prowl, I spread my wings and fly away Leave my essence on a wall and let the morning dry the paint Silent trainquility, Perfectin' my abilities Within the sweet serenity of when the average person sleeps Walk eternally thru city streets nocturnally express my self with aerosol or on stage fitting words to beats when it's done, I embrace the breeze of early morning gazing at the stars falling, start stalling, watch them soaring yea, a night child goin' wild when I do ...Construct my soul, under the glow and the light of the moon As the sun sets, I watch it go down As the darkness starts emerging, up above the whole town Inner city streets, release my soul on gritty beats Underneath these street lights, I glide within the imagry (CHORUS) (VERSE THREE) (8 bar break) Day turns to night, within the night is where I stay Stay up under light and write and sleep thru-out the day Day turns to night, within the night is where I stay Stay up under light and write and sleep thru-out the day I'm a night owl amongst the stars, a deep purple sky makin' sense of life within the dark, dreary night As the night gives birth to a brand new day I give life when I write or with a can of paint

about

A product of inner city struggle and poverty, Orikal Uno (born Antonio Rosario) has triumphed in an environment that encourages the opposite.
Completely raised by a single mother in St. Paul, Minnesota’s notorious West Side neighborhood,
Rosario had to learn at a young age to make the best out of what resources were available.

Conversationally, he speaks with a stutter, struggling to communicate in fluent day-to-day verbal conversations.
At age 18, he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.
5 years straight taking a needle to the gut to stay alive, Orikal Uno has never felt better.

Celebrating the release of his sophomore LP “It Is What It Is” - Rosario is on top of his game.
Teaming up with musical collaborator Chris Goodwin, Orikal Uno believes this is his best body of work to date.
The working relationship started in 2010 with the song “Lonesome Road” (which Rosario credits as one of best songs ‘ever’)
With the chemistry between the two being more than obvious, Uno and Goodwin continued to work til the end of the year.
Taking a year hiatus from the project, Rosario then came back to Goodwin in 2012 to finish the remainder of the album.

“It Is What It Is” highlights the best times (and worst times) of Rosario’s life. It signifies growth and is a proper sequel to Orikal Uno’s
2011 release “Uno,” continuing with the narrative that is Rosario’s life story.

10 years deep into his musical career, Rosario feels that he is just now reaching the peak of his craft.
Recently producing the title track for Abstract Rude and Musab (Sab The Artist)’s EP “The Awful Truth,” Rosario is honing his craft in all areas of hip-hop.

“It Is What It Is” is a rollercoaster of emotions, such is life.


The song “Dream” reflects upon the memories of lost friends, passed away or still living.

“This song is dedicated to anybody who lost a loved one, and I’m not talking about just to the grave…
This is dedicated to all the lost memories of family and friends that once were, that may not exist anymore…
however you may take that… I’ve lost friends and family to death, and I’ve lost friends due to pure and utter bull!@#$…
This song is dedicated to once was of our friendship” - Orikal Uno

The album is designed to be played from front to back, from intro song “Rise and Grind” which is like waking up in the morning,
to the outro song “Owl” which brings the album full circle bringing you into an early AM experience in Rosario’s West Side neighborhood.

“It Is What It Is” marks a pivotal point in Orikal Uno’s musical catalogue, and is only a sign of what’s to come in the future.

credits

released December 18, 2012

All vocals written and performed by Orikal Uno (A. Rosario for Graff Roots (ASCAP))
All music composed and arranged by Chris Goodwin
Recorded and mixed by Orikal Uno at The Crib in St. Paul, Minnesota.

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Orikal Uno Minneapolis, Minnesota

twin cities, minnesota

besides words, i also produce beats. credits include "The Awful Truth" by Musab & Abstract Rude, "Covid" and "38th and Floyd" by Muja Messiah, Vinny Crook$ "Just A Northside Kid", TruthMaze "The Holy Vible" & the self-titled OnePlusOne 12" vinyl. ... more

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