Close Encounters, by Soliheen

Close Encounters

by Soliheen

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Includes album booklet and Splashdown animation by Minyahil Kifle-Giorgis (www.giorgismedia.com)

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Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality downloads of Close Encounters (The Instrumentals), Sol Clap, Can I get a, State, Dream, Jam, Kam, Under, and 48 more. , and , .

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1.	Splashdown 02:34	lyrics
They were expecting me the day before but they were wrong. I arrived with perfect timing, September 18 1972 Landing on this planet felt… different Comforting but disruptive Even seductive So I got productive And in doing so I stumbled upon space between stimulus and response A whole ‘other’ way of being Which led to this moment right about now So, join me as I share the story of how.
2.	Lifelong Friends 04:15	lyrics
It was nineteen seventy something and things were rough Growing up in my hood meant you had to be tough South east London the killings were daily Running from police and gangs was crazy… Ok ok ok, let me come again. Let me be real. It was nineteen seventy something and things were cool My parents bought a house real close to my school Opposite a park so I was good as gold Going solo to the shops at 7 years old That happened all the time kids had way more range No helicopter parenting just “bring back my change Don’t talk to strangers careful as you cross” A few simple rules then I’m off Off I went in the snow on my expedition Mental list cola bottles sweet cigarettes Cutting through the park always had tunnel vision Up ahead I see a figure doing pirouettes Oh that’s a kid about my age so what’s he doing yo Jumping up and landing backwards in a pile of snow Then he stood up and did it again I didn’t know then - but we’d end up being lifelong friends You’re lucky if you get more than 2 Used to see them all day every day (Lifelong friends) You’re lucky if you end up with a few And when you get to see each other you both know what to say He called me over I thought he’s gonna catch pneumonia He said “come on, have a go Paul” I looked at him blank, prosopagnosia Apparently he was the new kid at school From that day we would play every day in his house, In my house in the park after dark it was laughs all the time white kid black kid we were tight back then He’s family, more than just a school friend Exploring hip hop - breakdancing locally Graffiti tagging but that wasn’t really my thing Writing lyrics - experimenting vocally Getting good now my cousins started rhyming I was the DJ but no turntables Mouth scratching hey I was only 10 Reu and I were inseparable for many years Now I don’t see him enough but we’re still life long friends You’re lucky if you get more than 2 Used to see them all day every day (Lifelong friends) You’re lucky if you end up with a few And when you get to see each other you both know what to say (Lifelong friends) You’re lucky if you get more than 2 Used to see them all day every day (Lifelong friends) You’re lucky if you end up with a few And when you get to see each other you both know what to say
3.	Good Looking 03:08	lyrics
(Wooo) So Fresh (Wooo) So Fresh (Wooo) So Fresh Put on my OVER sized blazer badly tied neck tie Not too short and fat I ain’t that guy Big school got a key to my front door School bus the 194 Top deck start off at the front Work my way back over a couple of months Or couple of years really I just wanna disappear Cos those girls at the back seem to have no fear So Loud - didn’t know we’d end up lifelong friends Black and proud A school for girls a school for boys That time on the bus meant hold your poise But I didn’t have a clue how to do that so screw that I’d just memorize the lyrics to my new raps Even then I was all about the boom bap See back in the day when I was a teenager Used to be a DJ not much of a raver House parties in Beckenham was my flavor (Wooo) So Fresh (Wooo) So Fresh (Wooo) So Fresh See that way I could focus on the music All that partying shit was too confusing That girl likes you That guy wants to fight you “You don’t drink, smoke, dance, who invited you?” Yeah… so I would spin those tunes Scratching vibes all up in the room Def G on the flyer for those that know To come to the party where the bass would flow I’m FRESH on the scene Wanted hair like Michael JACKSON Billie Jean But that cost money so it’s MORE like Benny Green Wrath of Kane had me join the high top team It was clean yo but back to the scene End of the night - slow jams playing People partnering up I’m DJing I’d totally be on the dance floor Mmhmm… yeah sure I’m just saying (Wooo) So Fresh (Wooo) So Fresh (Wooo) So Fresh Lights UP music down YO it’s time to leave Who spilt beer on this record sleeve Mutha….these rich kids believe And where’re my friends at they’re supposed to help me with these leads On the sofa checking girls feeling fly So I Burt Bacharach and Walk On By This girl turned to her friend and looked me in the eye “Don’t you think he’s good looking for a black guy?” Good looking for a black guy Good looking for a black guy Wait… what? What did she say? She thinks I’m good looking? No no no, that’s not what she said. This is not a compliment Good looking for a what?! Who asked you? You think I care what you say? I ain’t your mascot I’m just here to DJ Looked at my friends they looked at me blank Time to move on this friendship sank In fact time to claim this world as mine That’s why James and I reflect on those times As like being trained behind enemy lines I need to get outta here I need to escape
4.	Escape from Beckenham 06:34	lyrics
It’s time to escape It’s time to escape Got to escape It’s time to escape Gotta escape Have to escape It’s time to escape It’s time to escape Got to escape Got to escape Have to escape Have to escape Now I’m driving in more ways than one Suzuki Alto so much fun Little car filled with big house speakers Mostly woofers who needs tweeters Not me bumping Public Enemy A Tribe Called Quest Loose Ends and Barrington Levy Stopped by the police to Under Me Sensi Oooh the irony I stopped counting at 30 Taking the piss asking “What’s a slag like you doing in a nice area like this?” Great question especially now I have a car Beckenham had one club and one bar If you wanna make moves you have to act And on this one night l I felt a tap on my back As I was LOCKING up my car in the dark kinda scary Is this the time to try that mawashi geri Turned round and faced this gold tooth grin Do I know him? At least he’s smiling Turns out we used to get the same school bus Different school but there’s not too many of ‘us’ “I hear you’re in a hip hop group is that a fact? Something about kings… oh wait… Lords of Rap” I tried to be cool “yeah that’s me, Def G We’ve even got something out on vinyl, wanna see?” He said “sure I - work at Jive records” Just to be clear to ME that’s TRIBE records He says “I also do some work at the Fridge And if you want we can go down and I’ll get you on the guest list” I swiftly abandon my Beckenham bar plans And say to Leon just get in the car man It’s time to escape It’s time to escape Got to escape It’s time to escape Gotta escape Have to escape It’s time to escape It’s time to escape Got to escape Got to escape Have to escape Have to escape So off we go from Beckenham to Brixton He says “sounds like blown tweeters you should fix them” We get to the club he knows EVERYONE Fist bumping and bantering with EVERYONE I stand back observing and learning After 10 minutes finally we go in Not quite as we make our way towards the sound I get stopped bounces look me up and down Leon says “he’s cool he’s on my team” “Not in there he ain’t, he looks 15” So now what - I look at him He says “man I’m sorry but I need to go in… But listen - at least I’ve got your tune We should definitely meet up soon” Get back in my car - had to let it slide I don’t think I just got taken for a ride Backing out of Brixton it’s been a long night Back in Beckenham in time for the weekly street fight You see drink this is a ground hog week If I keep talking about escaping that talk is cheap Without action I’ve got to escape I’ve got to escape I’ve got to escape It’s not too late I need to escape I better drive home Because I’m barely awake I’m barely awake
5.	Root Mean Square 04:38	lyrics
live that dream The reality is life ain’t free Got a day job or so it seems And a side hustle make the money Up till now I’ve been producer DJ MC Manager and all in between Lords of Rap album done Flintstone album done Nothing came out never saw the sun Day job was selling mobile phones computers and printers All whilst looking sleek (wore a suit you know) Side hustle engineering more than 50 acts Hanging out at Choice FM a couple times a week Now that small town’s a distant memory Training side by side with my enemy Was beneficial and the love was there Not so sacrificial like when I cut off my hair But for now… All roads lead to Clifton All roads lead to Clifton All roads lead to Clifton RMS Crew STAND UP All roads lead to Clifton All roads lead to Clifton All roads lead to Clifton RMS Crew STAND UP Returned to studying music more formally So my day would start off in Bermondsey After college I’d drive across town To Croydon to work myself into the ground but I had that Prince Akeem work ethic Even though I got paid it wasn’t epic Spent that money on vinyl and my car at work I met a brother called Ifthika He was so calm amongst the work insanity And I was already questioning Christianity Exploring Islam at lunch was our flex And then my uncle got me a ticket for the press screening of Malcolm X You can guess what - happened next Convert to Islam which made my family vexed Quite perplexed but that wasn’t my goal I’m trying to work out who I am at 21 years old But for now… All roads lead to Clifton All roads lead to Clifton All roads lead to Clifton RMS Crew STAND UP All roads lead to Clifton All roads lead to Clifton All roads lead to Clifton RMS Crew STAND UP After work it’s off to RMS Studios Engineered for so many some you even know Grew my client base - and watched it multiply A high point was the work I did with Ty Ty & Shortee Blitz project was wild James Yarde and I created WiseChild To try and get this out to more than just our network Studio filled with banter and hard work Apricot Jam performance was legendary Working out how to clear samples was necessary We needed money to put this thing out (we had no money) Ty got another label to put this out More than 20 tracks in recording stopped It just felt like another project flopped It was the beginning of the end of RMS for me Soliheen now formerly known as Def G All roads out of Clifton All roads out of Clifton All roads out of Clifton RMS Crew STAND UP All roads out of Clifton All roads out of Clifton All roads out of Clifton RMS Crew STAND UP Chris Smoove Kwestman Marsha Ambrosius Mpho DJ Sticky Harry Shotta Chelle Shok Ty Shortee Blitz Teddy Ted Rob Davy Blood Houndz Funsta YMAs Flintstone Prestige Honey Brown James Yarde MC D Apollo Quincy Bones Andy Le Vien Alan Jones Numberman Lords of Rap
6.	Student Teacher 06:29	lyrics
Went from student to a teacher (How you do that how you do that) Not a bug it’s a feature (No way no way) Saw a gap so I closed it (mind the gap mind the gap) All that DJing paid off now you know it Music tech Song writing and Performance skills For the first time music really pays my bills Took a back seat from the hip hop movement Big teacher but really I’m the student In a relationship that started cool but turned bad Responsibilities - cos I’m a step dad Stepped up determined that we’d all survive Did all I could to see this little girl really thrive Put myself at the bottom of every single list James would question me - why do you put up with this? Didn’t have a good answer I was head down Work ethic from dad shining through now I’m the student I thought I was teaching but I’m the student I have to stay sharp I’m always learning They pay me to teach but I’m the student Teaching meant that I could stay connected to the yout’ They were jumping and I was the parachute Created a safe space before that was a phrase Battle of the beats was our purple haze Nuff jokes and a bunch inspiration One of these students hit new heights of elevation Called himself Joker Starr Supercilious How he flowed in my MC class was SERIOUS So I guess I’m not done with producing Gave him a beat and said “let’s try a ting” Made some magical music that was hypnotic Flow state oh so symbiotic Made about 40 tracks not being funny Chose the best for his album Give me Your Money Speaking of money we had none So the album never got to see the sun I’m the student I thought I was teaching but I’m the student I have to stay sharp I’m always learning They pay me to teach but I’m the student Accidentally climbed the ranks of academia Before I knew it I was very very senior Built the studios spent thousands of hours Rarely see it now this big job title comes with powers That devours my time now it’s hurting me New side hustle teaching in a University Why’s it hurt - I think it happened too soon Miss making music and teaching in the classroom I would keep this going for another 10 years Loved the students and camaraderie with many peers Got to build something special kinda family vibes Proud to have been a small part of many lives When the time came to leave it was a tough decision I’m still learning - so how could I complete the mission An intermission is simply a transition I’ve got so much ambition time to use that tunnel vision Time to go I’m the student I thought I was teaching but I’m the student I have to stay sharp Yo what’s the lesson here? They pay me to teach cos I’m the student I’m the student I thought I was teaching but I’m the student I have to stay sharp Yo what’s the lesson here? Time to go Time to go
7.	Go 05:11	lyrics
Hitting 30 thinking about the next 30 Putting myself first is like drinking when you’re thirsty And boooooy was I in need of a drink Time to act not just think so I Started to plan and put things in place Wanted to make sure little girl was emotionally safe Before I liberated myself from my self Lack of confidence stifled my higher self Of course hind sight makes it sound like I knew what to do 5 out of 8 years unhappy - that’s all I knew Carrying the weight of the world can weigh heavy Either buckle under the weight or put it down and stand steady It’s like I was sleeping all this time and now I’m waking up If I’m gonna really live this life guess what we’re breaking up Wooo I said it now… sent James a text Bredrin I’m moving back to my parents - not sure what’s next Pack your shit and go The world has more in store for you, if you Pack your shit and go Coz if you stay you’ll never know Pack your shit and go There so much more for you to do, if you Pack your shit and go Coz if you stay you’ll never never grow Lost Leon lost Noel lost Mark Lost too many others it was dark So James and I - would remind each other almost daily That we were going to die Sat with that for a minute - tried to comprehend This call to action - live life like it’s about to end So we decided to occupy the same building Now we can hang and plot like wise children Also lived in each other’s studios for so much time Critiquing music and exploring our shifted paradigm From reading 7 Habits of Highly Effective People James was working with Terri Walker on something lethal That debut album was incredible - celebrate it Got to play on Jools Holland Cassell couldn’t make it Next the UK tour but I had a job soooo Had to get my teaching covered so I could go Pack your shit and go The world has more in store for you, if you Pack your shit and go Coz if you stay you’ll never know Pack your shit and go There so much more for you to do, if you Pack your shit and go Coz if you stay you’ll never never grow Working out now trying to get hench 6 meals a day still a lightweight on the bench I really worked out my direction in the bat cave Now it’s time to go it alone got to be brave Packing for the next move was so illuminating Mum calls “come and get your stuff we’re emigrating” What? The safety net gone? No way Well I guess I better make some good decisions from today First place fell through that served as motivation Second worked and now I walk to work a revelation And a meditation - now my friend and drum teacher Dominic taught me the ins and outs of bread making This can take place because I’ve got my own space I’m spending so much time on MySpace - to think I’ve gone from Beckenham to Pecknarm with music as the constant I’m told it’s haram also questioning islam Pack your shit and go The world has more in store for you, if you Pack your shit and go Coz if you stay you’ll never know Pack your shit and go There so much more for you to do, if you Pack your shit and go Coz if you stay you’ll never never grow
8.	Priceless 04:07	lyrics
Time to go “Thanks for the add” And just like that - we were friends Well, according to MySpace etiquette Our social Venn diagrams were already intersecting And yet with my reclusive tendencies the chance of us meeting in person… slim The banter was great Connected through music My blog Wait… She studied medicine! Well ok then Then one October evening it happened As I ended a full day of teaching in South London And was on my way to an evening of teaching in West London (MIND THE GAP) I didn’t recognize her face but that smile was…. different Comforting Familiar Seductive Now I’m a selective hugger And yet here we are - hugging hello in and underground tunnel in Green Park station And then it happened again the following week Ok universe… I see what you’re doing And so we embarked on our priceless journey She held up a sign Come live in Woolwich baby We explored the city which served as the backdrop to our movie And it was easy Meeting on the bridge Magical She was told we were diametrically opposed The reality was free flowing spontaneity Effortless action Unconflicting harmony Wu Wei Time is motion
9.	Pressure 01:31	lyrics
Remember when we had that Snow day Everything seemed to be ok And then I tried to join that gym and I say try Because apparently my blood pressure was way too high I was confused I eat right Practice Wing Chun and run 10Ks at night I guess I had this big job responsibility 3 government inspections while I was the head of faculty had to diffuse this time bomb ticking Watcher of the clock reader as the plot thickens Change nothing and reap what’s predicted But I enjoy the stress - maybe I’m addicted After all this time I’d never thought about it Leave teaching and the studio - let’s talk about it So we weighed up the pros and cons of staying there Pros and cons of leaving too - the answer became clear Time is motion caught me by surprise Didn’t know how it would turn out but willing to improvise Time is motion - motivation Inspiration - Time to move What if I led a life with no stress What if I made my blood pressure less No more teaching in college No more grading work Remember - a whole NEW way of being Found a new job - a whole new way of seeing Now I can grow Imagine what could happen once I find my flow
10.	Star Child 04:08	lyrics
I always imagined that I’d have a girl first But then again I imagine a lot of things Imagine what could happen We were expecting him 12 days earlier We were wrong It was snowing He crash landed on this planet as if from Krypton From the stars A star child Seemingly disinterested in his surroundings Eyes wide shut Ears open Running at night along the river living 5K 10k half unforgiving Training for Cloverfield like it was survival We were preparing the way for his arrival Emergency c-section after hours of pain 5 minutes later I was holding him - insane It was said to me as we started this chapter You used to be the star now you’re best supporting actor He’s our Star child From the stars He’s our Star child From the stars So I learn my lines even though there’s no script No rehearsals no second chances shit But it’s cool we’ve got this - plus memento mori thought I was Kalel turns out I’m Jor-El in this story Life changing oh so wonderfully life changing So we change the shape of our lives around him Wherever he is we need to get into position Be the tour guide - that’s the mission He’s our Star child From the stars He’s our Star child From the stars Next thing you know we were told “we think he’s autistic” Didn’t see that coming - definitely missed it Autistically awesome what can I say We are the students -He teaches us every day From sensory nuances - To turbulent transitions Be the tour guide remember that’s the mission It’s either black or white not a fan of the grey So much to learn - the obstacle is the way He’s our Star child From the stars He’s our Star child From the stars Now I’M the helicopter parent in Greenwich Park No snow angels anywhere missing that spark But I see it in him - just look at how he navigates This planet is a playground - fun seems to gravitate Like the barycenter of celestial bodies Much older now gaming’s more than a hobby It reminds me of me and my love of music In fact a lot of this reminds me of me maybe I’m autistic? He’s our Star child From the stars He’s our Star child From the stars
11.	Girl Dad 03:50	lyrics
We meticulously planned her arrival, down to the hour Eyes wide open She visible felt her untethering as if it were like an “ON” switch Her presence was confirmation I was ready Very alert - an early talker Loves to dance - confident walker Early reader totally self directed Autistic girls - go undetected I’m shaping a black woman - by raising a black girl She’s got a head start - runs her world Head strong - knows her mind Keeps me in check - all the time A girl dad - to show I care I make it a point to do her hair She doesn’t really like it - but I’m the one Take my time - make it fun Unschooling - makes this possible Powerful hair - afrological Her doctor mum - elevated Left medicine - liberated Trying to get this girl dad thing right Trying to get this girl dad thing right Planting seeds - make the future bright Be the water - be the light She’s Motivated - I’m dedicated Reshaped our lives - complicated So simplify - don’t over bake it Life is what - our thoughts make it Watching her and her brother - intertwine Humbles me - I’m grateful for this time Now that she’s here this family is taking shape It’s not just superboys that wear the cape Stopped eating animals - Started to meditate Said bye to religion - Started to celebrate Time to focus - on having more impact Eyes front - third act Hard to believe that I’m the grown up now We made a decision - to take a bow Started the search - needed to breathe Voted stay - but it’s time to leave Trying to get this girl dad thing right Trying to get this girl dad thing right Planting seeds - make the future bright Be the water - be the light Yeah London You’ve been great And now it’s time to leave
12.	Be Water 05:06	lyrics
Jumped on a plane to the Bay Scope out California the plan That’s how I met Mary Kay Who introduced me to Dan These two people had real good energy So I decided to bring my whole family So we’re doing this for real It’s Kind of a big deal Said goodbye to our parents then through security Business class woo this is new to me Children of immigrants emigrating Our immigrant children are integrating So our California plan Has us living on Ohlone land So much about this move was fly Getting used to seeing blue coloured sky Later that year my in-laws come to stay And then my sister and parents come to stay Showed them what our life looks like Even took them on a long hike On the whole I think they were happy Maybe a little bit sad I really hope they were glad That was the last time I got to see my dad Born in Beckenham Grew up in South London Now it’s the Bay A whole new way Hold still transcend Be water my friend Locked down Opened UP Love wearing a mask that’s what’s up Aside from the health I could be stealth I turned down the dial Retired my fake smile 50 years of masking is exhausting Let go of forcing Music producing meditating Deep thinking Tea drinking Mostly matcha and sencha Fuels the family EDventures Built a home studio Got back into drumming Working from home Probably should get back to running I do a lot of walking The scenery is stunning A warrior in the garden Not a gardener in the war Preparing for Act 3 now Better than before Building on the past Opening the door Born in Beckenham Grew up in South London Now it’s the Bay A whole new way Hold still transcend Be water my friend

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released September 8, 2023

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Soliheen California

Completing moves since 1972 by restructuring silence. 🇹🇹🇯🇲🇬🇧🇺🇸

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