Verse One
(Stupid…), they thought it would be bright lights, red carpets,
constantly hitting targets, dominating the markets,
leaving rappers for carcass, recording artists,
record label departments providing you largest budgets to go the hardest,
they thinking first class seats and the legroom,
sirloin steak other meats on the menu
and came a long way from the beats in the bedroom,
but then they find out the music industry can turn your wishes inside out,
drop you in a hole you find impossible to climb out,
it’s like they permanently put you on a timeout,
ain’t no way to check on your account when you are signed out,
been there done that, had to find a way that worked for me so I could maintain,
build my reputation by myself, no need to claim names,
wouldn't have it any other way cos’ when I recollect,
everything I’m looking at has been okay in retrospect.
Chorus
Time for looking back (scratch),
retrospect
time for looking back (scratch).
Verse Two
(Here we go yo’) being an independent artist is not glamorous,
figure me trying to harness, make everything unanimous,
practically have to part with all the money I have
and please don’t get me started, I don’t be in the lab all day every day,
I spend days in my inbox,
replying messages, I’m tired and my chin drops
and I’m organising data, thinking up these new concepts like a curator,
planning these releases, constantly I’m a creator,
gotta keep it running like a lively first grader, as well as putting pen to paper,
running a label ain’t no fairy-tale fable,
putting food on the table, trying to keep this thing stable,
but I had to find a way that worked for me so I could maintain,
build my reputation by myself, no need to claim names,
wouldn't have it any other way cos’ when I recollect,
everything I’m looking at has been okay in retrospect.
Chorus
Time for looking back (scratch),
in retrospect
time for looking back (scratch).
Funky DL is regarded as one of the most legendary and significant MC's and Producers to come out of the UK. Now globally known for delivering albums with both musical and lyrical finesse...
Substantial is one of those rare artists that truly does get better with time. This album is one of his finest works to date - make it a treasured part of your own personal collection, and thank me now! Stephanie Hilliard
The debut instrumental LP by Substantial; a wide-ranging album of upbeat, bass-heavy melodies to mellow, jazzy rhythms. Bandcamp New & Notable May 29, 2018
Big but tight energy from this album that perfectly fit the closed-up vibe of the pandemic and reminded you to call your loved ones. It feels like these important folks in Amir's life each get a bit of their vibe wrapped into the song following. Sable Knight