The Past... [Explicit]

by Substantial & The Other Guys

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Dhaval Kale Serene backings, with emotional lyricism. Simply perfect. Favorite track: MLK (Dream Big) feat. See King.

Andre Reynolds Favorite tracks: Late Pass and No Turning Back. The Demo Tapes are fire!

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1.	Follow The Master 03:09	lyrics	buy track

2.	MLK (Dream Big) feat. See King 04:19	lyrics	buy track

3.	Late Pass (feat. Von Pea) 03:50	lyrics	buy track

4.	No Turning Back 04:00 video	lyrics	buy track

5.	Priceless (feat. DJ Jav) 04:05	lyrics	buy track

about

The Past… is the first of three EPs leading up to the fourth studio album from prolific, Indie MC, Substantial. This time around the veteran wordsmith has partnered with HiPNOTT Records producer duo and fellow Maryland natives, The Other Guys for his latest release. Substantial’s musical past, pre-Hyde Out Productions, included many collaborations with Isaiah of TOG, which makes their project’s title quite fitting. The Past… features Von Pea of Tanya Morgan, Substantial’s protegé, See King, cuts from DJ Jav and plenty of that soulful boom bap The Other Guys have been known to provide. Lyrically, Substantial is as sharp as ever and covers subjects such as the dying art of MCing, dreams limited by stereotypes, and the exploitation of his former producer, Nujabes.

Substantial’s full length album The Past Is Always Present In The Future drops fourth quarter 2015. Until then, enjoy this appetizer and look forward to more flavorful Hip Hop music to feed your soul.

This download includes a bonus 5 Track demo recorded by Substantial in 1999 with commentary by Substantial.

Bonus Tracklist:
1. Kalitwutchawon2 (Demo Version) [produced by Substantial]
2. Invisible Man [produced by Milio]
3. Visualizing The Unseen [produced by Milio / Co-produced by Spike Rebel]
4. FYIRB [produced by Substantial / Co-produced by Spike Rebel]
5. Hip Hop Heaven [produced by Substantial]

credits

released March 17, 2015

Produced by The Other Guys

license

about

Substantial Alexandria, Virginia

Virginia based International Hip Hop Recording Artist from Maryland.

Recommendations

discography

The Past Is Always Present In The Future

Jan 2017
Little Black Dress

Oct 2016
Present EP [Clean]

May 2016
Present EP [Explicit]

May 2016
Follow The Master b/w Cool Mornings [SINGLE]

Oct 2015
Always EP [Clean]

Jul 2015
Always EP [Explicit]

Jul 2015
The Past... [Clean]

Mar 2015
The Past... [Explicit]

Mar 2015
Art Is Where The Home Is [DELUXE EDITION]

Mar 2014
Jackin' Jill [MIX]

Apr 2013
WINK: Something Substantial [MIX]

Feb 2010
U Were There (feat. JsouL) [SINGLE]

Feb 2010
Substantial vs Samurai Champloo: Beats, Rhymes & Strife

Oct 2009
Substantial/Burns

Oct 2009
I'm Here (feat. Kokayi & Gods'Illa)

Jun 2009
Make Love (feat. Substantial) [Chew Fu’s Small Room Sax Fix]

Jun 2009
Sacrifice

Jan 2008
Resurrection of the House Party [JAPAN EDITION - SINGLE]

Aug 2007
Sacrificial Lambs (The Prequel to Sacrifice)

Jun 2006
Substantial Evidence [MIX]

Oct 2003
To This Union A Sun Was Born [DELUXE EDITION]

Oct 2001

contact / help

Contact Substantial

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Track Name: Follow The Master: HOOK
Follow the Master (4x)

If you don’t move the crowd and ain’t a master of the ceremony
Or a microphone controller you are not an emcee
So don’t ever disrespect the homie,
World class title holder born and raised in MD
Known to get the party poppin quicker
Then stripper with vodka in her so they gonna clap for me
But I ain’t talkin’ booty cheeks
slick with the dudy speak, shit talk mastery
...I’m Mugen with a blue pen
Samurai Champloo be damned if I can lose
If I did, I put 2 L’s together and make a W
Dumb of you, comparing Substantial to a substitute
All I do is win but it’s clearly ain’t your thing
Then again you’re more T-Pain then painting
I’m art personified, all heart magnified
By ‘bout a 105, no doubt… come alive

HOOK

Fuck off the stage bum
You ain’t doin shit no need to tell’em to save some
Crowd look well rested, had time to get adjusted
Copped food and drinks and had time to digest it
I’ma make’em feel like they were part of my live show
No voice, clothes moist it’s hotter than Cairo
Watch me blow the spot when I drop my payload
I got’em going wild, it ain’t raining no pesos
They do what I say so ‘cause my presence demands it
A veteran standard, man what’s better than Stan shit
I will sever they hand if they extend it to grab this
Shit on everything like I’ve never been pampered
Son’em like Frederick Sandford, been a G,
But I don’t sale trash just so I can make a living, B
I’m art personified, all heart magnified
By ‘bout a 105, no doubt… come alive

HOOK

I be ripping up the stage like I’m tearing up floor boards
You don’t keep’em engage they just lay on the floor bored
I have’em in a craze they gon’ leave with their core sore
Body crowds for days like a terrorist warlord
Light up the scoreboard, go hard as mug…
I’m a titan I throw swords, throat armed with a scud
If you mic’em he’s so raw but doper when unplugged
A sight sicker than cold sores, go for a dub
If you pay at the door, unless you pay in advance
This ain’t your regular show that’s right you even can dance
No need to hold up the wall, it got plenty of beams
You can throw up your arms and if you’re feeling it scream
2 turntables and a mic that’s what I call riot gear
Turn all the way up! It’s about to get live in here
I’m art personified, all heart magnified
By ‘bout a 105, no doubt… come alive

HOOK
Track Name: MLK (Dream Big) feat. See King: HOOK
Back stateside on MLK riding
Low in the whip look like no one’s driving (Repeat 3x)
(Substantial)
Whether 395 or 704
Dream big baby stay steady on course

VERSE 1 (See King)
I grace these peasants with my presence King Martin Luther,
The streets with his namesakes the perfect place to find a shooter
A civil rights mover turning left up in a Cougar,
Watching the revolution on TVs took by a looter
On fire like H Street, tongue twerks on a break beat,
History maker tell spectator to take seat
Enjoy the experience of this social experiment,
Send shots at Cyclops; close the eye on the pyramid
I’m too dope it’s no legalizing this lyricist,
Father MC and your baby mother’s the surrogate
Hip Hop’s in my heritage, save it from the culture vultures and
The poet poachers, still not a player though I’m dressing like the coaches
Most of us fell victim, to well-placed pitfalls got my dawgs in the system
The chocolate city now suffers from vitiligo,
The dream died on that balcony pray it wakes up tomorrow

HOOK

VERSE 2 (Substantial)
Mike King like the minister’s initial name
Fighting imprisonment and those with wicked aims
Who administer pain, but we navigate the baddest fate
Like our ancestors did use our head to carry weight
Many chose to move it so now they facing the music
Misguided warriors can’t find their place amongst the movement
So you know the guns stay shooting ‘cause the streets blind niggas
don’t see their a budding Nobel Peace Prize Winner
Tryna’ eat my dinner like what’s mine is yours…
Really what’s mine is ours, need to combine our power
Why shine for hours we can reflect eternally
For y’all to take me seriously, they’d have to murder me
No respect like the mascot in gold & burgundy
But certainly spitters this ill belong in infirmaries
Still dreaming temporary setbacks be deferring me
But my Corretta know betta she ride for eternity

HOOK

VERSE 3
(See King)
Lost my sight at the podium, blinded by diabetes
A diet with too much sodium still writing this opium
Claim country in crisis gain control of petroleum
Dreamt big as a kid, grew to be a custodian
Mass media frenzy, beamers Benzes and Bentleys
Before we party'd with panthers but now the venue is empty
Still penny pinching while the devil’s Willie lynching,
Guess my brother was too poor to pay attention…Overstand!

(Substantial)
Baby soldiers taken over never be an older man
Ain't playing with a full deck, no one there to hold their hand
So they hold the steel like they wielding the wrath of God
Hoping for a deal for their skill as a rapping God
….Hoping to give them chills with their catalog
Or hoop dreaming ‘cause they got skills with a basketball
But once they’re at the mall speaking to and for the people
Will you follow like sheep do or take a stance against evil while we’re…

HOOK
Track Name: Late Pass (feat. Von Pea): VERSE 1 (Substantial)
BEEN repping Maryland worldwide nice of yall to show up
Still listening to dumb shit, when you gon grow up
Fam still asking me, “When you gon blow up”
Fans like “when you drop some new shit, hold up”
Home Sweet Home my biggest record to date
Still don’t know where I’m from, I even stated the state (MD!)
Apparently, people thought it was 3 of me
1 from Tokyo, Brooklyn and the DMV
Same dude, champ just my grind’s 3 X dope
Like EST, You would think these wrote
With ESP because I knew what you would like
Before there was a button on your app or your site
Right!
It’s cool we following the Tastemakers
But the source always lies in the Creators
Most high, MCs & the Beatmakers
Shine now, they gon see later!

HOOK (Substantial)
(You late)
Still don’t know the time
Told’em check the resumé to know that I’m…
Here to stay
Get familiar
With the catalogue
And mi familia
Cause we ain’t
Done dog, hell nah still here
Gimme mine cuz it’s long overdue (hell yeah!)
We ain’t going no where, hell nah still here
Gimme mine cuz it’s long overdue (hell yeah!)

VERSE 2 (Von Pea)
The beatmaker is here, from a tribe called tanya,
Yawn, some of yall think I never made other songs…
Its just weird…
Kicked ass for the past couple years,
Well...perception is a mofuck......
Its cool though still a lotug…
Leader of the underground even on the el,
A brother gotta rise, I hope it all gels,
But I was told never pay attention to the hares,
Tortoise em to death, earn pension and shares,
And when you in an interview and they aint do the knowledge,
Like asking who produce it, and what's up with il-eye-is?...who?
LOL and keep smiling,
Spellin Dons name wrong in all of the writings,
All he had to do was get busy on the wiki,
Now the arm stiff and the shoulder all nippy

HOOK

VERSE 3 (Substantial)
If you hear somebody saying “Fuck You I Rhyme Better”
I’m the co-writer, pay me royalty for good measure
Simple rule of thumb, where ya dude is from
We usually stunt, diddy bop while chewing gum
Which reminds me, why they keep calling us Bob
It’s Bop Alloy, someone please get’em a swab
And I hear’em saying press it on wax
But didn’t know that I press like 11 in fact. How many you got?
Exactly! Couldn’t google shit before you asked me
Or acquire basic rudiments before you tagged me
Some only care who made the beat I was bless with
Then they eff up their name like the shit ain’t in the credits
Guessing they’re allergic to liner notes
Post most of the lyrics they still murderize my quotes
(Meanwhile) none of this shit’s beyond your scope
Guess I should be happy that at least you find me dope. Thanks!

HOOK
Track Name: No Turning Back: Go... go... go... gone!

VERSE 1
In my rearview, fast living & fast women
That I went thru like underwear & dirty linens
I adhered to the ways of a playa, wanna pimping
Breaking curfews and hearts, spilt’em like partitions
I know… so cold…
Taught to never love’em, yet we act like hoes
See I chose... to grow...
But if I stayed the same would more records be sold (hmmm)
They love it when you don’t love’em & abuse’em
Like when you fuck’em and dump’em its just amusement
Sick to me you get more publicity when you’re coonin’
Yet question your authenticity when your judgement is prudent
That’s that bullshit... I’m past that
Just watch’em how they bend and run quicker than half backs
Y’all would make your ass clap for a check from ASCAP
‘Til your ass capped, never me dog can have that! There is...

HOOK
No turning back today
Never backwards, forward we go
3x
Go... go... go... gone!

VERSE 2
Onward, Upwards
Why look back, my bags packed
Thought I was nuts but when I try to dip... they on the sack
I hush the fuss, watch my six, know the time
My hats off to haters while staying on they mind
My crime is trying to grow while stay true
While they rather love those selling them short. Disgraceful
They telling tall tales, them stories ain’t you
Keep building like I own it, plenty walls to break through
And I can’t stop they can’t hold me
But people talk like they know me
But they so weak they don’t know themselves
Trying to confine me to their hell
But um… I ain’t dumbing down to make you feel comfortable
And I ain’t slowing down so you can catch up my dude
You live for the lie you don’t really want the truth
I don’t change for fear my dear, nor a buck two… or a G or 3

HOOK

VERSE 3
My friend… is sadly long gone
I wish… we could make some songs
Or hit... the town and break bread
For kicks… I’m here missing you instead
Watching these clowns bite your style and use your image
Meanwhile they barely gave you your props when you were living
I doubt your family’s getting a check it got me livid
Mispronounce your name then act like they knew what you intended
This isn’t for the authentic it’s meant for the hypocritical
Who diss the dude who spit for you in since the very beginning
Though our bond fractured, was still sought after
They want more classics, I want more laughter
And I could hit them with unreleased material
Since your so-called fans think my solo work is trivial
Unless it’s me & you but where’s the honor in that
When most of it was subpar or we thought it was wack
Probably be overjoyed if I bought a few tracks
You didn’t finished then distribute them all over the map
That’s what they’re hoping but I’ll never fuck you over like that
I’ll forever honor your memory but there’s no turning back

HOOK
Track Name: Priceless (feat. DJ Jav): (Sample)
I like this
Perfect definition what a wife is
Show me how exciting life is…
Priceless!

HOOK (Substantial)
(I like this!)
Stability, peace of mind, safety (Priceless)
Food, clothes, shelter and a baby (Priceless)
Laughter, fun and support (Priceless)
Passion & romance galore (Priceless)

VERSE 1 (Substantial)
This ain't that one night stand, hit it quit it then I'm gone
Poppin on a handstand, get it get It type of song
It's that deep ish, rare... Heathcliff/Claire
Not quite Apples and oranges but still a good pair
Far from millionaires this here kingdom is modest
Love your kinky hair and flair to seek knowledge
So I wouldn't dare compare to be honest
A breath of fresh air, my prayer's to breath Goddess
Filled with your spirit, since I reeled in the digits
Formed a guild with my dearest, what we feel is implicit
It's real ain't no gimmicks, always build and till we finished
So there still ain't no limits to what's fulfilled when we listen
...and I doubt this’ll end ever
'Cause InI ride or die thru our endeavors
Whenever the weather is frightful
Remember it’ll pass
So don’t ever be spiteful
That is all I ask
Don’t let our progress be stifled
By the pursuit cash
And insignificant titles. It all fades.
Do what you love with who you love most
Worthy of respect and gets the utmost
Some want a man for riches you got me for ambition
And vision, smart enough to spot a powerful addition
To my life, (You don’t need a ring to be my wife)
But I put one on you anyhow, anything to see you smile

HOOK

VERSE 2 (Isaiah)
Never ever had much one could measure and touch
So together we must be the treasure I clutch
If forever’s enough and it’s better than stuff
I’ll spend it with you. Wouldn’t it be nice
Why couldn’t it be life? Why shouldn’t be like
A bumble to lotus. Clark to Lois.
Bill & Ted to bogus. Excellent, so it’s
Intelligent to show it. I plan on doin’.
Your hand persuin’... a no brainer
Like Dorothy’s Scarecrow. Support me ergo
I support you and try to court you
Like a defendant. Touch you with intent
To leave you with imprints on your psyche.
Unlikely, I know. It might be I show
Too little affection. Here’s the exception
In case you question, who’s in possession
Of my devotion. You are I’m hopin’.
So far you’re open to being mine.
‘Cause believin’, I’m… your’s feels right.
Sure, we fight and war some nights
Like swords and knights of the round table
It would sound fatal to hear a breakin’
Imprisonin’ my vision and there’s no escapin’
Like you’re behind bars cause you’re behind ours!

HOOK