Sammus

Enongo Lumumba-Kasongo, known professionally as Sammus, is an American underground and nerdcore rapper, teacher and record producer from Ithaca, New York.
==Biography==
Sammus chose her name after Metroid series protagonist Samus Aran, since both of them are women working in the male-dominated fields of bounty hunting and rap, and defy gender norms. The extra "M" in her name was added to avoid legal retaliation from Nintendo. Sammus played the original Metroid and was surprised to discover that Samus was a woman at the end. Her favorite Metroid game is Super Metroid, particularly a version modded specifically for her that turns Samus into a Black woman. Additionally, Sammus enjoys playing Pokémon Go and Sonic the Hedgehog 2.L.E.H. Light. "Living Life in 1080p: An Interview with Nerdcore Rapper Sammus". Black Nerd Problems. November 3, 2016. Retrieved May 26, 2023. https://blacknerdproblems.com/living-life-in-1080p-an-interview-with-nerdcore-rapper-sammus/
Several of Sammus's tracks contain Metroid references.
==Music==
Sammus's debut album, M'Other Brain (2012), is named after the Metroid antagonist of the same name. Her second album was titled Prime (2013, after Metroid Prime). Her fourth album, Another M (2014), is a concept album based on Metroid, with the cover depicting Sammus wearing the Power Suit (based on key art for Zero Mission). Its title is a reference to Metroid: Other M.
===Cybernetic Armor===
"Cybernetic Armor" is the first track on Another M. It is a rap song from the perspective of Samus Aran, missing her late parents and saying she would give up her Power Suit ("Cybernetic Armor") to see them again. Its beat samples the original version of Title (Metroid) from the first game. The song can be heard here, and an instrumental version here.
====Lyrics====
Explanations for each lyric are linked or annotated.
(spoken) This is the story of a lost little girl, growing into a woman in search of love and acceptance across the universe. The only thing she's ever been attached to is a cybernetic power suit, with an Arm Cannon. Welcome to Metroid, welcome to Metroid.
Verse 1:
Yo, even ET could phone home
No it wasn’t easy the Chozo had to intervene
I was three seen my folks croak
So they took me to ZebesSammus pronounces the name in the song as "Zeebs", when the official pronunciation is "Zeh-bess". seized my old clothes
I starting rockin; a power suit
It stuck to my body
I learned how to embarrass
Whoever chose to get rowdy
But I wanted my parents there
So that they could’ve taught me
I wanted all of they knowledge
In place of those who adopted
I tried to forget the two
But that couldn’t stop me
Like I fell with
With no parachute
From the roof to the lobby
I got mad
I had attitude
At the things that I had to do
Got a little salty
Stopped believing in Kami
But it’s like I never knew if they hated or if they loved me
Started to assume things about ‘em like they a Subtweet
So I took it the hardest
God had broken my heart it’s
Tough to pardon when he clumsy
Chorus x2:
I would give up all my cybernetic armor
If I could be a daughter
If I had my mother in my codec
I would call her
I barter at the altar
Tryna' bother God to talk with
Mama and my Father
Verse 2:
When I got older and stronger I had to leave home
Yeah bounty hunting was calling I heard that ringtone
Every single time I was sparring I took the rings those
Other n*ggas ain’t got a thing on me ‘cept a ding dong
I often wondered the reasons I’m who I am
I thought about it it seems I’m beginning to understand
Outer space is the origin of life for every human
When I’m orbiting in flight it’s like a family reunion so
It’s no complaints I dig my gig it’s really opportune
I love the pace it keep me busy making constant moves
Traversing space to other cities call me Dr. Who
It would be impossible to find a better job to do
The fact remains I got issues I’m tryna to change
Not having my mother here in the picture might help explain
Why I travel 'round the galaxy battling
Tryna' find a lead on something with a name like Mother Brain
Chorus x2:
(spoken) I miss you guys. I wish you were here. I wish you could see me now. I wish I could see you now. *cries softly* *ringing* Hello?
===Mae Jemison===
"Mae Jemison" is the second track on Another M. Its beat samples the original version of Samus Aran's Appearance Fanfare from the first game. The song is named after Mae Jemison, who was the first African-American woman to enter space. The song can be heard here. In this song, Sammus is comparing herself to Mae Jemison and criticizing "fake feminists" who believe she cannot complete her mission.
====Lyrics====
(spoken) Sammus! Emergency order! Defeat the Metroid of the Planet Zebeth, and destroy the Mother Brain, the mechanical life vein.
"Okay, I'm on it. You already know where to send the cheque." *door closes*
Chorus x2:
I’m the Fifth Element
Mixed with Mae Jemison
All you fake feminists pissed and stay jealous
Men telling me it’s suicide
Well it’s do or die
I’ll be fighting like Budokai
For you and I
Verse 1:
I gotta go
Federation on the phone
Solo mission no audition for the roll I’m out the door
I be anxious to attack and see that’s why they chose me
Ain’t a pussycat all these trolls look like Josie
Uggs, never cold feet, young still I’m OG
Someone who can run and tote a gun til the OT
Those who oppose me be loaded up on codeine
Or bros smoking dro drinking OZs of OE
Facin' problems we won’t escape if we bide our time
It’s space pirates appropriating like Miley Cyrus
Damn --- Metroids invading us like a rhinovirus
Tryna get inside of our craniums like some kind of sinus
When modern science can’t fight it they tap the big gats
I’mma kick ass makin’ tricks snap like Kit Kats
Drop kickin' hacks that I pimp slap like Slickback
Crack ribs then laugh til my abs have a six pack
Chorus x2:
I’m the Fifth Element
Mixed with Mae Jemison
All you fake feminists pissed and stay jealous
Men telling me it’s suicide
Well it’s do or die
I’ll be fighting like Budokai
For you and I
Verse 2:
Now I’m strapped in
Feel kinda trapped
In the first class cabin
I’m the crew and the captain
I feel the blast now I’m nervous, I’m gasping
Sky getting black like reverse Michael JacksonRefers to Michael Jackson's lightening complexion over the years due to vitiligo.
Next is the absence of gravity’s attraction
My assets unlatch it’s they natural reaction
Zoom past a moon
On the move like Judy Jetson
Two frozen cubes
Lemon juice I’m sippin’ absinthe
Yeah I made a couple drinks
To take the pressure off
I think that Mother Brain be crazier than Sephiroth
She like Mousers or Bowser
Turned up to one thousand
I heard she’s astounding
But I got that aim of Jesse James call a n*gga "Team Rocket"
Dock and send that brainThis lyric was originally "those lames". Sammus changed it when performing the song in live settings because "lame" is considered derogatory toward people with disabilities. straight to lay up in the coffin
Out of pocket like you Polly ya’ll gone get a molly whopping
Got ya wondering "Who shot ya" while I’m joggin’ out the cockpit
Chorus x2
===Brinstar===
"Brinstar" is the third track on Another M. Its beat samples the original version of the theme of the same name from Metroid. The song is named after the area on Zebes, and sees Sammus descending into it during her mission. The song can be heard here.
====Lyrics====
Verse 1:
I’m descending into Brinstar
DEFCON levels in the red
So my defense already set to "Death Star"
I’m feeling pretty good though
Gun up on my wrist
I'm finna save my hood like a sim card, fist up
I’m spottin’ Zoomers
Resembling Koopa’s Goombas
They maneuver back and forth among the ruins, unamused
But if a loser tryna do me like Timon be schoolin’ Pumba
My bazooka’s getting queued up
Make ‘em rumba like it’s Zumba
I’ll smoke ‘em like a hookah
Make ‘em scuba dive with tuna
Ya’ll dropping like Sakura
Tried to keep my mood Hakuna Matata
If I lose it I’m reduced to my medulla ablangata
Oh my God -- I might hadouken like Akuma on ya
And some of the creatures actin' hella unconventional
Swinging from the ceilings like some kind of living pendulum
I’ll never be no friend to them
Sorta like the sentiment of X-Men with the Sentinels
Gotta put an end to them
Got a lotta benjamins
But seen a lot of fuck shit
N*ggas on this planet fly like sinuisodal functions
I’m tryna make haste
Racing through this strange place
Pray that I can save space
This situation been hairy like Pomeranians
The moment that I landed
The more I get subterranean
The harder that I panic
By the time I’m off the planet
I’ll prolly be pretty famished
And manic like Animaniacs
I think I need a Xanax
Chorus x2:
Out/Everyday in Brinstar (different word on second repetition)
You live hard
You get scars
Then you get smart
You hit pause, a couple pit stops
Make a wish, wait a minute
Then you hit start
Verse 2:
I'm spelunking through puzzles
Every dungeon looks redundant
While I’m gunning through tunnels
Like a subway tube in London
Either hunt or be hunted
Cuz the thugs is so abundant
I’m lucky my protection’s even tougher than a Gundam
I sustained a lot of damages
Running around this planet
Got me sweatin’ like the socks in my hightops
Hov made a song cry
I’mma let my gun shed the eye drops
Call my cannon Cyclops
From Brinstar to Norfair
It’s a declaration of war on every corsair
You should see my cold stare
It’s nothing ya’ll can say to bother me I simply don’t care
Better find a way to bob and weave like its some horse hair
Cleaning up ya messes like an au pair
Fighting for the freedom of the masses call me Voltaire
And if your friends don’t get the message
It’s another way to send it
I'mma bounce and leave your corpse here
It's warfare
Chorus
===Power-Ups===
"Power-Ups" is the fourth track included on Another M. Its beat incorporates the Item Acquisition Fanfares from Metroid and Super Metroid as the backing track. In the music video, Sammus wears an Arm Cannon as she raps the song. As it begins, she is walking along a railroad track as the Silence theme from Metroid plays, and Sammus says "All right, it's time to turn up in this bitch... got these power-ups." As the video is ending, Sammus says "That's right, I just fucked up the whole nerdcore dude..."
====Lyrics====
Explanations for each lyric are linked or annotated.
Verse 1:
I landed my ship you can call me Picard
Check to the left but the tunnel is small
Find Maru Mari the problem is solved
I can make my whole body turn into a ball
Yeah I’m on a roll like I’m jelly or I’m margarine
And everywhere I go literally going for a spin
When I get a Missile in the midst of the mission
I feel so divine like I’m H to the Izzo
Better know your place if you get up in my grill
I’m finna teach a bitch a lesson like I’m really Ms. Frizzle
I can level whole worlds to hot cakes -- Aunt Jemima
Act civil or I’ll blow you up
Just call me J. Oppenheimer
Yeah I’m a one woman army
Got a gun up on my arm like a tommy
Imma kamehameha with the Long Beam
Pop off like the bottle top on Dom P
When I’m hit by an enemy I feel the pain
Killin me softly like Lauryn Hill sang
I’m dizzy I feel like I sip purple drank
I get giddy when I see a Energy Tank
Shootin' the bubble I walk out the door
Lookin' for trouble you already know
I got a new weapon I’m ready to show
I be droppin' a Bomb while I tuck and I roll
I’m about to blow
Like a big land mine cuz
I can roll and drop a bomb
At the same damn time, yeah!
Chorus x2:
Don’t you like my power ups?
Got a few, add ‘em up
Now I’ve had about enough
Talking shit, wrap it up
No one woman should have all this powerA reference to a similar lyric in the Kanye West song "Power": "No one man should have all that power."
Oops/Whoa my power level broke yo' scouter (Oops on first repetition of chorus, whoa on second)
Verse 2:
I’d rather have the Ice than the Wave Beam so
When a hater wanna try and overtake me
Make ‘em chill I’m the AC hah
Now that’s what I really call a brain freeze
Ice cold as the top of the Poconos
Leave ‘em comatose like a overdose
If you dumb and still want to throw them bowsA reference to a lyric in the Ludacris song "Southern Hospitality": "That guy was blocking me so I threw them 'bows." "Bows" in this context refers to elbowing someone.
You a bird-brain fool you a Chocobo
Got a fresh new pair gimme higher jumps
Now I get air like Michael dunks
When I lift off better get lost
Cuz Imma have my feet up in your face
You gone bite the dust
Why you stay in place
Like you callin' on a land line?
I’m in outer space
Yeah I’m ballin' with that hang time
I found a little armor call it Varia
Lookin fly like I’m workin at LaGuardia
Now you running go ahead and get that cardio
Side-eye like I’m Daria, Ay
They askin' where they do that at?
Cuz I’m from outta town
Chop you-Chop you with the Screw Attack
Cuz that’s gone slow you down
My body’s a weapon I’m spinnin’ so fast
You won’t see me coming to whoop on that ass
You lookin real dumb are you doing the math
I will make you a fraction, I’ll cut you in half
Look at you
Now look at thisThis line is a inspired by the chorus of the Lil Wayne song "Rich As Fuck".
Ha, made ya' look now I’m finna waste you bitch
Chorus x2
===Crown===
"Crown" is the fifth track included on Another M. Its beat samples the Brinstar Depths theme from Metroid, and is from the perspective of Sammus as she faces the three bosses in Metroid, Kraid, Ridley and Mother Brain. As it begins, the original Brinstar Depths theme plays along with the sound of Samus running in Metroid. As the song ends, the sound of a real-life elevator descending and opening can be heard.
The song can be heard here.
====Lyrics====
They ain’t got nothing on me
Ridley, Kraid, Mother Brain can’t
Come for my seat (hahn)
They ain’t got nothing on me
Ridley, Kraid, Mother Brain can’t
Compromise me (hahn)
[repeated twice]
Verse 1:
Hey, Imma start with Ridley
You’ll never ever kill me
Your Mother Brain’s a donkey
I guess that makes you Diddy
I pity the fool
No really, it's true
You clearly don’t know what I’m willing to do
You prolly feel important, you the reason I’m an orphan
Feelin’ some endorphins
You believe in my misfortune
You caused a lotta drama when you killed my mom and poppa
Your mother should've thought a little more about abortion
But that’s old news now I’m getting’ on
Yeah I’m Goku here’s a little spirit bomb
For the whole crew
Oh you so cute
Put you in my pocket you little a bitty Digimon
Spittin’ flame like he napalm
If he get up in my grill get a face palm
I’mma fight till I feel
That I sealed the deal
Got a license to kill call me James Bond
If you ever fought a boss get yo’ hands up x4
Make some rubber bands pop x2
Chorus:
They ain’t got nothing on me
Ridley, Kraid, Mother Brain can’t
Come for my seat (hahn)
They ain’t got nothing on me
Ridley, Kraid, Mother Brain can’t
Compromise me (hahn)
Fighting Ridley, Fighting Kraid
One’s a jester, one’s a clown
As for me well I’m the queen
M’other Brain I want your crown
M’other Brain I want your crown
[repeated twice]
Verse 2:
Now I got Kraid tryna chase off
Anyone who stays but I ain’t finna race off
Call me Nicolas Cage it’s a face off
That I’m finna ace when I get to beat his brakes off
Woah - You a silly lookin’ reptile
I’d rather Godzilla even Reptar
Oh it’s so pathetic that you rep hard
When you barely getting credit like a guest star
Cause you all up in your feelings you're the Krillin of the team
Well maybe you’ll get better with a little creatine
You claimin’ you the best and I wanted to believe
But I’m callin that a stretch bigger than a limousine
Muhfucker--
You really better get in the zone
I’m ready to go
You actin’ like you General Tso
Muhfucker--
I’m telling you to get to the do'
I’m lettin’ you know
I’m hittin from your head to your toes
Yep -- I’m whoopin’ you tonight what’s the hold up?
So you got a little height n*gga so what?
You finna spend ya life in a coma
While I’m steady shinin’ bright like a novaThis lyric is a reference to the Rihanna song "Diamonds".
N*ggas get green like they weed when I roll up
I first hit the scene like Jenova
Straight from the sky
Then a G be comin’ for the Queen B’s seat<ref group="note">This lyric refers to the Jay-Z and Kanye West album Watch the Throne.
Like I’m Yeezy and Hova
Chorus x3
===Smash Bruhs===
"Smash Bruhs" is the sixth track included on Another M. Its beat samples the Tourian theme from Metroid, and its name and lyrics reference the Super Smash Bros. franchise.
Its first verse is written from the perspective of Mother Brain, and the second verse from Samus's point of view, as they battle each other. As the song begins, a low, deep voice (Mother Brain) says: "Hello Sammus. So good to see you." Sammus responds: "Can't say the same thing. Let's do this."
At the end of the song, Sammus says "All right, think I just need one more good shot. Focus... focus... Go!" She fires a shot, and Mother Brain is heard snarling as she dies. The song ends as Sammus's footsteps are heard, running. 
The song can be heard here.
====Lyrics====
Chorus:
Yo, this is the original smash bruhs
Attention to wack foes I snatch domes
It’s bigger than flashy clothes, or cash flows
Brash with the death tolls
Big heads gettin' head stones
Verse 1:
All up in my dungeon you blundered
You took a risk babe
-- you sweating puddles
All over you getting’ pit-stains
I'mma send your body down under
I call it Brisbane
I know you really don’t want it
I’ll put it this way
You heard what happens to cats that’s too curious
Whole thing happened too fast now I’m furious
My theory is that Sammus head is damaged
She delirious
Hope you get the point like it’s experience, period
You feelin’ tired I can sense it through my cortex
Bitch you killed my vibe so it’s appropriate that you’re next
If I could I would send your ass into a vortex
Get that astroglide and please apply it right before sex
Yeah you fucked now
Since the moment you
Touched down
Hush child
Lights out
I’m Mike Tyson
It’s Punch Out
Holla -- I’m the boss of the game
You caused me to pause
You all finna pay
You already lost when you thought you could play
What more can I say?
Chorus x2
Verse 2:
Oh you think you trouble?
Well I’m a trouble shooter
I’m tryna find solutions
With my mobile missile booster
When I finish my attack you won’t have jack like Kerouac
We can scrap until the background fade to black like silhouettes
You can postpone death, sit up chillin' in ya glass house
No stones I’m flinging missiles 'til I’m maxed out
--I be walking through hell or high water
Dodging your shots
While I repel the hot lava [Ahhh]
I keep my thoughts on my people cuz I’ve been told
What FEMA did to blacks in Katrina right there in NOLA
Got my eyes up
I must
Rise up
I’m a Phoenix like the capitol read up on Arizona
[Ahh] --Yeah you n*ggas be acting so tough
See me then you turning’ the color of Sammy Sosa
-- Post up at the top I’m blockin’ shots
I ain’t giving up my spot call me Rosa
Chorus x2
===That Feeling (Beat the Game)===
"That Feeling (Beat the Game)" is the seventh and final track on Another M. Its melody is based on the Ending theme from Metroid. In this song, Sammus celebrates her successful mission. Before the rapping starts, Sammus's breathing and frantic footsteps are heard as she is escaping Tourian, set to the Escape theme and an alarm (not the one from the game). Once she is safe, Sammus whispers "Made it," before the song begins in full. After the rapping ends, the conclusion of the Metroid Ending theme plays, followed by static.
====Lyrics====
Verse 1:
Got Moscato on the deck
Poppin bottles on the ship
Like Mazel Tov
I’m takin shots
My chest is hot
I want prilosec
Then I let my body breathe
Jump out my metal suit
I wear it cuz these Metroids
See my energy as edible
A lotta petty fools
They might assume ya girl would be a dude
Never show my boobs
And hide my grill like its some peekaboo
Read the news
I ain’t known for bluffin’ if it’s me and you
I’mma leave you permanently blushing like ya Pikachu
No pink and blue
I play the part
Now I'm dancing hard in my leotard
M’other Brain
She tried to win
I shredded her like a lead guitar
Roll credits
The show ending
It's too bad it ain’t no edits
For the other team
It take two minutes
I’m Piccolo and other hoes Raditz
You clueless if you dash at Samus
I'mma call you Stacey
Turning up my music
Clapping what my mother gave me
I don’t act like lady
I’ll still jump up in the melee
In a space age bathing suit
Now holla Justin Bailey
Chorus:
I love that feeling when I beat the game
I love that feeling when I save the day
I love that feeling when I get my way
I be over the moon but I’ll be hollerin' soon
Verse 2:
I saved us like the bell
Now should I call it quits and lock that door?
Lay these weapons down
Now that’s some bull I ain't no matador
Instead I’m flyin’ solo on a mission til the very end
Dealt the boss a blow like Tonya did to Nancy Kerrigan
Hah -- So before you ask
I don’t need a man
My work is kickin' ass
They call me Mia Hamm
While you chickens laying eggs
I’ll just be eatin them
I never land
I’m speeding past
They call me Peter Pan
Plus it’s never black and white
My life is not a zebra
Yeah tonight I won the fight as if I’m Sonny Chiba
But she might not have really died
It’s temporary freedom
So if she comes right back to life
I’ll act like it’s a speed run
Beat her up pronto
If she really wants some
Got a bigger brain but she will never be head honcho
Got me seein' red
Like lookin' at infected tonsils
I promise she'll be dead
When we get to a better console
Chorus x2
===Other songs===
Brinstar is mentioned in "Nu Clothes", the eleventh track on Sammus's second album Prime. One of the lyrics in verse 2 reads as follows: "It's like one day you be running 'round Brinstar / Then you’re dead and you get what you lived for."
==External links==
*Wikipedia article
*Sammus on YouTube
*Sammus on Twitter
*Sammus on Genius
==Notes==
==References==
Category:Real-world
Category:Music