A rock-rap collaboration celebrating individuality and challenging narrow-minded thinking about identity, geography, and superiority.
Artist: Aton O’Cat & Cedrick Bogan
Release date: July 17, 2021
Genre: Rock Rap
Theme: Individuality, perspective, cultural relativity, tolerance
Lyrics & Music: Joseph J. Nota
Collaboration: Cedric Bogan (rap contribution)
Mood: Direct, energetic, provocative, uplifting
“Different Is Just Different” is a rock-rap track that challenges the idea of superiority based on geography, culture, ego, or self-perception.
The song opens with a simple but striking metaphor: everyone believes they are “in the center of the world.” Whether someone lives in the West or the East, they naturally perceive their own position as central and superior. The repeated mocking phrase “He’s so stupid, he talks bullshit” exposes how easily people dismiss perspectives that differ from their own.
The collaboration with Cedrick Bogan adds rhythmic intensity and reinforces the message that identity is multifaceted and personal.
At its core, “Different Is Just Different” argues that difference does not equal inferiority or superiority, it simply means variation.The lyrics explore:
Geographic relativism (East vs. West perspectives)
Ego and self-perception
Cultural bias
The human tendency to assume moral or intellectual superiority
The central line “Different is just different” acts as both mantra and conclusion. It calls for humility and awareness: no one is universally better; everyone simply views the world from their own center.
The final section broadens the message into a wake-up call: individuality should be respected, not judged.
Musically, the track blends genres to reflect its theme:
Slow Rock foundation, providing drive and intensity
Rap elements, adding rhythmic punch and modern edge
Repetitive hook, reinforcing the central message
Call-and-response phrasing, mirroring argument and debate
The hybrid style mirrors the concept of diversity: different elements working together.
(Lyrics and Music - © Joseph J Nota)
When I look at the map of the world
You just live far out west
I am in the centre of it
So my place must be the best
He’s so stupid
He talks bullshit 2x
When I look at the map of the world
You just live far out east
And I am in the centre of the earth
So my place is the best, at least
He’s so stupid
He talks bullshit 2x
When I think of me
I feel tall and strong
I know you can see
I’m good, can’t be wrong
He’s so stupid
He talks bullshit 2x
When I think of me
I feel smart and clever
I know you can see
I’m good, that’s forever
He’s so stupid
He talks bullshit 2x
So You are like no other?
Oh, yeah I am magnificent
Does that make you better brother?
(Oh) No man, just different
Different is just different 4x
Folks we just want to wake you up
Everybody is an individual
No one always wins the world cup
Being different even is substantial
Different is just different 12x
“Different Is Just Different” promotes tolerance and challenges the idea of superiority.
“Different Is Just Different” features Cedrick Bogan.
“Different Is Just Different” blends rock and rap.
“Different Is Just Different” uses repetition as a mantra to reinforce its core message.
In “Different Is Just Different,” the map metaphor illustrates how everyone sees themselves as central.
“Different Is Just Different” is philosophical rather than political.
In “Different Is Just Different,” the phrase highlights how easily people dismiss other viewpoints.
“Different Is Just Different” encourages respect for individuality.
“Different Is Just Different” is provocative but ultimately unifying.
The key takeaway of “Different Is Just Different” is that difference alone does not determine value.